March 11

The staff newsletter of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Information Matters to Us All

a secure password; awareness of whos listening on the bus, on your mobile phone, in the corridor; reminders about office security; using laptops; HR files; Trust ID badges and much more. It should be clear from the list above that the safety of information held by our Trust is relevant to all of us, no matter what our job or grade. Watch out for more information and some striking visual images coming in April. You can complete the e-learning package now by going to Learning, Education and Development; within Mandatory Training click on the NHS Information Governance e-learning package.

The secure possession and correct use of personal, sensitive and confidential information is at the core of what we do in the NHS. Patients, their families and each of us as members of staff need to have confidence that within our Trust personal information is safe and that it will not be lost, left lying around, shared with people who dont need it or found by accident. Personal information is protected by the Law and since April last year the Information Commissioner has been able to levy a fine of up to 500,000 for inappropriate use of information and has done so within other NHS Trusts. From time to time we hear horror stories about confidential files found on the street or the back of a stolen car, enough to make most responsible staff shudder. The importance of patient confidentiality is already impressed upon us all right from our induction. However there is now a memorable e-learning package which is comprehensive and easy to use. The new 30-minute Mandatory course is entitled Information Governance and by June this year most staff need to have completed it. Caroline Pennels, Head of Legal Services, said: In the next month we will begin a rolling programme of updates, case studies and hints for staff aimed at dramatically reducing the risk of any breaches in security. This isnt just about looking after patient records, as critically important as they are; the e-learning and the 2011 campaign covers topics such as setting up

Councils fined for unencrypted laptop theft The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) today served Ealing Council and Hounslow Council with monetary penalties for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act after the loss of two unencrypted laptops containing sensitive personal information. The ICO has served Ealing Council with a monetary penalty of 80,000, while ruling that 70,000 is appropriate for Hounslow Council.
To read the full story on the Information Commissioners Office website, click below: www.ico. gov.uk/~/media/documents/pressreleases/2011/ Monetary_penalties_ealing_and_hounslow_news_ release_20110208.ashx Are you using an unencrypted laptop for personal data? For advice contact: IT Service Desk (Ext 2808), David Warden (Ext 6494) or Caroline Pennels (Ext 3555).

Colour: NHS Purple

Information Matters

General News
In this issue:
New Multi-Storey Car Park Patient Thanks page 4 page 8

Health and Safety Executive Visit

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive met with our Chief Executive Health & and a number of other Directors Safety earlier this month to learn more about Patients Staff Visitors how the Trust has been working to discharge two improvement notices relating to the management and control of Legionella.
The improvement notices required the Trust to: 1. Establish a programme for removal of dead legs in the water system 2. Establish a new risk management process for Legionella

Efficiency Feedback page 9-10 US Visitors at The Womens Centre page 12 Severn Freewheelers page 16

Outline Deadlines 2011

April Edition Submission deadline: Friday 25th March May Edition Submission deadline: Friday 29th April June Edition Submission deadline: Friday 27th May July Edition Submission deadline: Friday 24th June August Edition Submission deadline: Friday 29th July September Edition Submission deadline: Friday 26th August

The visit by the inspectors was very positive and the first improvement notice for the removal of dead legs has been discharged. The Trust was able to show for the second improvement notice that considerable work had been undertaken, but the inspectors wanted more time to be assured that whole system was in place, a further visit has been planned for March with an extension granted until the 18th May if required. The final improvement notice on the management of violence and aggression will be assessed by the HSE inspection team on the 28th March.
Correction In Februarys OUTLINE page 5, we gave details of Staffside committee members. Please note the following error - The Society of Radiographers (SOR) representative is Christopher BAYLEY (not Baylis). We apologise for the incorrect contact information. Please amend your records accordingly. Christopher.bayley@glos.nhs.uk

Editorial Team
Associate Director yvonne.pirso@glos.nhs.uk

If you would like to submit an article for Outline, please contact the Communications Office on 08454 223120 or email comms@glos.nhs.uk
Communications Specialist sarah.brown4@glos.nhs.uk Clinical Strategy Team Secretary sarahJ.smith@glos.nhs.uk

