TALKING

POINT October 2015

Barry takes to the skies for Friarage MRI scanner ... page 5 Talking Point is your magazine and it is only as good as you make it. It is produced quarterly in January, April, July and October each year. Ideas and stories or suggestions to make Talking Point even better are always welcome. Please send your ideas to: The editor - Lesley Connor Public relations South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust The James Cook University Hospital Patients urged not to The Murray Building Marton Road MIDDLESBROUGH TS4 3BW miss appointments Extension: 55900 Email: [email protected] PATIENTS are being urged not to miss hospital appointments after You can also contact the public 67,500 were wasted last year at relations team on 01642 854343, extension 54343, James Cook or South Tees. email [email protected]. The trust had a “did not attend” (DNA) rate of 8% in the last financial year. In total almost 67,500 patients did Mailing list – still not turn up to outpatient and pre- assessment appointments costing the need a hard copy of trust more than £1.6million in wasted Talking Point? staff time – the equivalent of paying for • ensure their GP surgery has their correct 74 registered nurses – and approximately address and contact details. We are reviewing our mailing list as £5m in lost income. And this does not Talking Point is now available on the take into account those cancelled at Richard Whitehouse, business manager trust’s website and on social media. short notice which subsequently could for tertiary services said: “We are continually striving to give patients It is distributed around the hospital not be filled. departments, sent to staff as an e-book the best experience possible and A range of measures is and available on the trust’s intranet. one of the areas we always already in place to try to keep a close eye on is our If you don’t need an individual hard reduce DNAs as part of “did not attend” rate. copy any more can you please email the trust’s transformation “We are urging “At the moment public relations and we will remove programme which aims around 40% of patients you from the mailing list. to ensure services run patients to make who do not attend more efficiently. This sure they attend appointments cancel includes a reminder Talking Point is written and on the day which really service for patients, appointments.” limits our chances of illustrated by the public relations displaying the number of being able to give their slot team and designed by Octagon DNAs in waiting areas and to someone else. Marketing Company Ltd. not arranging appointments too far in advance. “We are urging patients to make sure they attend appointments or to Now members of the public are Octagon Marketing Company Ltd provide us with as much notice as possible being urged to do their bit by specialise in gaining advertising if they can’t make it to help reduce making sure they: support for magazines so Talking waiting times for other patients and Point is now produced, packaged, • turn up to appointments on time waste within the NHS.” distributed and delivered at a • let hospital staff know as soon as Appointments can be cancelled by minimal cost to the trust. possible if they are not going to be calling individual departments or online able to attend at southtees.nhs.uk 2 Friarage theatres team Trust one of on a mission top 120 NHS THE FRIARAGE theatres team - part of the trust’s trauma and employers theatres centre – have been working hard to deliver significant by Tom Hall improvements in safety, efficiency and improving the quality of THE TRUST has been patient experience. They tell Talking Point all about it: recognised as one of the top 120 NHS employers by Keeping it sterile the Health Service Journal SPECIAL sterile instrument trays - and the Nursing Times, who which need no wrapping and have in partnership with NHS a sterility indicator on the outside Employers, has – have been introduced at Friarage theatres. This has helped avoid revealed a list problems with the outer sterile wraps of the best of medical equipment developing places to “A long standing holes. Jeff Foster, senior operating work department practitioner worked Carol and Lucy in the new holding bay commitment to with Sarah Baker, theatre manager in the to implement this change - a huge Waiting area NHS in healthy workplaces task - as some of the orthopaedic 2015. characterises many operations requires in excess of 15 transformed The trays per case. THE HOLDING bay or reception area, of those featured list is a where patients wait on trolleys to celebration be called into theatre, was rather on this list.” of NHS drab. Thanks to the hard work of organisations healthcare assistants - Carol Ross that have worked and Lucy Wakefield – the area has hard at staff engagement and been transformed and patients now fostering an environment that have a comfortable seating area staff enjoy working in. Danny with magazines and a television to Mortimer, chief executive of help keep anxiety at a minimum NHS employers, said: “A long Jeff with the special trays while they wait for their operation. standing commitment to healthy The area has also been brightened workplaces characterises many of by lovely scenic pictures taken and those featured on this list.” State of the art donated by healthcare assistant Steven Cross. The trust’s chief executive Tricia monitors Hart said: “I’m very proud to work for this organisation THEATRE recovery area has new and at a time when we’re high-tech Infinity monitors which going through major change, connect to the anaesthetic machine transformation and having to and also click directly onto the make some difficult decisions, it is recovery monitors keeping the clinical still so positive to be collectively data for the patient. Introduced at recognised in this way.” the Friarage in April 2015, benefits include a more efficient turnaround The overall list of 120 in theatre and clearer more accurate organisations was broken down clinical data for patients in the Teamwork: Some of the staff who into different categories of recovery area. work in the Friarage theatres team organisations. These included 20 CCGs, 42 acute trusts, 16 Theatre manager, Sarah Baker, specialist trusts, 11 community said: “We are continually looking trusts and 31 mental health trusts. for ways to develop and enhance The organisations were assessed the service we provide for our on seven core areas- leadership patients at Friarage theatres. The and planning, corporate culture staff have worked really effectively and communication, role together towards our shared satisfaction, work environment, goal of providing the best quality relationship with supervisor, Jonathan Wightman, charge nurse and of care for our patients and the training, development and Julie Clark, senior operating department improvements are a tribute to their resources, employee engagement practitioner with the Infinity monitor hard work.” and satisfaction. Scanner – the final push PAUL WATKINS, head of our faith that the appeal will succeed to get your tickets. because of the sheer force of will fundraising tells Taking Point If you would like to help the already displayed by all those that have appeal reach its target you can about his thoughts and feelings supported us to date. in the final three months of the donate online at: justgiving.com/ “Clearly we still have some way to FriarageMRIscannerappeal. Contact the scanner appeal. go, but we are determined that the appeal office on 01609 764936 email “I always describe the last phase of MRI unit, which has been long talked [email protected]. any public appeal as the ‘hard yards’. about, becomes a reality as soon as we uk. Visit our website www. At present the total stands at £1.23 hit our target. friaragescannerappeal. org.uk or check million a phenomenal achievement “At a time when there are so many out Twitter by any standards. The goal remains causes needing funds, we have @STeesCharity. £2m by the end of 2015. A challenge, been staggered at the generosity of but we are determined to get there. individuals, community groups and “We were absolutely distraught by the companies in the area. From skydives recent break in to the collection box. to bake sales and from every pound This one selfish act flew in the face to the largest of our donations we are of the goodwill and generosity of a profoundly touched and grateful. Karen community working together to bring In the next edition of Talking Point we Bentham the brand new service to the entire will be sharing with you the name of population of North Yorkshire. the winner of the Peugeot 208 we are “We were however heartened by raffling on the 18 December 2015. It the response. Karen Bentham a could be you. Please buy a ticket and support the appeal and I look forward local resident replaced the money to handing you the keys in a few that had been taken. Can I take this months time!” opportunity to say a huge thank you to Karen, and to all the well-wishers Contact the appeal office on who reacted to the news. It was an act 01609 764936 or email of great generosity and helped keep [email protected]

