No 44 December 2008/January 2009 Newsletter for the staff of NHS Barnsley

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To all NHS Barnsley and Care Services staff, we wish you all a very merry Christmas. Extra thanks and mention goes towards those staff who will maintain front line services over the holidays. These people are the unsung heroes who help to make Christmas special for our service users who are ill over the holidays. These staff selflessly continue to work with festive cheer and good will throughout their working hours. Well done to all staff this year for their hard work and dedication to NHS Barnsley during this remarkable 60th year of the NHS. Let’s look forward to welcoming in the 61st year, happy New Year!

Happy Christmas from the Chairman and Chief Executive

Back row L-R: Laura-Dee with Freya, Mary Elliot (Family Support Worker), Clare with Connie, Katie with Caleb, Louise with Gracie, Clare with Esme, Deborah Blewitt (Barnsley’s Bookstart Coordinator). Front row L-R: Emma with Thomas, Tina with Logan and Christina with Nathaniel.

Pictured are members of staff attending a ‘Keep in Touch’ session. Mums on maternity leave from the NHS are invited to these sessions throughout their leave from work. As the number of staff on maternity leave from the NHS has increased, it is important to keep mums and parents ‘in touch’ with their workplace and make their return to work as smooth as possible. During the session, Mums have the chance to socialise, ask questions and receive information about their return to work.

Lorraine Whitworth, Work life Balance Advisor, helps co-ordinate the groups. Her work is very much focused on improving working lives and helping people achieve a happy balance between work and home life. Mums also share useful tips and advice about playing and entertaining their babies happily, such as baby massage techniques and improving their sensory awareness. They even enjoyed a sing-a-long with Mary and Deborah, ‘You can see how alert their faces become when you sing to them,’ said Lorraine, ‘It just proves that babies are in tune with our emotions even through our voices. If they pick up on our happiness, then they’re happy.’

New mums keep in touch

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Message from the Chief ExecutiveNew name for PCT NewsTop marks to everyone who noticed the name change this month on our staff magazine. Page 4 also shows a round up of the communications feedback we received from the August / September issue. You will notice other changes in the 2009 magazines as we update the look and feel of the magazine in line with your comments.

Marking the end of the 60th year of the NHSThis year we’ve held lots of activities to celebrate 60 years of the NHS which I hope you’ve enjoyed participating with. We welcome feedback on any of the events that were run in celebration of the founding of the NHS on 5 July 1948. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next decade. I believe that based on its excellent track record, NHS Barnsley will continue to lead by example, win even more awards, develop more key projects and will go from strength to strength during the coming years so that we can all look forward to the next milestone of the NHS.

We’re up for more awardsMore excellent examples of work where Barnsley is leading the field. Firstly, Fit for the Future along with agency Quaestor Research have been shortlisted in the top 4 of the Market Research Society (MRS) Awards 2008 Public Policy / Research category. The research focused on Barnsley men’s attitudes to their health, in particular their weight. The research will be used to inform a number of local schemes.

Secondly, a project developed by the Yorkshire and Humber Commercial Procurement Collaborative (YHCPC) and Yorkshire Forward has been shortlisted for the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards 2008. The initiative ‘Growing the Region’s Businesses with NHS Investment’ (GRBNI) which includes the NHS Barnsley Local Food Project is a finalist in the Good Corporate Citizen Category.

Fantastic performance results Since the Healthcare Commission published the 2007/8 annual health check ratings, according to an assessment of the position across Yorkshire and Humber, we are proud to report that we are the only PCT in Yorkshire and the Humber to score excellent. In addition to this, we are the first ever PCT to be rated excellent in the last three years! A report from NHS Yorkshire and the Humber has been published on Connect (click on my column). On page three we have published a letter from the Department of Health which sends well-deserved “congratulations” to all staff on our excellent result.

Ailsa Claire Chief Executive NHS Barnsley

News from Care ServicesChristmas already? I can’t quite believe as I write this that we are facing Christmas and will soon be welcoming in the New year and nearing the end of the first decade of the 21st century. It only seems a short time ago that we ushered in a new millennium. I recall building up to 31 December 1999 that a lot of people were planning for the possibility of life grinding to a halt as the millennium bug threatened to infect all our IT systems. The Millennium Bug didn’t strike but the need to plan for the unexpected remains ever present. One of the few certainties in life is that change remains ever present. Further in this issue of NHS Barnsley News you will see an article on the re launch of the SIBD team. A main part of the team’s role is to support services to deliver continuous improvement in what they do and to deliver improvements in the patient /client experience. Not many provider services in PCTs have invested in this type of support capacity. I would encourage services to contact the team and explore how they can improve what they do even further.

Communications in the workplaceI was interested to read the results of the communications survey ran in the Aug/Sept issue of NHS Barnsley News (page 4). One of the questions asked “do you think you are a good communicator?” and it was refreshing to see that more than 95% of people agreed they were and gave a spectrum of supporting statements to reinforce the importance of communications, which can really make the difference to a successful organisation. One of the themes that came out of the survey was the ongoing importance of the visibility of Directors and senior managers. I know we are all trying to get out and about more so please be ready to pass on your feedback when you have an opportunity to do so.

