Issue 40 September-December 2011
4 Patient P feedback pilot
5 Health and Social P Care Awards
7 Apprenticeships P special
8 Sign of the times for P deaf nurse Jennifer 3
1 Arts festival to
P showcase new talent Chief executive’s message As autumn approaches, our trust has of becoming a qualified staff nurse - she is much to look forward to and celebrate now one of the UK’s first deaf mental health with our AGM, World Mental Health Day nurses - and newly-appointed apprentice and Black History Month taking place Sherrelle Russell who represents the new during the coming weeks. NHS generation. However, October 20 will be exactly a year The recent launch of a major patient since Chancellor George Osborne unveiled feedback scheme aims to improve the way we the Government’s comprehensive spending receive patients’ comments and suggestions review which set out how public funds would by using the latest technology at six test sites. be spent over the coming years. I am sure the challenges our trust faces, as The past 12 months have seen changes in well as its achievements, will provide some our trust’s structure and how frontline services healthy discussions at our AGM on are delivered, yet our staff have continued to September 27. deliver excellent standards of care and However, for all our successes we cannot achieve success, in these uncertain times. afford to be complacent, as there are still Putting patients first remains our mantra, to challenges to be faced, but I am confident provide the best possible care whether that is that together we can meet those head on. in a community setting or an inpatient unit, and our recent success at the Health and Social Care Awards shows how passionate our staff are about delivering this mandate. People like Jennifer Meeks, whose own deafness did not stop her following her dream Sue Turner, chief executive.
Transport review A new delivery and collection service has been rolled out across our trust sites. Our trust has teamed up with Amey plc, to redesign the transport provision between our sites across Birmingham and Solihull. The improved service offers extended operating hours and a new electronic tracking system. After the first few weeks of operation, wards and sites have already reported great improvements and have welcomed the redesign of the delivery and collection service. Neil Hathaway, head of estates and facilities, said: “The new transport arrangements have allowed us to focus on quality, customer requirements and value for money. “The benefits of the improved service will help staff plan their work, with the ultimate winner being the service user”. Delivering the new transport review: (left to right) Sarah Turner, Richard White, Laura Nicholls, Philip Scarratt, Leslie Groves and Huw Price. Photo copyright Nick Wilkinson
Governors meeting postponed The Assembly of Governors meeting scheduled for September 15 has been postponed until further notice. Trust Talk Once a new date for this forum has been set, details will be advertised as soon as possible via the trust’s website and email. Fdrome this aissued, Trulst iTanlk wiell nows be published quarterly, rather than bi-monthly, If you have any queries regarding governors please email @ so please note its new copy deadlines. All contact.governors bsmhft.nhs.uk or call 0121 301 1274. copy to be considered for inclusion must be submitted by the dates below:
ISSUE DEADLINE Do you have a story which could feature in Trust Talk? December 2011 November 4 If so, then contact the editor, Emma Brady on @ 0121 301 1298 or email trust.talk bsmhft.nhs.uk. April 2012 March 2 Deadline for the December issue is November 4, 2011. July 2012 June 1 October 2012 August 31
2 Make a date for Simone’s walking the walk oThisu yera r’sA anGnualM general meeting will take place at the Uffculme centre in Moseley on September 27. The AGM, the theme for which is innovation, will open at 10am, with a member seminar about our award-winning Rapid Assessment, Interface, Discharge (RAID) service by Professor George Tadros, consultant in old age liaison psychiatry. This service, launched as a pilot scheme in December 2009, has received interest from Government ministers and leading clinicians from overseas and across the UK due to its innovative approach to psychiatric liaison within one of Birmingham’s busiest A&E units. This will be followed by a members session on our new patient feedback kiosks and tablet computers, which enable service users across our trust’s sites the opportunity to comment on their care and our services. Carer Simone, who looks after her grandmother Daisy, is taking part in the Memory Walk. A marketplace of stalls showcasing Carer Simone Daniel and her daughter various projects, services and teams will be Park, in Edgbaston, on September 25. Rael are urging people to support the open throughout the day. Simone, who’s a member of our trust’s carers annual Memory Walk which is being held Staff who have worked within the NHS forum and of the Dementia Council, said: in a Birmingham park in September. for 25 or 40 years will be recognised at “I really appreciate the work the Alzheimer’s our annual long service awards, before the The busy single mum, who is preparing to Society does and I would encourage other formal AGM begins at 2pm. return to Birmingham City University to people to sign up as it is for a really good continue her studies, and her ten-year-old cause and it’s a nice day out. We are still finalising details, so more daughter Rael are keen to raise awareness “We also wanted to do it to raise awareness information will be posted on our of dementia, as they both look after of Alzheimer’s disease.” website www.bsmhft.nhs.uk. 90-year-old Daisy. Organisers hope 500 people will take part in Simone and Rael live with Daisy at her Small this year’s event which will begin at 12pm with Heath home, where the bubbly 29-year-old is a gentle warm up in the park. Trust Talk changes a live-in carer for her grandmother, who was Trust Talk, like our trust, is ringing the diagnosed with dementia in 2003. The Memory Walk, which includes 2k, 5k and For more details visit changes to reflect the challenging www.memorywalk.org.uk or call economic climate. 10k routes and is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, takes place in Cannon Hill 0207 423 3646 to register. From this September issue, the magazine will be bigger and brighter, published quarterly as printed copies or electronic editions. Each issue and retain popular features such as Coffee Break, Governor Spotlight and Photography Corner. As well as reducing the number of issues, alternate editions will have a limited print run. These will not be automatically mailed out to members, but they will receive an email link to the digital version which will be available online. The paper and postage costs involved in printing and distributing the magazine have risen considerably, which is why these changes are being made. All issues of Trust Talk can still be downloaded from our website www.bsmhft.nhs.uk.