Communications Specialist kate.jeal@glos.nhs.uk

Yvonne Pirso

Kate Jeal

Sarah Brown

Sarah Smith

General News
Board Meeting Report - February 2011
Focus on Readmission Rates Acute Trusts will be subject to financial penalties for readmissions within 30 days in the next financial year. The Trust is working with health and social care partners to ensure delivery of services to prevent readmission, particularly the use of resources to set up re-ablement services. Operating Framework The Trust had received the latest proposed NHS Gloucestershire activity figures within the previous 48 hours. An analysis was being undertaken. The Chief Executive would be attending a Strategic Health Authority (SHA) review of the Gloucestershire community position in early March. QIPP The Board accepts that capacity should be taken out of GHNHSFT to support care in the community but demand management is the key focus. DH to review progress in South West Region on March 11th. The South West was seen as the highest performing region in the country and this visit would be seen as an important milestone in the delivery of QIPP. Performance Report The National Inpatient Survey will be presented to the Board in March. Recognition that failure to meet performance targets can lead to financial penalties. Health Care Associated Infection The Trust has made good progress in-year and received positive feedback from SHA. Targets for 2011/12 are likely to be challenging, requiring continued focus on infection control. There will be a review of the approach to handling winter pressures. Learning Disabilities Peer Review Very good results in relation to this Peer Review, particularly the impact of the Learning Disability liaison nurses. At a meeting with the Department of Health addressed by a patient and their carer both stated how much progress had been made in respect of Learning Disabilities Liaison Nurses. Safeguarding Adults with Dementia SHA assessment against standards shows good performance demonstrating achievement against Trust action plan and in training, development and e-learning. All CQUIN measures were achieved in this area. The Trust plans to be part of a peer review visit from the SHA in September 2011 and to take part in the Royal College of Psychiatrists National Dementia Enhanced Audit in March 2011. Finance Report Surplus of income against expenditure at end of January 1.7m; this is 1.4m under plan as a consequence of reduction in elective income and lower levels of emergency admissions. Length of stay has gone up requiring additional unfunded beds to be opened.

National Inpatient Survey

A paper will be presented to the Board with the results of the National Inpatient Survey at the end of March. The results of last years survey, which was sent to 850 patients across CGH and GRH, who were patients during August of 2010, were provided to the Trust in January. Those detailed results are now being analysed and priorities for action are being identified. A new approach to agreeing the priorities for action has been agreed partly because there is still clear room for improvement in a number of areas which have been an on-going challenge. The new approach to implementing change will use the Plan, Do, Study, Act technique. The priorities will initially be identified with the involvement of a Foundation Trust Governor, patient representatives and service users, along with frontline nursing and support staff, led by the Director of Patient Experience. Once agreed there will be an expectation that Divisions will act on the priorities at ward level to demonstrably improve the experience of our patients.

Staff Matters
New Multi-Storey Car Park Opening Soon!

VINCI Park is on schedule to complete the new Tower Car Park at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in early April, having started work in April 2010. zz There are a total of 601 spaces for staff, most of which are for standard users, so the maximum number of staff can benefit from the new facilities. zz The car park utilitises ANPR (number plate recognition) technology for staff which will automatically match staff permits to the vehicle. zz variable message board outside the car park will notify users when the car park is full. A zz Staff will be able to pay as they go by swiping their Smart Cards (Parking Cards) as they exit the building, making it easier and more convenient. zz The new car park will also feature a purpose built Parking Shop. VINCI Park staff will be available to answer any questions on the new equipment and also to assist with permit renewals, applications and any other parking related queries. zz There are 22 disabled spaces at the front of the car park. To improve speed and ensure ease of payment, new pay on foot machines for visitors mean that they only pay for the time they use. The innovative design incorporates a series of cedar timber louvre panels, rotated to create a wave effect. This is designed to prevent car headlights from being seen in nearby properties, while also providing natural ventilation, light and surveillance. It also helps to make the car park blend into its surroundings rather than appear as an imposing building. The car park opens on 11th April 2011.

Partnership Working
Cheltenham Ambassador Club
The Cheltenham Ambassador Club has recently opened. Club activities are aimed at young disabled people with no or mild-moderate learning difficulties. For young disabled people with severe learning difficulties they offer support and advice, as well as signposting to other relevant organisations and the chance to attend other Whizz-Kidz events. Members are given opportunities to meet up regularly with other young people, learn new skills, get a work placement, go on days out and even have a chance to attend an awards ceremony at the House of Commons. The ethos of Ambassador Clubs is based on fun and friendship and themes include things like: healthy living, creativity, leadership, teamwork and loads of other fun activities and challenges. There will be a chance to learn key life skills as well as having the opportunity to make new friends and have fun. Each club will run from 10am to 3.30pm every six weeks and will take place on Saturdays and during the school holidays. For more information, please email ambassadors@ whizz-kidz.org.uk or call 0800 151 3350.

