issue 13 sirennewsletter for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust

foreign adventures page 2 leap for harry page 4 chain of survival page 8 insight page 9 alan murray says.... which stood covered in dust which The Trust is going through a difficult season, with activity up siren had not been used for years but by almost 16% on last year. We expect seasonal activity growth which could be repaired and used for around Christmas and the New Year, but this is both earlier the service in the town of Mbale itself. and much higher than forecast. Falls, breathing difficulties spirit of adventure and chest pains have all risen in incidence and most of our Another bonus followed when staff at a health clinic agreed that an additional patients do seem to be sick. This problem is affecting ambulance which they had available ambulance services throughout the UK. contents could be put to wider use. The staffing situation in South East and Central & West regions has also contributed to the local pressures. If you have seen the The two colleagues also discussed Pages 2 and 3: notice the Trust has issued, you will know that we have a joint how a scheme similar to the First management and staff side plan to remedy this. This plan also Foreign tales | Alan Murray Responder scheme in this country in addresses the issue of covering shifts and providing additional Pages 4 and 5: which volunteers are trained to assist resources in the short term. casualties, could be set up in the local Having spoken to many of you, I am well aware of the Leap for Harry communities. In that respect, too, the pressures you are facing – managers and staff, mobile and Page 6: response was very positive and so a control. I want to reassure you that we will be taking joint action training programme is expected to with NHS partners to seek ways of managing the activity growth Meet the board | Making a follow. safely and appropriately and dealing with its other effects, difference “The way PONT works is to create including congestion in A&E departments. Page 7: sustainable improvements and not to I would like to thank all of you for the hard work you have Praise for Police try to introduce a quick-fix, and that is been doing to cope with these difficulties. I appreciate what Page 8: why we want to ensure that there are control, EMS, HDS and PCS staff have done to keep services enough trainers in place,” said Julian, running and would ask you to continue working with us over the Air Ambulance | Chain of survival who has been in the ambulance next few weeks until we can put new staffing in place. Pages 9 and 10: service since 1989. I would also draw particular attention to the role of operations Insight “We really didn’t expect to make such managers, who have worked hard over the past several months progress and it was very satisfying to manage major problems such as extended turnaround times to be able to get so much done,” said at A&E departments. I appreciate that we will be placing heavy Julian. reliance on you to keep things moving over the next few weeks, Since returning he has been supporting the filling of key shifts and providing operational encouraging other colleagues to support to staff on the front line. the comms Out of Africa: Andrew Pipien, left, and Julian Newton support the work and several have I’m glad to say that my second issue is more upbeat. By the team expressed an interest in visiting time this message goes out, the transition to Vantage Point Uganda. Everyone who visits pays House, our new clinical contact centre in South East Wales, will A deprived region of Uganda may soon It was set up to link Pontypridd with ambulance service. Communications have its own ambulance service thanks to Mbale, providing professionals and their own costs. be complete. As I write, Gwent Out-of-Hours and NHS Direct During the visit he and Andrew, 43, a Manager Sue two ambulancemen from South Wales. organisations to improve standards of Andrew said he was keen to go after south east have settled in and Mamhilad Control has just Appleton. technician, were introduced to health migrated without serious problems. The staff are very impressed Julian Newton and Andrew Pipien, both health, education and other services. visiting Uganda on a backpacking 01745 532948 and council officials with whom links had by the quality of their new workplace and the level of support from Pontypridd, returned from a 10-day To date over 100 visits have been made, holiday about 14 years ago. 07887 800989 already been forged. they were given in the move. Vantage Point House is the most visit to the Mbale region amazed at the and the latest party included engineers as “I’d never done anything like it before and “Of all the countries I visited in Africa visible sign of our commitment to manage unscheduled and well as Julian and Andrew. Deputy progress they had been able to make in it was pretty daunting. All we expected I was struck by the friendliness of the emergency care more appropriately in future. It will allow us Communications launching the scheme. Julian, 41, who is a paramedic supervisor to do on our first visit was to explore people of Uganda so I told Julian I to lift the constraints that result in too many people getting an Manager Richard The two