TALKINGPOINTThe magazine for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust January 2012

Stars’ gifts brighten children’s ChristmasBEAMING smiles greeted the Boro stars, who dropped into the children’s wards at James Cook.

Team captain Matthew Bates took his fellow team-mates on a two-hour tour visiting all the youngsters who were hoping to be discharged in time for Christmas.

The players, who are riding high in the Championship and hoping for promotion to the Premier League next season, were armed with bagfuls of presents and generously handed out footballs, posters, annuals, sweets

and other gifts, autographing them as they went.

Matthew Bates was joined by fellow defenders Rhys Williams, Tony McMahon, Joe Bennett, Jonathan Grounds and Seb Hines along with goalkeeper Danny Coyne, midfielders Nicky Bailey and Richie Smallwood as well as striker Scott McDonald.

They all scored a big hit with the children, and their parents, who were delighted by the tonic the trip had given to their poorly children.

Jack Robson and dad Ian meet the Boro players

TRUST chairman Deborah Jenkins has been named ‘Alternative Business Person’ of 2011 in an award ceremony with a twist.

The Alternative Business Awards take a light-hearted look at the achievements of the region's business personalities with 15 award categories up for grabs.

Deborah took the coveted prize, sponsored by Northumbrian Water, for her numerous roles – past and present - in the region.

“I was very flattered and extremely surprised to receive the award,” she said.

“The spirit of the evening was of fun and laughter, with a very light-hearted take poking fun at people who take themselves too seriously, but this particular award is much coveted, and I feel very touched that people thought I was worthy of it.”

The event raised more than £18,000 for the Percy Hedley Foundation which helps children, young people and adults with cerebral palsy, sensory, speech, language and communication disabilities.

Deborah’s award

2

A FUNDRAISING recipe book in aid of the holistic cancer care centre at James Cook has been launched.The mouth-watering recipes have not only been written by professional and amateur

chefs from pubs and restaurants in the Teesside, North Yorkshire and South

Durham area, but also volunteers and local celebrities such as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Gary Pallister and Liz Carling.

The compilation of over 50 lip-smacking dishes has been pulled together in a book entitled ‘Add Love and Stir’ by

regular holistic cancer centre

fundraisers Sue Stephenson of Norton and her friend Judith Pennington, pictured left at the launch.With the proceeds from sales of the book going to the holistic cancer care centre, Sue said: “Judith and I are avid cookery book collectors and we had been wanting to do this for a couple of years now. We have both been keen supporters of the centre for a long time. The last thing we did to raise funds was a sponsored fire walk on Halloween.”The book, priced at £6.95, is on sale at the centre and an add love and stir website has been launched at www.addloveandstir.co.uk.

Add love and stir

A NEW pharmacy for patients, visitors and staff is moving into James Cook.

Sainsbury’s and Healthcare at Home have been chosen by the trust to provide its outpatient dispensing operation in the hospital.

The facility, which will open early this year, is a first for Sainsbury’s which until now has concentrated on opening pharmacies in its supermarkets across the country.

Sainsbury’s professional services manager David Gilder said: “The opening of the pharmacy is very exciting news for Sainsbury’s and represents a real step forward in our pharmacy operation.

“Everyone at Sainsbury’s is looking forward to working with the trust to deliver first class care and services to patients.”

The new pharmacy will have better – and longer - opening hours for patients and will also provide an additional range of services to visitors and staff which are not currently available.

Based in the existing outpatient pharmacy at the north end of the mall, it will be open 7am to 11pm seven days a week.

The trust’s director of the pharmacy service Alan Hall said: “This is an exciting development for the trust. The pharmacy will be open much longer

hours, which will help departments such as accident and emergency and clinics which run later on a day.

“Staff will also be able to pick up prescriptions they’ve been given by their own GPs and a full range of over-the-counter medications will also be available to buy. We’re working closely with Sainsbury’s and Healthcare at Home to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible.”

Shoshana Bloom, Healthcare at Home, added: “The pharmacy service at The James Cook University Hospital is the first contract of its kind to be awarded as part of the strategic partnership between Healthcare at Home and Sainsbury’s.

“Healthcare at Home is the UK’s leading homecare company and this alliance with Sainsbury’s has brought the strengths of the two companies together to build an innovative approach to provision of pharmacy services that will deliver real benefit to patients and the NHS.”

“The opening of the pharmacy is

very exciting news for Sainsbury’s.”

New pharmacy to open at James Cook

Ideas and stories or suggestions to make Talking Point even better are always welcome.

Please send your ideas to:

The editor - Lesley Connor Public relations South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust The James Cook University Hospital The Murray Building Marton Road MIDDLESBROUGH TS4 3BW Extension: 55900 Email: lesley.connor@stees.nhs.uk

You can also contact the public relations/communications team on 01642 854343, extension 54343 JCUH or email public.relations@stees.nhs.uk

Talking Point is written and illustrated by the public relations team and designed by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd.

Octagon specialise in gaining advertising support for magazines so Talking Point is now produced, packaged, distributed and delivered at a minimal cost to the trust.

Talking Point is your magazine and it is only as good as you make it.

3

COLLEAGUES took a trip down memory lane when they collected their long service awards at a special event at Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre.

As they received awards for 25 or more years NHS service chairman Deborah Jenkins asked staff members to share a favourite memory or to reflect on the changes they have seen over the years.

Recollections ranged from advances in technology and reduced waiting times to the closure of North Riding Infirmary and the days when nurses could hide their hair under their hats!

Awards were presented in order of how many years staff had worked for the NHS with Christine Sinclair, lead nurse for pain management, last to go for clocking up an impressive 40 years.

Chairman Deborah Jenkins said: “If you add up the years that these staff members have worked in the NHS they have more than 2,000 years experience between them – that really is amazing.

“These awards are a well-deserved thank you to our staff for all those years of hard work and dedication.”

* If you have completed more than 25 years service in the NHS keep an eye on staff bulletin for details of how to put yourself forward for a long service award in 2012.

Long service awards 2011

Long Service Awards 2011

Louis Noel AdeleElizabeth AllenSusan AppleyardKathy AustinSue AyresJackie BaileyJacqueline BancroftJulie BarlowSally BatheAnne BellChristine BellKathleen BellSuzanne BellSue BlenkinHelen BoalJane BondGillian BoneKathryn Jane BoyleNicholas BradeyJane BradshawWendy BrownleeAngela ByrneMaggie ByrneAlison CallawayCarolyn Carveth-MarshallBarbara Charville

Chris Sinclair receives an award for 40 years NHS service

Lesley ClaytonEileen ColledgeMargaret CookHeather CornfootDebbie CrossDerek James CruickshankJillian DakinKumar DasCarol DaviesGillian DaviesDr Lalita DeanMiranda Jane DixonElaine DoyleMary DurransKath EdmondsonChris ElliottFay FernandesMike FoleyVicky FordDoreen FriedrichAlison GallagherAlison GambleEileen GlueClaudia GodfreyDavid GoodmanElaine Goodman

Sarah GoswamiAnn GraingerJanice GreenJulie HarrisElaine HetheringtonSusan HibberdMichele HoldenCheryl Holiday Janice HollidayHelen HorneKaren I’AnsonYvonne KelleyCoral KellyPatricia Ann KirbyTrevor KnowlesKathryn LinkerJill LintonElaine LloydAlison LonsdaleChristine LynchClare MacArthurHelen MahonJohn MainJoyce MartinMalcolm MastermanSamantha McCannKaren McClements

Margaret MetcalfeAnnette MitchellKerry MorganJanet OsborneChris PalliserJanet ParvinDawn PassmoreDiana PeareyAlison PeevorMaureen PilgrimSimon PleydellAngela PrestDebra Lisa PridmoreTracey PughAlison RobertsJulie Elizabeth RobertsonKaren RobinsonMary RobinsonKatherine Ann RogstadCarol RuddockBrendan RuddyLesley SeckerSheila Readman Elaine SimmsChristine Sinclair

Prof Sunil SinhaBarbara SmithJulie SmithJeanette SutherstEileen StobbsCaroline StocktonSally SutcliffeSusan TheakstonJennifer TownColette TroughtonAnne WallAngela WallaceDiane WallaceGlennis WallaceJayne WallingtonRuth WeatherallHelen WescottGill WheaterJanice Mary WhiteArlene WildeAngela WilliamsEmma Louise WilliamsCheryl WillshawEleanor WilsonMargaret WrightAndrew Wyllie

THE trust’s specialist birthmark clinic has performed a leading edge treatment on its 250th patient.