Patient Experience
Care Quality Commission Unannounced Visit
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital was the first hospital in the South West to receive a new style of so-called flying nurses visits from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on March 2nd. The unannounced visit involved a team of seven inspectors and the Trust was notified just after 10am on the day of the visit, as the inspectors arrived at the Atrium at GRH. The inspectors split into three teams and stayed at the hospital for two days and two evenings. The visit focused on Outcomes as follows: zz Care and wellbeing of people who use services zz Cooperating with other providers zz Safeguarding people who use services from abuse zz Cleanliness and infection control zz Safety and suitability of premises zz Meeting Nutritional Needs in response to the report of the Health Service Ombudsman The CQC report will be available to the Trust in the near future. Feedback on the day was positive and the insight of the inspectors will help us to make improvements. The inspectors were impressed by the speed at which senior nursing staff had carried out a gap analysis following publication of the NHS Ombudsmans report, resulting in a decision that the Director of Nursing and Divisional Nursing Directors will be working ward shifts more frequently. Thanks are due to the clinical and non-clinical staff who rallied with no notice to make sure that the inspectors had assistance and access staff and patients on our wards and in A&E, also to night staff and to documentation relating to a range of policies and practice.

Learning Disabilities Peer Review

A Peer Review of services for patients with Learning Disabilities took place late last year. When results were published, the Trust was delighted to hear that we had come 5th out of 18 Trusts in the south west region. The review body from the South West Strategic Health Authority (SHA) were impressed by the speed with which Safeguarding policies have been developed and become embedded in the day-to-day workings of the hospital. Particularly singled out was the work of the Disability Liaison Nurses, who have made a clear impact on the way patients with learning disabilities and their carers are treated before and during their Hospital visit. They have had a crucial role in educating staff throughout the hospitals as well as direct interaction with patients. The SHA also noted the success of the traffic light assessment, which patients with learning disabilities fill in with their relative/carer. They were impressed with the way this enhances particular knowledge and information about a patient, and allows us to support them better. Nursing Director Maggie Arnold said: Thanks are due to the clinical and nonclinical staff who have been behind the drive to make coming into hospital for those with learning disabilities a less frightening and more rewarding experience. Everyone has put in a huge amount of work to our Safeguarding policies, and now our patients are really seeing the benefits.

Staff Matters
Equality for All

This is important because it is about all of us, patients, visitors and staff - how we design and commission services, how we deliver those services and how we deal with each other, whether as employers, employees or colleagues. Extending basic courtesy, respect and consideration to everyone we come into contact with can help us to ensure that we meet both the spirit and the letter of this vital legislation. Dr Frank Harsent, Chief Executive
The Equality Act brings together protection from discrimination on the basis of Marriage Civil Partnership Pregnancy Maternity Protected characteristics Age Disability Sexual Orientation Religion / Belief Race Gender Reassignment Sex

How will the Equality Act improve things? The most significant benefit is the greater empathy and harmony between individuals in the workplace, bringing greater job satisfaction and even efficiencies as patient recuperation improves. As individuals, we are responsible for how we treat other people, but when we are at work we are doubly responsible because we also represent the Trust and how we behave reflects on the Trusts reputation as a healthcare provider and as an employer. Society has changed considerably over the last 30 years and most crucially with the recognition, that our thoughts, words and actions can have a significant impact on others. Our attitudes have an impact on the quality of care we provide to our patients, the interaction we have with carers, relatives and visitors, and also on the people with work with. David Smith, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development What do we need to do? Just be aware when considering our attitudes and behaviour

The Equality Act 2010 brings together and simplifies all of the current legislation relating to discrimination. This single Act consolidates protection against a range of protected characteristics including sex, age, race, religion/ belief, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, maternity, marriage and civil partnership. The Act aims to eliminate discrimination and harassment, advance equalities of opportunity and foster good relations by protecting against not only direct discrimination, for instance less favourable treatment because of a persons protected characteristic but also against indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment.

General News
Smoking
As an NHS organisation, we work to improve the health of local people. Its important that we address the dangers of smoking and also draw attention to the support which is available to help smokers to manage their habit or to quit. It was non-smoking day on March 9th. This has been supported via the intranet and website over the last couple of months, as well as a poster campaign around the hospitals. Non-smoking day also saw some bright new additions to both hospital sites. Ten giant banners were installed at key locations on each site to help reinforce the smokefree message with patients and visitors. Smokefree South West covered the full cost of design, print and installation. We have a significant local audience and the banners are an ideal way of getting the message out there that there is free help and support available for those smokers living in Gloucestershire that want to quit the habit. We also have to think very seriously about the messages we put across to patients who may be unwell as a result of their smoking, and cant be seen to condone the same behaviour by our staff. zz There are updated pathways for referring patients who smoke to our local specialist smoking cessation service (GSSS) or providing them with NRT.

