together - leicester's hospitals
TRANSCRIPT
NHS Trust
University Hospitals of Leicester
APRIL 2013
we do what we say we are going to do
“I pledged to listen to the
views of frontline staff”
John Adler
“I pledged to taste a variety of paediatric medications I prescribe to my patients”
Damian Roland
together
TURNING PLEDGES INTO PRACTICE
What does dignity mean to me?
University Hospitals of LeicesterNHS Trust
Patient and FamilyWe treat people how we would like to be treated
Emma Johns Ward Sister
“Always making sure my patients are provided
with drink and food according
to their preferences and can
reach to eat and drink without
struggling.”
Welcometo the latest edition of Together.
We do what we say we are going to do
WE DO WHAT WE SAY
We are officially in spring, but it doesn’t feel like it! As I write this snow is predicted to fall again, and we remain incredibly busy in our hospitals, as are many others across the country. The demand for our services remains high, and we are working with local GPs and other local NHS and social care services to best manage these patients.
At the forefront of the minds of many of you will be the negative press recently about Mid Staffordshire and the report published by Robert Francis. Before the Government goes into Easter recess we will hear their official response to the report. On page 4 you can read more about what we’ve been doing since the report was published, and once we’ve heard what the Government has to say we will share with you what changes we will make in Leicester’s Hospitals.
None of you will have missed the coverage on the remains of Richard III, but did you know we had a role in identifying his bones? There’s a fascinating read on page 5 about the role of our radiology team in this historic event.
In March we launched a new referral service to help identify osteoporosis. We’re offering patients a scan to measure their bone density which will speed up the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The article on page 3 will tell you what Dr Sheldon and his team are doing.
You can also read about NHS Change Day and some of the pledges that were made (page 10 and 11) and what our pain management team are up to (page 8 and 9) along with the usual news from fundraising and our diary dates of events you can attend.
Finally, as the financial year draws to a close, I’d like to thank staff for their hard work and dedication.
Despite continued financial challenges faced across the NHS the team here remains focussed providing high quality safe services for local people.
Martin Hindle
thank you
APRIL 2013 3
COVERDamian Roland Specialist Paediatric Registrar
CONTACTtogether is written and edited by:
Laura Stannard Communications Officer Communications Department Level 2, Windsor Building Leicester Royal Infirmary Leicester LE1 5WW
email: [email protected]
SUBMISSIONStogether is a great way to share your news and success. Just email: [email protected] or contact the communications team.
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THANKS...To the Leicester Mercury for letting us use some of their photographs.
Design and photography by: UHL Medical Illustration 0116 258 6369
Printed by: AnchorPrint 0116 269 0800 www.anchorprint.co.uk
is the official magazine of the University Hospitals of Leicester.
NEW LIAISON SERVICE TO IDENTIFY
A new Fracture Liaison Service devised to speed up the diagnosis of osteoporosis was officially launched by the Rheumatology department at the Royal.
THE LIAISON REFERRAL SERVICE, set up by consultant rheumatologist Dr Peter Sheldon and his team, works closely with Fracture Clinic and local GPs to ensure patients are offered a specialist scan to measure bone density.
Since November 2012, the Fracture Clinic has been identifying patients over the age of 40 who have been treated with a fragility fracture of the forearm (a break that occurs when the bones are weak) and passing them on to the Rheumatology department.
Medical secretary, Gwen Coltman has been liaising with the patient’s GPs to recommend the specialist Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan: “If our records show that the patient hasn’t already had a DXA scan within the last two years, a referral letter is sent to their GP to suggest an appointment.
“The scan will either confirm or rule out osteoporosis as the
possible cause of the fracture. “So far those identified for a scan are aged between 51 and 87 years old, but as osteoporosis is more common in older people, this is what we expected.”
Dr Sheldon, who interprets the results of the scan performed by a radiographer, explains the idea behind this initiative: “This service was designed to speed up the diagnosis of osteoporosis and therefore find the correct treatments for patients suffering with the condition as soon as possible.
“The Government has now included fractures and osteoporosis in the Quality Output Framework (QOF) so this service has been put in place to speed up the period between a fragility fracture occurring and diagnosing osteoporosis as the cause. Finding the optimal treatment as soon as possible will benefit the patients, hospital and GP services.”