South Tees was the first in Western Europe to offer the procedure which treats vascular birthmarks using an injectable drug.

The trust’s birthmark clinic sees more than 100 new patients a year but thanks to the introduction of this pioneering procedure many of them do not even have to undergo invasive surgery.

The scarless treatment involves injecting bleomycin through the skin into the strawberry birthmark or vascular malformation (where the veins, arteries or blood vessels are abnormally formed) and can produce dramatic results.

Reconstructive plastic surgeon Mr Tobian Muir holds specialist clinics for adults and children at James Cook and the Friarage.

Almost half the patients treated are from other areas of the UK with some people travelling from as far and wide as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Carlisle for expert care.

Trust results show 93% of patients respond to treatment with the injectable drug, with four out of five of these showing significant improvement. The recurrence rate is extremely low at just 1%.

Mr Muir said: “It is great to say we have helped our 250th patient as this treatment can produce life-changing results.

“But there are many people out there who are not getting the treatment they should because they don’t know it’s available.

“We’ve seen people who have been told nothing else can be done for them and the results they have had with this treatment have been significant.

“We have a very good track record and a high success rate. Newcastle and Durham are both sending their patients to us and we have also been training staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to help them set up their own clinic.”

Birthmarks can have a huge emotional and psychological impact on children when they are growing up and vascular malformations can be disfiguring and cause pain and discomfort.

Traditional treatment involves laser surgery or facial surgery, which leave permanent scarring, or high dose steroids which can lead to other complications.

Mr Muir added: “With the bleomycin injections patients usually need three to four treatments and as it is a day case procedure, they do not require an overnight stay and are in and out of hospital very quickly.

”The treatment is quite specific and gives a very natural

result but best of all patients say

they can feel normal

again.“

Leading edge birthmark treatment helps 250th patient

Matthew, 18 months, developed a deep cherry-coloured birthmark across his nose just days after he was born but after three bleomycin injections it has almost completely disappeared.

“A lot of people have to wait years for laser treatment but we could start the injections straight away. It was not dramatic at first but friends and family started to notice a difference and now people mistake the birthmark for a patch of eczema. The difference is amazing,” said his mum.

Matthew before Matthew after

Trisha, 61, was born with a vascular malformation which affected her face and tongue. She had operations as a child that left her with a lot of scars but her tongue was deemed untreatable. Tricia was very self conscious and suffered from sleep apnea and slurred speech until receiving the bleomycin treatment“It’s an absolute miracle. I am much more confident and outgoing now. I just wish this treatment had been available when I was growing up.”

Trisha before Trisha after

Rosie, eight, was born with a large swelling on her right leg and knee which left her unable to kneel down and often caused her a lot of pain. She has had about eight injections and they have made a massive improvement.“You forget what a difference it has made until you look back at the photographs. It’s surprising how much the swelling has gone down, before it would rub against her other knee,” said her mum.

Rosie before Rosie after

Reconstructive plastic surgeon Mr Tobian Muir

4

5

Helping mums-to-be stay fit and healthyCOMMUNITY midwives in Middlesbrough are urging mums-to-be to attend aquanatal classes to help them stay fit and healthy.

The classes at the Neptune Centre in Berwick Hills and the Rainbow Centre in Coulby Newham are designed to encourage women to do regular moderate exercise to ensure they are in the best physical condition to cope with the demands of pregnancy.

“It’s all about helping to keep women fit during pregnancy,” said community midwife Rosie Cooper. “The fitter they are the better they cope with pregnancy and the better they cope with labour.”

Classes are held at the Neptune Centre every Tuesday at 9.10am and at the Rainbow Centre every Friday at 9.30am.

Mum-to-be Emma Kaya is among those already benefiting from the classes.

The 34-year-old from Park End, Middlesbrough, said: “I have really enjoyed them so far. I have been suffering from a bad back but just being in the water helps. The classes also give you chance to talk to other people.

“I don’t really do much other exercise but with this I know I’m not doing anything that is going to put me or my baby at risk.”

“I don’t really do much other exercise

but with this I know I’m not doing

anything that is going to put me or my baby at risk.”

A GROWING number of people in the Middlesbrough area are supporting friends and family with long-term neurological conditions. Thanks to a new partnership between Sanctuary Carr-Gomm (SCG), NHS Tees, Middlesbrough Council’s department of social care and the trust, support is now offered at the hospital.Lisa Davey, SCG support worker provides advice, information and support to carers of patients with long-term neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy or motor neurone disease in the neurosciences outpatient department at James Cook from 9am – 5pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If staff or carers would like to contact her she is available

on 07584 558564 on these days. Carers receive support on how to best meet the needs of the person they care for and how to ensure their own needs are met. Sharon Poskitt, neurosciences senior nurse, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues from Sanctuary Carr-Gomm and Middlesbrough Council’s social care department in the development of this service. Addressing the needs of carers is very important and I am sure Lisa will be an asset to our team.”Lisa said: “Support for carers is essential. It‘s important for the wellbeing of both the carer and the cared for. I am delighted to join the team and to offer such a valuable service.”

Lisa (left) chats to a carer

Caring for the carers

New course is just the jobA NEW training course is improving staff from the Friarage’s estates and facilities administration team’s computer skills, enabling them to work more effectively on their computers and improving efficiency and productivity in the department.Microsoft office skills training (MOST) - is a new qualification offered by the ICT application support training team to all NHS staff, free of charge. It is the only Microsoft-approved certification programme of its kind and is recognised by businesses around the world.Clerk, Sue Greenbank, said:” Initially I was doubtful about the course and whether it was the right one for me not having completed

a major training course since leaving school. “It’s a fantastic course and I recommend it to anyone who want to improve their skills, it is hard work but well worth it. I now have the confidence to have a go at things and my knowledge of Microsoft

office skills has increased so much, my computer now works for me.”For further information on MOST see the training directory (trust intranet – ICT/knowledge base/training) or contact the ICT application support training team on extension 53576 JCUH.

Team work: (left to right) Theresa Forrest who has also completed the course, Sue, Tina Bye and April Christie who are working on it

6

Odd balls wanted!

Mavis Pickering (left) with infant feeding co-ordinator Victoria Head

MAVIS Pickering has enjoyed knitting a range of objects over the years from seafarers’ hats to children’s Christmas stockings.

But her latest project has caused much amusement among her friends and family.

Mavis, 74, of Middlesbrough, has knitted more than 30 breasts – in all shapes, sizes and colours - for the infant feeding team at South Tees after seeing an NHS appeal for volunteers in a magazine.

Infant feeding co-ordinator Victoria Head said she was delighted when she received a call from Mavis offering to knit her some breasts for staff training sessions and to help promote breastfeeding.

“People just love them. They are a talking point and a great ice breaker,” said Victoria.

“We use them for breastfeeding workshops and as a simple way of showing mums where and how their baby should latch on to the breast.

