Issue 23 June/July 11 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The magazine for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Botox treatment is helping little Amy page 4

Fond memories of Caroline Street page 9

Good nutrition is a MUST for our patients page 13

Digital breast screening system boosts patient comfort page 17 Congratulations Shannon Congratulations to staff nurse Shannon Hilder, who has recently completed a gruelling six month course and is now a qualified orthopaedic practitioner. Shannon, who now makes up a team of six registered nurses who are also qualified to work in the plaster room, said: “It’s not been easy working and studying, the hard work has paid off and it’s been well worth it. “Passing the exam means that I am now a qualified orthopaedic practitioner and can now put my new skills to the test in the plaster room. The course has really helped with my clinical knowledge in the orthopaedic outpatients department.” Department manager Tracy Noble added: “This is great news for Shannon and also for the team here at the trust. ”I’d like to add my congratulations to her on behalf of the department, particularly from orthopaedic general manager Rowena Dean and orthopaedic modern New regional centre for eating matron Sue Moore.” disorders opens in Darlington A new regional centre for adults with eating disorders has opened its doors. The unit at West Park Hospital in Darlington, inpatients get the support and treatment which was purpose-designed with the they need. help of service users, held open days to give A dedicated chef and kitchen facilities where people a special preview of the new facility. patients can plan and prepare food are also key The Northern Centre for Eating Disorders has elements of the service. been set up by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Consultant psychiatrist and lead for the unit Foundation Trust. The trust was awarded the Melanie Temple said: “Recovery from an regional contract to provide specialist inpatient eating disorder is not just a matter of gaining services for adults and children across the weight but also dealing with experiences which North East and North Cumbria. have caused the preoccupation with food and The unit has 15 beds and will provide highly body image. specialised care for women and men with “There is no simple fix but our aim is to give illnesses such as anorexia and some forms people the help they need to reach a point Orthopaedic practitioner Shannon Hilder of bulimia. in their lives when they no longer need The unit will offer adults from across the region hospital care. a safe, comfortable and calm environment and “People leaving the centre will have a stable will mean they no longer have to travel out of eating pattern and be better able to manage the area for their care. the rest of their recovery in their own homes All of the single en-suite bedrooms are on the or local community.” ground floor with access to two garden areas Consultant gastroenterologist Chris Wells, and each room has its own entertainment said: “This is a unique opportunity for two system with TV and DVD. forward thinking trusts to work together to The mental health trust also recognises the offer holistic care. importance of people keeping in touch with “I am really looking forward to working with family and friends while they are in hospital colleagues at the mental health trust to and has provided computers with wireless develop excellent inpatient service for people internet access and internet phone software. with eating disorders.” Both the physical and mental health of people A patient who has recently moved to the new with eating disorders are of paramount unit said: “It’s a really positive place with lots importance to their recovery and the unit is of different therapies and activities available the first in the country to adopt an integrated which can be tailored for individual’s needs. I team approach to providing this care. really feel as if I’m going to get the support A highly trained specialist team led by a that’s right for me.” consultant psychiatrist and including The adult unit opened in Darlington on 18 physicians, nurses, dieticians and therapists May and the young people’s unit will open in will work closely together to make sure Middlesbrough in the summer. 002|003 Chief executive continues his fact finding tour

Chief executive Alan Foster self management plan to make continued his fact finding tour sure further deterioration and with a couple of visits to find admissions are prevented. out how vital teams are helping “We let the patients know that people in the community. we are here to support them. With 5.4 million people in the UK They know they can call us if they currently receiving treatment for need to. The patient care doesn’t asthma, Alan made his first visit to end there either – within two days find out how the specialist team of we follow up with an appointment nurses at the University Hospital at home or with a phone call.” of North Tees are providing much Karen continued: “Asthma attacks needed care and support to can be prevented. They are people in the local area. predictable. We find that patients Specialist respiratory nurse who are brought into hospital Karen Galloway explained how have been having symptoms for the service works: “We work quite some time. closely with the ward staff when “Our patients tell us they think someone has been admitted to the service is excellent. They say the ward and is really poorly with they feel supported to lead a asthma. We visit the patient on normal life.” the ward or after they have been Making a difference to accident and emergency. Alan said: “It was excellent to “We work with our patients see how a small team is making to help them manage their such a big difference to patients asthma. We give patients a peak with asthma. It is important that flow meter – a small piece of patients are educated and know equipment that you blow into that how to manage their condition measures the rate of air that you to help prevent them coming blow out of your lungs and we into hospital.” ask them to keep a diary. We Out on the wards with occupational therapist Kath Duncan speaks to ward Alan spent the morning finding manager June Costello check their inhaler technique and out more about a team in Stockton if they smoke we refer them to who are providing support to “It is fantastic support if appropriate. the trust’s stop smoking service” patients to make sure they have “We are here to talk about Informed a seamless service when they that there are so discharge planning with the ward Specialist respiratory nurse leave hospital. teams, patients and their relatives. Catherine Hodge told Alan: “It’s The discharge liaison team is a many disciplines We are here to provide advice, important that patients with small team made up of a multi- in one team. It’s guidance and support. asthma are given information on skilled team including district “Being brought into hospital and how to spot worsening symptoms nurses, an occupational therapist what working leaving hospital can both be quite and what to do. and social workers. Alan began difficult for patients and their “We provide our patients with a the day by taking a short walk to in partnership families. Sometimes additional is about.” help and support is needed so it is important that we work with Tithebarn House – next door to the wards to ensure that support the University Hospital of North is there. It’s all about ensuring Tees to meet the team where timely, smooth discharges for they always begin the day with our patients. the multi link meeting which is Alan said: “It is fantastic that a chance for the team to get there are so many disciplines in together to discuss the help one team. It’s what working in which patients being discharged partnership is about. It’s a one from hospital may need. stop shop deciding what’s best A tight schedule of visits on the for patients. wards with occupational therapist “It’s good to see the process Kath Duncan was in order as soon in action and making sure we as they had got a quick update on have the support in place. any news from the wards at the Different patients need different bed meeting. considerations and we need to Kath explained: “It’s the patients understand their overall needs. with complex needs that we’re “We need to make sure that here to help. After they’ve been people’s quality of life can be as assessed on the ward, we work good as it can be and manage with community health and social their expectations by giving them Community asthma team chat to Alan care professionals to provide care the support they need.” June/July 11 Big smiles for healthy children Children are being encouraged to look after their teeth from an early age thanks to a fun new scheme. Nurseries across Teesside are The Smile Sack contains counter- being given Smile Sacks packed based games, Snacks the Snake, full of educational games to a puppet, four take-home Smile help three to five-year-olds learn Sack games bags, wall charts more about healthy eating and and a CD featuring a brushing tooth brushing. song composed by pupils from

Amy with mum Joanne and dad Mark. Photo courtesy of the Evening Gazette Botox treatment is helping little Amy

“When people Five year old Amy Bolton has become the first to receive Photo courtesy of the Evening Gazette talk about Botox Botox treatment for cerebral they automatically palsy at the University Hospital of North Tees. Some of the dietitians in think about The injections which are usually their new uniform used for cosmetic reasons are cosmetic surgery.” injected into her calves to relax the muscles to help improve her stance. Amy’s mum Joanne, 35, a full-time-carer and mum to her four other children, was surprised when the treatment was suggested. But you can understand why it works and I have total faith in the doctors. “It will give her a better walking position and ease the pressure on her hips. Amy walks on her tip toes at the moment, but it’s hoped that this treatment will help her walk on her heel. Consultant paediatrician Beena A new look for the dietitians Kurup, who has been treating Smart new uniforms are being introduced to make it easier Amy, explained: “Cerebral palsy worn for the first time by for patients to identify is a condition that results from dietitians, dietetic assistants them and for infection an impairment to the developing and nutritionists at North control reasons. brain and it affects movement, Tees and Hartlepool NHS Head of nutrition and dietetics posture and coordination. Foundation Trust. Marlen Freebairn (pictured “When people talk about Botox The team can now be easily right) said: “Patients can see they automatically think about spotted by patients in a a lot of staff wearing different cosmetic surgery. It is a fantastic white tunic or polo shirt with uniforms during their stay in drug and really good for many turquoise embroidery and black hospital and now they will be Consultant paediatrician conditions which affect muscles trousers or skirt. able to recognise the dietitians Beena Kurup and nerves.” The uniforms have been at a glance.”

004|005 Big smiles for healthy children 5k spinal fun walk 2011 Children are being encouraged to look after their teeth from an early age thanks to a Sunday 17 July 2011, on the walk. The support group 11am (warm up made a transatlantic link last year when the Princeton Brain fun new scheme. from 10.30am) and Spine Clinic wanted to set up a support group and looked Bydales Specialist Technology drinking plain milk and water is Starts and finishes at to the Tees Valley group for tips College in Marske. good for teeth. Holliday Building and advice. Each game contains key Youngsters will also be taught Queen’s Campus Consultant spinal surgeon messages including that it is University Boulevard that brushing teeth twice a Manoj Krishna said: “Thanks best to limit sugary foods and Thornaby day and using a pea-sized to the determination and drinks to mealtimes and that amount of family strength Stockton on Tees TS17 6BH dedication of founder member fluoride toothpaste is the best Tori Fenny and all the charity’s way to maintain a healthy smile. Stockton’s Riverside will see trustees we have a thriving Regular visits to the dentist are an unusual sight on Sunday 17 support group which sees also recommended. July as a group of people walk around 100 people turning up at It is hoped that the Smile Sack the 5 kilometres from the every quarterly meeting. games will encourage parents to Holliday Building to the Tees “Some of those attending are waiting for surgery, others have reinforce the oral health messages barrage and back. had surgery and are willing at home. Some of the walkers will be to share their experiences to The scheme is part of the patients who have had back or benefit others. The group is a Smile4Life project - a partnership neck surgery, many at the spinal lifeline for many through what unit at the University Hospital of between the trust’s oral health can be a traumatic time. North Tees. promotion and Learning Days Ltd “We’re especially pleased to This is the first time the Tees - and complements the daily tooth welcome our American cousins. Valley Spinal Support Group brushing programmes already The more people we can get Trust - the organisation set up running in targeted schools. there on the day to walk with to support patients and their Oral health promotion advisor them the better. It promises to families - has organised a walk. be a fantastic day and, hopefully, Lindsey Neville said:“Helping Organiser Linda Botterill, who the first of many.” children learn about good dental has had neck and back surgery If you would like to join health through play makes it fun herself, explains: “Years of back the walk please email Photo courtesy of the Evening Gazette to visit the dentist.” pain followed by back surgery spinalfunwalk2011@gmail. used to mean the end of com or phone 01642 624296 physical exercise for many. between 9.30am and 12.30pm, “However, as the history of Monday to Friday. The closing the support group shows, more date for applications is Thursday and more people are getting 30 June. their lives back after years of It costs £10 per adult and under pain. Our motto is bouncing 16s are free. All walkers will back and this is exactly what receive a free bottle of water, this walk is about. kindly donated by Abbey Wells “We’d be delighted to see Water of Morpeth, a medal at patients who are either the finish kindly donated by waiting for or just recovering Ramsdens Pawnbrokers and a from surgery and feel up to a bacon or veggie bun with a slow walk to those who had drink at the end of the course in surgery a while ago and might the university building. want to take the walk a little All money raised will go towards faster. Alternatively people may Jo Thurston (centre) and the team with clinical director of community services a £15,000 Sun Optics headlamp Linda Watson (far right) prefer to show their support by video camera for the spinal unit sponsoring a walker rather than at the University Hospital of doing the walk themselves. North Tees. “We’d love to see their friends A sad farewell to and family too. Back pain affects With thanks to our helpers the whole family and it would and sponsors be great if the family and friends North Tees and Hartlepool NHS offender health who supported the patient Foundation Trust through years of pain come and Abbey Wells Water of Morpeth The trust bid a sad farewell to is now a top performer. join in this walk to show how RAF Training Corps offender health team as they “This has happened because the whole family is bouncing Stockton Borough Council transferred with the service to of the leadership of head of back. It’s not a competition; it’s Queens Campus – Care UK. offender health Jo Thurston just our way of saying there is Holliday Building Clinical director for community who has continually strived to definitely life after years of back services Linda Watson said: take the service forward. and neck pain.” St John Ambulance “We have seen a service which “Our very best wishes go to Jo The organisers are especially Ramsdens Pawnbrokers was not performing as well as it and her team as they start work delighted to welcome visitors Designer Dental could become a service which for their new employer.” from a New Jersey spinal clinic Raynet