friends travelled with other with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS the possibilities but we achieved much would go with him,” he said. Timothy. inappropriate emergency ambulance response and a journey Trust, was asked to go by his friend, local more than that and the whole thing went 01495 765404 representatives of the Partnerships One of his projects now is to raise to A&E and start providing an individualised response to each 07515 191347 Overseas Networking Trust (PONT) GP Dr Geoff Lloyd, with a view to seeing fantastically well,” said Julian. about £7,000 to purchase a third caller building on the significant progress we have already made scheme. what could be done to establish a basic They were shown an old ambulance ambulance for the region. on these issues. If 999 patient journeys had increased last year Communications in line with 999 calls instead of reducing in number, we would Officer Adam have transported 17,000 more people to A&E. Improvements in Johnson NHS Direct triage reduced hospital visits further by an estimated 01745 532996 land of the lord of the rings 10,000. 07824 499379 A North Gwynedd Paramedic has turned his crews so it’s a highly responsible role. Vantage Point House is unique in the UK in having EMS and career upside down on an educational break “Kiwis are very active so the weekend can PCS controls, NHS Direct and GP Out-of-Hours all in the one with the New Zealand St John Ambulance. see you being called to various motor sport contact centre. It lays the foundations for a single point of Colin Ashton, of Bangor, said: “I’d always events or surf lifesaving competitions.” access for South East Wales and it truly is something to celebrate. wanted to spend some time in New Zealand The Bangor ambulance man is currently I’d like to thank the people who made this major development and thought what better way to experience based in a town called Whakatane in the Bay possible, including the ICT and Programme Management a culture than to live and work there. departments, the South East Regional Team and all the many of Plenty, on the North Island, a location that Now I have just applied for a career break managers and staff from across Wales (and in particular the If you have any comments or ideas about the feels home-from-home to Colin. magazine or suggestions about how it can extension until July 2009. existing controls) who played their part in the project. He said: “Kiwis have a similar sense of improve than please contact a member of the “New Zealand is very much like North editorial team.This is your magazine and if you Wales but on a larger scale and has a similar humour and culture to us so it’s kind of like are reading it and thinking that it doesn’t address Losing a colleague is always painful and my thoughts outdoor lifestyle without the Welsh weather North Wales here except I live by one of the issues that you feel are important, then it is down nicest beaches in New Zealand; the sand is go out to Lucy and Nia Ronchetti, who have lost a much to you to contact your regional representative so it felt like home.” literally in my garden.” loved husband and daddy. Lucy and, when she’s old and tell them about it. Any stories or ideas are Colin first joined the Welsh Ambulance enough, Nia, will always treasure the great kindness and also welcomed so please contribute and make He added: “Here I often use my full skill Service in December 2004 and qualified love they received from all Nick’s colleagues. The regard this your magazine. set and seeing a child recover from life- as an Ambulance Technician within a year. which they had for him was both touching and inspiring. Shortly afterwards he began his Paramedic threatening asthma or a severe head injury This should be a much needed reminder to all of us Course and became a paramedic after 18 because of my intervention is reward that we have the great good fortune to work with some months of training. enough. of the best people in the world. It has always been my In New Zealand Colin began as an “The road-based experience; teaching and experience, in Northern Ireland, in Surrey, in Merseyside Ambulance Officer and has quickly moved different working practices will be a great and in Wales, that we might spend a lot of time through the ranks to Advanced Paramedic: asset to me and the Welsh Ambulance disagreeing with each other but, when it really matters “I’m the only Advanced Paramedic in an area Service in North Wales on my return to UK and you need someone to look out for you, there is no the size of Anglesey backing up a number of next July.” better place to work than the NHS Ambulance Service. page 2 page 3 A skydiving ambulance duo have raised over £1,000 to send a colleague’s son to see change of air Father Christmas in Lapland. Four-year-old Harry Hudson suffers from A North Wales ambulance man’s passion a very rare genetic disorder, Hunter’ for the sea has encouraged him to join the Syndrome, which means he may not live Coastguard. beyond his teens. Aberconwy Team Leader Osian Roberts The plucky youngster from Chester travels is usually seen in the Welsh Ambulance to Manchester Children’s Hospital every Service’s distinctive green uniform. Monday to undergo a three-hour infusion of But now he can also be found