Members’ news Mental health support centre opens its doors in Weymouth Dorset’s latest mental health drop-in support service has been officially opened by the Mayor of Weymouth. Cllr Colin Huckle and his wife Marian, Mayoress of Weymouth (both pictured right), formally unveiled the new Community Front Room (CFR) in St Mary’s Street, which we are running in partnership with charitable housing association BCHA. Like the other CFRs in Bridport, Shaftesbury and Wareham, it will be open 3.15-10.45pm, Thursday- Sunday, for anyone aged 18 or over who needs support if they are feeling stressed, anxious or These drop-in services are part of our Access depressed. Mental Health service, which also includes the Visitors will be able to access face-to-face help from 24/7 Connection helpline (0800 652 0190) for professionals and peer support workers, with no people of all ages. appointment required. Tracey Marshall, our Crisis and Acute Community Wendy Thompson, Manager of Weymouth CFR, said: Services Manager, said: “The past year has been “Coming out of lockdown can be just as challenging as particularly challenging for people’s mental health. being in lockdown. The Community Front Room offers As restrictions ease, many of us may feel anxious a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental and confidential and could struggle to cope. Our Access Mental space where people can talk to us and find the Health service is here to help and provide the first solutions to help them on the path to recovery.” step on the road to recovery.” Throughout the pandemic the CFRs and our two Retreats in Bournemouth and Dorchester have offered Are you worried or anxious about coming out ‘virtual’ drop-ins. They are all now back open for face- of lockdown and the on-going threat of to-face support, with some restrictions on numbers COVID-19? and the amount of time each person can stay. Visit our Steps 2 Wellbeing website to learn more about the support available, and read Virtual support will also continue for those who prefer up on 11 practical tips to help you cope. to talk online.

Local COVID-19 Thanking our Governor elections Allotments are a lot updates great volunteers are coming of help for patients – page 3 – page 4 – page 6 – page 7 Message from the Lead Governor team

Welcome to your summer edition of Members’ All our services are very busy at the moment as News. We hope you and your families are keeping we continue to feel the effects of the pandemic. safe and well. This comes at a time when our teams are focussed on recovery, with staff committed to The pandemic has made for an extremely improving services for patients and reducing challenging year for the NHS and the people of waiting times. There is, of course, a long way to Dorset, but it has also been a year of hope. The go but we are making good progress. NHS in Dorset has rolled out the biggest vaccination programme in local health service The Council of Governors has started planning history. Our Trust continues to play a crucial role the Annual Members’ Meeting on Wednesday, in this programme and could not achieve this 20 October. Before then, we will be holding without the skill and dedication of our staff, along elections for new governors. If you have an with the support of volunteers and the public. interest in Dorset HealthCare, care about improving local health services for the good of Monday, 19 July marked the end of many COVID- the whole community and are keen to develop 19 restrictions across England. However, with stronger links between the Trust and the people infection rates rising, we need to be more vigilant it serves, why not consider standing as a public than ever. In keeping with other healthcare governor? See page 6 for more details. settings across the country, we are continuing to ask staff and all visitors to Dorset HealthCare sites Our next council meeting is on Wednesday, 8 to wear a face covering (unless exempt) and to September. If you wish to raise any concerns or follow social distancing and hand washing questions, or provide feedback to your guidelines. See page 3 for more details. Governors, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Governor profile: Hattie Taylor “I was elected as a staff governor last year and have been learning about the role ever since. How it is challenging, and changing, with no one ‘Lead Governor’ and more shared responsibilities across the council instead. “This gives us a real opportunity to raise awareness of what a governor does, as well as what Trust membership allows anyone to do. Did you know, for example, that members can help to “Currently I am District Nurse Lead for Purbeck, design and develop our services? and a Queen’s Nurse (since 2015), focused on improving our quality of care and helping people “Starting with the NHS in 1995 as a Health Care to reach their potential. Assistant, I trained as a nurse in Bristol and Bath and gained a specialist qualification in 2004. I “I took part in a leadership programme with the currently have 19 years’ experience of working in Queen’s Nursing Institute, which helped motivate the community; I’ve led teams in urban and rural me to stand for election as a governor. I actively settings, and have loved it all. articulate the value of what health and social care professionals do, spread awareness of our roles, “I came to Dorset in 2008, and have seen our Trust and share positivity about living and working in be transformed over this time. I am very proud to Dorset through Twitter. work for such an inclusive organisation, with real opportunities for professional development. “If you’re on there, follow me via @hattierocket.”

