BetterTogetherLincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s members’ magazine

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ISSUE 14

December 2011

Lincolnshire PartnershipNHS Foundation Trust

Staff thanked for long service

New Governor Elections

Continuing to be the best at what we do

Our Trust priorities for 2011/12 are:

Learn more about our Trust priorities in our 2010/11 Annual Report, available on our website.

www.lpft.nhs.uk

Getting the basics rightImproving service quality

Use resources efficiently

Develop the businessBe a respected integrated health and social care provider.

We are committed to continuously improving the quality of care we provide,delivering services with a sound evidence base, and ensuring our service usersare at the heart of everything we do.

We are concentrating on three main areas of patient safety,patient experience and clinical effectiveness.

We will also look externally to improve our services by working more closely with the third sector, to support individuals along their pathway to recovery.

Our main priority will be implementing the Trust’s Clinical Strategy, which will make services easier to access, and more effective and efficient to run.

We will work closer with our partner organisations, to improve the integration of health and social care and services for older people, as well as looking at what additional support we can offer to people with long term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms.

Our fundamental priority is to prepare for the transition to Clinical Commissioning Groups and build on our relationship with these groups, to develop a full understanding of their needs.

We work closely with our health, social care and third sector partners to achieve the aspirations of our service users.

In this edition we have full coverage of our annual public meeting where we reviewed our organisation’s performance and its future direction (p4). This time last year we were about to embark on our annus horribilis; a most royal phrase to describe the very difficult year ahead we experienced. In November and December 2010, the Trust had been subject to a very critical review by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The inspectors were particularly disparaging about our older adults’ inpatient units. We did expect some criticism with regards to ligature points, as these are always a constant concern and a new programme to reduce their number had yet to be started. Nonetheless we weren’t entirely prepared for the inspector’s final result. So it was a sombre start to the new year. However within just a few weeks a plan to address all the CQC’s concerns was in place and being enthusiastically implemented by our staff. You can read all about some of these quality improvements which focus on the recovery of service users inside this issue.

There have been many more changes throughout the course of the year, including a number of new faces to our Council of Governors and Board of Directors. You can find out who has joined and left on pages 12 to 15.

I was delighted to host our third annual Staff Excellence Awards at The Lawn in Lincoln. We recognised some tremendous people all of whom were nominated by colleagues, service users and carers for their commitment and passion to the Trust and the people we care for. This year’s nominations were so exceptional that to consider one person above all others to receive the Chairman’s award was too difficult, so exceptionally two people were recognised. The full results can be found on pages 18 to 20.

I do hope you enjoy this bumper issue; which only provides a snippet of just some of the many excellent things going on in and around our Trust.

Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the year and I wish you all the best for 2012.

With very best wishes

Eileen Ziemer

Chairman

WelcomeWelcome to the winter edition of Better Together, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s magazine for our staff, service users, carers and members.

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H’art of our city Artwork created by mental health service users has been unveiled in the outpatients waiting area at Lincoln County Hospital.The Heart of our City piece of wall art depicts well-known Lincolnshire landmarks and other images representative of local people at work, rest and play.

Heart of our City was produced by artists from the Gemini art project, a recovery group supported by the Trust. Research studies suggest that opportunities to engage in creative activities play an important part in recovery from mental ill health. Gemini assists the recovery process by helping people to share their experiences and make connections with other people through their creative art activities.

For more details about Gemini, contact creative arts lead: Terry Overton on tel: 01522 573526

Annual Public Meeting

Hosted by local radio journalist, Judy Theobald, on September 15 at Lincoln’s Drill Hall, attendees celebrated our organisation’s achievements and considered future plans.

Chief executive, Chris Slavin, provided a review of the year highlighting some of our key achievements and discussed planned developments. A marked improved performance was delivered in all areas and key national targets were met over the past 12 months. He shared the Trust’s three main priorities for the year ahead:

1. Continuing to improve service quality

2. Using resources more efficiently

3. Retaining and developing our business (to see more details go to page 2)

This was followed by presentations from the director of nursing and operations, Kay Darby on high quality care for service users and from acting director of finance, Darren Steel, who spoke about our financial performance, as reflected through the year end accounts.

Newly elected lead governor, Alan Daniels gave an account of governor activities for the past year, whilst Trust secretary, Peter Howie, gave an update on membership demographics.

The event showcased some of our latest service-user focussed activities and those of our partner organisations. Delegates had time to consider these in more detail by participating in interactive workshops and viewing the exhibition stands.

Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “Improving the lives of service users through their journey to recovery whilst in our care is always our main priority. We are committed to keeping everyone well informed about the work we do and it was great to see so many people coming along to find out more and get involved.”

The Trust’s annual report for 2010/11 was publicly received during the event. Copies can be downloaded from our website: www.lpft.nhs.uk or a printed copy can be requested from our communications team, by telephoning: 01529 222270.

Highlights from 2010-2011 include:

■ The Trust was listed in the best performing 20% of all Trusts and second nationally following a survey commissioned into community care by the Care Quality Commission.

■ Construction started on a new £15m rehabilitation centre to provide complete treatment and care services for 45 resident service users.

■ Opening of a sexual assault referral unit to provide victims of sexual crimes access to appropriate medical care, advice, and support.

■ Child and adolescent mental health services were centralised to provide a well equipped base for young service users and their families.

■ A new liaison service was launched to help adults with learning disabilities maintain and protect their accommodation placements.

■ The success of the employment advisor service secured additional funding to expand the programme countywide.

Insight into the TrustSome 150 service users, members of the public and staff attended the Trust’s annual public meeting and members’ meeting to hear more about our work and to provide feedback on their experience in our care.

Judy Theobald

Andrew Harrison

Delegates heard how people accessing local mental health services have been really benefiting from a new model of care.The team at the Stamford resource centre introduced a new approach to mental health recovery some two years ago. Their method involves working with people experiencing long standing mental health needs to achieve personal goals fundamental to their recovery. The multi-disciplinary team use a number of different therapies, treatments and other options which involves including family and friends for each person under their care.

A number of service users who have experienced the team’s new approach spoke candidly about their own treatment and their personal journey towards recovery.

A comment from one of the service user’s summed up the service in just a few words, she said: “You gave me my life back”.

Team leader, Jane McLean, said: “Introducing this new way of working by seeing people at different phases of their clinical, social and personal recovery and using our fast track system, means people get access to the right support, by the right people at the right time. It creates capacity within the team, which reduces staff stress, freeing them up to provide the compassionate and quality service they are trained to deliver.”

Referrals to the Stamford recovery team for mental health treatment and care can only be made through a person’s own GP.

Recovery team showcase results

Alan Daniels, lead governorJane McLean

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Centre for rape victims makes an impactDelegates at the annual public meeting heard some 177 people had used the new sexual assault referral centre in just 18 months of it opening.

General manager for Spring Lodge, Amanda Farquhar showcased how the centre has had a real positive impact on the lives of so many victims of sexual crime across Lincolnshire.

Spring Lodge which opened in April 2010, helps victims of rape and serious sexual assault report their abuse and undergo medical examinations without necessarily prompting a police investigation. It also has facilities for medical and forensic examinations and video interviewing.

