[1]

TRUST MATTERS

Autumn 2008

ON TARGET AND ON BUDGETOur new hospital will be completed in Summer 2009. Phase two of the redevelopment will see clinical

services centralised on one site, a new main entrance and multi-storey car park for patients and visitors.

Trust Matters reports on the project on p6

STOP PRESS: “EXCELLENT” SERVICES PRAISED

Latest news on

phase two of our new

hospital inside

Newsletter for the membership of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

“Our vision is to be recognised as a world-class hospital, leading the field through innovative healthcare solutions focused on the best outcome for our patients delivered

in a safe, caring and inspiring environment.”

Patients are receiving the highest possible quality of se rv i ce f rom Por tsmou th Hospitals NHS Trust, which is delighted to have been awarded an “excellent” rating by the Healthcare Commission in its annual health check (2007/08).

The hard work and dedication of staff have led to the Trust being recognised as among the best in the country for the services it provides. Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health and Professor Sir Ian K e n n e d y , C h a i r o f t h e Healthcare Commission, have also publicly congratulated Portsmouth Hospitals NHS

Trust and thanked staff for all that has been done to achieve high standards for patients.

The Quality of Services rating is a further improvement on the previous two years, when the Trust achieved a “good” rating. The Trust has also maintained its very strong financial position, being awarded a “good” score for the third consecutive year.

Chief Executive Ursula Ward said: “We are thrilled at this recognition that our patients are receiving among the best quality of services in the country. The public praise given by the Secretary of State and

Ursula WardChief Executive

Healthcare Commission Chair i s a v e r y w e l c o m e acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication from staff.”

[2]

BEST HOSPITALS

Find out how the

redevelopment of the

Queen Alexandra

Hospital is

progressing

Page 6

BEST CARE

How Portsmouth

Hospitals are managing

to Stop the Bugs and

how infection rates are

dropping

Page 8

BEST PEOPLE

We say thank you

and goodbye to our

outgoing Chairman,

Michael Waterland OBE

Page 11

Autumn

TR

US

T M

AT

TE

RS

[3]

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust provides a range of acute services a c ro s s t h r e e s i t e s i n c l u d i n g Q u e e n Alexandra Hospital, St Mary's Hospital and Royal Hospital Haslar.

The Queen Alexandra Hospital

site is currently undergoing a

major redevelopment to create a

modern and 'fit for purpose'

hospital, which will be completed

in the summer of 2009.

This work is being done in

partnership with 'The Hospital

Company', a consort ium of

Carillion plc and the Royal Bank

of Scotland.

The Emergency Department at

Queen Alexandra Hospital is one

of the busiest in the UK treating in

excess of 100,000 patients each

year.

The Trust is also home to the

Wessex Renal and Transplant

Unit and it holds prestigious

Cancer Beacon Status for Head

and Neck Cancer Services.

Hosting the largest Ministry of

Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) in

the country, the Trust enjoys

strong military connections and is

proud of this association. This

means that as a Trust, we have

wider responsibilities than those

of standard NHS organisations.

Military staff now account for 3%

of the total workforce and the

Trust has responsibility to ensure

the staff have exposure to the

appropriate clinical experience

required during their times of

deployment throughout the world.

You can find out more about

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

by visiting our website:

www.porthosp.nhs.uk

Did you know?

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHT) provides a full range of acute secondary services to a population of over half a million people.

A d d i t i o n a l s p e c i a l i s t services are provided to an area extending as far as Dorset and Sussex.

OUR SITES

who are we?...

[4]

We believe that becoming an NHS Foundation Trust is the right thing for Portsmouth Hospitals and for the local community. Here’s why....

Foundation Trust status will ensure that the best interests of the local community are taken into account when designing and delivering services. As an NHS Foundation Trust we will be able to secure real benefits:

Accountable to local people

Patients, carers, members of the public and staff will be able to have more say in how hospital services are provided and influence the way services are developed in the future.

More flexibility to provide good services to local people

Over the last two years Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust has attracted extra investment as a result of good performance. This money has been used to secure significant reductions to waiting times and improvements in emergency care. However, we will have to continue to deal with new challenges – such as patient choice which means patients will be able to choose where they go for treatment.