2 COVID-19 update

Bournemouth vaccination centre Restrictions remain at re-opens its doors Trust sites Any people still needing their first or second While most pandemic restrictions were COVID-19 vaccination jab are being urged to book a slot eased across England in July, the NHS is at our vaccination centre in the Bournemouth taking a slower, more precautionary International Centre (BIC). approach to coming out of lockdown. Following a short break, the centre is again taking This will help us to protect the most bookings from anyone aged 18 and over, offering both vulnerable and manage any potential AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. pressures on our services. Staff will also be able to deliver a small number of walk- As a result, in keeping with other in jabs each day, when vaccine is available. healthcare settings across the country, you With most pandemic restrictions now eased, vaccination are still required to wear face coverings take-up is more important than ever to minimise the risk when visiting our sites to help minimise the of people falling seriously ill or even dying as a result of risk of infection. the virus. Guidelines around social distancing and Dorset recently passed the one million mark for doses the use of hand sanitiser also remains in delivered, with almost 100,000 of those taking place at place. This will help to keep all visitors, the BIC since January. patients and staff safe. Outpatient appointments and limited visiting to our inpatient wards will continue as before. Visit our website for more information. Thank you for your co-operation and continued support of the NHS.

You can make an appointment there via the NHS national booking system or by calling 119.

COVID Services Manager Anna Chainey said: “We will Wear a face covering. have provision for a small number of walk-in jabs each day, but booking a slot will mean you won’t have to wait around. Feedback from visitors to the centre is extremely positive – 98 per cent of people responding to a follow-up survey Use the hand sanitiser said their experience was good or very good. available. The centre is open from 8am-8pm, and full details are available on our website. The national booking system website will also allow you to book your jab at many other locations if the BIC is Maintain a distance of difficult for you to get to. two metres from others, And you can find out about other walk-in vaccination wherever possible. opportunities around Dorset at www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/ vaccinations/walk-in.

3 Dorset HealthCare recognised for our commitment to supporting veterans

We’re proud to announce that we’ve been formally named a Veteran Aware Trust. The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), acknowledges our commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, active armed forces personnel and their families. Medical Director Dr Faisil Sethi said: “We are honoured to have received accreditation for being a Veteran Aware Trust. “Trauma experienced through service can have a devastating effect on the lives of service men and women, and their families. I am very proud Andy Gritt, Clinical and Operations Manager for the of the support we can offer to anyone in the team, said: “It’s vitally important that ex-armed armed forces community who may experience forces personnel are being well supported, not just health problems.” on Armed Forces Day but all year round. Our team is here for you every step of the way.” As well as providing direct healthcare support and guidance, our Armed Forces Community To find out more or get support from the Armed Health and Wellbeing Team can assist people Forces Community Health and Wellbeing Team, seeking help with social care, housing, welfare visit our website or and employment issues. email [email protected]

Thanking our fantastic volunteers

Pandemic restrictions have made life tough for many Like all volunteers, of our volunteers, but people have still been keen to Jeff (right) is very give up their time and help out wherever possible. much a part of our community and his Jeff White, for example, has been volunteering at efforts are greatly Sherborne’s Yeatman Hospital since August appreciated. 2019. With a background in landscape gardening and having previously worked keeping hospital grounds Volunteers neat and tidy in Somerset, he brought his expertise to Development Lead the Willows Ward garden there. Kim Mansbridge said: “Over the past year, our amazing volunteers have been sewing, making Working outside, on his own, Jeff has been able to various items, undertaking deliveries for continue throughout most of the past year. He is all patients who were isolating and calling others you could wish for in a volunteer – generous with his who were feeling lonely. time, hard working, knowledgeable and cheerful. “All these selfless acts are what make the Hospital Secretary June McCourt said: “Jeff has been people who volunteer so very special. We look instrumental in helping us with a new plan to create a forward to moving down the road to recovery so garden area with raised beds. Patients will be able to that more of our services can welcome back tend these as part of their rehabilitation, and provide volunteers.” something for others missing their own gardens.”