Supported by the Trust, Lincolnshire Police and NHS Lincolnshire, Spring Lodge, provides a single location where people aged 14 years and over can receive appropriate medical care, advice and help.

Amanda said: “Rape and sexual assault can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. Spring Lodge is making a difference to so many peoples’ lives by providing the right type of support and care they fully deserve.”

Governors in Action. Front: Ceilia Evershed, deputy lead governor and Alan Daniels, lead governor. Left: John Clarke, Rebecca Miller, Ron Oxby and Audrey Pestell Research Cafe

Amanda Farquhar

Support groups get new home…Some local mental health support groups have found a new home at The Foyer on Eastgate in Sleaford:

SLEAFORD Bi-POLAR SuPPORT GROuP

Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday, from 12:15pm to 2pm

Open to anyone who suffers from manic depression / bi-polar.

Come along for a cup of tea, chat, support and information with fellow sufferers.

For more details, call Sue: 01529 307195

BEyOND THE BLuES

Meets every Wednesday, from 10am to 1pm

For people who suffer from depression, mental health issues or loneliness. Supporting one another and making friends. Activities, days out, tea & chat.

For more details, call Debbie: 07852 601700

HEARiNG VOiCES

Meets every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, from 1pm to 3pm

For people who hear voices and those that suffer the effects of long term mental illness.

Open to everyone and anyone that could benefit.

For more details, call Cathy: 07810 550413

The handy wallet-sized planner was designed and produced by service users from Lincoln Mental Health Forum working together with Trust staff.

Lincoln Mental Health Forum representative, Andrew Harrison, who was very involved with the development of the support planner, said:

“It is an example of self help as well as being a potential tool for self directed support. We hope to review and revise it following feedback, but so far comment has generally been positive.”

Pocket- sized

supportA new support planner has been produced to help people maintain their mental health and wellbeing. It was launched at the Trust’s annual public meeting in September.

Andrew, pictured at the back and Polly Blaydes, pictured left

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Annual Report The report of the trustees has recently been published. For the 12 months to March 2011, some £163,386 was donated to NHS Lincolnshire Charities. All but £11,786 has been spent on items to improve the environment of service users in our care. Income and charitable funds manager, Paula Duckworth, said: “The majority of our donations are from lots of small donors, but occasionally a large gift is made in memory of someone. All gifts are very helpful and the service users whom benefit are very grateful for this generosity.” A full copy of the financial accounts is available on request by emailing: charities@lincolnshire.nhs.uk or telephoning: 01522 515410

The Trust is facing a number of challenges in relation to:

■ the economic situation ■ an ageing population ■ changes to the provision of social care ■ the shift to increasing individual choice and personal budgets ■ the development of a competitive market in health and social care

To be best placed to embrace these challenges, the Trust needs to take a much more proactive approach. By considering these challenges as opportunities, the Trust will be better placed to ensure that we are “doing the right things” as well as “doing things right”. The over riding aim is to ensure we are delivering the best possible services to meet the needs of all our service users.

Service review

With the support of our commissioners, the Trust is currently undertaking a complete review of all existing services to ensure they are fit for the future.

It is important to involve as many people as possible. One public event, the World Café, has already taken place (October 18), and members have also been surveyed by post for feedback.

You can keep up to date on how the service review is progressing by speaking to a Trust governor, attending membership events, checking the website, www.lpft.nhs.uk or reading future issues of Better Together.

Transforming mental health in Lincolnshire

A new organisation is bringing people together for a common purpose to improve mental health support in Lincolnshire.Shine aims to connect people with services that are most suited to their needs to improve their lives. The new network also unites mental health support service providers to work together for joint benefit.

Shine spokesperson, Stacey Gillott, said: “We can put people with a common interest in touch with each other and help them to work more closely and therefore, more effectively together.”

Launch events have been held around the county for local people and support services.

Bright new era for local mental health support

For more details contact: Marion Christopher on tel: 01529 222 271 or email: marion.christopher@lpft.nhs.uk

Independent social workers are few and far between, particularly those that work with older adults. With 32 years of experience behind him, Simon Jessop has set up his own company to provide a bespoke social care service to older adults, their carers and families across Lincolnshire.

As an independent social worker Simon is able to establish a close relationship with each client. Working on a one-to-one basis, he gets to understand their needs and care network in depth and works to ensure they get the right support services and benefits to maintain their quality of life.

Having been previously employed by the county council, Simon has all the necessary local knowledge to make things happen. Such specialist help can be essential to some people with few or no family members close by to provide assistance.

Simon said: “I do all the trouble shooting and become the main point of contact for my clients. This takes the pressure of families and carers, who simply want to enjoy their time with their loved one, and not get caught up in red tape and trying to sort out affairs.”

Who are the independents?

Contact Simon Jessop on tel: 01572 756666, or email: agecareadvice@gmail.com

www.agecareadvice.co.uk

Gemini goes PC

Gemini artist, Amanda Rutter, was commissioned to produce a some art for the NHS Training and Development Centre in Sleaford.

Amanda presented the Trust’s clinical systems development manager, Carolyn Holmes with six pieces of art to decorate the walls of the computer training room. Each canvas makes a connection between technology and art. As a thank you, Amanda was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by Carolyn. A lot of Amanda’s work can be appreciated by members of the public at the Gemini exhibitions which are held periodically through the year.

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Missed appointments, known as ‘did not attend’ (DNA) appointments, are a serious problem for all NHS trusts.Thousands of appointments are missed each year. Each missed appointment costs the Trust £120. Whilst this cost is absorbed by the Trust, missed appointments also impact on waiting lists. If good notice is given, a cancelled appointment slot could be offered to someone else.The Trust is always working to reduce the number of DNA appointments; therefore it is currently piloting a text-based patient reminder service with two teams across the county. A discreet text message from our reminder service is received by the service user a few days before their appointment. The service is free of charge and gives the service user the option to cancel or rearrange their appointment if they cannot attend for any reason.In the pilot areas, staff are asking service users if they want to be involved. The contact information is only ever used for NHS business and is never passed on to any other organisation.Business manager for adult mental health services, Martin Vokes, said: “Sending reminders has been proven as a great way of reducing the number of missed appointments. By reducing the number of missed appointments we can reduce patient waiting times and improve the care which we deliver.” The text reminder service is being piloted at present and will be evaluated at the end of March 2012.

APPoINTMeNT ReMINdeR SeRvICe PILoT

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Up, up and away Balloons were released across Lincolnshire on October 10, to celebrate this year’s World Mental Health Day.

Each one of the biodegradable balloons released contained a personal message from someone with an interest in mental health. The messages were in keeping with this year’s theme is ‘Letting go of mental health’ and how it is time for people to let go of the discrimination and stigma so often associated with mental ill health.

The balloon release forms part of a programme of activities organised by occupational therapist, Cathy McNulty, who said: “World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to celebrate mental wellbeing and to encourage everyone to take better care of their mental health.”

Each one of the biodegradable balloons released contained a personal message from someone with an interest in mental health. The messages were in keeping with this year’s theme: ‘Letting go of mental health’ and how it is time for people to let go of the discrimination and stigma so often associated with mental ill health.

