Issue 20 August/September 10 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The magazine for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Thanks from health page 12 during Tall Ships event Birthing centre welcomes mums second time round It’s two years since the state of the art midwife-led birthing centre opened its doors at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The centre is receiving glowing The centre has four delivery atmosphere and a fantastic place Specialist IBD nurse Lyndsey Cross, reviews from new parents. It’s so rooms – one with a birthing pool to give birth.” F2 Claire Duckett and chair of the good that women are choosing to and another with a range of Judith continued: “The new Tees NACC Norma Richardson. go back for the second time. special birthing equipment which birthing centre is like a home- The midwife-led centre provides allows women to stay upright and from-home for soon-to-be-parents a relaxed home from home supported during labour. with a warm and welcoming Cake sale environment with support from Full time mum Vicky Emery, 19 atmosphere. We’re so pleased midwifery assistants. The and her partner Shaun Edmanson, that it has been so well received. midwives provide a wide range 22 who works in Wright Bite in “Women can choose to come to raises funds of choice of delivery for women Hartlepool are from the Owton the birthing centre by speaking to with uncomplicated and low risk Manor area of Hartlepool. their community midwife.” for NACC pregnancies - they do not have They have had a really positive Sarah Cowan, 23, currently on Delicious cakes were on sale a history of problems and are fit experience in the birthing centre. maternity leave from Asda and at the University Hospital and healthy. Vicky gave birth to their first child her partner Dean Hustler, 23, Midwifery matron Judith Stout Leo, 5lb 15oz on 30 September a support worker for Pathways of North Tees in aid of the said: “We offer a service that 2008 and they welcomed their to Independence from the Rift NACC (National Association values women and offers them a second child Kacey-Leigh, 7lb 7oz House area of Hartlepool, were for Crohns and Colitis). greater range of choice in the way on 28 April. delighted to welcome their first Thanks to generous donations they give birth. Talking about their experience and second child to the world at and the efforts of specialist “We’ve had a successful couple in the centre, Vicky said: “Giving the centre. IBD nurse Lyndsey Cross of years. There has been more birth here was fantastic and I’d Ethan was born 11 days early, at and F2 Claire Duckett, £230 than 800 babies born and highly recommend it to anyone. 8lb3oz on 21 November 2008 and was raised. parents have been very “The midwife was very supportive Jacob was born eight days early They were delighted to be complimentary. People choose and helped in making the whole on 14 April weighing 9lb7oz. joined by chair of the Tees to come here from Hartlepool, experience very special. Sarah said: “The birthing centre group of NACC Norma Stockton, areas of Durham and “The birth was very relaxed. is so relaxing – the rooms don’t Richardson. Norma was on further afield. I have no doubt that The staff and the facilities here feel clinical. hand to raise awareness the success will continue.” are brilliant. It’s a really nice “I gave birth to Jacob within and answer questions about Colitis and Crohn’s disease. Specialist IBD nurse Lyndsey Cross said: “I would like Happy Birthday Wilbers to say a huge thank you to Its been one year, but it hardly seems like yesterday sandwiches and toasties, 14,000 jacket potatoes everyone who made the that Wilbers cafe at the University Hospital of and 6,000 scones in one year. event a success – for the Hartlepool opened its doors. Regular patient Bob Brown called in for a cuppa generous donations and to The modern cafe has proved to be a great during the birthday celebrations. He said he really enjoys coming into the café. friends and family for baking success serving approximately 79,000 customers, 47,000 cups of coffee, 16,000 cups of tea, 18,000 Catering strategist Billy Cunningham said: “We’ve the delicious cakes.” had a really successful year and receive some Crohn’s and Colitis UK aims great feedback. to improve life for everyone “Coming into hospital can be a daunting experience. affected by inflammatory Wilbers is somewhere that staff and visitors can bowel disease (IBD), the most relax - it is a well used and quality facility.” common forms being Crohn’s The cafe is run by hospital staff who share their disease and ulcerative colitis. time between the restaurant and Wilbers, with Together these conditions profits going back into the hospital. affect about 250,000 people Virtually all of the beverages in the café are fair trade and visitors can enjoy a range of hot and cold in the UK. drinks as well as panini and other delicious snacks. The charity brings together Billy added: “People who come here get a relaxing people of all ages who dining experience while paying less than they have been diagnosed with would on the High Street. IBD, their families and the Raise a cup - Bob Brown calls in for a cuppa during the “I’m confident that with the commitment of the health professionals involved birthday celebrations, pictured with catering assistants dedicated staff it will continue to go from strength in their care. Philip Armstrong and Dawn Hartill to strength.”

002|003 Birthing centre welcomes mums second time round It’s two years since the state of the art midwife-led birthing centre opened its doors at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

just over a couple of hours of to experience such a positive my waters breaking. I felt very environment during the birth of Sarah Cowan and Dean Hustler with Ethan and baby Jacob supported by the midwives and their child. able to make the choice of what I “All the expectations I had wanted to do. about giving birth at this “We’ve raved about it to centre were exceeded. I felt everyone since and hope that absolute confidence in all the other parents have the chance midwives there.”

Midwife Lynn Jobson prepares the birthing pool Vicky Emery and Shaun Edmanson with Leo and baby Kacey-Leigh New screening test for mums-to-be A new screening test is being their midwife early. weeks and 13 weeks and six • option of an earlier diagnostic launched for mums-to-be which Antenatal screening co-ordinator days of pregnancy. During the test which will inform parents will estimate their risk of having Jackie Cotton (pictured) said: scan a sonographer measures whether the baby is affected a baby with Down’s syndrome “This improved screening test the fluid under the skin at the with the condition or other problems at an earlier for Down’s syndrome is carried back of the baby’s neck called the • improved choices for stage in pregnancy. out in early pregnancy and will nuchal translucency (NT). women regarding the outcome Pregnant women across the be offered to all pregnant Following the scan a blood test of pregnancy Tees Valley will soon have the women booking for pregnancy is carried out. The two test Wendy Francis, nurse consultant option of booking in for the in public health for NHS Tees care in this area. results are combined and will early test, which is a combined added: “We are pleased to be ultrasound scan and blood test. “It is a two-part test which is provide the woman with an supporting the launch of this new To raise awareness of the new undertaken – if the woman estimated risk of her baby improved screening programme service, NHS Tees is also running chooses – as part of the early being affected with Down’s for Down’s Syndrome. We are a health promotion campaign, pregnancy scan and has an syndrome. The detection rate of now running a health promotion including bus advertisements, improved detection rate. Women the test is expected to be around campaign which urges pregnant which urges pregnant women with a high risk result have the 90 per cent. women who want to have this who want to have this check- option to have an earlier test.” Advantages of the screening are: test to book an appointment with up to book an appointment with The test is taken between 11 • improved detection rates their midwife early.”

August/September 10 Senior occupational therapist Sue Kelly, podiatrist Lynsey Deary, falls co-ordinator Justin Ditchburn, Physiotherapist Annette Durkin and Ruby Winship physiotherapist Annette Durkin with residents Doreen Swallwell, Pat Brown and Rita Brine Tips to avoid trips and falls To mark falls awareness week events across Falls co-ordinator Justin Ditchburn said: Kim Baines, from the Council’s health North Tees and Hartlepool gave residents handy “National falls awareness week is an excellent development team, said: “Falls are the most tips on how to prevent falls and trips. opportunity for us to spread the word, common accident at home and for people in North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation encourage older people to get their falls risk later life they can be particularly damaging, both Trust teamed up with Hartlepool Borough assessed by a local falls service and help them physically and emotionally. Council in a special event called get up maintain their independence.” “A fall can seriously harm not only a and go for residents at sheltered housing, To avoid falls and keep your bones healthy person’s mobility but also their independence Derwent Court. you should; and confidence. There was lots of advice on the importance of • Clear clutter, loose rugs or trailing wires from “However, by doing a little bit more to stay your home active and improve your physical health, you a healthy diet, medication, tips on foot care and • Make sure stairwells are clearly lit can help to reduce your risk of a trip or fall and staying safe in the home. The day ended with • Safety is just as important outside of it’s never too late to start.” a performance from Encore drama group, who your house as it is inside - uneven paths The trust also teamed up with Stockton highlighted the falls prevention message in an and slippery surfaces can cause you to Borough Council to hold an event in Stockton entertaining way, a seated exercise class and a trip or slip town hall to bring awareness to the public. fun game of bingo. • Have regular eye tests Falls co-ordinator Yvonne Cheung said: “The Resident Iris Withers, 89 said at the event: “I’ve • Look after your feet with regular visits to a event was really well attended. It was one of had a few falls and I suffer with osteoporosis. podiatrist and make sure slippers and shoes the hottest days of the year so far and we were “I try to look after myself and do a little bit of fit well kept busy all day. exercise every night.” • Try to keep active. You can go for a walk, “We weren’t just catering for older people. Ruby Winship, 77 added: “I’ve had a lot of falls. gardening or dancing A lot of younger people with elderly relatives The falls team are marvellous, I couldn’t do • Eat a well balanced diet with enough calcium were very interested in how they could keep without them.” and vitamin D. their loved ones safe.”

Falls co-ordinator Yvonne Cheung, physiotherapist Kath Senior, podiatrist Lindsey Deary, social worker Julie Merrington and specialist therapy assistant Ros Leadbitter at the Stockton event Falls co-ordinator Justin Ditchburn and Iris Withers 004|005 Farewell to Najma Najma Rashid has left her post radiographer. She qualified as as an ultrasonographer in a sonographer while working the x-ray department at the at Sunderland and went on to University Hospital of Hartlepool be involved in the training of after working at the trust for the students both at the School of past seven years. Radiography and the University Originally from Uganda, Najma of Teesside. lived in several places in the Najma leaves with our very best UK and Northern Ireland while wishes to enjoy her beloved studying and qualifying as a garden and time with her family.