Security at workLast month I joined in with the Security Awareness Month activities and this was delivered in partnership with the local police. For me it highlighted the importance of ensuring that all departments have good procedures in place to prevent tailgating and breaches of security. We’ve said it before but it really is important that all staff wear their ID badges all the time whilst at work and be ready to challenge anyone not identified.

Barnsley 10KAs an amateur (and slow) distance runner, I was pleased with a respectable 47 minutes 55 seconds run in the annual Barnsley 10K road race which started and finished in Royston on Sunday 16 November. I find that one of the real benefits of running is that it helps relax the mind away from the challenges of work. This year’s race had a record number of entrants – 892 runners and was a well run (excuse the pun) and enjoyable event.

Best wishes for the Christmas period and New Year. I hope to see Leeds United and Barnsley FC enjoying a friendly rivalry in the 2009 Championship.

Sean RaynerChief Operating OfficerCare Services

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Department of Health thank NHS staff in BarnsleyFollowing last month’s issue where we noted a message of thanks from NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson, we have had even more national recognition from the Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson MP and Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, Chair of the Healthcare Commission on the excellent annual health check results (reported last month).

Their letter read:

15 October 2008

Dear Ms Claire,

May we congratulate you and everyone in your trust on your performance in the Healthcare Commission’s annual health check for 2007/08.

As you will know, the health check is the most comprehensive assessment of the NHS’ performance that has ever been carried out. It draws on thousands of items of date relating to performance, targeted inspections and intelligence from patients and the public.

To do well, your trust must perform strongly across a broad range of standards and targets covering what really matters to patients.

According to this assessment, your trust’s services were amongst the best in the country in 2007/08 and your organisation has also performed well over time. So we want to thank you and your staff personally for all that you have done to achieve this on behalf of patients. Your organisation has achieved a level of performance that all trusts should aspire to.

Governments and regulators can encourage improvement but we know that it is in the hard work and dedication of NHS staff that make things happen. We are sure that many patients will have benefited from your efforts. We hope that you and everyone at the trust will continue to drive forward improvements on behalf of the communities that you serve.

The NHS is one of our most important public services. Working within it can be highly rewarding. But we know that it can also be extremely challenging and sometimes the staff – on whom the service depends – do not get the recognition they deserve. This is why we believe it is so important to celebrate the achievements of those who do a good job. With this in mind, we would be grateful if you could convey our congratulations and best wishes to your patients and all your staff.

Yours Alan Johnson MP Professor Sir Ian Kennedy Secretary of State for Health Chair of the Healthcare Commission

News in brief

Improving the Confidentiality of PCT information

The PCT is planning to improve the confidentiality of information held on patients and staff by encrypting mobile computer devices and limiting the ability to download information from its computer networks. This means any equipment, such as laptops or memory sticks which were lost or stolen would be completely unreadable to anyone else without the correct password.

The main differences for everyone are:• All laptops will require an additional password each time they are switched on• The PCT will exchange existing PCT memory sticks with ones that are encrypted and require a password.

All memory sticks purchased by the PCT from now on will be encrypted. You will be able to read from Memory sticks but will be blocked from downloading files from the PCT network unless they are encrypted. Computers requiring the ability to write to CD or DVD will have to be specially authorised. Any questions please call the IS Helpdesk on 01226 434030.

Anti-Bullying Strategy 2008 - 2011

Barnsley’s Directorate for Children, Young People and Families approved the Barnsley Anti-Bullying Strategy recently. The strategy draws together the work of statutory, voluntary and community organisations currently involved in supporting settings where children and young people meet to take effective action both to prevent bullying happening and to respond appropriately when bullying occurs.

It sets out a clear plan of action for the work of the Anti-Bullying Sub Group of Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board and contributes to the Single Equality Strategy of the Council.

To view or download this protocol please click on the following link and scroll to the end of the list http://www.safeguardingchildrenbarnsley.com

New name for Health Intelligence Team

Following local discussion, it has been agreed that the new name for the HI Team will be Information Management Team. The new name has been chosen as it better represents the work of the team in Barnsley.

Evaluation of the Individual Budgets pilot programmeThe final evaluation report has now been published on the Department of Health’s website. The link to the evaluation documents is http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089505

Two further documents are available:• A paper on older people and Individual Budgets, reflecting on the evaluation findings and reporting progress made since the pilot. http://networks.csip.org.uk/Personalisation/Topics Browse/Olderpeople/?parent=2736&child=4536• A report on progress made with some of the funding streams included as part of the Individual Budgets pilot, together with examples from the Pilot sites. This is available at: http://networks.csip.org.uk/Personalisation/Topics Browse/Fundingstreams/

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Partnership arrangement with College takes first step forwardA strategic partnership with Barnsley College has been launched with an initial workshop to look at the learning and development agenda for working together.

“We looked at NVQs and apprenticeships and how we can capture local talent to work for us over the coming years,” said Jeremy Robbins, Assistant Director of HR (Learning and Development).

The work focuses on the economic development of Barnsley and looks to channel common employment issues to work out local solutions.

Gillian Malkin, Director of HR added: “At the workshop day we formed joint teams to scope the work that we could work together on. We identified common ground and found the outcome to be really positive.”

The next step for the strategic partnership will be to look at drafting a memorandum of understanding and look at how the work can be further progressed. Both Boards support and have signed up to the concept of this positive future working arrangement.

