No 46 March 2009 Newsletter for the staff of NHS Barnsley

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

3 NEWS IN BRIEF

6 SIGNED YOUR PGD ?

9 PANDEMIC FLU

We have received the highest possible rating for our finances, governance and strategy for the future of healthcare in Barnsley in the first ‘assurance’ report for world class commissioning. The report, which measures NHS Barnsley’s progress over the first year working within the ground-breaking world class commissioning programme designed to deliver significant benefits for local people, recognises NHS Barnsley has strong foundations to make its ambitious vision for the future a reality for local people.

Tom Sheard, Chairman said: “We are extremely proud of these excellent results. Whilst there are always areas for improvement, these results show that we are continuing to deliver the best possible health services for the people of Barnsley.

“Our achievements are a direct reflection of the hard work of staff across NHS Barnsley and I would like to thank them for their invaluable contributions over the past year.”

As well as praising NHS Barnsley’s strong working relationships with local partners in the community, the world class commissioning report highlights NHS Barnsley’s achievements in managing its finances and resources, delivering quality and value for money for people across Barnsley.

Ailsa Claire, Chief Executive said: “We welcome this encouraging report and the recommendations it contains to help us make even greater progress.”

“We are pleased that this report recognises the work we have done to develop strong working relationships with our partners and good financial management systems. And the ways in which we have involved local people in developing our plans for the future has also been recognised as something to celebrate.”

“This first year report shows that we have solid foundations for us to build upon and we will continue to work with our local community and partners to create world class health care for the people of Barnsley.” The full assurance report for NHS Barnsley is available at www.barnsley.nhs.uk/about-us/world-class-commissioning.html

NHS Barnsley gets green light in first world class assessment.

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News from the Chief ExecutiveWorld Class Commissioning outcomes

As you can see from the front page, we are celebrating the World Class Commissioning results in Barnsley. A big well done goes out to all our staff. NHS Barnsley has received the highest possible rating for its finances, governance and strategy for the future of healthcare in Barnsley in its first ‘assurance’ report for world class commissioning. The report recognises NHS Barnsley has strong foundations to make its ambitious vision for the future a reality for local people. We will continue to work with our local community and partners to create world class health care for the people of Barnsley.

You can view the press release and the full assurance report at our website: www.Barnsley.nhs.uk

Read about Transforming Community Services

Care Services Direct staff should all note a key document which has been released by the Department of Health titled: ‘Transforming Community Services: Enabling new patterns of provision’. This spells out the future options for provider services and how all staff should be involved in the early decision making process.

This document, which is available on Connect, helps separate commissioning and provider PCT functions and advises on the different organisational options open to us. The key emphasis is on early staff and clinical engagement so we will shortly be commencing a staff engagement programme.

NHS Constitution

You will see on page 5 that the long-awaited NHS Constitution has now been published. As both employees and potential NHS patients we should all be familiar with the Constitution and its values, principles and pledge. Look out for the colourful link to the Constitution which is on the home page of Connect. Section 3a refers to the commitment, professionalism and dedication of staff working for the benefit of the people the NHS serves which really make the difference.

Ailsa ClaireChief Executive, NHS Barnsley

News from Care Services Thank you

Barnsley is located at approximately the same latitude (53.5o North) as Attu, Alaska. Even though the UK has a maritime climate, at this latitude one would expect that we would get frost and snow now and again. However, recent inclement weather has resulted in severe disruption to personal and professional lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for all their efforts during this difficult period, ensuring service continuity in all areas.

Assertive Outreach Team

I had the pleasure of attending the Barnsley Assertive Outreach Forum on 10 February 2009. In addition to colleagues in Barnsley, staff from Assertive Outreach Mental Health Teams across Yorkshire attended this inaugural event. The half-day forum organised by the Barnsley Assertive Outreach Team was well attended, and a range of issues covering service provision were discussed and debated. I believe there is significant value in teams attending events like this, sharing experience and learning with other teams providing similar services elsewhere. Thank you to those involved for arranging this event.

National No Smoking Day - 11 March 2009

No Smoking Day is England’s leading health campaign for smokers who want to stop. Approximately 100 people locally in Barnsley decided to quit on this day in previous years. A number of events will be held on and around 11 March supported by the Barnsley Stop Smoking Service.