Najma Rashid with friends and colleagues at her retirement party Anything to declare? ...Yes, books, about 300 of them

The League of Friends coffee bar Friends and suggested we in the outpatient department at the donated them to them.” University Hospital of North Tees The books were sorted and all have been brought to book by Her of those that were clean and in Majesty’s Revenue and Customs good condition were brought to – 300 books to be exact! the hospital. The Stockton branch of HMR&C, Edna Anderson who runs the in a bid to help the environment, coffee shop in the outpatient recently held a recycling month department at the hospital said: and asked staff to bring in any “We were delighted when they unwanted books, and were contacted us and said they had all overwhelmed by the response. of these books for us. Revenue officer Sheila Ferguson “Being in hospital can be a Dennis, pictured with his wife Libby, stop smoking facilitator Debbie Elliott and explained: “When we sent out the very boring time for people so stop smoking specialist advisor Ali Johns. request we were not expecting to it is fantastic that we can offer get over 300 books. them the opportunity to have “We decided that it would be something to read to while away better to put them to a good use the hours. Dennis quits 60 than recycle them. A member “I would like to say a big thank of staff has a relation who you to the staff at HM Revenue a day habit volunteers for the League of and Customs.”

After smoking 60 cigarettes a lung damage. day for nearly 60 years, Dennis Stop smoking facilitator Debbie Wanless knew his health was Elliott was on hand at the at risk. University Hospital of North Dennis 73 from Thornaby was Tees to give Dennis support he admitted to hospital earlier needed to quit smoking and he this year and diagnosed with has never looked back since. emphysema – a progressive Dennis said: “I’ll admit it hasn’t lung condition which leaves been easy. I could never have people struggling for breath. done it without the support of Years of heavy smoking had Debbie and my family.” caused irreversible damage to Debbie continued: “I gave his lungs and they reached the stage where they couldn’t do Dennis lots of information and the job they were supposed to gave him the choice on how to do any more. quit smoking. The symptoms of the disease “We are here to give patients developed gradually, until they in hospital practical help, advice could no longer be ignored and and support. The good news is Dennis found himself falling that it is possible for anyone to Revenue officer Sheila Ferguson (centre of hatch) with volunteers Edna Anderson, seriously ill as a result of his stop smoking.” Ada Newham and Deborah Casling, and revenue and customs staff Doreen Peacock and Pam Joynes.

August/September 10 Launch Breaking down the barriers

of the 111 Being able to pick up the phone Clerical officer Sarah Levitt was six years, joining the staff records and hear the person on the other born deaf but thanks to the support department about two and a half service for end may be something we take from North Tees and Hartlepool years ago after working in estates for granted. But not being able to NHS Foundation Trust she is able and facilities. Her role is varied. urgent care hear doesn’t mean there has to be to get on with her job. She is enthusiastic to answer barriers at work. Sarah has worked for the NHS for queries, working closely with staff records advisors, providing a in County helpful service to the staff. An interpreter works with Sarah Durham and every day to interpret tasks such as answering the phone and going along to team Darlington meetings. They help her get on NHS County Durham and with her job. Darlington is the first of three She says: “They are my ears.” areas in the country to launch Sarah applies for an interpreter a free to call 111 number. who is funded by Access to Work For people living in Durham – a government scheme designed and Darlington this means to provide practical help needed they have a simple, easy for her to do her job. to remember, free to call Sarah said: “Yes there are three-digit number that is challenges, but thanks to the available 24 hours a day, 365 support from the trust and from days a year. the interpreters my disability The 111 number replaces doesn’t mean there are any the current single point of barriers stopping me from doing access number (0300 111 0 At work – Sarah with interpreter Vicci Ackroyd my job.” 111) which has been in place since October last year. The NHS 111 service is being initially launched in three areas this year with the aim Cash for extra comforts to make this country-wide in Fishburn to Sedgefield, a jumble the future. When former patient Kathleen “I couldn’t Herron came back to the sale and a charity night at When a patient calls chemotherapy unit at the Fishburn Workingmen’s Club. have done this 111, their needs University Hospital of North Tees Kathleen said: “I am delighted to last year after raising £7000 she come back for the second time without the help will be assessed said it wasn’t the end of her fund and be able to hand over another of local people and matched to the raising efforts. cheque which I know will be put and businesses most appropriate After another fundraising to good use by the unit. marathon Kathleen, from “It is fantastic to see how that helped raise local health service. Fishburn returned with a fundraising has already provided How does 111 work? generous cheque for £6300. extra comforts in the unit such the money and The 111 service is for when The money was raised through as flat screen televisions by the donate some patients need help fast, but it a number of fundraising events bedsides – it makes a difference is not a 999 emergency and over the past few months, to the patients. fantastic prizes.” they do not know who to call. including a charity walk from “All of the staff here are truly This might be because the brilliant, nothing is ever too much need arises when their GP trouble for them. practice is closed or because “I couldn’t have done this they are away from home. without the help of local people When a patient calls 111, and businesses that helped their needs will be assessed raise the money and donated and matched to the most some fantastic prizes, such as appropriate local health service. If necessary their Fishburn Autos who donated call will be immediately tests and services. passed to the 999 service I’d also like to say a huge thank and an emergency vehicle you to the auctioneer David will be dispatched. Birchall who was brilliant.” For minor illnesses and Sister Kath Dixon added: “We injuries, the 111 service will can’t thank Kathleen enough for be able to provide immediate her generosity. The money raised advice and direction to the will go towards new equipment caller’s nearest local urgent Generous donation – Kathleen hands over the cheque to staff in the for the chemotherapy unit and care centre. chemotherapy unit extra comforts for the patients.”

006|007 Congratulations Edwin! Consultant in palliative care the Thailand – Cambodia border. the regional NHS lead clinician in medicine Professor Edwin Pugh Edwin was director of public this area and chair of the public has been awarded an MBE for health for County Durham Health health regional advisory group for his services to healthcare. Edwin, Authority before entering the a good death. is also a visiting professor at the charitable world to help set up Edwin was delighted to hear he’d University of Teesside. Butterwick Adult and Children’s been nominated for an award He trained as a doctor at Newcastle Hospice in Stockton. seeing it also as reflecting the University and subsequently spent In 2001 he rejoined the NHS as a dedication of the many colleagues most of professional life in the consultant in palliative medicine, he works with. Northern Region of England. providing help to patients and Chief executive Alan Foster said: As well as working in general their families in hospital and in “This is well deserved recognition practice and public health the community. for Edwin and demonstrates Edwin Pugh medicine he worked overseas His interest and passion for end the esteem in which he is held with Cambodian Refugees on of life care had led him to become by colleagues.”

Pictured left to right consultant neonatologist Win Tin, consultant paediatrician Anil Research and development manager Research and development director Tuladhar, consultant paediatrician Venkata Paturi, consultant paediatrician Vijay Jane Greenaway Professor Volker Straub Tandle and consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta A successful showcase for local health research Research making a huge difference to patient care at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust was showcased at the trust’s research and development conference.

The conference, which will the research and development 2009/10 we had more than 412 opportunity to become involved become an annual event, was team and pay a special thanks patients involved in research – in research studies.” a way to share and celebrate to them and all members of this is more than double the The best poster presentations the achievement of researchers in staff for progress made in previous year, which gives were judged and awarded to, the trust and featured guest increasing research activity over an indication of the scale of First prize Specialty doctor speakers who highlighted the the last 12 months. improvements that we are looking in orthopaedics Praveen cutting edge research taking “The NHS has a leading role to play to make here in future years.” Sharda, TRANX-K – for a trial in place here. in international competitiveness Research and development knee replacements. Delegates learned about in health research. manager Jane Greenaway Second prize Research nurse studies taking place in “It is an exciting time for research added: “I would like to thank Debbie Whetter and research respiratory medicine, paediatrics, and development here at North all members of staff who scientist Liz Baker for a trial in education, gastroenterology and Tees and Hartlepool. It is important contributed to these increases in breast cancer. patient safety. that patients are included in plans research activity. Third prize Endoscopy research Welcoming delegates to the for research so that the services “This forum has been an excellent fellow Tom Lee for a trial in a bowel event, chief executive Alan we provide meet the present opportunity to learn from each cancer screening programme. Foster said: “It is a pleasure to and future expectations of the other. We have a responsibility The standard of poster be here and reinforce the trust people we serve.” to take part in research to give presentations was high this year board’s commitment to research Speaking at the event, research our patients access to cutting and all who contributed should be and development. and development director edge treatment. I would like to congratulated for the quality and “I applaud the dedication of Professor Volker Straub said: “In encourage all staff to take the content of the posters displayed. August/September 10 Staying in Librarians shout up

Libraries are normally online books and journals and hospital? considered to be places of quiet health databases.” contemplation and study ruled All NHS staff can use their over by stern librarians who libraries completely free Don’t forget will deliver rapid remonstration of charge. to anyone stepping out of line. Recently, however, it was the librarians themselves who were your green bag making all of the noise. It was all part of a publicity campaign organised by NHS A new scheme to improve safety and reduce North East in a bid to promote medicine waste when patients are admitted to NHS libraries and the services they provide. hospital has been launched. Librarian at the University The green bag scheme will make Ambulances, including 999 Hospital of Hartlepool Andrew Davison said: “The campaign it easier for staff to find out which vehicles and non-emergency was designed to let people medicines a patient is taking when patient transport services, will they are admitted for a planned know that libraries are not just also carry the bags to increase full of books and journals but operation or procedure, or in an the number of people arriving at emergency case. gateways to information in an hospital with the right drugs for electronic age. Any drugs being taken by the their existing health conditions. patient will be placed in a green, “Nowadays you can access Senior library assistant Madeleine Medicines management nurse easy to identify, reusable bag, with a wide range of web based Smith with library assistant Cath Julie Bailey said: “The green bag the right dosage information. electronic resources such as Linford on the stand Green bags will be stocked at will help keep patients’ medicines North Tees and Hartlepool together in one place when they NHS Foundation Trust in come into hospital. various departments including “Medication can be reviewed outpatients, accident and and changed while people are in emergency, critical care, medical hospital but should be kept with admissions units, and pharmacy. the bag.”