4 Shaftesbury hospital celebrates 150-year 150 anniversary years

Staff at Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury were joined by members of its League of Friends to mark 150 years since the building’s foundation stone was laid. They gathered in the hospital garden, off Abbey Walk, to watch the raising of a flag, enjoy refreshments and reflect on the history of healthcare on the site. The hospital was built on land donated by Lady Elizabeth Leveson-Gower, wife of Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquis of Westminster, who owned large parts of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area. Lady Theodora Grosvenor, the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth, laid the first stone in 1871. The hospital was opened three years later by the Lord Bishop of Salisbury, and was initially paid for through patient subscriptions (a guinea a year or a lifetime payment of £20). In 1928 the League of Friends came on board, and continues to raise vital funds for equipment and improvements to this day. Matron Ali Low Staff and guests at the commemoration event enjoyed soft drinks, kindly donated by the local Tesco store, and two specially-made cakes supplied by hospital cook Mary Pocock and Healthcare Assistant (and Friends member) Denise Potter. Matron Ali Low said: “Although we could hold only a small celebration, due to COVID restrictions, it was important to commemorate the 150-year milestone.

“It was also an opportunity to say thank- (l-r) Cook Mary Pocock, Facilitator Manager Robyn Mills, you to the League of Friends and our Matron Ali Low, Ward Clerk Becky Stinton, Healthcare staff for their fantastic support during the Assistant (and Friends member) Denise Potter challenging events of the past year.”

5 Governor elections 2021 You are a member of our Trust, but did you know you could stand for election as a Governor, too? Elections to our Council of Governors take place shortly, and there are ten seats up for grabs this year. This page gives you full details of what will happen and when. Even if you don’t wish to become a Governor yourself, please get involved and vote for candidates standing in your area. It’s your chance to influence how our Trust is run.

Governors play a vital role in the work of the Trust and make a real difference by:

• helping to shape our future strategy and the services we provide

• providing feedback on the quality of our services so they can be continuously improved

• undertaking a number of statutory responsibilities including the appointment of our Chair and Non-Executive Directors

• holding the Board of Directors to account for its performance

• representing the views of Foundation Trust members on key issues, and consulting them on the important matters such as proposed service developments and changes.

the Trust's public website.

6 A breath of fresh air for patients

Outdoor activities are proven to support health and wellbeing, and our services are embracing nature to support patient recovery. In Blandford, the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) for older people supports those with problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and dementia. Supported by volunteers, Occupational Therapists Rachel Skeats and Rachel Webster Margaret at the allotment with OT Rachel Skeats run a weekly allotment group for patients to experience nature and boost their motivation, Margaret Fowler, 82, has been part of the confidence and self-esteem. allotment group for almost four years. She said: Rachel Skeats said: “The allotment not only “I suffer with high anxiety and the allotment allows patients to get out in the fresh air, but also sessions make me feel relaxed and able to focus, gives them an opportunity to learn new skills, as while socialising with others in a peaceful setting. well as a sense of purpose and achievement. All “Every time I visit the allotment I learn something the produce grown is sold to Blandford Hospital new and get a sense of achievement from staff and visitors.” planting seeds, seeing them grow and knowing Rachel Webster added: “The allotment tasks the produce will benefit someone else.” meet individual needs to ensure every patient can Visit our website to see how else we support get involved. It also gives people a sense of patients through nature, and for ideas on how we belonging, a way to connect with others and feel can all connect with nature to support our part of the community.” mental health.

Fundraising run says “thank you” for post-natal care

Husband and wife Chris and Natalie Wasley Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health have donated almost £900 to our mother and illness that affects around one in 500 mothers baby unit (MBU) in Bournemouth after after giving birth, and requires specialist completing a 10k run. treatment. The couple, from Surrey, took on the fundraising Natalie and Dean stayed in the MBU three times challenge after Natalie was supported at the and, despite Natalie’s illness, the family has many Florence House inpatient unit in Westbourne fond memories of the unit. when she experienced postpartum psychosis Chris said: “When Natalie was diagnosed it was following the birth of her son Dean. completely unexpected, and frightening. But the care provided by the team at Florence House was amazing. “We will be forever thankful for everything they did for us, and took on a sponsored 10k run as a way of giving something back.” The couple recently popped back to Florence House to present a cheque for £871 and donate a hamper of goodies to mums currently on the Perinatal Mental Health Service Clinical Team ward. They also donated an equal amount to Leaders Hannah Maxwell-Harrison and Sophie national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis. Ashman (left and centre) with Chris, Natalie and Dean.