Help and Support

Our local stop smoking service (Gloucestershire Stop Smoking Service) can offer a range of support to help you give up smoking. If giving up smoking is not what you want now, they can also offer advice on what products to use when on shifts to ensure you dont suffer from withdrawal symptoms. zz youre committed to using NRT (Nicotine If Replacement Therapy) for either of the reasons above, weve worked out the easiest (and cheapest) way for you to get this support. If you dont pay for prescriptions, its free, but if you do, you buy a 12-week pre-payment certificate (available from pharmacies) for 28.50 and your three month supply of NRT will be provided. That offers you a massive saving of up to 200 over buying the products overthe-counter - contact GSSS for details. They will also tailor-make a quit plan for you which will include all the aids such as NRT you need. zz Starting during w/c 13th March, GSSS is running a drop-in group at GRH 12.30-2.30 and are also looking to run an evening support group for night staff if the need is there. Please contact Annette Edmunds for more details. zz Dont forget the national smokefree site at http://smokefree.nhs.uk/quit-tools/ It has some great apps and gadgets for your PC at home or for on-the-go quitters. The evidence proves that you are four times more likely to quit smoking if you use NHS Stop Smoking services. To contact Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service call the local helpline on 08454 220040, or pop into the Stop Smoking Shop at 20 Southgate Street, Gloucester. For further info about all the above, please visit the new smoking pages on the intranet: http://ghnhst/C8/ C14/Smoking/default.aspx For comments, please contact comms@glos.nhs.uk

Smoke-Free Policies - What s New?

Were updating 2 key policies one is the Smokefree Workplace Policy and the other about patient management - Smoking Cessation in Secondary Care. They will soon be available on the intranet, but in the meantime, there are some things you might want to know about changes that may be important to you: zz Because its our aim to support patients and staff who cannot smoke in and around our hospitals, we have agreed (after consultation with Staffside representatives) that its no longer acceptable for staff who are in uniform or who may have contact with patients to smell of smoke. Staff who wish to smoke will therefore have to change out of their uniform or working clothes on breaks, as it makes it much harder for patients when they are in contact with staff who smell of smoke when they return to work. zz will be offering patients support to quit through We nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and referring them to the stop smoking advisory service.

Patient Experience
Patients say thank you

We continue to receive many grateful letters from patients, and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who work so hard to provide a compassionate, caring and efficient service to our patients.
Dear Dr Harsent Dear Dr Harsent Over the last few months my husband has undergone surgery twice for the attachment of detached retinas. He has been in Stroud and Cheltenham. Both operations took place in Cheltenham. We would like to express our gratitude for the treatment he received. Everyone concerned, from reception through to nursing staff and the doctors and consultants were unfailingly helpful and professional. They took time to put us as our ease and explain what they were doing at every stage of the operation and after care. The nurses in the Eyeford ward ensured that the patients in their care were comfortable and understand what was involved in their treatment. Their sense of humour made the waiting period more relaxed. We would especially like to thank Mr Traill for his care and concern. His attitude was so friendly and kind that we both felt at ease with him and could trust him implicitly. You are fortunate indeed to have such a team in your hospital. With Appreciations and Warmest thanks to you To all the staff in the kitchens at GRH your food was excellent and was a great help in my speedy recovery following my recent hip replacement. Ive just spent five weeks in Rendcomb side ward and have to tell you how terrific your nursing staff were. In five weeks there was not a long face or frown from any of your staff - just smiles and laughter, concern and kindness. Their attention to detail was remarkable and nothing was too much trouble. Dear Dr Harsent I was admitted to A&E at 1.30am this morning with a kidney stone problem. The department was (I later discovered) unusually busy for that particular day/time I was told that all beds were occupied. Nevertheless, the service I experienced was nothing short of exemplary in every respect. Everyone was working like clockwork and apart from the professionalism, courtesy, kindness and empathy shown towards me I noticed in particular how well the staff related to each other. They were working well and with good humour in what was obviously a very challenging situation. I saw quite a few people in my five hour stay so it would be wrong to single out any particular names. Everyone was equally impressive and helpful to the point of even insisting on arranging my taxi home.