The service has proved successful
so far with 60 patients identified and 22 DXA scans booked to date.
Dr Sheldon and his team began seeing patients on 13 March. He added: “The referrals are being monitored for the first six months to see how many GPs use the service for their patients. So far, it has been very effective and we hope this will become standard practice in the future.”
Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanThe service has proved successful so far with 60 patients identified and 22 DXA scans booked to date.
FRANCIS REPORT LEARNING FROM THE
In early February Robert Francis QC published his report into the serious failings at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. Since the release of the report which ran to 1776 pages over three volumes, our Trust Board have met twice, once with our stakeholders, and discussed the report and its actions, highlighting areas that they felt our Hospitals should discuss further. Part of their discussions focused on what constitutes high performing organisations so that we could use that as a marker for where we want our hospitals to be.
Evidence from high-quality healthcare organisations across the world demonstrates the importance of organisational culture in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care, regularly reviewing and examining their performance, creating a positive organisational culture, the right environment to support staff and to do the ‘right’ thing for patients.
Following discussions it was agreed that a fuller gap analysis and wide discussion needed to take place across the organisation in order to provide responsive actions and learning from the report, particularly in the areas outlined below, irrespective of further external review of the recommendations.
Values, behaviours and cultureWe created our values in 2009 which we continue to embed across the organisation through a number of avenues, including our communications and value based recruitment. However, more needs to be done, particularly around management standards and behaviours. We will also improve the way we gather and act on staff views as a gauge to where we’re getting it right and wrong across the organisation.
Care of the older personWhilst we have had some very successful developments in the care of older people, i.e. our frailty service, we need to consider how we could become a leader in this field.
Public and patient supportWe need to be more responsive to local people and our patient services need to be more visible, bringing them from the back office to the front door of our hospitals.
Patient information/ communication & visibility of careWhilst there are many examples of good patient information, it needs to be more consistent.
MortalityWe should not underestimate the widespread lack of understanding and significance of mortality figures. Through the ‘Saving Lives’ goal in our Quality & Safety Commitment we will help others across the health economy get a better understanding of how mortality data is recorded and what it means.
Nursing standards The shocking examples of poorly governed and delivered care within the report provide leverage for us to create a greater focus on the leadership roles of ward managers and clinicians, the importance of clinical leaders on ward rounds, and the professional development of these staff.
SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?Before the February Trust Board meeting we met with some of our key stakeholders to share our perspective on the report and discuss ways to work more collaboratively. We have also had discussions with De Montfort University about the impact of the
report on education and training of all staff.We will continue to talk to our staff about the changes we need to make both as an organisation and as individuals to ensure that the lessons learnt through Mid Stafford turn into positive changes in Leicester.
APRIL 20134
The Mid Staffordshire
NHS Foundation Trust
Public Inquiry
Chaired by Robert Francis QC
HC 947
Report of the Mid Staffordshire
NHS Foundation Trust
Public Inquiry
Executive summary
WE DO WHAT WE SAY
APRIL 2013 5APRIL 2013 5
THE TEAM FROM THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, at the Royal Infirmary, scanned the bones using post mortem CT scanning protocols, similar to a normal clinical scan, to produce detailed images of the bones.
Dr Shona Campbell, consultant radiologist said: “We have had a research interest in post mortem CT scanning for many years now, involving close collaboration with Professor Guy Rutty and the Forensic Pathology department and Professor Bruno Morgan from imaging.
“This was the oldest of the human remains we have scanned, and opens up a new and interesting area of research with the University’s Archaeology department.”
The scans of King Richard III’s skeleton showed numerous injuries and also a curvature of the spine.
Dr Campbell added: “We were delighted to be asked to help in this exciting investigation. Last year Leicester Royal Infirmary celebrated 100 years of being “Royal” and it was
wonderful to have Royalty in our imaging department in such an unusual way!”
Initially the bones were laid out on the scanner as close as possible to the anatomical position in which they were found. After the initial analysis of the images, a further scan of the bones was taken, using a bespoke polystyrene template to better position the bones, in order to reconstruct the images to make a ‘virtual’ three dimensional model.
Dr Jo Appleby, osteoarchaeologist at the University of Leicester, said: “The CT scans of the bones, carried out at Leicester Royal Infirmary by the Radiology Imaging Unit have been a crucial part of the investigations.
