CONNECTIONS_June2012_WEB

School’S outTop tips for surviving the summer holidays - p18 & 19

JUNE 2012

You and Your Care

happy Birthday

to uS! Celebrating a decade of

services - p10 & 11

Exploring MEMoriES

Service users with dementia benefit from a ground-breaking project – p6 & 7

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In this Issue

FROM leFt tO RIght: team comms showing

their support for national smile month - Jayne Murphy, linzi Clark, Ben Cullimore

and Charlotte garrity

With the rain pouring, wind howling and passers-by fighting with their umbrellas, as we write this edition of Connections we’re beginning to wonder if we’re in for a ‘typical British summer’. Editorial deadlines mean we’re always a month or two ahead of the calendar edition, so looking out of the window now, in late April, doesn’t look too promising.

Not to let the weather get us down though, whatever it’s like outside when this edition reaches you, here’s what you’ve got to look forward to this month...

Following a successful opera performance from our Trust Choir last year, we visit the project that’s benefitted from the funds raised. Flick to pages 6 & 7 to see how we’ve worked with Opera North to help people with dementia spark memories from yesteryear.

Hannah Kidd, who joined us for a week’s work experience, met with Steven Jolly, nominee at this year’s ‘You’re a Star Awards’, to find out what he gets up to on a daily basis at Trust Headquarters. You can find out too on page 13.

And don’t worry if you’re a parent and are dreading the looming school holidays, our School Nursing team offer their best tips for a stress-free summer on pages 18 & 19.

As ever we’ve also packed in a whole host of other stories from around our Trust and given you the chance to win a family sized suncream pack in our Coffee Break competition on page 27.

Wishing you a pleasant, healthy (and sunny) summer,

Communications TeamIf you require this document in a larger text format please contact the Communications Team.the cover image was kindly taken by Becs Andrews - www.becsandrews.com

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p6

p10 p14

p24

What’s Inside?p6 Exploring Memories

p8 Meet the Team: Continence Services

p10 Happy Birthday to Us!

p14 The Hub Unveiled

p18 School’s Out

p23 Thornton gets Productive!

p24 i2i - How Service Users are Shaping our Services

linzi ClarkComms Assistanttel: 01274 228351email: [email protected]

Ben CullimoreMulti-Media Designertel: 01274 228173email: [email protected]

Jayne MurphySenior Comms Managertel: 01274 363551email: [email protected]

Charlotte garrityActing Comms Managertel: 01274 228174 email: [email protected]

to ‘like’ our facebook page, visit: facebook.com/bdct02

Follow us on twitter for the latest news: @Bradford_DCT

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!

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TRIO JOInTRusT BOaRd We also welcomed three new additions to our Trust Board during April. Dr Andy McElligott joined us as Medical Director in replacement of Dr Steve Hopker who has retired.

Andy, who previously held the same position at the Primary Care trust, said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the Trust at such a pivotal and exciting time. I’m looking forward to meeting new colleagues and renewing acquaintances with previous ones. I believe my experience, both at Board level and as a community based doctor will help the Trust realise its ambition of becoming one of the country’s leading providers of integrated care.”

Simon large, Chief executive, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Andy to the Trust on behalf of all our staff. He brings with him a wealth of experience having been an active GP in the community for more than 10 years.”

Two new Non-Executive Directors have also been appointed: Ralph Coyle (pictured below left), who has been working for us as a special advisor for the past four years, and Dr Susan Butler (pictured below right) who joins us from NHS Hull where she was Medical Director.

ChaIRmanReTIRes At the end of April we said goodbye to our Chairman, Barry Seal, who retired after nearly five years on our Trust Board.Since joining us in 2007 Barry has been involved in a number of changes across Bradford and the NHS as a whole. In the last year alone he has overseen the successful transfer of community health services staff into the organisation and the transfer of Learning Disabilities services to other local providers under the Section 75 Partnership Agreement.

he said: “I am proud to have led the Board through this period of change and believe that the Trust is in a strong position to successfully apply for Foundation Trust status. Our efforts are now beginning to receive greater recognition externally, with the Trust winning a number of prestigious awards over the last couple of years.“

The search is on for Barry’s successor and as of 1 May 2012 Mike Smith, Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair, took up the post of Acting Chair until an appointment is made.

News in Brief

PICtUReD: Mike Smith and Barry Seal

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IT’s OffICIal - OuR healThVIsITORs aRe ‘BaBy fRIendly’Our Health Visiting teams, led by Sam Britton, have achieved Baby Friendly Stage One accreditation for their work in supporting and giving information to new mums on breastfeeding.The UNICEF initiative is an internationally recognised programme which provides support and guidance to improve breastfeeding rates and ensure high standards of care for pregnant women, breastfeeding mums and babies.

Kim Atkinson, Breastfeeding Champion, said: “Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. It not only helps to prevent illnesses such as osteoporosis and breast and ovarian cancers in mum, it also protects baby from gastroenteritis, diabetes, asthma, eczema and ear infections.

“Our breastfeeding cafés are a great way to get new mums socialising and seeing other mums breastfeeding encourages them to do the same.”

Thanks to Public Health funding all health visitors at our Trust have been provided with a doll and knitted breast to demonstrate good positioning and attachment.