Nick Clements Commitment award for Nick Head of domestic services delegates information about Nick Clements has been the many ways that cleaning recognised for his commitment and domestic staff right and enthusiasm by the across North Tees and Association of Healthcare Hartlepool NHS Foundation Cleaning Professionals. Trust are contributing to the The award was made at the patient experience. association’s 35th annual Nick said: “This was the first conference; a high profile event time a commitment award had where managers responsible been made and I was honoured for cleanliness and hygiene in to receive it. health organisations meet to “I am passionate about hear the latest advances and ensuring that wards and technologies and share ideas. departments are clean and safe Nick (pictured with his award), for patients. Of course this is who has been secretary of about team work and I cannot the northern branch for many speak highly enough about the Medicines management nurse Julie Bailey and senior technician – logistics years, also had an information domestic team. Their dedication Donna Teasdale stand at the event to give to duty is fantastic.” 008|009 Fundraisers take on the marathon challenge

Friends joined forces to run the London Marathon in aid of charities close to their heart. Specialist nurse Stephanie Adams who works on the emergency assessment unit at the University Hospital of North Tees and medical secretary in dermatology Rita Siberry ran the 26.2 mile challenge earlier this year. Rita finished in 5 hours 57 minutes and raised an impressive £324 for Daisy Chain, a local charity which supports and helps families and carers who are Catering strategist Billy Cunningham, catering assistants Paula Cannon and Lynn Crowe and hostess supervisor Linda Brownless affected by autism. Stephanie finished in 5 hours 22 minutes handing over a fantastic £350 for CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity who Putting hospital provides clinical, practical and emotional support for children who have cancer. Rita said: “This was the first meals to the taste test time we had done the London North Tees and Hartlepool NHS from the hospitals’ menu were “When you have Marathon. We ran the Great North Foundation Trust invited the available to taste. Run in 2008 together too. public to discover the delights of Visitor Doris Bradley from a limited amount “We trained quite hard but I don’t hospital food by sampling some Seaton Carew said: “The food is know if you can ever do enough. of the dishes available without absolutely delicious.” of money to make We had great fun and it’s so being a patient. Visitor Elizabeth Haxton from nutritious meals, rewarding to give something back Hospital chefs were on hand Stockton added: “The food to charity. at the University Hospital of looks fantastic too – there’s it is important to Stephanie added: “We would Hartlepool to show people how a great choice” make the most both like to say a huge thank nutritious meals are produced on Catering strategist Billy you to colleagues, friends and a limited budget. Cunningham said: “This has been of resources.” family who sponsored and Meals such as minced steak an excellent opportunity for the supported us. and potato pie, cauliflower and public to try our food. The food on what we serve to our patients. “I enjoyed it so much; I’ve applied broccoli bake and some desserts offer was very representative of “When you have a limited for next year’s marathon!” amount of money to make nutritious meals, it is important to make the most of resources. Getting the right meals that satisfy a patient’s nutritional needs as well as their taste, is important in helping them to make a speedier recovery. “At North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust we use a cook freeze system. Special heated trolleys take hot food to the wards and patients can choose from a selection of meals tailored to their needs. “We have received very positive comments, but we know everyone’s different and its almost impossible to please all of Catering strategist Billy Cunningham with visitor Doris Bradley from Seaton Carew the people all of the time.” Rita Siberry and Stephanie Adams

August/September 10 Patients nominate staff who offer the best of health In the first of its kind run by the Hartlepool Mail grateful patients were asked to nominate health professionals who had made a real difference to their lives.

A glittering awards ceremony was held at Deputy chief executive Carole Langrick, work they do. Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall Hotel. It was who presented the award to the team “Of course there had to be some winners an opportunity to celebrate some very of the year, said: “It was a fabulous but everyone who was nominated really special people whose patients thought they evening. The stars of the show deserved the praise they received on deserved a very public pat on the back for were the individuals and teams that very special evening for the fantastic their dedication to patient care. who had been nominated for the things they do for patients every day.”

Dawn Barker Platt pictured with Hartlepool College’s Margaret Owen. Team of the year – ward 11 chemotherapy nurses Karen Bird, Pauline Dawn won the customer service award for her work with children with Wallace, Pamela Hauxwell, Joanne Thompson, Julie Saint, and Rosie complex health needs Livingston pictured with deputy chief executive Carole Langrick

Bernadette Millward and Kathryn Ashurst received a special recognition award for their work in supporting PACT (Parents and Children Also short listed were Together). They raised £10,000 to buy specially Team of the year adapted tricycles to enhance children’s lives Audiology team, University Hospital of Hartlepool Community respiratory service, One Life Hartlepool Parents and Children Together (PACT) team, Grange Primary School.

Nurse of the year Rosie Livingston, specialist chemotherapy nurse Angela Lee, nurse endoscopist, Rutherford Morrison Day Unit, University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Customer service awards Stephen Brett, rheumatology nurse, University Hospital Hartlepool.

All pictures courtesy of the Hartlepool Mail.

010|011 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS “It’s a new procedure of freezing Foundation Trust was delighted embryos that improves the Fertility expert visits to invite fertility expert Jean survival rate of eggs, embryos Louis Spach to the assisted and blastocysts to more than reproduction unit at the University 90%, resulting in greater Hartlepool unit Hospital of Hartlepool. pregnancy rates. Chief embryologist and technical “It is a highly technical process application scientist Jean Louis and requires the state of the from Marseille, France held a art equipment that is here in hands on workshop and shared Hartlepool. There are only a very tips and tricks in vitrification - small number of units in the a rapid cooling technique that country doing vitrification. avoids ice crystallisation that “We are proud to be at the you would get with other forefront of science and to freezing techniques. be able to offer this to people Principle embryologist Dave Gibbon said: “We have been in Hartlepool and the vitrifying embryos at the surrounding area.” University Hospital of Hartlepool The assisted reproduction unit for nearly one year. at the University Hospital of Hartlepool has helped dozens of “We are proud to be people to become parents since at the forefront of it opened in December 2008. science and to be able The unit uses the latest fertility techniques to help couples to offer this to people in become parents and boasts Chief embryologist and technical application scientist Jean Louis Spach watched Hartlepool and the state of the art facilities to rival by principle embryologist Dave Gibbon and senior embryologist Lene Tetlow surrounding area.” any London clinic.

Much more than support A support group for patients have great fun too.” who have had joint replacement Recently the group raised surgery at North Tees and £335 to buy pedal exercisers Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (pictured) for patients. They have is proving to be much more also raised £4,400 to buy four than that. datascopes which monitor blood The group, run by nursing staff pressure and oxygen levels. was set up eight years ago and Debbie continued: “The group meets every three months at has done so much over the years. the Old Boys Club in Hartlepool. We’ve held social evenings, Joint replacement nurse raffles and cake stalls. practitioner Debbie Caden said: “A group of ladies who joined “Patients generally have a short the group when it first started Colleagues wish Rob a happy retirement. stay in hospital but spend much have become good friends. longer in rehab. They met on the ward and “It’s mainly former patients who now they meet up every month come to the group. for lunch.” Rob says goodbye “We run the group to give With approximately 40 people patients that extra bit of a week either having their Visiting consultant ophthalmologist Rob Allchin has said goodbye to support. Recovering from joint knee or hip replaced here it’s North Tees and Hartlepool after a 30 year career. replacement surgery can take a no surprise that the group is Rob studied in Cambridge, coming to Hartlepool in 1979, working at long time. Having support from so successful. Sunderland Eye Infirmary and the University Hospital of Hartlepool. health professionals and other Patients who want to find patients can be really beneficial. out more can contact joint Colleagues gathered to wish Rob a happy retirement and said goodbye “They can ask questions about replacement secretary Diane with a poem, any concerns they have, but we Kitching on 01429 522493. It’s time for you to relax now And to take life in your stride No more need to rush around Time is on your side I know you will enjoy your retirement With lots of things to do There are interesting places to cruise to There will always be something to do So enjoy yourself away from work And think of it no more Look forward to your future By skipping through a new door. Sister Deborah Amerigo (left), joint replacement nurse practitioner Debbie Caden (right) and joint replacement secretary Diane Kitching (second right) Rob added: “I am looking forward to my retirement. I have enjoyed my with members of the support group career here at North Tees and Hartlepool – nursing staff do a great job and the secretaries are wonderful.“ August/September 10 Thanks from health during Tall Ships event Health organisations on Teesside are saying a big thank you to patients and the public during the Tall Ships event.