To ensure you receive electronic versions of Trust Tal@k, send your email address to trust.talk bsmhft.nhs.uk
3 Seminar series Patient experience feedback review Earlier this year, our trust joined forces pilot is launched with Birmingham City Council’s equality division to jointly stage six seminars to raise awareness of key mental health issues and their impact on the city’s communities. Sessions - held at Handsworth Fire Station and the Drum, in Aston, between January and March - were aimed at practitioners, policy makers and third sector bodies serving Handsworth and Lozells, as well as local residents interested in mental health. All seminars were well attended, in particular the launch event and sessions on young people and African-Caribbean men. The final session was a screening of The Revolving Door, produced and written by local poets Aeon and Evoke. An evaluation of this joint seminar programme revealed that people will attend such events if they feel it Dee Roach, Di Markman and Mark Hiller with some of the new patient feedback computers. addresses issues relevant to them. It also highlighted a need for more A pioneering project to use new Our deaf service is designing questions mental health awareness events, and as technology to improve the patient which will be filmed in British Sign Language, result the relationship between our trust experience was launched at two of our and selected sites will offer the opportunity to and the council’s Handsworth and sites in August. comment using Urdu or Punjabi. Lozells CommUNITY Team will be Six sites were chosen to pilot the use of new PALS, User Voice and See Me teams are developed further. technology – including hand-held tablet liaising with patients ensure they are involved The original six seminars are also set to computers and patient feedback kiosks – to in the design of the questions and asking be re-run at a later date, and both give more opportunities for service users to them to choose their own topics for comment. organisations are to look at particular work provide immediate feedback on changes or Home treatment teams and community relating to mental health awareness for improvements to services. psychiatric nurses will also have access to young people, women and African The first unit to launch the new devices was pocket-sized devices, so patients receiving Caribbean men. Little Bromwich in Bordesley Green, followed care at home will be able to give their views Councillor Alan Rudge, the city council’s by the Zinnia Centre in Sparkbrook. on the service received. cabinet member for equality and human Fitz Meikle, a modern matron at the Zinnia Our managers and matrons have instant resources, said: “Our work with the trust is Centre, said: “This is a solid development to access to patients’ views through a bring us to the cutting edge of service "dashboard" of detailed information at each significant because of what we know improvement. Virtually every patient here pilot site. Mental health service about the causes and impact of mental today gave their views to us through using the commissioners are also keen to know what health, and how it affects communities and new devices". patients’ preferences are. families who are already facing Sue Buffery, who leads the STEPS Mark Hillier, head of patient and public challenging issues, such as those in programmes for older adults, added: "We involvement, said: “This project is truly bringing Handsworth and Lozells.” could’ve been overlooked for something like us the best systems to plan and design better Sue Turner, our chief executive, said: this, because people believe older patients services, through the direct feedback of many “Everyone’s general wellbeing is influenced won't embrace technology, but our patients more service users. by his or her circumstances, surroundings have proved that theory wrong as they’ve “We have talked to many other NHS trusts and the way people have behaved towards keenly followed our progress in this pilot". but also introduced a private sector partner, them – so we do our best to improve The other sites involved are the Barberry and looked at how companies involve their service users’ lives via our work with other (National Deaf Service) in Edgbaston, customers." organisations. Ardenleigh women’s service in Erdington, “This is why our trust is totally committed Solihull Integrated Addictions Service in to consolidating our partnership with Chelmsley Wood and Ten Acres centre in Birmingham City Council in the Stirchley. Handsworth and Lozells area. Each trial site has three different hand-held “Our trust believes it’s essential to work feedback devices for patients to use during with service user’s carers, their families the pilot scheme. and the wider community to help them to A kiosk has been placed in each lead purposeful lives among people who reception area, which have extra capability to accept them – breaking down the barriers provide general information. A plasma screen of stigma which often accompany mental has also been installed at these sites, to deliver news, messages from the team and health problems and can lead to isolation.” Staff are touring pilot sites to hear patients’ views. recent service improvements.
4 Trust PAs take up challenge of new role The growing popularity of physician Morcom House, in April. are among the academic centres now assistants (PAs) is providing unique “I perform initial psychiatric assessments offering the two-year diploma course. opportunities for graduates and and physical examinations and assist my He said: “The role of physician assistant is healthcare professionals looking for a consultant in outpatient clinics,” said Rebford. very different to that of a nurse. It’s more new challenge. “I completed a nursing degree and a suited to nurses who are comfortable with Nine NHS trusts in the West Midlands, Masters in medical law before enrolling on the medical model of care. including ours, have embraced this role which the PA programme, but despite these “I enjoy interacting with patients and their was devised in the US during the 1960s to achievements I had to study hard to pass the relatives or carers. I feel privileged to be able overcome a shortage of doctors. medical modules. to impart the knowledge, skills and Since then it has been successfully “Working in psychiatry is an enormous experience I have gathered over the years in exported to health services in Australia, learning curve for me, but the homeless team the healthcare sector. Canada, Europe, South Africa and the UK, are a dedicated group who have made me “The difference that high standard of care where students study general medicine feel very welcome”. makes to patients and their relatives and across a broad spectrum of healthcare. Mlindelwa Vundhla*, is a PA with our Rapid carers gives me professional satisfaction.” Our trust has already benefited from two Assessment, Interface and Discharge (RAID) l waves of PAs as UK-trained recruits join team, at City Hospital, in Winson Green, For more information, visit the UK medical teams, supervised by a doctor or Mlindelwa was already a qualified Association of Physician Assistants website – www.ukapa.co.uk consultant, whose remit includes diagnosis registered general nurse but wanted an l and referral of patients. expanded role and looked at PA courses in A full interview with Mlindelwa Vundhla Rebford Kean, joined our trust as a America, before he found similar courses will appear in the Nursing Standard in PA in the community mental health were available in the UK. University of September. team for homeless people, based at Birmingham and Wolverhampton University Trust staff praised at Health and Social Care Awards had been from the general sector.” Staff nurse Lily Singh, who is based at Grove Avenue, won the Trust Nominated Practice Award, while Hayley Carolan and Emma Brogan, ward and deputy ward manager at the former Small Heath In- Patients unit, were highly commended for the same award.