clambering a life-saving drug. leap of faith for harry down seaside cliffs to help rescue people in His mum, Sharon, is a paramedic with the the blue of the Coastguard. Welsh Ambulance Service based at Flint and Since 2000, the ambulance man has become colleagues have rallied round to help out. a valued member of Llandudno Coastguard Paramedic Denise Taylor and ambulance clifftop rescue team. technician Lyndsey Hill did a parachute Osian joined the ambulance service in 1989 jump from 10,000 feet at Whistock Airfield, and was a technician and paramedic at in Shropshire and the cash is still rolling in. Llandudno for 17 years before moving down Little Harry was there with his mum to the road to Aberconwy. watch the intrepid pair and Sharon said: “It He said: “I started at the very bottom of the was really good and Lyndsey and Denise ambulance service as a cadet, progressing to were fantastic and they picked the right day technician level in 1991 and then paramedic too because the weather was beautiful. in 1993 and I am currently team leader at “Harry really enjoyed it too and he kept Aberconwy. saying they were doing it for him and giving “There have been many high points over the them cuddles.” years; the memorable ones include receiving But it’s not an experience Denise, 47, wants a chief fire officer’s commendation and to repeat: “I’m glad it’s over,” she said: “I demonstrating the new front line Mercedes didn’t enjoy it one bit but I’m glad we did it ambulance to the then Health Secretary for Harry. Dr Brian Gibbons at the Welsh Assembly in “It took 20 minutes to get up there and six to Cardiff. It was a proud moment as I had been come down and two of them were in freefall involved in its design. – they were the worst.” “But I have always been interested in Lyndsey though loved every moment: “It the sea so the Coastguard was a natural was fantastic,” she said: “I don’t like flying but progression. I loved parachuting and the free fall was the “I did intend joining the RNLI but that would best part. I’d do it again and again. have meant a potential clash with my full “It was a beautiful day and we could see for time job. I couldn’t drive an ambulance miles and we landed right on the X. while 10 miles out at sea.” “There were lots of our colleagues and Osian has reached the post of Cliff Rescue family there and they all cheered and Technician in the group which averages 120 clapped – I think it worried some of the emergency calls a year. other people because some had come He said: “My role is to provide coastal straight from work. search and rescue, cliff and tactical rescue “It’s not really what you want to see when using ropes, report on marine erosion and you come to do a parachute jump, a pollution, and respond to all 999 calls that Jumping for joy: little Harry Hudson who has Hunter Syndrome request the Coastguard. paramedic in uniform.” with his mum Sharon, centre, and her Flint Ambulance Station Now Sharon and husband Paul, a teacher, colleagues Lyndsey Hill, left, and Denise Taylor. “These include incidents such as flare from Newton in Chester, hope to take their sightings, kids adrift on inflatables and son, Harry, and little sister Libby, two, to people cut off by the tide. Lapland to see Father Christmas. As a member of the team, Osian undergoes “We were thinking of Disney but Harry has training twice a month and the team also to have treatment every week,” explained works closely with rescue agencies. Sharon: “To be honest we’re just so grateful Osian added: “I enjoy being a cliff rescue to our friends for their efforts.” Ambulance’s 999 call...or was it 911! technician as I love the buzz when the pager The Control Room at the Welsh Ambulance lived in Nevada and was unable to reach the Google came up with several helpful Manager, Kerry Burrows said: “We love a goes off and the team kicks in to action.” hunter syndrome info Service’s South East Region HQ at Mamhilad phone to dial for the American emergency numbers, one of which led staff to the challenge and this certainly was one. in Pontypool often receives calls from far services on 911. New York Police Department. A call was Hunter Syndrome is a hereditary “We’re over the moon as a team to have disease in which the breakdown of a afield and needs to dispatch ambulances So the question was: “Can you arrange for an made and the NYPD were able to provide a been able to help the couple. mucopolysaccharide (a chemical widely to unexpected locations, but a call asking ambulance to go to an address in Nevada?” contact number for the ambulance service in the Nevada area. distributed in the body) is prevented for an ambulance to be sent to a house in The challenge was accepted and ambulance “It’s not unusual to have calls coming in because the body can’t produce the Nevada, in the USA, took the control staff control staff started their search for The final call was then made to Nevada and from mobile phones across the UK, but to necessary enzyme. into new territory. a contact number for the American South East Region control staff were able to have a request to help a patient over in the It affects boys but is inherited through the The call came through in the early hours of ambulance service. provide a name and address and ask them USA is a first for us. mother’s side so that although it doesn’t Thursday, October 2. The male caller was to attend. affect girls, they carry the defective gene. Their first port of call was a hospital in “The numbers provided by Google were a on a mobile phone somewhere in the UK Within a few minutes control staff phoned There are estimated to be about 2,000 Nevada, but control staff had problems great help. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able and was talking to his pregnant American convincing hospital staff of the genuine the boyfriend to inform him that contact cases worldwide with some 50 in the UK. to help someone who’s almost on the other girlfriend via the internet when she nature of the call. had been made and while on the line he It is named after Scottish-born Dr Charles side of the world. A Hunter (1873-1955), who first described suddenly became ill. The next option was to Google for phone was able to confirm via the internet that the it in 1917 in Canada. The caller explained to the control room numbers which would direct control staff to ambulance had indeed arrived! “We can only hope that the mum is now well that his girlfriend was expecting twins and the local ambulance service. Welsh Ambulance Service Control Room and that the twins are healthy and strong.” page 4 page 5 this year. first birth call for john “I’m pleased to be able to say that I am finding some like-minded people in the Church Village Assistant EMS Controller John for Wales, a position he held until the DRC ambulance trust,” he said. Attfield has passed his first birth test...with meet the boardwas subsumed into a new body in 2007. He acknowledges that the ambulance flying colours! AS local authorities, other public bodies and Many health-related and equality bodies service is facing a troubled time, not least John, 24, from Pontyclun, only began private companies feel the pinch during the have also benefited from his expertise and due to funding difficulties, and hopes working for the Trust in April and in July current economic gloom, they all have to he is Managing Director of Inclusion21 Ltd, to contribute positively through the dealt with his first emergency birth. examine their priorities closely. a company he formed in 2004 which offers non-executive role to the efforts of Chief “I had a call at about 4pm. It was a man’s And according to the newest non-executive training and consultancy in issues to do with Executive Alan Murray and the Board to lead voice in a bit of a panic because his director of the Welsh Ambulance Service equality and diversity. the service in the right direction. pregnant partner’s waters had broken and training budgets are often the first to suffer, He is a regular broadcaster on the topic, A single parent of three, his interests include she was bleeding. He was by her side in so training that helps organisations to serves on an advisory board to Health travel, spectator sports, music and reading. the bathroom on his mobile and just didn’t be confident in dealing with the rights of Commission Wales, is a Regional Fellow of He also retains a keen interest in philosophy know what to do,” said John. disabled people, and other equality matters, the Royal Society of Medicine, is chair of the and recently joined with former fellow “The contractions were a minute apart and can get lost. expert review panel of Unum (UK) Ltd and is researchers in setting up a small so I told him to get her to lie on her back That, however, is not a situation which is a Trustee of Arts Care/Gofal Cymru. He also philosophical group. and that the ambulance was on its way. The likely to arise within the service if Dr Kevin chairs the board of trustees of an adoption next thing I heard was the partner shouting agency. “Philosophy Fitzpatrick has anything to do with it as over remains an that the baby’s head was out. It was a job the past 30 years he has established himself An outspoken campaigner, he is determined important part of to keep him calm and get him to do things as one of the country’s most passionate and that policy makers should pay more heed my life, although which would help the mother and baby, but knowledgeable advocates of the rights of to disability matters and not, as so often I have so little he seemed to take on board most of what disabled people. happens, treat them as an afterthought. spare time and I I said. The crew were there in four minutes His interest in the topic stems from the fact He feels that with four out of every 10 struggle to keep and the baby was out moments later. that he has been a paraplegic since the age people who are out of work being disabled, developing in the “I’ve had a few reports of fatalities and calls of 17, when he suffered a spinal injury. employers should be more aware of the subject,” he said. to serious accidents and events, but it was paramedic praises police After gaining an Honours degree in issue, especially when young people are lovely to have a birth call and it was nice to A paramedic and two police officers saved she had taken a heroin overdose. involved. bring someone new into the world. Philosophy at Stirling University he obtained the life of a woman who had taken a drugs “She needed a lifesaving drug so I set up the his PhD in Swansea, and has remained in “Despite