A massive amount of planning Barbara Carr from North Tees and “When you’ve plenty of advice and support on went on between the health Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust hand for people interested in service, police, local authority Barbara Carr, who led the planning planned for months improving their own health. and other agencies to ensure the for the trust said: “We have had and, in this case Health trainer manager Sharon event went smoothly. Patients an absolutely fantastic response years, for an event Bartram said: “A great time were asked to allow more time from patients and the public and was had by all the visitors to to get to appointments and on behalf of the trust I’d like to say such as this it’s the ‘Change for Life - My NHS’ bear with community staff who thank you for the way they have easy to get caught marquee at the Tall Ships 2010. might be held up when visiting helped during the event. From Latino dance classes to up and not enjoy the visits from celebrity chefs, people them at home. “The NHS and all of the other had plenty to do and see. Assistant director of nursing agencies worked in a control room event itself.” “Lesley Waters and Aldo Zilli during an event which meant we entertained the crowds with were able to deal with issues cooking demonstrations and as they arose. All in all it has tasters, while on Sunday Mr been a great experience; great Motivator got everyone up and for Hartlepool and great for all of dancing to calypso music in his the agencies who worked hard usual enthusiastic style. behind the scenes to make sure it “Kids from as little as two years went smoothly.” old took part in the activities. Emergency planning manager for Kitchen Academy held NHS Hartlepool Sally Johnston international cookery workshops, added: “When you’ve planned for making delicious Mexican months and, in this case years, for quesadillas, Spanish omelettes an event such as this it’s easy to and Moroccan couscous.” get caught up and not enjoy the Outside the marquee emergency event itself. We were very lucky to care staff made sure help was be in event control overlooking the at hand for anyone needing it. whole event. As well as having a North Tees and Hartlepool NHS great set up where we could Foundation Trust had its own work with all of our partners to portacabin on site and there was ensure the smooth running of more help at hand in a minor the event, we were fortunate to injuries unit at One Life Hartlepool. be able to look at all the activity The North East Ambulance just outside our window. It made service had a squad of cycling me very proud and pleased to be paramedics who could look after part of it.” patients on the spot and St John As well as the work behind Ambulance provided extra first aid the scenes the NHS was well and ambulances to take people to represented at the event. hospital if necessary. From Mr Motivator, celebrity chefs, Executive director of public health a kitchen and cookery academy, for NHS Tees Peter Kelly added: health trainers, the stop smoking “I’m incredibly proud of the way service, advice on safe sex, and all of the NHS and voluntary Staff at the health village – Stephen Dodgson and Simon Ashley from the North the CVD nurses the My NHS health services supported this East Ambulance Service pictured with emergency care practitioners Liz Hindson marquee was a hive of activity event, either in front of or behind and Janice Phillips and physiotherapist Mike Geritz throughout the event. There was the scenes.” 012|013 Emergency planning facilitator Colin Slater

Health trainer manager Sharon Bartram and senior health trainer Roz Charlton stop for a photo with Mr Motivator

Barbara Carr and Janet Mackie in silver command

Stop smoking service’s Nicola Chronin, Michelle Walker, Dawn Archman and Laura Flynn stop for a photo

August/September 10 Quitting is good for mum

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY and baby FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE Local mum Lisa Wilkinson from “I chose a day to quit and I’ve Stockton is feeling the benefit of never looked back. It is the best being smokefree thanks to help thing I could have done for my from North Tees and Hartlepool health and for my baby. It’s a NHS Foundation Trust’s stop nice feeling, I feel very proud of smoking service. myself. Every day I feel stronger Ex smoker Lisa, 31 from Stockton and I know I’ll be setting an is six months pregnant with her example to my family. first child. She started smoking “I said to myself – you can do at an early age, smoking 20 a it. I feel like I have the power, I day, but since giving up for good wasn’t going to let it beat me. four and a half months ago she “The support from the hasn’t felt better! midwives and the stop smoking Family, friends and colleagues join Margaret to mark a fantastic 44 years in the NHS Lisa, a community carer for service has been fantastic, Brookleigh Caring Services they are incredibly helpful and encouraging – I couldn’t have knew that she needed to quit done it without their support for her baby and has shown that and encouragement from Popular nurse you can do it with determination my partner. and the right support. “By quitting smoking I’ve retires after After being referred to the stop gained small rewards, through smoking team by her midwife, the (smokefree) you incentive Lisa has been supported by scheme such as toiletries midwifery assistant Sarah Clark and vouchers. 44 years and specialist stop smoking “I feel great now I have stopped A popular nurse from Hartlepool a hard act to follow and will be advisor Judith Rees on the smoking and I’m looking forward who has dedicated 44 years’ caring missed by all.” 12 week programme held in to the future with my partner for the community has retired Director of nursing and patient the clinic at the Star Children’s Antonio and our family.” from North Tees and Hartlepool safety Sue Smith added: Centre in Stockton. Specialist stop smoking adviser NHS Foundation Trust. “Margaret has been a loyal Lisa said: “When my midwife Judith Rees said: “I am very Mother and grandmother Margaret member of the team and a asked me if I wanted to stop proud of Lisa’s achievement. Metcalf, 60 from the Dyke House great asset to the local NHS. She smoking I felt ready to give it There are immediate benefits area of Hartlepool is a familiar face will be greatly missed and we a go. being smoke free for mum to many local residents. wish her a happy retirement.” “I tried the nicotine replacement and baby. She started her working life as A celebration lunch with family, patches and the inhaler, but “Every cigarette smoked by a a cadet nurse in 1966, training friends and colleagues marked they weren’t for me. I tried pregnant women harms her at Hartlepool School of Nursing Margaret’s final day. the lozenges and they were unborn baby, restricting the and working at St Hilda’s on the Margaret said: “There’s a oxygen supply, so their tiny heart Headland in Hartlepool. wonderful team of people here fantastic. I knew I needed to has to beat harder every time the When the service moved to and it’s been a privilege to work use what worked for me. Hartlepool General Hospital in with them all – from the doctors, mother smokes. 1984 (as it was called at the time), physiotherapists, porters, support The good news is – Margaret went with it. staff and all of the nurses. stopping smoking Mainly working in orthopaedics, “There have been patients who benefits the Margaret took up the post of I saw regularly that I’ve grown baby immediately. sister in 1977, later becoming up with. “This is a fine deputy ward matron on the joint “I always knew I wanted to be a example of the replacement unit at the University nurse and it has been a brilliant message promoted Hospital of Hartlepool. career I loved making a real by the British Margaret described herself as a difference to my patients. Lung Foundation back to basics nurse. She would “I’ve always had the support of - lungs are for life never leave a shift until she felt my family” – to encourage a everyone was ok – her patients Margaret, who is married to Ken new generation and her colleagues. now plans to spend more time of people to She has been involved in many away at her caravan and enjoy think about their changes and even chose the time with her family - daughters lung health.” name for the Homeward service Alison and Emma and her in 1994. granddaughter Lucy. There is a wealth Matron for orthopaedics Sue She has been a great fundraiser of support across Moore said: “Margaret is a very for the department and said she Hartlepool and caring person, not only to her intends to carry on! Stockton to patients; but the staff. Always very During 44 years of work help people quit approachable, colleagues will miss Margaret has worked 108,675 smoking. For more her wise words. shifts, cared for 652,052 Support - Lisa Wilkinson pictured with specialist information about “Everyone respected Margaret’s patients, given half a million bed stop smoking adviser Judith Rees and midwifery the help on offer call opinion. baths and administered two assistant Sarah Clark (01642) 635650. “She is a character that will be million tablets. 014|015 Remote healthcare is excellent says Iris Patient Iris Johnson is happy machine to check my oxygen Chief executive Alan Foster in her own home thanks to levels, blood pressure, pulse said: “When I heard how a scheme which lets her and temperature. telehealth was making a monitor her own health. Chief “Before I started using real difference for patients executive Alan Foster went telehealth I was regularly with respiratory problems, along to find out more. admitted to hospital, but I wanted to take the Iris 75, from the Owton this hasn’t happened since I opportunity to meet Iris. Manor area of Hartlepool started using it.” “Patients want to stay in has a respiratory condition. Specialist respiratory nurse their own homes. Telehealth She is one of sixteen Dorothy Wood added: “This is the ideal solution to patients in Hartlepool who system monitors patients helping these patients to has been using telehealth on a daily basis and the since last September as part information from the checks do this, while giving them of a pilot scheme. which the patient does every the support, advice and She told Alan, “It is excellent. morning comes straight to reassurance they need. I feel reassured about my us. They are asked questions “Caring for patients closer health problem and know such as whether their to home and finding ways to that a nurse is only a call breathing is worse. keeping hospital admissions Chief executive Alan Foster meets patient Iris Johnson away if there is a problem. “It means that we don’t have down is the right thing to do. “At the same time every to make as many home visits It was excellent to hear how morning from the comfort of and we can see much sooner this system is working so my own home I use the little when a patient deteriorates. well for our community.”

