AUGUST 2011

FOUNDATION TRUST UPDATEFind out more about our bid to become a foundation trust on - p23

INTERVIEW WITH A DISTRICT NURSEEver wondered what a district nurse does? Find out on - p10 & 11

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN

A service user lead cooking group has been cooking up a treat at

Moorlands View - p6 & 7

You and Your Care

2

In this Issue

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ben, Sam, Linzi & Jayne.

Welcome to the summer edition of Connections. As we fi nalise the copy for this edition and add the fi nish touches, looking out of the window, it doesn’t look much like a summer to us! Grey clouds, a forecast for rain and wind to turn even the strongest of umbrellas inside out. So forgetting the miserable weather, here’s what we’ve been up to this month…

Sam has been exploring telephone etiquette after ‘mystery shoppers’ rated our phone services. Flick to pages 20&21 for top tips on how you can help us enhance our customer service reputation.

Before Exciting Future’s III launches in October, Linzi asked a past participant what the new cohort can expect. Pages 16&17 bring you the answers!

Also, a local school pupil, Sarah Brooke, joined us for a week’s work experience to learn the ropes of communicating. You can see the results of Sarah’s work on pages 10&11 after she visited our District Nursing team to fi nd out more about their role in the community.

As well as reporting on past events and care group highlights, we’re also looking forward to the month ahead when September kick-

starts our Foundation Trust Consultation. Jayne explains what Foundation Trust (FT) status will mean for us on page 23.

The next edition of Connections, due out in October, will be a FT special. Make sure you get your copy for the latest updates, news and case studies.

Along with all the other celebratory and informative stories from across our services, as ever you’ve also got the chance to win £30 worth of Marks and Spencer’s vouchers on page 27. Good luck!

From all in the Communications Team, we wish you a pleasant (and hopefully warm and dry) summer.

Communications Team

If you require this document in a larger text format please contact the Communications team.

This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 29 September 2011 at Victoria Hall, Keighley. Look out for further communication over the coming weeks.

TTThThThThThThThThThThThThThiiiiiisis yyear’s Ann l G

Date for the Diary!

3

Have you Got News for us?Don’t forget we are always on the look out for great gossip, exciting events and touching tales - if you have something to shout about please let us know!

Jayne MurphySenior Comms ManagerTel: 01274 363551Email: jayne.murphy@bdct.nhs.uk

Sam HirstComms ManagerTel: 01274 228174 Email: sam.hirst@bdct.nhs.uk

Linzi ClarkComms AssistantTel: 01274 228351Email: linzi.clark@bdct.nhs.uk

Ben CullimoreMulti-Media DesignerTel: 01274 228173Email: ben.cullimore@bdct.nhs.uk

p19

p10

p6

What’s Inside?p6 A Taste of the Caribbean for Moorlands View

p9 Building Foundations

p10 District Nursing

p13 Back to School Beckons

p16 Forget Britain’s Got Talent - Develop Your Real Talent

p19 True Face of Carers

p23 Foundation Trust Update

4

News in Brief

RIGHT: Our Director Nick Morris receiving his fl u jab.

PARTICIPANTS REMINISCE AT WORKSHOPS Our Health on the Streets team has hosted a series of reminiscence workshops to help others explore ways of engaging with older people.Volunteers and key workers in our services and partner organisations attended the workshops to fi nd out more about reminiscence and understand the benefi ts of the activity.

Pauline Bland, Community Health Development Worker, said: “We use reminiscence as a tool to successfully engage with a wide range of people. The workshops provided us with the opportunity to share our knowledge and resources so the benefi ts of the practice can be used more widely.”

The team hopes the skills learnt at the workshops will encourage participants to use the activities with older people in their care.

One course participant said: “I have been struck by how reminiscence can be a tool to fi nd common ground. I hope to use the new skills in my work environment.”

Participants from the workshops are set to meet again later in the year to share their experiences of putting learning into practice.

FLU IS ON ITS WAY!Flu, a highly infectious virus spread through coughs and sneezes, will soon be making its annual appearance during the fl u season (October – April). While we don’t want to scaremonger, or create panic, we do want you to reduce your chances of getting the virus by getting protected.

Flu symptoms can hit suddenly, and be quite severe, usually including chills, a fever, headaches, aching muscles, a cough and sore throat. To protect yourself during the season, our Occupational Health team is urging you to have your fl u jab.

The team will be offering the vaccine, free of charge and in your workplace, over the coming months. Keep an eye out in e-Update, our weekly global email, for their whereabouts and be sure to drop in to get protected.

Even if you have had a fl u jab in previous years, it is important you have another this year as the virus is always changing.

For more information please contact Occupational Health on 01274 228570.

5

TREE-MENDOUS INITIATIVE CONTINUESWe marked this year’s World Environment Day (5 June) by strengthening our pledge to reduce our carbon footprint. To show our commitment to the cause, we have planted 34 more trees - one for every committee and Board meeting held this year.

Dr Seal, Chair, and Ralph Coyle, Board Advisor, planted the fi nal few trees at Lynfi eld Mount Hospital.

Dr Seal said: “It’s pleasing to see that we are able to offset the paper we use at meetings by planting trees around our sites. As the trees grow they will also provide

improved natural surroundings for service users and visitors to enjoy.”

Since the initiative was kick-started last year we’ve planted the equivalent of 14,160 packets of paper.

Ken Barraclough, Energy & Environment Coordinator, said: “Planting trees is just one of the ways we look to be more environmentally friendly; we also recycle paper and encourage double-sided printing amongst other things. Although small steps on their own, in the long-term, every little helps.”