This will be a really good opportunity for staff to raise the profile of this issue with patients/clients and the wider community. For further information, contact the Barnsley Stop Smoking Services on (01226) 737077.

Transforming Community Services

Many of you will already be aware that a key national document has been recently published by the Department of Health - ‘Transforming Community Services: Enabling New Patterns of Provision’. Together with other national guidance documents, ‘Transforming Community Services’ has been published to enable Primary Care Trusts in England to ‘…secure modern, high quality community services … and ensure that organisations providing them are fit for purpose.’

We will shortly be confirming arrangements for consulting with you on the implications of this document. In the meantime, why not go on Connect or the Department of Health website and have a read of it for yourself (it will take you approximately the same time as watching an episode of Coronation Street).

Sean RaynerChief Operating Officer, Care Services

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Charter against Racism

One Barnsley Community Safety Service has developed a charter against racism and NHS Barnsley have signed up to it. Individual members of staff will also be given the opportunity to sign up to the charter in the near future.

Public Health Annual Report

The annual Public Health report went to the February Board and looks at a number of important health issues for Barnsley. Progress with previous recommendations is identified then new recommendations for the next year are defined. The report has been published at www.barnsley.nhs.uk

New Director for Estates and Facilities

Congratulations go to Nick Phillips, (pictured right) the new interim Director of Estates and Facilities. Nick has been at NHS Barnsley since June last year and has recently been appointed to the Director position. He follows in the footsteps of Nigel Myhill who left last month.

Assistant MD appointed

Nick Balac has been appointed to the post of Assistant Medical Director following the tragic loss of Kathy Phipps from her post. Nick is a GP in Mapplewell and is responsible for the Continuing Professional development and Appraisal of all the GPs including PCT Doctors with this as well. He is helping to introduce 360 degree appraisal which is going to be a cornerstone of revalidation.

Staff event 24 March, Brooklands

Due to popular demand and from the results of the Staff Support Survey, we are holding a Health and Wellbeing Day at Brooklands Hotel, on Tuesday 24th March. On offer to staff will be a range of Complementary Therapies, together with interactive and Group Sessions; e.g. Yoga, Tai Chi, Movement and Dance. More information on this will shortly be posted on Connect.

Mental Health Access Team

As part of the reconfiguration of Community Mental Health Service in Barnsley, primary care mental health services will now be know as the Mental Health Access Team and have a new location at Cudworth Health Centre.

The re-naming of the service will enable appropriate job titles to be given to staff working within the team, and better represents the services the Team provides. A range of support is offered through this service including self-help, Stresspac, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Counselling and Community Psychiatric Nurses.

The Reconfiguration programme will hopefully continue to make improvements within the Community Mental Health Service, rolling out across other sites in Barnsley.

Contact the team at: Mental Health Access Team, Cudworth Health Centre, Rose Tree Avenue, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8UA or Tel: 01226 716093.

Hoyland Physiotherapy has moved

Hoyland’s Physiotherapy Clinic has a new location. Previously based at the Health Centre on Duke Street, the clinic is now situated at The Barnsley Premier Leisure Centre on West Street in Hoyland.

This new venue provides an increase in accommodation for Musculo-skeletal Outpatient Physiotherapy, enabling more patients to be seen and room for group sessions to be provided. Hydrotherapy sessions are all already available at the Hoyland Leisure Centre.

The telephone numbers for the Musculo-skeletal Outpatient Physiotherapy (based at Mount Vernon Hospital) will remain the same. Patients Enquiries & Appointments: 01226 433225 or Staff Enquiries: 01226 433293

New name for Ward 5

Following a competition which included service users and staff entries, Stepping Stone Ward is the new name chosen for the Ward 5 Recovery Ward. The new name is more suitable and better reflects what the ward is about. The name was chosen by a service user. N

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Medical training receives stamp of approval from Postgraduate DeaneryA panel from Yorkshire and Humber Postgraduate Deanery visited NHS Barnsley at the end of last year to discuss the quality of medical and dental training and identify areas of best practice which can be shared. In a letter to our Chief Executive Ailsa Claire, Peter Taylor, the Deputy Dean said: “The Trust should be commended for the general quality of training provided – it is clear that education and training is important to this Trust.”