Our teams are now working towards stage two which will involve the assessment of staff skills and knowledge.

makeOVeR fORmemBeRs’magazIne! Our Foundation Trust (FT) members’ magazine has been given a makeover to make it more accessible, informative and relevant to our 8,000-strong FT members. Previously called ‘Membership Matters’, the magazine has been re-launched with a new name, a new look and new features.

‘Your Health’ will still be sent to members quarterly, but will benefit from fresh features including: Your Experts; Your Story and Your Say.

Every edition will look at the Trust’s hottest topics and services from different angles - our first edition, launched in April, kick-started with an Older Peoples’ special. Next in the pipeline is a Children and Young Peoples’ special, which will be followed by an Adult Health edition.

Stella Jackson, Foundation trust Membership and governance Manager, said:

“Communicating with our members is really important. This revamped magazine will not only help us tell them about FT-related news, but will also provide them with important health information, right on their doorstep.”

The flagship edition of Your Health is out now. If you wish to read it please contact Stella on 01274 363552 or visit www.bdct.nhs.uk/ft

eaTIng dIsORdeRspeCIalIsTs pRaIsed A team of eating disorder specialists from our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) received special recognition at the Eating Disorders International Conference in London. Thanks to a nomination from a young person who had previously used the service, the team was a finalist in the ‘Clinical Team of the Year’ category at the Beat Awards, which recognise people who have shown an outstanding commitment to the cause of beating eating disorders.

Mark Vaughan, head of Operations CAMhS, said: “We were delighted to have been nominated for such an award – it’s testament to the hard work of the team who continually strive to deliver excellence for children and young people in Bradford.”

Well done to all those who contribute to supporting children and young people with eating disorders locally.

BelOW: Kim demonstrates the correct technique to a new mum at one of our breastfeeding cafés.

ABOVe: Kim and some of the new mums at one of our breastfeeding cafés.

OlDeR PeOPle’S MeNtAl heAlth SeRVICeS

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Exploring MemoriesThis spring we teamed up with Opera North in a unique project to explore the positive impact the arts can have on the lives of people with dementia.

Staff from our Older People’s Mental Health Services (OPMHS) worked alongside professional artists to explore memories with service users diagnosed with dementia.

The idea behind the eight week project was to use singing, music and storytelling to provoke powerful memories and stimulate the mind.

Ten service users and their companions attended the sessions to take part in activities designed to spark feelings and images from their past. Sounds, sights, textures and even smells were used to aid reminiscence.

Sessions were themed and the first week saw a shoreline recreated complete with sand, buckets and spades and even old fashioned swimsuits to transport participants back to a time they’d visited the seaside. They also acted out the story of ‘Arthur and the Lion’ as portrayed by Stanley Holloway.

A wedding and christening were recreated where people took on the roles of the vicar and bride etc. Games like pass-the-parcel and pin the tail on the donkey were played in the birthday session and the group even held an assembly and sports day for the school days theme.

The opera company went out of their way to make things authentic by sourcing props for each theme including original clothing from the fifties/sixties,

an old school bell, shaving brushes, curling tongs, postcards, wedding hats and buttonholes.

And it was worth the effort, according to Sarah McWatt, education Producer at Opera North. She said: “Being able to see and hold items they recognised from their past was a powerful trigger for the participants. For the going out theme we even managed to find a perfume that some of the ladies in the group actually used

to wear; it was really evocative.”

Everyone got involved whether acting out roles, singing, reciting poetry or retelling stories.

Sarah added: “The response to the sessions was fantastic, the couples all had a passion for music and drama

which made it all the more fun. I’ve been really impressed by their talent and enthusiasm.”

eileen Murdoch took part as a companion of someone with dementia, she said:

“Wonderful. You made a difference to our lives”

In the last three sessions each couple’s personal story was brought to life through photos and the storytelling skills of one of the professional artists.

They also learnt and performed songs handpicked by members of the group for having a significant impact on their life.

Wonderful. You made a difference to our lives.

OlDeR PeOPle’S MeNtAl heAlth SeRVICeS

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Exploring Memorieslinda tomlinson, Allied health Professionals lead for OPMhS, says there’s been a lot of research carried out into the benefits of singing: “The sense of well-being through singing is widely recognised and some people who can’t actually speak are still able to sing because it uses a different part of the brain. Where communication is an issue it can be a great release and a very positive experience.”

Those taking part will have a lasting memory of the project as a book is being created for them with their photographs in and some of the texts they’ve been working with during the sessions.

As well as being a truly enjoyable and therapeutic experience for all those taking part, staff and service users alike, the feedback from the sessions will be evaluated by researchers from The University of Bradford.

Fantastic. The sessions engaged everyone at different levels. The time always passed so quickly. Becky Steel

It’s been brilliant. I love the joining in. It always feels like I’ve had a good afternoon. Geoffrey Hepworth

Feedback from companions of people attending with dementia:

Dr. Sarah Jane Smith, lecturer in Dementia Studies and member of Bradford Dementia group, said: “The evaluation will help us to better understand the impact of this type of project on the well-being of people with dementia and their companions. The findings will help guide the development of similar community based projects in the future.”

linda added: “I would like to thank our staff for their enthusiastic participation which made the project possible.”