Improving Quality and Living within our Means 2011 2012

In the last month a number of staff have been talking about ways to save money and do things differently within the Trust. Here some of those suggestions are shared in the hope that they might spark more debate within your teams or simply between colleagues. Dr Frank Harsent, Chief Executive said: Firstly I would like to thank you for listening to the messages about the 18 million efficiency savings we need to begin to make from next month. Many of the suggestions coming through the intranet Discussion Forum and on email have been about possible changes to the way we pay staff, or conditions under which we employ staff, ranging from retirement age to the paying of expenses or purchasing of equipment. Suggestions about changing the way we carry out our clinical work are coming through from the Divisions to the Trust Savings Board, chaired by Director of Finance, Sarah Truelove, and also to the Workforce Planning Group chaired by Dave Smith, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, which is looking at the potential saving from a staffing perspective. Dave said: All of your suggestions will be considered, but of course it will not be possible to implement them all. Our aim is that there will be a reply to everyone who makes a suggestion, although this may not be immediate as the implications of each one will need to be worked out. During the staff open sessions in February and March the point was made to myself and Frank that not everyone can get to and use a computer and so we arranged for Suggestion Boxes to be placed on the reception desks at CGH and GRH. However, so far there have been only four users. Please do use the boxes if you would like to write down your suggestion. Dr Harsent said: I would like to repeat that by efficiencies, I do not mean simply cuts or job losses. Efficiency savings are also about doing things differently. Making savings of 18 million, when around 70% of our costs are made up of staffing, means that our organisation will get smaller by several hundred posts by April 2012. Please be assured that I am committed, as are my Director colleagues, to avoiding redundancies. This position can be helped by staff being flexible if they need to move to a different post in the organisation. Safety and quality of care will remain our prime considerations and we will ensure that we always maintain the right staffing levels to deliver that, even if we have to recruit in some areas of service to do so.

Your suggestions so far

To read in full the suggestion made and answers where available, go to the Trust Intranet Home Page and click on http://ghnhst/C13/Improving%20Quality%20and%20Living%20W/default.aspx I think one of the ways to save money would be to make retirement at 60 or 65 compulsory for all current Trust staff members. Surely it is fairer to employ younger people who have young families to support rather than older people who have already worked for the majority of their life and should be more financially stable. Has the Trust ever considered a central system for the purchase of rail tickets which are to be claimed under travel expenses? Would it be possible to make the heating in the Trust buildings more efficient? Very few radiators can be regulated and this makes rooms and corridors either freezing cold or unbearably hot.

Why does the trust buy books, equipment, stationary and furniture from NHS logistics? Its all very pricey. One of our staff members tried to buy departmental books from Amazon (much cheaper) but was not allowed to by the procurement dept. Why is this?

In Acute Hospitals with large steam boilers, various heating controls and different heating systems spread across wide areas; in some of our older buildings it is often difficult to achieve the right control. The priority is to the comfort of our patients but sometimes things go wrong and thermostats or controls stop working properly. Problems with overheating should be reported to the Estates and Facilities help desk on 08454 226800.

Do you want to be involved? Five Ways to comment or question

Talk to your line manager about your ideas
and discuss them at team meetings.

Staff Representatives

want to know your ideas.

Suggestion Boxes: Using the forms provided post your idea or question into the suggestion boxes at the reception desks in the Atrium at GRH or pillars entrance to CGH.

Email your question to:

comms@glos.nhs.uk

to Intranet Home Page to a Discussion Board/ Efficiencies Discussion Forum

Online discussion forum, go

Your suggestions will be acknowledged and passed to Trust Directors to consider. Your questions will be answered by updating the online Question and Answer document and using the online discussion forum. More staff open sessions will be arranged in coming months

Workforce Plan Steering Group

This group has been established in order to involve staff representatives in developing our Workforce Plan for the coming year. The purpose of the plan is to manage the impact on our workforce of the Trust efficiency savings. Staffside, the Medical Staffing Committee and staff Governors are all members of the steering group and their role will be to represent the interests of all staff groups and to help drive staff engagement with and communication of this key workstream. The Steering Group, which is meeting fortnightly, will produce a set of recommendations which will be presented to groups including Trust Management Team, Savings Board and ultimately to the Trust Board.

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There will be regular communication with staff about the progress of this work.

Safer Hospitals
Early signs of success in safer care
There are early signs that the work undertaken as part of the Patient Safety programme within the Trust is beginning to be successful.

Health & Safety

Patients Staff Visitors

The programme was set up over two years ago to improve patient safety and reduce adverse events. Adverse events are measured by using an audit mechanism - the Global Trigger Tool, which over time builds up an adverse event rate. The Trust set an initial target of reducing the rate by 30% over three years and our information shows that for the last eight months the mean score of the adverse event rate has reached the original target, meaning that our safety initiatives are beginning to be successful. The safety improvement work includes initiatives such as: executive safety visits, VTE risk assessment, Early Warning System on wards, medicines safety programme, improved infection control targets. In May there will be an improvement Study Day when we will share and celebrate some of the improvement work carried out so far. Watch out for details. To become more involved in any safety improvement work contact Andrew Seaton, Director of Safety.