Various areas of good practice were identified including:• Good working relationship with Sheffield• Trainers undertaking workplace based assessments • Crisis Care now included• Compliance with the Working Time Directives for 2009.

Dr Suresh Chari, Medical Director for NHS Barnsley said: “We are responsible for teaching and training the junior doctors and medical students and there are certain standards of training we must meet.”

“We were delighted with the feedback we received following the recent visit which was very complimentary and amongst the best results in the North Trent region.”

The visit includes a two way process of assessment, looking at evidence provided by the Trust and also interviews with the trainees.

Suresh continued: “We are proud to provide an academic education programme that is of high quality. This includes case conferences, on the job work and training opportunities. We are keen to give a positive experience to encourage newly qualified doctors to come back and work for us!”

Dr Anil Karan, the College tutor who is greatly involved in successfully carrying out this education programme adds: “I would like to thank all staff involved in training /teaching junior doctors, including Pam Kirk (pictured centre) for organising the training so effectively, thank you.”

A number of recommendations have also been made to improve the future direction of the medical and dental education programme.

Uniform policy sets new standards A new policy which sets out clear standards for uniform and dress are in place which also meet health and safety and control of infection requirements.

Margaret Kitching, Director of Professions explained: “The new policy is more prescriptive in terms of individual responsibility in relation to care of uniforms, personal appearance, wearing jewellery, body artwork, nails and the wearing of ID badges.“

Most importantly, the policy stresses the importance of portraying a professional image to patients / clients and members of the public.

The policy can be viewed on Connect.

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The NHS ConstitutionOn 21 January this year the first NHS Constitution for England was published. It is a document that brings together in one place for the first time what staff, patients and public can

expect from the NHS. It is the result of a collaborative approach which involved consultations and discussions with staff, patients and public about what matters to them. David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive, shared his delight in the publication of the constitution in his announcement on 21 January. He referred to it as ‘a landmark in the history of the NHS’ and shared aspirations for the constitution: “It will help give all of us the confidence that the NHS can meet the

Service Improvement and Business Development supported staff from Musculo-Skeletal, Podiatry, Community Rheumatology and Physiotherapy services, to host a combined service away day. This was part of the Allied Health Professions project which started in April 2008, supported by the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) 18 week transformational fund.

Chief Operating Officer Sean Rayner opened the day with an introductory presentation. In his speech, he highlighted the important and central role Allied Health Professionals play within a large Provider organisation such as Care Services Direct. He added: “We are increasingly required to demonstrate that we are providing services that are ‘value for money’. Events such as this provide transparent evidence that we are pro-actively reviewing the way our services are provided, and how we are continually improving the patients’ experience within the same financial resource.”

Some of the topics tackled on the day included modernisation, service design, business development, process mapping and changing times. A market place

combined with a coffee break enabled some down time and informal discussion amongst staff within the services. Also included in the day was a speech from the SHA, Elizabeth Foley, who is the Allied Health Professions Lead.

Staff used the day to report back on their work since their last get-together. “As fragmented community services it is really good to get together and share information.” Said Bob Senior, Podiatry Manager. “We’re working together more now and this united approach can only be better news for our patients. We’ve started to link the pathways together to improve the patient journey.” This coming together of community services is evidence of the success of the project so far, as the aim is to work from the 18 week referrals to treatment targets by improving patient access and enabling clinical pathways to cross service boundaries.

Jane Pightling, SIBD Programme Manager added: “The clinicians have really good ideas but they are also busy delivering services and managing contacts. Everyone benefits from this planned time away from the workplace, on a business and individual level.”

Away day inspires staff to share and develop

Helen Walker, Physiotherapy, Professional Lead ended: “Today’s been a great way of learning about what the other services are doing. Everyone’s been making great progress since we met last year in July and this proves that the time taken to network and share has proven to be of value to the organisation.”

challenges of the future on the basis of a shared understanding and common purpose.”