The balloon release forms part of a programme of activities organised by occupational therapist, Cathy McNulty, who said: “World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to celebrate mental wellbeing and to encourage everyone to take better care of their mental health.”

up, up and awayBalloons were released across Lincolnshire on October 10, to celebrate this year’s World Mental Health Day.

Pew – its hard work

Service users from the Francis Willis Unit have been working voluntarily on a conservation project in the local community. The small team of service users and staff from the forensic unit donate their time one afternoon per week to renovate and improve an old methodist chapel in the village of Dunston.

The work involves painting railings, removing old and flaking paint, rendering cement, painting the interior walls and exterior windowsills, removal of rust from iron works.

Property steward, Russ McLukie, said: “We have been very lucky to have the support and hard work of the lads from the unit; they are making a real difference to our local community.” Occupational therapist, Tyrone Halliday, said: “We are delighted to help. Our service users are getting a great deal out of the experience; they are learning new skills, handling equipment, and supporting each other as a team in a live working environment.”

The Trust held its first ever Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) conference for health and social care professionals in October.

Professionals from a range of health, social care and third sector organisations attended the event which highlighted the national Department of Health agenda on IAPT and how talking therapies can help people with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

As part of the day delegates heard how the IAPT agenda had been implemented in the East Midlands and locally, as well as plans to develop the programme further.

Many people find that talking therapies are useful for the treatment of common mental health problems. Therapy can either be used on its own or combined with medication. The Department of Health believe that these types of therapies play an important role in the first line treatment for helping people with mental health problems.

IAPT services offers several stages of treatment from guided self-help information and stress control workshops, to more intensive one-to-one talking therapy such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.

People can access local talking therapy services by initially speaking to their GP.

Why talking is the best therapy

For more information about the local IAPT services please visit our website www.lpft.nhs.uk

Take a break with Kevin & SallyVolunteers running Pete’s Place, the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) café, have recently achieved nationally recognised qualifications in food handling and preparation. Pete’s Place works as a training community café within the heart of PHC. It provides a real life working environment to service users and volunteers by helping them improve their skills towards independent living. Earlier this year some of the ‘trainee’ caterers studied for basic good hygiene qualifications.

Sally has been a volunteer at Pete’s Place since she was discharged by services. She started volunteering one day a week, but has enjoyed the experience so much that she has increased her involvement.

Working at Pete’s Place has formed part of Sally’s recovery; it has equipped her with a special set of skills that endears her to the customers. As a result of her illness, Sally lost her self esteem and confidence. Now she has sufficiently recovered to work voluntarily in the café, and she also works as a nursing assistant on the wards at PHC.

Sally said: “Pete’s Place has been instrumental in my recovery; it has also given me a stepping stone into my new caring role, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

During her time at Pete’s Place, Sally has achieved her NVQ level 2 in food hygiene and has successfully completed a number of other training courses including breakaway and conflict management.

Kevin worked in Pete’s Place whilst an inpatient and since his discharge he has continued to work in the café as a volunteer.

Kevin said: “I like doing it, it is really rewarding and it gives me a sense of achievement as people rely on me.”

Kevin used to be a market trader and this experience has come in useful when working in the café or managing the refreshment trolley from which he sells snacks and other products to residents on the wards at PHC.

Kevin has passed his NVQ level 2 in food hygiene, which has given him more confidence when preparing the foodstuffs being sold through the cafe.

He added: “I enjoy retail and meeting people, so working in the cafe brings out the best in me. Pete’s Place has helped my recovery, particularly the socialising which has improved my self esteem and confidence.”

Pete’s Place is open to everyone who lives, works or visits PHC. It is run by service users and volunteers and supported by the local occupational therapy team. The café team prepare filled sandwiches and rolls, jacket potatoes, cakes, which they serve to customers, along with other confectionary and refreshments. The café promotes healthy eating and uses local suppliers where possible, including vegetables from the PHC garden.

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New directors come on board

RESPECT: Enable & support our staff

“As a governor, I have learnt a lot more than I had expected, both about LPFT as an organisation and the external pressures it has to deal with.

I have also met, and worked alongside, some absolutely fantastic people - governors and staff - who definitely go the extra mile.”

“I wonder how naïve we continue to be by not better mobilising the full voice of an 8,000 membership which could be a loud shout and difficult for commissioners and a community to ignore

Amongst my thanks to staff is a plea to them to offer their views on issues to their governor, that enables the governor to better represent them in the knowledge they can then say “I have been approached by over 100 people about this issue and they say…”

Goodbye to governorsWe would like to bid a fond farewell to the following governors and thank them wholeheartedly for their tremendous hard work and contribution to the Trust during their term of office:

Beth HuttonStaff governor representing primary care and psychological therapies (from October 2007 to September 2011).

Beth will be fondly remembered as being a Monitor cover girl when her image was used on the front cover of its guide for governors.

Liz WellsStaff governor for child and family services (from October 2008 to September 2011).

During her term as a governor, Liz has always shown strong commitment when representing the child and family service division, and equally when championing the SMILES programme.

Roland Woloschin Staff governor representing corporate services (from October 2007 to September 2011).

Roland has been an unstinting member of the nomination and remuneration committee and has played a key role in the demanding process of appointing non executive directors.

Ann Marie Cox A staff governor for adult services (from August 2008 to September 2011).

As a governor, Ann Marie has been instrumental in providing essential advice and input to the Trust’s approach to personalised budgets and how best to work with the relevant partner organisations.

Two new executive directors have recently joined our Trust’s board:

Dr John Brewin - Medical director

John was previously employed as an associate medical director for the locality services division within Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. John said: “The Trust has an excellent reputation for providing high quality care for people with mental health problems. There are many challenges ahead in the current financial climate, and ensuring we continue to develop excellent services for this vulnerable patient group, will be a priority for me.”

Michael Cawley - Director of finance and compliance

Michael joins us from the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement. Michael said: “Given the current economic climate we are undoubtedly facing very financially challenging times ahead. However I am relishing the challenge and the opportunities that present themselves in such occasions. “I have no doubt that with hard work and commitment from our staff, board and governors we can build on the Trust’s excellent reputation to ensure it continues to deliver best in class services for people with mental health problems.”

Council of Governors’ october meeting Newly elected governors were welcomed to the meeting on October 6:

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■ Colette Coleman (South Holland) ■ Susanne Ridley (staff, older adults services) ■ Pam Whittaker (public, North Kesteven) ■ Shiraz Haider (staff, corporate services) ■ Wayne Warner (staff, primary care & psychological therapies).

As part of the meeting, the Council undertook a number of their statutory functions including: appointing the Trust’s external auditors, electing their lead governor, Alan Daniels and their deputy lead governor, Celia Evershed for the next year. The Council also reviewed and approved the revised Code of Conduct for both the governors and directors, as well as, revising the membership of their committees and approving the process to be used for a review of the Trust’s constitution.

A report was received from the chief executive on the Trust’s current performance and the plans to work with NHS Lincolnshire to review the clinical strategy by undertaking the “Transformation of Mental Health Services in Lincolnshire”.Updates on the work of each of the Council’s committees were presented. Governors were particularly pleased to hear of the positive progress with the development of the Group of 1,000 and with the attendance figures at the new style governor drop-in sessions which are being held around the county, (details of the next sessions are on page 17). Governors noted the positive progress made in addressing issues raised by members.The Governors also received a report on their self-appraisal and their training needs analysis and welcomed the opportunity to establish and participate in additional training.