“The three-dimensional images of the skeleton that have been produced have played a central role in our interpretation of the injuries. In addition, the CT scans mean that we will have a full record of the skeleton even after the bones are reburied.
“It has been a privilege to work with the staff at the hospital during the course of the project.”
IDENTIFYING THE
BONESOur imaging experts used computed tomography (CT) scanning to help identify the bones of King Richard III, after the University of Leicester’s discovery in a city centre car park.
The CT scan provides a permanent three dimensional record of the bones which cannot be obtained by other means. This enables images and models to be reproduced, minimising any potential damage that could be caused by repeated handling of the bones. The image data also provides a three dimensional record of the skeleton that will remain for further analysis and comparisons after the bones are interred.
APRIL 20136
Anita ColemanAnita Coleman is a Cord Blood Collector based at the Royal Infirmary.
Which three words sum you up?Loyal, empathetic, friendly
Pet peeve? People that lie
Best health tip: Eat little and often, drink plenty of water
Favourite film: Dirty Dancing
Best way to relax: At home with the family
Favourite iPod track: All Motown
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given: Can’t have what you can’t afford! (my father)
What makes you laugh?A League of their Own
What is your most memorable holiday?Family holiday in Florida
Best way to spend an evening? With family and friends
What was your first job? YTS (youth training scheme) at Boots the Chemist
Quick questions
LINDA WAS PART OF THE ORIGINAL TEAM that helped set up the cord blood programme in our maternity units, in conjunction with Anthony Nolan in September 2011. The programme helps people with blood cancers by providing bone marrow and stem cell transplants from their register of donors. Linda joined our hospitals in January 2001 as a community office clerk in maternity at the Royal. Three years later she moved onto Clinic Coordinator in the ante-natal department, before applying for a more ‘hands on’ position as Midwifery Care Assistant on delivery suite in November 2005. Anita said: “I really enjoyed that role and so when this unique opportunity arose to be part of setting up the cord blood team I just had to apply.”
Pregnant women are asked to donate their umbilical cord and blood within the placenta, as it is very rich in stem cells, after they have given birth to their baby. Anthony Nolan can bank these stem cells for use in people with blood cancers like leukaemia. It has no effect on the birth plan, the care they receive and most importantly, their baby. The placenta is taken away when it is no longer attached to mum or baby and all the blood is removed from it. Mum just needs a simple blood test and to fill out some paperwork; its that easy to help out another human.“I really enjoy my job, it is very rewarding”, said Anita. “Anthony Nolan lets us know when one of our samples has been chosen for a patient, so knowing that I was part of something that will have such an impact on
someone else’s life is the best reward you can ask for.” Anita’s organisation skills also spill into her personal life. “I am a born organiser and I often arrange day trips, weekends away or nights out for my family and friends. I enjoy holidays, whether it’s with the family, my partner, or my girlfriends.” Anita takes inspiration from her family; her partner of 10 years, her 20 year old son, 17 year old daughter and 16 year old step son. “I don’t believe in planning too far ahead, as you never know what’s around the corner, live for the moment, as you never know when the moment will end.”
APRIL 2013 7
In focus
“I really enjoy my job, it is very rewarding knowing that I am part of something that will have such an impact on someone else’s life is the best reward you can ask for.”
APRIL 20138
LIVING WITH
PAIN
Since it began in 1997, the Pain Management Programme (PMP) at the General has helped over 800 patients to come to terms with chronic pain. Bringing together a multidisciplinary team of clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical nurse specialists and a pain consultant, the PMP is celebrating its 100th programme in the current format.
Sandra explains why she felt the programme was the right choice for her: “I’ve undergone multiple abdominal surgeries over the past few years, leaving me with a lot of scar tissue that has caused chronic pain.
“I’d become depressed and reclusive because of the pain I suffer with. It soon affected my confidence and social life too. I felt so alone and was too nervous to go out because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to manage the pain and spasms.”
Patients like Sandra who experience chronic pain can find the condition has an impact far beyond the physical, reducing their independence, the ability to work or to perform everyday activities. It can impact heavily on relationships with family and friends and often results in high levels of distress, frustration, low self-esteem and depression.
Patients who are diagnosed with severe and incurable chronic pain are referred to the programme by their consultant. The programme teaches a range of methods and strategies to help patients
self-manage and better understand their own condition, decreasing the negative impact it has on their lives.