Paul Watkins and members of South Tees Hospitals charity’s team

4 Fabulous four

Barry takes to the skies DARE devil fundraiser Barry Parker went to great heights skydiving for the first time to help the scanner appeal and raising over £4,500. The intrepid 80 year old, who took on this massive challenge to give something back and help make a difference, said: “A parachute jump at my age could be regarded as foolish and unnecessary, what makes it necessary is the need to swell funds for the scanner, urgently required at our much-respected Friarage Hospital. It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed it, but the highlight of the jump was getting my feet back on the ground.”

Trio take a hike INTREPID trio - Judith Masterman from the appeals team, Glen Rock, Friarage hospital PA and husband Chris - really stepped up to the mark completing the gruelling Lyke Wake Walk in an impressive 21 hours braving testing conditions and showing incredible spirit and raising almost £1000. Coffee swells scanners coffers KIND hearted Ethel Langford and her friends of Applegarth Court in Northalleton’s coffee morning raised a fantastic £740. Ethel has a long history with the hospital after working at the Friarage for 42 years and the caring group wanted do something to support the appeal as it is important for the people of Northallerton.

Showing true colours for scanner NINE staff - Veena McGregor, Michelle Cook, Ashley Brocklehurst, Sarah Holland, Sarah Ingledew, Sophie French, Lindsay Steckles, Lesley Puleston and Samantha Marshall - from the Friarage’s Romanby ward completed the Colour Obstacle Rush 5K at Sedgefield raising £250 and counting as a scanner will greatly benefit their patients.

5 Improving the patient journey - The Emergency Care Pathway NEW ways of working have been rolled out across the trust to improve patient flow, minimise delays and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. The emergency care pathway (ECP) project has been led by the trust’s transformation team and have already had a huge impact on vital targets such as accident and emergency (A&E) waiting times. A number of changes are now in place across the trust many of which were suggested by staff across all levels and departments. Together they aim to make the patient’s journey much smoother and reduce the length of time the patient has to spend in hospital where possible. ECP lead for the transformation team Jon Broughton said: “As a trust we resulted in poor patient experience, be put in “The success of had a higher length of stay compared lots of stress on staff and financial place to this project has been with other similar organisations and penalties for the organisation. help the A&E targets were not being met. “But after speaking to clinical staff at whole thing due to the hard work We couldn’t move patients through all levels we found that there were run more the system in a timely manner. This some systems and processes which could smoothly.” of staff at all levels of the organisation.” Accident and emergency Ward Several changes have taken place to what we are trying to achieve is processes ease pressures on A&E. better patient experience for both Staffing levels have been increased adults and children. and complex to support the management of “The new emergency care pathway discharges patients who require resuscitation, has helped improve patient flow, without the workload impacting reduce waiting times and enabled us The new pathways impact upon the main department. to monitor statistics at a glance and on every step of a patient’s In addition an electronic patient we would like to thank everyone in journey including their administration system is being the organisation who has helped us discharge from the wards. introduced to improve accuracy and achieve this. Patients now receive a “ticket home” which informs efficiency. The introduction of the “Members of the public can do them of their care plan and new standard operation procedures their bit by only coming to A&E for discharge date and any for A&E has supported improvements emergencies and GPs can help by possible delays are escalated in patient flow. They also standardise educating patients about the other at daily team meetings. response from speciality teams and services available such as local walk-in reduce delays in patient care. centres and the minor injury unit at Wards now have to complete Patients are no longer diverted to Redcar. If people don’t know where 35% of patient discharges A&E unless they are critically unstable. to go they can call NHS 111 which is before 12 noon and 70% of This means that patients are in the available 24 hours a day.” prescriptions to take home right place at the right time, rather In May 2015 the trust hit the national should be prepared the day than experiencing long delays or A&E waiting time target for the first before to minimise delays. waiting in an ambulance queue. time since September 2014, which Any patients who spend more A&E directorate manager Julie states that 95% of patients should than 10 days in hospital will Suckling said: “A&E is the front door be seen and discharged within four automatically be reviewed by a for most unplanned admissions and hours of arrival. senior team.