John and Michael took up their new posts on the Trust board in October.

RESPECT: Ensure we do as we say we do

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Governors are appointed to represent the views of local people and work closely with our Board of Directors advising them on issues such as priorities for forward planning. They also have key responsibilities including the appointment and removal of the chairman and non-executive directors.

These governors come together to join our existing Council of Governors which holds meetings throughout the year and works with the Board of Directors in carrying out their key functions and responsibilities.

Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “I am delighted to welcome these new governors to the Trust, and look forward to hearing their views on local mental healthcare and wellbeing. These governors bring a wealth of experience to our Trust and will be invaluable as we explore the possibilities and challenges facing community healthcare across Lincolnshire. They will have a unique opportunity to influence future NHS services in their respective local communities.”

Shiraz Haider(Staff governor, corporate services). Three-year term, started September 2011

“I am committed to improving services for service users by developing effective user engagement, and learning from our own weaknesses. I bring a rich insight of strategic and operational management having held senior roles in acute and mental health trusts across the country.”

“I believe we must harness the latent potential within our staff to help us achieve and exceed our strategic aspirations. I feel it is important to take risks to sharpen our efficiency, whilst simultaneously modernising and improving the quality of services so that we implement QIPP* in its true spirit, and not just in terms of cost improvement.”

*QIPP is the NHS quality, innovation, productivity and prevention (QIPP) challenge aimed at preparing the NHS to defend and promote high quality care in a tighter economic climate.”

Wayne Warner(Staff governor, primary care & psychological therapies). Three-year term, started September 2011

“I feel that I have the skills and the interest in the provision and the delivery of healthcare services to diverse groups of people. I am interested in the development of the Trust, to enhance the service user and staff experience. I also think it would be beneficial to have representation of prison healthcare services. I feel that it is important to ensure that advocacy of the service users is paramount in such an organisation and that it is their needs that are of primary concern.”

“I am an active 72 year old who loves to meet and talk with people, and am privileged to hold the following positions:

■ Chairman South Hykeham parish council ■ Secretary village hall committee

“I have enjoyed previously doing voluntary work at Lincoln County

Hospital oncology unit and also within a local residential home where many of the residents were diagnosed with Alzheimers.”

“I am a good listener and fair minded. Although I am of pensionable age I still have a lot to give and can draw on my past experiences when needed.”

david Winston ogden(Public governor, Borough of Boston). Started July 2011 to September 2012

“Having worked for 40 years in further education I gained experience working with 16 to 60 year olds, organising groups of people and working one to one on different types of issues and problems. During the latter part of my career, I unfortunately suffered from depression and underwent cognitive therapy and I learnt that many people of different ages and backgrounds needed similar treatment. Those who have never experienced such problems tend not to believe it is an illness, so I hope I have the skills to help dispel this myth and therefore help people in similar situations.”

Colette Frances Coleman(Public governor, South Holland). Started July 2011 to September 2012

“As a qualified social housing professional, I am committed to developing and promoting equality and diversity, delivery of continuous improvement, and provision and monitoring of customer oriented, efficient, effective and accessible high quality services.

“I am a parish councillor, have an understanding of the needs and expectations of the community and demographic, social and other issues affecting service users. I have excellent communication skills and interact effectively with a variety of audiences.

“I am excited at the prospect of becoming a governor, and the opportunity to bring about real change and improvements, assisting the Trust to achieve and maintain excellent performance.”

Susanne C Ridley(Staff governor, older adult services). Three-year term, started September 2011

“I am standing for governor due to my belief that quality of care for older adults is important to us all. In order to achieve that quality of care communication within all sectors of the Trust is paramount. Older adult services are of necessity changing and adapting to the society we live in.”

“I would like to help with these changes to ensure a better service for all.”

John William Clarke(Service user & carer governor). Started July 2011 to September 2013

“I am a carer and a driver to take patients to doctors, hospitals, dentists, etc. I’m also a town councillor and have lived all my life in Lincolnshire, so I understand peoples’ troubles and have served on government committees.”

david John Bray (Service user governor, adult services). Started July 2011 to September 2013

“In the past I have been a member of Her Majesties’ armed forces and have attended the palace to receive my gold award. I have run in local council elections and parliamentary elections. I have served as a school governor for a full term of office and a NHS governor.”

“I have a vast international knowledge of business and do a lot of voluntary work in the local community, I am currently elected as a tenants’ advisory panel member for New Link Homes. I hope to be a use to the organisation and members.”

Introducing...

New governors welcomed to the Trust

Please welcome some new faces to our Council of Governors. The successful candidates were elected by members in their geographical area, or achieved a place uncontested.

Pam Whittaker(Public governor, North Kesteven). Three-year term, started october 2011

Consultant nurse, Paul Barrett, complemented Celia’s presentation by providing information on local mental health care services to support people with a personality disorder diagnosis.

Following the presentations attendees could speak directly with Celia and question other Trust staff present about personal issues with mental health care and services.

Celia said: “Personality disorders is not the fault of any one individual. This event helped to demystify the myths that surround the personality disorder diagnosis, which is more common than most people would believe, and treatment exists that really works.”

Paul said: “The event afforded an opportunity to meet with members to discuss the issues that people with personality disorder face and to explore how the Trust might effectively engage with this population.”

Celia Evershed

Personality disorder more than attention seeking

People with an interest in mental health and learning disability services had the opportunity to learn more about them and local support at an event held in Stamford in November.

Consultant psychiatrist and associate clinical director, Dr Peter Speight, said: “People had the chance to talk in detail with our learning disabilities services staff to find out more about the type of help we provide and learn about the advice and support available.”

The event was open to anyone - whether they currently use learning disabilities services, have a family member who does, or were just interested to know a bit more about what the Trust does.

Trust governor, Geoffrey Catlin, who attended the event said: “Learning disabilities affect so many people in different ways and having the right support structures and care in place is essential. There is so much help and support available to people, including advice about education, employment, welfare benefits and advocacy services. People with learning disabilities can positively contribute so much to society.”

Learning disabilities awareness event

Geoffrey Catlin

Membership Involvement & engagement Upcoming events

DementiaVenue: New Life Centre, Lincoln

Date: Thursday, 19th January 2012Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm (doors open 1pm)

Eating Disorders Venue: New Life Centre, Newland, Lincoln

Date: Thursday, 1st March 2012Time: 5pm – 8pm (doors open 4.30pm)

To book a place at any of these membership events, simply, email: info@lpft.nhs.uk or telephone: 01529 222277/76

Check our website: www.lpft.nhs.uk for details of other events across Lincolnshire

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ServiceVenue: NHS Training & Development Centre, SleafordDate: Saturday, 11th February 2012Time: 10am – 1pm (doors open 9.30am)

Eating disordersSafeguarding vulnerable children and adultsAccessing emergency servicesAdvice for carersDementiaChild and family Personality disordersLearning disabilitiesSubstance misuse. Events for 2012 will include similar topics in different locations across the county.

events to date have covered:

Feedback and reflection on personality disorder event

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As many as one in 10* of the adult population struggle with their thoughts, feelings and behaviours which cause them distress and difficulties in their every day lives.