Nursing course
Tahep Nuprsringo anvd eMidwifery Council have approved the undergraduate mental health nursing course at Birmingham City University. The professional body’s validation, which (Left to right) Celebrating success: Emma Brogan, Hayley Carolan, Michael Galvin, Sally Graham and Lily Singh was made in May, approved the mental clutch their Health and Social Care Awards health course with no conditions, which is Our trust scooped two awards and Micheal said: “When I saw the amount of rare and included five commendations. praise for its staff at the regional Health people there, which including Lord Corbett, The university’s partnership work with our and Social Care Awards at Birmingham senior army officers and the dean of the trust, in particular the practice placement City University. university, I never thought that we might team led by Jacqui Gatcombe and Susan Staff from the National Deaf Mental Health actually win. Hine, was commended. Service based at the Barberry, Small Health “When presenter announced the award and David Glover, a community psychiatric In-Patients unit, and Grove Avenue began talking about how students receive nurse at Reservoir Court, Hamida Khanum, rehabilitation unit in Moseley all won basic teaching of British Sign Language and a community psychiatric nurse at recognition at event held at the Botanical attend deaf awareness sessions, I suddenly Newbridge House, and Paul Scott, a staff Gardens in Edgbaston on July 22. realised we had won. nurse at the Oleaster centre, also received This was the fifth year the university’s “It was the proudest moment of my career recognition for their commitment to the faculty of health has staged the awards, so far, as the excellent team I work with in course and the revalidation process. which recognises the achievements of its the National Deaf Mental Health Service had Our partnership work with service students and celebrates the relationships it been recognised for its hard work.” users was also commended, and the has built with practice partners, including our Sally added “I am really happy the team university wishes to thank all mentors for trust. have won this award as it raises awareness their efforts in mentoring and assessing Michael Galvin, ward manager, and Sally of the deaf service’s work. nursing students. Graham, deputy ward manager of Jasmine “I was especially proud when I saw Jasmine The new course begins in September. Suite - which won the Student Nominated Suite engraved on the award, as the previous Practice Award – attended the ceremony. winner – Birmingham Children’s Hospital -
5 Taking to the trails Kate’s take on Tourette’s for Tourettes Action Two of our consultants are preparing wins national award to tackle a tough Lakeland Trail race in October, to raise money for Tourettes Action. Dr Andrea Cavanna and Dr Hugh Rickards, both consultant neuropsychiatrists based at the Barberry in Edgbaston, will be running the Coniston 15k challenge on October 1. They are both keen runners who have also taken part in local races, including the Bournville 10k, and have also entered the Great Birmingham Run half marathon on October 23. Dr Rickards said: “Andrea and I are running the Coniston 15k challenge to raise money and awareness for Tourettes Action, the UK charity for Tourette syndrome. My sister, Kathy, will be joining us as well as Midlands Today business correspondent, Peter Plisner, who is running for the Macmillan Cancer Charity. “We are up for a challenge although we know the course will be tough, as we’ve been warned that in some places the terrain is only suitable for agile mountain goats, but we are determined to succeed and emerge unscathed.” The team want to raise £1,000 for the charity, as well as increase awareness of Tourette’s syndrome, which affects 0.5 per cent of children in the UK.
To support and sponsor our runners, visit their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/hugh-andrea.
Dr Andrea Cavanna with medical student Kate David and her award. Oleaster’s A medical student working with our “I didn’t know anything about charity fun specialist Tourette’s syndrome unit has neuropsychiatry and research processes Staff and service users have been won a prestigious national prize for her before I began this project, so I was very turning out their cupboards for a essay on the condition. surprised that my essay won the Professor series of charity bring-and-buy and Kate David, who is studying psychological Mary Robertson award. I had no expectations book sales at the Oleaster centre. medicine at Birmingham University, whatsoever of winning.” A series of events, held at The Venue developed an interest in the diagnosis and Her essay was a review of existing activity space, organised by administration treatment of Tourette’s during her placement literature on the quality of life in patients with staff have raised a total of £565 for at the Barberry, in Edgbaston. Tourette’s, which linked into her own research various charities, including appeals Kate was presented with the Professor on predictors of quality of life. following disasters in Haiti and Japan, Mary Robertson prize after presenting her Dr Andrea Cavanna, consultant in since November. research into quality of life indicators in behavioural neurology based at the Barberry, Other good causes to benefit from these patients with the condition at the Tourettes described the student medic as “very sales were Cancer Research UK, the Action Research Network conference in talented”. Heart Foundation, Smile Foundation and London on May 13. He added: “Unfortunately I was not at the Unicef. Kate, who has been working in our trust’s conference to see Kate receive her award Money was also raised to fund a party neuropsychiatry department, said: “I find the and I only knew of her success when she for service users at The Venue, to mind very interesting and the link between emailed me to say she had won the prize. celebrate the Royal Wedding in April, body and mind, so I wanted to focus on that “However, it was not a big surprise to me which was a great success. for a year. that she had won, as we’d worked together More book sales and bring-and-buy “With medical degrees you spend so much for a year and I know how very talented she events are planned. Anybody who would time trying to learn everything, so it’s rather is. I do believe she has a bright future ahead like to donate any books or bric-a-brac refreshing to be able to just concentrate on of her.” can drop them off at the Oleaster, in one area in detail, which I have enjoyed very Kate added: “I couldn’t have done this Mindelsohn Crescent, Edgbaston, or call much. without Andrea’s support.” 0121 301 2165 to arrange collection.