6 Acute assessment Fighting flu this winter units (AAU) and EVERYONE at the trust is being short stay unit urged to fight against flu this winter. Key facts - patient care • The elderly, the very young, and To improve patient flow through the The flu campaign started in October with people with underlying medical acute assessment units (AAUs) and flu vaccination stations available for staff to conditions are at a greater risk the short stay unit, which provide access the vaccine. The emphasis is on the of suffering severe illness – and emergency assessment and treatment first two weeks so we get off to a good start. even healthy people can still to patients requiring urgent medical Occupational health nurses will be vaccinating develop severe complications or surgical care, there is now a frontline healthcare workers and their from influenza maximum length of stay of 24 hours support staff in central areas of the trust • Scientific evidence has shown that in AAUs and 72 hours in short stay. and the vaccinations will also be given by flu healthcare workers are more likely GPs will have an opportunity to champions in their wards and departments to be exposed to the influenza virus speak with consultant colleagues including community settings. than the general population. It has before admitting patients so the Frontline healthcare workers will be given been estimated that up to one in consultants signpost patients straight priority, but everyone at the trust – including four healthcare workers may become to the correct destination. volunteers and students – will be encouraged infected with influenza, even in a mild flu season Standard operating procedures are to have the flu vaccine to ensure they are in place for speciality referrals to be protected before the winter season as it • Looking back at last year, the number seen within two hours of referral takes 10 to 14 days to develop your body’s of flu-related admissions into and in addition to these colleagues immunity to flu. intensive care or high dependency in gastroenterology, renal and units in the UK increased compared Last year the trust achieved the national oncology have agreed guidelines for to the previous year 75% uptake target with 75.7% of staff being specific patient groups to have direct • Despite a mild flu season in vaccinated. We won the NHS Employers best transfers to the specialities. 2013/2014, NHS hospitals treated flu fighter award and are hoping to continue Community matrons are receiving over 1,187 patients in intensive to protect our patients by maintaining a high care settings. Tragically, 8.4% of training to deliver IV antibiotics to uptake of staff being vaccinated this winter. bronchiectasis patients instead of them died Chief executive, Professor Tricia Hart said: “The success of the patients having a two week “As an organisation we do have a duty to Public Health, stay in hospital. this project has been ensure all of our staff and volunteers who England state: The opening of the rapid access have direct contact with patients are offered “Flu is unpredictable. It is not due to the hard work frailty unit at James Cook in this vaccination.” possible to fully predict the strains that October and the community will circulate each year, and there is always of staff at all levels of assessment hub at Redcar Primary Pam McCourt, occupational health manager a risk of change in the virus as was seen in Care Hospital in November will help added: “By having the flu jab our staff are the organisation.” the recent season. However, this does not with the reduction in admissions, not only protecting patients in their care, happen very often. readmissions and getting the patients but their families and the NHS services they in the right bed at the right time. provide. They are also exercising their duty of • During the last ten years, the vaccine care and setting a model of good practice for has generally been a good match for the their patients.” circulating strains Bed management • The vaccine still provides the A dedicated operations centre has best protection we have against an unpredictable virus that can been created to improve patient cause severe illness.” flow and clear lines of escalation have been identified to prevent bed blockages. The trust is also moving to live data to ensure all information is up to date and available at a glance. Jon added: “It’s about more efficient use of resources and improving the patient journey by getting the right patient into the right hospital bed and treated by the right staff at the earliest opportunity. This is great for patients, helps staff do their job and makes sense for the organisation as a whole. The success of this project has been due to the hard work of staff at all levels of the organisation; now we need to continue to work together in order to maintain the progress that has been made in the emergency care pathway.”

