Our Vision To provide every patient with the care we want for those we love the most

the

Issue Number 64 Spring 2013 PulseStop the Pressure Find out about our campaign to prevent pressure ulcers, Meet our new Director of pp10-11 Nursing, Emma McKay

Do you have a stiff shoulder? Follow our stretches designed by one of our physiotherapy specialists, p7

Diabetes study in Cromer Take part and see if your health improves, p12 INFO

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital LETTERS Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY Tel: 01603 286286 www.nnuh.nhs.uk Dear Editor, Dear Pulse, Restaurant West Atrium, Level 1, open Over several weeks I have escorted I am writing to you with a letter of 7am–8pm a friend to the Colney Centre where great thanks aimed towards your doctors, Serco cafe bars Out-patients West and East; he is midway through a course of consultants, surgeons and nurses who Cafe Pure (inside WH Smith, Plaza West) open chemotherapy to manage Leukaemia. took great care of me. This includes Mon–Fri 7.30am–6pm, Sat 9am–4pm and Sun Initially, he found this both a fearful and everyone whom I came into contact with. 10am–3pm daunting prospect. I awoke in a lot of pain on one Tuesday Deli food2go Plaza (East), open Mon–Fri, 7am–1am, weekends 11am–1am In his brief stay on Mulbarton Ward morning and decided to head to A&E, WRVS shop East Atrium: open Mon–Fri it became immediately obvious that only to find my initial visit quickly turn 8am–8pm and weekends 10am–6pm an excellent quality of care was to be into a hospital admission and some WH Smith,Plaza (West) – see Cafe Pure, above found there, and this was subsequently minor surgery, later that evening. The Stock Shop (ladies’ fashions) open found again when he progressed to I was admitted to Easton ward where Mon–Fri 9am–5.30pm and Saturdays 12–5pm the Weybourne facility. From his very I received the best of patient care from Serco helpdesk (for housekeeping, porters, introduction to the Colney Centre all of the nurses on duty that day and catering and maintenance): ext. 3333 there has been nothing to justify either evening, not to forget the anaesthetists IT helpdesk Log a call using the computer icon apprehension or lack of confidence. The and surgeons who did a fantastic job for on the intranet home page warm greeting from the administration me later on that night when I had some Security ext. 5156 or 5656 Lost property 01603 287468 or ext 3468 staff and the warmth and friendliness of minor surgery. Reception desks the entire nursing staff are all mirrored I just wanted to let you know how East Atrium Level 1: ext. 5457 or 5458 by the overall kindness, understanding, much I thought of your fantastic staff at West Atrium Level 1: ext. 5462 or 5463 encouragement and friendliness of the hospital and would like you to pass Out-patients East Level 2: ext. 5474 or 5475 doctors and consultants. They are always on my thanks and appreciation to them Out-patients West Level 2: ext. 5472 willing to be informative, to answer all please. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) questions, and to share the good news I am never ill and am never in hospital For confidential help and advice about our service of improvement with pleasure and but this proved things can and often do to patients call 01603 289036 / 289045 enthusiasm. go wrong with the body unexpectedly. Travel Office for car parking permits, ID badges, The whole point of writing this letter is We are always hearing all the bad things keys to cycle sheds, use of pool cars and Trust to show the most heartfelt appreciation about the NHS but does anybody ever bicycle, public transport information: ext. 3666 Bank Cash dispenser in East Atrium of every person serving the patients who stop to take a look at the great job that Level 2 and in WH Smith, Plaza (West) visit the Colney Centre and its associated they are doing day in, day out? Not many Chapel Open to all. For details of services or to treatment areas. folk I’m sure. contact the Chaplains, call ext. 3470 The word Cancer holds the direst I for one appreciated your hospital Sir Thomas Browne Library open Mon–Thurs: of implications to the patient when accommodating me and sending me 9am–5.30pm, Fri: 9am–5pm originally diagnosed, but where do we home on my road to recovery. So thank CROMER HOSPITAL find sufficient superlatives to express you and could you please thank your Mill Road, Cromer NR27 0BQ our pleasure when experiencing the on- staff on both me and my family’s behalf. Tel: 01263 513571 going feeling of friendly support which Kind Regards, goes such a very long way toward aiding Stuart Fitchet OTHER TRUST DEPARTMENTS recovery. • Cotman Centre, Norwich Research Park: Thank you and many blessings for every Cellular Pathology, Radiology Academy precious person who strives so diligently Hello, • Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park: on behalf of the cancer sufferers. It is Could I thank nurse Denise Yeoman and Microbiology very humbling and a source of immense Sister Laura Crowe, on a recent visit to • Francis Centre, Bowthorpe Industrial Estate, thankfulness that there is to be found out-patients ENT. I was feeling ill, I am Norwich NR5 9JA, ext. 4652: Health Records such love and expertise working hand- disabled anyway. Denise went over and • Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe in-hand in our very own Norfolk and above her call of duty to help me, she Road, Norwich NR2 3TU: Breast Screening, Norwich University Hospital. brought a wheelchair, gave me a welcome Pain Management Sincerely, drink, and stayed with me until I felt • 20 Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1QQ, Thelma Berry MBE ext. 6954: HR, IT services, recruitment, payroll, better. training, finance, health and wellbeing, All the staff at our hospital are out-patient appointments, cancer management, exemplary, some always go that extra procurement, clinical effectiveness, commissioning Please send your contributions, mile and when that happens it is worth team and information services. comments and suggestions to rewarding. • The Norwich Contraception and Sexual [email protected] I would also like to comment on the Health Clinic, Grove Road, Norwich NR1 3RH. ultra-cleanliness that exists throughout Tel: 01603 287345 or to Communications, NNUH, the hospital these days. Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 Yours sincerely, 7UY Glenda Parker