Left to right (front row) Natalie Barron, Emma Smith, Karen Batty, Janice Noble, Val Crawshaw, Margaret Taylor(Back row) Joanne Wright, Claire Dickinson, Julie Palmer, Lee Hough, Julia Wright, Joan Cooper

Communications in the spotlight: What you told usWe ran a survey recently in PCT News asking you what you thought about communications at work. A prize of a mountain bike was up for grabs – well done to Victoria Drury who works in Stop Smoking Services on winning this prize.

About team briefMost staff receive their team brief during a meeting, but some access it via notice board and email. Some staff felt that the coverage could be better, particularly in relation to BMBC managed staff.

PCT News (now NHS Barnsley News!)Comments included: “Good use of staff in photos keeps it personal and interesting,” and “It has a good feel to it as it is, it looks good and celebrates the good work the PCT does.” Generally the style was acknowledged as colourful and interesting. A few suggestions were made as to future content that people would like to see and we’ll be feeding all your comments into a future review of the look and feel of the magazine. The distribution is continually updated so let us know if you’re not getting one. One more comment said: “Great form of communication, I look forward to each issue.” It’s good to know that staff appreciate and even enjoy reading our magazine.

Connect intranetIt’s coming up to two years since we launched the Connect intranet site, and your feedback was really helpful in identifying areas for improvement. You liked the fact that we now have all our policies online and most agreed that it was easier to use than the old (shared) intranet site. We’ll be actioning some of the changes you suggested in the near future, including improving the navigation, and making elements of the site more user friendly.

Emails to all staffSurprisingly, most people said they didn’t mind the volume of emails sent out to all staff. A lot of effort has been made in the last 12 months to reduce how many emails are sent out, however sometimes this instant method of communicating to a large number (but not all) staff is unavoidable.

New methods of communicationSome of the suggestions made were: letters, departmental meetings, better information for noticeboards, drop in sessions, road shows and face to face meetings with senior managers.

Are you a good communicator? The majority of staff felt they were good at communicating, whether this is with colleagues, patients or members of the public. Key areas focused on being honest, open, signposting, asking and answering questions, giving feedback, explaining change, updating and cascading information.

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In April 2008, the Health & Safety Services Department moved into House 20/21 at the Keresforth Centre.

Consequently, contact details on Health & Safety Law Posters are incorrect. Below are new contact details which need to be updated on the central section only on all Health & Safety Law posters within the PCT.

Martin BrandonAssistant Director of HR (Health & Safety)Health & Safety Services DepartmentCentre for Learning & DevelopmentHouse 20/21Keresforth CentreBarnsley S70 6RSTel: 01226 435607

A quick guide to toasters

A recent incident where a toaster was the cause of fire alarm activation caused an unnecessary Fire Service attendance. This has been followed up later by a letter from the Fire Service stating the number of times that the Fire Service has attended false alarms on NHS Barnsley premises with the implication of possible charges against us to cover the costs of these unnecessary attendances.

All staff and managers of departments should be aware of the following points:

• Toasters should only be placed in approved areas such as the Kitchen or Kitchenettes. These areas generally have heat detectors in the rooms and are less likely to accidental fire alarm activation. Burning toast is quick to activate smoke detectors which are found in rooms other that kitchens kitchenettes.

• If the exceptional case where there is some difficulty in accessing a kitchen/ kitchenette facility, a risk assessment must be carried out for the suitability of toasters, kettles etc. Requirements to consider would be for a stable and very low fire risk base free of combustibles and separated off from working areas.

• Toasters should be robust in construction and of the cool sided type which do not get hot on the outside.

• They must be tested as per Trust policy in compliance the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

• Toasters, kettles and microwaves must never be left unattended when in use. A sign should be put up indicating that instruction.

• Toasters must be cleaned regularly of bread and crumbs that can quite easily burn and produce smoke.

• Toasters with timers must be set for no more than 3 minutes.

Health & Safety Law Posters - We need your help

Please transfer these details onto a standard self-adhesive label and update posters within your departments. Employers have a legal duty to display this poster in a prominent position in each workplace.

Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sent on behalf of the Health & Safety Services Team.

Healthy Community Collaborative teams set up in two areas of Barnsley – Athersley and Goldthorpe - have been involved in numerous community activities to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The Health Bus was in Shafton, Brierley and Grimethorpe for a few days in October 2008, offering free blood pressure checks and healthy lifestyle advice to the local community. Over the 4 days, over 250 people visited the bus 145 people who had their blood pressure taken and 62 people were signposted to their GP.

Many organisations went along to support the Healthy Bus, providing information about their services, including Job Shop, NSPCC, the 5 A Day Team and the Stop Smoking Team. On the Health Bus itself, blood pressures were checked on all people over the age of 40.

It was a successful and well attended event, and a big thank you goes out to all the staff and health visitors who worked on making the Health Bus week a success.

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More Mentor Preparation Course InformationIn addition to the information published in October (page 7) on registered nurse mentoring, the following information has been provided.

Please be aware that all information and details of course dates for 2008/09 can now be downloaded from Connect on the CfLD website under ‘Development Opportunities’.

Completed Hallam Mentor Prep Application Forms together with Study Leave Forms must be submitted to Tracy Maldzinski in Centre for Learning & Development, House 20/21, Keresforth for signature by the LBR Lead before any applications can be accepted by Hallam University.