the pockets of excellence in “Mind you, overdose. respirator and quickly explained to them how Wales ever since, first in a teaching role some policy areas I do not really in this job Now the Welsh Ambulance Service has to operate it. at the university and then working for a believe we accept that disabled there’s no presented a certificate of commendation to major national charity. His special interest “They did brilliantly which left me free to give people have the capacity to be telling what PCs Greg Burns and Tim Barrell, above left, in disability matters has led to his holding the patient the injection which allowed her to truly equal,” he said. the next call who were first on the scene at the Megabowl numerous key positions on public bodies. will bring - regain consciousness and start breathing on But Dr Fitzpatrick, who lives in on Parc Tawe, Swansea. her own again. They were marvellous and did Dr Fitzpatrick, now 52, served on the that’s what Reynoldston, Swansea, has been Rapid Response Vehicle Paramedic Chris a very good job.” executive board of Disability Wales for six makes it so pleasantly surprised by his Collins said: “The young woman had years, including a year as chair, before being interesting PC Barrell said: “We’ve got a really good experience as a member of the collapsed in the ladies toilets – she was being appointed as Disability Rights Commissioner WAST, which he joined in May and relationship with the paramedics in Swansea rewarding.” resuscitated by two police officers who said and we’re happy to help them out and will do so at the drop of a hat because we do rely heavily on them.” Chris added: “She wouldn’t have survived if the time to make a difference - making a difference to you police officers had not been there in the first The work of the Programme Management Manager, said: “Keeping a complex planning Simon said: “It is estimated that the core of The PMD team instance. Department touches every single employee programme on track isn’t always easy and Professional education & development this project work will be completed by April All the team are based at Trust HQ in St “Even after I arrived it needed all of us working of the Trust in some way, shape or form. the team works closely with key officers Controls – Steve Pryor, Director of 2009, although some projects will continue Asaph, but most are familiar faces across together to make sure the patient pulled As you go about your general business you and staff to try to make sure that as far Ambulance Services beyond this alongside other projects that Wales as they travel as necessary to support through.” probably take for granted the progress that as its practicable the developments or Standardisation & modernisation of are planned for the remaining three years their work. Earlier this year the Welsh Ambulance Services introduction of new systems run smoothly. bother EMS and PCS of the programme. There is also work being is being made through the Time to Make They are: Simon Reynolds, Senior NHS Trust Chief Executive’s ‘Working Together’ The five year TTMD programme is ambitious undertaken on other projects and activities a Difference Modernisation Programme Clinical desks Programme Manager; Programme Managers Award recognised the efforts of three more (TTMD), but what you might not realise but achievable, so long as we get the EMS CAD upgrade not included in the above groups.” Swansea-based police officers, PCs Dean funding from WAG and have support for the - Steve Gill, (Controls/PCS); Pippa Rose, is that behind each new initiative is a PCS CAD roll out The Programme Management Department Edwards, Chris Harding and Phil Jenkins for large number of beneficial changes from (staff & regulatory); Gavin Bryce (Controls/ dedicated Programme Manager and Project Roll out of Promis for all EMS and PCS (PMD) is a formal programme and project their support for the service. staff and executives.” EMS, Fleet & Estates); Debbie Bateman Manager who have helped make the change Vantage Point House department made up of five Programme (Controls/IT); Senior Project Managers – They were nominated by Swansea paramedic Over the past few months elements of the happen. Virtual control room technology Managers, six Project Managers and a Alison Maguire, Gareth Jones, Sara Edwards, Ross Griffin after an accident at the site of Promis, hospital arrival screens, the Terrafix TTMD programme have been changed to Community First Responders Support Officer. Stephanie Harris and Jim Abernethy ARRP; concentrate on priority areas in line with the the Ferrara Tower, on Meridian Quay, where pilot and Cleric are just some of the major Fleet & estates – David Jackland, Director and Programme Support Officer, Emma strategic business plans. The key priorities Programme Managers take an overview of a construction worker had fallen 60 feet from new developments for the Trust over the of ICT each of the sub programmes and Project Jones. scaffolding. for 2008-09 are: Logistics past year, delivered through TTMD. Managers deal with the day to day running To contact the team call Emma on 01745 Staff Fit for purpose fleet Ross arrived in a RRV and was soon joined by Other significant developments have been and control of the individual projects 532985 or email her on HYPERLINK