7 Ninety-year-old Rosemary back on her feet thanks to five hours of plastic surgery WHEN great Five weeks later, after grandmother Rosemary celebrating her 90th birthday in hospital, she was Stobart was run over by discharged to the Lambert a delivery van doctors Memorial Community feared the worst and Hospital and then she spent was warned that she four months at Nunthorpe could lose her leg. Hall nursing home where her physiotherapy team slowly The only chance of saving it got her walking again. was a major operation which the plastic surgery team In June, Rosemary, who has at James Cook had never seven grandchildren and a performed on someone of great-grand daughter, finally Rosemary’s age. moved back home and while she can happily walk short But Rosemary, then aged distances she has had to 89, was extremely fit for her give up driving and age – she even attended her trade her car in local gym on a weekly basis for a mobility and had her own personal scooter. trainer! – and she is now back “The surgeons on her feet following a five- were marvellous - Mr Jones hour operation and months said: “We of physiotherapy. you can see that felt that Rosemary Rosemary had been shopping by how well the not only in her home town of Thirsk had the and was on her way back to skin has sewn physiological her car when the delivery back together!” capacity to van reversed over her leg in off the bone leaving the bone keep the cope with December 2014. exposed) but remarkably she muscle alive this complex had not broken any bones. and help save “I did not break anything operation, but also Rosemary’s thigh could be her leg. which was a miracle,” she that she had the right skin grafted but she needed said. “The ambulance team Chris Dunkin said: “We do this mind-set, motivation and a much more complex were very kind and said they type of operation (free flap family support to achieve a operation to save her leg. would have to fly me to reconstruction) regularly at successful outcome. We are James Cook in a helicopter. The surgeons decided that James Cook to help rebuild delighted that this has been All I remember is that it was the best way to rebuild people after operations for borne out by her excellent very noisy! Rosemary’s leg was to take cancer and trauma. However recovery and return to “When I first saw my leg a healthy muscle from her Rosemary is the oldest normal function.” back (latissimus dorsi person in the region I took one look at it and Rosemary said she was really or ‘lat’ muscle) and to have this type closed my eyes. It was just a lucky: “The surgeons were transplant this of operation. nasty mess.” marvellous - you can see that down onto her We spoke by how well the skin has sewn As Rosemary was remarkably leg to cover her carefully to back together!” fit for her age, consultant exposed shin Rosemary plastic surgeons Chris Dunkin bone (tibia). Using and her Daughter Emma Bradford, and Alex Jones decided she an operating family a retired nurse who once was fit enough to go ahead microscope they beforehand and worked in theatres at the with reconstructive surgery. joined tiny she could have Friarage, added: “James Cook Rosemary had sustained a blood chosen to have an was marvellous. I visited every degloving injury to her leg vessels in amputation but day and all the staff were and thigh (a degloving injury her leg to she is a strong lady just so kind and so generous. is when the skin and deeper blood vessels in who wanted us to save They pushed the boat out at layers of fat etc are scraped her ‘lat’ muscle to her leg if it was possible.” every opportunity.” 8 Chief executive awarded honorary degree by Tom Hall CHIEF executive Professor Tricia Hart was awarded an honorary doctorate from Nottingham University in Mark and physicist Dr Adam Baker recognition for her long and continued service for the NHS. First patients undergo Tricia was awarded a degree of Doctor of Science, adding to new type of radiotherapy her honorary professorship to the School of Health and Social Care at Teesside University treatment – radium 223 and honorary professorship of A NEW type of radiation Head of nuclear medicine Mark Medicine, Pharmacy and Health at Durham University. therapy, which has been Richardson said: “The body handles radium in the same way as calcium. Tricia said: “It was a fabulous hailed as an “important step Like calcium it is taken up by active forward” in treating prostate day for me and for my family bone cells so this is a very good way of and somewhat of a pinnacle of a targeting bone cancer cells. cancer patients, has been made career to end with an honorary available for the first time at The drug is injected through a cannula graduation in science.” James Cook. by the nuclear medicine practitioner and, because cancer cells are more Also receiving honorary degrees Radioactive radium 223 is used to active than normal bone cells, they at the summer ceremony was the treat prostate cancer which has take it up. senior judge Sir Nigel Hamilton spread to the bones and Sweeney, broadcaster Edward Childs This also means that the specifically targets tumours side effects are minimal, OBE and the writer and poet Roger with less pain and fewer because healthy cells McGough CBE. side effects. “This treatment aren’t damaged.” It is given by injections Consultant clinical into the vein and specifically targets oncologist Clive travels in the blood Peedell added: “This system to the bones, prostate cancers that treatment specifically killing the cancer have spread targets prostate cells which, because cancers that have they are more active to the bone.” spread to the bone, than normal bone cells, and the fact that it are more likely causes minimal damage to be targeted by to healthy tissue makes this the radium. an important step forward. The injection, which is given in an “The drug was approved for use in the outpatient setting, is normally repeated UK by the National Institute for Health every four weeks up to six times and Care Excellence (NICE) at the end and patients can go home of last year. Until now, similar immediately afterwards. treatments have been limited to symptom control rather than improving Between 30 and 40 patients a year survival but this drug enables men to Professor Tricia Hart receiving her will benefit from this new service, live longer and experience less pain honorary degree from vice chancellor which began in July when the first two and fewer side-effects, giving them a Professor Sir David Greenaway patients received their treatment. better quality of life.” 9 Temporary closure of ward at Lambert Memorial Hospital

A 14-BED ward at Lambert Thirsk are affected and additional beds Memorial Hospital has have been opened at the Friarage Hospital to accommodate patients. temporarily closed to address Upping the patient safety concerns due to Chief executive Professor Tricia Hart staffing pressures. said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and is entirely based on the national focus The ward provides general safety and welfare of patients and also rehabilitation, assessment of patients’ the wellbeing of our staff. on cancer present and future care needs, “In recent months we’ve done diagnostics, drug initiation a number of things to try SIMON Stevens, chief and administration, and mitigate the risks on pain control and executive of NHS England the service, including palliative care. spoke about the future “This decision has nursing staff from of cancer services during However the not been taken lightly other hospitals a recent visit service was under providing cover, enormous strain and is entirely based on but this is now to Middlesbrough. due to a number unsustainable and Mr Stevens was a guest speaker of issues including the safety and welfare a key patient safety at the trust’s annual cancer difficulty in filling concern for us. vacant nursing of patients and also conference which was held at the “We know this will posts, long-term Riverside Stadium. the wellbeing of be disappointing sickness/absence for the residents of He said: “It was great to get leave and getting our staff.” Thirsk and surrounding together to speak about the sufficient temporary area but must stress this future of cancer services at nursing cover through is only a temporary measure. South Tees Hospitals NHS NHS Professionals. Our first priority has to be patient Foundation Trust’s annual Despite a number of actions being safety and the service will be reviewed cancer conference. taken in recent months to try and again in January 2016.” address the staffing problem, it was “Cancer survival rates in England The temporary arrangements have becoming impossible to continue to are at an all-time high, but too been discussed with the trust’s run a safe, high quality service so the many patients are still being service commissioners, Hambleton, decision was taken to temporarily close diagnosed late so we’re upping Richmondshire and Whitby CCG, the ward in September. the national focus on cancer, with local GPs and North Yorkshire County more emphasis on prevention and No other services at the hospital in Council’s scrutiny of health committee. earlier diagnosis. “We’re also going to need new treatments and joined up ways of working and to look at improved cancer survivorship support including end of life care.” The event welcomed a number of guests including Professor David Brettle, head of radiological physics from Leeds NHS Teaching Hospitals, Dr Tony Branson, medical director, Northern England Strategic Clinical Network (Cancer), Mr Chris Carrigan, director of the National Cancer Intelligence Network, Public Health England and patients who had benefitted from the support of the Trinity Holistic Centre.