The project was funded by a night of opera we held with Opera North last summer, which saw staff and service users form a choir for an impressive one-off performance at the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds, raising a fantastic £4000.

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AllIeD heAlth PROFeSSIONAlS & PlANNeD CARe SeRVICeS

From bladders to bowels, our Continence Service is helping make life that little bit easier for local people experiencing incontinence.

Based at Eccleshill Clinic but usually found out and about in the community, the team works with a range of health care professionals including district nurses, gynaecologists, urologists and physiotherapists, to help those with incontinence maintain their dignity and improve their quality of life.

Whether that’s through education, to patients or other professionals, providing quality products to assist with incontinence or simply raising awareness of the condition, the team is on a mission to make a positive difference locally.

Kath Wilkinson, Nurse Consultant and Service Manager said: “We see people across the district for a number of reasons. Incontinence can often be as a result of child birth, infection or other illness such as dementia, but sometimes it’s simply the result of bad habits, for example drinking too much fluid.*

“Whatever the reason we work with the individuals, and others

involved in their care if necessary, to make them more comfortable and improve their symptoms.”

While many of the patients the team see are otherwise healthy, they also work with people who have spinal injuries or long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

Our latest figures suggest a 60% success rate in patients being cured or at least improving, and the team hopes to further improve the service by creating new pathways into the service for men, and those specifically with bowel problems.

Kath said: “Although not everyone can be cured, incontinence is a very treatable condition and as with most things, the earlier it’s treated the better.”

“The last thing we want is people to suffer in silence so please do see your GP if you notice any symptoms in yourself or someone you care for.”

To help raise awareness of incontinence the service has developed two e-learning modules for all health care staff in Bradford,

which is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing.

For more information about the modules and how to access them, please contact Carolyn Pinder on 01535 295647.

Did you know one in three women suffer from incontinence at some point in their lives? Connections met our Continence Service to find out more.

Continence Service

Meet the Team:

Symptoms:1. Are you going to the

toilet more than normal?

2. Do you have desperate, uncontrollable urges to use the loo?

3. Do you leak when you cough, sneeze or exercise?

4. Do you have pain when passing urine?

5. Are you constipated or do you suffer from bowel leakage?

If you answered yes to any of the above please visit your GP to see if you need to be referred to the team.

*Daily recommendations suggest a typical, healthy adult has 1.5 - 3 litres of fluid a day).

PICtUReD: Our

Continence team

ADUlt MeNtAl heAlth SeRVICeS

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Continence Service

Dr Suzanne Heywood-Everett, Clinical Psychologist Consultant, was one of the speakers at the Eating Disorders International Conference 2012. She presented a workshop alongside Ursula Philpot, a Senior Dietitian at Leeds Metropolitan University, and a service user from their research group.

Titled ‘Feedback Informed Treatment: The Practical Management of Eating Disorders through Group Based Mindful Eating experiences’, it was very well received by professionals from across the globe, service users and carers. So much so that it is going to be used to help people on the other side of the world!

The research group, for people with severe and enduring eating disorders, saw twelve people take part in ten sessions which aimed to improve their relationship with food. All participants had anorexia nervosa, and had suffered with it for longer than six years.

Suzanne says she and Ursula combined approaches from both Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindful Eating.

She said: “This approach has been used in previous studies to help people with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.”

“For people with anorexia nervosa eating can be a traumatic experience. The group were encouraged to focus on being present with awareness of eating rather than engaging with thoughts and difficult sensations; it’s about eating mindfully, not mindlessly.”

Each participant had their own individual goal, from being able to drink in front of other people to eating a high calorie food, such as a chocolate brownie.

Suzanne explains: “The sessions focused on regular meditations and food challenges leading up to a popular ‘café experience’ where they incorporated mindfulness exercises to manage their anxiety and distress during eating.”

The findings were extremely promising and a significant number of those taking part said how helpful they had found the group and that they wished there had been more sessions.

Suzanne added: “The group helped them feel that food was food and that they were able to not get caught up with thoughts about ‘getting fat’ and that these were ‘just thoughts, not facts’.”

The outcomes from the group are now being externally evaluated by Teesside University, with the intention of publication.

A number of the delegates at the conference were interested in replicating the research group including a director

of an eating disorder service in Brisbane, Australia. As a result Suzanne and Ursula will be supporting the implementation of a new research group there.

Suzanne said: “I’m so excited by the promising findings from this group and I am really pleased that it will be replicated in Australia and hope that more people suffering with anorexia nervosa can benefit.”

When one of our consultants took to the stand at a recent conference, she had no idea it would take her research work down under!