If we are going to be able to thrive in the future, we will need to be responsive and flexible. At

the moment our local flexibility is limited because we are accountable through the Strategic Health Authori ty to the Department of Health. There are many decisions we cannot make locally without seeking central authorisation. However, as

an NHS Foundation Trust we will have more freedom to make our own decisions

without delay, making sure we respond to local priorities. Instead of being directly accountable to the Department of Health, we will be answerable to our members and their elected representatives.

Greater financial freedom

We will have greater financial freedoms and will not be so limited by current NHS restrictions. We will be able to raise finance more quickly and will have greater flexibility over the management of cash. These freedoms will enable the Trust to respond to service developments in a planned and timely manner and to reinvest any surplus for the benefit of patients.

We’re working hard to become an NHS Foundation Trust. This would mean:

• Being accountable to local

people

• More flexibility to provide

services designed for local

people

• Greater financial freedom

Foundation status will bring three key benefits

becoming a foundation trust...

[5]

...you are invited

Meet your elected governors and have your say

Our work towards Foundation Status continues and we want you, the members, to be involved.

We now have over 10,000 members, and we are delighted that so many of you care enough about your local hospitals to have signed up.

Among our successful events to recruit new members was during Boishakhi Mela (Bengali New Year Festival) which was held at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in the Spring. We also met many new members at the Multicultural Festival in Southsea this Summer.

We are still looking for new members - please encourage your friends and family to join. Do remember, membership is FREE! You can find out more from our website www.porthosp.nhs.uk, by e-mailing member@porthosp.nhs.uk, by phoning the Membership Office on 023 9228 6284 or by filling in an a p p l i c a t i o n f o r m f r o m t h e Membership Office.

Members can become involved as little or as much as they want and there is no obligation to attend meetings.

Responding to requests from the membership, the Council of Governors has now agreed a number of meetings, in the local constituencies, where you can meet them, find out all about the future of your local hospitals and give us your feedback.

We do hope you are able to come along and we look forward to meeting you.

Peter Mellor, Company Secretary

Did you know there

are now over 10,000

members?

EAST HAMPSHIREDate: Tuesday 11 November 2008Time: 6:15pm - 8pmVenue: Council Chambers, Penns Place, Petersfield

FAREHAMDate: Wednesday 12 November 2008Time: 6:15pm - 8pmVenue: Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham

HAVANTDate: Monday 24 November 2008Time: 6:15pm - 8pmVenue: The Langstone Hotel, Northney Road, Hayling Island

PORTSMOUTH CITYDate: Wednesday 26 November 2008Time: 6:15pm - 8pmVenue: Mountbatten Centre

GOSPORTDate: Wednesday 3 December 2008Time: 7:30pm - 9:15pmVenue: Parish Centre, St Mary’s, Green Road, Alverstoke

Registration and refreshments start at 5:45pm for all the meetings, except at Gosport which starts at 7pm

We would be grateful to know if you are coming. Please phone 023 9228 6284 (24hr) or e-mail: claire.abbott@porthosp.nhs.uk

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

The GovernorsRequest the Pleasure of Your Company

at a series of public meetings

RSVP023 9228 6284 (24hr)

[6]

As we approach one of the most crucial dates in the history of our Trust - the

construction of the new hospital - the refurbishment of existing buildings and

the “refreshing” of other areas continues at a pace. We have certainly come a

long way since the building work started in January 2006.

The redevelopment is in three phases:

Phase 1 (Pathology, Mortuary and the

Rehabilitation Centre) was completed on

August 16, 2007 and is now well established.

Experts say facilities are some of the best in

Europe!

Phase 2 (the major phase) consists of the

new South and West Blocks. Already within

these buildings, Trust staff have access to

specific areas to begin to install and

commission clinical equipment. This began in

September with the delivery of four new linear

accelerators. These are state-of-the-art

machines which will provide specialised

radiation cancer treatments which will speed

up waiting times for patients. These machines

are being instal led in the Combined

Haematology and Oncology Centre. Phase 2

is still on time to be completed by June 15,

2009. The programme is very challenging and

the Trust is confident it will be achieved. The

challenge will then be to move all the

departments to their specific areas within a

five-week period.

Phase 3 consists of things such as a staff

car park, landscaping, plus the completion of

the refurbishment of the existing buildings

(HSDU, Theatres, Diagnostic Imaging). The

East Ward blocks will also be refreshed. This

phase will be completed by June 15th 2010.