SEMINAR FOCUSESON ALCOHOL CAREIN HOSPITALOur Substance Misuse Service is hosting a regional seminar that will explore alcohol care and management in a hospital setting.The seminar, which is free to nurses and alcohol workers in the North of England, will take place on Monday 17 October, 9.30am - 4pm at the Sovereign Lecture Theatre, Bradford Royal Infi rmary.

Sue Morris, Alcohol Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “We hope the event will provide the opportunity for staff to meet with others working in the same fi eld and go a long way to promoting and sharing good practice.”

Those who attend the event are encouraged to take any policies or training documents they would like to share. For more information or to book a place, please email Rebecca.griffi n@bdct.nhs.uk.

Our Alcohol Care Team has also just launched a new information booklet, “Alcohol: What you Need to Know”. To download your copy please visit the intranet.

SCHOOL CONFERENCE We recently hosted an interactive conference at Thornton Grammar School to educate young people about mental health.Working in partnership with Barnardo’s, Sharing Voices and Education Bradford, we organised workshops that encouraged more than 130 sixth formers to voice their opinions about mental health and discuss the stigma that currently exists.

Students also took part in a dance and drama production to highlight to fellow students the different types of mental illness that exist and how these impact on everyday people.

Claire Wilkinson, student, said: “I enjoyed the workshop which emphasised the feelings that many individuals with mental health issues face”.

This year’s conference followed a similar successful event at Dixons City Academy School last year. 100 per cent of students accepted that virtually anyone can become mentally ill compared with 86 per cent prior to the conference.

PICTURED: Students at the conference.

PICTURE BELOW LEFT: Dr Seal Planting the last tree.

ABOVE: Our new alcohol information booklet.

6

LOW SECURE SERVICES

LEFT TO RIGHT: Zulfi kar, Zahoor &

Erroll enjoy their Caribbean meal.

ABOVE: Serving up!

Infl uenced by his Jamaican roots, service user Erroll Ellington introduced others to a different culture and diverse foods as he cooked up a range of Caribbean feasts over a seven week period.

From ‘Jerk Chicken’ and ‘Caribbean Soup’ to ‘Ackee and Salt Fish’ and ‘Snapper Fish’, Erroll encouraged people in the group to explore new ingredients and fl avours.

Zulfi kar Ali Malik, service user, said: “I learnt how to make lots of different food and helped Erroll with the cooking. My favourite meal was chicken with rice and peas, it was really tasty.

“I’d never had Caribbean food before, but now I know I really like it, I’ll defi nitely be having it again!”

As well as making and tasting the delicious dishes, service users learnt new skills and had the opportunity to do something different away from a ward environment.

Zahoor Aslam, Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant, said: “The activity has been very successful and all the service users got a lot out of it. Everyone got involved in planning the meals, budgeting costs for their ingredients, cooking and importantly, working as a team. It brought the group closer together and they now show a lot more respect for each other and their different cultures.

Showing people how to cook Caribbean food was great - it felt good to teach people new skills that they can use in the future.

Service users at our low secure unit have been getting hot in the kitchen as part of a new culinary activity.

A Taste of the Caribbean for Moorlands View

LOW SECURE SERVICES

7

ABOVE: Erroll frying chicken for the meal.

“As the cookery leader, Erroll’s confi dence and self-esteem soared - he learnt quite quickly how to be a good leader and the best ways to teach those around him.”

Throughout the sessions the group also learnt about food hygiene, food preparation and cooking safely.

Erroll said: “Showing people how to cook Caribbean food was great - it felt good to teach people new skills that they can use in the future.

“It was the fi rst time I had ever done anything like that before but I really enjoyed the experience and I hope people enjoyed having a taste of my culture.”

Following the success of the Caribbean cooking class, the service hopes to roll out further sessions to explore foods from other countries in the future.

If you’re taste buds are tingling at the thought of exotic spices, why not try out the group’s recipe for Curry Goat and Rice with Peas:

Curry Goat & Rice with PeasIngredients:

• 3 cups of rice• 1 can of tinned red kidney beans• 1 tea spoon of salt

• 1 tea spoon black pepper• 2lb of goat meat (cut into cubes)• 3 table spoon of curry powder• 2 diced onions• ½ tea spoon salt • ½ tea spoon pepper• 2 table spoon of oil

Method• Using a mixing bowl, mix together the goat with diced onions, salt, pepper and curry powder. • Gently add the meat to a frying pan with two table spoons of oil and brown slowly.• Once browned, place the meat in a saucepan with enough water to cover it. Bring to the boil and then let simmer until the meat is tender for about 1 hour - 1.5 hours.• 25 minutes before the meat is due to be ready, fi ll half a medium sized pan of cold water and add the rice.• Drain water from tinned kidney beans and add to the pan of rice. Cover with lid and boil for approximately 25 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

8

The Prime Minister said we are helping to deliver his dreams of building a Big Society.

Rubbing shoulders with the Prime Minister is not your average day out. But that’s exactly what happened when one of our Community Health Champions travelled to No.10 to collect an award.Mashud Haque, a champion for our Seniors Show the Way service, saw his ‘dream come true’ when he was invited to enter the famous door on Downing Street.

Representing 13,000 Community Health Champions who are part of the Altogether Better programme, Mashud collected the Prime Minister’s Big Society award in recognition of the valuable work volunteers do in communities across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

After enjoying a tour around one of the most famous addresses in England, Mashud enjoyed a banquet of food including samosas with spinach fi lling - much to his delight! - before speaking to the Prime Minister about the work going on in our service.

Mashud, who volunteers to spread positive health messages in our local community, said: “I told the Prime Minister about the work Community Health Champions are doing in the Bradford

district to promote health and well-being and he seemed very impressed - he said we are helping to deliver his dreams

of building a Big Society.