He continued: “My hope is that the Constitution will form the basis of a new relationship between staff and patients – a relationship based on partnership, respect and shared commitment – where all parties know what they can expect from the NHS and what is expected from them.”

The Government will have a legal duty to renew the Constitution every 10 years.

However, they will not be able to change the Constitution without the full involvement of staff, patients and the public.

You can read the constitution in full by visiting: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/NHSConstitution/index.htm You can also download a handbook which gives a guide to rights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patients of the NHS at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/enPublicationsandstatistics/Publications/

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It’s in your hands...the responsibility for making sure you deliver care in a legal and safe manner. When you are working with prescription controlled drugs it’s essential that you are up to date and aware of your legal position in relation to the medicines you are giving to our service users.

Patient Group Directions (PGD) Guidelines cover health care professionals to prescribe for individuals on a one to one basis in an identified clinical situation. This could be a vaccine given by a school nurse or a substance misuse intervention.

To ensure all clinical staff are legally covered, you must sign the latest PGD to say you have read and understand it. This must be kept up to date as PGDs expire after two years, and managers must keep up to date records of these signed documents.

Sarah Hudson, Lead Pharmacist said: “One of the benefits of having the PGD in place is that it provides a framework we can use to minimise risk. For this to work, we need valid signatures and for managers to keep their records of this up to date.”

If staff supply or administer medicine outside their valid and signed PGD, it can result in being struck off the professional register and the organisation breaching its legal commitment - remember it’s your responsibility.

New guide to involvement A guide for staff has been published on involving and consulting patients and the public. The new resource is aimed at any staff who wish to consult with or engage with patients and the public in relation to their area of work.

Sharon Copeland, Business Planning Manager created the guide in conjunction with BHNFT. She said: “Our vision is that the people of Barnsley are partners in action who seek to improve and influence positive change. We can do this using patient and public influence.”

The campaign promotes the term ‘Choice has a Voice’ and includes a list of helpful do’s and don’ts; information to consider when working with different groups; tools and techniques and a formal consultation checklist.

Sporting fun for CRRU The Community Rehabilitation and Recovery Unit (CRRU) at Keresforth were recently presented with a Wii Sport package from the local branch of the MS Society. The CRRU fundraising committee also donated a Wii Fit and extra handset to complete the package.

Pictured are (l-r) Kim Kay, MS Specialist Nurse, Carol Hullin, Health Care Assistant at CRRU and Len Collett, Chairman of the Barnsley branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Carol Nayeri, Unit Manager at CRRU said: “We are very pleased to receive this generous charity donation to the Unit. I’m sure it will bring pleasure to our service users and will be a regular feature on our activity programmes.”

Have you signed the

latest PGD?

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NHS Barnsley has recently joined the regional consortium to take forward its work on Care Packages in Pathways. The project will enable us to develop existing Mental Health Services and establish our Payments by Results Tariffs.

Jill Jinks, Deputy Service Manager and Care Packages and Pathways Redesign Lead said: “This crucial new project offers us the opportunity to look at our services and ensure that our Service Users are receiving the care and treatment they need. We will also be able to establish our local PbR tariff in line with the Department of Health directive by April 2011.”

The Consortium has produced a method for ensuring that all Service Users are assessed on their needs and that they receive treatment within the most appropriate setting by staff that have the skills and knowledge to achieve the best outcome for that individual. Our care will continue to be within the Stepped Care Model, which will allow people to move through our service more smoothly and in line with an agreed plan of care.

Jill continued: “it is essential that we utilise the experience, skills and knowledge that our staff have to take forward Barnsley’s agenda. In the future, we know care delivery will look different, but the immediate challenge is to identify the gaps in current service provision and tailor them to serve individuals needs.”

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995All staff have a responsibility to ensure that incidents, accidents & near-misses are managed, recorded, reported, analysed/investigated and followed-up in accordance with PCT policy and procedures.

Reportable over-three-day injuriesIf there is an accident connected with work (including an act of physical violence) and a member of staff, or a self-employed person working on PCT premises, suffers an over-three-day injury it must be reported to the enforcing authority within ten days.