6 Trust opens clinical apprenticeships to public for first time As work progresses on our Yardley applications from jobseekers within the local of people from different backgrounds, of Green site, the search now begins for community, but added apprenticeships “aren’t different ages and with diverse experiences staff to work at the new medium just for school leavers”. which brings a general understanding of how secure unit. She said: “These healthcare assistants will to improve the experiences of our patients. The recruitment drive for this development be the trust’s first cohort of external clinical “There is an under representation in our includes the launch of the first clinical apprentices. The trust already takes on workforce of people under the age of 24, apprenticeship scheme open to external business administration apprentices but this many of which are in administrative roles, candidates. It is designed to give people of is the first time we’ve applied the process to therefore we would encourage applications all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to clinical services. from this age group for clinical role like this. train as healthcare assistants. “We’re not just looking for people fresh out “We need to create a second generation to Successful candidates will be taken on a of school or college, we’re keen to receive come through, and hopefully by offering 12-month contract on a Band 1 salary, which applications from men and women of all support and opportunities like this, we can.” incorporates workplace learning towards an ages, maybe looking for a change or l apprenticeship in health and social care – returning to work after spending time with Advertisements for these based within one of our forensic units. their family, all these experiences will help apprenticeships will appear on the The apprentice posts, which are forensic benefit the service. NHS Jobs website – www.jobs.nhs.uk – specific, will spend time at Ardenleigh in “This scheme will give apprentices some from mid-September. Applicants must Erdington and Reaside in Rubery. The real experience on the job. It will give them a be aged 18 or over and have at least Yardley Green medium secure unit, in basis on which to develop their skills enable three GCSEs A*-G. Bordesley Green, is due to open in them to access further development to December. progress in a career in healthcare. For more information about the On completion, apprentices will be Each apprentice will have a clinical mentor healthcare apprenticeships, contact equipped to apply health care assistant roles and will receive academic support from the Naomi Fletcher on 01@21 301 1264 or within the trust’s forensic services. trust’s learning and development team email Naomi.fletcher bsmhft.nhs.uk Lorraine Conlon, lead nurse for our Youth throughout their apprenticeship. and Secure Services, hopes to receive Lorraine added: “We want to attract a mix
Sherrelle, you’re hired! It’s clear from Sherrelle Russell’s smile that she enjoys working for our trust. The ambitious 20-year-old embarked on an apprenticeship in business administration in February, and within four months has successfully obtained a Band 3 post as a secretary to the education team at trust headquarters in Birmingham. Our trust began recruiting apprentices in 2009 because, as a large employer in Birmingham and Solihull, we have a social responsibility to create career opportunities within the communities we serve. Sherrelle had embarked on an English degree at Coventry University but discovered that was not for her, so instead began looking for roles that offered workplace Sherrelle enjoys working with the education team at trust headquarters. learning. She said: “I had started an apprenticeship as “a real asset”. gain valuable experience and understanding with a small firm in Sandwell, but I didn’t find She said: “Since Sherrelle joined the of working life. that really challenged or stretched me, so I education team she has become a real asset Sherrelle added: “I think more people looked on the national apprenticeships with her great enthusiasm and can-do should consider an apprenticeship and website and when I saw the opportunity here, attitude.” give it a go. I decided to go for it. Sherrelle’s “can-do” attitude was also “I tried the university route and discovered it “Since I started in February I’ve completed praised by communications officer Yickman wasn’t for me, but workplace learning my NVQ Level 2 and my technical certificate, Choi, after she completed training on the provides great experience as well as a wage, so now while I’m doing this job I’m being trust’s new intranet system, Connect. which is just as important as qualifications on assessed on my competency in this role. Yickman said: “Sherrelle picked up the new your CV.” “I enjoy keeping myself busy and rising to Connect system very quickly and has been meet challenges, so when a vacancy came making changes to her department’s site, l up in the education team, who I was already keeping it constantly up to date and For more information about working with, I applied and I got it.” interesting to the site’s visitors” apprenticeship schemes and Frances Byrne, lead for professional Apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunities visit development and quality, described Sherrelle opportunity to “earn while you learn” and to www.apprenticeships.org.uk
7 SBy heir ogwn andmis sion Jefnn ifert Mheek eis “a times: Jennifer leads the this is the only course of its kind which takes Jennifer added: “I’m now a Band 5 staff nurse, bit of a trailblazer”. on deaf students. so I sort out the patients’ meds, spend one-to- The bubbly 35-year-old staff nurse juggles “However I shouldn’t’ have worried as there one time with them to see how they’re feeling, her role with the National Deaf Service, based was no difference, we all used the same clinical supporting them in a nursing role, and carrying at the Barberry in Edgbaston, with looking after and nursing equipment , worked with the same out ward reviews. It’s a really rewarding job. her two children. patients, and that gave me a lot of confidence “I really enjoy talking to patients, finding out That’s not unusual, many mothers have to in my own abilities.” what their interests are, trying to incorporate perform a similar balancing act, but Jennifer is After completing her diploma in 2003, those interests into their care plans and also I one of only eight deaf mental health nurses in Jennifer was taken on as a mental health nurse understand the complexities of being deaf in a the United Kingdom – and the only one at a medium secure unit in Bury, Greater modern society – and how to cope with it – employed by our trust. Manchester. which I share with them. “I know I’m the only deaf nurse within our “Sometimes other hearing staff don’t have the trust, but I don’t need to be. I shouldn’t be,” confidence to communicate with deaf patients, she said. so there is definitely a need for more deaf Jennifer, who was born deaf, began her career nurses within mental health services – it’s as a healthcare assistant within the deaf service proved to be a really valuable role.” in 1995, but soon felt she needed a more Now Jennifer, who is one of just eight challenging role. qualified deaf mental health nurses in the UK, “I hadn’t really thought about nursing as a is keen for other deaf men and women to potential career, but I was an experienced follow their dreams. healthcare assistant and saw colleagues going She said: “I do look back and think ‘Wow’. I off to become qualified nurses, but I was never thought I’d go to university, let alone get a concerned about being deaf and being able to diploma, so I am very proud of achieving that. do the job. “I really want to encourage other deaf people “I spoke to my ward manager at Denmark Jennifer works with interpreters at the Barberry to embrace the challenges and to give their House, where the deaf service used to be dreams ago. based, and she told me about a mental health She said: “I was really inspired by our course “Initially, when I started my first job as a nursing course at Salford University – the first leader, Naomi Sharples, who had worked in qualified nurse, I was working with other of its kind in Europe – that took deaf students, deaf services in Manchester and could sign, she qualified nurses who seemed uncertain how to and encouraged me to apply,” she said. constantly underlined the fact there was no work with a deaf nurse, but when I began “So I signed up for the course, worried difference between a hearing nurse and a deaf working with deaf patients there was no issue whether I’d cope with studying alongside nurse. She really boosted my confidence. at all. hearing students, but with the help of an “I was one of the original cohort of just three “I think there is a misconception by clinical interpreter I found I could do the lectures and deaf nurses who took the course, so I suppose staff that it’s not possible for deaf nurses to work as well as the others.” I was a bit of a trailblazer in that respect.” work on a ward with hearing patients, but that’s Deaf students on the three-year course are Jennifer, who progressed to a band 6 role just not the case. If I can do it, then any deaf supported by British Sign Language within Alpha Hospitals, began looking for a new nurse can. interpreters and are also issued with laptop challenge last year. “The opportunities to develop and train are computers to help with their studies. The “I’d achieved so much over the eight years I there for everyone – deaf and hearing – to course also involved placements in Birmingham, was in Manchester, really getting to grips with take, I just hope more deaf men and women Manchester and Wales in various mental health running a ward and the extra responsibilities can be inspired to do so.” units, including the Jasmine Suite at the that come with that, and I was looking for Barberry. something different.” Trust Talk would like to thank Jennifer for Jennifer added: “I was one of the first cohort In November last year, Jennifer returned to sharing her story. of deaf nurses taken onto this course in 2000, the National Deaf Service, at its new base in there were just three of us then, and I believe Edgbaston.