“Going through the doors of Number 10 was daunting though, not only because of the intense security measures, but also the magnifi cent and overwhelming sense of history. You could really feel the presence of all the important people who have lived there and made their mark. The whole experience will

stay with me for the rest of my life.”

If you would like to fi nd out more about our Seniors Show the Way service, please email: seniors@bdct.nhs.uk or visit: www.bdct.nhs.uk

Downing Street Opens It’s Doors to Community Health Champion

SPECIALIST SERVICES

Seniors Show the Way

to More Awards

Seniors Show the Way, one of 16 projects that form

the Altogether Better Programme has made it through

to the fi nal of the National Lottery Awards 2011.

Thanks to the support of staff, service users, families,

friends and members of the public, the service is now in

the top three in the ‘Best Health Project’ category and

preparing for a second round of voting in September!

RIGHT TO LEFT: Mashud with the

founder & co-directors of Altogether Better

9

LEARNING DISABILITY SERVICES

We thoroughly enjoyed delivering the sessions and it has been really rewarding to see the positive changes

Six service users at Shipley Resource Centre have been developing their communication skills with the help of our staff and placement students from Leeds Metropolitan University using their sight, smell, touch and hearing.

Hayley Greatorex and Nina Hindmarsh worked alongside staff in the Clinical Liaison Team for adults with learning disabilities as part of their Speech and Language Therapy degree.

Gaining important experience, the students joined staff at the communication group and helped deliver the sessions. Based around a range of themes including animals, weather and sport the sessions addressed foundation communication skills such as imitation, turn taking and eye contact.

Wajid Ali, Communication Therapy Assistant, worked with Assam throughout the fi ve week course. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the one-to-one interaction with Assam during the sessions and I’ve noticed a number of

new reactions such as the increased use of different eye movements and expressions.”

Props such as water, bubbles, sand and music helped develop communication skills including anticipation, attention and social interaction.

Rebecca Morton, supervising Speech and Language Therapist, said: “Hayley and Nina’s creative ideas and approach

to the sessions have really sparked positive changes and reactions in the behaviours of service users, all of whom have complex communication needs.

“We’ve seen some noticeable changes in many of the service users’ behaviours and Shipley staff have fed back that they have learnt a lot of new skills. The results have been great and we hope to continue similar groups in the future.”

Hayley said: “We thoroughly enjoyed delivering the sessions and it has been really rewarding to see

the positive changes in the group. I’m glad we’ve been able to help make a difference.”

Service users at one of our learning disabilities sites have been building foundations for communication as part of an intensive interaction therapy group.

Building Foundations

10

ADULT SERVICES

Have you always wanted to be a nurse?Defi nitely - I followed my childhood dream. I have a photo of myself, aged three, dressed in a nurses outfi t! Before becoming a community nurse I worked on the wards for ten years. I wanted to learn as much as I could and worked on lots of different wards. It’s come in really handy in my role now as it’s important you have a wealth of knowledge in different areas. Becoming a community nurse was the best thing I did. The role’s so varied and helps me push myself to learn new things.

What does your role involve?District nurses help to improve people’s health by providing high quality nursing care, based on individual needs, in community settings. On our shifts we cover wide geographic areas. We visit people in their own homes and provide a variety of services including: wound management, giving people injections, supporting people and their families during

end of life care, supporting and advising on health care and providing advice and information on a range of health issues. One element of our role is to

assess people who have had a fall to investigate why the fall happened.

We may need to refer the patient to a physiotherapist or doctor for further

treatment following our assessment. We aim to offer as much care in the community as possible and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

Are there any other areas in your role?As well as providing direct care, we have a teaching role. We work closely with patients to enable them to care for themselves where possible. We help to teach family members how to care for their loved ones. Alongside my nursing role I’m also a clinical

practice teacher. I help to develop the skills and knowledge of my team to deliver quality care. I also shadow trainee nurses on visits and support them to deliver care whilst training. I teach qualifi ed nurses to become district nurse team leaders too. As part of my team

leader role I develop the rotas, complete risk assessments, undertake appraisals and support my team on a daily basis. It’s a complex role with lots of multi-tasking needed!

You must be busy! What challenges do you face as a district nurse?

The role’s really demanding and requires organisation and fl exibility. The diversity of the job is always a challenge. No two days are the same, and no patient is the same. We have to be fl exible and call on the support of partner organisations when needed. In Winter,

Lynne Tones explains the challenges and rewards of working as a district nurse.

Interview with:Lynne Tones

It’s all about working together to meet people’s needs.

11

when ice and snow mean that transport becomes a challenge, to ensure everyone gets the care they need, we re-organise our case loads so we can visit people nearest to our homes. You have to prioritise and be sassy.

Teamwork is obviously important. Do you work with other types of nurses?

Oh, yes. We frequently work closely with a variety of different agencies and professional groups to make sure patients receive the care they need. For example we can make referrals to social services to support people with their personal care needs. We often make referrals to physiotherapists and other specialists, who can support patients with specialist care and treatment such as people with asthma and chronic diseases. We also receive referrals from GPs and hospitals to support people. It’s all about working together to meet people’s needs.

How can people access a district nurse?Referrals can be made into our service by other health and social care professionals as

well as self-referral by patients and carers.

What do you enjoy most about your job?I love my job. The support given to me by my team, and the support I give them, has meant that I have gained a lot of friends. My manager is also an excellent source of support. I enjoy meeting new people, and being able to give them a voice just by listening to them. Knowing I have made a difference is incredibly rewarding.