Finances Estates strategy PC Dean Edwards and PC Chris Harding who the setting up of Vantage Point House, the working with the project leads from the “mailto:emma.l.jones@ambulance.,wales. Performance High dependency service gave vital help to him as he attempted to introduction of a formalised approach to relevant department. nhs.uk” [email protected]. Regulatory Airwave radio replacements stabilise the critically ill man. clinical governance policies and the start of nhs.uk PCS Mobile data terminals/sat navs AVLS The PMD follow standard project PC Phil Jenkins, who is highly commended the new HEI Paramedic Course at Swansea These have been broken down further into management methodologies MSP and The team will also come along to staff University. Regulatory – Sara Jones, Director of for his excellent driving skills, then provided four groups – staff, controls, fleet & estates Unscheduled Care PRINCE to ensure a disciplined approach to meetings to talk about their work and to an escort to the ambulance which took the All of these have been fully supported by and regulatory – with a director responsible Business continuity managing the projects in an organised and give an overview of how the department patient to hospital. the Programme Management Department for each of the groups and the work streams controlled manner. operates. Clinical governance Ross said: “Although the patient died two days (PMD) whose staff travel throughout Wales within them. The directors and the work Civil protection Some of the work currently underway which Simon said: “All members of the team to make sure that these key developments, streams are: later, the police officers were fantastic in the Steering Groups have been set up to you will see coming through into the work are happy to talk about their work and way they acted.” essential to the modernisation of the Trust, Staff – Jo Davies, Director of HR & support each of these sub-programmes place soon is the Ambulance Car Project, the to explain how it benefits the Trust. It’s happen within agreed timescales and Development and regional directors and senior managers Airwave Radio System, a Communications important that colleagues understand what budgets. KSF across the Trust have taken on project lead Guidance booklet and the Knowledge and we do, how our work fits in with TTMD and Simon Reynolds, Senior Programme Communications & staff survey action roles. Skills Framework (KSF). the benefits it brings to the Trust as a whole.” page 6 page 7 high flying desk jockey Receptionist Emma Whitby is flying high after leaving her desk job at Wales Air Ambulance, to become one of the first students on the new paramedic course at Swansea University. The 20-year-old from Birchgrove, who Adverse Incident Reporting an anaesthetist from Boston, USA, designed What happens at the walkround? started with the charity almost three years the idea of Patient Safety Leadership ago, joined other aspiring paramedics on iFrom midNS January 2009 the revised Adverse iGHTFirst, a member of the walkround team Walkrounds. the first course of its kind in Wales. Incident/Hazard Reporting, Investigation will explain and introduce the process The aim of the walkround process is to: Emma has wanted to be a paramedic since and Learning Policy and Procedure, will including that discussions are to be honest go live. This policy has been developed to • Increase the awareness of safety issues and anonymous and that patient safety she was five: “It’s something I’ve always among all clinicians wanted to do,” she said. reflect the organisational and individual disclosures are to be encouraged. Members responsibilities of all staff (including • Make safety a priority for senior of the visiting team will then ask a series of While studying for her BTEC National volunteers) who carry out functions on leaders by spending a dedicated time questions to start the discussion. All staff Diploma in Health Studies, Emma signed up behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Services promoting a safety culture participating are encouraged to respond to help Wales Air Ambulance on a volunteer NHS Trust, including NHS Direct Wales. The • Keep staff aware about patient safety and have their responses recorded. recruitment day at Swansea College. Policy includes a revised section on the concepts such as incident reporting What could we discuss? Volunteer experience strengthened Emma’s reporting of Serious Adverse Incidents. • Obtain and act on information It aims to streamline existing procedures • Key patient safety concerns desire to be a paramedic and gave her a gathered that identifies areas for • What can we do together to improve? valuable insight into the role. and provide guidance for staff groups improvement and volunteers on their responsibilities • Teamwork - how well do our local She joined the charity full-time, working in reporting Serious Adverse Incidents/ teams operate? on reception, events and in administration, Who is involved? Hazards, Adverse Incidents/Hazards and • Communication – what works well and while she completed an HND in Health near misses. The Policy will be released for All of us (from most junior to the most what is not so good? Studies. all staff mid December 2008. senior, clinical and