7 New ultrasound services for patients in the Weymouth area

Residents in Weymouth and Portland can now benefit Dorset HealthCare runs Weymouth Hospital, from state-of-the-art ultrasound health scan facilities on and Weymouth and Portland Locality Manager their doorstep. Sharon Powell said: “This joint venture is fantastic news and will make a real difference Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital (DCH) to patients in our community. have joined forces to provide new equipment and services at Weymouth Hospital – meaning people can “It means people can not only visit a site more go there for examinations instead of travelling to local to them, but sometimes they may also be Dorchester. able to combine their ultrasound and clinic visit on the same day.” The £150,000 improvements at the Melcombe Avenue site include a new ultrasound scanning room and DCH’s Superintendent Sonographer, Alison machine, and an upgraded reception area. Bromley, is one of the radiology staff members working at Weymouth Hospital. Specialist staff from DCH will also be located in Weymouth three days a week to see patients who She said: “Both our Trusts are committed to require an ultrasound – reducing waiting times, delivering high quality services for patients, increasing clinic capacity and providing more services and are very pleased to be working together for local people. to provide a more comprehensive service for the local community.” The comprehensive ultrasound services for patients at Weymouth now include pregnancy scans and more Pictured below in the new scanning room are (from specialised examinations such as vascular scans left) Owain Zahan-Evans, Ultrasound Specialist at (blood vessels) and musculoskeletal scans (tendons equipment supplier Philips Electronics, Alison and ligaments). Bromley and DCH Sonographer Helen Derbyshire.

8 Help us to help you during COVID-19

While the NHS has had to adjust the way it delivers When visiting a healthcare setting: services during the pandemic, it’s still here if you • follow social distancing guidelines need it. • clean your hands If you or your family members require help with a new or ongoing medical issue, don’t delay. Below is a guide • wear a face covering about where to seek help, depending on your problem. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are: Remember, if you are feeling unwell and not sure what a high temperature (37.8 degrees or more); to do, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk online. If you need to loss of taste or smell, and/or a new continuous contact your GP surgery, please call or use the cough. If you have any of these symptoms e-consult form on its website – don’t go in person unless please self-isolate and call 119 or visit you have an appointment. nhs.uk/coronavirus to arrange a test. And if there is an emergency, life-threatening situation, call 999 as usual. Minor Injury Units (MIUs) All our MIUs are open again. However, if Grazed knee, cough, sore you need urgent help for an injury or ailment, throat – make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked please call 111 first for an assessment and, up and treat at home. if necessary, to book an appointment – do not just turn up.

Unsure, confused, need Blandford Hospital more information – when  Milldown Road, Blandford, DT11 7DD you need medical help fast Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, weekends 10am-4pm but it’s not an emergency.  Bridport Hospital Hospital Lane, Bridport, DT6 5DR Diarrhoea, headache, pain Mon-Sun 9am-6pm, bank hols 10am-4pm – when you need advice Portland Hospital on common illnesses and Castle Road, Castletown, DT5 1AX medicines to treat them. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, weekends closed Swanage Hospital Chest infection, backache – Queens Road, Swanage, BH19 2ES when you have an illness Mon-Sun 8am-8pm, including bank hols or injury that won’t go away Victoria Hospital, Wimborne or you need a prescription. Victoria Road, Wimborne, BH21 1ER Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm, weekends closed Strains, sprains, stitches – Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury when you have a minor Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BD injury that can be treated Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, weekends 10am-4pm by a nurse. Weymouth Hospital (Urgent Treatment Centre) Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7TB Choking, chest pain, blood Mon-Sun 8am-10pm, including bank hols loss – when you have a life- Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne threatening situation and Hospital Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3JU it’s an emergency. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, weekends 10am-4pm

Tweet us Go online at: Sentinel House  Call us on  4–6 Nuffield Road @DorsetHealth 01202 277000 Dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk Poole, Dorset BH17 ORB 9