June/July 11 Children’s ward celebrates Action for Sick Children’s 50th birthday

Play specialists at the University with delicious party treats. Hospital of North Tees threw Hospital play specialist Lynn Becoming baby a party for children who were Dowson said: “Action for Sick in hospital on Action for Sick Children has campaigned Children’s 50th birthday. tirelessly to make sure that children and their families feel safe friendly in Stockton Action for Sick Children provided and comfortable whenever they party packs; children joined in a The trust’s commitment to the against a wide range of illnesses need hospital treatment. UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative including gastroenteritis and game of pass the parcel from “We were delighted to host a has taken another step by respiratory infections, as well their hospital bed and celebrated birthday party here and know that achieving the second stage in as allergies and diabetes and we were part of a wider group the community health section for obesity in childhood. of hospitals who celebrated all their continued work to support “Last year we set up a peer “We were over the country. It cheered the and promote breastfeeding in support programme where delighted to host children up.” the community. local mums who have Action for Sick Children is the The accreditation, set up by successfully breastfed are being a birthday party UK’s leading national children’s UNICEF and the World Health trained to voluntarily support here and know health care charity. It was formed Organisation, provides an other local mums. This has in 1961 to help professionals and effective way for health services been really successful and now that we were part parents make sure parents could to ensure pregnant women more than 20 mums have been of a wider group be with their sick child in hospital and breastfeeding mums and trained on this programme at a time when visiting hours and we’re looking for more babies receive high standards of hospitals who were generally restricted. interested volunteers.” of care and support. The charity has campaigned Breastfeeding mums are celebrated all Breastfeeding co-ordinator Ros tirelessly for child and family- encouraged to look out for the Nunn said: “This achievement centred care, and has nationwide new welcome posters that over the country. is a great credit to the hard local branches helping improve are displayed in public places work of all our staff especially It cheered the and premises that support local health care services for health visitors, nursery nurses, and encourage breastfeeding children up.” children and young people. children’s centre staff and the in public in local towns and community breastfeeding are committed to raising the support service. profile of breastfeeding in the “We want to ensure that we local area. are giving as much support to Ros added: “Many local pregnant women and mums to businesses are now displaying help them successfully begin this poster as a sign of their and maintain breastfeeding. We support. We hope that by will now be working towards raising awareness and changing stage three which involves public attitudes towards implementing initiatives to breastfeeding we will help to help promote and support increase breastfeeding rates breastfeeding for longer. throughout the local area.” “UNICEF will visit the children’s If you are interested in becoming centres within the year to ask a peer supporter or you would mothers about their experiences like to find out more about to ensure staff are using the breastfeeding and the support knowledge and skills they have on offer, you can contact developed in practice. breastfeeding co-ordinator Ros “Breastfeeding protects babies Nunn on 01642 524923. Play specialist Lynn Dowson watches as patient Harvey Brown opens a goody bag

006|007 Consultant retires after 24 years Colleagues bid farewell to consultant physician Philip Sutton who retired Speaking at his retirement, clinical director for medicine after 24 years service at the trust. Basant Chaudhry said: “I would like to add my thanks to a fantastic colleague. “In his own way he has made his presence felt and provided personal support to me. I wish him well and hope he has an enjoyable retirement.” Philip told colleagues about his plans for retirement. He said: “I will spend more time on my interests and hobbies – music, astronomy, and gardening and most importantly, my family, who have supported me throughout my career. “I would like to say a special thank you to my secretaries, Karen, Carol and recently Yvonne, who have been an enormous help – I couldn’t have managed without them, the specialist nurses and the Colleagues say farewell to consultant physician Philip Sutton ward nurses.” Extra comforts thanks to the little green shop

The tireless work of a group of retired women who volunteer at the Hospital Charity Shop in Hartlepool’s Murray Street has raised more funds to help patients at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. The Murray Street ladies as they’re known were recently at Medical records staff at the Easter cake stall the hospital again after presenting the pre-assessment unit with a Easter egg-stravaganza cheque for £2,200. The Murray Street raises funds for ladies have made a Murray Street ladies Doreen Dixon, huge contribution to Sylvia Johnson try out one of the Butterwick healthcare in Hartlepool.” new chairs with health care assistant Jayne Gray and pre-assessment nurse Staff from the medical records Atkinson said: “We choose a The money has bought a flat specialist Barbara McCluskie department at the University charity every year that we will screen television for the waiting Hospital of North Tees have raise money for throughout the area and seven comfortable chairs “We are extremely grateful been busy baking again year and this year we chose the for patients who have difficulty for charity. Butterwick Hospice. for their hard work and very sitting in normal chairs. The stall raised a very impressive “The staff baked delicious generous donations. £489.15 which will be added cakes and held a tombola and Brenda Slater, a nurse specialist “There cannot be a ward to the total of another event a raffle. I’d like to say a very in pain management, who or department that has not later in the year and presented big thank you to all the staff coordinates the donations said: benefited from a donation from to the hospice. who baked and contributed The amount of money that the the ladies tireless work and the PA to the assistant director gifts for prizes and to ladies donate to the hospital never support of local people. The of patient involvement and everyone who made this such a ceases to amaze me. They are Murray Street ladies have made information governance Marion successful event.” here every couple of months with a huge contribution to healthcare another cheque. in Hartlepool.” June/July 11 Creepy crawlies visit hospital nursery Nursery children at the University Hospital cockroaches, a snake, a millipede and even “Normally we just talk and read about these of Hartlepool had the chance to get close to take a look at a tarantula. creatures, so it was a great experience for some creepy crawlies during a special visit Nursery manager Janet Bland said: the children and gave them an opportunity to from ZooLab UK. “Everyone really enjoyed the visit. The children learn lots of interesting facts about creatures Children took it in turns to hold a giant snail, were fascinated. they had never seen before.”

Joshua Allison meets Millie the giant millipede Zach Bedding nursery nurse Kate Smithson meets Eleanor Sharp meets Medusa the snake Medusa the snake Smiles all round at school’s health event Children from Normanby Primary School in Middlesbrough and their families enjoyed a fun-packed community health event. Oral health promotion advisor Nicola Cronin put a smile on the children’s faces as she highlighted the importance of looking after your teeth, at the event which was held during National Smile Month. Nicola said: “I was delighted to be involved in the event. It was an excellent opportunity to talk to the children and their parents. “You can simply look after your teeth by brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, by cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and by visiting the dentist regularly.” The event organised by health education lead Gill Connor, special needs co-ordinator Jane Miller and head teacher Carl Faulkner Valerie with friends and colleagues included a healthy raffle which raised funds for the school and for charity, delicious healthy snacks, dance demonstrations and promotional stands from local agencies. Valerie gets a lie in ...at last Valerie Arnett, a domestic at Lawson Street health centre hung up her mop and duster in March after nearly 41 years working in the NHS. Valerie started her career at stayed so long otherwise!” Stockton and Thornaby Hospital Valerie now intends to and moved to Lawson Street spend her time looking after after seven years, where she her four grandkids and having has been ever since. the odd holiday. She said When asked if she had “I will miss all of my colleagues enjoyed working there she at work , but what I won’t Libby Lynas demonstrates her brushing techniques on Alex the puppet with said: “I have loved every miss is getting up at 5.45am oral health promotion advisor Nicola Cronin minute of it, I wouldn’t have every morning.”