A personality disorder is as it sounds; a problem with a person’s personality which tends to make them act very differently from everyone else. A sufferer may find it difficult to make or keep relationships, get on with other people, keep out of trouble, and control their feelings and behaviour.

To help generate more awareness about the condition, the Trust held a public event in October in Gainsborough.

Representatives and clinicians provided information about personality disorder and the services available locally, and Celia Evershed, who is diagnosed with personality disorder, talked about living with the condition.

*Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists

Membership eventsNewly created for 2011, the monthly programme of membership and engagement events including governor drop-in sessions have been designed by our Trust’s membership committee. The events aim to actively engage and involve our existing membership through interesting topics that offer knowledge and activity by involving relevant mental healthcare professionals, Trust governors, and partner organisations.

At each event a governor is present to allow attendees to discuss personal issues or raise public concerns.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us at these free, public events. Check out the website or page 17 for details of upcoming topics. To book a place, simply email: info@lpft.nhs.uk or telephone the membership office on 01529 222276 / 77.

40 years long service recipient John Steer pictured with Eileen Zeimer and Chris Slavin

Long service staff recognised at awards ceremonyStaff who have been with the Trust or NHS for 20 years or more were publicly thanked for their long service at this year’s Staff Excellence awards. This year, 34 members of staff were recognised for 20 years at the Trust, 26 were rewarded for 30 years NHS service and three for 40 years service with the NHS – between them that’s a combined service of 1,580 years.

Contracts officer, Yvonne Gullidge, recently celebrated 20 years service at the Trust this year and was one of the recipients of a long service award. Yvonne said:

“I can’t believe I have been working for the NHS so long. The NHS as an organisation has never stood still and is a very different business to when I first joined in 1990. I’m very happy to have been part of those changes.”

At the 20, 30 and 40 year land marks, staff receive a certificate and capital bonds in recognition of their loyal service to the NHS as well as an automatic invitation to the annual Staff Excellence Awards.

40 years

John Steer Roger Pritlove Jeffrey Harwood

L-R: Eileen, David Harding Price, Lynda Jones, Peter Howie, Gron Radley, Jim Graham, Sally Cosgriff and Chris

30 years

Katrina AddleseeElaine BrooksSally Cosgriff

Carole DickensNick Endley

James Graham

David Harding-PriceJo Hildred

Bridget HoganPeter HowieLinda Hoyle

Ken JacksonJohn JanickyjLynda JonesSharon King

Patricia Leach

Simon LoosmoreBhalwinder McCulloch

Steve MorrisMaxine MortonHelen Muxlow

Grainne RadleyDawn RobertsDavid StrongMartin Vokes

Ingrid Whitaker

L-R: Eileen, Val Smith, Donna Bradford, yvonne Gullidge and Chris

20 years

Debbie BarkerBeverley BoltonDonna BradfordLynne Casswell

Elaine DavisDeborah Few

Nadine Geraghty

Nikki GibsonYvonne Gullidge

Mark HalsallDave Higginbottom

Catherine HobbsVanessa Ingle

Antony Jackson

Fiona JacksonCarol Kane

Pauline (Polly) KitchenSamantha Lee

Nigel MeachamLisa MiddlemissAmanda Murphy

Karen PiperVince PiperSteven Pitt

Avonel PleassMaxine RobertsSarah Robinson

Chris Rooney

Linda SaxbyYvette SkeetValerie Smith

Sue SwinburneKeely Tagg

Carol Whitworth

RESPECT: Take pride in what we do

Liz was nominated for her commitment and enthusiasm to the care and wellbeing of children and their families. Her passion and dedication has led to the development of an innovative series of

therapeutic booklets to support children and the ‘Smiles’ project has recently won a regional innovation award (see back page).

Liz, said: “I love working with young people, their families and carers and feel very privileged to be in a position that enables me to try and empower them to find solutions to their problems and make a positive difference for their future.”

Liz lives near Sleaford and has worked for the Trust for some 21 years.

Liz Wells, nurse specialist, child and family services, Grantham

Ginny was nominated by service users and carers for her skill, dedication and genuine desire to help. In one nomination, Ginny was described as “the best

community psychiatric nurse ever”, and “her support helps me live a more normal life”.

Ginny, said: “Just to be nominated by the people in my care was an honour, and then to win my own category is fantastic, therefore then to go on and win the Chairman’s award has left me speechless!”

Ginny, who lives in Lincoln, has worked for the Trust for some 32 years. Before taking up her current role 20 years ago, she worked at Saxon House as a staff nurse.

Ginny Phipps community psychiatric nurse, Lincoln north recovery team

The most prestigious category in the Staff Excellence awards is the Chairman’s award. This award is given to the individual or team which is judged to have really excelled beyond the high standard of care expected from healthcare professionals.

This year due to the high calibre of award nominations, two Chairman’s awards were handed out, to:

Two Chairman’s awards

Team award goes to GranthamOne of this year’s most hotly contested awards was the team of the year award, which went to the Manthorpe inpatient team.The multi-disciplinary team so impressed the judging panel by remodelling their approach to the whole environment and the care they provide to older adults at the inpatient unit at Grantham Hospital. Their improvements have been evidenced in independent audits and inspections and adopted by other teams across the Trust.

Delighted with his team’s win, Craig McLean, head of acute care, said: “The members of the team are all dedicated and hard working individuals who always do their very best to deliver a quality service and it is wonderful that this has been recognised and acknowledged with this year’s team award.”

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The winner of this year’s research into practice award was consultant nurse, Paul Barrett and clinical specialist occupational therapist, Polly Blaydes, who both work at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln.

Their award winning proposal was entitled, ‘emotional first aid’. Developed with service user, Tracey Hamilton, the team propose to undertake a pilot evaluation of the existing emotional first aid skills training in acute mental health care.

Speaking of their win, Polly said: “We are thrilled to receive this award. This will give us opportunity to pilot an evaluation of the existing emotional first aid skills group, fully involving service users and colleagues in the process.”

This award was kindly sponsored by Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research & Care for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire.

Staff get emotionalFor this year’s awards a new category was introduced: the Research into Practice award. in addition to the engraved trophy, capital bonds and certificate given to all the award winners, this award came with a £1,000 cheque to fund the piece of research proposed.

Arts draw in volunteer awardThe Gemini art project volunteers jointly received the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of their commitment and enthusiasm to help people recover from mental ill health through the use of art-based craft. Gemini volunteer Kath Hardy said: “I felt absolutely elated to be part of the team of volunteers to win this award. I felt it reflected not only the success of this amazing project but of all the initiatives and achievements developed by the Trust’s creative arts service.”Gemini was first developed in 1995 to offer people occupational therapy through learning and creativity in a community based, educational or supportive environment. The project has proved invaluable in building on students’ confidence and developing artistic and other essential skills. The group’s work often goes on display at Lincoln Central Library and other public venues throughout the year.

Trust creative arts lead, Terri Overton, said: “Our team of creative arts volunteers work so hard to support our services. I am delighted their support is so highly valued and publicly recognised through the winning of this award. I congratulate them all”.