We hope the article has given you a fl avour into some of the roles of a District Nurse. For further information visit: http://www.bdct.nhs.uk/our-community-health-services/adult-services/district-nurses/

ADULT SERVICES

District nurses help to improve people’s health by providing high quality nursing care, based on individual needs, in community settings.

We’d like to thank Sarah Booke for researching and writing this story whilst with our team on work experience.

LEARNING DISABILITY SERVICES

12

Celebration Event Marks National WeekPeople with learning disabilities came together at a celebration event as part of Learning Disability Awareness Week.

Organised in partnership with the Healthier Lives Group, the event saw more than 100 people through the doors of Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Featuring interactive quizzes and a wide range of stalls celebrating the achievements of people

with learning disabilities, the event provided the opportunity for people to fi nd out more about our services and other voluntary groups in our local area.

The Big Soup, a theatre group for people with learning disabilities, also gave a spectacular sneak preview of their upcoming production of

Mary Poppins, much to the delight of spectators.

Krystal Hemingway, Strategic Health Facilitator and Event Co-organiser, said:

“We wanted to organise an event that included

a wide range of organisations and voluntary groups so that everybody could get together under one roof to mark the national week.

“It was a great way for people with learning disabilities to meet each other and fi nd out more about the activities and services available to them.”

People who attended the event were also offered free health checks, blood pressure monitoring and information about staying healthy and how to look after their teeth.

Katie was one of many people who had their blood pressure taken. She said: “I am ok but it’s good to get it checked. Everyone needs to be healthy.”

Debra Gilderdale, Head of Operations, said: “The afternoon event proved to be a huge success. As well as having fun, everyone has been able to take away valuable information that will hopefully go a long way to ensuring good health.”

Everyone has been able to take away valuable information that will hopefully go a long way to ensuring good health.

ABOVE: Katie has her blood

pressure checked.

13

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Back to School Beckons

The return of the school year brings with it a range of situations to test even the most prepared parent. Some children will be taking the step from nursery to primary while others will be moving across to secondary school. Whatever the progression come September, change is inevitable.

Our School Nursing team is offering advice on how you can help your child stay happy and safe when the new term rings in.

Kath Shorey and Penny Wild, School Nursing Service Co-ordinators, agree:

“A lot of children look forward to the next step in their education but for others it can be daunting and create mixed feelings.

“Be aware that your child might need a bit of help and support to settle, and be ready to offer it. School nurses are available to help both you and your child with any diffi culties or concerns. If there are any problems, encourage your child to speak to their teacher, or yourself.”

September also sees a rise in bugs, germs and health conditions such as asthma, perhaps due to some children forgetting to take their medication regularly during the holidays.

“Records show many more children go to hospital with asthma symptoms when the

new term starts than at any other time of year. If your child has asthma,” Kath explains,

“please make sure they take their ‘preventer’ medication regularly (usually a brown inhaler) to help control their symptoms.”

The team is also reminding parents to fi nd out when their child’s vaccines and boosters are due. Year eight girls will be offered the HPV* vaccine from September/October onwards to protect against cervical cancer. Year nine pupils will be risk assessed for their Tuberculosis (TB) jabs around April and year ten pupils will be given their boosters from January onwards, except in the Airedale schools where these are given by your own GP’s.

Penny encourages: “Please complete and return any vaccination consent forms in good time to ensure your child gets protected swiftly.”

Finally, the team highlights the importance of a breakfast and good routines. Kath says: “Making sure your child has a good sleep routine and walks through the school gates full of energy can help set them up for a successful new term.”

To fi nd out more about our School Nursing team please visit www.bdct.nhs.uk or contact 01274 322521.

*Human Papilloma Virus

With school summer holidays in full swing, it won’t be too long before you’re planning for the new term. But while you’re temporarily relieved of homework duties and the school run, the importance of a routine is still important…

14

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Football Fever Returns to ServicesFollowing successful debuts last year, football teams from across our Adult Mental Health services returned to take part in this year’s Sports 4 Health tournament.

Cheered on by a passionate crowd, 13 fi ve-a-side squads put their skills and fi tness to the test at Richard Dunn Sports Centre

for their chance to get their hands on the sought-after Sport 4 Health silverware.

Despite giving their all in a competitive opening, the group stages provided an early exit for nine teams. Skipton Road All Stars and WAM All Stars (last year’s champions) narrowly missed out on the fi nal after a hard fought battle in the semis, while successes throughout the day saw Bridge FC take on Mind A in the decider.

After a tense and thrilling game resulted in a surprising 0-0 draw, the teams headed for penalties to determine who would clinch victory. But it wasn’t long before Mind A netted the winner, sparking touchline celebrations and bringing the tournament to an emphatic close.

Philip Payne, goalkeeper for Mind A and player of the tournament, told Connections what the win meant to his team after the fi nal whistle.

He said: “To come out on top after all the matches is the best feeling. Everyone has had a brilliant day and really enjoyed

themselves. I’m so proud of everyone in the team - our practices every Wednesday have been worthwhile!

“We do want to give respect to Bridge FC though. They played an excellent game in the fi nal and didn’t deserve to lose.”

Set up by Sarfraz Khan, Senior Community Support Worker at Skipton Road Day Services, Sport 4 Health aims to inspire people to work together to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and improve physical and mental health through sport.

Sarfraz said: “The project promotes social inclusion by breaking down barriers to participation. It was great to see service users and staff from a range of diverse communities and cultural backgrounds supporting and participating in the fun event.”

Brian Charles, Senior Community Support Worker at Springfi eld Day Services, organised this year’s event in partnership with West Riding County Football Assocation.

He said: “The success and feedback from last year’s event meant we had no option but to make it an annual occurrence.