Anyone who cannot access the Connect site can contact Tracy Maldzinski x 5773 or Angela Glover x 5762 and they will send the relevant forms via post. For further details, please ring Tracy Maldzinski on tel (43) 5773.

Why not expand your skills and knowledge by completing one of the e-courses now available to all PCT employees. There is a range of programmes available to you designed to improve and benefit your working life. Choose from the following:

• 18 Week Pathway• Barnsley PCT Fire Safety Awareness• Conflict Resolution• Diversity – Respect for People (this course is aimed at Manager level)• Equal Opportunities and Diversity Essentials• Dual Diagnosis• Mental Capacity Act• Safeguarding Children• Display Screen Equipment• Manual Handling• Back Care• The Ten Essential Shared Capabilities• Mental Health Act 2007• Improving Patient Safety – Training Resource Pack• Connecting for Health IG Training Tool

The courses can be easily accessed on Connect via the Learning & Development web page under the E-Learning button. You can learn at your own pace in your own time without the commitment of attending lessons around your working week. You can even continue your learning from the comfort of your own home via the Barnsley PCT Website.

Improve your working life by developing new skills and knowledge today.

If you are interested in taking part in any of the courses please e-mail Tracy Maldzinski at tracy.maldzinski@barnsleypct.nhs.uk to get you started with a password and User ID.

During 27 to 29 January 2009 there will be a visit to the South Yorkshire and Humber student nurse placement circuit by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as part of a monitoring event. NHS Barnsley placement circuit was visited by the NMC in February 2008.

Angela Glover said: “I would like to thank all the assessors, Learning Environment Manager, Ward Managers and Team Leaders for the dedicated encouragement and professional support that has been given to approximately 300 student nurses who have been placed in NHS Barnsley wards and community teams during 2008.”

Community Assessor Updates 2009

Date Time Facilitator Location

Thursday 19 February 2009 13:00-15:30 Julie Steers Thursday 21 May 1300-1530 Julie Skilbeck Thursday 16 July 1300-1530 Julie Skilbeck Thursday 8 Oct 1300-1530 Julie Steers Thursday 3 Dec 1300-1530 Julie Skilbeck

All assessors must be updated annually so please send your study leave form to Angela Wilde Training Co-ordinator Centre for Learning and Development , Keresforth Centre.

All at:Training Room 2Centre for Learning and DevelopmentKeresforth Site

NMC update

New E-Learning Courses available to you!

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A year on with FNP The Family Nurse Partnership has successfully completed their first year running the partnership in Barnsley. NHS Barnsley was one of the first trusts to implement the programme in the UK, and it is now being rolled out across the country. The programme offers an intensive, preventative home visiting and support service to young (under 20) first time mothers and their families, during pregnancy and until their child is age two.

To celebrate this success the partnership held an awards and presentation on Tuesday 14 October at Worsbrough Sports Hall between 1pm and 5pm. Clients were invited to attend the event to meet with the Family Nurses to share their stories and experiences.

Caption: L-R are Rachel Wilson and Charley Jade; Anne Lewis and Megan; Jasmine Senior and Lea; Mandy Daws; Fran Belk and Liam; Lesley Waters and Dallas; Alison Addy and Chantelle Leigh; and Gemma Day and Cadie.

Barnsley was part of the first wave of ten sites to offer this programme in England, which is being tested in the UK as part of the Child Health Promotion Programme and Universal services. The programmes hopes to continue its success in improving pregnancy outcomes, improving child health and development, and hopefully future school readiness and achievement, and to help parents become economically self sufficient.

With the continuing support from NHS Barnsley and BMBC, and other local agencies and partnerships the programme can only develop into the future. Plans for a FNP Randomised Control Trial are in line for April 2009, which new families are currently being recruited for. Other areas for expansion and development are the acceptability of the programme to fathers, changes in parenting and understanding the baby, mothers increased confidence and aspirations for the future.

Demonstration Site LaunchFit for the Future recently held their first demonstration site, starting at Athersley North Primary School and finishing with a visit to the Stronger Neighbourhood Initiative at New Lodge Community House. A range of organisations participated including Fit for the Future, Public Health, Barnsley Borough Council, Dearne Community Partnerships and representatives from other schools in the area.

The demonstration site initiative communicates the methodology and impact of Fit for the Future project work to a very wide range of people.

“Our primary topic area was nutrition on this occasion,” explained Kirsty Waknell from the Fit for the Future project. “We enjoyed watching the children of Athersley North Primary School demonstrate one of their ‘Take 10’ sessions, whereby after lunch every class participates in 10 minutes of energetic and physical exercise to boost concentration levels in the afternoon.”

The Athersley North Primary allotment patch was also showcased where the children were able to talk about how they planted seeds and harvested the food from pumpkins to sweetcorn, and how beneficial the allotments are in teaching them about healthy diets, where food comes from and being physically active.

During the visit, a new polytunnel was opened by Joan Miller, Consultant in Public Health. The polytunnel (similar to a large green house) is located in the grounds of Athersley North Primary, so it is safe and easy for the children to get to. Throughout the year, children will be encouraged to help maintain the polytunnel and grow a variety of fruit and vegetables there, which they can cook and eat in class and take home.