New Accident Reporting Hotline

A new Accident/Incident Reporting Hotline is being introduced by the Risk Department to allow busy staff another way to alert the risk team to incidents and accidents. The Hotline will not be answered please leave a message stating clearly the details of the accident, location, and time of the accident/incident (there will be no feedback). It is hoped that the hotline will provide more opportunity for the Trust to learn about safety issues relating to both staff and patients, through increased opportunities to report them. It is planned to use the hotline to focus on specific topics asking for comprehensive reporting of all incidents for the topic of the month. For the month of April we would like anyone who is involved in an occasion of violence and aggression, witnessed or experienced, to report it using the existing incident/ accident form or the Hotline. Proposed future topics are sharps injuries, manual handling concerns. Please do not report moderate or serious incidents on this number for those please contact the Trust Risk Manager on 08454 225765.

The Hotline number is 5757

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General News
The Womens Centre welcomes U.S. visitors
the experience very worthwhile. The midwives she worked with also enjoyed her being there as it was a great opportunity for mutual learning. Tambra was keen to observe how midwives care for women in the second stage of labour. She is currently based in Alaska and is a member of the US Air Force. Tambra worked alongside Trust staff in both the Co-located Birth unit and on the Delivery Suite. She was particularly interested in the Aromatherapy service that midwives offer to women when they are in labour for pain relief. In early March, The Womens Centre (TWC) played host to two visiting American nurses. Julie Paul and Tambra Yates are both Doctorate of Nursing Practice Students. Julies thesis is based on the development of a Triage facility within her unit in Massachusetts which will be Midwife/Nurse-led. Julie worked alongside the midwives working in Triage in TWC and found Cathy Molloy, Senior Midwifery Manager/Matron for the Delivery Suite (who is supporting Julie in her Doctorate thesis) said It was very exciting and a great pleasure to be able to accommodate both Julie and Tambra in the new unit and we hope that they had a really worthwhile and valuable experience whilst they were here. The staff at The Womens Centre really enjoyed their visit! I am hoping to continue the relationship by going to Massachusetts in October when Julie graduates.

Bowel Cancer Team Hit the Road

Colorectal Nurse Specialists, Stoma Nurses and Screening Nurse Specialists from the Trust are joining the countys Guide & Pals team on their information bus for a Bowel Cancer-themed event in April. The initiative is designed to tie in with National Bowel Cancer awareness month. Around 106 new cases of Bowel Cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) are diagnosed each day in the UK (Cancer Research UK). It is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the UK but thanks to improved diagnostics and early detection, the overall survival rates have improved over the last 30 years. Going out on the bus will enable us to go into the heart of communities and have the valuable face to face contact with the Gloucestershire public. says Carolyn Cummings, Colorectal Nurse Specialist. As Nurse Specialists we can offer our expertise and give advice, information and support, including prevention, screening and living with a bowel cancer diagnosis. The team are aware that talking about bowels can be an embarrassing subject but will be reassuring the public that all enquiries will be dealt with sensitively and in confidence. The bus and team will be at the following venues:

DATE
12.4.11 13.4.11 14.4.11 18.4.11 19.4.11 20.4.11

TIME
10.45 09.30 10.00 09.30 10.00 09.30

VENUE
Morrisons car park TEWKESBURY Kings Square GLOUCESTER Tesco STOW ON THE WOLD Gallagher Retail Park CHELTENHAM Tesco LYDNEY Tesco CIRENCESTER