National smile week beams into Stockton North Tees and Hartlepool NHS “It is very important to teach parents Foundation Trust was delighted and children how to look after their to team up with Alpha Dental mouth and teeth from a young age Studio in Stockton to teach children to ensure their teeth take them into the importance of looking after adulthood and beyond. their teeth. “The oral health promotion A fun poster competition was held department are now supporting a with this year’s campaign theme - brushing in school initiative with Teeth4Life, to encourage children Fairfield School’s reception class.” from Fairfield Primary School to Principal dentist Neeraj Diddee learn how to take care of their teeth at Alpha Dental Studio said, and mouths, to make them last “Alpha Dental Studio is committed for life. to promoting good oral health in Marie Burgum, oral health promotion advisor for the Tees Community the region. Dental Service was on hand to offer “We were delighted to get involved in national smile month. A good advice on healthy snacks, brushing Colleagues and friends celebrate Carol’s retirement techniques and the importance of a oral healthcare routine can help healthy diet. guard against all sorts of oral and Marie said: “It was an excellent general health conditions from bad opportunity and great fun to get breath and decay to gum disease, Colleagues wish Carol together with Alpha Dental Studio. which has been linked to a number “National smile month offers a fun of more serious health conditions way to introduce children under five such as diabetes, heart disease a happy retirement to dental health care. and strokes.” Colleagues and friends wished said: “I would like to say a radiology service manager personal thanks to Carol. Carol Jackson a happy With her efforts over the retirement, after a 41 year years the service we provide career in the NHS. is greatly improved and Carol has seen many more efficient.” changes from beginning her Carol said: “I have been career at Middlesbrough fortunate to work in different General Hospital, training as hospitals, develop my skills a radiographer, moving to and make lots of friends. I the University Hospital would like to say thank you to of North Tees, where she everyone I have worked with.” became breast screening Carol is looking forward to manager and then radiology her retirement, spending service manager. more time at home with her Speaking at her retirement grandchildren and plans to Good advice - oral health promotion advisor Marie Burgum presentation consultant have lots of holidays and do radiologist Matthew Trewhella lots of shopping! August/September 10 Trust says thank you to its volunteers

North Tees Hartlepool NHS Foundation the trust to have an opportunity once Trust took the opportunity to do something a year to say a formal thank you for very special in July – say thank you to the everything you do throughout the year to many volunteers who support patients make a difference to our patients, visitors and staff and enrich its two hospitals. and staff. Chairman Paul Garvin said: “It’s really “It’s also very good to see our retired excellent for me as chairman, our members here and it’s great to keep our links directors and everyone working in with you as valued former employees.

016|017 Trust says thank you to its volunteers

“Walking around and visiting departments Foundation Trust thank you for the gift of as I do I’m constantly amazed by our paid your time. It’s very much appreciated.” staff and all they do to provide a consistently The chairman also acknowledged the high standard of care for patients. contribution of governors who give freely “However what is even more amazing is of their own time to serve on the Council people like you who give so generously of Governors and many sub committees of your time to help others. On behalf of to help the trust develop strategy and everyone at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS improve care for patients.

August/September 10 Lungs are Ward hostesses get new uniforms for life North Tees and Hartlepool NHS University Hospital of North Tees Foundation Trust encouraged got the opportunity to find out members of the public to find out more about lung health and speak how healthy their lungs are during to the respiratory nurses. a series of events in support of The term COPD is used to the British Lung Foundation’s describe a number of lung Breath Easy Week. conditions including chronic The ward hostesses at the University Hospital of Hartlepool pictured in their bronchitis and emphysema. new uniforms “COPD is often The most common cause overlooked but of COPD is smoking and early symptoms include there are thousands breathlessness and a persistent of people who are cough, often with phlegm. British Lung Foundation lead at risk of this long respiratory nurse Dorothy Wood term disease.” said: “COPD is often overlooked but there are thousands of The community respiratory people who are at risk of this long team were on hand to term disease. offer free breathing tests to “By encouraging people to think local residents at Mecca Bingo in about their lungs and changes Hartlepool as part of a campaign in their lung health we can to alert people to the symptoms hopefully diagnose them as early of chronic obstructive pulmonary as possible, giving us the best disease (COPD). chance to improve their health Patients and visitors at the and wellbeing.” Google search results in transatlantic link When Princeton Brain and Spine make this link and the spinal Clinic in New Jersey USA were support group hopes it’s the start thinking of setting up a spinal of a long and happy friendship.” support group the first place Tori added: “Being told you will they looked was Google. need spine or neck surgery is a The search brought up the Tees very frightening thing. It’s very Valley Spinal Support Group; the helpful to be able to talk to group which supports patients someone who knows how you who are waiting for and have had feel. We are looking forward spinal surgery at the University to strengthening the link with Hospital of North Tees. our friends across the water. Founder member Tori Cummings Who knows, we may see them explained: “We had an email out taking part in a walk or run here of the blue from across the next year!” Atlantic saying Princeton Brain The Tees Valley Spinal Support Good advice – Specialist respiratory nurse Joan Clerk and respiratory nurse Helen Finn and Spine Clinic had heard of Group meets at 10am on a the support group and were Saturday morning every three interested in setting a group up months in the teaching centre at of their own. the University Hospital of North “Things just took off from there; Tees. The two hour meeting and we took off too because usually starts with a talk trustee Linda Botterill and I were followed by stories from patients invited to join a sponsored walk who have had a spine or neck and run the clinic had organised operation. Importantly the group for patients who have had spinal provides an opportunity for or neck surgery.” patients waiting for operations In 95 degree heat and high to chat with those who have humidity Linda did a two mile had their operation. The support walk accompanied by many group regularly has around 100 patients who were showing it’s people attending each meeting. possible to get back to normal To find out more please contact fitness after surgery. [email protected] or Specialist respiratory nurse Donna Chapman and specialist stop smoking advisor Linda said: “It was fantastic to visit www.spinalunit.org. Scott Chapman. 018|019 4Oliver provides support for bereaved parents

Having a child should be a happy event for Despite the heartbreak of her loss, Kirsty Delivery suite manager Judith Lambert parents and they expect to see their children decided to help other families through the at the University Hospital of North Tees grow and mature. It can be devastating for trauma of losing a baby through stillbirth. said: “We are extremely grateful to Gareth them to lose a child either before birth or at any She and mum Tracey make keepsake boxes and Kelley. time afterwards. which they currently supply to several “The support that they provide will be a great Sometimes parents can be left with very hospitals in the Sunderland, Durham and comfort to parents who have lost a child. It little to remind them of their child, however, Middlesbrough areas. is fantastic that some good has come out of Gareth and Kelley Cox who lost their son The McGurrells hope to have boxes in such a tragic event.” Oliver in September last year are providing place in every hospital in the region so that For more information or to make a donation support for bereaved parents at North Tees families can take home a permanent reminder go to www.4Oliver.co.uk or contact and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust by of their stillborn baby. [email protected] supplying keepsake boxes. The boxes include items such as a clay impression kit, teddies and a guardian angel. “The support that they provide will be a great comfort to parents who have lost a child. It is fantastic that some good has come out of such a tragic event.”

Gareth and Kelley have set up 4Oliver as a charity and support network through both their own website and a page on social network site Facebook after meeting Kirsty McGurrell on Facebook. Kirsty, of Houghton runs a similar charity, 4Louis, which she set up with the help of her family after her son Louis died before birth in December last year. Kelley and Gareth Cox (right) with staff on the delivery suite at the University Hospital of North Tees Golfers tee up yet another donation Members of Seaton Carew Golf Club have yet again shown their support for Hartlepool’s palliative care and Macmillan nursing services.

The Macmillan service along with district Sue said: “The golf club has been supporting nurses and community matrons are an the team for 14 years now and it was lovely integral part of the community services to be able to go along with Jason to tell directorate at North Tees and Hartlepool the members a bit about the service and NHS Foundation Trust, providing care and how much difference their very generous support for patients with life limiting donations make to the patients and families illnesses. The team also supports families in Hartlepool. and carers and the donations they receive “Yet another donation of over £3,000 will help to improve the quality of life for patients really help to improve patient’s quality of life. by providing extra equipment to ensure that Frail patients often don’t want to move out patients are comfortable and are able to of the marital bed so we can help by manage at home. providing a special double mattress which Locality manager Sue Judge and Macmillan supports the patient but they can both share. nurse Jason Black went along to the Help like this can make a huge difference Sue pictured with (second left) Macmillan nurse tournament prize giving to explain more to patients and we’re absolutely delighted Jason Black and Seaton Carew Golf Club’s Roger about the work of the Macmillan, district we’re able to do this with the support of Impett and Ian Philips nurses and community matrons. Seaton Carew Golf Club.

August/September 10 Stop smoking programme attracts national attention A pioneering project helping extremely useful in identifying smokers quit while pinpointing potential health problems. early signs of illness for their “Smokers get the support GPs has come third in a they need to give up the habit regional award. and their GPs get valuable The lung health project, information about their health. developed by the NHS Tees It has already helped them stop smoking service, targets identify underlying health Specialist therapy assistants Linda Curtis, Julie Bett and Mark Jones take a smokers aged 35 and over, problems in smokers making look at a hearing aid. who have developed persistent sure they can be seen early to coughs and breathlessness; try and prevent their condition the early warning signs of getting any worse.” chronic obstructive pulmonary Specialist stop smoking staff Staff learn new skills disease (COPD) – one the also gave a presentation about region’s biggest killers. the project at the UK National The smokers are offered a Smoking Cessation Conference to help patients with special lung test and, while the in Glasgow. results from this go to their GP Eileen added: “It is really good to for diagnosis, they get one-to- see our work being recognised in hearing loss one support from a specialist this way. We think the approach stop smoking advisor to help we are taking, combining stop Frontline staff at North Tees and giving hospital staff the them kick the habit. smoking support with early Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust knowledge and confidence to Specialist stop smoking advisor intervention on related health have been gaining a greater communicate with deaf and Eileen Hutchinson, who came and lung problems, also meets understanding of the challenges hard-of-hearing people. third in a new innovations new Department of Health faced by their deaf and hard-of- “We want people to be aware category of the regional NHS guidelines for a new strategy in hearing patients. if a patient is hard of hearing Bright Ideas awards, said: helping clients with COPD.” A unique training programme, and recognise for example if “We’ve been piloting the project The project currently operates in being piloted by the audiology they can’t hear their name being since January in Hartlepool Roseworth, Stockton and the St team to raise awareness called out in the waiting room. and Stockton and it is proving George’s area of Hartlepool. It is and give staff the chance to Making small steps like this can popular with our patients. It’s hoped to extend it Teeswide. learn about techniques for make sure the health service communicating with deaf is much more accessible to and hard of hearing people, people with hearing loss. depending on their degree of “Something as simple as hearing loss. moving from a busy waiting Audiologist Kirby Miller set up area to a quiet room can make a the project and has rolled out world of difference to someone the training with her colleague with partial hearing loss and audiologist David Piggott in the we want staff to feel confident hospitals, the community and when caring for patients with care homes across North Tees hearing problems.” and Hartlepool. Physiotherapy team leader Bob Staff have been learning from Warnock, one of the staff who each other’s experiences of has completed the training said: caring for deaf and hard-of- “It’s been really worthwhile and hearing patients. I’m now much more aware of Shining star – Eileen picks up her award at the NHS Bright Ideas awards Project director and senior the different ways I can make audiologist Gerry Thompson things easier for deaf and hard- explained: “It’s about of-hearing patients.” Got a story for Anthem? If you’ve got something to share with other Anthem readers please email [email protected] or phone 01642 624339.