non-clinical) and • How can leadership help? Graduating earlier this year, Emma was members of the executive team. One • Incident reporting - how well does this excited to hear she could now study for the Ambulance crews will prepare her for the experience and hopefully I’ll be working 1000 Lives Patient Safety or two members of the executive team work? • What can improve? Higher Education Diploma in Paramedic training. She said: “Going on the road for with them again one day.” Walkrounds will visit each area accompanied by the Science at Swansea University. Following Risk/Patient Safety Co-ordinator (who the first time will be nerve-wracking, but I’ve The ‘1000 Lives Campaign’ aims to reduce For details on the Higher Education Diploma will record in writing all the key issues At the end of the process we will agree at a successful interview and assessments learnt a lot from the Helimed paramedics. risks to patient safety by implementing in Paramedic Science, visit www.swan.ac.uk discussed) and a representative of Corporate in English, Maths and driving, Emma has They’ve been really supportive and helpful.” life-saving interventions developed by least 2 key actions to be taken forward to or call 01792 518531. Communications. make the area safer for patients. These will begun the full-time two-year course. Emma’s ultimate ambition is to one day clinicians in Wales. Interventions include be the key actions that staff in the clinical It will see her working on various return to Wales Air Ambulance as a Helimed To learn how you can get involved with better management of medicines, reducing Where does the walkround take area think are the most important to placements, including ambulances, and paramedic. She said: “I’m going to miss the Wales Air Ambulance, call the volunteer healthcare associated infections and place? improve patient safety. she hopes her experience with Wales Air Wales Air Ambulance. It’s been a fantastic hotline on 0844 85 84 999. improving general medical care. By taking this action, Campaign organisers At the A&E department, in the ambulance, What will happen to the say they can prevent 1,000 avoidable deaths at headquarters – wherever there are issues information we gather? and avoid up to 50,000 episodes of harm about patient safety! The executive team across Wales in the next two years. and the staff can meet and hold discussions We will aim to respond to the local The Patient Safety Leadership Walkround in any area that suits operational staff or staff contact within three working days Chain of survival process is a part of WAST’s activities within department. This may be in the patient areas highlighting the main areas discussed. The the 1000 Lives Campaign. Dr Allan Frankel, or in a quiet room within a non-clinical area. issues will be discussed with the appropriate When John Green collapsed on a Cam said: “The first aider and the people or groups who can provide the shopping trip he sparked a chain First Responder deserve pats on solutions. We will work within an agreed reaction that led to his survival. the back because they kept the guy time to take action and feedback to the key The 47-year-old from Cefneithin going before we arrived. contact. The Trust IDA 4 groups will examine suffered a heart attack after being “That allowed us to do our job key patient safety concerns at meetings. taken ill just outside the ASDA successfully by shocking him back The Trust Board will be kept informed about supermarket in Llanelli but luckily for into rhythm and it proved the value what is being reported and what is being him there was help at hand. of First Responders.” changed. By co-coordinating all of the issues across the Trust, we can achieve widespread First on the scene was ASDA Experienced paramedic Marcus improvements. The aim of the Walkround baker John Walker who started Lewis said it was a perfect example is to make a difference to patient safety, a resuscitation and he was swiftly of the chain of survival with an early real difference that we can all see in the area joined by St Elli Shopping Centre recognition of the problem, CPR by where we work. First Responder Lisa Griffiths. trained bystanders followed by early She joined John in providing CPR defibrillation and advanced care on Ambulance Service driving - cardio-pulmonary resuscitation scene by paramedics. forward all-Wales patient safety - and just minutes behind came He added: “It makes so much campaign ambulance crew paramedics Cam difference when this falls into place The Welsh Ambulance Service is badging Messagiero and John Gravelle and and it’s a fantastic example of the up its vehicles in support of a national a Rapid Response Vehicle with importance of First Responders. campaign to improve patient safety and paramedic Marcus Lewis on board. “It made all the difference that there increase the quality of healthcare across The ambulance crew took over from was someone there with him within Wales. John and Lisa and Mr Green was 30 seconds, first responders were All Emergency and Patient Care Service shocked with a defibrillator which there seconds later and that we vehicles will carry the distinctive logo of the restarted his pulse and breathing had an ambulance crew there just a 1000 Lives Campaign, marking the Service’s and