10 Middlesbrough Sports Village hosts youth athletics championship

THE IMPRESSIVE new athletics track at Middlesbrough Sports Village hosted the largest athletics competition the town has seen in the last 40 years. (left to right) sister Grace Madzinga, research sister, professor Sam Eldabe, sister Morag The North of England Athletic Brookes, Dr Ashish Gulve, consultant in pain management and Karoline Middleton, Association chose the venue as research administrator the host for its under 17, under 15 and under 13 track and field championships. The first time Middlesbrough has been chosen to Innovative spinal cord host the Northern championships since 1984. stimulator trial is a The event was sponsored by the trust, Active Middlesbrough and Middlesbrough and Teesside world first Philanthropic Foundation. On THE PAIN research team were were randomly assigned to either behalf of the trust medals were proudly presented by chief executive delighted to present the receive SCS and usual care or usual care alone. Patients were assessed at Professor Tricia Hart and medical results of the world’s first three and six months and all outcome director Richard Wright. publicly funded randomised measures showed an improvement in Local athletes were in medal controlled clinical trial of the SCS group. winning form on both days of the spinal cord stimulation (SCS) Professor Sam Eldabe, consultant competition. Five gold, one silver at the prestigious 12th world anaesthetist/pain specialist and the and one bronze medal were won congress of the International trial’s senior author, said: “Based on our over the weekend. Neuromodulation Society. findings we have advised NICE a fully Meeting organiser and trust powered nationwide study is feasible transport officer, Rick Betts, said: The refractory angina spinal cord to clarify the role of SCS in the “The meeting was a great success, stimulation and usual care (RASCAL) treatment range for chronic angina with support from our organisation study funded by the National Institute which may not respond sufficiently to and the fantastic weather things for Health Research compared the medication and which revascularisation could not have gone any better.” management of refractory procedures may not be feasible angina using SCS and usual or the risk unjustified.” The competition was lauded a care alone. resounding success by officials, Morag Brookes, pain competitors and spectators alike, Patients experience research team leader, and the 2016 championships were severe pain on even “The results of was honoured to awarded to the sports village at the mild exertion when represent the trust end of the meeting. their nerve endings the trial could at the congress with become hyper have significant a presentation of sensitised due to the findings, and restricted blood benefits for future said: “The results of flow (ischemia) patients.” the trial could have leading to frequent significant benefits hospitalisation and for future patients. poor health-related There were trends across quality of life. NICE a number of the outcomes, recommended SCS for ischemic including exercise capacity and conditions in 2008, but on a research- health-related quality of life of larger only basis. improvements in the SCS compared to In the study, 29 patients at four centres usual care group.” 11 Our shining stars THE trust’s star awards is We could really fill Talking Point with the Congratulations to all our winners, runners- inspirational stories we heard about staff, up and nominees who joined us at The always a humbling event – fundraisers and volunteers and the amazing Middlesbrough Hotel for a great evening and work they’re doing to support our services thanks also to our sponsors who helped to make and this year was no different! and patients. the evening such as success.

Clinical team of the year – Behind the scenes – Partnership working – Community diabetes team Laundry and sewing room The VitalPAC team Runner-up – haematology day unit Runner-up Natalie Snaith – ward clerk on the Runner-up – Jane Matthews (maternity renal day unit assessment unit – James Cook)

Innovation – Robotic Margaret Toase unsung hero surgical team award – Dawn Coulthard Extra Life award – Runner-up Pat McCabe and Margaret McLean (accident and emergency, Friarage) Ray Wheatley (therapy radiographers) Runner-up – Kopparam Nagendar (associate Runner-up Claire Appleton (school nurse at specialist spinal injuries/orthopaedics) Priory Woods School)

Transformation – Medical engineering team Chairman’s award – Lifetime achievement award Runner-up Jacqui Jones (sepsis nurse) IMProVE project team – Professor Tricia Hart 12 Our shining stars Congratulations to all our winners, runners- up and nominees who joined us at The Middlesbrough Hotel for a great evening and thanks also to our sponsors who helped to make the evening such as success. Volunteer of the year – Claire Hood (collected by Cathy Fundraiser of the year – Brammer, clinical matron of paediatrics Tracy and Richard Clarke and neonates) Runners-up – Yvonne and Terry Bytheway and (Abbie’s Love) Carole Hughes Runner-up Fat lads on bikes and PHAT lasses in trainers

Partnership working – Special thank you awards The VitalPAC team Runner-up – Jane Matthews (maternity Paediatric team assessment unit – James Cook)