2 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 VIEWPOINT

Staff Awards 2013 nominations open Embedding the right Nominations are invited for our annual Staff Awards and culture is key you have until 30th June to put forward individuals or teams who you think deserve to be rewarded for their exceptional levels of service and hard work. This year there are 10 categories Our values including a new ‘Clinical Teacher of the Year’ award and of course come from our ‘Patient Choice’ individual and team awards supported by within each of the Eastern Daily Press, for those members of staff who go the us, they are not extra mile to provide exceptional patient care. something that can be taught, and for an More help for cancer organisation like ours it is critical patients and carers that the culture fosters respect of every member of the NNUH team and supports Three new initiatives are being launched by the Big C Cancer Support high quality, sensitive and compassionate and Information Centre in 2013. A care and service to each of our patients New car park nearing new Information Day for people living and their families. with and beyond cancer will be held Being able to stand back and objectively completion at the centre on Saturday 11th May. consider whether the standard of care and There will be a range of information communication is what we want for those A new car park is due to be completed and professional support and advice for we love the most is a very profound sense in May. It will be situated to the west of cancer patients and carers. check. the hospital and will help to relieve some The centre is also launching a new If you turn to pages 10-11 you’ll see of the pressure on current spaces. Healthy Matters programme for patients that by pausing to reflect on whether the Chief Executive of NNUH, Anna and carers to meet with a dietician, care we provide is that which we would Dugdale, said: “We are delighted to be physiotherapist and occupational want for our loved ones, we concluded working with Bullen Developments Ltd therapist once a month. A new Carers that we really wanted to reduce the to provide a car park with an additional Club support group will also meet once number of patients acquiring pressure 350 spaces for visitors to the hospital. a month at the centre. ulcers whilst in our care. We’ve come This will address one of the biggest areas For more information contact the Big from a time where it had gradually of feedback from our visitors who have C Centre on 01603 286112 or visit www. become accepted that a small number of faced recurring problems in finding big-c.co.uk/support. patients sometimes developed pressure parking spaces at the hospital.” ulcers, to a point where we now see any preventable pressure ulcer as being totally unacceptable and as a result the number of patients acquiring pressure ulcers in Family thanks staff too numerous to mention our care is steadily reducing. The family of Malcolm Porter delivered a Christmas cake with a difference to In the same way we have achieved a nurses and consultants on Hethel ward and the Weybourne Day Unit in December. significant culture change in relation to Malcolm’s wife patients acquiring MRSA bacteraemia in Freda and daughter our care. We have just achieved our first Julie delivered the MRSA free year due to a huge effort, great superbly decorated team work and a change to what we used cake to thank all of to see as an unfortunate but acceptable those involved in consequence of care. treating and caring By constantly questioning whether for Malcolm. what we are doing is aspirational enough for our patients, we can continue to improve the quality of care we provide for our patients and their families. We should always be striving to do better, and our challenge is to continue to do that.

Julie and Freda Porter with Sister of Hethel ward, ANNA DUGDALE Karen Loades, Sister of Weybourne Day Unit, Chief Executive, Debra Blackstone, volunteer Richard Kemp and Norfolk and Norwich University Deputy Sister of Weybourne Day Unit, Harriet Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Andrews.

NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 3 FUNDRAISING NEWS

Family donation Meet our new Fundraising Manager The family of Deric Bendell have donated Hello, my name is Louise Cook and I am the £400 to both the Weybourne Day Unit new Fundraising Manager. Having worked and Mulbarton ward. Deric died in May at charities such as Cancer Research UK, 2011 and in July 2012 his two sons and Macmillan, Barnardos’ and the Institute grandson cycled over 50 miles from Diss of Fundraising, I am very excited about to the Norfolk and Norwich University coming to work at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and back again. They also held a University Hospitals NHS Foundation disco and in total raised £800. The money Trust. which has been split between the two I am looking forward to working with areas will be spent on equipment. all of the departments and getting a clear fundraising strategy in place to help increase our voluntary income and our amazing support from the local community. Our aim is simple, to raise more money to make our hospitals even better. Whilst the NHS provides the funding for the necessities, the generous support of the local community enables us to fund projects that can make a huge difference to the lives of patients and their loved ones. I live in north Suffolk with my husband and daughter, along with various animals including pygmy goats, pigs and alpacas! Get on your bike for cancer Above: The family of Deric Bendell presented two cheques to Claire Fullalove, Sister of We are planning our third annual bike event to raise as much money as possible Mulbarton ward, and Mary Ewin from the for the Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal on Sunday 29th September. We want to help Weybourne Day Unit. local patients receive radiotherapy treatment closer to home and we need to raise £600,000 through the appeal. We are well on our way and have raised over £52,000 so far. One in three of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives and you can make a difference to local cancer care by biking for cancer or sponsoring someone Cheque presented to who is taking part. Community Midwives To register for the 100 mile bike ride from Cambridge to Norwich visit www.bike- events.com or telephone the Fundraising Manager on 01603 287107. Bernies Bingo Club have donated £1500 to the Walsingham Community Midwives team. The money will be spent Diabetes charity funds on equipment including baby scales and new equipment sonicaids to monitor babies’ heart rates. Patients who attend the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s Eye Clinic are benefiting from faster treatment thanks to new laser eye equipment donated by the Norfolk Diabetes Trust. Nigel Bertram, the Chairman of the Trust, visited the Eye Clinic to formally hand over the multispot laser after the Nigel Bertram (left) with Mr Colin Jones, charity donated £42,000. The new laser will Clinical Director Ophthalmology Above: Head of Midwifery Glynis Moore and replace the hospital’s single spot laser and Community Midwife, Debbie McCoy receiving means diabetes patients can have treatment to heal damaged blood vessels in the eye the cheque. in one go, rather than having to attend two or three times.

Open Day and Summer Fete planned for New TV for Lion Ward June A brand new 42inch HD television has been donated to Lion Ward in the The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is opening children’s day procedure unit. Kevin its doors to the public on Saturday 29th June. The family Thurston bought it with the help of his fun filled open day from 11am to 4pm will be held alongside company Easy PDQ, after his son received the summer fete, which will be raising money for the Targeted treatment at the unit last year. The TV Radiotherapy Appeal. will benefit all day case children coming The event will include a careers fair, tours of various departments, into hospital for minor operations. a look behind the scenes of an operating theatre, a well teddy clinic for children and a 5km fun run. Plus, you’ll be able to have your photo taken with special guest, Wenlock, so bring your cameras along!