008|009 Fond memories of Caroline Street It’s the end of an era for Caroline Street Health Centre in Hartlepool and staff have been busy packing their boxes as they moved with the service to new locations in the town. Staff celebrated and reminisced about the good old times over lunch. Colleagues from the health visiting service, which has now moved its base to Chatham House in Hartlepool chatted about their memories of Caroline Street Health Centre. Health visitor Elaine Wilson has been based at Caroline Street since 1974, she said: “I’ve seen generations through the service while I’ve been here at Caroline Street.” Dorothy Pounder started working at Caroline Street as Staff at Hartlepool’s Caroline Street Centre as it closes its doors a district nurse in 1978, before becoming a health visitor in fond memories with her as she “I’ve been here since 1972. It has has been a well loved facility 1983 added: “It’s very sad. It’s moves to the University Hospital always had a lovely atmosphere. and is part of the history of the end of an era.” of Hartlepool, where the We’ve had many memorable the town. Joan Metcalfe, who had worked children’s outpatients’ services Christmas parties here too. “While moving marks the end of there for 32 years, but since are being provided. “The building has changed a an era, the services are moving retired, joined ex-colleagues Vera Vera said: “I came here straight lot since I came here. I’ve seen to the best locations for the Pennick and medical secretary from college. It’s sad to be it grow.” services and the local patients. Jean Routledge at the event. moving out of the building, but Clinical director for community I am tremendously grateful for Community administrator I’ll be taking many happy services Linda Watson said: the efforts of the staff during Vera Pennick takes 37 years of memories with me. “Caroline Street Health Centre this move.” Getting put through their PACES North Tees and Hartlepool NHS of Physicians diploma, saw 20 administration team coordinated “The patients enjoy Foundation Trust hosted another candidates assessed by a team of the examinations, assisted by PACES examination at the request examiners, including consultants consultant physician Deepak coming in to help of the Royal College of Physicians from the trust. Dwarakanath last year and this with the exams and in Edinburgh. Patients, staff and ex-employees year by consultant physician The exam, which trainee physicians help test the abilities of Basant Chaudhury. The success always comment on must pass to be awarded the the candidates. of the exams is also down to the how well the nursing Member of the Royal College The courses, facilities and support and care offered by the staff look after them” nursing staff in the emergency assessment unit who help on the days. Courses, facilities and administration manager Bev Trees said: “We were delighted to be hosting this examination again. We received excellent feedback from the Royal College who are pleased with the support the trust offers and the centre has been commended by visiting examiners. “The patients enjoy coming in to help with the exams and always comment on how well the nursing staff look after them” The trust will hold the next examinations in October. June/July 11 Fundraisers hit the bullseye A darts team has raised £1,200 nurses across Hartlepool to use. for the trust in memory of Janet’s daughter, Julie Littlewood their team-mate Janet Simpson said: “As a team, we wanted to who recently lost her battle with pull together, along with family lung cancer. and friends, and do something Janet, 57 died just days before she would be very proud of. she was due to take part in a “We are delighted to be able to fundraising night to say thank buy the thermometers for the you to the nurses who had nurses who do a fantastic job.” cared for her. The funds were raised through a However, the Stranton Ladies raffle, an auction and a game of Darts Team decided to go play your cards right. ahead with the event at the Macmillan nurse Hilary Sadler Stranton Club, in Waldon said: “I would like to thank Street, Hartlepool, in honour of everyone who has contributed her memory. to help raise the money. We The money has been used to are extremely grateful for Macmillan nurse Hilary Sadler with district nurse and sister Karen Smith and the buy Thermoscan Pro 4000 ear the donation which will benefit darts team thermometers for community our patients.” Family fundraising event to say thank you Big sister Ashleigh Mahoney A charity night was held at The has raised funds for the Aerodrome in Thornaby, which children’s ward at the University included a tombola, karaoke and Hospital of North Tees to say a disco raising a total of £510 thank you for taking good care and a further £80 was raised of her younger brother Athan. during a non-uniform day at St Ashleigh, 20 from Ragworth, John’s Primary School which Stockton and 12-year old Athan used to attend. Athan who has been receiving Play specialist Clare Wise treatment for asthma returned (pictured left) said: “On behalf to the ward to hand over £590. of the ward I would like to say Audiologist Kirby Miller joins the children for a game at the party Business student Ashleigh said: a big thank you to Ashleigh “We wanted to do something for organising the event and Party launches support group for to say thank you to everyone on to everyone who contributed the ward for the high quality of to making the fundraising a care Athan has received. massive success. children with hearing problems “When I was asked to “We’re really grateful for the Parents whose children have of extra help at home. Parents also organise an event for a charity donation which we’re using hearing problems were invited told us it would be useful to learn as part of my college course, to buy dvd and tv systems to a special party with the some sign language and find out I thought this was a great which will help to keep trust’s audiology team at One more about systems which will chance to give something back other poorly children on the Life, Hartlepool. help the children at home when to the hospital.” ward entertained.” The event launched the beginning listening to music and the TV. of a support group for parents “That’s what this group is all and their children. Parents got about. It’s focussing completely the chance to share their ideas, on what will help the parents and while the children enjoyed a disco, their children need. It’s been really games including pass the parcel. successful so far and I’m sure it Audiologist Kirby Miller said: will continue to be in the future.” “We’re here to listen to what Deputy head of service Gerry people need. The event was an Thompson added: “The idea of the excellent opportunity for parents group first came about following to tell us what support would be a suggestion from paediatric beneficial to them. audiologist Susan Kitching and “Since we launched the group, Kirby has worked really hard to set we’ve run a couple of groups. up this group. Parents told us that it would “The team is committed to be great to hold the groups in the providing the highest standards school holidays. It’s a chance for of care to children. The new the children to get together too. department at One Life Hartlepool “A priority was to get a speaker means we can assess children using from the National Deaf Children’s the most up to date test facilities Athan hands over the money to play specialist Clare Wise with sister Ashleigh Society and to find out what and provide them with leading Mahoney, staff nurse Rachael Gutteridge and health care assistant Lynn Evans support is available to give that bit edge hearing aid technology.“

010|011 Team leader Amanda Leighton and Eryn Bare Nursery manager Andrea Hurt, nursery nurse Helen Team leader Joanne Anderson makes red nose Wressell and Oscar Allan cakes with Jack Carter Comic relief donations boosted by hospital fundraisers

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation the money for a worthwhile cause.” Trust helped to contribute to the funds raised Staff on ward seven had a successful for Comic Relief, cake sale, raising a grand total of £201.30 Staff and children at the trust’s day nursery and the occupational health team added showed their red nose spirit. The theme at £152.83 to the funds after holding a the University Hospital of North Tees was home-baked cake stall. Thank you to everyone imaginative fancy dress, which saw fantastic who contributed. outfits from pirates to fairies. Donations for yummy cakes raised more than £300 for Comic Relief.

“We had a fantastic day. Everyone has joined in the fun.“

Over at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, children dressed up and put their creative skills to the test, baking red nose cakes. Nursery manager Andrea Hurt said: “We had a fantastic day. Everyone has joined in the fun. Occupational health staff selling cakes for Ward clerk Jackie Gill, F2 Ruth Watson and domestic I’d like to thank everyone who helped us raise Comic Relief assistant Karen Piggford on ward 7 Mayor’s charity fund boosts Hartlepool’s breast unit In her year as mayor of Peterlee Lilian Milburn was presented with a cheque Wood, her family and friends identified a for £1,000 to help future patients affected number of charities they wished to help; by breast cancer. all of which had helped or touched her Karen said: “We were delighted to hear own family. that the mayor had chosen the breast unit One of those charities was the breast as one of her charities. We’d like thank all The mayor (far right) and her consort Billy Wood (second from unit at the University Hospital of those people who made a contribution the left) pictured with breast care nurse Karen Milburn and the Hartlepool. In a special event held at to the donation. Generosity like this really mayor’s daughter in law Karen Wood Shotton Hall, breast care nurse Karen does make a difference to patients.”

June/July 11 Helping hand to save lives North Tees and Hartlepool NHS many people’s hand hygiene, Foundation Trust joined the making sure they were using world on 5 May to spread the the correct techniques to wash message that clean hands help their hands. Everyone who had save lives. their hand washing technique assessed were entered into a prize draw. “Good hand Debra continued: “The infection hygiene is the most control team went out on the wards to raise awareness and important way to held information stands in the stop the spread foyer at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University of infection.” Hospital of Hartlepool.” Patients and visitors using the Grace Pearson, Millie Berry, Darcy Snell, Skye Duffield and Charlie Hall on the The trust marked the World hospitals can give a helping balcony of their own Buckingham Palace Health Organisation’s Save hand in reducing the risk of Lives day by raising the infection in many ways by; importance of hand hygiene • Patients should try to avoid with staff, patients and visitors. touching wounds Assistant matron for infection, • Patients should limit the Hospital prevention and control Debra number of items they Jenkins said: “Good hand bring into hospital – clutter hygiene is the most important makes it more difficult to way to stop the spread of control infection nurseries infection. It’s important for us • Visitors should not sit on to keep up those standards. It’s patients’ beds not new to us – but we need • Visitors who feel unwell to keep the message out there and have illnesses such celebrate and this is a good way to do as colds should avoid just that.” visiting patients unless it’s During the day a team of ward absolutely necessary matrons, senior medical staff • Most importantly everyone royal and link workers checked should clean their hands wedding

Staff and children at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s day nurseries celebrated the royal wedding in style. A tea party with a red, white and blue theme marked the special day. The children created their own royal party at a make-shift Buckingham Palace; they took part in wedding themed activities and enjoyed delicious treats and lots of fun and games. Childcare co-ordinator Margaret Hayden said: “It has been a fantastic day. It was nice for the Welcome to our new consultants Elesha Langford, team leader Clare Marsh and Tabitha Richardson enjoy Consultant histopathologist cytology. He is the lead clinician “ It was nice the tea party Kaushik Dasgupta joined for gynae pathology. for the children to the trust last August from Consultant haematologist Sunderland Royal Hospital. It Maria Szubert joined the do something that children to do something that is his first post as a consultant trust in December from they will remember to celebrate in the UK. His specialist Nottingham City Hospital. Her they will remember the occasion. “It has been a good way for the Assistantinterests matron are for infection breast prevention and specialistand control interests Debra Jenkins are haemato- and ward to celebrate managerlower GI Pauline pathology Jiggins and lung oncology transplantation. children to learn about weddings the occasion.” and the role the monarchy plays.” 012|013 Good nutrition is a MUST for our patients