Ways to boost your wellbeing
depressiOn tOOk its tOll On her dOctOr refers her OntO the next step was tO start Out went fad diets, intrOducing Miranda until she decided “i can’t a cOunsellOr and prescribes cOMMunicating with friends and regular eating and healthier take it any MOre”. she was past her sOMe anti-depressants. faMily Miranda hadn’t seen fOr OptiOns like fruit and rOck bOttOM, caused by the death during their sessiOns, Miranda years. althOugh hesitant at vegetables. nOw Miranda feels Of her grandfather three years and her cOunsellOr discuss an first, she cOntacts her Old MOre energetic. earlier. actiOn plan On hOw tO steadily schOOl friend andrea. iMprOve her life.
8 World Mental Health Day A special film evening to celebrate World Mental Health Day is being way for deaf nurses staged in Birmingham on October 10. The event, at the Midland Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, will feature a documentary looking at the making of and the issues raised by The Insatiable Moon. The documentary will be shown at 7pm, followed by a screening of the film at 8pm. A second showing of both the documentary and film will take place at Birmingham Library Theatre, in Paradise Place, city centre, on October 11. A full itinerary of events being staged and supported by our trust will be posted on our website – www.bsmhft.nhs.uk – soon.
Cartoon
Tchios yemar Trpust eTaltk ilatunicohedn cartoon competition, to give readers a chance to draw their own cartoon strip to feature this edition. After a slow start, budding cartoonists have started to send in their work, and this month’s wining cartoon strip was drawn by Sabrina Dunkley , from Erdington, who will receive a selection of arts materials. Trust Talk is running the competition again, calling for entries based on the theme of “How to cope with festive stress”. All entries must be black and white, line drawn, eight-frame cartoon strips but must not be coloured or shaded, with each caption being no more than 30 words. It must be the artist’s own original work. Post entries to Trust Talk Cartoon Competition, Communications Department, FREEPOST Plus RRXE GTKC-GRBZ, BSMHFT, Trust HQ, 50 Summer Hill Road, Birmingham, B1 3RB. Digital ent@ries can be submitted via email One of the UK’s first qualified deaf to trust.talk bsmhft.nhs.uk mental health nurses. The deadline for all entries is Friday, November 4, 2011.
written and illustrated by Sabrina Dunkley
Miranda heads tO the lOcal with MOre energy cOMes the nOw Miranda has enOugh all Of this has Made Miranda wellbeing centre tO try Out MOtivatiOn tO exercise. Miranda cOnfidence tO try sOMething realise she wants tO help sOMe art sessiOns. she May nOt starts sMall with lOcal walks new, she enrOls On an english Others in the saMe situatiOn. be the next MOnet but it is and prOgresses OntO jOgging literature cOurse at a lOcal she vOlunteers at the wellbeing sOMething relaxing. arOund the park, and then cOllege. new skills Meant centre, assisting MeMbers Of bOxing classes at the gyM. lifting MOOds. staff.
9 Celebrating Black History Month Our trust services a diverse population Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse, sought across Birmingham, Solihull and the out the wounded and performed last office to wider West Midlands, with dozens of the dying solders during the Crimean War in different ethnic communities living in the 1854. She had in abundance firmness, region. physical courage, and high level of To better understand their needs, our professional integrity, so it is fitting the services aim to understand and recognise nursing school at Birmingham City the importance of their cultural heritage, and University’s faculty of health building took her Black History Month is the ideal time to look name in 2007. Mary is one of many unsung at how we do that. role models to be celebrated. The theme for Black History Month 2011 is Events will be staged across Birmingham Africa Calling, which was chosen to mark the and Solihull during October, including a United Nations International Year for the special launch show at The Drum arts centre People of African Descent. in Aston on October 1. Originally recognised in the US in the early The venue will also host BirmingStrong, an 1980s, Black History Month was first marked exclusive photographic exhibition that will be in London in October 1987. The idea was to on display throughout the month. promote the value of ethnic diversity and the Black History Month is important as it contribution the Afro Caribbean community celebrates the achievements of the past, has made, and continues to make, to British which for older people is often something to society. be proud of, and recognises their knowledge, Recognising the role their predecessors experiences and skills. had in successfully fighting for opportunities, For younger people it is an opportunity to rights, entitlements and life chances is very learn more about their cultural heritage, to important, as those who arrived between Portrait of Mary Seacole by Albert Charles Challen, enhance their own identity. 1940 and 1960 struggled to survive – so it courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London. l is time to celebrate and acknowledge their Details of Black History Month events achievements. grandparents or great-grandparents made around our trust will be posted on our Younger members of these communities through British history, particularly the war website – www.bsmhft.nhs.uk - and may be unaware of the contributions their years. the staff intranet.