4 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 TRUST NEWS

Exciting future for the health of Trust staff Join our Patient This year looks set to be another Panel successful year for the health of the If you have signed up as a hospital’s workforce. Last year hundreds member of the Trust you may of staff took part events and made health already be responding to surveys pledges or lifestyle changes. or coming to events. We are now Over 400 people clocked up 12,386,785 setting up a Patient Panel for steps, nearly a fifth of the way around the patients who would like more world in our Pedometer Challenge! Over regular opportunity to give their 800 staff had a NHS health check. Plus feedback on a variety of hospital we launched the staff choir which now The staff choir at last year’s staff awards projects. has over 60 regular members. This could range from reviewing The Trust hosted the second annual Another accolade for the Trust was the a leaflet for patients, giving views Cambridge to Norwich bike ride plus our NHS 2012 Challenge Gold level Award. on service improvements or third annual 5km fun run. In the spirit NNUH was the only Trust locally to feedback on our website. of the Olympics a relay team collectively receive such recognition. We also attained broke the individual 5km world record, the East of England SHA ‘Staying Healthy To be on the Patient Panel you by 5 seconds! Many of the participants at Work’ Accreditation ‘aSHaWd’. will need to become a hospital were members of the free Staff Running This year we want to improve the member if you are not already. Club. healthiness of food in the staff canteen, If you would like to be involved, lower the fat and salt content of meals, contact the Communications provide calories on menus and introduce Team on 01603 287634 or e-mail special offers to encourage healthy diets. [email protected] Healthy cities We will continue to work towards our Public Health Responsibility deal pledges and have made an organisational Dates for your diary commitment to the ‘Healthy Cities’ status awarded to Norwich. There is an Council of Governors: World record breakers celebrate annual campaign of events planned in • 2pm - 4pm on 22nd May 2013 Photo by Eastern Daily Press/Steve Adams line with national health campaigns, so If you would like to attend, please 2013 promises to be as busy as 2012. contact the Membership Office on 01603 287634 or email [email protected] NNUH leading the way on cancer screening The Norfolk and Norwich University successfully if caught in the initial stages, Hospital (NNUH) is the only hospital in so screening is essential to ensure we give Medicine for Members: the country to be selected to pilot two patients the best chance of recovery.” Both talks run from 6pm - 8pm in new screening programmes this year, As part of the cervical cancer screening the Gooch Lecture Theatre: one for bowel cancer and one for cervical programme, new tests will automatically • Hear more about Audiology cancer. check for high risk forms of the HPV virus Services and how you can get the A new bowel-cancer screening as a first line of investigation, as they are best out of your hearing aid on programme will be offered to everyone known risk factors for the development Wednesday 24th April. aged over 55. The screening uses a thin, of cervical cancer. This screening is a • Find out how we are improving bendy tube with a camera attached. more effective at detecting pre-cancerous cancer care through the Targeted Currently, those aged 60-69 in England cells needing treatment. Radiotherapy Appeal on Thursday are screened using kits at their home Viki Frew, Consultant Biomedical 2nd May. before being invited for further camera Scientist for Cytopathology, said: To book a place contact the tests. “Although the virus is very common and Membership Office on 01603 287634 The new screening will invite younger most women clear it without experiencing or e-mail [email protected] patients without any symptoms to have any symptoms, if these forms are present a similar check to look for any abnormal at the time of their screening test, it growths. Screening in this way allows indicates to us which samples need to be doctors to remove growths that might examined in more detail”. Our AGM will be held on 19th otherwise turn into cancer and treat any NNUH is one of six sites to successfully September 2013 cancers already present. introduce HPV Triage where selected Dr Richard Tighe, Consultant samples are HPV tested. This system has Gastroenterologist, said: “Over 90% of since been rolled-out nationally. cases of bowel cancer can be treated

NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 5 NEWS

Friends and Family Test helpful patient feedback. Awards for Medical Here at the Norfolk and Norwich The Friends and Family Test has University Hospital, in-patients have the Illustration been used for several years now in the choice of just the Friends and Family Two members of the Trust’s Medical commercial sector by the service industry Test, or this, plus another ten questions. Illustration department picked up and others to ask their customers for Since November we have been piloting awards at the recent Ophthalmic Imaging feedback on products and services. the Friends and Family Test in the Association 27th Annual Conference. Small cards asking us to give our Accident and Emergency Department Paul Chapman, Senior Ophthalmic feedback on the cappuccino we have just plus five clinics. Medical Photographer, won in the Best consumed, sometimes incentivised by From the beginning of April, the Posterior Pole Category and Helen Rudd, entry into a prizedraw for a meal for two, Department of Health is requiring Ophthalmic Medical Photographer won have become commonplace. We are all a all acute trusts to use the Friends and Best Angiogram. bit more used to seeing “How likely are Family Test, and it has provided a revised you to recommend our services to your question more tailored to healthcare, friends and family” than we were in the “How likely are you to recommend past. our ward to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment”. Once established in our surveys next month across all our feedback methods: electronic tablets, feedback cards, App and online survey, we will proceed with the patient feedback roll-out programme across further clinics. Emma McKay, Director of Nursing said: “Listening to our patients and understanding their feedback on the care they have experienced with us is incredibly important and of great value This approach has also been adopted to us. It helps us to have patients feedback Audiology specialists now by the health sector. Here in the East built in to how we review, redesign and recognised for research region acute hospitals have been working improve our services. with the Strategic Health Authority “Changes we have made so far to since early 2012 on using the Friends respond to patient feedback range from and Family Test as part of our patient providing a fresh fruit trolley service to feedback process. Although it may not in-patients, to installing doors on more necessarily seem entirely to be the right ward bays as part of our refurbishment or obvious question for a health setting, programme.” it has served to spark very interesting and