“The coloured breasts are fun and we can use them to distract from the personal nature of the breast.”

“If we can encourage mums to breastfeed even just for one day it can improve a baby’s future wellbeing.

Mavis added: “It’s a lovely excuse to keep knitting and it’s very therapeutic. It’s nice to have fun while you are being useful!”

If you have an odd ball of wool lying around the house or fancy dusting off your knitting needles email Victoria.head@nhs.net or call Victoria on 01287 284400.

AFTER losing her beloved baby Louis, young mum Kirsty McGurrell set about improving the keepsake she was given at the hospital.

Kirsty set up website 4Louis in aid of parents who had a similar bereavement and the response from parents was overwhelming.

Two years on, Kirsty has gone nationwide providing boxes up and down the country. Her tremendous success is down to determination, hard work and a deep empathy for all parents who lose their precious baby.

The 4Louis charity recently won first prize in a charity drive receiving £7,000 from Benfield Motors and was also voted charity of the year at the

‘The Network of Inspiring Women’ conference in Birmingham.

Vicky Bell is one such mum who has branched out with her angel work and set up charity 4Bell designing boxes for women who suffer a miscarriage in memory of her baby.

Alison Russell, delivery suite manager and Maureen Gibson, bereavement support worker welcomed the donation of the special memory boxes for James Cook’s maternity unit.

Alison said: “We can’t thank Kirsty and her team of angels enough. The boxes have made such a difference to parents and we wish them well in their future charity events and fundraising.

Angels keep spreading their wings

“We can’t thank Kirsty

and her team of angels enough.”

In memory of a treasureA TREASURE hunt around Masham, North Yorkshire was enjoyed by Friarage theatre staff in memory of colleague, George Henderson.

Organised by Friarage theatres social group, six cars and 17 people enjoyed a fun time getting lost down country lanes.

Operating department practitioner, Catriona Stevenson (centre), along with her family beat other competitors to win handsomely.

George’s parents and family are happy the George Henderson Memorial Cup is still used and he is remembered by his colleagues.

Kirsty McGurrell, Alison Russell, Maureen Gibson and Vicky Bell (l-r) pictured with the special memory boxes

7

THE urology team at James Cook performed its first scarless surgery procedure in October.This advanced technique sees surgery performed through an incision in the belly button and once the belly button is sewn up only a tiny scar remains which is hardly visible. It can be used to perform various procedures on kidneys and the urinary tract with minimal cosmetic impact.Aftab Bhatti, consultant urologist specialist in keyhole surgery said the urology department at James Cook has been working with internationally recognised expert Professor Mihir Desai and the University of Southern California to ensure it remains at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery.“A surgeon’s ambition has always been to achieve a cure with minimum disruption to the skin and underlying muscles,” he said.

“Advances in technology have allowed us to develop keyhole surgery thanks to state-of-the art cameras and instruments.“Now things have gone one step further and these instruments have been miniaturised so that they can get through the smallest of holes. Now we can use just one cut in the belly button and achieve similar results to open surgery.”One of the first patients to receive the treatment at James Cook was Tracey Wolf, a 37-year-old barmaid from Darlington who had her kidney repaired through an incision in her belly button.“It’s just amazing what they can do now,” she said. “I know other people who have been left with scars and they are paranoid about them. It’s nice not to have a big scar to worry about when you go on holiday.”

First scarless surgery for urology patients

WHEN Jemma Purdy was told she would have to have her kidney removed her main concern was the size of the scar she would be left with.But the 21-year-old was lucky enough to be one of the first urology patients at James Cook to undergo scarless surgery.Jemma of Thirsk was amazed when surgeons removed her kidney through a single incision in her belly button without leaving so much as a scar.Jemma said: “I was really impressed with it. When I first woke up they showed me it and there was nothing there.“It’s just amazing how they get it all out of the one hole.“I was out of hospital the next day and I didn’t even need to take any painkillers.“I was conscious about any scarring so I was really happy to have this surgery – it’s a real confidence booster. “I can’t show my wound off because there’s nothing there to see!”

Jemma’s story

Friends phenomenal fundraising effortTHANKS to the Friends of the Friarage’s phenomenal fundraising a fantastic £120,000 worth of the latest hi-tech equipment is benefiting urology patients at the hospital.The flexible video cystoscopes will be used in the operating theatres to provide higher quality images and improve diagnostic procedures for bladder cancer patients and patients undergoing investigations. The new video flexible ureterorenoscope will be useful in diagnosing and treating certain types of kidney cancers and kidney stones and avoid patients having more complex surgery in some cases. More hospital staff will be trained

to use the equipment, helping to increase the number of urology procedures carried out and decrease waiting times. Consultant urologist, Mr Raj Gowda, said: “I am delighted we have this new equipment which will help take the urology service to the next dimension enhancing the service we provide to patients at the Friarage and further afield.”Steve Lamb, chairman of the Friends, said: “As always the volunteers and local people who generously support us have pulled out all the stops to raise this huge amount to help their local hospital. I am proud of their efforts and glad we can make a difference by making sure the Friarage benefits from the latest technology available.”

Grateful thanks: (left to right) Steve Lamb with Emma Bradford, urology sister, Dr Fawad Arif, specialist doctor in urology, Mr Alaiyi West, consultant urologist and Mr Raj Gowda

8

Lyke Wake walkers’ long trekA GROUP of 13 intrepid staff from cardiothoracic theatres donned their walking boots and marched 42 miles over the moorlands of North Yorkshire to raise funds for the surgical management of lung cancer.

Between 14 and 16 hours after setting off from Osmotherley at 4am, the foot-sore band, pictured above, arrived in Ravenscar on the North Yorkshire coast. Their marathon effort raised around £2,100 which will be put towards a £12,000 target to purchase a video medistinoscope for use in treating lung cancer patients, and the training of future surgeons.

Staff working from multidisciplinary teams involved in the treatment of lung cancer patients have contributed

to the fund, including Macmillan nurses from Darlington who held car boot sales.

Jonathan Ferguson, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon who was one of the walkers, said: “This was a

fantastic team event organised and driven forward by the nursing staff. I would like to thank every member of the team from fellow walkers to those who were on hand every 10 miles with refreshments.”

A NEW bereavement service has opened for families whose loved ones have died in hospital.

From January, a dedicated service at James Cook means that instead of having to make a painful journey back onto the ward to collect medical certificates and then attend an appointment at Middlesbrough register office, families can now book one appointment with a small team who handle the entire process.

The team, based in the Murray Building, then chat to relatives, hand over any belongings from the ward, provide a medical certificate of death and take them one room along to see a registrar.

Lead nurse for end of life care and bereavement Elizabeth Price said: “We’ve been looking at having a centralised bereavement system for some time as we want to make the whole process as smooth and easy as possible for families.

“Before when someone died in hospital, the family had to phone the ward the next day to see if a medical certificate of death was ready to pick up. Unfortunately there are often delays with this when staff have to find the doctor to sign the certificate and the family can be kept waiting.

“They then had to come back onto the ward where their relative has died to collect the certificate and often see unfamiliar staff because the shift had changed – it wasn’t a nice experience.”

The trust worked closely with Middlesbrough Council to provide the new service and a registrar works full-time on site five days a week. The suite has three rooms – one for Elizabeth and the bereavement support workers, a relatives’ room and the registrar’s office.

Under the new service, when someone dies on a ward, staff hand the family a bereavement booklet explaining that someone from the service will telephone them the next working day and an

appointment is booked.

The team also acts as a signposting service for relatives and the rest of the trust and liaise with the coroner’s office, if necessary, and funeral directors.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for community protection, said: “We have supported this initiative since the hospital first suggested it and worked closely with Elizabeth to develop the service.