All IR2 Responsible Persons are reminded of the importance of ensuring that RIDDOR incidents are reported to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) at the address below:

Incident Contact Centre, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GGOr by telephone: 0845 300 9923

It is the responsibility of the relevant ‘Responsible Person’ in a given area/service to report to the HSE under RIDDOR. HSE Form F2508 should be used for reporting injuries and dangerous occurrences and Form F2508A should be used for cases of disease. Copies of blank RIDDOR forms are available to download from the Health & Safety Services website on Connect. A completed RIDDOR form must be attached to the IR1 form being forwarded to the Health & Safety Services Department, and a copy retained with the pink copy of the IR1 form. The IR1 number needs to be recorded on the completed RIDDOR form to link the information together.

Please refer to the Procedures & Guidelines for the Management, Recording, Reporting, Grading and Analysis/Investigation of All Incidents for additional information.

For further advice, please contact the Health and Safety Services Department at the Keresforth Centre on extension 5603 or externally on 01226 435603.

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NHS Barnsley joined The Care Packages and Pathways Consortium in January 2009 and will use its membership to learn from colleagues who have been involved in this project in other Trusts. We will be able to access specialist information, learn lessons from others, and gain assistance in training staff.

It’s not just the staff in Mental Health Services that will be affected by this project. There will be lots of opportunities for service users and carers to get involved in helping to design our future services.

What happens next with this project?

The CPP Project Board in Barnsley commenced in September 2008 and meets monthly to ensure that our Projects progress is monitored and that we are able to deliver our outcomes.

Jill ended: “This is an enormous project for us and we are looking to develop it over the next 2-3 years. Ultimately our aim and focus is that Service Users will have a high quality of care that we can demonstrate and staff will feel that their professional skills and talents are utilised to the full.”

If you have any questions about the project you can contact Jill.jinks@barnsleypct.nhs.uk Look out for further updates online and in future issues of NHS Barnsley News.

Care Packages in Pathways Project launches in Barnsley

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Updated record keeping standardsThe Essence of Care Implementation Group have reviewed and updated the Record Keeping Standards for Care Services Direct. Hard copies of the standards will be issued to relevant services and will be available on Connect in the near future.

Adhering to Standards of Record Keeping demonstrates and supports working towards high quality care. Therefore, record keeping standards are of great benefit to the patient and staff. This also gives assurance to the NHS Litigation Authority and Better Standards for Health.

Success of Nursing and Midwifery reviewAt the end of January, NHS Barnsley’s clinical placements were chosen for visits for the purpose of the annual monitoring of Nursing and Midwifery provisions. Visits were carried out at the Clarke Ward Oakwell Centre, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service New Street Clinic, School Nursing and Health Visiting Royston Clinic and Health Visiting at Mapplewell Clinic.

During this process the visitors met with Student Nurses, Assessors, Learning Environment Managers, Ward manger, Clinical Link Tutors and the trust Student Support Officer. The other panel of visitors met with Community Practice Teachers from School Nursing and Health Visiting, Student Health Visitors and Student School Nurses, together with Community Service Managers.

In line with the work in partnership, Professor Rhiannon Billingsley, Pro Vice Chancellor Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at Sheffield City Campus, is delighted in sharing with us the success of the Nursing and Midwifery provisions review. The review team awarded the University

a level of achievement of Good for Learning Resources, Good for Admissions and Progression, Good for Practice Learning, Good for Fitness for Practice, and Good for Quality Assurance. These pleasing results mean the team have achieved Earned Autonomy Status.

The Professor was particularly delighted with the number of commendations received for the following areas: • service user involvement in the development of learning materials• good practice in the formalisation of the reasonable adjustments panel • partnership working • support for mentors and practice teachers from link lecturers and • practice assessment documentation.

“This result is testament to the hard work and commitment of your staff and the excellent partnerships we have established with yourselves. We are very grateful for your support. This is a great platform to take things forward so many, many thanks,” said Professor Rhiannon Billingsley. Angela Glover, Learner Support Officer added: “I would like to add my thanks to all staff concerned for their support and enthusiasm in making this day such a success.”