The redevelopment of the hospital has

come a long way since 2000 and the visual

impact of the emerging hospital has been

significant. The next 18 months, although

challenging, will be among the most exciting in

the Trust’s history. The result will be 21st

Century facilities in the right place, of the right

type yet flexible to meet the changing

demands of clinical care. From these we will

be able to continue to deliver and develop

21st Century health care

Glen Hewlett,

Director of Development & Estates

“

“

[7]

“the next 18 months, although challenging,

are very exciting - possibly the most exciting

in the Trust’s history”

best hospitals...

[8]

Winter is traditionally a time of increased pressure on NHS services. You can help us by spreading the Stop the Bugs message.

Although it can happen at any time of year, and in any environment

where people have close contact with each other, previous experience

shows the number of cases of tummy bugs start to rise in the autumn.

Every year, many patients with diarrhoea and vomiting come to the

Trust’s sites. We know the symptoms are very unpleasant, but most

cases are best cared for at home. Elderly and young children are

particularly vulnerable to this illness. We would urge everyone to

follow these simple tips to protect yourself from possible infection and

from passing it to others:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after

visiting hospital

• Unless you are seeking medical attention for your condition, please

don’t visit hospital for at least 72 hours after your last symptoms of

diarrhoea and vomiting

• Unless necessary do not visit hospital if you have been in close

contact with someone who has had symptoms

• If you are concerned about your symptoms, phone NHS Direct for

advice on 0845 4647

There is no specific treatment available for diarrhoea and vomiting.

Anyone suffering the symptoms should make sure they drink plenty of

water to replace lost fluids to prevent dehydration and should rest.

MRSA

57%

C. diff

30%

Thank-you!

[9]

Keyhole Surgery Training

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

has been chosen as one of 11

national centres for the training of

consultant surgeons for keyhole

surgery for colorectal cancer.

The Trust is one of only two

selected purely on clinical merit

by the Department of Health’s

Cancer Action Team, as part of a

national training programme.

The 10-week training course

will be run four times a year and is

for our own consultant surgeons

and their theatre teams, as well

as for those from other hospitals

High Care Unit

Pat ien ts coming to Queen

Alexandra Hospital, for either

planned or emergency major

surgery, are getting a higher level

of care on the ward following their

operation.

A new purpose-built £1m

Surgical High Care Unit at Queen

Alexandra Hospital, offers high

risk patients specialised nursing in

10 well-ventilated bed areas.

Stroke Services Improve

A Stroke Strategy Group has

developed an action plan to make

sure stroke services develop to

meet national requirements.

The Trust is working closely

w i t h P r i m a r y C a r e T r u s t

colleagues to ensure services are

efficient and effective. For more

i n f o r m a t i o n g o t o

www.pompeystrokes.co.uk

Balancing The Books

Patients are receiving high

quality care thanks to the Trust

managing its f inances well,

a c c o r d i n g t o t h e A u d i t

Commission.

The annual Auditors’ Local

Evaluation gave the Trust an

overall 3 out of a possible top

score of four.

STOP PRESS

Heal th Min is ter Ben B r a d s h a w h a s congratulated staff at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust for exceeding t a r g e t s t o e n s u r e patients are seen within 18 weeks of referral by a GP at hospital.

best care...

[10]

Educational init iatives to

improve the way intravenous

drips are inserted into patients

have been such a success in

helping reduce MRSA rates at

the Trust that they are now

being rolled out to other acute

NHS Trusts.

The pro ject to enhance

patient safety was started

three years ago by the Trust’s

Senior IV Therapy Nurse,

Barry Buchanan and his team,

IV project nurses Simon

Freathy and Sandy Kirk. They

r e c o g n i s e d t h a t p o o r

techniques when putting in

cannula (a tube inserted into

the body) and inadequate

continuing care of peripheral

l ines ( the tube which

connects to the drip) were

among the fac to rs tha t

increased the numbers of

MRSA cases.

Junior doctors and nurses

starting to work at the Trust

were trained in the right

techn iques dur ing the i r

induction and regular checks

were made, both on wards

and with peers. A dedicated IV

team a lso he lped dr ive

through improvements to the

service.

The education programme

has helped result in a marked

fall in the number of MRSA

infections at Portsmouth

Hospitals NHS Trust. In

2007/08, there were only 44

cases . The educa t iona l

programme is now being

rolled out across 7 acute NHS

Trusts wi th in the South

Central Strategic Health

Authority area, as an example

of good practice.

The right measures are in place

to ensure Portsmouth Hospitals

are clean, according to a report

published by the Healthcare

Commission.