Susan Benson Extra Life award – Ray Wheatley Runner-up Claire Appleton (school nurse at Priory Woods School)

Stephen Bell Lifetime achievement award – Professor Tricia Hart 13

n d e a v o u r SCH PLC Chartered Quantity Surveyors South Tees leading the way in stroke neuropsychology support

A SPECIALIST team providing “One of our team, Dr Naomi Hynd, GPs and other professionals providing neuropsychological support was also nominated by the South services to stroke patients including Tees Stroke Association branches for a the Stroke Association. to stroke patients and their Professional Excellence Award, which Dr Price added: “The success of families is sharing their she recently collected.” the service is easily measured in expertise at a national level. The team is Dr Naomi Hynd, highly terms of the number of referrals The close links forged between specialist clinical psychologist, we now receive. Originally we were South Tees’ stroke Dr Geoff Hill, clinical commissioned to provide a service neuropsychology psychologist and Jason for 55 stroke patients a year and in service and the Stroke with administrative 2014/2015 we received 124 referrals. Association prompted “The success of support provided “We’ve also adapted to changing the team to be Lorraine Sidgwick. demand over time, to work more asked to provide the service is easily The service was efficiently and effectively with a two-day pilot measured in terms commissioned in training workshop innovations including implementing January 2011 to at James Cook for of the number a psychological screening protocol provide dedicated the charity’s and a ward based relaxation group, of referrals we and specialist national leads and as well as developing an acceptance neuropsychological area managers. now receive.” and commitment therapy group support to stroke for stroke patients as part of a This, in turn, can be patients and their research initiative with colleagues at adapted by the Stroke families/carers. At least Edinburgh University.” Association to train their own one third of stroke patients staff as they develop and enhance experience post-stroke depression Dr Price was also part of the their services. and anxiety, with up to seventy five core team of North east stroke per cent of patients experiencing psychologists who developed Dr Jason Price, consultant clinical significant cognitive difficulties. and produced the Psychological neuropsychologist and strategic Adjustment After Stroke Training Now based at Redcar Primary Care lead, said: “We’ve built up a great (PAAST) package, which is available Hospital, it works into ward 28 (acute working relationship with the to view on-line at www.paast.co.uk Stroke Association – both at a local stroke unit at James Cook), Zetland and national level – and this latest stroke rehabilitation ward (Redcar) For further details please call Dr Price training was really well received with and with the early supported discharge on 01642 854123 or email him at delegates from across the UK. team. Referrals are also accepted from [email protected]

All gathered for the two-day workshop (left) and Dr Naomi Hynd receives her Stroke Association recognition 14 Tribute in memory of Dr Hannah Garget

SADLY, after an illness borne with great dignity, Dr Hannah Garget, specialty (left to right) Dawn McCabe, Lynne Young, Kay Branch, Afshan Ali, Bridie Coombes and Racheal Johnson trainee in obstetrics and gynaecology, passed away Smokers urged to stay at home, surrounded by her family, on 11 July 2015. clear of hospital entrances Hannah joined the obstetrics and by Tom Hall gynaecology department in August NEW mums and maternity While smoking is prohibited 2014 and quickly became an asset staff at James Cook have been throughout the hospital, the trust has to the team. She was diagnosed with cancer in October that year urging smokers to rethink an on-going problem with smoker’s compliance, with complaints coming and her prognosis was not good. their habits. from both patients and staff. Many new She returned to work in May 2015 after completing her course of The group from family and birth (FAB) mums have said that it is unpleasant treatment. Unfortunately, she forum have been campaigning to that the first experience of the outside became ill quite suddenly at the highlight the impact that smoking at the world for their babies is a group of women and children’s entrances has on smokers at the entrance. beginning of July and slipped away from us shortly thereafter. staff and patients. Staff emphasise that their message is Campaigners have used a variety of one of support rather than pressure. Hannah had a great spirit and was ways to engage smokers with leaflets Clinical matron Lynne Young said: “This quite the adventurer, and professional advice for those is part of our action plan on reducing having spent wanting to quit. Even children patients smoking. This is not harassment, it time working were voicing their opinions with a series is an open door to those pregnant in hospital of eye catching posters. women who are looking to quit.” Hannah had a in Uganda, climbing great spirit and Mount Kilimanjaro, was quite the abseiling adventurer. down the Tyne bridge and in the last year learning to ride a motor bike. She undoubtedly had a huge career in front of her and in the short time we were lucky enough to know and work with her, she touched us all in some way. Hannah will be sadly missed by all her friends and colleagues at the trust, especially the women and children’s centre. We remember her with fondness and our thoughts are with her parents, June and Steve, sister Rebecca and boyfriend Tom at this sad time. Bridie Coombes with stop smoking poster 15 Community occupational therapist Emma York, community physiotherapist Hannah Gibson and occupational therapist Sue Molnar (left to right) Rapid response therapists ease hospital pressures A RAPID response therapy 20 minutes to call a central hub for Community physiotherapist Hannah team is helping to ease details and must see the patient within Gibson said: “It’s about problem two hours where possible. solving, it’s about knowing who’s out hospital pressures by taking there and how to contact them.” specialist care directly into Sue Molnar, an occupational therapist Community occupational therapist patients’ homes. based at East Cleveland Primary Care Hospital, said there is no typical day as Emma York added: “Rapid response The team at South Tees saw 118 referrals come in from GPs, accident lets you see people when they need referrals in the last five months (April - and emergency (A&E), urgent care to be seen and prevents unnecessary August) of which only three had to be centres and hospital wards and the hospital admissions. admitted to hospital. team never knows what the next “We see a wide range of patients Of the remaining patients, six phone call will bring. whether it’s a 99-year-old who were admitted to care homes for One recent day’s work saw Sue take has fallen or a young adult with cerebral palsy.” emergency respite and two into calls regarding an elderly man who intermediate care while the remaining had fallen and needed a mobility Rapid response therapists and nurses 87% were treated safely at home assessment, a lady who needed urgent form a vital part of the South Tees thanks to the instant intervention of chest physiotherapy for COPD and a Clinical Commissioning Group’s the rapid response team. man who needed equipment providing IMProVE programme (Integrated Community occupational therapists, before he could safely be sent home Management and Proactive Care for physiotherapists and therapy assistants from A&E. All were able to remain the Vulnerable and Elderly) which aims provide a rapid response service across safely at home, preventing unnecessary to provide more care closer to home Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland hospital admissions. for patients in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland. from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. “Often you are going into a crisis Each staff member does up to six shifts situation and you need to calm it down Dr Janet Walker, chair of South Tees a month alongside their routine work and make the patient safe,” said Sue. CCG added: “The service supports patients to manage through the most and when they are on rapid response “It about creating a safe situation, it difficult days of their acute illness they have to be ready to respond to may not always be an ideal situation, at home. Patient feedback has been urgent calls at any time. but our main priority is to make sure extremely positive and patients and When an alert comes in the team has the patient is safe at home.” carers clearly value the care provided.”