“Having a registrar on site is a wonderful service for bereaved relatives. The hospital takes patients from a wide area and often relatives have a distance to travel to find the hospital. The bereavement service removes the need for an additional journey to the register office.”

Elizabeth added: “The council has been brilliant – and from their perspective they’re able to offer a better service to families, particularly as the majority of deaths which are registered in Middlesbrough are from the hospital.

“How we care for the relatives who have lost a loved one is an indicator of how we care for all sick and vulnerable people and by offering one point of contact for people we can hopefully ease some of that burden for families during what is a really distressing time in their lives.”

Hospital opens new service for bereaved families

The bereavement team

9

CANCER outpatients are now being seen in the brighter and more modern surroundings of the Endeavour Unit at James Cook.

The new two-storey building – part of our £35million cancer redevelopment - was handed over to trust in September following the completion of the building.

Over the next six months, more and more outpatients, both new and existing, will be asked to meet their consultant there, where they will be able to sit in comfort in the spacious waiting area (bathed in natural light) ahead of their appointment.

There is also a refreshment bar staffed by hospital volunteers and modern artwork adorns the walls and walkways.

This transition to the facility has begun and will be phased in to provide a full radiotherapy service by spring 2012, when the linear accelerators, used in radiotherapy treatments, will be in use in three main treatment suites, as well as a CT scanner.

Clinical director for radiotherapy and oncology Dr Adrian Rathmell said: “The outpatient department and office accommodation are quickly building up

to full use and both patients and staff are delighted with the high standard of the new facility.”

Cancer outpatient clinics open in new Endeavour Unit

The Endeavour Unit

“The outpatient department and office

accommodation are quickly building up

to full use.”

THE new Endeavour Unit has its very own ‘stars’ taking pride of place on a benefactors’ panel – each one inscribed with the name of generous people who have donated over £1,000 towards cancer services.

Among the first to see them was the sister and friend of Pauline Martin – a tireless fundraiser who gave thousands to the hospital before she died of cancer.

Her star simply reads ‘Pauline Martin and ‘the team’ and Jean and Sylvia were deeply moved and emotional.

Their visit gave staff the opportunity to show them how some of the money had been used, including installing some illuminated panels in the ceilings of new treatment rooms.

Once again, a big thank you from clinical oncologist Dr Nick Wadd and his team in the radiotherapy and oncology department.

Our own ‘stars’

Real stars: Jean presents the cheque to Claire Huntley, superintendent radiographer, for the STAR fund

10

SHARON Dawn Bateman, lead nurse wound care, celebrated her innovative leadership by visiting the Royal Opera House with deputy chief nursing officer, David Foster.

Developing partnerships with community and industry have continued to improve patient safety, endorse a positive wound-care experience, help achieve targets and develop a skilled workforce and consistent approach across the trust.

Sharon (second left) with staff nurse, Samantha Roberts, Karen Covell, wound care manager Molnlycke, David Foster, and Alison McGrath, tissue viability nurse.

A group of staff at James Cook have raised over £1,100 by taking part in ‘Movember’, the prostate and testicular cancer awareness campaign.

Throughout November, moustaches were grown worldwide to raise awareness for men’s health issues in particular prostate and testicular cancer.

Team captain Nick Smales said: “We have had great fun watching people’s moustaches take shape. We would like to thank everyone for their support and sponsorship.”

Celebrating leadership

Grandtashes!

PATIENTS have given staff ‘food for thought’ at the trust’s first patient experience and engagement event.

As part of our patient experience strategy work, patients were invited to talk ‘first hand’ about their experience of being in hospital in terms of what we do well and where we can improve.

The event, in the academic centre at James Cook focussed on compassion in care and hospital food, including taster session from a selection of the hospital’s meals.

John Carr, catering services manager, said: “We know how critical nutrition is to patient care and it was good showing patients how far hospital food has progressed over the last 20 years, including the wide menu choices.

“We serve 950,000 meals a year so appreciate we cannot please everyone but the comments and feedback were valuable.”

A number of key themes emerged from the event – many around communication and discharge – which will be taken forward and developed by the clinical matrons into an action plan.

It also included a DVD presentation showing patient experience, which was filmed in the hospital and featured John Wilkinson, 60 from New Marske.

He said: “It’s important that people coming into hospital for the first time are reassured of what it’s like and the service they can expect from the healthcare assistants, nurses, consultants, doctors and therapists. I found it was the small things, over and above the call of duty that made all the difference.”

Deputy director of nursing and patient safety, Anne Sutcliffe, said the trust now hopes to make this a regular event where we can listen to what patients are telling us about their experience and work in partnership with them to continuously make improvements.

“The real test of our performance as a trust is the views and experiences of the people who use our services,” she said.

“We’re also inviting patients to take part in a number of on-line surveys to tell us about their experience in relation to the discharge process from hospital, their experiences regarding infection prevention and control as well as their experience in accident and emergency departments, urgent care centres and outpatient departments.”

Patient surveys can be accessed through the trust’s website at www.southtees.nhs.uk through the patient survey link.

A taste of hospital life….

Food for thought: Patient Paul Daniel and deputy director of nursing and patient safety Anne Sutcliffe sample some of the hospital food

11

THE division of acute medicine presented an award to the ambulatory care team at James Cook in recognition of their outstanding contribution to quality of patient care, safety and risk management and their continued drive and enthusiasm.

Individual outstanding contribution awards were also given to senior training facilitator Sue Murphy and advanced paediatric nurse practitioner Sarah Hamil.

Outstanding staff

SOUTH Tees has received national recognition from the Department of Health for the work it has done to improve patient safety.

The trust’s patient safety team has been presented with a Safety Express award for piloting a campaign which has helped hospital trusts reduce harm from pressure ulcers, falls, urinary catheters and blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE).

The team has also initiated the rollout of the safety thermometer – a new initiative to help clinical areas examine their own practices and implement changes in practice.

Bev Walker, assistant director of nursing and patient safety, Judith Connor, lead nurse for patient safety

and practice development, and David Charlesworth, senior practice development nurse, travelled to London for the QIPP Safe Care Awards where they were presented with an award for sharing best practice in the field of patient safety.

“We were delighted to receive the award as it recognised that our work has been widely shared and implemented by others,” said David.

Chief executive Simon Pleydell added: “Patient safety, patient experience and quality of care are at the heart of everything we do at the trust so it is fantastic to see our patient safety team receive an award for sharing best practice in this important field.”

Patient safety award for trust

The patient safety team celebrate their success (left to right) Bernie Johnson, David Charlesworth, Iain Greener, Judith Connor and Anne Sutcliffe

BARMAIDS and members of Eston Labour Club took to the skies to raise funds for the holistic cancer care centre.

The sponsored microlight flight was one of a number of events held by the club to help raise an impressive £12,900 for the centre. Mandy Oliver, Malcolm Baxter, Cath Cornwall and Robert McCreesh (pictured left to right) completed the challenge.

The club holds a number of events every year for its chosen charity and this year the holistic centre has benefited from a range of events, one of which involved barmaids being pushed down a hill in a giant inflatable ball!

Over the years the club has raised a staggering £400,000 for local good causes.

Malcolm said: “Club members have done everything from bungee jumps to parachute jumps so we tried to think of something new for 2011 and came up with the idea of a microlight flight.”

Lynne Gray, deputy manager of the holistic cancer care centre, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Eston Labour Club and never cease to be amazed by their fantastic efforts.”

HUGE thanks to all the staff in the accident and emergency and outpatient departments at the Friarage for very kindly donating the glass plaque for Ellie Mae Wilson on the tree of life in the hub at the hospital. It’s a lovely memory for all of us.