The health watchdog carried out

unannounced visits to both

Queen Alexandra and St Mary’s

Hospitals in June 2008. The

Commission has been inspecting

all NHS acute trusts across the

country to check compliance with

c o d e o f p r a c t i c e f o r t h e

prevent ion and cont ro l o f

healthcare associated infections,

which is often referred to as the

hygiene code.

It sets out the duties that NHS

organisations must carry out to

make sure they care for patients

in an environment in which the

risk of healthcare associated

infections is kept as low as

possible.

Among the report’s findings, the

Trust makes sure anyone

dealing with patient care is

suitably trained to prevent

infection. An infection prevention

and control programme is

agreed at the highest level, by

the Trust board, and is regularly

updated. The Trust also carries

out regular audits to make sure

the highest standards are being

met, and has suitable measures

t o m i n i m i s e t h e r i s k o f

transferring infections when

m o v i n g p a t i e n t s b e t w e e n

departments and sites.

Access to hand washing facilities

and alcohol gel was said to be

adequate and the report found

clinical areas are kept clean and

in good condit ion. Pat ient

environment and equipment was

noted to be clean and staff were

adhering to the Trust’s uniform

and dress code policy. Adequate

isolation facilities to reduce the

risk of infection being spread

were observed. All these

measures contributed to a clean

and safe patient environment as

reflected by a substantial fall in

the number of MRSA and C.

difficile infections in the Trust.

Trust leads the way in safer cannulation

techniques

best care...

Portsmouth Hospitals shine in cleanliness

spot checks

[11]

Michael Waterland O.B.E has the been the Chairman of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust since April 2001 and is standing down from November. Trust Matters asked him to reflect on his time at the Trust.

What has been the highlight of your tenure?The highlight of my time as chairman of the Trust has been

securing the agreement for the business plan for the new

hospital. This is a continuing highlight, as we are now two-and-

a-half years into a three year programme, and we are on target

and on budget. That is coupled with the fact we started in a

franchise situation, where very few targets were being met and

we are now moving to potential Foundation Trust status.

What will you miss most about the Trust?This Trust has given me, as chairman, the opportunity to make a

real difference for some half-a-million people who are key users

of our services. I now hand over that opportunity to be able to

continue to make that difference to someone else, so there is a loss of an opportunity to make a

difference to patients. I am, however, looking forward to retirement, and playing more bridge, fishing and

spending time on my narrowboat.

What pearls of wisdom would you give to the incoming chairman?The role of chairman is a difficult balance between providing leadership and interfering in executive

matters. My advice would be to review what they are becoming involved in and not becoming involved in

on a regular basis to make sure that you don’t become too operational.

How do you see Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust developing over the next few years?The new hospital will make a huge difference. The facilities within it will be so up-to-date and modern. It

will automatically make patients want to be treated here. The Trust’s reputation continues to grow in its

ability to get treated quickly and to a high standard of care and cleanliness. I predict that the Trust will

become much busier. Meanwhile, Foundation Trust status would bring with it freedoms which will allow

the Trust to put resources into developing services designed for the people of Portsmouth and beyond.

Earlier this year, Michael was awarded an OBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. This was in recognition of his work and dedication to the health service, both in south-east and in the West Midlands.

The Trust would like to thank Michael for all his efforts during his time as chairman. He has been instrumental in the transformation of services for patients, and has seen the Trust’s meteoric rise from being zero-star rated to achieving three stars. Michael has also played a major role in the redevelopment of Queen Alexandra Hospital.

It is hoped that a new chairman will be in post by November.

[12]

best people...

Long Service Awards

Five members of staff have recently

been congratulated for clocking up

more than 200 years’ service

working at Portsmouth Hospitals

NHS Trust.

Chairman of the Trust, Michael

W a t e r l a n d , c e l e b r a t e d t h e

achievements of Denise Spendlove,

Frances Williams, Forbes Morris,

Bob Janes and Beryl Clark at the

Long Service Awards Event.

Compassionate Care

Nursing at Portsmouth Hospitals

NHS Trust has been the focus of

national attention, after the Trust

was highlighted in the prestigious

Nursing Times’ Top 100 Employers

of Nurses.

The achievement recognises the

hard work that goes into making

sure the Trust is a fair and equal

employer, reflected by the length of

service of many of our nurses.

Volunteers Recognised Some of the many volunteers who

give the Trust such valuable time

have been presented long service

awards.