A national screening tool is being used at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to identify patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition when they are brought into hospital. Senior nurse practice placement facilitator The validated Malnutrition Universal Screening Sharon Oyston Tool (MUST), which replaces the previous tool is being used to screen and monitor patients and make sure they receive best possible Glowing report nutritional care. Patients will be screened when they are highlights excellent admitted and re-screened weekly during their hospital stay, so their progress can be student placements monitored. It’s to identify anyone who is at risk of malnutrition. This could be patients The trust has received a glowing who are under-nourished, patients who report from the nursing and midwifery council following their annual monitoring have experienced unintentional weight loss, review visit. patients who may be avoiding food because This year, the visit focussed on Teesside of an underlying illness or who might have University’s teacher education programme, special nutritional needs connected because the practice teacher programme, and of their condition. the mentoring in practice programmes, Consultant gastroenterologist Chris Wells said: mentor data bases required to meet the “I’m delighted that we’ve introduced this Consultant gastroenterologist Chris Wells, dietitian nursing and midwifery council (NMC) Katie Dale and F1 Sarah Hall standards to support learning and “The screening is really assessment in practice, held by the senior screening tool. Malnutrition is a big problem nurse practice placement facilitators were easy. There are five simple among patients and there are so many effective also reviewed. treatments that can improve nutrition. The first Following a series of interviews with steps, which starts by step is to identify patients at risk and the community staff the NMC panel got checking the patients’ BMI simple MUST tool is an ideal way to do this.” together at Teesside University to discuss Dietitian Katie Dale continued: “Good nutrition their findings. by measuring their height is such an important part of staying healthy, Practice learning was described as and weight.” and especially for people who are unwell. outstanding with collaborative and About one in three patients who come into partnership arrangements with service, hospital are undernourished and what we’re the level of support students received doing here is identifying those patients. in practice, well maintained and accurate databases and the role practice “By screening patients quickly once they are placements facilitators acknowledged as brought into hospital, we can find out exactly good practice. what they need and provide appropriate Senior nurse practice placement facilitator treatment for anyone who is malnourished or Sharon Oyston said: “I would like to say at risk of malnutrition. a big thank you to senior clinical nurse “If a patient who is screened and found children and young people in Hartlepool to be nutritionally at risk, they will receive June Fawcett, practice teacher student an individual treatment plan and appropriate and health visitor Claire Wright and practice nutritional advice from a dietitian. teacher supervisor and health visitor Cath “The screening is really easy. There are five Storey for their contribution to the day. simple steps, which starts by checking the “I’d also like to thank all staff who are patients’ BMI by measuring their height involved in the mentoring and supervising and weight. Doctors, nurses and dietitians of student nurses who continue to remain are working together to reduce the risk of committed to providing such excellent malnutrition and where a patient at risk is practice placements. “The feedback from the visit is testament identified, putting a treatment plan in place to to staff’s commitment to working together reduce the risk of malnutrition. as a team and their hard work to ensure that “Introducing one simple, consistent way students have the very best experience Healthcare assistant Tina Beddard carries out the of screening right across the trust can only on their placements – it was fantastic to MUST checks on a patient watched by staff nurse benefit the patients and make sure they get receive such great comments.” Sarah Thomas and dietitian Katie Dale the nutrition they need.” June/July 11 Flo donates birthday money to breast unit

A local lady has celebrated turning 85 by donating her birthday money to the breast cancer fund at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Rather than getting presents, Flo Taylor from the Rift House area of Hartlepool requested donations to the unit who helped her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago. And Flo has now donated a fantastic £400 as her way of saying thank you. Popular Flo, who received 91 birthday cards, said: “I celebrated my birthday with Ambulance health care assistant Shaun Davies two parties. I had one at The Douglas Hotel for family and then I had another with my friends and members of Hartlepool Top team makes a real Widows Friendship Group at Ye Olde Durham’s Social Club in Hartlepool. “I’m so thankful to still be here at 85. difference to patients I thought why do I need presents – I’d like to give something back instead. So A dedicated hospital ambulance team are “Routes are planned as they come in and instead of gifts, I asked them if they providing a vital service for patients with no patients are booked onto the ambulance. were willing to make a donation to the other way of getting home from hospital. “We work closely with the discharge nurses to breast cancer fund at the University The service has been provided by North Tees make sure patients have everything they need Hospital of Hartlepool. and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for the before going home.” “I would like to say a big thank you to all last three years and has seen thousands of Ambulance health care assistant Ryan Gilbey, of my family and friends who made my journeys made over nearly 80,000 miles. who works part time with the service added: birthday special and to everyone who Ambulance health care assistant Shaun “Between us we’ve never had a day off sick in came to my parties. I would like everyone Davies explains: “Our team is made up of three years. who donated for their kindness and three ambulance health care assistants. We’ve been friends for a long time – we wonderful generosity and those people Between us we have almost 40 years wouldn’t want to let the team down.” who couldn’t make it to the party but healthcare experience. Rabina Tindale, senior clinical matron for made a donation. . “It’s a service we provide for patients who accident and emergency, who manages the “I saw how much good they do at the have no other way of getting home. Often they team said: “The service is really valuable to hospital and really wanted to help.” have no friends or family who can help them the patients. It’s important to get patients Breast care nurse Karen Milburn said: get home or they have mobility problems. Our home quickly. “We are so grateful to Flo and her friends patients are mainly older people and those “You’ve got to have a good team and we and family for their generosity. We will be with broken bones.” certainly have. They’re brilliant.” using the money to improve patient care Ambulance health care assistant Andrew Bell Shaun continued: “You do get your stressful and provide extra comforts for patients.” added: “There’s no such thing as a normal day. days but we enjoy the job. We love the We run the service seven days a week - from variety. We get to know the patients on their 9.30am until 6pm from Monday to Friday and journey home. work a slightly shorter day at weekends. “The most important thing is that we’re valued “The calls are answered by the switchboard – by the patients. they are a great team who get the messages ”It’s important to make sure they get home to us straightaway when there is a patient who safely. We take them into their home and needs the service. make sure they are safe and warm.” WRVS volunteers lend a helping hand Volunteers from the trust’s Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) shop gave a helping hand at a recent community event. The first event held at Ragworth Community Centre in Stockton, organised by the WRVS local service co-ordinator Claire Wainwright, was a great opportunity for local people to get to meet each other and join in with the activities or just have a chat over a cuppa. Manager Ann Hunton-Young said: “The first community event went really well. It was an excellent opportunity to Flo hands over the money to breast care nurse Volunteer Rita chats to Mary give some support at the event and to give a helping hand Karen Millburn Hobday over a cuppa out in the community.”

014|015 Latest in children’s medicine highlighted at special awareness event

More than 80 health professionals latest information on caring for from the region had the chance children. I’d like to say thank to learn about the latest you to everyone who contributed developments in children’s to helping to organise the event medicine at a special awareness which ran very well.” day organised by North Tees and Consultant paediatrician Venkata Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. Paturi (pictured below), who The day was led by consultant hosted the event on behalf of the Staff and patients celebrate at the party paediatrician Venkata Paturi, with trust, added: “It was excellent help from Lorna Harrison, Bev to see all health professionals Trees and Rebecca Yews. attending the event, including The day gave health professionals junior and senior hospital doctors, Mary says thank you the latest information about GPs and nurses. a wide range of general “Holding events like these paediatric problems and how to demonstrates that health with a royal party manage them. professionals in the area are Facilities and administration committed to learning and keeping There were balloons, bunting - make it a really special day. manager Bev Trees said: “We’ve their knowledge up to date with the works, at a special royal party “We all had a lovely time, had excellent feedback from the the latest information to ensure organised by a former patient enjoyed lunch and really got day which was designed to give we are providing the best care for staff in the rehabilitation day into the spirit of things. It’s local health professionals the very possible for children.” unit at the University Hospital been a great day and it’ll be one of Hartlepool to celebrate the to remember.” wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Mary Power, 78 from the West View area of Hartlepool wanted to celebrate the occasion and say thank you to the staff for taking care of her, so combining the two was a great idea. She said: “It is a very big occasion, so I wanted to throw a party. It’s my way of saying a little thank you to the staff for taking such good care of me.” Sister Jill Barrett said: “Royal weddings don’t come around that often, so it was lovely for Mary and the patients to Consultant physician David Bruce celebrate with us and really and sister Jill Barrett with Mary Nursery children have a cracking good time Children in the day nursery at the along with the hatching box and University Hospital of North Tees brooder unit. had a cracking good time this “We got them on day 19 and they Easter watching chicks hatch in started hatching just a couple of front of their eyes. days later. We had 11 eggs and The nursery introduced Living Eggs eight of them hatched. We kept - a chicken hatching programme them in the brooder in the nursery which gives children a first hand so the children could keep an eye learning experience of caring for on them and look after them. and nurturing a living thing. “They really enjoyed it and were Team leader Clare Marsh said: sad to see them go. The children “The children were fascinated have got a lot out of it. They as the eggs hatched and learned all about life cycles and were very excited to come to looking after eggs. nursery to see how many have “Their reaction was lovely to see hatched overnight. when they hatched and even the “We received the eggs from grown-ups who hadn’t seen it Elliese Dalkin with one of the chicks which they’ve helped to care for the Living Eggs programme before were amazed!”