“Service users really enjoy it and it has so many benefi ts - encouraging teamwork and meeting new people are just a couple of them. We can’t wait for next year to come round!”

LEFT: The winning team, Mind A

15

Thanks to our Podiatry team’s work with Age Concern Bradford and District, older people in our area can now look forward to better feet.

“Happy Feet”, a volunteer nail cutting service, has been launched to help older people who have decreased mobility cut their toe nails.

After being trained in basic nail care techniques by our podiatrists, a number of volunteers are ready and waiting for clients at their base in Sunbridge Road, Bradford.

For a small fee of just £5, people who struggle to cut their own toe nails can now self-refer to the service and book appointments to suit their lifestyle. All potential clients will be assessed by a podiatrist on their fi rst visit to check the service is suited to their individual needs.

Chris D’Arcy, Podiatry Services Manager, said: “We’re really excited about the new service and are glad we are able to help older people in the area.”

The service launched with a celebration at Age Concern’s Headquarters and aims to give clients fl exibility while enabling podiatrists to target their skills more appropriately to those in Bradford and Airedale with complex health needs.

If you know of someone who would like to use the service, or require further information, please contact our Podiatry team on 01274 323966.

Happy Feet

ABOVE: Our Podiatry team and Age Concern celebrate the opening of the new service.

PICTURED: Helping a client

look after their feet.

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS & PLANNED CARE

16

CORPORATE SERVICES

We’ve all heard of Britain’s Got Talent, but now that’s left our screens for another year, we’re plugging the gap with our very own talent programme.Out go the dancing dogs, eye-popping artists and high-energy dance troupes and in come people with a passion for developing their own skills and improving our services.

Yes, Exciting Futures III is back and ready for another year of learning. The question is, are you?

Following great success in its fi rst two years, our award winning programme is going in search of a new cohort of candidates who want to develop their capability and talent in an aspirational and fun way.

Featuring a stimulating mix of learning opportunities based around a community/service improvement project, Exciting Futures guarantees you’ll learn like never before; out of the classroom and in situations you wouldn’t usually fi nd yourself in.

The talent development programme has so far helped 30 members of staff improve their interpersonal and time management skills, fuel their career prospects and learn how to be more effective at work. It could be your turn next!

Regardless of your job title, description, pay band or location, if you think you’ve got what it takes to take the next steps in your career, our Exciting Futures team wants to hear from you.

You don’t need to impress any judges nor do you need to perform in front of millions. All you need is a willingness to learn, aspirations to go further and a passion to develop. What are you waiting for?

For more information about Exciting Futures III, please contact Steve Keyes, Leadership and Organisational Development Manager, on 01274 363509.

DEVELOP YOUR REAL TALENT

FORGET

171

Take a look at page 26 to fi nd

out more about the project Lee

was involved in.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Why did you decide to take part in Exciting Futures?

My manager approached me with the idea and I thought it would be a good learning exercise and it looked like a great personal development opportunity.

We spoke about it and she agreed to put me forward for it - I haven’t looked back since!

What project did you do?I worked with the ‘Answersonapostcard’ group in Adult Mental Health services, we facilitated art workshops for service users. It was a totally new experience but I really enjoyed it. There’s a lot of planning involved in making workshops successful but seeing how much it helped service users and how much they enjoyed it made it all worthwhile. I feel really proud to have been able to make a difference.

Did you enjoy it?I did yes - most of it! Meeting new people was the best thing I enjoyed about it. You get used to doing your own day job and working with the same people, but working with people I wouldn’t usually (and people in suits!) really opened my eyes. They were a great bunch of people and we worked well together to make our project a success.

Were there any challenges?Yes - time! Trying to fi t it all in alongside my regular job and personal life was my biggest challenge but I learnt from that.

Do you think you’ve changed as a result?I probably have you know. I’m a lot more organised now - I even have a well kept diary these days! It’s also made me realise how much more there is going on in the Trust, and the opportunities that are available. My

aspirations have certainly grown and I’ve had a taste of other areas of services that I probably woulnd’t have considered in the past.

How has it helped you in your day-to-day job?

The main thing it’s helped me to do is see beyond my day job. I thoroughly enjoy what I do but Exciting Futures taught me a lot about the rest of the Trust too. I had the chance to experience a completely different service that I probably wouldn’t have taken notice of before. People tend to stick to their own service area or department, but getting out and about to other areas has given me a great insight. I also think the programme played a large part in my recent promotion.

What skills has the programme helped you improve?

Defi nitely my time management! But also my team working skills - I understand more about how my personality helps the role I play in a team.

Would you recommend Exciting Futures to others?

Of course! It’s an excellent programme to be involved in, you learn a lot while enjoying what you do. There’s no denying it can be hard work, but the results you see both in yourself and in the service your project is based are very rewarding.

What piece of advice would you give to people starting Exciting Futures III?

Look before you leap - make sure you can commit to the project you are allocated and it will all be worthwhile.

Connections took time out with a participant from Exciting Futures II to fi nd out what people on this year’s programme can expect.Here, Lee Parry (pictured right), Senior Development Worker in Learning Disabilities Services, shares his experience.

18

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS & PLANNED CARE

Carers week provides the perfect opportunity to let people know about the support we offer carers.

There are thousands of carers who dedicate their lives to looking after people in our community, often without any support, reward or recognition.Our dedicated team at Carers’ Connection Bradford reached out to carers during Carers Week to thank them for their invaluable contribution and let them know what support is available.

Jan Rhodes, Carers’ Support Co-ordinator, said: “We estimate there are 60,000 carers in Bradford but this fi gure may be much higher as many people don’t even realise they are a carer.