An awards event was held by the

Havant Council of Community

Service. Among those presented

with certificates was Eric Warnecke

and his wife Janet who has been a

hospital volunteer on Mary Ward for

28 years. Ursula Hill, Manager of the

Hospital Charity Shop and a Trustee

of the League of Friends at QAH,

also received a certificate for

volunteering at the hospital for 32

years.

WE

LL

DO

NE

!

[13]

Ursula Ward, Chief Executive

Graeme Zaki Neil Kemsley Medical Director Director of Finance & Investment

David Eccles Maggie MacIsaac Director of Workforce Chief Operating Officer& Human Resources

David Bailey, Deputy Chairman

Mark Greenwood Alan ColeNon-executive Director Non-executive Director

Mark Nellthorp Brett Gill Non-executive Director Non-executive Director

Our Trust Board

[14]

...we delivered

Parents using the recently re-opened Grange Maternity Centre at Petersfield

Hospital have been giving our services the thumbs up. The centre is now open 24

hours-a-day, as a one-stop-shop for advice on all aspects of childbirth. The

centre was reopened in Spring 2008, by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and our

primary care colleagues, after a vocal campaign from supporters. Dozens of

babies have been born at the Grange since it reopened, and here are just a few

comments from those who have experienced our service...

you wanted...

“I was seen

immediately,

not even time

to take a seat”

“I’d like to thank all the staff at the Grange for providing such a relaxed, but

professional and cleanenvironment for

the birth of my daughter”

“The Grange is a very valuable unit and

there is lots of additional information

available for mums”

“Everything and everyone

have been brilliant,

a lovely way to

start motherhood - thank you!!”

“Service always great, always come away

feeling confident, always seen on time”

“Post natal care was fantastic

immediately after having baby, staff all very

helpful”

“Petersfield is very lucky to have

this facility and we’re really privileged

to have used it. Thanks!”

Thank you for taking the time to read our latest

edition of this newsletter, aimed at keeping our

members up-to-date during these most exciting, yet

challenging, times for the Trust.

We have much to celebrate here in Portsmouth. As well as

having some of the most dedicated and professional members

of staff, we are also making huge strides in keeping our

hospital environments as clean and safe as possible for our

patients. Huge efforts have been made across the Trust and a

range of measures have been implemented, resulting in a

58% drop in the number of MRSA cases and a 30% drop in

Clostridium difficile incidents. However, we are not complacent

and through our innovative Stop the Bugs campaign, continue

to work hard to reduce these rates further.

I hope that you get chance to attend one of the forthcoming

members’ meetings. Your input into the running of our

hospitals is incredibly important to us. We want to find out

what you think about our plans and look forward to you helping us shape future

services. It is only through your involvement that we will be able to properly respond

to those who matter most - our patients.

the last word...

Did you know that 70% of clinical diagnoses depend on pathology test results?

Come and find out about the science behind the cure at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham

Guided tours of the Pathology Departmenton

Sunday 9 November 2008

Over 16s only First tour 10am. Last tour 3pm

No booking needed. Please arrive at Pathology reception (Level E)On site parking at Queen Alexandra Hospital overflow car park

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust supports

“

Peter MellorCompany Secretary

“

Don’t forget, we’d like to invite you to the first of a series of meetings being held by the Trust as we prepare for Foundation Status.

We would very much like to meet you at one of the events, which are being held between November and December, in the constituencies of Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Petersfield.

You can come along and meet your publicly elected governor and have a say on how services are developed in the future.

If you are a Trust member and would like to attend, please do contact us and let us know in advance.

We would also like to know your thoughts on Trust Matters. This is your newsletter and we would welcome your ideas and suggestions on what you think should be included.

Meanwhile, don’t forget we are still look ing for new Trust members. Membership is FREE and you can give as much or as little time as you are able.

PLEASE CONTACT:

claire.abbott@porthosp.nhs.uk

023 9228 6284 (24hr)

postscript...

FEEDBACK WANTED

We are aiming to increase the ways we communicate with our members.

We would like to know what you think of this newsletter and would be grateful for any comments.

TRUST MATTERS

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS TrustQueen Alexandra HospitalSouthwick Hill RoadCoshamPortsmouth

CONTACT DETAILS

Emma Topping,Media & Stakeholder Relations Manager Phone: 023 92 288517 E-mail: emma.topping@porthosp.nhs.uk