Running for eight weeks, patients attend a full day session once a week in small groups. They are asked to practice the techniques and methods taught in the sessions at home to strengthen their progress and will come back for a final assessment six weeks after the programme ends.
The different components of the programme work together to reinforce the strategies that are taught. For example, both physiotherapy and psychology may look at fear avoidance for exercise and understanding negative thought cycles helps people pace their activities.
It is estimated that 11% of the British population suffer from chronic pain.
Sandra Pryor has successfully completed the Pain Management Programme and is
now bravely sharing her experience to raise awareness of the condition.
Sandra continues: “The programme has made such a difference to my life. It’s given me an understanding of my condition and taught me how to manage my symptoms, particularly the excruciating muscle spasms that I experience every day.”
“With support of the team, I’ve now begun to rebuild my life by setting achievable goals at my own pace. It seems like such a simple thing to most, but one of my initial goals was to have the confidence to go out with a friend for a coffee without worrying about my condition.”
Sandra has not only achieved the goals she set on the programme but has also been attending activities arranged by The Calvert Trust, a charity which specialises in challenging disability through outdoor activities.
“Towards the end of the programme I gained the confidence to attend these activities and by applying the methods taught by the pain management team, I was able to fully participate in all of the outdoor adventures and even went on a trapeze swing!
“The Pain Management Programme has taught me
that no matter your disability, nothing is impossible.”
Sandra has shown that with the right
guidance, determination and understanding she can learn how to live with her pain rather than having the condition control her life.
Before joining the programme Sandra was regularly visiting her GP and admitted to hospital at least four times a year. Since completion she has not had any hospital admissions.
APRIL 2013 9
“The pain management
programme has opened up new
opportunities to me.”
For more information, please visit the Pain Management Programme pages on www.leicestershospitals.co.uk
Sandra has transformed her life and has is now planning a three day expedition to summit Great End in the Lake
District in May. To support Sandra on her journey, please visit www.justgiving.com/Sandra-Pryor
I’ve now begun to rebuild my life by setting achievable goals at my own
pace.
Dr Lynnette Simpson, clinical psychologist
“The Psychologists also run sessions to look at relaxation,
acceptance and identifying negative thought cycles.
We aim to build assertiveness and address the broader
impact the condition has on relationships.”
Hannah Woodward, physiotherapist“I work with patients to guide them in establishing a routine of exercise with the overall aim of improving their ability to manage physical activities. We work on improving flexibility, strength and stamina as the patient’s confidence grows.”
Michelle Morgan, occupational therapist
“I aim to improve patients confidence in managing daily activities. Strategies such as goal setting, planning and
pacing enable them to do things they thought they couldn’t and improve quality of life.”
Dr Christopher Cutler, clinical psychologist“The programme is based around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Overall, we aim to help patients understand Chronic Pain to help them gain a sense of control over their lives again.”
APRIL 201310
We did something better together!
The first ever NHS Change Day took place on Wednesday 13 March 2013 with the full support of our staff, patients and supporters across Leicestershire and Rutland.
Bringing together the individual creativity, energy and innovative thinking of thousands of NHS staff from across clinical and non-clinical areas of work, we asked you to make a pledge to change something for one day to improve care for staff, patients, their families and their carers.
Damian Roland, Paediatric Specialist Registrar works in the Children’s ED at the Royal, is also part of the core national Change Day team who created the initiative, he explains:
“Change Day was created to invoke a mass movement of staff across the country to
demonstrate that large scale progression and improvement is possible when we put our minds to it.
“We all know that change can begin with very simple ideas. One
innovative suggestion can lead to a new way of thinking and can transform the way we work. We wanted to put this into action and show that the simple improvements made on Change Day can have a lasting impact beyond just one day.
“It was a really ambitious programme of activities aimed at joining and engaging the frontline and the support we received from the staff at Leicester’s Hospitals was outstanding.
“I hope that everyone who took part either individually or as a team now has a real sense of achievement in everything they did to turn their pledges into practice.”
SuccessIn everything we did to support this initiative,
we balanced a serious message of leadership and change with thoughtful and humorous examples of ideas and pledges made by staff across the Trust and we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved!