The afternoon section of the demonstration site visit, took the group to visit Jane Oldroyd, Community Health Development

Worker and her Health Trainers and volunteers based at New Lodge Community House. New Lodge has recently launched its new guide to healthy living, so that was widely discussed. The group were able to talk with the health trainers and volunteers about the work they do for and with the New Lodge community.

A short film of the visit will be available soon. If you would like a copy of the DVD please email Vicky.Caunt@barnsleypct.nhs.uk

If you would like more information about any of the projects listed here, please email Olivia.Hawkins@barnsleypct.nhs.uk

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Congratulations to everyone (pictured) who attended the staff support awards earlier this year. The awards recognise and celebrate staff training achievements amongst a range of subjects and qualifications. These include NVQ level qualifications, various levels of achievements in Communications, Management, Care, Administration and Skills for Life.

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Look out for the signage on site pointing to a new conference centre at Kendray! Our conference centre (previously the training block) opened its doors for business on 10 November to showcase all its new facilities. Four new meeting rooms have been refurbished and are named after traditional parishes of Barnsley:

o Langsett (holds 12)o Billingley (holds 6)o Wortley (holds 6)o Dunford (holds 10)

In addition to this, the larger Board Room (holds 24) will also be available for bigger meetings and training sessions.

In the future, an electronic booking form is currently being explored, however in the mean time, the Estates helpline ext 4107 will book rooms and check availability.

OT Week: Promoting personal health and wellbeingThe Occupational Therapy department at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust held a display stall on 6th November in the Restaurant as part of Occupational Therapy promotion week which ran from 3 to 7 November.

OT Manager Susan Walker said: “It proved a wonderful opportunity for the Occupational Therapy staff to promote their profession which often, unfortunately has little known about it.

Occupational Therapy staff also took the opportunity to celebrate their move to Barnsley Hospital and wanted everyone to know who they were and what their profession can offer. It proved an extremely successful day with many visitors, patients and staff taking a keen interest in the display.

Susan added: “Hopefully everyone went away with a little more knowledge about what OT is all about; along with a trusty green pen and sticker.”

Bottom photo: L-R (back): Ursula MacFarlane, Claire Wilson, Kat Henderson, Louisa Treanor, Lineth Mutamiri, Diane Jenkins, Carly Firth, Sonya Millthorpe, (front) Amanda Llewellin, Wendy Thomas, Sue Walker, Gemma Riley and Alice Stamp.

Photo: L-R Alice Stamp and Kat Henderson.

We’ve opened our new conference centre

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IG mark milestone 1000Congratulations to Helen Robinson who recently became the 1000th member of staff to have attended one of the PCT’s Information Governance (IG) awareness sessions.The IG sessions are being delivered as part of the PCT’s commitment to raise awareness of information security and confidentiality issues, particularly in the wake of numerous high-profile incidents reported in the media over recent months. Although not part of the mandatory training portfolio the sessions are strongly encouraged to provide internal assurance to the PCT that every member of staff is aware of their responsibility when it comes to protecting and sharing information, especially where it identifies an individual.

Helen, a registered nurse care co-ordinator in the Continuing Healthcare Team at Mount Vernon hospital, said: “The drop in session I attended was extremely well attended and although I had previous knowledge of some of the areas discussed, I found it was a good refresher and particularly interesting when we covered electronic communication. The training has since encouraged me to reflect on my current practice and that of the continuing healthcare team.”

Margaret Kitching, the PCT’s Caldicott Guardian who has overall responsibility to safeguard and govern the use of person-identifiable information, said: “It is important that all staff are aware of their duty to protect person-identifiable information in line with the data protection act and the caldicott principles”. Margaret went on to say “I would certainly encourage all staff to attend this training as it will provide clarity and raise everybody’s awareness”.

The IG awareness sessions are scheduled for around 40 minutes to allow for audience participation and further ones are being scheduled (see the IG page on Connect for the latest news). New starters with the NHS Barnsley receive the session as part of the Trustwide induction and anyone who has started since January 2007 does not need to attend the current sessions. It is anticipated that most staff will have attended a session by the end of March 2009.

Working with young people is all in the line of duty for the staff at Mount Vernon. Each placement is tailored to individual interests and involves working around the different departments of the hospital.

A large team of staff are involved in making sure the Young Apprentices (YAPs) get a genuine and fulfilling chance to gain experience whilst on placement. This often leads to the young people choosing the NHS as their preferred employer when it comes to looking for their first job.

Janice Noble, a Ward Manager at Mount Vernon Hospital said: “Here at Mount Vernon we try to give the YAPs an insight into the different roles and responsibilities of all the professionals working together across the hospital

in supporting patient care; also to observe and have an opportunity to participate in appropriate tasks in the patient care experience. They gain experience and develop skills in communication, working within a team, social and interpersonal skills with patients/staff, respect and understanding of older people.

“Mount Vernon Hospital takes great pride and satisfaction in knowing that the students, who are placed here, have the chance to experience this vast range of opportunities in the hope that it will help them to decide on their chosen career pathway”.

Pictured: some of the staff who work with the young apprentices.

Young Apprenticeship Students get the full experience

Inspiring you to think differently, supporting you to succeed.