Consultant to Shape Eating Disorder Services in Australia

The group helped them feel that food was food and that they were able to not get caught up with thoughts about ‘getting fat’

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CORPORAte SeRVICeS

Happy Birthday to Us!This year marks our tenth birthday. To celebrate Connections went to meet staff who have been here since the start to find out what’s changed over the last decade…

Although not too much has changed we have got better equipment. That obviously helps us all do a better job! Tony Webster (left), Gardener

Nowadays our service is all about fitting the service around service users, not the people around the service. We have a very person centred approach to caring for those who use our service, and from a staff perspective we’re really listened to by our managers now which is great. Lee Wood (right), Occupational Therapy Support Worker

It’s great to think we’ve been here from the beginning! Although there have been many changes during the last ten years I believe they’ve all been for the better and with one goal in mind – improving service user care. Tasleem Akhtar (left), Assistant Ward Manager

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CORPORAte SeRVICeS

Happy Birthday to Us! Our service has become

much more specialised over the last ten years – we’re meeting people’s individual needs more now, and we’ve got more people on our books than ever before – it’s great! Carl Challinor (left), Library Resources Officer

A lot has changed since 2002 but it’s nice when people still come in with a smile after all these years. Maureen Frudd (left), Receptionist

We know staff across our organisation do fantastic work day in and day out but our tenth anniversary is a perfect opportunity to take a step back and reflect on this. On that note I’d like to thank each and every one of you for all your hard work, dedication and commitment to providing high quality services. Simon Large (right), Chief Executive

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SAlARIeD DeNtAl SeRVICeS

As well as raising awareness about the effects smoking and alcohol can have on teeth and gums, the team carried out a toothbrush swap at Buttershaw School in Bradford, where pupils were encouraged to bring in their old brushes in exchange for a sparkly new replacement. There was also a celebrity smile competition with the chance to win an electric toothbrush.

Sharon Walker, Oral health Promotion Deputy Manager, said: “We’ve chosen to target this age group this year as research shows they are less likely to visit their dentist and often skip tooth brushing.”

Staff also handed out ‘smileys’ to reinforce the three key messages of the annual campaign, all of which go a long way to improve oral health in the UK:

Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Sharon added: “The smileys are great fun, make everyone smile and also remind people how to take

care of their teeth. But they do have an important message too. It may sound like basic advice but 25 per cent of adults don’t brush twice a day and nearly a third have tooth decay.”

Happy National Smile Month from the Salaried Dental Service!

In celebration of National Smile Month (20 May - 20 June) staff from our Salaried Dental Service have been out and about spreading oral health messages amongst local 16 - 18 year olds.

SMILE!

Has Your Smile Got a Sparkle?You can improve your oral health by: Cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day. Using a mouthwash as part of your regular oral health routine.

Chewing sugar-free gum in between meals to help protect your teeth throughout the day. Cleaning dentures twice a day, if you wear them.

It’s National Smile MonthPICtUReD: Staff get in the spirit

of the month with their ‘smilieys’.

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CORPORAte SeRVICeS

What does your job involve? My main role is to ensure that the Conference

Centre runs as smoothly as possible. I’m responsible for managing room bookings and setting them up for training and meetings and I provide support for any audio visual equipment that might be needed. I’m also responsible for parking permits and security swipe cards at New Mill and I’m the editor for the Facilities service newsletter.

But you also take on a lot of other responsibilities outside your main job description don’t you?

Yes that’s right, I guess you could say I’m taking on more of a Facilities role for New Mill. If there are any problems around the building, from lights to plumbing, I’m a point of contact for getting those sorted. I’m also responsible for organising stalls on Level 5, which involve fundraising for service user projects. And I’m about to start hosting fire training!

Wow you’re involved in a lot. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I get a lot of satisfaction from my job. I enjoy helping people and ensuring they get what they need. I also like the fact that I get to meet so many different people – you’ve definitely got to be a people person in my role. The variety of work I get to do is great too; I’m constantly doing new things and no two days are the same.

And at the other end of the scale, what do you find most challenging?

It can be very demanding at times. Things have to run smoothly and I often have to look ahead and predict what hurdles might occur so I can prevent them before they happen.

How did it feel to be nominated at the Star Awards this year?

To be nominated and be there on the night was an honour. It was great to see the work from everyone within the organisation being recognised and I was really humbled. In my eyes all of the people nominated were winners.

Often found up on the top floor of Trust HQ, Steven Jolly is always on hand to help you out – and never without a smile. As the Training and Conference Co-ordinator for New Mill he’s also often the first point of contact for a wide number of people. As an award nominee at this year’s ‘You’re a Star Awards’ we caught up with him to find out more about his role…

Thank you to Hannah Kidd for writing this story whilst with our team on work experience.

Jolly by Name, Jolly by Nature

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UnveiledMaplebeck Ward unveiled the unique environment, known as The Hub, after working with community arts organisation Heads Together.

They developed the new concept for the adult male ward, based at Lynfield Mount Hospital, after meeting with service users to gain inspiration.

During initial discussions service users were asked what they’d like to get out of the space and one service user replied:

“I’d like to know how to get better and get out of here.” It was this response that fuelled the creative thinking of Heads Together into developing a wall-based journey for service users to engage with.

Based around a maple theme, the visual space acts as an information brochure; simple text and imagery highlight important topics for service users to follow and understand. It also features large murals, a thought gallery, comfy seating and interactive wall-mounted audio that describes to service users the different health professionals they may come into contact with on admission to the ward.

In a time of crisis, service users need accessible information delivered to them in an appropriate manner. Judging by feedback from men on the ward, The Hub is ticking all the right boxes.

One service user said: “It’s good because you can see four different stages on the walls and it gives an

end in sight for us all. It’s awesome and we want to look after it because it’s nice.”

Another said: “On the last wall there are notes from people who have been on the ward before. Because they’re not here anymore it shows us people do get better and go home. That will be me one day.”