June/July 11 Working together to support children’s speech and language

A speech and language Nursery staff are keen to therapist has been working continue these sessions and with parents and staff at next time will be able to lead a local primary school to these themselves. support them in developing “Some children will have children’s language. difficulties with learning to The training sessions, which talk for a number of reasons have been led by team leader and this can be very worrying for speech and language for parents. Children can therapy Alison Thompson at have difficulties with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS understanding and using words Foundation Trust at Seascape and sentences or developing Primary school in Peterlee, are speech sounds. Some children to support the school staff to may also stammer. These run further parent workshops in children will benefit from the future. early assessment by a Alison said: “The workshops speech and language which I’ve been running Associate practitioner Diane Wenn, specialist dementia nurse Corrie Burton, and therapist. We work closely with healthcare assistant Christine Ross together with the nursery parents, carers, nursery staff, staff have been an excellent and other professionals.” way to share ideas with all of the parents on how they 2011 is National Year of Reminiscence room can help support their child’s Communication and the speech language development. and language therapists at the “We’ve talked about how trust are encouraging parents takes patients back everyday situations such as and professionals to take part doing the shopping or making in the campaign. For more the dinner can be a time to talk information about the campaign down memory lane about what their children are go to www.hello.org.uk and seeing and doing. www.givingvoice.org.uk Memorabilia and music from the board. It has the day, date, season “Sharing books, nursery You can contact the team on past are helping patients at the and the weather displayed on it. rhymes and songs are also 01915872880 for Easington, University Hospital of Hartlepool It’s a talking point. great for developing language. 01429 522712 or 522717 for affected by dementia. “There’s a locks and latch The workshops have been Hartlepool or if you are from The reminiscence room features board. The board was made by really successful and the the Stockton area you can call classic games, including Famous the trust’s maintenance parents were really enthusiastic. 01642 352285. Faces music by Doris Day and department. Patients like to war-time songs, films, musical fidget with the board. instruments nostalgic sounds “I’ve put together something that from the seaside and beautiful I’ve called a rummage bag. It’s a old black and white photos small bag containing things which of Hartlepool. people recognise, like general Specialist dementia nurse household items. Corrie Burton said: “A growing ”The idea is that the patients’ proportion of older patients who families are encouraged to add come into hospital with medical their own items which could bring problems have some form of back personal memories dementia. Dementia itself doesn’t “It’s the simple things which bring people into hospital. We’re help patients and spark their looking after the physical health memories. of patients here on the elderly “A person with dementia can care ward, but it’s vital we provide look back at things; they the right environment for patients remember the past better then with this illness to make their stay yesterday. It can’t cure dementia as good as it possibly can be. but it can help.” “The sitting room helps to take Director of nursing and patient them back to the good old days. safety Sue Smith added: “I The aim of the room is to help am absolutely passionate that trigger memories which can help patients affected by dementia them at a time when they may be have the best care possible while Team leader for speech and language therapy Alison Thompson (right) with confused. Its part of their care. in hospital and we want to do three year old Ruby and mum Ann-Marie Flannery “The first thing you see in the everything possible to make sure room is the patient orientation they do.” 016|017 New digital breast screening system boosts patient comfort and improves image quality Sue Smith pictured with clinical director A new digital system used for the largest in the whole of the Because the system is digital of orthopaedics and trauma Chris breast screening will benefit UK to go digital. there will be no need to process Tulloch at the patient safety awards women right across Teesside The new system is being the images on film; they are and parts of County Durham introduced in two stages. stored in a computer and doctors Trust is highly and North Yorkshire. First the new equipment was and specialist radiographers can The national breast screening installed in the mammography look at the images on screen to commended in programme has invested rooms at the University Hospital detect any abnormalities. in a Siemens Mammomat of North Tees. As well as the patient safety Inspirations digital latest equipment the rooms are “The mood lighting mammography system for fitted with mood lighting to help makes the rooms awards North Tees and Hartlepool patients relax while they are NHS Foundation Trust, which having the procedure. much less clinical The trust was highly commended in the patient safety in clinical practice runs the breast screening The next stage is refurbishing and provides a category of the Health Service programme for the whole of local clinics and mobile units much more pleasant Journal/Nursing Standard Patient Teesside and parts of County which make breast screening Safety awards Durham and North Yorkshire. available locally to women right environment.” Director of nursing and patient safety When complete the £2.3m across the area. This part of the Sue Smith said: “It was a privilege programme will make the trust’s project will be complete in the Lead manager for the project for me to be at the awards with a breast screening services one of next few months. Carol Jackson said: “We’re number of colleagues from the trust. delighted to be bringing in this We were short listed for two events new system right across the and were all very excited about being whole screening service. It at the event. moves us well into the 21st “Your heart is always in your mouth at these events and when our name century and will be better for didn’t come up as winner on the first patients and staff as well. one we were disappointed. You kind “The old system meant we had of feel ‘oh well, there’s always the to take the images using film next one and we did reach the final’. and process them. Having only “When we were highly commended one image means it can get in the patient safety in clinical practice damaged or lost. With the digital naturally we all wanted to run up to system we have the image the stage, but we weren’t allowed to forever and the specialist who do that for just highly commended. needs to see it can do that from We understood why; it would have any computer. taken all night to get through the “The mood lighting makes the prize giving. So we stayed in our rooms much less clinical and seats and the certificate arrived at provides a much more pleasant our table. We were passing it round environment. We’re delighted and having our photos taken. It was with the new system and look brilliant, but we did really want to be forward to it all being complete up there on the stage. Just to see in the next few months.” people’s faces when they were up Screening lead for NHS Tees there made us want to be up there too so we won’t stop trying til we Madeleine Johnson added: “We get there! are very happy to support the “While those of us who went trust in making this major change to London were lucky enough to to the screening programme. receive this award in person it really Anyone who can remember belongs to all staff who have worked moving from a 35mm film extremely hard and continue to camera to a digital camera will work extremely hard to continuously have some appreciation of what improve patient safety.” this development represents. The commendation reads Digital mammograms are The staff aimed to reduce mortality slightly quicker to take and the through understanding and reducing image can be checked for quality the risk of harm or error. Teamwork straight away, meaning fewer and a shared purpose have helped cases need to be repeated for achieve this from board to ward. Assistant practitioner Laura Gibbons with the new equipment technical reasons.” June/July 11 Egg-stra special donation for children’s ward There was an egg-stra special donation the department. for children who were being cared Play specialist Christine Goodwin said: for at the University Hospital of North “We’re very grateful to TFM for this Tees thanks to local radio station TFM generous donation which benefited children in who very kindly donated Easter eggs to hospital over Easter.”

Sewing room assistant Edith Neary at the embroidery machine All sewn up Beautiful embroidered gifts created by the trust’s sewing room staff at the University Hospital of Hartlepool are proving a popular choice with staff and visitors. Sewing room assistant Edith Neary (pictured) is part of a team who handles all Play specialist Christine Goodwin, staff nurse Carolyn Campbell with patient Harvey Brown and mum Samantha of the in house uniforms, sewing on name badges, making alterations to uniforms and making curtains for bed screens. Linen services co-ordinator Sally Deputy chief executive calls into Stephenson explained: “We’re now providing extra services including the antenatal clinic alterations for staff and embroidery. “We started to do the embroidery on Deputy chief executive Carole Langrick went back to the floor as she spent the day in an uniforms when we bought the embroidery antenatal clinic. machine last year and things have just Carole joined community midwives at the Footsteps Children’s Centre in Billingham at a taken off from there. One of our first ideas busy antenatal clinic, where mums-to-be called in for routine health checks. was trick or treat bags for Halloween. The Carole said: “I am a nurse by background so once a month I enjoy spending the day back sewing room prepares the basic bag then on the floor. people can request what they want on the “I was delighted to spend the day with our community midwives and see the excellent bag to make it personal. service being provided for expectant mothers in the area. “We did the same for Christmas with “Community midwife Joyce Simpson added: “It was a pleasure to be joined by Carole in one Santa sacks and also with Easter bags. We of our clinics and share our job satisfaction from following women through their pregnancies are continuing the range with personalised and supporting them at such a special time in their life.”. items like embroidered towels for new born babies. We’re happy to take on more suggestions.” Edith Neary added: “It’s satisfying when people are really pleased with the job we’ve done. The embroidery gifts are really popular and they don’t cost too much to buy. “It’s an interesting job and there’s always a steady flow of work for us to be getting on with, but it’s nice to be doing something different too. And we’ve got a good team here; we all get on really well.” “They’re available for anyone to buy – staff or members of the public. People can call us to make an order in Hartlepool on 01429 522281 or place an order through the Busy Bee at the University Hospital of North Tees.” Carole with community midwife Joyce Simpson and midwife Joan Smith

018|019 Children’s posters warn people about the danger of smoking

Talented primary school pupils in Hartlepool showed off their creative art skills to warn the people about the dangers of smoking. The children at Jesmond Road Primary School, in Hartlepool, were joined by health specialists including the stop smoking team from the trust as part of a no smoking awareness exercise. The event, which was organised ahead of national No Smoking Day, taught the children all about the danger of smoking and they had the chance to illustrate this in their own posters. Specialist stop smoking advisor Scott Chapman (pictured centre), specialist for the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, went along to the school to speak to the children. Scott said: “It really is absolutely vital to let the children know about the dangers of smoking at a young age. “If you stop someone thinking about smoking it is a lot easier than stopping them from smoking if they have started. “The pupils were absolutely brilliant and they Children show off their posters are all very aware of the dangers.” Time to quit Teams of stop smoking advisors Service manager Pat Marshall from the trust invited smokers to said: “The events on No Smoking a number of events on this year’s Day are always worthwhile. No Smoking Day. People are four times more likely The events in Stockton and to quit smoking if you get help Hartlepool themed ‘Time to from the stop smoking service. Quit’ offered advice and support There is no pressure to quit but for people wanting to make a if you’re a smoker and ready to lifelong change. stop, we are here to help. The stop smoking team and “Stopping smoking is the health trainers were on hand ultimate lifestyle overhaul. You’ll to answer questions and offer feel fitter, healthier and have Specialist stop smoking advisor Alison Johns, stop smoking facilitator Debbie advice. They carried out simple more energy and money.” Elliott, occupational health nurse Sarah Wilson and hospital radio manager Elliott lung health tests such as the There is a wealth of support Kennedy, who supported the event with messages on the radio at the information spirometry test which measures across Hartlepool and Stockton stand at the University Hospital of North Tees the amount and speed of the air to help people kick the habit. For that you can get in and out of more information about the help your lungs. on offer call (01642) 635650.

The Mayor of Hartlepool Stuart Drummond attended a special event which was Specialist stop smoking advisor Alison Johns and stop smoking facilitator held in the run up to No Smoking Day at Hartlepool Sports Centre Leanne Watson at the University Hospital of Hartlepool