L-R Polly, Tracey & Paul

An occupational therapist has been recognised for her drive and determination to challenge the stigma of mental ill health and discrimination at the Trust’s Staff Excellence awards.

Ruth Taylor, a senior occupational therapist, was presented with the Time to Change award. Ruth has been part of the driving force behind the county’s child and young people’s inpatient unit, Ash Villa at Sleaford, in achieving level one of the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s quality standards for improved care and environment. She continues to drive her team to reach the next level.

Ruth has worked for the NHS for some 11 years, said: “I am delighted to receive this award and would like to acknowledge the support and enthusiasm of my colleagues at Ash Villa who have contributed to the unit’s developments. Without the support of the unit’s manager, Michelle Rudd to adopt a creative and innovative approach to achieving change none of my achievements would have been possible.”

The national Time to Change programme, supported by the Trust, aims to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems. Time to Change is led by Mind and Rethink, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief and evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry.

NHS therapist clocks up Time to Change award

www.time-to-change.org.uk

More than 200 members of staff, volunteers and their guests attended the prestigious Staff Excellence awards, which were hosted at The Lawn in Lincoln.

The 14 categories for the awards included the Chairman’s award for the individual or team that has made the most significant contribution to improving the experience of service users. This year, due to the number of high calibre of worthy nominations two Chairman’s awards were issued

Chief executive Chris Slavin said: “Every year at the awards ceremony, I hear the finest examples of how our staff are going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure our service users are getting the best possible care - and it never fails to amaze me. Hearing those stories is a very humbling experience.

“It is clear that our staff are determined to make a difference to service users’ lives and, whether that’s through the direct care that they deliver, or by working hard behind the scenes to ensure services run smoothly and effectively, everyone is doing all they can to provide the very best service.

“I am so very proud of every person who won an award and those who were shortlisted for one. It is so pleasing to be able to recognise the achievements of some of our key players and teams.”

Staff celebrate in style at staff awardsAn annual award ceremony to celebrate the hard work, innovation and long service of staff from the Trust took place in November.

The 2011 awards were generously sponsored by: University of Lincoln, *Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research & Care for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire,

Lincolnshire, Design by Distraction, and Systematic.

1. Time to Change award – Ruth Taylor, senior occupational therapist, Ash Villa, Sleaford2. innovation award – Liz Wells, nurse specialist, child and family services, Grantham

3. Volunteer of the year award – Gemini art project volunteers4. Corporate Services Employee of the year – Jason Grainger, receptionist, NHS Learning & Development Centre, Sleaford

5. Older Adults Services Employee of the year – Lynne King, receptionist, Witham Court, North Hykeham6. Adult Services Employee of the year – Clive Friar, community support worker, community mental health team, Boston

7. Child & Family Services Employee of the year – Katie Brown, art psychotherapist, Ash Villa, Sleaford8. Psychological Therapies & Primary Care Employee of the year – Chris Scott, team coordinator, primary care team, Lincoln

9. Specialist Services Employee of the year – Helen Cobbold, speciality personality disorder worker10. Team of the year – Manthorpe inpatient team, Grantham Hospital

11. CLAHRC* award for Research into Practice – Paul Barrett, consultant nurse, & Polly Blaydes, clinical specialist occupational therapist, Peter Hodgkinson Centre, Lincoln

12. Service user & Carer Nominated Employee of the year – Ginny Phipps, community psychiatric nurse, Lincoln north recovery team13. Chairman’s Award – Ginny Phipps, community psychiatric nurse, Lincoln north recovery team

14. Chairman’s Award – Liz Wells, nurse specialist, child and family services, Grantham

10. Team of the year award - Manthorpe inpatient teamThe winners of the 2011 awards were:

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Gemini volunteers with Chris and Eileen

New rehab care discoveredThe construction of the county’s new rehabilitation unit, Discovery House, is due to open in February. Service users who use inpatient mental health services have been involved all the way through its construction and design.

The Trust actively engaged with a number of service users who had a very clear vision of what they wanted, not only in terms of the building, but from the care and treatment they would receive.

Service user experience of the patient journey and treatment pathways has helped to redesign the county’s entire rehabilitation service – including the inpatient units Ashley House (Grantham), and Maple Lodge (Boston).

The new rehabilitation service philosophy of care is more humanistic and focuses on inclusion to support and empower service users to re-establish their lives in the community.

Trust clinical lead, Ann Dodd said: “Our approach is different and creative. It has been developed by service users to generate a rehabilitation philosophy that is more person centered and meaningful.”

in-Patient Rehabilitation ServiceOur service users have guided our philosophy of care based on their hopes and expectations

Be prepared to engage

Respecting different beliefs

inspiring

See beyond labels

Mutual respect

Open and honest

innovative and creative

Acceptance

Partners in care together

Life after rehab

Doing what we promise

Humanistic

Person - centred

Listen and learn

Choice and independence

Purposeful activity Relaxed, homely environment

Service Philosophy

Trinity House has been revamped thanks to substantial investment by the Trust. The Mayor of Gainsborough officially opened the newly renovated premises to the delight of service users, carers and staff. Team leader, Deb West, said: “We were delighted to welcome our service users to our new premises and we marked the occasion with an official opening conducted by our local mayor and representatives from our Trust.

“It was great to showcase our new refurbished premises to service users and local people and give them the chance to have a look round and meet the team.”

Mayor of Gainsborough, Councillor Harry Clarke, said: “I am very pleased that Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has invested in Trinity House so that it can better meet the needs of local people and I wish the NHS team every success.”

Trinity House now accommodates the Supporting People team, the local mental health recovery team and the older adults’ mental health team.

Trust director, Ann Hunt, said: “We are delighted with the ‘new’ premises. We have

invested £90,000 refurbishing Trinity House to a high standard for the teams and the people in their care. These teams have been at the heart of the community for many years and we are pleased to be supporting them to improve mental health care for local people.”

New roots for The Willows

Waiting lists for mental health services are to be reduced with the move of The Willows to new premises in Sleaford. From early January, out patient services currently accommodated at The Willows will transfer into a suite of larger and more modern facilities.

In response to the negative comments received about the dilapidated condition of The Willows, the Trust’s estates team

were challenged to find replacement accommodation. After much research, the nearest and largest alternative was found less than one mile down the road at The Point, near Trust HQ.

To the delight of service users, who currently have to travel to Boston and Grantham for treatment, the new facilities allow the Trust to provide a wider range of treatments and therapies much closer to their homes.

Head of community services, Joanne Taylor, said: “We outgrew The Willows some time ago and we are delighted with this move. The new facilities provide a much better therapeutic environment which is essential to the care and continued wellbeing of our service users.”

Discovery’s Key to RehabThe Trust is celebrating receiving the keys to its brand new rehabilitation centre, known as Discovery House.

Contractors, Costain, formally handed the building over to the Trust on December 8, following a year’s building work, which has seen almost 100 workers on-site at the peak of construction.

Built on the former St George’s hospital site, Discovery House will house 45 single occupancy rooms, (two single sex wards and one mixed), therapy and treatment rooms, a café and a gymnasium.

Project lead, Ann Dodd, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our fantastic new building. We’ve worked with service user

representatives and staff to make sure it provides the best possible therapeutic environment for the people in our care.”