While the concept was developed by Heads Together, it was a real team effort by all involved to get The Hub to where it is today. Staff and service users rolled their sleeves up to get stuck in with making individual maple leafs, which now adorn the surrounding walls, and service

users worked with a writer to develop text for the space.

Jaki Vaughan, Ward Manager, said: “Heads Together took everyone’s ideas and comments on

A former nurses station has been transformed into a new creative space thanks to the imagination of service users, staff and artists.

The Hub

We had a great response from staff who were genuinely interested in how our creative ideas could help them in doing a better job.

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board and translated them into the fantastic space we have before us today.

“Everyone was thrilled to be involved in the development of The Hub and we couldn’t be any more pleased with the end result. In a time of crisis the area can be used to reflect, interact or socialise with others – it’s brilliant.”

Adrian Sinclair, heads together Creative Director, said: “We’ve really enjoyed the experience; we had a great response from staff who were genuinely interested in how our creative ideas could help them in doing a better job, and service users were willing to participate and answer our many questions.

“What we’ve been able to produce is the result of a real partnership approach and I am very proud of the look and feel of the newly-designed area. The best thing is seeing people using and enjoying what was a bit of an empty space. We’re looking forward to doing more work across the Trust.”

Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Hub completes Maplebeck’s recent refurbishment to provide modern and clinically appropriate in-patient facilities.

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AllIeD heAlth PROFeSSIONAlS & PlANNeD CARe SeRVICeS

Philip Thurgood was left unable to walk and in a significant amount of pain when he contracted a bad leg infection. That was until our team of specialist nurses and health care assistants got involved.

Our Tissue Viability team, which works across the district to provide advice and support in wound management, worked with Philip for four months to help him overcome swelling, infection and wounds to his lower legs and get moving again.

And it wasn’t long until Philip felt fit enough and ready to take part in the Sport Relief Mile to raise money for a number of charities in the UK and Africa.

Philip said: “I found it almost impossible to find the words to thank the service for all their kindness and professionalism over the last few months but really wanted to do something to say thank you and show how far I’ve come.

“Even though doing the mile was challenging, nerve-wracking and emotional, it was certainly a proud experience. To top it off, knowing I’ve raised more than £1000 makes it all the more worthwhile.”

Although he wasn’t quite quick enough to beat the world record holder for the fastest mile in 3 minutes and 43 seconds, Philip crossed the finish line in an impressive 27 minutes, much to the delight of family, friends and staff in our Tissue Viability service.

lorraine Oxborough, tissue Viability Service Manager, said:

“Taking part in the Sport Relief Mile to raise money for charity is a lovely way of celebrating his fantastic progress. The whole team is delighted for Philip and wish him well as he continues his recovery.”

A patient who received valuable support from our Tissue Viability service has taken part in the national Sport Relief Mile to show he’s well on the road to recovery.

one Big achievementOne Mile,One Man,

Philip and his wife Jo also wish to thank Haworth District Nurses and the Oakworth Road Health Centre Leg Clinic for all their help and support.

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Liz, Project Officer in our Involvement and Equality team, received the ‘Most Dynamic LGB&T Champion’ award for passionately and effectively championing the rights and interests of LGB&T people locally.

liz said: “Sometimes we are unaware of the degree of discrimination LGB&T people may have experienced in health care settings and LGB&T staff’s discomfort in our working environments – it’s important we continue to work for a brighter future.”

The awards were the fourth annual event from The Equity Partnership; a charitable organisation that represents the views and needs of some LGB&T communities in Bradford.

More than 100 guests attended the glitzy event at the Midland Hotel, which was hosted by singer-songwriter

Belinda O’Hooley and Yorkshire-born author Paul Burston.

After scooping the top award, which now stands proudly in the trophy cabinet at New Mill, liz said: “We still have a long way to go but the award is great recognition and an important way to say thank you to all those people who contribute to equality, in particular our network members. I do not work in isolation, but as one cog in a wheel – this award is for everyone.”

The Equity Partnership’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGB&T) awards proved to be a huge success earlier this year, in particular for our very own Liz Parsons, who won a top award for the second year in a row!

She’s done it Again!

CORPORAte SeRVICeS

Thank you to Hannah Kidd for writing this story whilst with our team on work experience.

PICtUReD: liz Parsons with her award

The award is great recognition and an important way to say thank you to all those people who contribute to equality.

ChIlDReN & FAMIlY SeRVICeS

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Routine! You’ve spent ages getting your child into a daily routine; don’t let the holidays ruin your hard work. Late nights are no good for anyone and skipping meals or missing baths will make your job as parent/carer even harder come September.

Plan Having an idea of when you’ll do something gives the kids something to look forward to and you something to plan for. Whether that’s a day at the seaside that requires travel and picnic planning or booking tickets for the cinema – being prepared can do wonders.

Carry on Don’t feel like a bad parent/carer if your child occasionally has to fit in around your plans. A trip to the bank or doing the weekly shop might not seem like your child’s idea of fun but it still has to be done. Instead, make it an adventure and you’re sure to generate enthusiasm.

Boredom doesn’t killYour child might think it does, but there’s no evidence to suggest so, so don’t feel you have to entertain them from dawn til dusk.

Mix it upOffer a mixture of organised activities but make sure your child has some free time available for ‘creative’ play. Children need a certain amount of unstructured time to learn to amuse themselves - you’ll be surprised at just how creative they can be!