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Spotlight
Spotlight on the Board
The Board of Directors set our Trusts vision, values and standards of conduct. Its also their responsibility to ensure that obligations to members, patients and other stakeholders are understood, clearly communicated and met. Every Board member help develop proposals on issues such as priorities, risk mitigation, values, standards and strategy. All members of the board of directors have joint responsibility for every decision of the board regardless of their individual skills or status. Over the next few months well be focusing on our Non-Executive Directors. These six board members are not employed by the Trust and do not participate in day-to-day management. They are considered important because they can bring unbiased opinions to major decisions and also can contribute diverse experience to the decision-making process. Non-executive directors are expected to monitor and challenge the performance of the executive directors and the management, and to take a determined stand in the interests of the Trust and its stakeholders Clive Lewis is a leading dispute resolution specialist and founding director of the Globis Mediation Group. He is also a writer. His third book is just about to be published. He serves as Hon. Secretary on the board of the Civil Mediation Council and is also a trainer, coach and facilitator. In addition to his day job, hes also a Trustee and Board Member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and another small charity, and a non-executive director of the Open College Network. During 2006-2008, his commitment to charity work led to him being appointed as Chair of a Government appointed independent panel exploring the rising costs of youth underachievement. Outline spoke to Clive Lewis about what being on the board means to him: Q: How did you come to be a non-exec director at the Trust? A: I was appointed 6 months ago, having been approached by an organisation which had been commissioned to search for suitable candidates. I took some time to think about the opportunity and reflected on my father, who spent much of his final year in hospital; and how this experience was for us as his family. I thought that it would be an honour to give something back to the Trust in recognition of the exemplary way my father was treated. This personal experience is always at the forefront of my mind. Q: What unique skills do you bring to the Board? A: The depth of commercial experience Ive gained in the private sector brings with it a different skill set. Working for large commercial organisations, Ive gained a lot of knowledge about the importance of customer experience. This allows me to bring a fresh perspective on patient experience to the Board. I have also been extensively involved in the issue of conflict resolution and in encouraging collaboration and relationship building between various different groups. Q: What do you see as the key elements of your role? A: Issues of governance go without saying. In addition, theres a vital role in supporting the first class executive team where required. Sometimes this may include asking questions and seeking clarification. Its important to ensure that patients are always top priority and that we are aware of their place in any decision which is when a respectful challenge may come in. We all take the role very seriously. Q: What other responsibilities do you have at the Trust? A: I also sit on the Audit Committee and the Equality and Diversity Committee Q: Who are you ultimately accountable to? A: Professor Clair Chilvers as Chair, directly, but I also see myself as representing and being accountable to patients, the community of Gloucestershire and my family.

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Partnership Working
Lip Reading Classes
The Trust has provided lip reading classes for many years without funding, but in the current economic climate, it was impossible to keep the classes going without support. As it was a highly valued service that provides so much needed help and support, we have managed to continue them with a new partner. From 1st April the classes will be provided by the Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA): but we will continue to provide support and advice. Inevitably there will be some changes. GDA is a charity and has received no funding to take on the lip reading service. In order to help pay for tutors and venue hire, a small fee of 3 per person per session will be introduced from April. GDA is committed to keeping any charge as low as possible, and it is hoped attendees will give their support. For any enquiries please contact Anne-Marie Boisriveau-Mitchell, Head of Hearing Services

HRH The Princess Royal Visits Stroud Maternity Unit

babies. Midwife-led units (MLU) offer a much more homely birth environment. On MLUs women are more likely to have a birth without medical interventions and will receive one-to-one care from a midwife when in labour. The feedback midwives get from women who have given birth in midwife-led centres is very good and I would encourage women to really consider this as an option. This unit and other like it are wonderful environments for women and their families, and I hope that this Royal visit will raise the profile of midwife-led care even more. I know that the midwives at Stroud will be honoured by this Royal visit. Michelle Poole, Head of Midwifery at Gloucestershire Care Services, said: We are delighted that the Princess Royal has chosen to visit Stroud Maternity Unit in her capacity as Patron of the Royal College of Midwives. The Unit has a dedicated and professional workforce and they provide excellent and highly valued services to local people. This visit helps provide further recognition of the value of that service.

Midwives, mothers and babies at the midwife-led birth centre at Stroud Maternity Unit welcomed HRH The Princess Royal on 25th February 2011. HRH The Princess Royal visited in her role as Patron of the Royal College of Midwifes. The royal visitor met unit staff and mothers to hear about their experiences of midwife-led care. The visit highlighted the work being done by midwives and other members of the maternity team at Stroud to enhance womens pregnancy and birth experiences. Her Royal Highness also unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit in the new Day Room which was been funded by the League of Friends. The services at Stroud Maternity Unit complement the new Womens Centre in Gloucester and ensure that women in the county have a local choice as to how and where they can have their baby. Commenting on the visit, Liz Stephens, President of the Royal College of Midwives said: I am delighted that the Princess Royal is making this visit. It is a wonderful opportunity to show her midwife-led care in action, and how this can benefit mothers and their

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Partnership Working
Officers on the Run
Officers from Gloucester are due to don fancy dress to compete in the Forest of Dean Half Marathon next month in aid of charity. PC Mark Evans and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Jordan White, Steph Mason and Christina OKonor-Bryant will be competing on Sunday, March 27, along with some friends from the Army Cadet Force. They are hoping to raise money for the Warrior Programme, which helps those who have been left emotionally scarred by their experiences, and the Rotary Club, which strives to help all those in the community who are in need. PC Mark Evans said: We really want to do something to help these charities. A friend of mine returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan last year and was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. The Warrior Programme is helping him with the condition and I just feel more people should know about their great work. The Rotary Club has helped keep youth organisations in the Forest of Dean running and given many in the younger generation a great confidence boost. In terms of what fancy dress we will wear, this hasnt been decided yet. However, one suggestion is 'Where's Wally'. PC Mark Evans has already competed in four other half marathons since 2006 and has helped raise nearly 10,000 for charity. He competed in the Forest of Dean Half Marathon last year carrying a Bergen rucksack weighing 35lb. Anyone who wishes to sponsor the officers can do so via www.justgiving.co.uk/opwarrior