June/July 11 Regional first is part of a fitness package for trust staff

Staff at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust can enjoy a healthy future thanks to its keep fit plan. The trust has become the first NHS trust in the north east to give its staff access to a Virtual Gym – a programme which lets Primary you download exercise videos and workout at your own pace whenever you want. care Founder of Virtual Gym TV Richard Davis, explained: “Virtual Gym medical is the world’s only online gym. It allows people to access and download fitness videos, dietary adviser and exercise information 24/7.” Associate director for workplace appointed health and wellbeing Elaine Wilson Workplace health improvement specialist for Hartlepool Borough Council Steven said: “Virtual Gym is perfect for Carter, founder of Virtual Gym Richard Davis, associate director for workplace Carl Parker has been our staff. It gives people who health and wellbeing Elaine Wilson and lead nurse Jude Cooper appointed as the trust’s work shifts the chance to access and healthier workforce. primary care medical adviser. exercise whenever they want. “It can be as simple as using Carl, a GP in Hartlepool, who “We need to invest in our staff, the stairs instead of the has been a clinical lead on keep them healthy and encourage lift, eating healthier food or the momentum: pathways them to pass on tips to their stopping smoking.” to healthcare programme, family, friends and even patients. The trust has picked up the bronze is working with director of “We’ve launched a number award for improving health and strategic development Carole of health initiatives, including wellbeing in the workplace at Langrick and her team. He on-site Zumba classes and the North East Better Health at will work three days a week weight management sessions Work Awards. to provide primary care advice run by the trust’s health trainers The scheme encourages to the board and help develop and dietitians. employers to support workers relationships with GPs and 2012 challenge in leading healthier lifestyles the new GP consortia which “We want to encourage staff to by making it easier to gain free are being created with the improve their general health and access to health advice and health reforms. fitness and we’re asking them to support, and get involved in Chairman Paul Garvin and chief Carole Langrick said: “We’re sign up to the NHS 2012 challenge initiatives at work. executive Alan Foster sign up to the delighted that Carl has joined - we’re aiming to get 2012 people Elaine added: “We’re now 2012 challenge us and will help us to make to pledge that they will do one working towards the silver award and maintain the relationships thing to improve their health and this year and hope to achieve which are becoming ever fitness by the time the Olympics the gold award in the year of more important in the new begin. It’s about creating a fitter the Olympics.” world of the NHS.” Carl (pictured) added: “To a certain extent we are all feeling our way through this process because it is likely to be a different world than the one we’re living in now. “The important thing is we continue to put patients first and this will be my guiding principle as we foster our relationships with the people and organisations which will be responsible for buying local people’s health care in Director of human resources and organisational development Clare Curran talks to the new arrangements.” health trainer manager Sharon Bartram and health trainer Elaine Mirfin watched by Executive chef Richard Kirton serves up Elaine Wilson fresh fruit snacks 020|021 Images of the conference Showcase of quality at celebrating excellence event Staff from across the trust about how using techniques such The prize winners were showcased their work at special as groups of health professionals Patient survey prize event in May. The celebrating getting together to review patients’ National cancer patient experience excellence conference is the trust’s notes and see if anything could survey, Jan Harley chance to share the amazing work Clinical audit prize have been done to improve the care Audit of perioperative hypothermia, done by staff which contributes to given to the patient is benefiting Radha Venkatesan the high quality care experienced by patients right across the trust. Clinical effectiveness prize our patients. The afternoon’s guest speaker A project to eliminate unnecessary Non executive director Steve Maxine Power is leading the delays, Jill Foreman Hall, who also chairs the trust’s quality, innovation, prevention and Poster prize patient safety and quality standards productivity (QIPP) programme 1st place committee, chaired the conference. from a quality point of view for Paying tribute to everyone who Stockton and Hartlepool stop the Department of Health. She either exhibited their work or made smoking service spoke about how everyone has a a presentation he said: “I know it’s a 2nd place contribution to make in improving borrowed phrase but it really is true Malnutrition universal quality and keeping patients safe. to say that your input is our output. screening tool Maxine said: “This trust really “There is some fantastic work going 3rd place on and days like today give us the understands that quality is all about Capture stroke opportunity to see and share it.” getting it right first time for patients. Highly commended The conference’s opening speaker This is what QIPP is about too.” Sepsis screening tool Conference organiser Carole was clinical director for medicine Local innovation award and elderly care Jean Macleod. In Pearson said: “I would like to thank Towards a seven day turn around a spellbinding presentation she all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers time in histology talked about our attitude to risk in and the team who helped organise Excellence in nursing the conference. There was a broad everyday life and how it was vital and midwifery in healthcare to have checks and spectrum of subjects covered which Joint 1st place balances in place to protect staff shows that our staff’s dedication Matching Michigan initiative and patients from these variations in to improving quality and safety is Reducing clostridium difficile as part people’s attitudes to risk. She talked visible in every corner of the trust.” of a trust-wide project June/July 11 Michelin star chef cooks up a treat for Julia She’s won a trip round the “I had a Julia said: “I had a wonderful Med with GMTV and appeared time. I took my sister Sue in the final on This Morning’s wonderful time. along with me to share the Cook a dish for Corrie experience and picked up I couldn’t have lots of cooking tips. I couldn’t competition and now radiology have wished for a better prize. information analyst Julia Kiss wished for a “The best part was getting a from the University Hospital better prize.” three-course taster of some of Hartlepool has had another excellent food he had made – it’s stroke of luck and won herself masterclass with TV star Jean not every day you get dinner a three hour cooking Christophe Novelli. cooked by a famous chef!” Stockton teenagers win national NHS competition Four students from Ian Ramsey Jenni, Chloe, Laura and Eleanor competition has proven to be a felt that it was essential to be School in Stockton on Tees have were each presented with their valuable classroom tool, engaging able to handle the sight of blood won a national competition run prizes of a netbook computer students with the workings of the – this is not actually a day to by NHS Careers. Jenni Douglas, and a £50 Amazon voucher health service and the different day task for many of the NHS’ Chloe Race, Laura Mitchinson by Matthew Wynne, a career options available to them. 1.4 million staff which includes and Eleanor Stevenson, all aged physiotherapist from North Tees The hard work and effort invested IT workers, communications staff 14, were today announced as and Hartlepool NHS Foundation in this project reflects their and estates managers. the overall national winners of Trust, and Alan Simmons of commitment and dedication.” Alan Simmons, careers consultant the annual Step into the NHS NHS Careers, during a special Jenni, Chloe, Laura and Eleanor for NHS Careers and a member schools’ competition. presentation at the school. said: “We enjoyed taking part in of the judging panel said: “This Students were tasked with Matthew Wynne commented: the competition and we’re now is the third year we have run researching one of the 350 “Young people are extremely more aware of the jobs available in the competition and the standard different career opportunities in important to the future of the the NHS. We chose physiotherapy of entries was again very high. the NHS and producing a CV, job NHS and it’s great to know that for our project as we have all been We found that the students’ description and job advertisement students are aware of the wide treated by physiotherapists in the understanding of the role of a for their chosen role. Over 1,500 range of opportunities that exist. I past and we wanted to find out physiotherapist and the creative students from across England am delighted that the winner chose more. It was a great choice - we way they promoted it to their entered the competition. to look at physiotherapy, as many discovered it to be an interesting peers made their entry really Jenni, Chloe, Laura and Eleanor, people may not be aware of the and inspiring career.” stand out. all from Hartburn, decided to look work we do to help people using According to statistics from NHS “With over 350 job roles, working at the role of a physiotherapist interventions, services and advice Careers, almost one child in in the NHS can mean a lot more in the NHS. The judges were aimed at restoring, maintaining every class in England is likely than being a doctor or nurse – particularly impressed by their and improving people’s function to work for the health service roles traditionally associated creativity and understanding of and movement to maximise the in the future. Whilst over half of with the NHS. The NHS needs a the role in developing a range of quality of their lives.” 11-16 year olds have considered whole team of staff, from clinical materials including a unique job Janet Wilson head teacher at Ian working for the NHS in the future, psychologists to cooks, and from advertisement using drinks mats Ramsey School said: “We are they are less well informed about paramedics to porters to make to promote physiotherapy as a thrilled that our students have what is involved. 75 per cent of sure that patients receive the best career choice for young people. won this important prize. This those surveyed by NHS Careers care possible.”

Success: from left, physiotherapist Matthew Wynne, Chloe Race, Alan Simmons, Winner: the girls’ job ad Laura Mitchinson, Jenni Douglas and Eleanor Stevenson 022|023 Anyone can volunteer whatever your age

It’s not just retired people who do service for that so I thought can benefit from volunteering volunteering with the WRVS and increasing numbers of young would be a good opportunity. people are giving up their time to “I’d certainly recommend get involved in voluntary work. volunteering with the WRVS to Samuel Langrick, 16 from other young people. It is good Middlesbrough started experience to learn customer volunteering in the WRVS shop service skills. I really enjoy A hip replacement in progress at the University Hospital of Hartlepool at the University Hospital of North the work and feel like I’m Tees just over one year ago. doing something worthwhile in He helps out in the shop on a the community.” Tuesday afternoon for a couple of hours. His role involves Local service manager, Ann serving customers in the gift Hunton-Young said: “Samuel is Trust begins shop, putting out new stock and our youngest volunteer. We have generally helping patients, staff a fantastic team of volunteers and visitors. here and we really value what Samuel said: “I am working they do for us. The energy and its second towards my silver Duke of enthusiasm young volunteers hip recall Edinburgh Award and I need to bring to WRVS is invaluable. ”

The trust has begun a recall of of movement and pain in the patients who have had what joint. Following the outcome is known as a metal-on-metal of the results discussions will total hip replacement. take place with the patients The recall follows last year’s concerned to plan any further recall of patients who had metal- action if necessary. on-metal hip resurfacing joints. Surgeons and researchers at The trust has written to the the trust are among a handful 450 patients who have total hip of experts across the world replacements where the ball at to discover problems with the top of the joint and the cup abnormal wear and tear on which sits in the pelvis are both metal-on-metal hip joints. made of metal. The letter states Medical director of North Tees that the trust will invite patients and Hartlepool NHS Foundation for an appointment in a staged Trust David Emerton said: “The way over the coming months. vast majority of patients will The trust is following guidance not have a problem, but we from the MHRA to say that are carrying out these tests all patients with metal-on-metal because we are following Samuel with Sylvia Dalkin and May Metcalfe hip joints should be reviewed national guidance and we want so any early signs that their hip to err on the side of caution. joint if failing can be identified. “Last year we recalled patients There can be problems for a who had hip resurfacing joints small number of patients who and this recall is for patients have had metal-on-metal joints with total hip replacements. implanted where the tissue “We appreciate this is Got a story around the hip joint is affected. worrying for people but I’d like The 450 patients had their total to assure patients that they for Anthem? hip replacements at either the are in good hands. Our University Hospital of Hartlepool orthopaedic team are world If you’ve got something to or the University Hospital of leaders in this so they can share with other Anthem North Tees between 2003 and be assured that they will get readers please email 2009 when the problem was a very thorough review [email protected] or phone 01642 624339. identified and surgeons stopped and appropriate action if using the joints. it’s needed.” Patients being recalled will have http://www.youtube.com/ a blood test and an assessment watch?v=DRjLReyusOM June/July 11 Trust welcomes new consultants Happy retirement to Kailash In March we said goodbye to a always been totally dedicated to much respected and well liked his work and has been a great figure as consultant paediatrician support to all of his staff. Consultant histopathologist Kailash Agrawal retired after “He will be greatly missed by all Mohammed Hegab joined working at the trust for over who have come into contact with the trust in April from 35 years. him through the course of their the University Hospital of Kailash was primarily based at work. We all wish him a long and North Durham. Caroline Street Health Clinic in happy retirement.” Hartlepool and in addition to his Kailash said: “I very much enjoyed consultant duties has also held my time working in the trust. Locum spinal the post of clinical director, family I have always appreciated the health and was named doctor support and kindness of all my surgeon Khaled on the Hartlepool, Stockton and colleagues at all levels. Durham Local Safeguarding “I feel very privileged and grateful Aneiba Children Boards. to have worked in the NHS for over Speaking at his retirement 35 years and had the opportunity presentation medical director to serve the children in Hartlepool, Medical director David Emerton wishes David Emerton said: “Kailash has Stockton and Easington.” Kailash Agrawal a happy retirement Quality counts for RCN The trust welcomes locum consultant spinal surgeon Khaled Aneiba who will cover chief executive Manoj Krishna’s one year sabbatical. Patients currently In March a very important visitor pleasant as possible. “I thought the under the care of Manoj Krishna paid a flying visit to the University While he was here met with will be looked after by Khaled Hospital of North Tees. matrons and accompanied acting staff were very Aneiba during this time. Royal College of Nursing chief senior clinical matron in elderly executive and general secretary care Pauline Townsend and professional and Peter Carter was at the hospital matron in accident & emergency extremely well to meet with director of nursing Stuart Harper on a quality review Trust welcomes and patient safety Sue Smith panel on ward 42. motivated and new orthopaedic to see the ways in which we Our quality review panels take was impressed by ensure that the experience place each month and are consultant patients have while they are in to monitor standards of care the way they knew our hospitals is as safe and as delivered to patients. the chief executive and members of the trust board.