Time to Change roadshow in Solihull Shoppers in Solihull will be able to take our understanding and attitudes and we want part in a Time to Change roadshow at to start conversations all over the country. Touchwood, to help get people talking "Often a few small words like ‘How are about mental health. you?’ or ‘Are you OK?’ can have a massive Following the success of the organisation’s impact for someone with a mental health Time to Get Moving event in Birmingham last problem. If you see the roadshow in your year, our trust is supporting their latest town, be sure to go up and say hello and initiative to tackle the stigma which start your own conversation about mental surrounds mental health issues. services or just how they are feeling. health.” Time to Change, England’s biggest anti- Naomi Hawkins, a member of our Time to Change was launched in January stigma programme, led by charities Mind and community engagement team, said: “The 2009 with a national advertising campaign Rethink, is touring the streets and festivals of Time to Change roadshow gives the people fronted by Stephen Fry, Ruby Wax and England with a series of colourful roadshows of Solihull a chance to find out more about Alastair Campbell. This year’s campaign is that address the awkwardness people may mental health by talking to someone with being supported by Frank Bruno and his feel when trying to discuss mental health personal experience. daughter Rachel. problems. “Just a few small words can make a big l The roadshow will see staff, service users difference to someone with a mental health For more information about this and local residents in Solihull come together problem and talking about mental health can roadshow, and other Time to Change for a day on September 17 to raise help to break down stigma and events, visit www.time-to-change.org.uk awareness of and talk about mental health discrimination.” and their wellbeing. “This event will bring together people who This is just one of hundreds of events are otherwise unlikely to meet. We want to taking place all over the country between use this as an effective way of breaking June and October, which is expected to start down stigma and promoting an inclusive 140,000 conversations about mental health. community.” People visiting the Solihull roadshow will be Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, able to browse stalls showcasing different said: “We know that face-to-face contact with charities and organisations supporting the someone who has experienced a mental Time to Change campaign, as well as chat to health problem, who can talk openly and some of our staff about the trust, our confidently about it, is key to transforming
10 SCtaffh ando seirvric e uhserist u niated lbly thteihr e right notes with debut album passion for singing are preparing to celebrate their second anniversary with a special performance at our Uffculme centre in September. Our Trust Community Gospel Choir, which began as a small performing arts project, are also preparing to release their debut album. The 30-strong group have spent hours in Robanna’s Studio, in Birmingham, recording tracks for the eight-track CD called Something Inside So Strong . Many of the choir members had never set foot in a recording studio, let alone don headphones or stand in front of a microphone when they began the recording tracks. They will mark their second anniversary as a choir with a performance at the trust’s Board Challenge event for staff, which will take place at the Uffculme, in Queensbridge Road, Moseley, on September 27. Since first coming together in early 2009, the choir – spearheaded by Jo Neale, the trust’s head of performing and creative arts – have made much progress. While they regularly perform at special events across the trust, the choir also take part in the Friday Jazz sessions at Symphony Hall. Now, their journey continues, as money won at last year’s Board Challenge competition has enabled them to complete their debut album which includes their versions of Something Inside So Strong, Lovely Day Stepping up to the microphone at Robanna’s Studio in Birmingham. and All You Need is Love . Derek Tobin, choir member and quality all looking forward to the CD’s launch and part of this initiative. We are all very grateful improvement service manager, said: “The our forthcoming performances across the to Martin Trotman our musical director for his trust choir is a very genuine example of trust.” on-going support and patience”. collaboration between service users, staff The choir’s performance coincides with the Though it is a lot of fun, Martin, a local jazz and carers that has developed friendships second anniversary of their first performance, musician and the choir’s musical director, within a friendly and relaxed environment. at the same venue in 2009. Copies of their creates intricate arrangements to both “For all of us to be given the opportunity to debut CD will be available to buy for £10 on challenge and develop the choir. They are record an album has been a fantastic the day. currently working on a rendition of Michael experience which was challenging but Derek added: “I would encourage anyone Jackson’s Man in the Mirror , which brings hopefully has produced great results. We’re with an interest to join the choir and to be together powerful harmonies. Every song choice is handpicked to represent the ethos of choir, being that of recovery and wellbeing.
The choir is always open to new members and is free to attend. Come and join them every Tuesday, 5.30–7pm at trust headquarters, B1, 50 Summer Hill Road, Ladywood, Birmingham. All are welcome and no previous experience is required. For more details call Jo Neale o@n 07985 88 2748 or email jo.neale bsmhft.nhs.uk
For more details on the choir’s debut and how to buy it, visit our website [email protected] or follow us on Twitter BSMHFT.
Choir members warming up their vocal chords.
11 Do you remember...?
All images copyright Photo-Reportage Ltd / British Hospital and Social Service Journal
When the John Conolly Hospital opened These photos, taken by Photo-Reportage in south Birmingham in 1965 it was a Ltd for the British Hospital and Social modern, specialist mental health facility. Service Journal, show how healthcare The hospital, located on Bristol Road South environments have changed. in Rubery, was designed as a 90-bed unit l but it also housed dedicated out patient and Trust Talk wants to hear from readers day patient departments. who have old photos of trust sites, past Dr F H Taylor was appointed as the and present. If you have any photos or hospital’s first medical director in 1965, as digital images you wis@h to share, new units like John Conolly Hospital marked please email trust.talk bsmhft.nhs.uk a new development in mental healthcare, as or call the editor on 0121 301 1298. Plans for the hospital at a city exhibition modern units began to replace the old- fashioned borough asylums. However in 1996, the hospital was demolished, when some services and patients were transferred to the then newly-built Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital in Edgbaston.