Best wishes from Dean, Rachel and Lucy Wilson, and all the families concerned.

High-flying fundraisers

Tree of life

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Ladies in redLAST year, a review of corporate clinical uniforms was carried out as they were dated and lacked a corporate image and also to support the trust’s bare below the elbows policy.The change was consulted with staff and patients with overall general support and the process of rolling-out the new

uniforms across the organisation has begun, although it will take two to three years for them to be completely standardised.

Pictured is the senior nursing team in their new uniform, although further details of who wears what will be available in the next Talking Point.

ANGELA Birleson, principal clinician for occupational therapy, believes there are many benefits to encouraging people with neurological conditions to keep on working. She has even completed a doctorate on the subject.

She said: “My PhD developed from my long-standing interest in Parkinson’s Disease, focussing on an intervention to support people to maintain their employment.

“There are major health benefits of staying in work because work gives people something to focus on other than their illness.”

Staying in work keeps you healthier

THE DEFENCE Medical Services (DMS) team is mounting an expedition to Bolivia in June 2012 to carry out important medical research.

They aim to climb as high as 6104 metres in the Corillera Real area in the Andes to investigate how people adjust and acclimatise to the elements at high altitude.

Research on healthy volunteers will give insights into severe illness and greater

understanding of what happens to patients in intensive care, how the body deals with low oxygen levels in illness and why some patients cope better than others.

The DMS team has over 60 members including expedition leader, Surgeon Commander Adrian Mellor, consultant anaesthetist, Surgeon Commander Andy Gibson, consultant eye surgeon, and Lieutenant Colonel Tim Lowes, consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care.

Successful expeditions to Aconcagua in Argentina and Mount Everest Base Camp and Island Peak in Nepal, have introduced personnel to the mountains and led to publications in medical literature.

Training in Scotland and Wales will help develop the necessary climbing skills. Surgeon Commander Mellor said: “We’re looking forward to tackling this adventurous challenge which develops skills useful to a military career and we can also carry out vital medical research to improve future treatments.”

Further details email dramellor@aol.com/ www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/MicroSite/DMS/WhatWeDo/DefenceMedicalServices MedicalScientificExpeditions.htm

Military medics take to the heights

Surgeon Commander, Adrian Mellor, on summit ridge of Island Peak, Nepal

“We’re looking forward to tackling this adventurous challenge.”

HAPPY retirement and all the very best for the future to ward housekeeper, Sandra McIlroy, who has retired after 26 years keeping the Friarage clean and tidy.

Sandra started her career as a domestic on the medical floor also working in the nurses’ home and doctors’ residence and for the last nine years on Ainderby ward.

Thank you to Sandra for all her hard work over the years. She will be missed by everyone on Ainderby ward.

More than a silver service from Sandra

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A TOUCHING tribute has been paid to the Friarage in memory of Lady Crathorne.

The Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire died in the hospital in September 2009 after a four-and-a-half year battle against cancer.

As a thank you to the staff who looked after her, the artist Linda Kitson (best known for her work as an official war artist during the Falklands conflict) in collaboration with the Crathorne family, kindly donated eight paintings.

The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, and family members returned to the hospital to meet staff and view the water colours.

Deputy director of planning Margaret McGloin said: “It has been acknowledged the presence of art in hospitals can help the healing process. These paintings are something for everyone to enjoy and will also create a lasting memorial to Lady Crathorne.”

Lord Crathorne added: “The gift was a tribute to Sylvia and a way of thanking the hospital staff for the wonderful way they looked after her during her four and a half year battle with cancer. The family particularly remember the extraordinary care given by staff during the final week of Sylvia’s life in September 2009.”

Family’s touching tribute in memory of Lady Crathorne

Last memory: Lord Crathorne and his family with artist Linda Kitson, trust chairman Deborah Jenkins and staff

A TELEPHONE overnight support service set up in Hambleton and Richmondshire is helping people nearing the end of their lives.

Provided by the fast response team at the old Rutson Hospital it gives much-needed contact for palliative care patients out of normal working hours if they have a medical or nursing problem or just need some friendly professional advice.

Pam McIvor, clinical manager, said: “Usually queries are relatively easy to deal with, such as a problem with medication or tips on relaxing if they can’t get to sleep. If we can’t help over the phone we may offer a home visit or refer to the out of hours doctors service.”

“As our team operates 24/7 we are available and more than happy to help improve services for people nearing end of life.”

Nurse call success

Improving the ward environment for dying patients receives national praiseA HOSPITAL ward refurbishment – including a purpose-built palliative care bay to improve facilities for patients at the end of their lives – has received national praise.

Ward 9, which cares for patients with respiratory problems at James Cook, was highly commended in the Building Better Healthcare Awards.

The redevelopment, completed as part of The King’s Fund ‘Enhancing the Healing Environment Programme for End of Life Care’ in partnership with the Department of Health, was runner-up in the estates and facilities category

‘Best Response to DH Policy Award’.

Jo Makosinski, editor of BBH, said: “Despite the NHS reforms and the uncertainty of the healthcare estate in the current economic climate, there is

still a wealth of talent out there and some fantastic schemes.”

Ward nine’s make-over included a new relatives room, palliative care facility (created from a former six bedded bay allowing patients more privacy and dignity) and a modern nurses station.

Deputy director of planning Margaret McGloin said: “We make a conscious effort to ensure new areas support a healing and caring environment and this was reflected through all the hard work done on ward 9. It’s nice for the trust and our building partners to be commended at the awards.”

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THaNk you to everyone who gave up their time over the festive season to support Christmas parties, fundraising events and the performing arts programme.

TeN yearS of TradITIoN: Children from the trust’s Playdays nursery were excited to welcome a ‘peace light’ brought all the way from Bethlehem to the chapel at James Cook. It was brought by Arthur and Sue Wooff from the fourth South Bank Scout Group. Amani Hussain and Paddy Winters are pictured here taking a closer look. Lead chaplain Malcolm Masterman said: “We have taken part in this lovely Christmas tradition at James Cook for around 10 years. The aim is for the light to reach as many people as possible around the world to share with them the message of peace.”

feSTIve fUN: There was not a spare seat in the atrium when children from the Cleveland Unit performed their annual nativity. Packed with popular carols and colourful costumes the Christmas performance was hit with both staff and parents. Cleveland Unit manager Liz Pickard said: “All the children were fantastic. I was very proud of them all.”

Festive spirit in full flow…

Boro STarS kICkSTarT CeleBraTIoNS: Boro players ensured young patients on the children’s wards at James Cook had a Christmas to remember when they turned up at the hospital with bags full of presents and MFC merchandise. The players chatted to the youngsters and their families and signed autographs. Scott McDonald and Jordan Wilcock

STar appeal: The 2011 Christmas Stars appeal raised £570 to help future cancer patients. Staff, patients and visitors were invited to hang a star on the Christmas tree in the atrium in memory of a loved one in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support. A Christmas Carol Service of Remembrance was also held featuring music from the Angrove Singers. Bladder cancer patient Bill Bell of Stockton, said: “The Macmillan team at James Cook have been a terrific help. There is always someone there to talk to.”

CHrISTmaS ComeS early: Christmas came early for the children’s wards when nine-year-old Ethan McElvaney and his family handed over £1,200 worth of gifts. Ethan, who is diabetic and was once treated on the ward, presented staff with a number of items to make life easier for future patients and their families including camp beds, digital televisions, Wii games, DVDs, kettles and crockery. Ethan’s family raised the funds for the gifts by raffling a range of luxury hampers. Nursery nurse Dawn McCabe said: “From the children’s point of view these gifts will just bring so much pleasure.”