Watch the pennies There are plenty of activities you can do without it costing the earth including board games, baking, bike rides, walks, trips to the park and feeding the ducks. Also, collect coupons or discount vouchers for popular attractions.

With the school holidays fast approaching, our School Nursing team shares their top tips for a stress-free* summer for mums, dads and carers across our region.

School’s out!

* Our School Nursing team and Connections takes no responsibility for the failure of these tips!

ChIlDReN & FAMIlY SeRVICeS

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Eat! It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget meals if you’re in the middle of exciting activities. You may all get grumpy or lethargic very quickly if you haven’t eaten properly and that can lead to bad behaviour and irritability. Holidays can also see an increase in sweets and junk food, but that won’t help either so try limit this where possible or substitute for healthy snacks instead.

Socialise Arrange to meet up with other children and their parents - it will be good for everyone. They’ll have playmates and you’ll have adult company and conversation which is vital if you’re to survive the summer holidays.

Stay safe If your child has a medical condition, for example is asthmatic, encourage continued use of their inhaler/medication throughout summer. This will really help prepare them for going back to school in September – a time when asthma attacks and general infections are known to rise.

Chore-tasticUnfortunately household chores still need to be done, but if they’re old enough make the most of eager little helpers. Washing up, sweeping floors and dusting all help get the job done faster and teach them life skills.

School’s out!

TAlk To Someone

There’s no shame in struggling to cope. Call a friend you can trust or speak with other parents. Chances are they’re going through the same thing and will appreciate a chat as much as you do.

GeT ouT

Leaving the house for a walk, alone or with the family, can sometimes be enough to change your mood completely. Fresh air helps to clear your head and exercise can do wonders for mental well-being.

BreATHe Taking deep breaths can help your body relax. If you feel stress or anger taking over, try and escape to another room (if your child’s safe on their own) and take a few minutes to calm down.

And if you’ve tried all those and still feel like you’re going to explode…

CORPORAte SeRVICeS

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– it works for me!

PICtUReD: Dawn ‘clocks on’ using her new smart card

eRostering is coming soon to a service near you! Connections went to meet a member of staff piloting the new system, to see how it’s changing her working life.Dawn Thomas-Fleming, Deputy Manager of the North, Airedale and Craven Intensive Home Treatment Team (IHTT), was one of the first to get access to Rosterpro Central (the new electronic system for producing and managing staff rotas).

She’s what we call a ‘super user’ for her 26 strong team of nurses, social workers and support workers as well as the 19 staff in the City South and West team. That means she’s the go-to person for training and any issues with the system.

The IHTT offer a 24/7 service working with acutely ill people requiring regular contact with services, sometimes daily. They arrange early discharges from the wards and take urgent referrals from GPs and A&E, often for people who have not had contact with mental health services before.

When Connections meets Dawn the first batch of rotas have just

eRostering

There will be more equality across the shifts and timesheets will soon be a thing of the past.

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CORPORAte SeRVICeS

– it works for me!come through and there are admittedly a few teething problems with staff not getting the preferences they asked for, but Dawn is confident these can be ironed out.

“It’s in its infancy,“ she says, “and I can already see the benefits it will bring. Staff will be getting their rotas four to six weeks in advance, there will be more equality across the shifts and timesheets will soon be a thing of the past.”

The eRostering team is working closely with managers to tailor the system to their needs, so when Dawn’s team log-in to make shift requests they can select shift patterns that reflect their own; such as early, mid, late, night and twilight.

Dawn says staff like the flexibility: “You can check to see who else has requested shifts or days off before you submit your own request.”

Managers have identified their staffing requirements, so the system knows how many staff members of what grade you need on any given shift, making it quicker and easier to create rotas.

Dawn thinks being able to access the system from home will be a big hit with staff: “They’ll be able to put in their shift preferences there and then, even when they’re on annual leave and they won’t have to ring in to work to find out what shifts they’re on.”

Rosterpro Central also keeps a track of how many annual leave days you have left and whether you are owed or owe time.

Staff ‘clock-on’ to their shift using a smart card and soon those starting the day away from the office out on a visit, will be able to log in via telephone.

A big plus point for the IHTT is the increased security it offers to lone workers, in the form of a new safeguarding system. If a staff member is visiting a client at their home, who they feel may be high risk they will be able to check-in on their mobile device to say they have arrived and tell the smart system when they are expecting to check back in. If they don’t an alert is sent directly to the shift co-ordinator.

Dawn says: “Luckily I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve felt a risk to my own personal safety in this role, but it’s very reassuring to know that safety net is there.”

We’re told the main benefit from eRostering is an improved work/life balance leading to a boost in staff morale, job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism. While it’s too early to say if this is the case for Dawn and her team, she certainly gives it the thumbs up!

If you have a question about eRostering, email [email protected]

By September more than 500 members of staff will have been trained up on the new system. Other teams should have access before April 2013.

When Will You Get erostering?

22


Thanks to the donation from Janet Brown, in-patients on Heather Ward at the Airedale Centre for Mental Health now have a colourful new addition on the main corridor.

After spending time with staff and service users at the facility earlier this year, Janet presented the flowery artwork to the ward in recognition of the work that goes on.