020|021 Think children ...think safeguarding!

Events were held recently at the at both hospitals where they University Hospital of Hartlepool handed out pens and packs and the University Hospital of of mints emblazoned with the North Tees to raise the profile of contact numbers for the team. the safeguarding children team. Named doctor and paediatric The team which consists of consultant Kailash Agrawal said: doctors and nurses from North “It is important that people who Tees and Hartlepool NHS come into contact with children in Foundation Trust and local their roles as health professionals primary care trusts manned know who to contact if they Named nurses Karen Hedgley, Anne Brock and Lindsey Robertson with named stands in the main concourses suspect a child is in danger.” doctor Kailash Agrawal

Healthcare apprentices Sarah Dodd, Hannah Kelly and Christie Sowerby at the Learning and development advisor Julia Frost with successful business presentation with Esther Blakey, Elsie Hicks and Julia Frost. administration apprentices Ruby Collinson, Mandy Davison, Beth Partridge, Claire Walton, Kayleigh Dean, Stacey Love and Vikki Watson. More success for the trust’s apprentices Modern apprenticeship students to see that you have all got jobs in recognised qualification and care in the workplace. You have to put at North Tees and Hartlepool the trust or that you have decided for patients. It’s given us a great together a portfolio of evidence NHS Foundation Trust have to further your education. head start for our nursing career.” to prove you have reached the celebrated the end of their hard “The apprenticeship scheme is a Ruby Collinson, 18 is a secretary national standards. work and training. fantastic opportunity for people in orthopaedics at the University “We make sure everyone is well Fourteen business administration to get a great start to their Hospital of Hartlepool. She supported. Seeing people achieve and healthcare apprentices career and gain a nationally successfully secured a job their qualifications at the end of it have gained valuable hands-on recognised qualification.” after completing the business makes my job really rewarding.” work experience and National The seven qualified healthcare administration apprenticeship. Congratulations goes to Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in apprentices are off to Teesside She said: “I didn’t want to go healthcare apprentices Sarah levels two and three. University later this year to begin to college so I chose to find out Dodd, Hannah Kelly, Christie Speaking at the event, learning and their nurse training. about the apprenticeship scheme development advisor Julia Frost One of the newly qualified and I’m glad I did. My placements Sowerby, Sian Saxby, Louisa said: “I would like to congratulate healthcare apprentices Sarah have been really interesting and Siddle, Kim Cairns and everyone. You have worked Dodd, 22 from Hartlepool said: given me the skills I needed to Nicola Daniel and business extremely hard and proved to be “I have thoroughly enjoyed my secure a job with the trust.” administration apprentices Ruby very capable people. training and I’m excited to be Vocational training manager Collinson, Mandy Davison, “It has been lovely to watch you going to university with the girls. Angela McNeill added: “The good Beth Partridge, Claire Walton, grow and develop over the last “We all felt that the apprenticeship thing about the apprenticeship Kayleigh Dean, Stacey Love and couple of years. I am very proud was an ideal opportunity to gain a scheme is that you are assessed Vikki Watson. August/September 10 Information booklet supports patients and families affected by stroke Having a stroke can have a patients and their families want significant effect on patients and need information about a wide and their families, but a stroke range of issues and we wanted information booklet funded by the to try and bring it all together in a North of England Cardiovascular handy format. Network is now being used across Psychologist for stroke at North the North East NHS to offer Tees and Hartlepool NHS information, support and advice. Foundation Trust Roz Pollard added: The booklet contains information “Nurses and other members of about what a stroke is, how people the team in our stroke wards and will feel in the early and later stages the community stroke teams of their recovery and rehabilitation, use the booklet with patients to how they can make helpful lifestyle support their rehabilitation journey, changes, information for carers and and it’s proving invaluable. When families and wider issues like how someone has a stroke there is to apply for benefits. so much for them and the family County Durham and Darlington to find out. This is a really good community stroke rehabilitation resource for the patient and co-ordinator Sandra Leech, who the whole family to refer to and led the project, said: “I’m very we’re delighted that patients right grateful to colleagues right across across our trust and whole of the the region, as well as patients and NHS in the North East are now Health care apprentices Sophie Hornbrook and Aimee Owens discuss the booklet carers who helped develop the receiving it. We are planning to with patient Keith Aaron booklet. It came about because evaluate it soon.” Pharmacy staff plan for the future Staff at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust got the opportunity to plan what pharmacy dispensing could look like in the future. A team of staff from Panasonic transported one of their pharmacy robots all the way from Japan for pharmacy staff to comment on and give advice as to how to customise their product for the European market. A business case is in preparation in the trust for a robot which electronically dispenses medication and could potentially reduce waiting times for prescriptions. The robot can memorise where it has stored medication so it can retrieve them quickly once it has the prescription details, saving staff valuable time. Head of pharmacy Philip Dean said: “We were delighted to welcome the team from Panasonic to the trust and be given the opportunity to help with their product development. “There are many advantages of robotic dispensing, including the fact that it reduces waste, reduces the risk of dispensing errors and it is much quicker than a manual system. “Technology such as this could bring real benefits to the health care profession as it would allow us to spend more time directly with patients.” New technology - pharmacy staff at the University Hospital of North Tees welcome a visit from Panasonic.

022|023 Top marks for Keith

Hard work has paid off for that the technology we use can audiologist Keith Swainson, have such a huge impact on who has graduated with a their quality of life. first class BSc (Hons) degree “Patients really appreciate the in audiology. work we do and that makes Keith studied at the University of it worthwhile.” Sunderland, joining North Tees Deputy Head of service Gerry and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Thompson added: “I’m very Trust as a trainee audiologist. proud of Keith. This is an Keith said: “I’m absolutely excellent achievement, he has delighted. I have had great worked extremely hard and it support from my work is a pleasure to have him in colleagues, family and friends. the team. “This is my ideal profession “I would also like to thank and after training here for the senior trainer Emma Carr for Julia with Claire Sweeney and Rosemary Shregar past four years it is excellent her commitment and efforts to continue working with the within the service to ensure team. It is very rewarding to be our students are trained to the Julia’s cooking earns able to help patients knowing highest of standards.” her a trip round the Med Radiology information analyst Julia Kiss’s love of cooking has earned her a Mediterranean cruise. Julia filmed herself making her signature dish – lasagne – on her digital camera and entered the short film into GMTV’s Chefs at Sea cookery competition. Keen cook Julia had just been making lasagne for her tea which is why she chose to make the dish again. Her film was one of eight to make it to the knock out week. Julia and the other contestants get Viewers were invited to vote ready to fillet a turbot between two cooks each day for four days and the four winners “I visited lots of interesting places earned a place on a luxury cruise such as a fish market in Spain ship sailing the Mediterranean and and a famous patisserie factory cooking in the galley with some in Portugal. I was also invited to top chefs. the bridge when we sailed away Julia said: “I had an amazing week from Spain. The contestants were with GMTV and P&O Cruises. broadcast live every morning Rosemary Shregar gave us lots on GMTV and we also did a 20 of lessons and tips in cooking minute live ready steady cook in and I watched Marco Pierre White front of hundreds of passengers make his signature dish of spaghetti where I made my lasagne. I also and lobster. Unfortunately I was learned to make a tortilla, custard voted off and didn’t get to cook tarts and fillet a turbot. Audiologist with him but I watched from the “Everyone was very friendly and Keith Swainson other side of the cooker! Claire I had a fantastic time. Thanks to Sweeney was the host and she everyone who voted for me; I had was very glamorous. a once in a lifetime experience.”

Sue is the central point of contact A central point of contact prevent interruptions and give Oonagh McGeever added: has been set up for referrals nursing staff more time to spend “We wanted to make an and patient queries from the with their patients. improvement to the service and Woodbridge Practice at Thornaby Sue said: “This is a really good make sure that nursing staff Health Centre for North Tees change. It makes perfect sense can attend each appointment and Hartlepool NHS Foundation for these calls to be directed to without interruptions. It’s much Trust’s community nursing team. one central contact. better for patients and for the Community administrator Sue “I can be contacted between staff themselves. Gouldthorp is now your central 9am and 5pm on 01642 765453. “I would like to thank the point of contact. The new If anyone needs to leave a organisational development system has been introduced message I can get back to them department for working with the to streamline and make sure within the hour.” team to bring the much needed Your central point of contact community that calls are answered quickly, Integrated service area manager changes into practice.” administrator Sue Gouldthorp

August/September 10 New home for staff at One Life Hartlepool

Staff from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have been busy packing boxes and have settled into their new home at One Life Hartlepool and the staff are delighted too.