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BIkerS BrINg feSTIve CHeer: The road to recovery was hopefully a bit brighter for children and young people at the Friarage after RAF Leeming’s Motorcycle Club visited the children’s unit. The club members are no strangers to the unit, making trips every Easter and Christmas.

Festive spirit in full flow…

preSeNTS galore: Young patients on the children’s wards had plenty to smile about when staff from Orange, Everything Everywhere made a special Christmas delivery. The Orange, Everything Everywhere team from Darlington did some extra Christmas shopping this year and delivered more than 70 wrapped presents to the children’s wards at James Cook.

IT’S CHILD’S PLAY: Staff from Hambleton District Council held dress down days to raise £600 worth of equipment, toys and games for the Children’s ward at the Friarage Hospital. These will be used on the ward and in local children’s centres.

CHrISTmaS CHoIr: Youngsters from St Pius X Roman Catholic Primary School got everyone at James Cook in the festive mood with a selection of favourite Christmas carols and songs.

CAROLS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE: Pupils from Beech Grove Primary School entertained guests at the holistic cancer care centre’s Christmas coffee morning with a range of carols and favourite Christmas songs. The coffee morning raised more than £800.

TIME FOR GIVING: Children at Roseberry Primary in Billingham raised more than £700 to buy toys for the children’s wards at James Cook. The fundraising drive was led by 10-year-old classmates Millie Hudson and Brinley Turnbull who were both treated on Ward 22 at the same time and wanted to do something to help future patients. Events included a bake sale and a non-uniform day and the children formed a special committee to decide which toys and games to buy.

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Malawians visit trustTHE trust is taking part in the World Health Organisation’s African Partnership for Patient Safety Programme.

Last year, members of the infection prevention and control team (IPC) travelled to Kamuzu Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, to focus on hand hygiene and in October the team played host to our African colleagues.

They were shown IPC procedures, attended training, carried out a number of observations and department

visits at James Cook, Redcar and Carter Bequest hospitals.

Assistant director of nursing/deputy director of infection prevention and control Alison Peevor, said: “We were so pleased to be able to host a visit from our Malawian colleagues which enabled two staff to complete the trust’s IPC training course and conduct a number of audits and surveillance. The aim is that they will take this back to Kamuzu hospital and implement a number of new IPC related initiatives.”

The Malawian delegation meet the trust’s chief executive and IPC team

Mathews Muhota and Emmie Kamwana chat to Heather Lyle at Carter Bequest

“We were so pleased to be able to host a visit from

our Malawian colleagues.”

CHILDREN and young people with spinal conditions now have access to a specialist team at James Cook.

This means young patients and their families no longer need to travel all the way to Leeds or Newcastle for treatment.

The specialised service ensures that all children in the area with back problems are seen by experts and have access to a specialist nurse who provides support and advice.

Ciaran Jasper, 16, was one of the first to benefit from the scheme when she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition which had caused her spine to curve in two places like a letter “S”.

Ciaran had to undergo an operation to straighten her spine – a procedure which left her 7.5cm taller. But the Carmel RC College pupil said it was great only having to travel 20 minutes to the hospital.

“The staff at James Cook have been absolutely fantastic,” she said.

Ciaran has helped the paediatric spine service produce a photographic guide for future patients entitled “Scoliosis Surgery – A Patient’s Journey” to help children and their families visualise what is involved.

Specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman said: “We show people before and after surgery x-rays in the clinic

and while these are useful, and highlight what excellent results the surgeons achieve, I felt that families needed more information about the whole process.”

Children’s spinal service opens

Ciaran Jasper with specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman on Ward 22

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Jayne’s heart award is one you just can’t beatNURSE consultant in cardiac rhythm management, Jayne Mudd, has become the first non-doctor to win the prestigious award for outstanding medical contribution to cardiac rhythm management services at the heart rhythm congress.

Jayne and her team see, diagnose and treat patients with arrhythmia, a condition where the heart beat may be too fast, or too slow or irregular, in community clinics in the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland area.

Jayne, who is internationally recognised as the first nurse consultant in cardiac rhythm management, said: “I was delighted to have picked up the award on behalf of our dedicated and innovative team. Since the launch of the community arrhythmia service in 2008, we have seen vastly improved access and smoother patient pathways, and this has since been replicated around the country.

“Our new ‘blackout’ triage service is also showing drastically reduced hospital bed days, referral to treatment times,

waiting times and admission rates. 87% of our patients remain in the community and don’t need hospital treatment.”

Jayne with her award

THE generosity of Friends of the Friarage means more resuscitation equipment is now available to help patients.

2010 Resuscitation Guidelines recommend if intravenous access cannot be established in the first two minutes of resuscitation, intraosseous access (access through the bone so emergency drugs and fluids can be given) should be considered.

Thanks to the Friends, the recommendations can be put further into clinical practice as three EZ10 devices have been bought for the hospital, along with ‘training bones’ so key staff can be trained.

Resuscitation officer Donna Campbell said the Friarage previously had the EZIO device – similar to a small drill for intraosseous access – in the children’s unit and accident and emergency. The new kits will be in theatre and obstetrics, as well as one for general use by the resuscitation team.

Helping patients in an emergency

Nurse practitioners Nia Lomer and Christopher Blackham receive their training

Congratulations to Bill Wiggans and Mavis Dozey, volunteers for the British Red Cross Care in the Home service, based at the Friarage, who received awards at a forum and awards ceremony.

Bill received a badge of honour. He devotes a tremendous amount of time visiting patients recently discharged from hospital in their homes and also undertakes regular ward rounds checking if patients need support when they go home.

Mavis received her 15-year service badge. She visits patients in their home helping them with shopping, light housework, and even providing therapeutic care.

The Care in the Home service provides low-level support to patients for up to six weeks. For further information, or if you are interested in volunteering contact Paula Morris, service co-ordinator on extension 64646 FHN or 01609 764646.

Red Cross volunteers honoured

(Left to right) Lesley Butterworth, discharge nurse, Bill, Mavis and Paula Morris

“He devotes a tremendous

amount of time visiting patients

recently discharged from hospital in their homes.”

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AS PART of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day, staff from the COPD outreach team carried out a simple test on patients, visitors and staff at James Cook which could be a lifesaver!

COPD is a term for people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both meaning airflow to the lungs is restricted (obstructed). Spirometry - an easy breathing test - allows COPD and asthma to be detected early and managed well.

Locally, deaths from respiratory diseases account for a fifth to a quarter of all early preventable deaths every year and COPD is responsible for many of these alongside asthma and lung cancer.

Dr Rehan Mustafa, respiratory medicine consultant, said, “COPD is usually the result of tobacco smoke but other factors, particularly occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals, may also contribute to its development.

“In Teesside we have a large number of

people who suffer with symptoms, but do not have a formal diagnosis. If COPD is recognised and treated at an early stage it can be managed effectively with life style changes to slow disease progression and medications which can significantly improve patient quality of life.”

Stopping smoking is one of the easiest methods of preventing COPD and other long-term conditions and the event supports the trust’s smoke free policy which aims to:

• Protect the health of patients, visitors and staff

• Provide a clean and pleasant environment

• Improve the safety of our hospital sites

• Improve patient recovery and comfort

The local stop smoking services can be contacted on 01642 850850 extension 52065 at James Cook or the specialist stop smoking service on 01287 284487.

“In Teesside we have a large number of people who suffer

with symptoms, but do not have a formal diagnosis.”

COPD outreach team staff watch specialist nurse Angela Charlesworth test patient Wilfred Routledge at James Cook

Are you short of breath?

Breathing more easilyPRACTICE nurses, GPs, community matrons and case managers attended a COPD and asthma event organised by respiratory specialist nurse for Hambleton and Richmondshire, Joy Parrington, to promote the development of standard guidelines for asthma across North Yorkshire and York and the national Strategy for COPD.