To view our video to see more of the pledges made by staff, please visit: www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/our-news/nhschangeday/ For more information, please visit the NHS Change Day website: www.changemodel.nhs.uk/changeday to view the online pledges, blogs and forums.
“I hope that everyone who took part either individually or as a team now has a real sense of achievement in everything they did to turn their pledges into practice.”Damian Roland Paediatric Specialist Registrar
DAMIAN’S PLEDGE:
“I pledge to taste a variety of paediatric medications I prescribe to
my patients.”
WE DO WHAT WE SAY
Andrea and Elizabeth later joined other members of the Procurement Team, including Surinder Peberdy (pictured) and Bilal Jamal by visiting patients on wards at the Royal to act upon a further pledge “to contribute to patient care by visiting elderly patients who don’t have visitors.”
PROCUREMENT, SARINDER PEBERDY AND BILAL JAMAL:
The Procurement Team showed their support by working together to implement several group pledges, including “a commitment to free up operational space by clearing away archive files.”
Andrea and Elizabeth spent a successful morning on Change Day in the Materials Handling Building at the Royal clearing away files they no longer need.
PROCUREMENT, ANDREA SMITH AND ELIZABETH BICKERDIKE:
Leicester’s Hospitals promotional video was uploaded to the Change Day
YouTube and iTunes channels which had more than 3,600 visits in 19 days.
The pledge will remain open until the end of March.
Present pledges stand at: 182310.Click here to tell your story.
Pledges to date
There were 9 million
Twitter impressions for the dedicated
#nhschangeday hashtag
PLEDGE TOTALSWith over 1 million NHS staff in the UK, a national pledge target
was set at a modest 65,000, 65 being the number of years the
NHS has been in existence. This was more than exceeded with
over 180,000 pledges made nationally –
with just over 600 of those made by NHS staff in Leicestershire.
CHAIRMAN, MARTIN HINDLE:
An article written by Damian Roland was published in The guardian on 13 March.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE,
JOHN ADLER:
“I pledged to listen to the views of frontline
staff and turn those views into action.”
“NHS Change Day was a fantastic opportunity to join those who want to make
a difference in the NHS. This is something
I am hugely enthusiastic about so I pledged
my support to start to listen more. I have
already put my pledge into practice with
the launch of Listening into Action.”
“I pledged to ensure that I speak to at least
ten frail elderly patients to understand the
experience they’ve had in our hospital.”
Martin followed this up by visiting patients on wards at
the Royal, he said: “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting
patients on Change Day to discuss their stay with us.
It has reiterated how important it is for staff from
every area of the hospital to communicate directly with
our patients to understand and improve the services.”
Richard Moody Macmillan patient information officer, attended our volunteer recruitment sessions to try and attract volunteers very early in the process and offered anyone interested the opportunity to meet with him and have a look around the centre before making a decision.
Richard said: “As we planned the range of services that we would be offering, it became clear that it would require more than two people to run these services effectively. So, over the last six months we have recruited a number of volunteers to help us. Each volunteer has expressed an interest in working with us, and we have been keen to work with the individual volunteers to ensure that we use their personal strengths to enhance the experience of service users.
“The volunteers help us in a variety of ways. At the beginning of November we opened an alternative headwear shop for
our hair loss clients. Volunteers run this shop, selling hats and scarves to callers, ensuring stock levels are maintained, and advising us on what types of headwear to order.
“Another key role for volunteers in the centre is ‘meet and greet’. Many of the callers enquiries can be dealt with by the volunteers, but for more complicated enquiries our volunteers refer callers to Information Centre staff. If the relevant staff member is not immediately available, the volunteer will be around while the caller is waiting. This role has improved the patient experience and means that members of staff can spend more time with the caller if necessary.
“The volunteers have allowed us to provide services that we could not have offered without their assistance and are helping us to help our callers in a calm and relaxed environment. “
Jessica Jones, who has been volunteering in the Information Centre since October, said:“Being a volunteer here is very rewarding as I feel that I can make a positive difference for callers to the centre.”
Sue Errington, Time for a Treat Coordinator: “The Macmillan Centre has given us the dedicated space to be able to deliver more training sessions for Time for a Treat volunteers (pictured left) in and more beauty workshops for Look Good Feel Better. There are advantages to having all of the volunteer services for cancer patients located within the one centre. Hopefully more patients and carers will get to hear about our services and benefit from them”
Volunteers ‘help us to help others’
Whenever a new service is launched, or an existing service is developed, it can be useful to think about whether volunteers can enhance or add value to the patient experience. The new Macmillan Information Centre is reaping the benefits of planning their volunteer involvement in advance.