16 Trust looking for patients to take part in ‘memory’ trial

CLINICIANS at James Cook are with TBI, giving them an opportunity to improve treatment for these individuals still looking to recruit patients attend a weekly group, for ten weeks, in the future.” focussing on rehabilitation specifically Research is being co-ordinated by to a new study investigating aimed at reducing memory loss, or have Nottingham University Hospitals NHS the benefits of rehabilitation their usual care. To date almost 280 Trust, which has received a £1million patients have been recruited. in brain injury-associated grant from the National Institute memory loss. Dr Jenna Moffitt, clinical psychologist for Health Research Technology and clinical supervisor at James Cook, The Middlesbrough site is one of nine Assessment programme. said: “Currently people who have had a in the country looking to test the brain injury do not always receive any The South Tees team includes effectiveness of a new memory-specific further therapy after they leave hospital Dr Moffitt and Dr Stephen Evans, rehabilitation programme for patients to help with their memory problems who are the principal investigators affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI). – there are very limited community at this site, Dr Don Brechin (head of psychology) and Natasha Anderson TBI occurs when a person sustains a services available. (assistant psychologist). trauma to the head, commonly due to “We’re looking for people road traffic accidents, assaults and falls, who have had a head People who have although a large number affected are injury and who now experienced a brain serving military personnel. find they have “Currently people injury and are problems with having memory Around half (between 40 per cent who have had a brain their memory. problems can self- and 60 per cent) of people with the The study aims injury do not always refer to the study condition have memory problems to compare a by contacting which are not only persistent but are group-based receive any further Natasha on 07421 debilitating and can have a severe memory 819091 and the impact on the quality of their life. therapy after they rehabilitation study is currently The ReMemBrin - Rehabilitation of programme with leave hospital to help open to anyone Memory following Brain Injuries – trial usual clinical care living in the TS, DH hopes to recruit around 400 patients and hopefully with their memory or DL postcodes. problems.”

ReMemBrin team: The team at James Cook 17 Making life easier!

NEED a piece of equipment to make life easier for your staff or your patients? Nothing suitable on the market? Ever wish you could modify existing kit? If you answered yes to any of the above then why not pay a visit to the medical physics workshop? Based next to the north reception at James Cook the workshop houses a team of clinical technologists happy to hear your ideas and help design and develop solutions to your needs. Among them is Tony Alton who has been challenged to design everything from custom-sized soap holders to highly technical devices for accurately checking radiotherapy doses. Joanne McCallister radiographer with Tony Alton and Rachel Withers and the x-ray Over the years he has transformed detector cover the lives of a number of patients by creating gadgets and wheelchair want and then I try to make it possible!” The detectors - digital plates from the modifications enabling them to live said Tony. x-ray machine that capture the images. more independently. - are moved about a lot so are subject One of his most recent Many of his creations also help with to daily wear and tear but at a projects has seen him design cost saving or even become a potential cost of more than £70,000 a plastic detector case to source of income for the trust if they each, the x-ray team protect expensive x-ray can be put on the market. And his “People usually wanted something to equipment from being works have been shortlisted for a protect them. damaged when it is number of innovation awards. come to me with slid on and off So they approached “People usually come to me with a A&E trolleys at a problem and a Tony and he problem and a rough idea of what they James Cook. rough idea of what designed a special plastic case made they want and from materials then I try to make costing just £10. These are now being it possible!” used in three x-ray rooms at the hospital.

Rachel Withers, x-ray services manager said: “It will save the trust money in the long-term as the detector plates will last longer if they are not getting scratched all the time.”

When the physiotherapy team at Redcar Primary Care Hospital needed a new set of therapy steps they wanted some that would hold the weight of more than one person at a time but they could not find a strong enough replacement anywhere in the UK so they decided to design their own.