Record Keeping remains an essential and legal requirement to the process of successfully giving care/support and of Clinical Risk Management. The three new standards that have been developed are: • Consent to information sharing• Storage of paper records • Medical staff records.

Marie Knott, Assistant Director of Nursing said: “We hope practitioners will see these standards not just as a measure of meeting audit targets, but as a stimulus to debate records and record keeping to share best practice and identify where improvements can be made.”

Remember if it is not written down, it didn’t happen. Your memory may fail you but your records should not.

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Hopefully, you will have heard about Pandemic Flu. If not, don’t worry because we’ve put together this quick guide to help staff understand how a pandemic occurs and what work is taking place in Barnsley to make sure we are prepared for this emergency.

A pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus, which people have no immunity to, emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal influenza. The Department of Health is working to support NHS preparedness and to reduce the impact of pandemic flu on the UK population.

So what exactly is Pandemic Flu? Flu that spreads rapidly causing widespread epidemics around the world. Pandemic flu occurs when a new, highly infectious and dangerous strain of the influenza virus appears. In contrast to the ‘ordinary’ or ‘seasonal’, flu outbreaks which we see every winter in the UK, flu pandemics occur infrequently- usually every few decades. There were three last century. The most serious was in 1918, killing millions of people worldwide. Smaller pandemics happened in 1957 and 1968.

What is the difference between seasonal, avian and pandemic flu? It is important to be clear about the differences between seasonal flu, avian flu and pandemic flu. Avian flu is a disease which mainly affects birds. Seasonal flu refers to the viruses that circulate in the human population and cause widespread illness each winter. Pandemic flu occurs infrequently, when a new influenza virus emerges which is markedly different from those recently circulating in the human population. It causes disease in people and spreads easily between people because they have little or no immunity to it.

Is another influenza pandemic likely? Flu viruses are constantly changing and adapting, so it is likely that viruses sufficiently different from ‘ordinary’ flu strains to cause a pandemic will emerge from time to time. Experts are particularly concerned that the H5N1 virus, which has already caused disease and death in humans, may develop the capacity to pass easily between people.

Does seasonal flu vaccine protect against avian influenza? No. Influenza vaccine for the 2007-08 season does not provide protection against avian influenza.

What are the symptoms of pandemic flu? People infected with the current strand of the avian virus (H5N1) have shown everything from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other life-threatening complications. Symptoms

What’s the big deal about Pandemic Flu?

of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection.

How is the virus spread? The virus is passed from person to person by breathing in air containing the virus produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with the virus. You can follow the ‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’ campaign and hand washing information from infection prevention and control to help prevent the virus spreading.

How are people treated? Medicines called antivirals can be used to treat influenza. They have been shown to be very helpful in the treatment of ‘ordinary’ seasonal flu, and it is likely that they will also be effective in the treatment of pandemic flu, but their effectiveness will not be known until the pandemic virus is circulating. Antivirals do not stop the flu from developing but they do subdue the symptoms and reduce the length of time people are sick.

What can I do to help? Here in Barnsley we’ve been doing lots of joint work with our partner organisations in preparation for a Pandemic event. The Barnsley Pandemic Flu Plan is now available online at the emergency planning Connect site. As a NHS member of staff you can help by familiarising yourself with the local information and being an ambassador and passing on correct information to friends and family. One thing we’ll be working on in particular is building our database of information about staff so that we can use the workforce intelligently in times of emergency. If you are asked by your manager for details please help us by giving the information to them. We’ll run a series of communications messages prior to this work taking place.

What happens next? The mapping exercise, as mentioned above will be rolled out across the organisation and we are also reviewing a number of our corporate policies to ensure that they give clear guidance to managers and staff in the event of the Pandemic happening.

Got any further questions? Further information is available on the infection prevention and control and emergency planning Connect sites including a link to a series of FAQs from the DH. We’ll be more than happy to answer staff questions on pandemic Flu in a future issue of NHS Barnsley News.

Send your questions in to Katy Jarvis-Morgan (details on the back page).

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Mapplewell’s Comfort Club, originally set up by Health Visitor Cathrine Ward, has evolved into a parent-led support network (Comfort Club II) that local mums can now join.