The dining room Hospital chefs prepare meals for patients and staff
Occupational therapists taking aim in the gym One of the modern wards at John Conolly Hospital
12 Artistic staff and service users will unveil their latest creations as the annual Arts All Over The Place festival kicks off in September. The annual arts festival, staged by the Creatives Network for the Arts and Health and supported by our trust, showcases talents across a range of performances, visual arts, poetry and music. Arts festival It also seeks to highlight how artistic activities can benefit those with mental health issues. to showcase This year Arts All Over The Place will be launched at the Zellig Gallery, in the Custard Factory, Digbeth, on September 26, and will new talent run until October 9. Previous participants have included comedienne Janice Connolly, African arts group Talking Drums plus many other poets and musicians. Artwork can be submitted between 11am and 3pm from September 19 to 23 at the Zellig Gallery. Performances - including a special event to celebrate World Poetry Day on October 6 - will be held in a separate gallery space in the former Bird’s custard factory. Exhibitors and visitors to previous events have noted how arts participation helps boost their self-confidence, enables them to relax and gives them a chance to develop new skills. “This is an ideal springboard for people to show off their talents who otherwise would have no outlet to vent their feeling through art,” read one comment made at the end of last year’s festival. Emma Marks, arts projects officer with our trust, said: “I’m really excited about this year’s festival. We couldn’t have wished for a more amazing space to exhibit the talents of our service users, it’s like the Tate gallery has come to Birmingham.
Breakdancing was among the new arts showcased at last year’s festival.
“Come and see for yourself and take inspiration from what can be done from small beginnings. “I am also happy to be working in conjunction with Full Potential Arts who hopefully will be taking Arts All Over The Place forward in future.” All events are free and the programme caters for people of all ages, the general public, those with mental health difficulties and carers. l For more information about how to take part and the full programme of events, contact Emma Marks on 0121 678@ 2702 or email Comedienne Janice Connolly, aka Barbara Nice, joined creatives bsmhft.nhs.uk. Visitors look at artistic exhibits at the Custard Factory. in a drumming workshop.
13 National search for new designs for life
Ai mnationpal crhaollenvge iton fingd de sigdn-leed as innovation in meeting them." innovations to help improve and simplify David Kester, the Design Council’s chief the lives of people with dementia and executive said: "This is an exciting their carers, has been launched by the opportunity for designers, businesses, Department of Health and the Design communities to work on a project that will Council. make such a difference to people's lives. Living well with dementia will offer five “We can see the statistics around this issue teams a share of £360,000 and professional but the reality of it is that dementia is support to develop working prototypes and something that does and will affect every business models for products and services. family in Britain. The challenge aims to recruit teams with a support people with dementia can continue “Previous challenges have shown the variety of expertise, including designers, to live well for a number of years. By impact design plays in addressing difficult social entrepreneurs, businesses, service engaging with businesses and the third social and health issues and I think teams providers, support groups or individuals who sector I hope we will stimulate some creative will once again drive the innovation curve." may already have good ideas. thinking about how best to help people with Living well with dementia is the latest The Design Council has launched a social dementia get the most out of their lives, design challenge run by the Design Council network for those interested, to access rather than just focusing on symptoms." to develop design-led solutions to social and extensive research on dementia, meet others Submissions will be judged by an advisory healthcare issues. Recent innovations have to form teams, and download the call for board consisting of experts in dementia, addressed improving patient privacy and entries: www.designchallenges.ning.com. health and social care, business and design, dignity, reducing health care associated Paul Burstow the Government’s care chaired by Baroness Sally Greengross, chief infections in wards and reducing violence services minister, said: "Dementia is one of executive of the International Longevity and aggression in A&E through design. the biggest challenges we face as the Centre. population ages. It currently affects 750,000 Baroness Greengross said: "Innovative The closing date for entries is people in the UK and that number is set to ideas are necessary if we are to meet the September 30, 2011 and the final teams double over the next thirty years. real needs of the growing numbers of people to be announced on November 14, 2011. "To make sure we continue to improve with dementia. l health outcomes and manage the growing “This new, diverse, mixture of people For more details visit the Design costs associated with this, we need to think coming together should give us an exciting Council website smart and do things differently. set of proposals reflecting the urgency of www.designcouncil.org.uk/dementia "If diagnosed early and given the right need and the importance of creativity and
Memory awareness days in Solihull Our community mental health team in Solihull have staged two memory awareness events in the town, to raise the profile dementia and memory problems to the public. More than 30 people visited the team’s stand in Mell Square Shopping Centre on June 17, during Dementia Awareness Week. Shoppers and workers took time to look at stands with information on dementia, how to recognise the symptoms and ways of enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia and those who care for them. The team answered many questions raised by visitors to the stand on various aspects of memory problems and were able to signpost them to appropriate services. Jackie Aird, an Admiral nurse within the
Left to right: Admiral nurse Jackie Aird, Dr Rema Swarna, student nurse Lara Olutobi, Dr Jose Schwartz, occupational team, said: “We feel it’s important to meet therapy assistant Kathryn Felton, and dementia advisor Diane Powell, of the Alzheimer’s Society, at Solihull Hospital. with the public to increase overall awareness of dementia and to help improve the quality of life for those with memory problems, and Juniper’s new coffee shop those who look after them.” A new coffee lounge is set to open at our Juniper Centre in Moseley later this year. Due to the success of the event, the team then visited Solihull Hospital in July, where The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) have been appointed as the providers, they spoke to staff and visitors about following a procurement process. dementia, the signs to be aware of and the The charity, who are known for being “positive about age, practical about life”, also run help available to people with conditions like similar coffee shops at several NHS sites in Birmingham and Solihull, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their carers. Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