The speech and language clinic The move brings services which central area.” Health Centre. Head of audiology for children, musculoskeletal, were provided at various locations Community orthopaedic surgeon Shirley Norris and her team podiatry, the community in Hartlepool, such as Tees Street, Cathy Lennox said: “I am agreed the new facilities are respiratory service, audiology Wynyard Road Primary Care delighted with the new facility. It lovely to work in. clinic, contraceptive and Centre and Caroline Street Health is comfortable and quiet. Shirley added: “Patients will sexual health teams and Centre into this modern facility. “Patients will benefit from these see a real difference in terms the Tees community dental During the visit to the podiatry lab, modern healthcare facilities that of environment and comfort at service have all moved into the podiatry technician Lucy Graham residents in Hartlepool deserve.” our new location. Patients have £20m state-of-the-art facility said: “It’s a really nice building – its The audiology team has been very complimentary – they in Park Road, Hartlepool. brilliant having everything in one moved here from Caroline Street tell us its lovely.”

“I am delighted with the new facility. It is comfortable and quiet.”

Musculoskeletal podiatrist Lynsey Hetherington

MSK, podiatry, hand and wrist central admin team - clerical assistant Nicky Sleeman and specialist services admin leader Angie Hewittson Podiatry technician Lucy Graham Support officer Lauri Fawcett

Audiologist Sue Kitching, audiologist Emma Carr, head of Head of domestic services Nick Clemments domestic audiology Shirley Norris, assistant audiologist Sara Lamplough assistants Karen Tindall and Moya Anderson 18 week coordinator Karen Campbell and patient tracing clerk Cath Porritt 024|025 New home for staff at One Life Hartlepool

Podiatry team leader Mariann Waller

Lady Ann Calman (centre) looks at the new x-ray equipment installed by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. She is shown the new system by assistant radiographic practitioner Chris Dale and senior radiographer Wendy Waller Bright new look for Peterlee community hospital Community orthopaedic surgeon Cathy Lennox and specialist services manager Nicola D’Northwood A much loved and valued Trust which provides many of been very positive.” community hospital has been the services at Peterlee. He State enrolled nurse Jean given a £800,000 facelift. said: “The hospital was badly Thompson (pictured with Kevin NHS County Durham and in need of a refurbishment. Oxley) has been working at I’d like to congratulate NHS Darlington, who own Peterlee Peterlee since the day it opened Community Hospital, County Durham and Darlington in the mid-90s. She said: “It’s have carried out a major for the excellent result. It’s really lovely. The patients have refurbishment, bringing the very light, modern and airy; an facilities bang up to date with amazing transformation from been commenting on how a bright a modern feel which how it was before. I gather clean and bright it is. It’s very makes visiting the facility a very the feedback from patients has pleasant to work in.” pleasant experience.

“It’s really lovely. The patients have been commenting on how Support officer Lauri Fawcett clean and bright it is. Community sexual health advisor Jane Collins It’s very pleasant to work in.”

Chair of NHS County Durham and Darlington Lady Ann Calman performed the opening ceremony. She thanked the very many people who have been involved in the refurbishment programme, as well as staff who have had to bear with the building work going on around them. She was sure, she said, that everyone was, like her, delighted with the end result. Director of operations Kevin Oxley represented North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation 18 week coordinator Karen Campbell and patient tracing clerk Cath Porritt August/September 10 A treat for hard working feet

Hardworking feet at the Blackjack Promotions sent University Hospital of North over a pampering squad to Tees were treated to some well the University Hospital of deserved pampering thanks to North Tees. Beauticians and competition winner midwife reflexologists arrived, armed Nicola Lewis. with foot scrubs, soaks and After hearing a competition on crèmes to get those hard the local radio, Nicola’s partner working feet back into shape. nominated her for the prize and Sarah Payne with 14-week-old Lucy, Emma Hanson with 13-week-old Oliver, Midwife Nicola Lewis said: she became the lucky winner Hartlepool Borough Council’s community involvement worker Claire Modrate “I was shocked and so and Eileen Hutchinson of a whopping £1000 and a morning of pampering for her excited when I heard I’d won and ten colleagues. the competition. The competition was run by “We had a lovely relaxing time local radio station TFM, who getting our feet pampered. had teamed up with Scholl It was nice to be able to in their keeping Britain on its share the prize and treat my feet campaign. colleagues too.”

Stockton mums and children support the campaign. Local families get behind

the British Lung Foundation’s Competition winner midwife Nicola Lewis (front), beautician Leanne Craggs with colleagues midwife Joanne Lamb, healthcare assistant Judith Marsh and children’s charter healthcare assistant Sally Jackson North Tees and Hartlepool NHS more particles per mile than Foundation Trust’s stop smoking the exhaust pipe does. If you service got together with local smoke, there are more particles families to back the British inside the car.” Lung Foundation’s (BLF) In support of the BLF the stop children’s charter. smoking team held awareness The Charter, launched during sessions at the Sure Start this year’s Breathe Easy week Centre, Miers Avenue in outlines the BLF’s campaigning Hartlepool and Redhill Children’s priorities to improve children’s Centre in Stockton. lung health as well as support Local clinics are regularly held and care for children with for people wanting advice on lung disease. how to give up cigarettes, Specialist stop smoking and get healthier themselves advisor Eileen Hutchinson and for their children’s sake. said: “Children should be If you would like more advice able to enjoy a smoke-free on quitting you can contact environment inside and outside the Stockton and Hartlepool of the home.” stop smoking service on “One smoker emits five times 01642 635650. Put your feet up

026|027 Welcome to our new consultants

Gastro- enterologist Chris Wells joined the trained in the Northern Deanery and joined the trust in May. Chris, who had previously worked as a specialist registrar in the trust, has a special interest in endoscopy training and is the nutrition lead for the trust. Breast feeding co-ordinator Ros Nunn (right) with the first group of peer supporters complete the course Gastro- enterologist Peer supporters help John Hancock has joined the trust from South Tees new breastfeeding mums Hospitals NHS F o u n d a t i o n North Tees and Hartlepool NHS I can give other mums and future Trust. John Foundation Trust has teamed up breast feeding mums a much has a special interest in with Stockton Borough Council’s needed support network.” endoscopy training and Sure Start to support breast Breast feeding co-ordinator Ros bowel screening. feeding mums. Nunn explained: “The training is A group of local mums in Teesside quite intense. are the first to complete 15 week We look at why people breast Occupational breast feeding peer support feed, why people choose not health wel- training programme, accredited by to breast feed, how breast milk comes two the Open College Network. is produced. new consult- The peer supporters are now able “We even do quite a bit of ants, Lea to support new mums who wish counselling skills to enable the Andrews and to share their experiences or who peer supporters to give that Janet Orlandi. may be having some difficulties information correctly to mums to Lea, who joins with breast feeding their baby. enable them to feed for longer. the trust from Mum of two Ceri 21 from Fairfield “Breastfeeding takes a lot of Newcastle, has a special inter- said “I did the peer support hard work from the mum and a lot est in hearing conservation training because I felt I needed of perseverance. and is keen to further develop more support after having my “Mums are going to start doing occupational health services. little boy. meet and greets through Sure Mum Kim Brunton with baby Luke “I want to be able to give support to Start centres, they are going to mums who choose to breastfeed be there at antenatal clinics and at Janet, who and encourage them to breastfeed healthy start clinics. “The peer support groups are joined the trust longer. The course was brilliant.” “It’s all about giving women an fantastic because they offer mums in April, has Mum Kim Brunton, 23 from informed choice so they know the a really informal way of accessing worked in occu- Thornaby wants to tell mums benefits of breast feeding. local support. pational health that even going back to “Often mums who wish they “We’re not here to tell women on Teesside for work doesn’t mean you have to could have breast fed for longer what to do but to work with them 15 years hav- stop breastfeeding. its just been the case that they to make the choices that they find ing previously She said: “Becoming a peer needed a bit more support or most comfortable.” worked for ICI, supporter is my chance to give a somebody to say you’re doing The peer supporters are all mums Aon Health Solutions and little back for the help I received really well, keep going and you’ll that have or are breast feeding Capita before joining the trust. from all the health professionals get there in the end. and have a wealth of experience Janet is looking forward to and a wonderful opportunity to “Supporting mums to breastfeed between them. helping grow and develop the support other new mums.” is essential, especially support If you are interested in becoming client base of the already suc- Mum of three Claire McMann, 28 from their partners, family and a peer supporter or you would cessful occupational health from Eaglescliffe went along to friends. The peer supporters like to find out more about business within the trust and the group with 18 month old twins are very enthusiastic and very breast feeding and the support assisting in implementing ini- Sophie and Emily. Claire is also willing to give their time and on offer, you can contact breast tiatives to create a healthy mum to three year old Katie. experience to help mothers breast feeding co-ordinator Ros Nunn on working environment. Claire said: “By doing the training, feed for longer. 01642 524923. August/September 10 Mums celebrate with a picnic in the park

Mums, babies and health feeding awareness week was 15 months is one of the many professionals got together for the perfect opportunity to raise mums to have benefited from a teddy bears picnic to awareness of the importance of the advantages of breastfeeding. celebrate national breastfeeding breast feeding. She is passionate about the awareness week. “Breast feeding has so many benefits for both mum and baby. The fun packed event held at health benefits. Breast milk She is a recently qualified peer Ropner Park in Stockton was run contains antibodies that help supporter and went along to the in partnership with North Tees protect against infections picnic to share her experiences. and Hartlepool NHS Foundation and breast fed babies have a She said: “Breastfeeding is Michelle and Pam (seated) with Trust and Stockton Borough lower risk of eczema, asthma, the best thing you can do for plaster technician Phil Dobson Council’s Sure Start centres. diabetes and gastro-intestinal your baby. It is so important – it Breast feeding co-ordinator Ros and respiratory infections.” creates a close bond between Nunn said: “National breast Jacqui Warrior, mum to Oliver, you and your child.” Well done Pam and Michelle Two staff nurses at the trust have recently completed a gruelling six month course culminating in an exam in London. Pam Turner and Michelle Middlemass travelled to Bradford hospital every Wednesday from October 2009 until March 2010 to study for the orthopaedic practitioner exam.