They teamed up with Tony who designed a set of steps made out of steel covered Clinical technologist Tony Alton works on designs with (left to right) therapy assistant with plywood that would hold up to Lynne Flett, clinical lead physiotherapist Mhairi Kotch, clinical specialist physiotherapist 350kg compared to existing wooden Nicola Hill and innovation scout Stuart Marsden models that hold only around 140kg. 18 The physiotherapy team specified that the platform needed to be longer, wider and stronger to enable them to stand on the James Cook based Cleveland steps to support the patient if required and suggested railings instead of solid wooden sides to allow easier access. unit rated ‘outstanding’ Tony said: “We could not find any THE CLEVELAND unit child an early age. This prepares them very in this country that would not be development centre, based at well for their next stage in learning.” overloaded. Then I thought if I’m Jennie Kitchen, the Cleveland unit going to design something they James Cook hospital, has been manager, said: “We’re all very might as well have it exactly as they rated ‘outstanding’ by the want it so it has been designed by education watchdog Ofsted proud of this achievement, and I’m enormously grateful to all the staff, physiotherapists for physiotherapists.” following an inspection in July. therapists, parents and carers who Mhairi Kotch, clinical lead physiotherapist The unit supports the children up work together to help us to provide added: “Medical physics came back with to the age of five who have special such a rich and varied experience for drawings and a specification which met all educational needs and disabilities, all the children.” of our requirements. The whole process to learn and develop through play at was very easy and we will get bespoke challenging and appropriate levels. stairs that give us more space to work The unit also provides parent/carer with patients.” support, therapy sessions and support The final design has been approved and is for children in mainstream schools. now awaiting production. The Ofsted report states that: “Staff If you have any more bright ideas, email are positive role models, which [email protected] to get in touch with supports children in learning the the innovation scouts! boundaries and expectations from

Other examples of Tony’s work Jennie with some of the 1. Implementing wheelchair children who benefit modifications that enabled a from the unit’s support paraplegic child from the paediatric intensive care unit to have her ventilator and emergency bag mounted on her wheelchair to give her the freedom to move around the hospital. 2. Working with a spinal injury patient to develop a range of devices to make his life easier including tracheostomy tube holders to improve comfort; a mouth stick holder so the patient could use an iPad and a simple drink bottle holder with flexible spout which was positioned near the mouth so he could drink independently. 3. Developing hand grips used to reassure patients with dementia who are undergoing complex cardiac examinations. This won a coveted award at this year’s Bright Ideas in Health Awards! 4. Design and manufacturing of a nebuliser handle which allows a child to self-administer nebulised medication for the treatment of cystic fibrosis with reduced supervision. 5. Designing a quality assurance tool for radiotherapy that enables the radiation being delivered to patients to be precisely measured. A similar off-the- shelf solution would cost in the order of £20,000 but Tony has designed one that is more fit for purpose and can be made from materials costing just £400. 19 On your bike CONSULTANT urological surgeon David Chadwick, sonographer Vanessa Chadwick, retired anaesthetist Nigel Puttick and his wife Sally together with friends Duncan Harris and Janet Goswell have undertaken the gruelling 315 mile London to Paris cycle challenge raising over £2,600 for the trust’s cutting edge fund. The fund was set up with the aim of bringing robotic surgery equipment to James Cook. As a result of this technology, patients with prostate cancer and urological conditions now benefit from minimally invasive surgery which has resulted in excellent outcomes and faster patient recovery.

Fab four We feature below a small selection of the fantastic fundraisers who have helped us recently. If anyone is interested in fundraising contact the charity team on 01642 854160 or visit their website at www.southtees.nhs.uk/charity.You can also keep up to date with the latest on South Tees charity on twitter @STeesCharity

Trevor’s triathlon For Jacob - too challenge from the heart precious to forget TREVOR Smith from Castleton THE CARE, compassion and completed a triathlon in the sensitivity shown to Helen and grounds of Castle Howard Michael Largan when their raising a fantastic £5,403.34 much loved son, Jacob, sadly to thank the caring surgeon, died at 31 weeks inspired them nursing staff and hospital team to raise funds and do something on cardiology wards 30 and positive in his memory for two 31 at James Cook who looked causes very close to their hearts. John says thanks after him after major heart They wanted to thank the surgery and helped him on the Grateful caring staff from James JOHN Davison from Yarm road to recovery. Trevor - who Cook’s delivery suite and the really went that extra has always lived a healthy and thanks bereavement suite that helped mile to raise money for active lifestyle said: “I received GRATEFUL Robert Marriott them through a terribly sad the hospital teams who outstanding care and could has generously donated time. Their fantastic fundraising treated him when he not have asked for anything £1,000 for the relative’s has raised £5,500 so far for developed a blood clot better. Every single member of room at the Friarage James Cook’s bereavement in his arm. His sponsored staff had a smile on their face, intensive care unit in suite and Sands, stillbirth and cycle ride around Teesside a pleasant, caring, positive memory of his wife, neonatal death charity. and North Yorkshire raised and helpful attitude Fidelma. He wanted to towards all of a fantastic £1,254.40 for thank the dedicated their patients the intensive care unit, staff who looked including ward 6 and the radiology after her for myself.” department. John wanted the care she to thank the staff for received at looking after him, and the Friarage said: “I am pleased to which was be able to support a second great team at James to none. 20Cook whose skills and care were outstanding.”

20 21 Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. Octagon Marketing Company Ltd has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Marketing Company Ltd South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has not endorse any of the products or services. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners. no liability for work done or goods supplied by Octagon Marketing Company Ltd. ©2015. any advertiser. Nor does South Tees Hospitals NHS Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528 Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. ADVERTORIAL Red House School Celebrates Pupils Tremendous Success

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