14 Dates for your diary SEPTEMBER Chairman Spotlight: 17 Time to Change awareness event at Touchwood shopping centre, Solihull. 21 World Alzheimer’s Day. For more information visit www.alz.co.uk Professor Peter Marquis 27 Trust’s AGM at the Uffculme centre, Trust chairman, Professor Peter Marquis, Queensbridge Road, Moseley. Opens decisions. I believe that this is the case for is stepping down from his high-profile at 10am, AGM meeting at 2pm. Free. our board. OCTOBER role at the end of September. Here he I feel that everyone I have worked with and looks back over his career with the 10 World Mental Health Day screening of met in this trust cares passionately about organisation. The Insatiable Moon at the mac, delivering quality services. Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston. Event For the past eleven years I have been There is no doubt that the future for the begins at 7pm. privileged to work as a non-executive trust is very challenging. There are 22 Diwali celebrations at the National director in mental health trusts in demanding efficiency targets to hit, services Indoor Arena, 2pm to 7pm. Birmingham and Solihull, and in particular as have to be redesigned and in some cases 29 Make a Difference Day to highlight chairman of this trust for the past four years. transferred to other providers. how volunteering can tackle During this period I have seen a lot of Mutual respect in our shared commitment loneliness and isolation. For more info changes, one of the most dramatic being the to delivering quality mental health services visit www.csv.org.uk. overall improvement in our facilities. will be essential if the trust is to succeed. NOVEMBER My first experience as a non–executive The board needs to appreciate the impact 2 National Stress Awareness Day. director was driving in through boarded up of their decisions on individual staff, service For information visit www.isma.org.uk Victorian buildings on the old Highcroft site users and carers. Equally, staff, service users 14-20 National Alcohol Awareness Week. in Erdington, to attend a board meeting. This and carers need to appreciate that when the For details visit depressing introduction to Birmingham’s board make decisions, they are doing so www.alcoholconcern.org.uk mental health facilities was replaced by the because of their commitment to protect the 17 Meriden whole family approach to pleasure in hosting events to open a series future of the trust and the delivery of mental support parents. Free workshop. of new buildings – the Barberry and health services in Birmingham and Solihull. For details and to book a place call Oleaster centres in Edgbaston, the Zinnia A critical forum for building mutual respect 0121 678 2896. Centre in Sparkbrook and the Juniper and understanding is the Assembly of Centre in Moseley. Governors, which brings service user, carer, We should all be proud of these improved staff and public representatives together MTNRG researchers facilities which are recognised both with the board, to shape the strategic nationally and internationally for their direction for the future and to ensure the meeting outstanding quality and design, as well as impact of plans on individuals is appreciated. Delegates met at our Barberry centre, in the services they house. While the effectiveness of the Assembly of Edgbaston, for the third annual meeting Over the years our trust has faced many Governors in this role is still developing, I of the Michael Trimble Neuropsychiatry challenges and the pressure on its believe it will be critical for the trust in the Research Group (MTNRG) in the summer. resources never seems to abate. When difficult times ahead. The group, founded in 2009 by Dr Hugh Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS I have really enjoyed my time with the trust, Rickards and Dr Andrea Cavanna, is Trust was first formed in 2003, we inherited most particularly the interaction with the dedicated to the inspiring figure of Professor a major financial deficit. This was eliminated people who use and deliver our mental Michael Trimble, a Birmingham University through hard work but we still face continual health services. graduate who set up the Raymond Way Unit, demands to do more for less, but now from My heartfelt thanks to you all for making it at the Institute of Neurology in London in a more robust position. possible for me to hand over to the next 1988 and ran it until 2004. I feel this is mainly due to our approach chairman feeling that we have made some Dr Valerie Voon from the University of and the staff’s attitude towards attaining genuine improvements in the quality of Cambridge delivered an interesting lecture on foundation trust status, which we achieved in mental health services and facilities in impulse control disorders during the meeting, July 2008. This was not about running our Birmingham and Solihull over the past which took place on July 28. trust as a business but using business eleven years and that the trust is well placed After a series of short presentations on expertise, through our non-executive for the future. current research being conducted by directors, and business discipline to take delegates, Prof Trimble closed the meeting. control of our own destiny, ensure we The MTNRG seeks to support junior clinical delivered value for money and that the trust researchers and aims to continue his scientific has a sustainable future. and culturally legacy in neuropsychiatry. To achieve this, sometimes the board had Since the group was established, more than to make hard decisions to protect and 25 researchers have joined its ranks to focus develop overall clinical services. These on work around movement disorders – choices are never easy but one reason I Tourette’s syndrome, Huntington disease became a non-executive director was my and Parkinson’s disease – and affective belief that it was better to have people who disorders in epilepsy. cared about and were committed to the Its members are also involved in several NHS and mental health making such international collaborations including the American Neuropsychiatry Association, the European Society for the Study of Tourette To contact the chairman or our governors, write to: Foundation Trust Office, Syndrome and the European Huntingdon B1 – Trust HQ, 50 Summ@er Hill Road, Ladywood, Birmingham, B1 3RB. Disease Network, as well as links to the Email: contact.governors bsmhft.nhs.uk Tel: 0121 301 1229 University of Turin in Italy and the University of Melbourne, in Australia.
15 Photography Corner How you can enter Photos can be colour or black and white images and must not feature people, be the photographer’s own work, and digital entries should not be larger than 4MB. The best entries will receive a £30 voucher and will be printed in the December issue of Trust Talk. As autumn approaches, the theme for that issue is changing landscapes, whether it’s a fantastic sunset or leaves falling from trees, see if you can capture it on camera. Deadline for entries is Friday, November 4, 2011. Email digital entries to @ trust.talk bsmhft.nhs.uk. If submitting hard copies, send them to: Photography Corner, Communications Department, FREEPOST Plus RRXE GTKC-GRBZ, BSMHFT, Trust HQ, 50 Summer Hill Winner: Road, Birmingham, B1 3RB. Trust Talk’s call for Susan Orr CPN, Zinnia CMHT, Sparkbrook – photos for this new Common blue butterfly Runner-up: feature, inspired by Arts on a sedum plant. Catherine Nottingham, Harborne – Mountain in Madeira. All Over The Place, attracted dozens of entries which were all of a very high standard. As a result, the editor and judges have decided to continue the Photography Corner competition, and look forward to receiving many more impressive images for December’s Runner-up: Nicky Withford-East, issue. Birmingham – Philae Temple reflections.
Word Search Anagrams Words to find: Below are 10 words which are linked to apprentice features in this issue of Trust Talk. artist Can you figure out what they are? carers 1 TRISHYO chairman 2 GNEALLECH deaf 3 ORICH 4 SAVITLEF feedback 5 GNETEMI governors 6 NEXERPEICE memory 7 ERRICUTTNEM 8 PHAPHYTROOG running 9 MINSSERA singing
10 AIDMENTE
. a i t n e m e d , s r a n i m e s , y h p tourettes
- a r g o t o h p , t n e m t i u r c e r , e c n e i r e p x e , g n i t e e
m uffculme
, l a v i t s e f , r i o h c , e g n e l l a h c , y r o t s i H : s r e w s n A
16