“Carers week provides the perfect opportunity to let people know about the support we offer carers. We hosted lots of events during the awareness week to recognise the huge contribution carers make to our society, saving the district on average £18,500 each per year*.”

Carers’ Connection Bradford is a service for any carer. We offer advice, activities, information and support. The emphasis is on helping carers ensure they have the support they need and encourage them to look after their own health and well-being.

The service’s annual survey results identifi ed the service helped carers to make positive lifestyle changes and over a quarter had found someone to talk to by accessing the service. Over half of all carers who completed the survey felt recognised and supported and more informed of the services available to them.

Jan added: “It’s really important carers across Bradford get in touch, as there’s lots of support we can offer.”

To fi nd out more about Carer’s Connection Bradford visit www.bdct.nhs.uk

*based on Carers UK and Leeds University 2011 fi gures

Support is at Hand for Carers

19

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS & PLANNED CARE

Elaine Booth (pictured Left) cares for; her mother who is agoraphobic with additional physical health needs, her husband who has degenerative disc disease and her son with Asperger Syndrome.

“You don’t plan to become a carer it just happens,” she said. “It’s

not a burden caring; I was looked after as a child and now it’s my time to care for others.”

As well as being a carer for the past fi ve years Elaine also has a voluntary job in a local charity shop.

“In some ways working is my ‘Elaine Time’ it helps take the stress away and gives me a break from caring. Caring does have its ups and downs, it can be tiring and really stressful but I also fi nd it very rewarding.

“Sometimes when the doors are closed at night you feel so alone but that’s getting better now since I recently found out about Carers’ Connection Bradford. I’ve realised other people are in similar situations to me.

“Not enough people talk about looking after other people. When you’re a carer you just get on with it, but people must be screaming out for support. I didn’t know there was any support for carers at fi rst but now I do and it’s really reassuring.”

Sara Abdulla (pictured below) is a mother, wife and carer for her father who has

psoriasis, a heart condition, angina, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other health conditions.

Sara said: “I’ve been a carer for the past 22 years for different family members and it’s been a real struggle fi ghting to fi nd the time I need.

“Working part-time at a school helps, but I still have to get up at 5.30am to prepare lunch for my father before I go to work. I come home during my breaks to tend to Dad.

“I never thought I’d be a carer I just became one. I was the youngest in the family and not married at the time so it became my responsibility to care. I do get recognition for what I do but it can often be an expectation of me. Now I know deep down in my heart I’ve done what’s required of me.

“Without the Support of Carers’ Connection Bradford I don’t think I’d be here now. I’ve been using the service for a few years. Knowing someone is there to listen is comforting and I also share my experiences with other carers. My support worker listens to me and helps me to access the information

I need. The service is so valuable to me.”

Speaking Out During Carers Week two carers took centre stage to speak out about ‘The True Face of Carers’ – the theme of the national week.

20

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

‘Mystery shoppers’ have helped bring a listening ear to our day-to-day telephone communications across our Adult Mental Health services.

Service user feedback is essential to make sure our services are of a high quality and that service users have a positive experience.

Every form of contact with our services whether it’s our website, face-to-face, email or over the phone helps people form impressions of our organisation.

Telephone communication is a vital part of how we communicate. We receive phone calls for a range of reasons including: people wanting to know about our services, visiting times, making appointments and receiving results.

According to previous research* telephone communication the

most preferred ‘fi rst method of contact’ by service users

and carers when they are trying to contact each

other (i.e. during admission) and when they seek to contact our

services with queries.

Helyn Aris, Governance Lead, said: “We wanted to look at the quality of our telephone communication from the perspective of those people who are most likely to be

affected by the response, that’s why we chose to use ‘mystery shoppers’.”

The ‘mystery shoppers’ were tasked with calling 27 of our sites and reporting back on their experience. Using a set list of questions, each ‘mystery shopper’ had to ask two questions which service users and carers may ask in a telephone conversation.

Questions asked were relevant to the service area. For example only in-patient areas were asked about visiting times and community mental health sites were asked about appointments.

Receivers response’s were scored based on their helpfulness and appropriateness.

Helyn continued: “We didn’t expect the responder to resolve our query; we expected a response which would seem acceptable

for the question asked or at least to be signposted in the right direction.

Connecting People

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

21

“It wasn’t about testing knowledge of staff it was about whether or not they could assist our queries in an empathetic and helpful manner to a number of questions they could encounter.”

The audit highlighted some excellent results. 19 out of 23 calls were answered in less than 20 seconds which is a very positive result when compared with national switchboard response times. Out of those people who answered the phone the majority were scored as ‘very professional’ when answering and the majority of queries were answered very appropriately.

There were also some areas highlighted we could improve on. Some people were put through to the wrong departments, felt rushed and hurried or not listened to.

Overall the audit demonstrates whilst there

are areas that can be improved the majority of calls answered were very prompt, responsive and empathetic to service users and carers needs when expressed via the phone.

Steve Gascoyne, Head of Operations Adult Mental Health Services, said:

“Service user feedback is essential to make sure our services are of a high quality and that service users have a positive experience.

“The ‘mystery shopper’ exercise will help us to develop our telephone communication to an even higher standard.”

* Mystery shopper exercise, telephone audit, Adult Mental Health Services, January 2011. (BDCT)

Congratulations to the Out-patients service South and West, Craven Centre and the A&E Liaison at Airedale Hospital. All three services scored the highest in the audit.

Here Avril Mount, Administration Services Manager

brings you the top fi ve tips for answering a call…

Smile when you pick up the phone - it lifts your voice

however you feel.

Introduce your service quickly but clearly (time is money and the person on

the other end of the phone is paying).