Trust staff and service users will start moving into the £15m building in January. A formal official opening is planned for spring 2012.

Mental health estate improves

One of the Trust’s mental health recovery and treatment centres celebrated its new and refurbished premises with a special opening event.

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24 25BetterTogetherBetterTogether

Single equality scheme consultation

Jennifer’s Story: Silver Lining Life can be so cruel. But it can then present new opportunities you would never have thought about, had the radically life-changing event never occurred.

Picture the scene – life going along pretty well, now in my 40s, half way through a three-year MSc, Christmas presents and cards sorted, flowers delivered to me from an admirer, out for lunch just one week before breaking up for Christmas – bliss – or so I thought!

Lunch went well; eating and chatting with a friend I didn’t get to meet often, but I began to feel a little queasy towards the end of the meeting. Decided to leave as the symptoms began to migrate from the top to the bottom of my body and back again.

By Sunday evening I was admitted to A&E with suspected meningitis. Sure enough, meningococcal meningitis was diagnosed.

From being out for lunch and through my time in hospital, my hearing gradually changed. This ranged from sounds becoming very high pitched, through a gradual quieting, to barely any sound at all. I was terrified.

It was the beginning of February before I eventually got an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist. His diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss, which was attributed to either meningitis, the drugs used to treat the meningitis, or a combination of both. I only really heard the word ‘permanent’.

Sensorineural hearing loss not only changes ability to hear quiet sounds, but also reduces the quality of the sound that is heard. People with this type of loss struggle to understand speech and their loss cannot be cured.

How would I cope? How would I be able to talk with my family and friends, manage in shops, on the telephone; and furthermore how would I continue with my work? I’m a psychologist, I talk to people, I listen to people, the notion of a ‘deaf psychologist’ was absurd – or was it!

Dr. Jennifer Deakin, principle clinical psychologist

The Trust has been consulting on its single equality scheme which aims to improve access to services and employment opportunities for all equality groups.

As winter takes hold, bugs and germs get more powerful. The NHS is encouraging everyone to ensure they keep their hands clean to stop germs from spreading.

Hands are one of the biggest spreaders of germs. Hand washing with warm water and soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Studies show it lowers the transmission of diarrhoea and colds both at work and home as well as in NHS facilities.

In addition those that are visiting NHS facilities should follow instructions on hand hygiene by either using soap and water or hand gels provided. This is to help reduce infections like MRSA and clostridium difficile.

Lincolnshire was one of the pathfinders trialling the new telephone based service designed to help people access the most appropriate healthcare service for urgent medical problems. The Government has since announced the urgent care number 111 will be rolled out across the UK by April 2013.

Chief executive for NHS Lincolnshire, John McIvor said: “In a county as rural as Lincolnshire it’s important that our patients are able to get the right care first time and are treated in the most

appropriate healthcare setting for their needs. There are times when people are unsure what to do or where to go for help, particularly when they have unexpected or urgent healthcare needs. NHS 111 assesses the caller’s needs and directs them to the best service for them whilst reducing unnecessary pressure on A&E and emergency services. I would encourage people in Lincolnshire to use the 111 number if they are unsure of their symptoms, especially during the cold and flu season when demand on NHS services is already very high.”

Help to stop germs spreading this winter

Service users and their carers can now find out more about their medication on the Trust’s website. Information on all mental health related medicines dispensed by the Trust can be viewed and downloaded from www.choiceandmedication.org/lpft/

Chief pharmacist, Shiraz Haider, said: “I’m sure many people will find the information held on this site really useful, not only for referencing medications but to investigate particular conditions too.”

The Trust is supporting the Dementia: Early Signs and Symptoms campaign which aims to help more people receive an early diagnosis. In the East Midlands there are 54,800 people living with dementia and this is expected to rise to 76,000 by 2021. Fewer than 40% of people with dementia in England have received a diagnosis. Late diagnosis means a poorer quality of life for the individual and their loved ones.

The signs and symptoms of dementia can be spotted early and the campaign is aimed at improving the quality of life of those with the condition, to ensure that they live well for as long as possible.

While having a discussion with a loved one about dementia can be difficult, the earlier that a person receives a diagnosis, the sooner treatment and support can be provided to help them. It can also be a relief when a person receives a dementia diagnosis, as they are able to understand what the problem is and can be reassured that help is available.

This campaign is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society For further information about the signs and symptoms of dementia, please visit www.nhs.uk/dementia or www.alzheimers.org.uk

Early signs and symptoms:

■ Struggling to remember recent events, but can easily recall the past

■ Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on the TV

■ Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects

■ Difficulty recalling things that have been said, heard or seen

■ Repeating things or losing the thread of what they are saying

■ Problems with thinking and reasoning

■ Feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss

■ Feeling confused, even when in familiar environment

Be alert to early signs & symptoms of dementia

Medicines go live NHS 111 HeLPS 95,000 CALLeRS IN FIRST YeAR Over 95,000 calls have been made to NHS 111 in Lincolnshire since it launched last year, with it now averaging around 2,500 calls a week.

Sandy Zavery, equality and diversity lead, said: “This scheme demonstrates our commitment to equality, diversity and human rights. It details the work we plan to carry out to improve services and employment opportunities for all sections of the community.”

You can download a copy of the scheme from: www.lpft.nhs.uk, or you can request a hard copy from Sandy by telephoning, 01529 222200

Can you hear me? There are many different types of deafness, each impacting differently on the life of the sufferer.

Hearing loss is categorised depending on the part of the hearing system that is damaged. Within those categories there are different levels of deafness:

There are many terms used to describe people suffering from hearing loss, such as deaf, hard of hearing, deafened. However which term to use depends on how well you know the person.

Opposite is a true life experience of a staff member who lost her hearing 10 years ago.

1. Mild – can hear a baby cry or music from a stereo, but not whispered conversations.

2. Moderate – can hear a dog barking or telephone ringing, but not a baby cry.

3. Severe – can hear a chainsaw or drums playing, but not a dog barking or a piano playing.

4. Profound – can hear a large lorry or an aeroplane, but not a telephone ringing.

26 27BetterTogetherBetterTogether

People who use mental health recovery services are expanding their craft shop to offer clothes.

The Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) craft shop, which opened earlier this year, sells jewellery, greetings cards, pottery, and many other handmade items carefully crafted by people as part of their recovery from mental illness.

Since November second-hand clothing items have been offered alongside the craftware and items grown through the PHC garden project. All items are nominally priced at £1, or 50p in return for a clothing donation. Some of the clothing is donated to service users who are admitted to the wards with few or no personal items. The proceeds raised through the sales is being used to benefit service users who access the day ward and inpatient wards.

PHC acute care nurse, Angela Hackney, said: “Whilst the money raised from this activity will be really useful, more significant are the benefits for the people working the stalls as they improve their confidence, self esteem, and communication skills.”

The clothing range is on sale every Thursday afternoon in PHC’s day hospital and all the stalls are staffed by service users and volunteers.

Library writes its first chapter

Craft shop zips into frocks

The craft shop is open:Monday to Friday,

from 9.30am to 4pm

Two mental health wards at the Trust have received the highest accreditation for standards of care. The Charlesworth and Connolly wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) in Lincoln which offer inpatient assessment and treatment for adults, have received an ‘excellent’ accreditation for Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS) from the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Centre for Quality Improvement, in October.