“…We need to continue the NHS journey of improvements and move from an NHS that has rightly focused on increasing the quantity of care to one that focuses on improving the quality of care.” Lord Darzi June 2008

In recent years the NHS has undergone a wave of reforms as we continually strive to improve services for patients whilst making the best use of available resources. In view of this the Service Improvement and Business Development department was established in 2007. Since then the size and scope of the team has grown significantly. A recent development is to be a move of office. Still on the Kendray site the team from 4th December 2008 will inhabit the top floor of the lodge. In celebration of this they will be holding an open day to re-launch the department. The re-launch has so far included defining the departments new image and what they want to do. Now with a clear vision the department has a comprehensive plan for the future, not only for itself but everyone else too! Detailed information on the re-launch event itself is to follow.

The SIBD Vision.The natural choice for health and social care organisations: providing innovative and inspirational solutions to enable the delivery of the best quality care for the community

The SIBD Mission.To deliver continuous improvement in order to realise the full benefits of investment. To optimise resources to improve quality through an inclusive approach and encourage creative thinking that challenges traditional ways of working. To enable transformational change which builds capability and sustainability to deliver best quality of care.

SIBD work with various innovative techniques both within their own department and with other support and front line services. SIBD encourage services to think differently and to solve problems creatively. By Using techniques such as six thinking hats, away days and pathways mapping staff are encouraged to approach a problem from a different angle and see solutions that may have been previously obscured.

Not simply going in to fix the problems SIBD offer the appropriate level of support and mentoring to departments so they can implement, own and affect the change they wish to see.

Feedback

What did you find most useful about the away day?

Being able to take away clear action plans The group discussion on ‘Thinking differently’ was excellent Communication between all levels of staffFeedback from participants at various sessions facilitated by SIBD

RECENT PROJECTSTransformational Change Project

SIBD secured funding from the SHA this year to support transformational change work aimed to improve pathways that can help the achievement of 18 week targets. As trauma and orthopedics and rheumatology are areas that have been under pressure locally and nationally the work has focused on AHP and specialist nursing services in this area. Podiatry, physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal and rheumatology services have all been involved in process mapping and demand and capacity management work to improve the flow of patients and make sure the treatment they receive is the best possible. A great deal of time and effort has also been invested in creative problem solving and team building events to enable staff to improve relationships and communication across traditional service boundaries, bring admin and clinical agendas together and empower staff to take control of the future direction of their service.

Demand and Capacity Rollout.

The demand and capacity programme has met with great success and as a result the Care Services Direct board has given their support to a full scale rollout of the programme across the whole of the PCT. Consequently over the next 18mths - 2yrs Demand and Capacity will be available to all operational and support services. Work is already underway with a number of services, the Specialist nurses service have just taken part in the first full day session as part of their programme. During the Demand and Capacity programme SIBD use a simulation exercise, which is proving very popular with participants, to demonstrate variation of demand and how waiting lists can build up. The aim being to spark debate and discussion over possible solutions to problems highlighted in the exercise and how they can be applied to working practices with in the service

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Contact usA: The Lodge, Kendray Hospital, Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S70 3RDT: 01225 43 42 48E: sibd@barnsleypct.nhs.ukW: http://nww.barnsleypct.nhs.uk/serviceimprovement/

If you would like any more information on anything in this article or about the department do get in touch we would love to hear from you.

News from Service Improvement and Business Development

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Launch of new Access service for Mental HealthBarnsley adult mental health services have launched their ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) service recently with at Walderslade Surgery in Hoyland, following the Government’s commitment and investment of £170 million nation wide to provide training for additional therapists.

The Barnsley project is part of the reconfiguration of community mental health services and was designed using the outcomes from the two original demonstration sites in neighbouring Doncaster and Newham with further pathfinder sites also adding to the results. “This year Barnsley is self-funding our IAPT project,” Said Liz Holdsworth, a senior mental health nurse. “However, we hope to receive further national funding in the future.”

To date, the project has employed seven new high intensity workers and seven graduate mental health workers, in addition to three senior workers who are currently employed as Graduate Mental Health Workers. There is an intensive training period at Sheffield University during their first year in post.

“We are renaming Primary Care Services for mental health ” explained Liz. “When we do this we will be better able to give appropriate job titles to staff working within the service. It hasn’t been decided yet but we’ve asked staff and service users what they think we should be called but are more than happy to consider new ideas.”

These changes will achieve a stepped care model which can be accessed by the service user directly at any of the steps by self-referral or GP referral. Two link workers are also due to join the project. This follows the principles of Every Adult Matters and care navigation to best use the services on offer.

Next on the agenda are Ashville Medical Centre, Huddersfield Road and Hill Brow surgery. “We hope to have these all up and running before Christmas. We are starting with the eight practices that have signed up to World Class Commissioning.” Within three years it is aimed that the IAPT team will cover all of Barnsley with an additional 21 High Intensity Workers and 29 Low intensity workers However, as staff spend the first year training the full benefit of these improvements will not be realised until year four.

The benefits of introducing IAPT to Barnsley are great in that there are a number of outcome measures to collect. “In the past although data has been collected in this area it has never been as comprehensive as this. In addition to the Government backing of this project, what has also really helped is the local support we have received from NHS Barnsley’s Chief Executive Ailsa Claire and the Chief Operating Officer from Care Services, Sean Rayner,” said Liz, “It’s a huge change to our working lives and there is lots of work to be done but it also gave us the chance to look at how we do things here and identify areas for improvement to ensure our services are fit for purpose.”

The IAPT Team will be based shortly at the old Health centre in Cudworth. Look out for more news on their progress in future issues of the magazine.