While on the review Peter spoke to staff and patients and was particularly impressed by the high A new consultant has joined standards of care he witnessed. the trust’s orthopaedics He said: “I thought the whole and trauma team. Anwar hospital was extremely well Jafri worked at Northumbria organised, neat and clean. Healthcare NHS Foundation “I thought the staff were very Trust before being appointed professional and extremely well in January. Anwar specialises motivated and was impressed in lower limb orthopaedics, particularly hips and knees. by the way they knew the He said: “I’m delighted to be chief executive and members joining the trust at such an of the trust board. It was quite exciting time and getting to obvious that this is a board that know everyone in the coming Peter Carter chats to associate practitioner Tammy Ann Saunders watched by seeks to connect with staff on weeks and months.” Pauline Townsend the front line.”

024|025 Mandatory training – it’s not an option Although mandatory training might be seen as something that comes around quickly – it is absolutely vital. General manager for education, learning and development Alan Shepherd explained: “As the name suggests mandatory training is not an option. It’s the things that people need to know to do their jobs safety and effectively. “We provide a range of training for a number of reasons, firstly because we are legally required to provide certain training such as health and safety, fire safety, manual handling and hand hygiene training. “Not all mandatory training is about spending time on a course. Sometimes it can be as simple as filling in a few forms. “Mandatory training is essential for keeping staff up to date on a professional and personal level. It is there to make sure staff are protected and kept safe while at work. “We want to ensure staff have the right Training and development team knowledge and skills to provide best standard of care that our patients deserve. every five years. Making sure we all have the sure that all staff get the training they need “Once someone has received their induction right skills to work to the highest possible at the right time and I’d like to pay tribute to training staff need to come to a one day or standards is very important. them for their dedication and hard work for for some staff a half day training session “We’ve got a great team here who make doing this.” Trust pledges £11,000 to Support Your Bowel A charity which raises awareness about bowel packed Grand Hotel in Hartlepool heard music cancer and is fundraising for a specialist piece from some celebrated acoustic artists and of bowel cancer diagnostic equipment has had were given the opportunity to bid for signed a welcome boost to its funds. CDs, pictures and other memorabilia to boost Patient Tony Larkin pledged to raise money funds. The audience also had a welcome for Support Your Bowel while recovering from surprise; the presentation of a cheque for major surgery after being diagnosed with £11,000 from the trust to boost the fundraising bowel cancer in September 2009 and decided effort which topped a combined £15,150 on to use music to help meet that goal. Things the night. have grown rapidly since making that pledge Tony said: “Using music to raise both funds even while Tony was receiving additional and awareness helps us reach a different Tony Larkin with the artists Black, Chris Helme and chemotherapy treatment. audience. Some of the people at our nights Lucky Jim at the acoustic night At the charity’s most recent fundraising night a have, like me, been affected by bowel cancer. However many come because they love music. It means we can get the messages about being aware of possible symptoms of bowel cancer over to them and perhaps even save a life by doing so.” Specialist nurse in bowel cancer at the University Hospital of Hartlepool Gill Trainer said: “I didn’t expect to be modelling a signed guitar in the course of my work but that’s what I found myself doing at the latest event. We had an amazing bid of £305 for the guitar which was just brilliant.” The next acoustic night is on Friday 8 July, 7pm til late at The Best Western Grand Hotel in Hartlepool. It’s your chance to see artists Jon Allen, Duncan Townsend, Tinlin and Gary Stewart and bid for some autographed musical memorabilia. Gill Trainer with a signed guitar being auctioned at the Head of communications Claire Young presents the You can find out more about the charity at Support Your Bowel acoustic night cheque to Tony and his wife Joanne. www.supportyourbowel.com June/July 11 Shaping our future consultants Skills of the region’s future conditions and with our guidance concerning a clinical problem. consultants were put to the test candidates can approach the “The timing is has to be on a two day intensive course OSCE with confidence. precise. It’s a good and fair way hosted by the trust on behalf Consultant in obstetrics and to check on a student’s clinical of the Northern Deanery for gynaecology Dolon Basu (pictured knowledge and skills. obstetrics and gynaecology centre), who led the course “On the day there is a continual specialist trainees in preparation explained: “We’ve hosted this flow of students, assessors, for their exams. for a number of years now and helpers, volunteers and actors to The course which prepares we continue to receive excellent keep to time. Diabetes specialist nurse feedback from the trainees and students for the observed “I’d like to pay tribute to my Maureen Dobson the deanery. structured clinical examination – consultant colleagues both from “During the course, which the final hurdle to achieve the the trust and from other hospitals is run every year, students Specialist prestigious Membership of in the deanery for their dedication move from station to station the Royal College of Obstetrics every few minutes and at each and support in helping the trainees nurse retires and Gynaecology included station an assessor who and Sue Dent, Janet Alderton, sessions dedicated to the quizzes the students to a set Judith Lewin and Barbara Harland after 44 years techniques for dealing with difficult marking scheme. for their support and contribution patients, breaking bad news “They get asked various questions in for once again making it a in the NHS and counselling. on specific test results, about successful training event. Diabetes specialist nurse It provides personalised training pieces of equipment, examining a “It’s all about the part we Maureen Dobson has retired and covers a wide range of volunteer patient, or an observation have to play in moulding next after a dedicated 44 years stations in realistic exam of the student talking to an actor year’s consultants.” service in the NHS. Maureen started her career in the NHS in 1967 when she started her orthopeadic training in Sunderland. She completed her nurse training shortly afterwards at Sunderland Royal Hospital and then her midwifery training at Dryburn Hospital. Soon afterwards she qualified as a health visitor in the Peterlee area and then became a district nurse on the twilight service for seven years. She became a diabetes specialist nurse at the University Hospital of North Tees in 1991 and Students stop for a photo with consultants and nursing colleagues looked after both children and adults. She built the bridges between primary and secondary care and has continued to be Hear to help involved in the changes within The trust’s audiology service invited people with hearing the diabetes team. problems to find out more about support on offer at Colleague Maggie Robinson events in Hartlepool and Peterlee. said: “Maureen is loved Audiologist Kirby Miller said: “The events were really by her patients for her successful and many people came along. Representatives compassionate nature and from leading manufacturers showcased the latest hearing will be missed by them all. technology including accessories which can connect We all wish her the very best hearing systems to telephones and audio equipment. for her retirement.” “Hearing problems can affect the quality of life for many Maureen added: “I’ve met people, but with the right help they can benefit from the some wonderful people in my latest hearing aid technology. career and made some great “It’s important to detect hearing problems early so we friends. I’m looking forward can assess and help people to manage them quickly.” to taking a well earned rest To find out more about the help available for hearing to spend time with my family problems call the audiology department at One Life and will spend more time Hartlepool on 01429 860103, the University Hospital in Spain where I’ve recently of Hartlepool on 01429 860976, Peterlee Community bought a holiday home.” Audiologist Kirby Miller gives advice at the event Hospital on 0191 5869844 or go to www.nth.nhs.uk/aud

026|027 A general ward Sue visits the children’s ward Trust reaches out to support Cambodia In our December issue we reported that the trust was forging links with the people of Cambodia who are rebuilding their country after the atrocities of the killing fields of the 70s where millions of people lost their lives. Director of nursing and patient safety Sue Smith, her husband Tim and consultant in palliative care medicine Edwin Pugh and his wife Kim made the long trip to Cambodia in February. Here Sue gives a flavour of the visit for Anthem readers.

A two day trip across land, sea and what they have. And they are for the population. country took Sue and her party to very generous; they shared their The visit resulted in a conversation the town of Siam Reap and the scarce resources with us. The where Sue pledged to join Battambang hospital. She said: whole trip was a truly humbling consultant in palliative care “Nothing prepares you for the and life changing experience.” medicine Edwin Pugh, a regular sights you encounter when you The trip came about after Setan visitor to Cambodia, on his next visit a country like Cambodia. The Lee visited the trust last year with trip to the country. Edwin and Tim Smith get down to some people are proud and courageous, Edwin to talk to directors about Sue added: “We take many things serious building work trying to rebuild a nation which how the killing fields left millions for granted in this country where was torn apart when millions of dead, including doctors and other health care facilities are modern people were killed in the 1970s. health professionals, which has and the resources are there when Tim, a landscape gardener, also While they have few resources resulted the country having few people need them. helped to build raised beds for vegetable planting. they are making the best of medically trained people to care “In stark contrast we saw wards “Our staff rallied round and where there was one set of suction donated money which we took equipment for an entire TB ward with us, said Sue. “With the and intensive care units with no money we bought items such as monitoring equipment and beds sewing machines while we were which would be impossible to there. Girls are being taught skills keep clean. However despite this like sewing so they can make a people were devoted to caring for decent living and avoid resorting patients and they used the few to prostitution. Such practical resources they had very wisely.” things are making a real difference Apart from her obvious interest in and helping to make the future a healthcare, Sue was drafted in to bit brighter for these girls.” mix cement and build footpaths; The trust is now looking at ways all without the help of cement to forge more links with Cambodia mixers or wheelbarrows. Manual and discussions are underway labour really is manual labour in this with other colleagues about how The maternity ward Edwin with some of the street children part of Cambodia. Sue’s husband they can help. June/July 11 Trust scores highly on cancer patient experience survey Lead cancer nurse Jan Harley (pictured) talks about the latest survey results, and her role