Janet said: “The work staff do on the wards is remarkable; I saw them transform the lives of people locally.”

During her time spent with the ward, Janet updated a section of the visitor room with alphabet inspired art to make it more child-friendly and participated in art workshops with service users.

She continued: “Often people don’t get recognition for the work they do, but I

wanted to do something to show appreciation for the care and support they give people at the centre.”

The artwork, which was done with acrylics, represents the ward’s colour of purple; matching the duvets, curtains and soft furnishings.

thabani Songo, heather Ward Manager, said: “It’s always nice to hear positive comments about the staff and facilities, but to receive a piece

of artwork that will visibly last for many years to come is a lovely gesture and we really appreciate it.”

A local artist has donated a piece of work to one of our Adult Mental Health wards after seeing first-hand the positive work we do.

DonationBrightens Ward

The work staff do on the wards is remarkable; I saw them transform the lives of people locally.

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lOW SeCURe SeRVICeS

PICtUReD: Jessica Barraclough & Vikki garwood have helped roll out the programme on thornton Ward.

RIght: Vikki’s pleased with the transformation of the clinic room.

We’d heard about the Productive Ward series for some time and could see the benefits it was bringing to others, but for one reason or another we never

quite got it off the ground at first, until one quiet night shift sparked enthusiasm.

Flicking through the Productive Ward guidebook I started to realise that with a bit of time we could make small changes that would have big results.

It didn’t take us long to start work on some of the modules, and when we soon saw the positive impact it was having on our daily work we kept the changes coming. Simple things like putting photographs on cupboards to show what is inside them makes a huge difference, and it’s so much easier for staff to find things.

Another big improvement for us, and one of my favourites, is the transformation of the ward’s clinic room. It’s so much more tidier and everything has its own place. It’s a much nicer environment to work in.

Service users too are benefitting which is obviously really important. Because of the time we now save on duties that previously took a while, we can spend more time with them. And they now sit in on shift handovers and tell us what’s been going well and where we could improve. It really is fantastic.

Seeing the way everyone works now is completely different to twelve months ago. It’s really motivating to see things improving; so much so we’ve dedicated a whole wall to our efforts on the way into the ward. That way we can see how we’re doing, but so can everyone else – visitors, colleagues, service users. It’s

really inspiring.

We’re fortunate that we’re located next to the Assessment and Treatment Unit (a unit for people with learning disabilities) as they’re well on the way with Productive Ward and give us something to aim for. Janet Barker, Ward Clerk at the unit, has been great, working with us to get things off the ground, as has Krishnakumar Nair, Productive Lead.

For those teams perhaps thinking about getting started with Productive Ward or Productive Community Services, the main thing I’d say you need is support from your managers. Ours, Jas Chatterton and Grainne Eloi, Modern Matron, have been behind us from day one and that’s been so important. Their support has been fantastic and we couldn’t have done it without

them – it’s been a real team effort from everyone though and I’m so proud of what we’re now achieving.

With the Productive Ward programme continuing to go from strength-to-strength across the Trust, one of our Low Secure wards has become the latest in a line of many to benefit. Vikki Garwood, Health Care Assistant on Thornton Ward, explains…

Thornton gets Productive!

The time we now save on duties that previously took a while, we can spend more time with them.

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PICtUReD: Members of the i2i Network (l-R) Peppy, Pauline, Stuart, Sue and Keith

In June 2011 the i2i (Introduction to Involvement) Network was born. A year on Connections went to meet Sue Wilde, former service user and one of those behind the group.Last summer Sue, Senior Service User Development Worker, helped set up the i2i Network for service users taking part in involvement activities in our Adult Mental Health Services.

The group was formed on the back of a successful event at the Cellar Project, which saw more than 40

service users attend to find out about involvement and training opportunities at our Trust as well as information about partner organisations such as Sharing Voices and BAMHAG (Bradford and Airedale Mental Health Advocacy Group).

Sue says the idea behind the group was to encourage people to network: “It was set up as a peer support group for those taking part in involvement activities at the Trust to form social networks, for them to share their experiences and talk through any issues or suggestions. Ultimately though the aim is to improve practice.”

i2i - How Service Usersare Shaping our Services

It’s a great way to meet people and it opens up the door to other opportunities.

25


involvement activities include:

Service users already taking part in involvement activities who wish to join the network can email Sue at [email protected]

Staff wishing to find service users to get involved can contact Sara Firth, who runs a database of service users interested in involvement: [email protected] or 01274 770118.

i2i - How Service Usersare Shaping our Services Years have passed!

Wow what a blast Involvement Opportunities came to me at last Someone to talk to And give me some hope.

Involvement Opportunities pushed me forward Ok, it was me just being awkward – I wanted to try, but was too shy until… Involvement Opportunities opened my eye.Through this I’ve gained some confidence, and learned new skills Enough for me to be included, in the weekly run of the mill!

More things I learnt with help and support Involvement Opportunities soon taught me… Not to get distraught.

‘They said’ “We can give you opportunities, training? – R.E.A.C.T, Recruitment and Selection, much more ‘n’ all! Nothing for you is too small So hold your head up and stand tall You will not stumble – and will not fall Grab what you can ‘cos life is too short Di” And that is exactly what involvement has done for me, myself and I.