Pictured (left to right) are Terry Robinson, respiratory specialist nurse, Joy, Julie Ryan, telehealth, Sam Haward, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby PCT and Chris Ward, nurse consultant adult palliative care.

Could it be COPD? If you answer these questions, it will help you find out if you have COPD:

1 Do you cough several times a day?

2 Are you older than 40 years?

3 Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?

4 Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?

5 Are you a current smoker or an ex smoker?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you might have COPD.

COPD facts

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CHAIR of the General Medical Council, Professor Sir Peter Rubin, visited the trust to find out more about its plans for revalidation.

When revalidation is introduced in 2012 doctors will have to regularly demonstrate to the GMC that they are up to date and complying with relevant professional standards.

Sir Peter met with executive directors before giving a presentation to doctors, HR representatives and managers.

Sir Peter said: “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to meet doctors and managers at James Cook Hospital. It’s encouraging to see the work being done to develop appraisal systems in the trust and to engage doctors in the preparation for revalidation, which will begin from the end of 2012.

“It’s so important for the GMC to visit hospitals like the James Cook so we can listen to, and improve the way we work with doctors and managers to deliver safer care for patients.”

The trust will have over 500 medical staff needing revalidation over five year cycles. As responsible officer, Medical director Professor Rob Wilson, will need to provide recommendations to the GMC for each individual. This will be underpinned by evidence from annual appraisals including patient feedback questionnaires and colleague 360 degree feedback.

GMC chair visits James Cook

Sir Peter Rubin pictured outside the academic centre with medical director Rob Wilson, associate medical director Jim Hall and revalidation manager Sue Wooding

Panto for play weekTHE National Association of Hospital Play staff teamed up with Starlight Children’s Foundation to entertain the children’s day surgical unit with a pantomime at James Cook.

Starlight provides entertainment and distraction in hospitals and hospices as well as granting wishes for seriously ill children. The aim of the play was not only to allow poorly children to laugh and dance but to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of children.

Clinical support services year of successTHE THIRD annual divisional celebration event was a great opportunity for newly integrated community and acute staff to come together and look at their accomplishments over the year.

Chief of service Linda Irons highlighted the key successes from each department, referring particularly to the successful integration of acute and community based services and the delivery of the new Endeavour unit’s CT scanner and linear accelerators.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to presentations on some fascinating projects:• medical physics research into

neonatal resuscitation• patient experience survey carried

out by community occupational

therapy staff in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland

• acute physiotherapy- led talipes service

• treatment and care of haematological cancer patients

• pharmacy prescription tracking system

• role of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy in supporting cancers of the central nervous system

It was standing room only for the event, which also gave staff valuable networking time over celebratory tea and cakes.

Children with panto staff

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A FUNDRAISING campaign has been officially launched to buy state-of-the-art equipment for the neurosurgery team at James Cook in memory of a 42-year-old mum who battled two brain tumours.Michelle Parker - or Shelly to her friends – lost her fight for life in December 2010 but during her final weeks she made lifelong partner Darren Watson promise to give something back to James Cook for the amazing care she received.Darren has set up The Michelle Parker Charity with the aim of raising as much as possible towards the following state-of-the -art equipment:• An operating microscope with specialist

immunofluorescent filters which will allow more radical removal of brain tumours

• Highly specialised ultrasound scanning equipment which can be used to identify the position and extent of tumours during surgery

• An image guided neuronavigation system which allows 3D modelling of tumours before surgery so that the operations can be performed with greater precision

• Specialist endoscopic equipment which allows keyhole surgery for treatment of tumours

The launch event took place at Rockliffe Hall Hotel and was attended by chief executive Simon Pleydell and representatives from neurosurgery. It featured a charity auction which raised £5,000.

For more information contact Darren on 07973 462878.

Darren Watson (centre) with the James Cook team at the launch

Michelle Parker charity launch

TRUST staff will be invited to take part in a range of Olympic themed fitness activities in 2012.The occupational health team is launching a Workforce Workfit challenge which will include a range of taster sessions as well as some structured coaching at a variety of local venues.Occupational health manager Pam McCourt said: “We will be offering staff a wide range of activities, most of which will have an Olympic theme!“Staff are being asked to fill in questionnaires so we can find out what people would like to have a go at and when would be the most popular times for these sessions.“So whether you want to improve your badminton skills, set up a volley ball team, learn a few judo moves or have a go at your first triathlon we want you to let us know about it.” South Tees has been awarded £4,000 to improve staff fitness during the run up to

the 2012 Olympic Games.The HR led scheme is expected to start in the spring and has been funded by NHS Northeast in partnership with the Journal’s Great North Fitness Revolution.For more information or to submit your ideas contact pamela.mccourt@stees.nhs.uk

Olympic fever hits the trust

The occupational health team gets ready for the Workforce Workfit challenge (l-r) Aline Marron, Pam McCourt and Eileen Tilley

SOUTH Tees is committed to building a culture in which coaching is second nature, supporting staff to maximise their full potential.

Currently the trust has over 40 multidisciplinary coaches who offer staff a unique development opportunity.

Twelve months ago, research nurse Grace Madzinga had the opportunity to speak at an international conference in London. The thought filled her with fear and Grace contacted the improvement alliance and asked for their support.

Three coaching sessions with one of the trust’s many trained coaches - consultant urologist Jo Creswell - gave her the confidence to speak to an audience of 500 people.

Grace now feels ‘she has a voice’ and increased confidence in her working life. The positive reinforcement through coaching has made her stronger and believe in her own ability.

Do you have potential to unlock or need support with personal development? If you are interested in coaching for you or someone you manage please contact Denise Corbett on extension 52454 JCUH email denise.corbett@stees.nhs.uk or Amy Stabler on 54199 JCUH amy.stabler@stees.nhs.uk.

All winners need coaching

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CONGRATULATIONS to the district nursing administration team, above, who won a bottle of champagne for their efforts in reducing the trust’s costs by identifying waste.

The team, who later donated the bottle to Cheryl O’Rourke’s raffle (page 23), saved £4,500 by

re-negotiating rates for waste collection and standardising the purchase of hand gels and surgical gloves.

Can you think of a way to cut waste in the trust? Call 01642 835592 extension 55592.

Waste winners

The green choiceHi. I’m Rajni Sisodiya, the trust’s sustainability advisor, and an important part of my job is to make sure we reduce our CO2 emissions, promote sustainable development and, of course, save money! As one of UK’s biggest trusts, we produce over 29,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and have set ourselves an ambitious target to cut our emissions by 25% by 2015. If we are to achieve this saving energy is a key area we need to focus on.It is a tough time with numerous targets to chase but if we all follow some simple steps, savings will follow. Not only will we help to protect the environment, we will also help the trust achieve much needed savings:• Avoid using appliances such as portable

heaters, humidifiers, air cleaners• Avoid additional equipment in offices

such as kettles, coffee makers, microwaves, fridges

• If you don’t need it, switch it off at the wall. Appliances running on standby power waste a great deal of energy.

• Do you really need lights on in the office during the day? Switch off – it’s good for the environment and financially

• Turn off lights in conference rooms, offices and other spaces when they aren’t being used

• Turn off office equipment such as lamps, fans, photocopiers, printers and PCs at the end of each working day

• Keep doors and windows closed when heating is turned on

• Turn down the heating to 18-20 degrees. Setting your thermostat up or down a degree or two can make a huge difference in energy consumption

• Recycle whatever you can

• Print on double-sided paper and cut paper usage by 50%

• Cycle or walk to work if possible – it produces no carbon emissions

• Cut out short car trips – take the bus or car share with colleagues

Soon, we are launching an energy/environmental awareness campaign and are now recruiting volunteers who can lead the campaign in their wards/departments. If you want to become a ‘champion’, then drop me a line at Rajni.sisodiya@stees.nhs.uk or ring me on extension 52866 JCUH and remember…

Every little helps!