The role of lead cancer nurse two per cent of the questions is crucial in any trust and North asked were scored in the bottom Tees and Hartlepool NHS 20 per cent nationally. Foundation Trust’s lead cancer In particular nurse is no exception. Jan • 93 per cent of patients reported explains: “This role provides a their first appointment with the liaison between cancer specialist specialist was no more than four nurses in all our departments and weeks after referral, the cancer management team • 85 per cent of patients said which ensures we continue to they received a complete improve services and achieve explanation by staff about the the aims of the national cancer purpose of diagnostic tests reform strategy as well as our and 85 per cent also stated trust cancer strategy. they were given a complete “As a lead nurse in breast care explanation of their results in an myself I understand the need for understandable way, cancer nurses to have a voice. • 87 per cent of patients stated My role is very much to provide they felt that they were told professional leadership, take what was wrong with them in a forward cancer nursing issues sensitive and caring manner, from specialist nurse meetings • 87 per cent of patients felt to the cancer management they were given a choice of committee, and to ensure cancer different treatment options with nurses have access to clinical 90 per cent saying they were supervision .It is also to ensure given written information about the cancer specialist nurses any side effects associated with are up to date with the latest their treatment, information to support them in • 88 per cent of patients said their role and meet all of the they had confidence and trust requirements asked of them. My in the hospital doctors treating liaison role also extends externally them and 96 per cent said the to the cancer network.” hospital doctor always spent The results of the 2010 national enough time with them. 97 cancer patient experience survey per cent of patients also felt have now been published that the hospital doctors always and Jan is, understandably, proud had the right notes and other of them. documentation with them, She said: “The survey is • 90 per cent of patients said they designed to monitor national were given the right amount of progress on cancer care and information about their condition provide information which can people need information they can how to get expert financial help and treatment, lead to further improvements understand, someone to spend or advice, • 81 per cent of patients stated for patients. time with them, listen to them • ensuring patients receive they did not feel like a ‘set of and address their concerns. This enough care from health and Highest response rate cancer symptoms.’ is where cancer specialist nurses social services by making closer “We were pleased to achieve the “The care and support given to and multidisciplinary teams are an links with the George Hardwick highest response rate in the North patients by their clinical nurse invaluable asset.” Foundation, Macmillan services East with 70 per cent of our specialists scored particularly The trust has plans in place and palliative care services. patients taking part in the survey. highly,” adds Jan, “with 96 per to address the very few areas Jan added: “I am pleased and This means we see a far more cent of patients saying their clinical where improvement was needed. privileged to be carrying out this representative picture of how our nurse specialist listened carefully They were: role as the professional lead for patients felt about their care to them, 95 per cent got answers • continuing to monitor waiting our highly skilled and dedicated “All of the scores are gathered and to important questions all/most times for patients (as a lower team of cancer specialist nurses. compared to the national picture, of the time and 97 per cent felt proportion of our patients These survey results and our so it was particularly pleasing to specified that their health peer review results show we they were given enough time with see that: remained the same or got are getting many things right their clinical nurse specialist. • 59 per cent of the questions better whilst waiting to be seen for patients and they can be asked were scored in the top 20 Invaluable asset by a specialist), assured that we will continue per cent nationally, “These results speak volumes • ensuring patients are given to provide the very highest • 39 per cent of the questions for the whole team caring for information about support standards of compassionate and asked were scored in the middle people with cancer. A diagnosis groups in their area and caring cancer services in the 60 per cent nationally, and only of cancer can be devastating and are given information about interest of patients.” 028|029 All systems go for carbon management Recycling The carbon management plan which was The trial alone, which replaced only three of created with the help of the Carbon Trust was the existing lamps saves over £1,000 a year on passed by the trust board at the last board electricity and maintenance costs, as well as meeting at the end of May. saving five tonnes of CO2. Once the initiative The plan demonstrates our commitment and is rolled out across the 120 fittings in the sets out how we as an NHS Foundation Trust main car park the savings will be over plan to reduce our emissions, how we can £35,000 annually. influence other organisations to do the same, Further investment through an interest-free and how we are preparing for the effects of government loan will see the same repeated climate change. at Hartlepool this year. In the plan we have stated our aim to reduce carbon by between 17 and 20 per cent by 2015. This is not only kinder to the environment but Every reduction no means resources can be concentrated where matter how small will they’re really needed; on patient care. To achieve this, the trust has included 25 separate have an impact. schemes to reduce energy and wastage. Heat exchanger Here are just a few of the schemes that are being implemented at the moment: Plate heat exchangers for domestic hot water system LED car park lighting We have also bought modern plate heat After a successful trial we have replaced the exchangers, which use unwanted heat from lighting in the main visitor car park at North the combined heat and power engine in the Tees with energy efficient LED lighting saving boiler house to provide the heat for the hot up to 90% on electricity. water system. They will reduce the amount of energy required to provide hot water by 20% saving 220 tonnes of CO2 and £35,000 a year. In April this year all of the hot water used at the University Hospital of North Tees was heated by the heat exchangers. The same system is planned to be installed at The University Hospital of Hartlepool this year. Motion sensitive lighting Corridor lighting It is also a matter of changing the way A lot of energy is wasted by lights being left on people think and act, Stuart added: “The plan needlessly so we have invested in new motion requires us to embed carbon reduction and and light sensitive lighting in several areas in sustainability into all our activities so by doing the main block at the University Hospital of this we will be preparing ourselves for the North Tees and we are planning to update move to the new hospital, which is being the lighting in the main entrance at Hartlepool designed as an excellent example of energy and around the North Wing entrance at efficiency and sustainability.” North Tees. To achieve all of this we also need the help of Many people have asked why we are investing staff, patients and visitors. There are several in these schemes with a new hospital on things everyone can do, things that will help the way. Head of engineering compliance you save money at home as well; re-think your and energy Stuart Watkin explains: “As part energy use, think about what you use and of the carbon management plan we have how you use it; reduce consumption by being assessed every project and all everything we energy conscious, don’t waste electricity, gas are planning will pay for itself within two to and water, and consequently money; think three years. about car journeys, walk instead of taking the “This means that with the new hospital car – it is healthier too; consider how we can expected to open in 2016, all of the schemes make a difference for the future. will be paid for and will have saved us money Every reduction no matter how small will have Stuart Watkin long before that time.” an impact. June/July 11 “Learn through play the Montessori way” Montessori Pre-School Caring for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. Contact us: Our early years programme enhances self Blue Peter House, confidence, individuality, creativity & 127-129 Green Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough TS5 7AD self expression. Tel: 01642 270511 • Early reading, writing & numeracy Montessori Pre-School Central, At Ruby Slippers, we believe that supporting you in activities are provided including French. 46 Southfield Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3EU your home is all about supporting you to manage your • Excellent OFSTED reports. Tel: 01642 252723 • Government grants for 3 & 4 year olds. Also incorporating: life as you see fit - helping you live your own life what • High staff ratio for quality care. Thornaby Childrens Nursery • School holiday club for 4 - 8 year olds. 462 Thornaby Road, Thornaby, ever you need we will provide when you need it. Stockton on Tees TS17 8QH www.montessoripreschoolnursery.co.uk Tel: 01642 750113 ❚ Washing, bathing, showering ❚ Dressing & undressing STRAFFORD - QUALITY BUILT IN

Strafford Fabrications Our traditional or modern We welcome enquiries from ❚ Medication 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 ❚ Assistance with feeding 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 Highly trained staff 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 Sitting service service or supply products to full range of colours. reflect your own ideas whilst ❚ Direct payments accepted complying with current Our experienced fitters building regulations. complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your Call Julie Gardner on: complete satisfaction.

01325 263 066 or Unit 3 Strafford Industrial Park, Gilroyd Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3EJ Tel/Fax 01226 296767 Wayne 07766 943937 Brian 07818 258601 mob 07827 913 373 E-mail: [email protected] www.straffordfabrications.co.uk www.rubyslippersuk.com

PiperCare Home Court Sycamore Way, Hardwick, Hair,Niche Health, Spa & Beauty Salon Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, TS19 8FR Niche Tel: 01642 606512 Welcome to Niche, the place to refresh, Residential Nursing, Mental revitalise and relax. Health Specialists Princess Pamper Parties - Welcome to Piper Court Care Home, our modern purpose built Home where we provide a high standard of care 24 hours a day. Our Residents have varying needs where little girls’ dreams come true. from specialist Nursing support to general assistance with everyday living. Some stay with us on a permanent basis whilst others stay for short periods of time. We offer Residential and Nursing care as well as specialist care for those Tel: 0191 5869057 with Dementia. We provide care for younger people with Mental Health Issues 5 Black Hills Road, Horden SR8 4SD and Respite care to give home carers a much needed break. We also provide Email: [email protected] ■ Web: www.niche-horden.com End of Life care at a time when Residents and their families need specialist help and support. All of our private bedrooms have en-suite facilities and all are decorated to a North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the high standard. advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Our Residents can pursue their hobbies in our communal and quiet lounges Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. situated throughout the Home. We also have a large piano lounge and a hair salon. Our landscaped gardens boast a comfortable patio seating area and colourful raised flowerbeds which many Residents enjoy tending. These areas Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this are used for relaxing, socialising and are great places to invite friends and families publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it when they visit. cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there We have highly nutritious and varied menus and cater for all dietary and cultural by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication needs. All of our food is prepared using fresh ingredients every day in our kitchens. is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners. Our dining rooms are warm and welcoming. The tables are laid with fresh flowers Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2011. and linen and our menus are displayed to show the choices available. Snacks, fresh Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH. Tel: 01909 478822 fruit and refreshments are provided 24 hours a day. Residents can choose to have their meals in their own room or in our dining room depending on how they feel. We encourage friends and family to join us for meals To advertise in this publication please call our sales or afternoon tea anytime. team on 01909 478822

030|031 ictoria House Care Home • Personal Care & Support • Day Care Victoria House is a modern and specially designed Care • Care following hospital discharge Centre set close to the centre • Escorting to appointments/ of Stockton-on-Tees providing social activities nursing and residential care • Special Needs for elderly people with physical frailty, dementia and confusion, mental health needs and • Shopping and Meal Preparation physical disability. • Companionship • Community and Home Care The Centre also provides the following amenities: Wheelchair access to all indoor and outdoor areas (Domiciliary) Wide corridors and handrails Bath hoists and wheel-in showers Experienced Highly Trained Staff Stand aid, moving and handling equipment

Adventus Care, Stockton Business Centre, 70 - 74 Brunswick Street, Stockton, TS18 1DW

Tel: 0845 269 3812 Bath Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS18 2DX 01642 345285 or 07900 977253 Tel: 01642 677282

June/July 11 £350

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