Pictured at Walderslade Surgery in Hoyland: Left to right (back) Alison Schofield, Dr Vishal, Paul Armitage, Patricia Eschoe, Maureen Burgin, Hazel Wilkinson, Dr Farmer, Rachel Howarth, Dr Lockwood, (front) Debra Ryan, Liz Holdsworth, Ann Luke, Judith Pattison and Dr Ryan.

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The Condition Management Programme within South Yorkshire (CMP) saw the mutual benefit of establishing volunteer roles and a framework to support the practitioners and customers within CMP. Individuals who complete the Condition Management are offered the opportunity to further build on their confidence. Having a first hand insight into the challenges of living with, or recovering from, a health condition that has previously prevented them from working, they can use their own experiences to encouraging future customers who come to CMP.

In 2006 CMP started inviting a past customer to week one of the next programmes. They are available to answer informal questions and have the opportunity to share with the group what they gained from CMP. They reassure participants that everyone progresses at their own pace and that CMP are not contributing in any way to decisions about benefit entitlement or fitness for work. Since the programme piloted in Rotherham, it has been introduced it to each of the localities of Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield.

In 2007 CMP introduced a volunteer based framework programme in conjunction with NHS Barnsley Personnel and Occupational Health Departments. This enabled CMP to offer a number of clearly defined roles that are integrated into the service. Volunteers are given the chance to use their own experiences to support the facilitators, and learn skills in new areas of work.

News from the CMP

Condition Management Programme (CMP) is a voluntary programme which helps people better manage their health condition. CMP is part of the pathways to work imitative provide by Job centre plus (JCP) and is managed by NHS Barnsley. Since the start of the programme in July 2006 CMP has helped thousands of people on their journey to return to work. The programme focuses on pacing, healthy lifestyle, pain management, managing low mood and anxiety and aims to increase motivation, confidence and self esteem, regardless of their health condition.

A CMP Practitioner comments on the progress of a Sheffield Graduate Customer who became a Group Work Assistant: “He had increasingly become a key member [of the group], with his friendly, enthusiastic and empathetic contributions helping to support the implementation of the learning objectives of the facilitators.” The customer also recognises the benefits of volunteering, “My confidence grows every week…This work experience has convinced me that I’m ready for full time work, something I never thought I’d be able to do, and I’m currently applying for several posts. Thank you CMP!”

This service continues to improve, and results show that 30% of the volunteers have entered paid employment and most are continuing with other work related training, after completing the programme. It is clear that many people’s lives are being enhanced. “Voluntary work has helped to build my confidence. It has provided me with an opportunity to help other people,” says a Doncaster CMP Graduate.

Not only does the programme hope to continue to help people return to a working environment, such as the Admin Worker, two Support Workers and Band 6 Practitioner that have been recruited from past customers, they plan to strengthen the evaluation of the volunteer programme and provide further evidence of the value of the service, to staff and customers. It is also a privilege to observe experienced, skilled and capable people return to work, perhaps in a new sector, but with renewed confidence and the knowledge that they can again become a worker despite managing a long term health condition.

CMP has continued to grow and flourish, building on ongoing success, some of which are as follows:

• Over 70% of customers experience a clinically significant improvement in psychological distress by the end of participation in the Condition Management Programme.

• Following the programme 48% of customers return to work or take part in a work related activity.

• Having piloted the ‘PCT Volunteer Policy’ we now have an established ‘Volunteer Programme’ set up and working across the whole of South Yorkshire. Our Official Barnsley PCT Volunteers are involved in assisting within groups, admin and the ‘Customer Hotline’ (potential CMP customers can contact our volunteers to discuss any

worries/questions they may have).

• A South Yorkshire promotional DVD has now been produced, featuring customers who have completed CMP, telling their experience. This will be available for all potential customers within the next few weeks.

• We continue to have a robust evaluation process, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Methods used included focus groups, statistical analysis of pre, post and three month follow up data. The evaluation team have presented at National Conferences including the British Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and The Institute of Work Psychology, Sheffield. The report has been accepted to be published by the ‘The

Journal of Occupational Psychology, Employment & Disability ’, and hopes to be published in the ‘Journal of Clinical Psychology’ in the future

• Strong links and good working relationships with IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) have already been developed within the Doncaster area, and now our focus is on forging these close links with the new IAPT teams within Barnsley and Sheffield.

• We continue to successfully provide placements for Occupational Therapists, Registered Mental Health Nurses and Return to Nursing students. To date we have taken students from Barnsley, Sheffield and York.

Look out for more news from CMP soon!

Volunteering with CMP

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Dedicated donor thanked for her amazing supportJoan Caldwell, a Physiotherapist with the Trust has been rewarded by the National Blood Service (NBS) for helping to save hundreds of lives after a life of dedication to blood donation. The NBS Emerald award - a Royal Doulton crystal plate - was presented at a recent NBS ceremony as a thank you from the service.

Over 39 years Mrs Caldwell has donated a staggering 76 times. Each time a blood donation is made, the blood is split into its component parts, meaning that one donation could potentially be used to help three people. It is possible that Mrs Caldwell could have therefore helped to save and improve the lives of up to 228 people.