The group threw a Christmas party for the children at the Village Hall in conjunction with Darton Children’s Centre and the breastfeeding, teenage mums and childminding support groups.

Community parents Rachel Jones and Colette Smallman organised the event with help from their community partners. “It was a wonderful example of health and social care and the voluntary sector all working together.” Said Rachel.

Colette added: “It was a well-organised event, we had more than 40 kids aged under 4, who enjoyed a visit from Santa and everyone behaved themselves! It was also a good opportunity to raise desperately-needed funds to pay for room hire.”

The party included a raffle with prizes provided from local businesses including football tickets, meat and beauty vouchers.

This year, the community parents have lots of plans to continue the good work of the Comfort Club. “We’re making links with the Learning Network and planning some Look Good and Feel Great sessions for the Comfort Club.” Said Rachel, who has attended the health and wellbeing course already.

“I’m also looking into a Confidence and Parenting course and the Cook and Eat course provided through Fit for

the Future. It’s the pass it on method – we will tap into whatever we can learn and deliver ourselves to localparents.”

The by-product of all this learning is that we get the mums out in the community to mix and network. Through the Community Parents project, Rachel and Colette meet with mums on a one to one basis in their homes, befriend and listen to them and help them to tap into all the things that are happening in their local communities.

Rachel said: “We’re championing the cause for new mums and want people to know about Mapplewell and what goes on here. It’s a big area to cover and that comes with its own set of issues for mums without transport.”

Future fund raising intiatives are being organised to help ensure the future viability of the club. “That’s the one thing that is proving difficult. We’ve found the perfect venue to run the club from but the costs to hire the room are a constant issue.”

Building awareness and creating opportunities for families is the main priority of the Comfort Club. Colette added: “The Comfort Club is inclusive to all parents, we’ve had a couple of dads, mums with disabilities and people with special needs. Networking plays a big part in what we do and through word of mouth we share knowledge, ideas and friendship. It is really rewarding work.”

Health Visitor Cathrine Ward ended: “There has been interest from Athersley and New Lodge in the work we are doing here and we’re delighted to share with them the success of the Comfort Club here in Mapplewell.”

Comfort Club’s mission to capture community spirit

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Following on from the previous issue of NHS Barnsley News, the FAST Stroke Awareness Campaign has gained further publicity in creating awareness about how to recognise signs of stroke and how to act should you witness any of these signs.

The FAST Approach, Face Arm Speech and Time to call 999, is the easy to learn message delivered by this campaign. By being aware of the signs, spotting them and acting quickly death and disability can be prevented. The campaign will roll out across television adverts, radio, press and online channels as well as local activities to reach as many people as possible.

For more information:For stroke specialists and healthcare professionals:Visit the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/stroke and the Stoke Improvement website at www.improvement.nhs.uk/stroke.

Other useful information: Visit www.nhs.uk/stroke for general information and advice about stroke. For information and advice about Blood Pressure, high blood pressure being a factor of stroke, visit www.bpassoc.org.uk.

If you or someone you know has been affected by stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk. Different Strokes www.differentstrokes.co.uk is a charity set up by young stroke survivors for young stroke survivors. Connect www.ukconnect.org is a national charity for people affected by aphasia.

If you require any further information/advice, please contact Ian Slater, Nurse Consultant on 01226 43 ext 3232.

FAST National Campaign

New Housekeeper role for College CadetshipIn a partnership with Barnsley College, the Facilities department have created a new opportunity for people looking to train for a new career. The placements are work based four days per week, and allow students to gain hands on experience whilst also allowing time to study in college and complete their qualification.

The posts are unique and involve training for 12-15 months towards NVQ level 2 support services in healthcare. Sue Norwood, Assistant Director of Facilities explained: “Due to the specific requirements of the posts, we were struggling to appoint through normal recruitment procedures. So we looked at approaching it from a different angle and proposed a ‘grow your own’ approach to recruiting. The Employability Team had well-established links with the College and organised a series of meetings to discuss feasibility”.

“In addition to the NVQ and on-the-job training, individuals will also complete other training on site, including fire, health and safety awareness, basic food hygiene and other courses relevant to the post. This will be excellent for their CVs and will also stand them in a good position to apply for the Ward Housekeeper Posts on completion of their qualification.”