For more information call Volunteer Services on 0116 258 7221
APRIL 201312
The newly built Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre opened its doors in June 2012. The centre is run by Richard Moody, Macmillan patient information officer, and Aliyah Mannan, Macmillan patient information assistant. The centre provides a range of services, including the Hair Loss Service and weekly benefits clinics. Time for a Treat and Look Feel Better services are also run from the centre.
“Being a volunteer here is
very rewarding as I feel that I can make a positive difference for callers to the centre.”
Jessica Jones (pictured right)
13
DIARY DATES
April
Did you know we have over one thousand volunteers who support patients, staff and carers across our three hospitals? Alison Reynolds, our volunteer services manager, will be talking us through some of the different roles that volunteers take on; from hand massage and
beauty treatments for patients to driving our hospital buggy. Why not come along and find out more about the work of our fabulous volunteers?
This conference will focus on the theme of ‘How to Manage...’ with a number of topics to be covered including dermatitis allergic and irritant, paediatrics and the red leg and blisters.The event costs £50 for nurses and £80 for doctors and includes an evening meal.To book a place for this conference, please contact Christina Waistell, dermatology specialist nurse by email: [email protected]
201324
*Volunteering at our hospitals
The 9th Leicester Dermatology Conference
April
6pm - 8pm, Education CentreLEICESTER GENERAL HOSPITAL
25
ANNE DE BONO, consultant occupational physician and head of the Occupational Health Service at our Hospitals, has been elected Chair of the national NHS Health at Work Network Board from April 2013.
The Network consists of NHS occupational health services from across England and aims
to influence national policy and contribute to a robust evidence base for the speciality,
collaboratively working to promote best clinical and business practice of health and work
services to all NHS staff.
Anne welcomes this challenge at a time when recognition of the important
relationship between work and health is gaining momentum. She explains: “We are the largest NHS Occupational Health service in the East Midlands and the first to gain RCP accreditation. Our multidisciplinary teams serve 32,000 healthcare staff and students in Leicestershire, plus a number of smaller commercial and academic organisations so I’m confident that I have the ideal base from which to lead the Network.”
Anne de Bono has been elected Chair of the national NHS Health at Work Network Board
“We are the largest NHS Occupational Health service in the East Midlands and the first to gain RCP accreditation.“
NEWLY APPOINTED
6pm - 8pm, Education CentreLEICESTER GENERAL HOSPITALCould you be one of our new Governors? In this meeting, the third of our Prospective Governors’ meetings for 2013, we will be exploring some of the challenges we face running a large acute hospital trust. During the evening we will be answering your questions and looking for your input in to our plans for the future. Whether you are interested in becoming a governor or would just like to find out more about the role and the work we do, you will be most welcome to join us.Please note change of venue
*Prospective Governors’ Meeting!
May21
*To book a place at either of these events please contact Karl Mayes, Patient and Public Involvement / Membership Manager
on 0116 258 8685 or email [email protected]
Save the Date!Annual Public Meeting - 19 September
Time and venue to be confirmed
European Suite, Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, Leicester
news...
Triathlon glory A former patient completed a triathlon and raised £1,000 for our children’s hospital. Sam Fairgrieve, 24, and his mum presented the cheque to Dr Peter Houtman who cared for Sam as a child.
A family effort! An experienced fundraiser has been joined in his efforts by his son. Roger Allsopp, who has donated more than £10,000 for the Breast Care Centre at Glenfield Hospital over the years, has been joined by his creative son Peter. Peter has designed cufflinks featuring the Breast Care Centre’s butterfly design to be created for sale.
Fundraisers...
Evan’s Trust donates monitor Parents have fundraised to provide a new cerebral function monitor for the neonatal unit at the General, after two of their children were treated there.
Richard and Laura Steel raised more than £12,000 at a fun day in memory of their son Evan George Brooke Steel who sadly passed away at just 14 hours old after a complicated and prolonged labour in August 2007.
Italian evening A charity Italian night at Ponchinello’s in Syston raised £1,000 for the Kidney Care Appeal.