This dedication started during her training at Leeds General Infirmary as a student. “I kept going because I feel it is important to give something back to the NHS and I also needed blood after giving birth to my twins,” adds Mrs Caldwell, having experienced being a donor and a recipient.

Craig Taylor, NBS spokesperson, says, “All of our donors are special but Joan has really have gone that extra mile. Throughout the years, come rain or shine, she has repeatedly put other people first by taking some time out of her own life to help save the lives of others. We are delighted to be able to thank Joan for her outstanding commitment and we know that the hundreds of patients whose lives she has helped to save and improve throughout the years would like to thank her too.”

To book an appointment, for further information about blood donation or for details of local sessions call 0845 7 711 711 or log onto www.blood.co.uk.

Pictured: Joan Caldwell receives the NBS Emerald award from blood recipient Christine Bradley (left).

Haven hosts VIP trip

Located within the Oakwell Centre, ‘the Haven’ hosted a visit from King’s Fund representatives Sarah Waller and Hedley Finn.

The day included a representative from NHS Yorkshire and the Humber Graham Scott, Project Sponsor and Director of Professions Margaret Kitching, members of the project team (pictured) and Project Director of Estates Nigel Myhill.

About the Haven

o The Haven is a facility within the Oakwell Centre. It is available for use by clients, carers, visitors and staff for spiritual comfort, reflection and/or worship. It is located adjacent to the Beatson Suite. o The Haven is open between 0800 hours and 2200 hours. o After these hours the Haven can be accessed by contacting the Kendray site co-ordinator via the hospital switchboard. o The Haven can be booked in advance via the Oakwell Centre Reception, extension 4666 for private, individual or group worship. o These advanced booked sessions must be given priority for use and an occupied/vacant indicator will be displayed. o In addition, individuals can check availability throughout the day via a timetable which will be obtainable from the Oakwell Centre reception.

Pictured: Sarah Waller from the King’s Fund presents Cecilia Crump with the glass plate that has been mounted by the door. L-R Margaret Kitching, Corinne Mallinson, Janet Dacre and Phil Tyas.

Girls aged 12-13 at Darton High School are the first generation to be protected against cervical cancer. The revolutionary vaccine will protect girls against HPV (human papilloma virus), which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

3,000 women in the UK are affected by cervical cancer each year and the cancer (the second most common in women) takes more than 1,000 lives every 12 months.

The new vaccine, which is proven to be safe and effective and is already used in many

other countries, is to be rolled out from October 2008 to all year 8 girls across Barnsley and the UK.

The vaccination programme will consist of three injections over several months and will be delivered within schools by the local school nursing team.

Allison Derbyshire at Darton High School said: ”My role here is to coordinate the programme for the vaccination. It’s something I feel strongly about having had first hand experience of cervical cancer. If it’s something that can benefit our

HPV vaccination rolls outgirls in the future, then we’re all for it.

Joan Miller, Barnsley Primary Care Trust’s consultant in public health, said: “This vaccine is a true breakthrough in protecting the health of young women in the future. We expect to save 3-4 lives each year in Barnsley and ensure many more women do not have to undergo treatment for cervical cancer.”

For more details on the programme contact Ann Meynell Lead Nurse, School Nursing team on 01226 43 ext 3130.

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We want to hear your team’s news so please get in touch!

Contact Katy Jarvis-Morgan, Internal Communications

Manager on ext 4298 or send your contributions

on email to: katy.jarvis-morgan@barnsleypct.nhs.uk

www.rabbitdesign.co.uk

Congratulations...... to the Infection Control winners who entered the Clean Your Hands Campaign competition attached to payslips recently. Elaine Taylor, Communications Officer at Mount Vernon Hospital won first prize, a George Foreman grill and Deborah Pratt, Health Care Assistant at Athersley Clinic won the second prize, £25 M&S vouchers.

ECDL genius

Congratulations to Rebecca Parden for being the first PCT staff member to achieve 100% in her ECDL Word exam. Rebecca was too shy to have her photo taken but is sent a “Well done” from all staff at the Centre for Learning and Development.

Oakwell wears it pinkCongratulations to staff at the Oakwell Centre who recently raised £313 by running a pink raffle, guess the sweets in the jar and name the pink dog competition.

Squash, anyone?We are appealing for anyone interested in forming a squash team or league to come forward. All levels are welcome, and games will be played at the metrodome. Get fit and have some fun! Register your interest with Tracey Bladen based at New Street on 07917894137.

Thanks to this month’s contributors: Julie Aspinwall, Steve Barton, Tracey Bladen, Mandy Daws, Ray Dyson, Richard Galliforth, Angela Glover, Janet Green, Lianne Harrison, Olivia Hawkins, Liz Holdsworth, Paul Hughes,

Sue Kitchen, Anne Meynell, Janice Noble, Helen Robinson, Elise Simpson,

Susan Walker, Jody White

Triple Charity DonationHospital Porter Ken Wright and his wife Margaret have been up to it again… fundraising £250 to the Mayor’s Charity which will support the Barnsley Riding for the Disabled and the Teenage Cancer Unit at Weston Park Hospital. They also recently donated £250 to the Stroke Unit at Ward 6, Mount Vernon Hospital. Julie Bowser said: “This money will be used at the discretion of nursing staff to purchase items of additional benefit for our patients.”

Finally, the Barnsley branch of the Alzheimer’s Society have also acknowledged Ken and Margaret’s contribution.