Always have pen and paper handy to take notes, and confi rm details back to caller before ending the call.

When you have to

put a call on hold - thank

the person for holding when you get back to them.

Keep your promises - if you say you will ring back, do! Along with this goes “do not over promise”.

22

CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS), a pilot project that works to improve the

emotional well-being of children and young people, is nearing the end of its fi rst year – with great results.

Focussing on the emotional, social and behavioural needs of children aged 5-13 years; TaMHS workers from our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

(CAMHS) have been raising awareness of

mental ill health and the help and support available.

Tong and Bradford Academy, Belle Vue Girls and the University Academy Keighley are the three

pilot schools benefi tting from the project, each receiving a

nominated TaMHS worker.

Working with school nurses and primary

mental health workers, TaMHS workers act as a one-stop shop for pupils’ emotional well-being needs and help teachers

improve their understanding of mental ill health through training.

But while the teachers benefi t from the advice and support of their TaMHS worker, it is the children and young people who gain the most.

Early results from the project show pupils now have more confi dence in themselves and school staff, are willing to discuss their feelings and diffi culties more freely with others and have greater access to the right mental health support they need, in a convenient location.

One pupil said: “My school TaMHS worker came into assembly and made sure everyone knew who she was, where she was based and how she could help.

“Not long after that she had some self-referrals so it just shows young people will go and get the help they need if they know it’s there.”

The work of the project has also been praised by Mark Vaughan, Head of Operations CAMHS.

He said: “After family, school is the most important environment in the lives of children and young people.

“Having TaMHS workers based in school environments has created an invaluable health-education link and is a great resource for the schools involved.”

A project that sees specialist mental health workers venture into the classroom has been given top marks by teachers and pupils.

Support in Schools Proves Successful

After family, school is the most important environment in the lives of children and young people.

23

CORPORATE SERVICES

Foundation Trust Update

Our bid for foundation trust status is the important next step for us as we work towards our fi ve year vision to become one of the country’s leading health and social care providers.

Your line manager will be talking to you more about FT over the coming months, but make sure you pick up the FT Connections Special, due out in October, for all the latest FT news, consultation events, information and case studies.

• They are public benefi t corporations – a legal entity based on mutual traditions.

• They are part of the NHS.

• They have members who are local people and hospital staff who decide they want to play a part in the future of their FT.

• They have a board of governors, made up of patients, staff, local people, elected by members,as well as local stakeholders.

• FTs have new fi nancial freedoms which means they can borrow and use surplus cash to reinvest in new services, equipment and innovations.

• They are not subject to central performance management – instead they have a new regulator,Monitor, to ensure they comply with strict governance and fi nancial rules.

• Anyone living in the area can become a member.

• Trust staff can become members.

• All trust patients and their carers can become members no matter where they live.

• The Board or council of governors is made up of both elected and appointed governors.

• More than half the Board is elected – with members electing other members as staff, patient and public representatives.

• Appointed governors include representatives of the local primary care trust, local authority, university (where the trust is a teaching hospital) and other local partner organisations.

• Launches 12 September - 5 December 2011

• Gives you the opportunity to fi nd out more about our FT plans.

• We will be asking you specifi cally about our future as a foundation trust.

• We will be seeking your views as a staff member on issues such as the structure of a new Board of Governors, which will include a number of staff representatives.

Who are the Members & Governors?

Our FT ConsultationWhat are Foundation Trusts (FTs)?

START

FINISH

FT Key Dates

13 week public consultation period 12 September - 5 December 2011

Formal application to the Department of Health20 June 2012

Assessment by Monitor (external regulator) 31 March 2012

Estimated approval date for FT status 1 April 2013

24

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The new Maplebeck Ward (previously Birchwell Ward) at Lynfi eld Mount Hospital has been updated to provide modern and clinically appropriate in-patient facilities for male service users who have transferred from the original Maplebeck Ward.

Featuring upgraded bedrooms, large wet rooms and a range of activity areas, the ward has been

transformed to further meet the needs of people in our services.

Sabrina Ramzan, Occupational Therapy Support Worker, said: “The new ward has such a friendly feel about it. It’s much more relaxed and more engaging for service users because the design of the ward has opened up

a lot more - people can see what’s going on and get involved in things they choose.”

A range of natural light inlets have been installed throughout the corridors, creating a

bright and airy feel, a feature that has been welcomed by staff and service users.

One service user said: “The amount of light that comes through to the ward makes it feel sometimes like you’re outside - I like that, it’s much fresher.”

Rob Armstrong, Project Manager, was part of the team that steered the project through to completion.

He said: “The relocation and transformation of the new Maplebeck Ward was very successful and on behalf of the re-design team I would like to thank everyone who worked collaboratively with us throughout the process.

“The effort and co-operation of staff has been much appreciated and has resulted in a fantastic new ward that will be of benefi t to service users for many years to come.”

Birchwell Ward, now known as ‘New Maplebeck’, is just the fi rst in our in-patient redesign project to be completed. The original Maplebeck Ward and Chellow Lodge are set to be refurbished next as we continue our commitment to providing high quality services.

The effort and co-operation of staff has been much appreciated and has resulted in a fantastic new ward.

One of our adult mental health wards has been offi cially re-opened after undergoing a major refurbishment.

All Change for Maplebeck

PICTURED: Staff welcome the refurbishment of the new Maplebeck Ward.

BELOW: Julian with his recent silver medal.

25

CORPORATE SERVICES

Achieve your Fitness Goal with Focus

With the Olympics fast approaching, there has never been a better time to get active. Here, one of our community mental health nurses, who also happens to be an international karate champion, shares his secret to sporting success.