“It was hard work Mum Stella King with Faith and Esther Peer supporter Jacqui Warrior with 15 month old Oliver juggling work and studying, especially with the travelling involved, but it was all well worth it.”

Michelle said: “It was hard work juggling work and studying, especially with the travelling involved, but it was all well worth it.” Passing the exam means that the girls can now help in the plaster rooms at both sites and brings the number of orthopaedic practitioners across the trust to six. Pam said: “It has made a huge difference to us both, not only in the cover we can now provide in the plaster rooms, but in our normal jobs in orthopaedic outpatients. “It has really helped with our clinical knowledge.” Mum Sarah Heathwaite with baby Sophie and Katie Taylor with baby Freddie 028|029 Non executive director continues his fact finding tour

Trust non executive director “We have the central and south Steve Hall continued his tour integrated care teams here of frontline services to find for Hartlepool, so we care for out more about the care in residents in Greatham, the the community. Fens, Seaton Carew, Elwick, Steve was delighted to Dalton Piercy, the Marina and meet the integrated care the town centre. team at Masefield Road in “The team here works together Hartlepool – a dedicated team – so if a patient is being cared of social workers, community for by a district nurse, but also matrons, district nurses, needs the expertise of a social Macmillan nurses and clinical worker or an occupational support staff. therapist, we can make sure Locality manager Sue Judge that patients quickly receive the said: “Here, we have every care they need.” member of the team in the Steve added: “It has been a same building. It means pleasure to meet the staff here that patients will receive the and find out more about the The team pictured at the Healthcare100 awards ceremony best service because we are excellent work they are doing working together. caring for the local community.” North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is 15th top NHS employer

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Last year Foundation Trust has improved on the trust its position in the Healthcare 100 came 32nd awards. The awards - sponsored in Healthcare by the Health Service Journal, 100. Director Nursing Standard, Department of human of Health, NHS Employers and resources and Ipsos Mori – recognise staff organisation engagement, communication, development education, training, development Clare Curran said: “We’re and career opportunities. The delighted to be rated as the 15th awards are assessed by looking best NHS employer to work for Non executive director Steve Hall meets the integrated care team at the results of staff surveys this year and we look forward to in Hartlepool undertaken by Healthcare 100. doing even better next year.” Non-executive directors appointed Two new non-executive directors join Valley Unlimited and is vice chair of council of governors for ratification. the board of directors at North Tees the North East Leaders Board. “I know Michael and Ken will make and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust Chairman Paul Garvin said: a significant contribution to the work from 1 August. “The nomination committee, a of the board and on behalf of the Ken Michael Bretherick is the sub committee of our council of board, the council of governors, our Lupton principal of Hartlepool College governors, oversees the appointment members and our staff I would like of Further Education. Michael of non-executive directors with to welcome them to the trust. chairs the Association of Colleges recommendations put to the full “The trust is one of the highest (AOC) strategic skills group for performing in the country and we construction and is also the AOC’s want to ensure it continues to champion for construction and allied “The trust is one of the improve even further in the interests trades and a North East champion highest performing in of patients. Non executive directors for UK skills. the country and we want ensure there is independence, Ken Lupton has been leader of balance and challenge to the Stockton Borough Council since to ensure it continues to executive element of the board Michael improve even further in the Bretherick 2007. He sits on the boards of of directors which keeps us at Durham Tees Valley Airport and Tees interests of patients.” this high level.”

August/September 10 Public toilets receive the five star treatment Public toilets at the main to the public. The brand new, the amount of electricity that entrance of the University thoughtfully designed toilets is used. Hospital of Hartlepool have not only meet the highest Design and development received a makeover bringing hygiene standards and are manager Glen Newby, them up to the same sort of easy to clean, but they also responsible for the design standards as those found in incorporate hotel-style details. said: “We are working to many top hotels. The two ladies’, one gents’ and improve every part of the Teams of builders, plumbers, one disabled toilets have seen patients’ experience. The painters and decorators have good design and creativity with standard of the public toilets been busy for the past few the use of environmentally reflects our commitment to The refurbished toilet facilities at the months, upgrading the toilet friendly features such as sensor high standards of care and University Hospital of Hartlepool facilities which are now open taps and driers – to reduce cleanliness at the trust.” Pat hangs up her duster

Domestic supervisor and has become an institution in institution at the University Hartlepool Hospital. Someone Hospital of Hartlepool Pat who is recognised by all staff Cox has hung up her duster across the hospital – and and retired after 30 years of someone who will be genuinely loyal service. missed by all. Pat began her career with the “As Pat herself says - just a NHS as a domestic assistant at pebble in the pond - the ripples St Hilda’s hospital in February soon stop and people will say 1980 and transferred to “Pat who?” Hartlepool General Hospital as “But Pat’s pebble is a big one it was then known in 1983 as and the ripples will last a long evening supervisor. time. You will be missed a great Speaking at her retirement deal Pat!” celebration head of domestic Pat is looking forward to services Nick Clements said: relaxing and spending more “We are losing someone who time with her husband Fred.

Taking care of you at night Night team boosts hospital care

Patients at the University to unexpected urgent calls Hospital of North Tees are set between 9pm and 8am. to benefit from a new team Assistant director of nursing, which will improve the care quality and patient experience they receive during the night. Barbara Carr said: “The team The new ward emergency will boost existing medical support team, which is in and nursing care. These new addition to the outreach arrangements will ensure team, will complement patients receive the best existing medical and nursing teams in caring for patients in possible care overnight. hospital overnight. “We are fortunate to have Junior doctors and outreach recruited an excellent team nurses will make up the new of experienced and motivated team, led by the clinical site healthcare professionals who Pat Cox with head of domestic services Nick Clements at her retirement manager who will respond will be a credit to trust.”

030|031 Trust has an environmental

health check Director of operations Kevin Oxley

The NHS represents three per The trust’s environment, health cent of total UK carbon emissions and safety manager John Bushnall with an annual energy bill of over said: “The recycling bins have £500m and, as one of the largest been a great success in reducing employers in the world, has a the amount of waste sent to carbon footprint of over 18 million landfill which at the moment tonnes a year. represents around 800 tonnes North Tees and Hartlepool NHS per year. Foundation Trust is playing its “We are now looking at other part in looking after the planet things we can recycle and will as director of operations Kevin shortly be installing bins for Oxley explains. recycling batteries, of which we “While it’s important it’s not just use about 50,000 per year. about turning lights off, says “We are also looking at recycling Kevin, “almost everything we do the 650,000 aluminium food has an impact on the environment containers we use annually in some way. and will shortly be trialling the “The simple act of printing out recycling of metal, one use an email not only uses electricity theatre instruments.” Jane Hawkes with a recycled desk to run the printer. It uses paper In April the trust achieved the and toner and they in turn use bronze award for environmental Valley Green Business Group a desk made from 100 per cent electricity in their manufacture. achievements from the Tees and is now working towards the recycled cardboard and is testing “We are currently looking at the silver award. it out herself with a view to using way we work and seeing where The trust has recently started this type of desk more widely as we can introduce new practices using recycled paper hand towels an alternative to the traditional and, where possible, new “As a trust we have and is looking into using recycled wooden variety. technology to reduce the energy an obligation to Jane said: “In addition to being we use.” paper for printers. A lot of printers themselves are being removed environmentally friendly, the desks One of the biggest impacts on minimise the effects cost about a third of the price of and replaced with multifunctional the environment is disposing wooden ones. Departments may of climate change, devices connected to the trusts IT of waste. Last year the trust want to consider them as a cost network which can be accessed introduced recycling bins for paper arguably the largest saving as well as doing their bit for and magazines, tins and plastic threat to health that by several computer terminals. the planet.” bottles and are now looking at Head of procurement Jane There are several other initiatives what else can be recycled. faces us.” Hawkes recently took delivery of in the pipeline for the future. A travel plan co-ordinator has been appointed to help bring in the recently produced travel plan which aims to reduce the amount of cross site travel and look at reducing the trust’s fleet carbon footprint. The trust has also signed up to the Carbon Trust Management Programme run by the Carbon Trust, a non-profit making company set up to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy. They provide specialist support to help business and the public sector cut carbon emissions and save energy. Kevin Oxley said: “As a trust we have an obligation to minimise the effects of climate change, arguably the largest threat to Environment, health and safety manager John Bushnall with the recycling bins health that faces us. August/September 10 Nunthorpe Nurseries Group Stimulating, happy and safe surroundings Signing Tots Yog a Sessional places available Excellent newly refurbished outdoor play areas Flexible Nursery education grant places available

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