Waste not want notTHE FIRST phase of a project to centralise recycling of waste has begun at James Cook

The trust’s private sector partner Carillion – responsible for waste collection at the hospital - has appointed recycling company, Sita UK, both to manage recycling and to raise staff awareness and skills to support their efforts.

A wide range of materials are targeted for recycling including general waste, dry mix recycling, cardboard, paper, food, plastics, linen, wood, metal, green waste, mattresses and electrical items.

Ian Roberts, assistant director of operations and maintenance, said: “Our target is a 30% reduction of landfill disposal to a recycling route. Sita has a very proactive approach to reducing landfill waste and a number of unique plants that can convert waste into various by-products.”

Chief executive Simon Pleydell added: “We are very excited to be embarking on the recycling project and have been encouraged in this by our staff. We are anxious to do our bit for the environment and some staff have already started doing their own recycling in individual departments.”

Work is ongoing to see if other initiatives can be piloted and a similar scheme developed at the Friarage.

“We are very excited to be

embarking on the recycling project.”

22

We are grateful for the generosity of local people and the support of all the dedicated people who raise money to help patients at the trust’s hospitals.

Helping hands

Charity trekWALKERS completed a 10-mile hike up Skiddaw – the fourth largest mountain in England – to help raise £1,100 for the breast care fund at James Cook.

Darren Watkins and his sister Claire Watkins handed the funds to specialist breast care nurses Sue Towes and Sarah Morter, who have supported Claire in her battle against breast cancer.

In memory of Sonia A SONIA Rennison memorial golf day raised £500 to benefit future patients at the Friarage’s Mowbray suite. Sonia was previously outpatients manager at the Friarage, a much loved and well-respected colleague, dedicated to her work.

David, Graham and Shaun Rennison would like to thank all the golfers, families, friends and Richard Boucher and Andrew Bickerton and the staff for their kind generosity in making it a very successful day.

Family rally roundTHANKS to caring aunty Kim Stooke pictured (second left) and her family, the Friarage special care baby unit (SCBU) has two special heated cot mattresses to keep tiny premature and poorly babies warm.

Their successful fundraising drive included Kim’s husband, Wayne and father John Sutherland cycling the coast to coast raising £3,000.

The family wanted to thank the staff for caring for their surviving twin, Joe Wood pictured here with his family and SCBU staff.

Comfort and care BABY Olivia Burton surrounded by towels, vests, babygros and a lullaby player which will help bring comfort and warmth to tiny tots at the Friarage’s special care baby unit (SCBU).

Congratulations and many thanks to Curt Tasker (staff nurse Jane Tasker’s son) for his effort and generosity in completing the Great North Run in one hour 49 minutes to raise money to help SCBU for the second year in a row.

Conker championsTHE first ever North East Conker Championship raised £200 for the oncology ward at James Cook.

Teesside Park manager Mike Clarke said: “Our retailers and shoppers are always up for a challenge and it was a great way to raise money for a good cause.”

FUNDRAISERS have presented £1307.47 to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at James Cook after holding a charity football match and seventies night at Erimus Social Club.

Teresa Scott organised the events, together with daughter Lisa Broomfield, in memory of her late husband Ian Scott. They are pictured here handing a cheque to the unit’s manager Debbie Gippert. The money

will be used to help improve patient services in the new unit.

Fantastic fundraisers

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We are grateful for the generosity of local people and the support of all the dedicated people who raise money to help patients at the trust’s hospitals.

Helping hands

Beans means funds A BAKED bean-phobic family friend has helped John Bingham and his partner Gillian Iles raise money for the neonatal unit at James Cook by taking a plunge in a bath of them.

The stunt was part of a charity night in memory of their baby Ruby Amelia who was born 17 weeks premature in July and despite the care received in the unit, sadly died ten days later. John is shown handing over £766.82 to staff nurse Danielle Morley.

50th birthday bonus THE FRIARAGE children’s community nurses have received £615, thanks to firefighter, Richard Henry.

Richard asked for donations instead of gifts for his 50th birthday to thank them for supporting his family by looking after daughter Rosie, 13, who sadly died in August 2010.

Sister Clare Wellford pictured with paediatrician, Dr Jon James, staff nurse Denise Vernon, Richard and Daniel (Rosie’s brother) said: “The nurses have very fond memories of Rosie - she was always smiling and had a wicked personality.”

Sisters’ £8,000 thank youCHERYL O’Rourke, healthcare assistant with the district nursing team based at Eston, and her sister Lita Martin, housekeeper ward 25 at James Cook, have raised around £8,000 for the comfort of neurosciences patients after the care their father received when he was a patient in the haematology day unit.

Pictured at their tombola stall in the atrium at James Cook are (left to right) Lita, Amanda Moore, ward 26, Cheryl and former healthcare assistant Sheila Millington.

TO CELEBRATE British Sausage Week, local pig farmer, Tim Chapman, joined forces with Caroline and Scott Young of the Coore Arms, Scruton.

Tim donated locally produced sausages and Caroline and Scott designed three different sausages dishes which were well received at the pub raising £400 for the Friends of the Friarage Hospital.

Friend’s chairman Steve Lamb (centre) is pictured with Scott and Caroline Young, Tim and his daughter, Kate Chapman, who helped promote the event.

Bangers boost Friends fund

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Physios win award for helping patients return home soonerTHE CARDIOTHORACIC physiotherapy team at James Cook have won a prestigious profession-wide award for their innovative service.They introduced a seven-day service based on a new shift pattern meaning patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery had improved access to the intensive rehabilitation services they needed. The new service helped patients leave hospital 0.6 days quicker on average, saving the NHS £85,000 over a year. Across all cardiothoracic surgical conditions, the team reduced patients length of stay by two bed-days, which helped increase the number of patients passing through the department.The team won the seven-day working category at the Chartered

Society of Physiotherapy’s (CSP) Service Excellence Awards held in November at London’s Hotel Russell attended by more than 100 physiotherapists from across the country.Dr Helena Johnson, CSP chair, said: “The awards recognise physiotherapists who have shown innovation and excellence to provide even better services for patients. The James Cook team have demonstrated both of those qualities in abundance and thoroughly deserve their award.”Chief executive, Simon Pleydell, said: “The seven-day working model in cardiothoracic physiotherapy is a prime example of how staff have worked together and embraced change to improve the service – with the patient firmly at the centre of everything they do – and outcomes.”

(left to right) Helen Lal, senior specialist physiotherapist thoracic surgery, Halina Baker operational leader physiotherapy, Brighton Paradza, senior specialist physiotherapist, cardiothoracics and Sue Rees, vice chair of CSP

Scholars’ cornerWelcomeTHE latest cohort of pre-registration nursing and midwifery students from Teesside University began their clinical placement journey at the trust in November.

The 75 students took away the following key messages reflecting the trust’s core values and nursing and midwifery fundamental values and behaviours from the practice placement facilitators home trust induction.

“The awards recognise physiotherapists who

have shown innovation and excellence to

provide even better services for patients.”

Importance of basic nursing

care and communication

Patient safety and how

to protect the patient

Patients first - how important and

central the patient is to the trust

COLLEAGUES have wished Jan Lacey, who started her nurse training in 1965, a long and happy retirement. In 2001, Jan joined the patient flow management team but always retained close links to the division of surgery.

Jan began her training with the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps and following registration spent most of her working within the surgical specialties, an area of work that she really enjoyed.

Retirement joy for Jan

O C T A G O NDESIGN & MARKETING LTD

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