Julian Tan, who works in our Older People’s services, has just returned from Lignano, Italy, with a silver medal from the karate 4th World Championships, and a black belt award from Shukokai Karate Union Instructor’s course in Spain.

Based at Daisy Hill House, Julian has fought his way to the top of his chosen sport by following a few key principles.

“Believe in yourself and your ability, train hard and don’t let others knock you down,” Julian said.

Whatever your sport or fi tness interest, Julian believes success can always be achieved, on a

personal or competitive level.

“Anyone can do sport,” he explains, “you just have to fi nd something you enjoy and have the right attitude towards it. It’s also very important that you do the sporting activity for yourself, not because someone else wants you to do it. Remember, the only person you have to prove something to is yourself.”

Julian also points out the importance of acknowledging

there will be good days and bad when training. He said: “If something doesn’t go too well one time, or you take a small step back, don’t worry. Be prepared to let it go, re-gain your focus and carry on in the right direction.”

The silver medallist is speaking out to encourage colleagues to get active and healthy during the summer months.

“Doing sport and eating healthy is key to improving health and fi tness levels. It’s also enjoyable so can be good for our mental health and well-being as well as physical health.

“I got to where I am today by believing, staying focussed and being committed. You can do it too,” Julian said.

If you would like to fi nd out more about health and well-being or the incentives available to you, please visit the well-being pages of the intranet or contact our Flexible Benefi t Advisor on 01274 228307.

If you are interested in practicing the art of Karate-DO with Julian, please visit: www.seishinryukarate.co.uk

26

LEARNING DISABILITY SERVICES

Art News Round-Up

FROM ME TO YOU One of our Exciting Futures II teams has kick-started an innovative project to support people with mental health problems.Answersonapostcard sees people create postcards in response to the question

“Can you imagine how I feel?”

Working closely with an art trainer people design their postcards through a range of art and craft techniques and write a personal message on the back, expressing how they are feeling.

People are then encouraged to share their postcards with others in the project. Through mailing work to and receiving work from peers it helps extend the informal support network between service users.

Organised in partnership between our Trust and Pioneer Projects, ‘Answersonapostcard’ helps increase self-esteem and develops artistic skills.

The postcards will take centre stage at an exhibition for World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2011.

ART EXPRESSIONS As part of our digital photography and fi ne art course adults with learning disabilities have learnt a range of artistic techniques including taking pictures, developing an awareness of framing and editing on the computer. Working closely with local artists, Tony O’Connell and Tim Curtis, the participants have also learnt to work together as a group and developed their drawing and painting skills. Our course has enabled the artists to use interesting art mediums to think about how they see things and how they can express their thoughts and feelings through art.

In July the participants showcased their works of art at an exhibition: Taking Photographs Making Art.

SPLASH OF COLOUR Thanks to service users from Strawberry Street Day Services, Level 4 at New Mill has been transformed with colour. Representing the journey every employee makes, the art has been mounted along the walls of the Human Resources offi ce. The fi rst canvass represents the different roads people can choose in life, the next portrays challenges faced, and the fi nal marks the pinnacle of careers, be it moving on to pastures new, or retiring.

The artwork looks fantastic so if you’re visiting New Mill please take time to have a look.

People who use our services have been showing us just how much creative talent they have got. From paintings to photography here’s a round-up of some of our great art projects.

27

WORDSEARCHGet in the mood for summer with this month’s coffee break competition. For your chance to win £30 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers, simply complete the word search and let us know which word is missing from the grid. Answers can be up, down, forwards, backwards or diagonal. When you have found the missing word, send it to us at communications@bdct.nhs.uk no later than Wednesday 14 September 2011 for your chance to win. Winners will be chosen at random and notifi ed after the closing date.

Good luck!

JUNE’SWINNERWell done to Kelly Smith, Staff Nurse for the Health Visiting team at Royds Healthy Living Centre. Kelly was randomly chosen as the winner of our spot the difference competition after correctly identifying six differences. Thank you to everyone else who entered. Try your luck again this month with our fun wordsearch.

OOPS! In the April edition of Connections we highlighted the major strides we are taking to provide positive environments and opportunities for all. We would like to apologise for an error in this article in which we suggested the Equity Partnership represented the views of all lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. The sentence should have said: ‘represented the views of some lesbian, gay and bisexual communities’. We apologise for any offence caused.

1. Holiday2. Beach3. Sun4. Ice Cream5. Barbecue

6. Picnic7. Swimming Pool8. Festival9. Wimbledon10. Shorts

11. Sunglasses12. Flower13. Plane14. Insect15. Garden

Coffee BreakH S V Y K W V W G U J V S A E T V

B U P C V M S T B W Y O I B A S G

E P W I M B L E D O N B A P M U K

H L R T N L X W F Z C R G T I N E

J K L W E H I L E P N L A Y U L H

U O E X C N O T L B A A R M P J N

S D U B L W H L F V U Z D R G M Q

E I C O E Y R B I D B R E B T H W

S S E R O E B T G D E B N M D O E

S A B A E T S C R M A N O S Q S A

A V R Y U E K V T X L Y L A E T R

L J A I F M U R N I P M V Q N R G

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N E M N L W H L R B Q U M F B H B

U K H L R I N S E C T T P U X S N

S J H C A E B N T K F W R L P M E

D H C B D J B N Q T E M A Z A W T

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B F A J T O P L D A N M J A L O E

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IMPROVEMENT“Improvingservices neverends.”

Alan WrightPhysiotherapist

Older People’s Mental Health Services

You and Your CareRespect, Openness, Improvement, Excellence, Together

Visit our values webpage at:www.bdct.nhs.uk