Two drop-in sessions were advertised locally and the people who were interested in enrolling on to the Housekeeping Cadetship attended the session. Sue Norwood and Phil O’Neill, Head of Hospitality and Tourism presented an outline of the job description and the NVQ structure. Following the presentations, a question and answer session was held.

Rebecca Andrews, Employability Training Facilitator ended: “Although it’s early days, we know the Cadetship schemes are working in other areas including Stop Smoking Services, Performance and Governance, Contraception and Sexual Health and CMHTs.

“The partnership has proven to be a win-win situation for both NHS Barnsley, Barnsley College and the Cadets. Whilst strengthening our workforce is our main aim, opening up opportunities for local people is also important to us and it’s thanks to the support from the College that we’ve been able to do this.”

If you are interested in the work of the Employability Team why not get in touch? Telephone 01226 43 ext 4253 for more information.

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First Management ClubManagers within Care services Direct were invited to join a Management Club which met for the first time in February. The Transforming Community Services (TCS) agenda was discussed and special guest speaker Margaret Edwards, Chief Executive of Yorkshire and the Humber NHS was also welcomed to the inaugural meeting. Staff were given an opportunity to ask Margaret any question about TCS, the role of Y&H and the future of NHS services in the region.

Sean Rayner commented: “Margaret helped us to get the new club off to a great start and I am really pleased she was able to come to Barnsley and meet the Care Services Direct managers. She made a really positive impact and gave some useful insight into the TCS agenda.”

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Katy Jarvis-Morgan on the details below. Pictured: Sean Rayner and Margaret Edwards with members of the Management Club.

Have you heard about 18 weeks?The 18-Week pathway is about improving the patients’ experience of the NHS, ensuring all patients receive high quality elective care without any unnecessary delay. 18-Weeks applies to pathways that do or might involve consultant-led care, setting a maximum time of 18-Weeks from the point of initial referral up to the start of any treatment necessary for all patients where it is clinically appropriate and where patients want it.

Delivering a maximum 18-Week referral to treatment time (RTT) for patients needing elective care was one of the most challenging, but exciting and important changes that the NHS ever embarked upon. Delivering 18-Weeks involves unparalleled levels of reform. Doing more of the same won’t be enough, what we need is truly transformational change – change in the way we work, and the way we deliver services locally.

NHS Barnsley 18-Week Lead Clinician Dr Martin Sics

Q & A Session

Q. What do you think are the main achievements to date around 18-Weeks in Barnsley?A. From a clinical point of view we are reducing waiting times. Overall Barnsley has been meeting the national targets.

Q. What in your eyes are the key advantages to the 18- Week project for both the patient and NHS Barnsley?A. for the patient it reduces anxiety due to quicker treatment. With regards to NHS Barnsley we have seen a big decrease in the number of patients making private appointments. We are also much more efficient resulting in cost savings.

Q. How do you see your role within this new project?A. Arrange more clinics to meet the demand. Looking to set-up pathways in Primary Care to reduce pressure and waits in Secondary Care.

Q. What do you think would be the main challenges for the new 18-Week project?A. Looking at patient flows and patient referral to see if patients can be referred more appropriately referred, again pathway development.

Q. What are your desired outcomes after the project closes and the months that follow?A. That it continues! More patients seen in Primary Care.

This article is an extract from the monthly newsletter that is now produced on the 18 Week pathway, contact James.Townsend@BarnsleyPCT.nhs.uk for more information.

Thanks to this month’s contributorsRebecca Andrews Dr Suresh Chari Sharon Copeland Angie Glover Rose Goldsmith Liz HoldsworthSarah Hudson Pam Kirk Marie Knott Marie Lucraft Dr Ken Macdonald Carol NayeriJane Pighting Ian Slater James Townsend Cathrine Ward Helen Walker

Want to submit your news?Send ideas, copy, photos and information to Katy.Jarvis-Morgan@ barnsleypct.nhs.uk or telephone 01226 43 ext 4298, thank you.

Upcoming deadlinesApril issue – 6 MarchMay issue – 10 AprilJune issue – 8 May