Radiology celebrates Healthy men wanted accreditation for study Dr John FitzGerald, Consultant The Radiology department at A final appeal is being made for men Clinical Scientist and Head of Audiology NNUH has achieved accreditation as part aged 50 to 75 to help study how foods and Claire Vine, Lead Paediatric Clinical of the Imaging Services Accreditation of plant-origin such as berries, oranges, Scientist have been awarded for their Scheme (ISAS). soy and chocolate, might improve blood research into the most effective way to Accreditation is the formal recognition pressure control. detect hearing loss in young children by that an imaging services provider The study involves three or four test the British Society of Audiology (BSA). has demonstrated that it has the days at the University of East Anglia. They carried out a study where adults organisational competence to deliver Blood samples and blood pressure with satisfactory hearing used an earplug against key performance measures. measurements will be taken. Travel will to simulate a hearing loss in one ear. They These measures require the department be reimbursed. Participants should be were then tested on how well they were to achieve high standards of service in non-smokers without a history of heart able to hear different sounds, with and relation to patient care and choice, safety, disease, diabetes or cancer, and who are without an earplug in. The results found fit-for-purpose facilities, and clinical not taking blood pressure or cholesterol- that testing localisation ability using a practices. The accreditation publicly lowering drugs. higher pitched stimulus is more effective endorses the high quality patient centred For more information contact the at detecting a hearing loss. As a result services NNUH continually operate. research team study coordinator Dr Peter higher pitched stimuli are now used for Curtis on 01603 591063 or fastcheck@ tests when checking young children’s uea.ac.uk hearing at the NNUH.

6 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 SHOULDER EXERCISES SIX SIMPLE STRETCHES FOR A STIFF SHOULDER Carol Payne, a physiotherapy specialist has been awarded a Fellowship by the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. This year she will be going to the USA to find out which treatments may benefit patients in Norfolk with shoulder problems. People may develop a “frozen” shoulder for no apparent reason, or the shoulder may become stiff as a result of arthritis or after an injury. All types of shoulder stiffness may benefit from regular exercise. Carol’s top tips for looking after a stiff shoulder include avoiding sleeping on the affected side at night and avoid aggravating pain, for example with over-reaching, especially above shoulder height. You should also aim for a balance between rest and activity, even if you have to limit how much you do. Perform each of the six exercises below slowly, until you feel a stretch. Hold each for a count of four to six seconds and then relax. Repeat each exercise three times and do the set of exercises two to three times a day. Please note that the following exercises assume the right shoulder is affected.

1. Hold something like an umbrella in 2. Use your left hand to stretch your 3. Slide your right hand behind your both hands with your elbows relaxed right arm above your head. Bend bottom. Use your left hand to raise at your side. Push your right hand your elbows and lower your arm back your arm gently up your back. away from your side with the left one. onto your tummy.

4. Cup your right elbow with your left 5. Lie on your back with your arm 6. Rest your right arm on a table. hand. Stretch your arm across your by your side, palm up, and your Move your body 2-3 inches out to body aiming your fingertips for the elbow straight. Slide your arm away the left until you feel a stretch under opposite shoulder. from your body supporting it on the the right arm. Return to your starting mattress. position. If your shoulder doesn’t show signs of improvement after 4-6 weeks, then you should ask your GP to refer you to a chartered physiotherapist. For more information visit www.arthritisresearchuk.org or www.shoulderdoc.co.uk

NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 7 FOCUS ON THEATRES CAREERS behind CLOSED DOORS Apprentice Theatre Support With 21 theatres, and over 300 together, at the same time, reassuring members of staff, main theatres and patients who might be anxious about Worker, Alex Lynch recovery at the Norfolk and Norwich their operation.” sterile instruments; assisting the scrub University Hospital, is a busy place to team; and assisting the anaesthetic team work. On average 140 operations are “all the roles complement whilst the patient is being anaesthetised. carried out every day and a total of Janet Cox, Theatre Staff Nurse, says: 48,000 per year. Surgery is carried out one another” “It’s quite different to being on a ward. across all specialities excluding neurology Starting a career in theatres can open the It’s often challenging and can be quite and cardiology, where patients would be doors to lots of opportunities. Eighteen intense at times but it’s amazing what can seen at specialist centres instead. There year old Alex Lynch is undertaking an be done.” are a range of roles which help make your apprenticeship to become a Theatre operation go as smoothly and safely as Support Worker and hopes to one day “it’s amazing what can possible. become an Operating Department Janet Henry, Theatre Matron, is Practitioner (ODP). Theatre support be done” responsible for all of the staff in theatres workers transfer patients to and from Specialist nurse practitioners are also and for the efficient day-to-day running wards and theatres, assist with patient specifically trained in stabilising patients of the department. She also constantly care, help to keep people calm and assist in recovery, monitoring them and helping reviews quality, safety and manages nurses. The 18 month apprenticeship them to wake up. They work closely with resources. Janet is supported by clinical programme involves practical training in patients and help with pain relief and leaders who oversee areas including theatres supplemented by two days at City nausea to make sure they are comfortable training, service improvements and large College Norwich every month. Alex says: before they go back to a ward. Working in clinical specialities such as orthopaedics. “I want to go on to do my ODP training, this role requires a broad knowledge of all Teamwork is paramount in theatres. so this is a good foundation for that.” specialities. Janet says: “There are a range of roles and ODPs have specific anaesthetic training To work in theatres you need to be personalities and they all have to work in the theatre environment to gain skills forward thinking, supportive and a good in anaesthetics, team player with a commitment to being surgery and caring and compassionate to patients. recovery. ODP Clinical Lead, Justin Warr adds: “There’s a training takes lot of juggling to do, and it’s an extremely two years with challenging environment to work in, but 60% practical all of the roles work well together. They and 40% complement one another.” theory. Qualified You can find out more about working nurses can in theatres and take a behind the scenes also choose to tour of a theatre in the Day Procedure specialise and Unit at our hospital Open Day on 29th become theatre June. A careers fair will also be held in staff nurses and the East Atrium for those who want have three main to find out more about careers in the roles; assisting NHS. surgeons by handing them Janet Cox, Theatre Staff Nurse

8 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 PROFILE: DIRECTOR OF NURSING Introducing our Director of Nursing Meet Emma McKay, the newly appointed Director of Nursing at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Emma says she’s “delighted and excited to embrace the opportunities the role will bring.” Her aspiration is to continue to improve patient safety and quality of care and therefore create an exceptional patient experience by working with patients, their families and carers who “absolutely must be at the centre of everything we do.” To see what is happening in the hospital first hand, Emma spends time with staff and patients whenever possible. She says: “walk-abouts are really important, I want to be able to support my team and meet and talk with patients and visitors. Sethia, the Medical Director, on reducing people.” I need to have a clear understanding of medication errors. Emma is proud to be a nurse and the challenges our staff are grappling Emma is clear that for her ambitions is passionate about nursing. She is with and see what our patients are to become reality, we need a strong, introducing a new Nurses Day event in experiencing.” competent and motivated workforce. “We May to celebrate their role. “I want our Emma also takes part in Quality must continue to support our frontline nurses to feel proud about being a nurse” Assurance Audits where wards are staff to deliver the standards of care we she says. “I feel privileged to be in this inspected unannounced against rigorous expect and develop strong leaders at all role and when I took part in recent Values standards by two senior nurses and an levels” she says. “When strong leaders Discussion Groups I also felt privileged to external and independent representative strive for excellence and encourage and be working with such an amazing group from the voluntary and community support, their teams will do the same. I of people. In fact Nurses Day was one of sector, for example Age UK. Audits take want to create an environment where the ideas that emerged from a one of our place every day and help to monitor the everyone can achieve their potential and group discussions.” quality standards we strive to maintain provide consistent excellent care.” Emma Emma knows the opportunities going and improve, and highlight ideas which adds: “staff engagement is critical to forward are huge. She says: “there will be can be shared across the hospital. The achieving high quality care, good morale challenges, but if we support each other, audits show Emma exactly how wards are and well-being, which all can affect a really focus on our aim of improving being run. good patient experience.” patient safety and quality of care and As a member of the Executive Board, Emma works closely with the therefore creating an exceptional patient Emma reports back to the Chief University of East Anglia on their nursing experience, I know that we can overcome Executive on aspects of clinical quality and midwifery student programmes and those challenges. As nurses, we must and safety. Emma is leading the work says: “I want to support our students never lose focus on why we do this job; on preventing falls, pressure ulcers and and prepare them well. It is vital that we must strive for excellence and provide hospital acquired infections. She is also we train and recruit staff with the right safe, reliable and respectful care for every working closely with Professor Krishna knowledge, values and passion to care for patient, every time.”

NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 9 FOCUS ON PRESSURE ULCERS Campaign aims to eliminate pressure ulcers

We have been campaigning to reduce the number of pressure ulcers acquired in hospital as part of a ‘Stop the Pressure’ patient safety campaign.

“Unfortunately, even with the highest “We have had a real focus on involving standards of clinical both our patients and their families by care, it is not always informing them of the risks of pressure possible to prevent damage and ways of preventing ulcers pressure ulcers in from occurring, through co-designed particularly vulnerable patient information leaflets.” people, but there are Large plastic clocks near patients’ beds definitely things that to remind staff, patients and carers when we can do to reduce the the patient is due to be repositioned, Pressure risks of patients getting have also been found to be successful. ulcers, pressure damage whilst in The wards also record how many days commonly our care. have gone by without any pressure ulcers known as bed “We have approached occurring and this is shown on the ward sores, can develop this in a number of ways. We noticeboard. when patients have promptly assess a patient’s risks Emma adds: “Preventing pressure limited mobility, illnesses which affect when they come into hospital and look ulcers from occurring is one of our top their blood circulation or difficulty at their individual needs. This might priorities; we have successfully piloted eating which affects the body’s ability to include regular repositioning of a patient, the various interventions previously repair itself. the use of a special pressure relieving mentioned on two wards and now that Healthy people do not get pressure mattress or cushions or nutritional we have the right recipe, we are rolling ulcers because they are continuously and advice and support. this out across the Trust. We are now subconsciously adjusting their starting to see a downward trend posture and position so that no in the number of pressure ulcers part of their body is subjected acquired in hospital, which is to prolonged pressure. absolutely fantastic. We haven’t Nationally, it is estimated yet eliminated all avoidable that around 1 in 20 people who pressure ulcers from occurring are admitted to hospital with whilst in our care, but we have an acute illness will develop a made significant progress in the pressure ulcer. right direction, which we must NNUH Director of now sustain.” Nursing, Emma McKay, says: NNUH has a specialist Tissue “In Norfolk, we have a high Viability Service which consists proportion of older patients of two experienced nurses who admitted to hospital who can provide education and advice on be at greater risk of pressure the prevention and treatment of ulcers if they have mobility Nurses consult their pressure ulcers notice pressure ulcers. This includes problems and other health issues or board on Dunston ward. the use of dressings and other therapies complications. that are designed to speed up the healing

10 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 FOCUS ON PRESSURE ULCERS Campaign aims to eliminate pressure ulcers A patient’s story In 2010, Barry and Pam Dolman were looking forward to their “Preventing pressure holiday in Greece and had no idea what was in store when ulcers is one of our top they boarded their flight from priorities.” Norwich Airport. Only a slight backache gave an indication that everything was about to change for Barry. process and relieve pressure. When they reached Corfu, Barry collapsed and had to be transferred The Tissue Viability Service has also to Athens Hospital for emergency surgery to repair an aneurysm in taken a lead role in training over 900 his aorta, the main artery which runs down the body from the heart. clinical staff over the last nine months in Barry spent 24 days in intensive care followed by a further stay in a rolling programme to raise awareness Athens Hospital before being transferred by private jet back to the of pressure ulcers, how to spot them UK. Little did he know that having survived the initial surgery, his developing and how to prevent them occurring in the first place. health problems were just beginning. Barry says: “I was only being moved once a day when I was washed and just didn’t realise I was developing pressure ulcers on my bottom. I’d been in a coma for 10 days and completely helpless.” Pam adds: “By the time I saw what had happened to Barry I was What you can do to furious with the nursing staff. The pressure ulcers looked like large prevent pressure ulcers volcanoes – big enough to put your hand inside them. There is no excuse for this lack of care – it simply shouldn’t happen.” “If only I had known what to look out for, I would have sat by • Look after your skin Barry’s bed and turned him myself. The visiting hours in critical care by observing, washing were limited to one hour a day and by the time he was transferred and moisturising to a ward it was too late.” • Relieve pressure by Arriving at NNUH, Barry felt like crying when he ate his first hot moving, standing, meal on Langley ward. He said: “The system in Greek hospitals is very different and families provide basics like mattresses, dressings turning or changing and pads. We were there when the financial difficulties had started position ideally every for the Greek people and this was having an impact on the care the two hours staff could provide.” • Use equipment Barry has spent over two years recovering from the pressure that has been ulcers with long stays at both NNUH and the James Paget University Hospital. Now he is planning to complete his journey by going back recommended for you to Greece this summer with Pam to thank the surgeons who saved • Eat a well balanced his life. diet and drink plenty He says: “I have had a long journey to heal my pressure ulcers and of fluids it has affected all areas of my life from sitting in the car to playing with my grandchildren. “My message to hospitals is please do everything you can to prevent a pressure ulcer as it takes months, or even years, of painful recovery once you have one.”

NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013 11 NEWS FROM CROMER

Diabetes prevention study ramped up in Cromer Marathon for Friends Researchers are looking for more people in North Norfolk to take part in a On Sunday 7th April, Cromer Service diabetes prevention study. The £2m study, funded by the National Institute for Health Manager, Helen Lloyd, will be running Research, and hosted by NNUH and the University of East Anglia, aims to test 10,000 the Milan marathon on behalf of the people in Norfolk at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those who volunteer for the Cromer and District League of Hospital study have a fasting blood glucose test to see if they are at risk. Those with ‘pre-diabetes’ Friends. The Friends are an active group will be invited to take part in a research study looking at a new group exercise, healthy of local residents who raise funds for the living, and motivation programme that may reduce the risk of getting diabetes. benefit of the patients at Cromer and You can take part if you are 40 years of age or older and can answer ‘yes’ to one of District Hospital and Benjamin Court. the following questions: Are you overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more? Do you have a family history of type 2 diabetes? Do you have a have a history of coronary heart disease? Have you ever had diabetes during pregnancy? Have you ever had impaired fasting glucose? The study is screening at Cromer and District Hospital with clinics running Monday to Thursday. Programme Manager, Dr Melanie Dunk said: “You will be supported every step of the way by a trained and dedicated NHS research team who can provide you with the information you need to take the first important step in making lifestyle changes and becoming healthier. They will help you to stay motivated and continue to support you throughout so that - most importantly - you can maintain your new healthy lifestyle.”

The Friends have provided the hospital with many items including the urology cystoscopy equipment which enabled the service to remain at Cromer following the move into the new premises in March 2012. Helen said: “They spend many hours collecting outside local supermarkets, selling Christmas cards and helping us with our major fundraiser, the fete, which usually raises £2000 each year.” This year’s fete is due to be held on Saturday 13th July 2012. Screening for this study is also taking place at the following sites: University of East Helen added: “It is a privilege to Anglia, Norwich, James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, Rosedale Surgery, run this race, hopefully completing Lowestoft, Thetford Healthy Living Centre, Thetford and St James Clinic, King’s Lynn. my 20th marathon, on their behalf, in For more information about the study and what taking part will involve you acknowledgement of the support they can contact the team on 01603 597300 or visit the website to register www. give us. If anyone cares to sponsor me norfolkdiabetespreventionstudy.nhs.uk they are welcome to contact me by emailing [email protected].”

welcome Scientists, after 40 years; Linda Walpole, THE PULSE ...to the following consultants who Consultant Medical Secretary, after 21 recently joined the Trust: Dr Joanna Ford years; Jane Webster, Consultant Medical Editor Susie Brodrick (ext. 5944) (Older People’s Medicine); Dr Rachel Secretary, after 39 years; and Sheila Director of Communications Morris (Anaesthetics); Mr Viswanathan Wood, Principal Technician in Cardiology, Fiona Devine (ext. 3200) Narayanan (Plastic Surgery); Dr Jonathan after 43 years service. Communications and Fransis (Anaesthetics) and Dr Anna Membership Manager Haestier (Obstetrics and Gynaecology). Janice Bradfield (ext. 3634) Communications Officer Hayley Gerrard (ext. 5821) farewell ...to the following long-serving staff who Please send your contributions for have recently left the Trust: Dr Alexander the next issue to: Heaton, Consultant in Nephrology, after [email protected] • The Pulse is funded entirely 23 years; Dr Graham Hurst, Consultant from donations and not from NHS in Radiology, after 23 years; Juliana funds. Lim-Walker, Staff Nurse, after 29 years; Michael Stehr, Specialist Biomedical

12 NEWS FROM THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST - SPRING 2013

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