The standards have been subject to extensive consultation with all professional groups involved in the provision of acute in-patient mental health services. The AIMS standards have also been tested by several other mental health trusts around the country, with the active involvement of service users and their carers. AIMS covers aspects such as general standards, timely and purposeful admission, safety, environment and facilities, therapies and activities. Both the PHC wards met all the requirements from across more than 450 quality standards.

PHC team leader, Donna Bradford attributes their success to the way the team works together to provide the best possible care for service users:

Trust chief executive, Chris Slavin, said: “Our staff have worked extremely hard to achieve this accreditation. Getting this award is far from easy and it is a huge credit to the whole team that they passed with top marks. AIMS identifies and acknowledges wards that have high standards of organisation and patient care. We are delighted to have received this accreditation and it is fully deserved by all PHC staff, who provide high-quality care for our service users and their carers.”

The AIMS accreditation lasts for four years, subject to satisfactory completion of an annual review.

Service users at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) are being given the chance improve posture and pacing, balance and stamina, manual dexterity, concentration and confidence by gardening. The PHC garden, accessible through the day centre, allows service users to try out horticulture and gardening as a means to assist their recovery.

As a therapeutic environment, it is an idyllic, quiet space, which will allow people to ‘escape’ the hustle and bustle of the wards. They can enjoy the greenhouse, take in the fragrant plants and flowers, or find a quiet place to sit in the fresh air and listen to the birds.

The garden is funded through regular plant sales and other activities run by the day ward. Through PHC’s therapeutic activities, even the garden is purposeful, allowing service users to become involved in fundraising through potting up bought-in plants, sowing seeds and caring for plants for sale.

Acute care nurse, Richard Jago, said: “The garden has been created as a place of relaxation as well as a place where everyone can get involved – there is always something to do.”

Care quality gets top marks

Bloomin’ therapy

Its opening marks a milestone in the redevelopment of service user focussed services at the mental health inpatient unit and day hospital. The library allows readers to access a broad range of self help and mental health awareness literature, along with general interest books and other publications.

Director of nursing and strategy, Kay Darby, conducted the official opening ceremony before an audience of Trust volunteers, staff and service users.

Team leader, Donna Bradford, said: “The library reinforces our commitment to providing facilities to deliver better standards of education, information and research for our service users, staff and visitors.”

The library has been created through the sheer determination and enthusiasm of Trust staff and volunteers, who have encouraged donations of books and other materials.

Certificates of achievement were presented to local Gemini art students at a celebration event held in October. During 2011, the students explored paper pulp sculptural techniques using recycled materials. All the artwork went on public display at a special art exhibition held at Lincoln Central Library in November.

Mental health art students decorated

Carol McKnight, a Gemini artist, with

one of her pieces.

Gemini is a joint initiative developed by the Trust with external professional or educational body, centered on the creative arts. It aims to introduce service users who have accessed occupational therapy creative services to activities - both educational and recreational - within their local community.

Trust creative arts lead, Terri Overton, said: “The standard of work produced by the art students this year has been exceptional. Creating art gives people a sense of achievement and pleasure which helps to re-build their confidence and self-esteem.”

Gemini group presentation

Substance misuse team leader, Nige Dixon, said: “Parents and carers play a vital role, but often struggle to cope with the emotional distress of a loved one’s addiction and related behaviour. Also many parents and carers have health problems of their own. They can often be suffering from depression or stress and struggle to find the time to address their own health needs. This event provided an opportunity for them to find out about the range of services and support that is available.”

Substance misuse– help you cannot bottle

Parents and carers who look after people with an addiction received support and advice at a public event organised by the Trust in Boston in December.

A brand new library at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) in Lincoln opened its doors to service users and staff in September.

“We work very closely as a team and aim to give all services users admitted to the wards at PHC an excellent standard of care that will meet their particular needs. We spend a lot of time with service users, both talking and doing structured activities. It is a very friendly and non-threatening environment.”

One in four children have been verbally bullied in the past year*. This year’s Anti-Bullying Week (14-19 Nov) campaign, ‘Stop and think: words can hurt’, highlighted the worrying trend of verbal bullying. The Anti-Bullying Alliance is calling on everyone to challenge casual name calling and the use of derogatory words.

Self harm nurse practitioner, Amy Havenhand, said: “Casual name calling can be just as damaging to the victim as a physical attack. It can seriously wear down a young person’s confidence and self-esteem to point where it starts to damage their health.”

The Trust’s young persons’ support group, Lost Luggage, actively challenge the stigma associated with mental health. They organise a range of activities to promote the positive aspects of mental well being amongst young people.

Lost Luggage, supported by specialist nurses, Amy and Kerry Hill, is open to any young person aged 10 to 16 years.

* Source: Anti-Bullying Alliance, part of leading children’s charity the National Children’s Bureau. Nov 2011

“Sticks & stones may break my bones; words can never hurt me”

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“I’ve seen people being bullied for their appearance or their disabilities. It’s so hard to see but not many people are brave enough to stop it. One kid was a ‘human pinbal’ and just slammed into others as a game.” Holly, aged 14 years.

For more details about Lost Luggage telephone or text Amy on: 07920 708 085 or email: lostluggage@lpft.nhs.uk

“I’ve been bullied for five years – since primary school. During anti-bullying assemblies, I’d sit there and wonder if I was the victim being described. Was I being silly and over reacting? Would anyone believe me?

Every night I cried and wished I didn’t have to go to school. I had no friends and was lonely, while the bullies were the most popular kids. Bullying makes you feel small, worthless and at fault. It’s completely unfair that anyone is allowed to make you feel like that. What seemed like me being oversensitive turned into a very serious problem.

My parents were very understanding. They told the school, who took action. Even though my social life didn’t change overnight, I made new friends and I felt happier.

If you’re the victim of bullies, you should speak up, otherwise no one can help you. It’s scary, but you’ll feel so much happier as ‘a worry shared is a worry halved’.”

True account from a service user, Georgi aged 13 years.

victim of a bully

Lost Luggage at the Trust’s APM

A creative interactive tool, known as SMILES, used by health and education professionals with young people to develop self awareness and problem solving, has won an innovation award.

The NHS Innovation Awards and Showcase 2011 recognise and celebrate innovation and excellence across health and social care. The successful outcomes achieved by our child and adolescent mental health services’ (CAMHS) SMILES programme were recognised at a regional event, held in September, alongside some of the best innovations from across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Humberside.

SMILES, developed by Liz Wells, nurse specialist and Dr Wayne Burgoyne, clinical psychologist, help prevent mental health issues occurring in young children by teaching them a variety of techniques and skills to cope with the demands of everyday life.

Trust chief executive, Chris Slavin, said: “Providing the best possible mental healthcare is our absolute focus. It’s fantastic that the innovative and excellent work of our staff has been recognised. Their dedication ensures that our young service users receive some of the most advanced care in the country.”

The Trust’s Outcome Orientated CAHMS (OO-CAHMS) model was also a finalist at the same awards ceremony.

SMILeSall roundfor children’s mental health