whisked away to Prince Phillip couple of minutes after that.” Pictured, from left, Paramedic Cam Messaggiero, John Green, First involvement. The Campaign is aiming to Hospital in Llanelli. Responder Lisa Griffiths, ASDA bakery worker John Walker, store manager Dr Jonathan Grey, Director of the 1000 Lives Campaign, with Alan Murray, Chief Executive, of Welsh Ambulance save 1,000 lives and avoid up to 50,000 Alan Jenkins and paramedic John Gravelle. Service. All vehicles in their fleet now carry campaign stickers. page 8 page 9 incidents of harm over the next two years. in Wales.” the changes throughout the process. In Campaign organisers believe this is the first Sign-up to the Campaign has been conjunction with this, training on both time an ambulance service has supported voluntary and the Welsh Ambulance Service, POVA and the Mental Capacity Act has been a patient safety campaign in this way, along with all NHS Trusts and Local Health included in this year’s paramedic post- which has different versions currently being Boards, has chosen to take part. The Trust proficiency course. run around the world. Dr Jonathon Gray, will monitor the impact of new working For more information you can contact Alison co-director on the 1000 Lives Campaign practices during the two-year campaign and on 01792 563835, 07896 253467 or alison. said: “We have been delighted by the real will report back to the campaign organisers [email protected] energy and enthusiasm that the Ambulance on improvements made. Service has brought to the Campaign. They SPECIAL CARE PATHWAY make a real difference to the lives of people PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE The Welsh Ambulance Service has across Wales everyday. Displaying the ADULTS developed a special care pathway for Campaign stickers will convey to both staff The patients we treat every day come from stroke victims following instructions from and the public the determined and serious Edwina Hart, the Minister for Health and commitment they are making to improving all walks of life but some may need that extra support and protection. Social Services for the Welsh Assembly patient safety.” Government. Alison Davies has been seconded from NHS Welsh Ambulance Service National This has been piloted in South East Region Direct Wales to take up this challenge and is Equipment Manager Gwyn Thomas is the and in the very first call, to a patient in leading on Mental Health and the Protection man making sure that the stickers are the Rhondda, a positive outcome was of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) for the Trust. displayed on all vehicles. obtained when the responding crew of He said: “We are very proud to support the Alison, who is based in Cefn Coed in paramedics Katie McPheat and Derek Olsen 1000 Lives Campaign. I’ve overseen a lot of Swansea, also heads up work around the used FAST (Face, Arm, Speech Test) prior to positive health and hygiene changes come Mental Capacity Act 2005. transportation to the stroke unit at the Royal into the Trust, partly due to new equipment She said: “Staff are more than welcome to Glamorgan Hospital. we have in use today. This national contact me for advice on any issues around The patient, 68-year-old Brian March, was campaign will help us build even more on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults of any then given a CT Scan which showed he the work we have already put in.” concerns or questions they have on Mental was suitable for thrombolysis which was Welsh Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Health issues in their day-to-day work.” carried out by Dr Richard Dewar within the Alan Murray said: “We are delighted to give The POVA policy has recently been reviewed specified three hours. our backing to this important Campaign and in conjunction with this, two standard Mr March has since made an excellent which will build on the excellent work operating procedures have been developed, recovery and the pathway developed for already under way in our Trust. We know one on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults the Royal Glamorgan Hospital has now been our staff work hard every day to save and the second on Adult Referral for Social adopted as a National Procedure. lives and by signing up to some of the Needs. Welsh Ambulance Service Consultant recommendations in this Campaign we Alison added: “These procedures have been Paramedic Andrew Jenkins added: “This is an know we can save more.” developed in order to give staff clear referral excellent example of collaborative working Dr Gray added: “The 1000 Lives Campaign routes. They are driven by current guidance between Trusts to enhance patient care.” is a national effort to reduce preventable and it is crucial that staff are made aware of “It is hoped that this will become more harm, including death. It will build on the process that will shortly be in place.” widespread when the programme of work existing good work and evidence to A dissemination plan is being developed identified by the Minister is adopted by the improve the safety and quality of healthcare which will ensure staff are informed of various NHS Trusts throughout Wales.

On the mend: stroke victim Brian March with Dr Richard Dewar and paramedic Katie McPheat. page 10