Involvement Opportunitiesfor me, myself and I An extract from a poem written by a member of i2i, Diane Mehmood

The group hopes to do this by making positive changes to shape our services, from reviewing policies to training clinical staff, to having a say on behalf of service users at meetings.

“Service users often know best,” says Keith, one of ten regular members attending the meetings,

“as we are an expert in our own problems.”

Thanks to the group Keith has recently sat on interview panels for our Trust, helping to appoint community psychiatry nurses.

he said: “It does give you a feeling of making a difference which is what we all want to do. We want change but not just change for the sake of it, change for the better. It’s about empowering us.”

Another regular, Peppy, added: “It’s a great way to meet people and it opens up the door to other opportunities.”

And it’s not just opportunities within our Trust. Through the group Stuart has secured paid work interviewing students for the mental health nursing course at Bradford University.

Sue’s aim is to publicise opportunities for involvement so service users know what’s on offer and staff know how to find service users who want to participate. She’s keen to recruit more members to the network and hopes to expand into other services in the future.

Recruitment and selection

Undertaking audits and research

Attending meetings as a service user representative

Delivering training for clinical staff

Reviewing Trust policies, strategies and action plans

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CORPORAte SeRVICeS

Our FoundationTrust JourneyContinues...

In recent months senior managers and clinicians have been talking to staff, local GPs, service users, patients and members of the public about our future plans, and those behind our application have been busy writing our five year integrated business plan.

Although it sounds fancy and is quite a substantial document, the plan just details all the different elements of our business and is a requirement for all aspiring FTs. To make things easier we’ll be producing a summary of the integrated business plan for all staff and public so we can share our future plans more widely.

And the plan is just one important milestone in our Ft journey. We’ve still got many more to come over the following summer months, including:

• The appointment of our new Trust Chair following Barry Seal’s recent retirement.

• An inspection by external specialists to check we measure up to the required standards of an FT. June, July and August will be busy as the experts look at how we operate, manage our finances and safeguard the quality of our services.

• Keeping our business and financial plans up-to-date and finalised by the end of July.

• The review of our plans by the Strategic Health Authority.

• The submission of our application to the Department of Health in October 2012.

Once the Department of Health has our application, they will carefully review it before referring it on to Monitor, the independent regulator of FTs. It’s only on receiving Monitor’s final outcome that we’ll find out if we have achieved our goal to become an FT.

Whilst the road ahead may seem long and winding, please be assured work is continuing in our bid for this status, and the Foundation Trust office will be on hand to speak to you about any of your concerns, questions or queries as our journey continues.

Please contact Vanessa Manning, Foundation Trust Programme Manager, on 01274 228164 or Stella Jackson, Foundation Trust Membership and Governance Manager on 01274 363552.

As you will probably know by now, we’re currently working on our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust (FT), something we hope to achieve in 2013. So where have we got to and what’s next? Well...

27

1. SUN2. SEASIDE3. PICNIC4. HOLIDAY5. SANDCASTLES6. SHORTS7. WATERMELON

8. ICE CREAM9. FLIP FLOPS10. COCKTAIL11. AUGUST12. BIKINI13. BUTTERFLY14. TRAVEL

15. HEAT16. SUNGLASSES17. BARBECUE18. FESTIVAL19. ROADTRIP20. DECKCHAIR

Coffee BreakwORdseaRChIf you’d like to get your hands on a Nivea sunshine suncream pack in time for the summer, have a go at our summer word search.

All you have to do is find the missing word. Words can be up, down, forwards, backwards or diagonal. When you have found the missing word, send it to us at [email protected] no later than Friday 6 July 2012.

The winner will be chosen at random and notified after the closing date. Please remember to leave a contact number so we can let you know if you’ve been successful.

Good luck!

apRIl’s wInneRDue to the overwhelming response to April’s chocolate-themed word search, we have four winners this month!Well done to Catherine Jones, School Nursing, Sandra Wilson, Security, Gladys Jacques, Administrator at Howarth Road, and Ruth Riley, Aire Wharfe Mental Health Service for correctly spotting the missing word ‘sunshine’.

Thank you to everyone who entered.

S P L O P F Q U H E A T L S K I S

E A U G U S T J B U L L D A T N E

I C A I V P L A W H O O E N A I A

S U N G L A S S E S P I R D S T S

O Y E L I C K M A E R C E C I Y I

N I O B C U D A E R O Y T A O L D

Q R I Y A D I L O H O R T S A B E

W A H M N T I J N O U N G T A I L

S P U E U C E B R A B Y O L I K R

P W Q W I N P W L Y U S W E C I I

O H I N Y V M A Y I A T J S L N A

L T C K I P S L L W R R D H O I H

F I D A U G F A O A K O A U K X C

P O P J G R V L V T K H P I I A K

I D A W E I O E O J M S U N P L C

L I V T T A L S G H A M E L O S E

F O T S H T G A R P A K I N I P D

S U E S P I R T D A O R S O W S I

B F T O I C N B V C O C K T A I L

You and Your Care

join us and make a differenceWe can only be accountable to the people we serve if there is a strong and vibrant membership.

For more information: www.bdct.nhs.uk/ftFollow us: twitter.com/Bradford_DCTlike us: www.facebook.com/bdct02

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