Big hearted donation Staff at RR Donnelley in South Wigston held a Valentine’s event and raised more than £400 for cardio respiratory services at Glenfield.
Publican raises spirits Phillip Wharton, landlord at The Fox Inn, Oadby, donated six televisions and funds from a raffle to an orthopaedic ward at the General after receiving treatment there.
Keeping cool A father who carried an incubator to the top of Mt Snowdon has unveiled new cooling equipment to help premature babies at the Royal’s neonatal unit. Justin Chamberlain and friends completed this gruelling challenge last summer after his daughter Sienna relied on the cooling unit to help her through the first critical hours of her life in 2011. Justin said: “This equipment is worth its weight in gold, and the professionalism, dedication of the people who work on the unit is remarkable.”Consultant Neonatologist, Dr Andy Currie, said: “On behalf of the neonatal service I want to say a huge thank you to Justin, his family and all the people that helped raise the money to buy this equipment.”
Neonatal Units
in brief
A warm welcome…
What does dignity mean to you?
Sadly missed
APRIL 2013 15
Olympian joins young cancer patients at the finish line
We recently ran an event to find out what dignity means to you. We had some fantastic responses.
Erica Bray said: “Respecting our wishes as a patient, not treating as a number or ignoring as an object. Giving privacy.”Tony Bell said: “Treating people with love, compassion and empathy.”Suzanne Hinchliffe, our chief nurse said: “Respecting and being sensitive to others for who they are.”
OLYMPIAN, LISA DOBRISKEY officially opened the new Children’s, Young People’s and Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Royal.The new unit includes a dedicated upgraded space for children with cancer, from birth to eighteen years. Adjoining is the brand new Teenage Cancer Trust unit, providing separate medical and recreational facilities for 13-24’s. Children, young people and teenagers will also have access to a brand new spacious out patient and day case suite, allowing peer support while attending appointments for chemotherapy and procedures. The Loughborough based, 1500 metre runner, Lisa Dobriskey knows what a difference this unit will make, after her friend, 23 year old Gemma Hillier, was treated for cancer last year.Lisa Dobriskey said: “I feel really proud and honoured to be part of this.“Watching Gemma go through treatment, really hit home the effects cancer can have, especially when it coincided with the Olympics.“I think the new unit is fantastic! It allows people like Gemma, to be treated alongside people of their own age, in the most comfortable environment possible.”The state-of-the-art specialised unit was a joint £1.4million project between the Our Space Appeal and Teenage Cancer Trust.
We have recently welcomed a new Sikh Chaplain to our multi-faith chaplaincy team.
KARTAR SINGH BRING has been actively involved in interfaith work, with a desire to share Sikh beliefs and values, and support the Sikh community.
Kartar said: “With God’s grace I will be able to serve and help all those in need that I meet and provide the support and care that is at the heart of chaplaincy.”
Kartar is available to support patients and give advice to staff on the practices of the Sikh faith and how to care for Sikh patients.
Mark Burleigh, head of chaplaincy, said: “It is great to welcome Kartar and we look forward to working together to support patients and staff. He will be a great addition to the chaplaincy team.”
Tributes have been made to the Royal’s “last matron”, who has sadly passed away, aged 90.
MISS JEAN MACGREGOR, worked as a nurse in 1968 until she retired in 1983. Following official retirement Miss MacGregor continued to be connected to the hospital through her involvement with the Nurses’ League.
Miss Macgregor spent most of her working life at the Royal infirmary were many of the older staff still remember her. She will missed dearly by many.
Indian Fine Dine & Champagne Bar
M E M S A A B
COMPETITION£50 voucher to spend
at MEM-SAAB Highcross Leicester
Offering the perfect balance of traditional cooking values and contemporary sophistication, you can choose from a range of exquisite dishes designed by the talented chefs for an authentic taste of the East right in the heart of Leicester.Relax amidst the modern décor with a tempting selection of champagnes and cocktails on offer in the stylish piano lounge.
To be in with a chance of winning simply tell us:
On what day did the NHS Change Day take place?Send your answer, name and contact details to: [email protected] edition’s winner: Naomi Rennocks
One lucky reader has the chance to win £50 worth of vouchers to spend at MEM-SAAB Indian Fine Dine located in the prestigious Highcross Shopping Centre. www.mem-saableics.com