FOCUS Presentations
Mr Alderman came in to present a cheque to Dr Steve Shepherd, Consultant Clinical Oncologist for the FOCUS Trust Fund. Mr Alderman and the Cotswold Chain Gang raised 2,500 by undertaking a cycle ride in Scotland back in July last year in memory of his wife Pam. Some of the money was donated by cheque and the rest was donated via the FOCUS Trust Fund site on the Charity Giving website. treatment here, along with Anitas mother and Sue Hepplewhite, Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Anita Haines presenting a cheque in the sum of 501.00 for the FOCUS Trust Fund to Dr Candish, Consultant Clinical Oncologist. Anita and her family held a summer party for 30 people including an auction and raffle in September 2010. Also in the picture is Anitas father Philip who is receiving

Mrs Cobb and her son present the FOCUS Trust Fund with a cheque in the sum of 1,000.00 in appreciation of the treatment her husband Peter received in the Oncology Centre. This money was collected at Peters funeral which was held recently. Mrs Cobb is presenting the cheque to Dr Sam Guglani, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Fiona Young, Lung Cancer Nurse and Mrs Cobbs son is also in the photo.

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News in Brief
Severn Freewheelers Saving Lives

Severn Freewheelers are a group of motorcyclists who provide a free out-of-hours courier service for hospitals in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, North Wiltshire and Herefordshire. They carry anything from blood to X-rays and patient notes between hospitals in the area. The fleet of 5 motorcycles is staffed by volunteer riders who are on call from 7pm in the evening to 7am the following day and all day at weekends. Each bike is liveried in emergency response colours and is specially modified to carry the NHS packages. All riders are volunteers and receive extra training in emergency response riding, as well as being trained in first aid. They provide a team who deliver a professional service which is free to the NHS. The group have ridden over 350,000 miles in service of the trust over the last 4 years delivering samples, blood, breast milk and meds and hopefully we can continue for many more. To help raise funds to keep the bikes on the road, Severn Freewheelers are hosting a major bike festival at Prescott Hill Climb in Cheltenham on April 10th. They hope to attract 6-7,000 people to the event which will have representatives from all of the UKs Blood Bike groups as well as celebrities and a host of things to see and do. The Festival will welcome and celebrate everything good about two-wheels, with particular attention paid to a host of rare and classic machines. Festival organiser Gordon Downie, commented, Obviously the unique opportunity to ride the hill is a major attraction, but the Prescott Bike Festival

promises so much more. With all major motorcycle manufacturers in attendance through their dealers and a great line-up of classic machines and club displays now confirmed, the festival really is set to offer something for every motorcycle fan. The great line-up of rare machines includes an Indian Scout 101, Sachs R800, Rudge Broncehead and Ulster, Velocette Venom and Norton Commando. With British Superbike legends John Reynolds and Chris Walker both now confirmed to attend, visitors will get the unique opportunity to ride the Prescott Hill on the same day as the stars too. Attractions include: Meet the Racers Capirossis GP5 Ducati Live bands Have A Go Off Road Formula One Simulator

For more information, or to book tickets, prices starting at only 4.00; please visit:

www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk www.severnfreewheelers.co.uk

16

News in Brief
Veronica Ellison celebrates 40 year milestone
Veronica said: I came and I embraced British culture and the British people. I have made some long lasting friendships. In September 1971 I meet a Gloucester boy Veronica Rosana Ellison (nee McWilliams) came who was to become my future husband and to England on 22 Febuary 1971 from Guyana in married in September 1974. South America to pursue a career in nursing. It We had three lovely children - James, John was in the heart of winter and bitterly cold when and Jenna - and now have seven wonderful she started work on her 19th birthday, 1st March grandchildren! 1971. Veronica has seen many changes within the Trust during her 40 years, notably the absence Veronica trained both at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Southgate Street and at the City of the old-style matrons and the sparkling white starched hats, apron and cuffs she used General Hospital, Great Western Road. Work to wear. Same-sex nightingale wards have was only just starting on the Tower Block at also largely disappeared, replaced by the GRH, and she recalls My peers and I watched the construction workers digging the foundations newer wards with mixed sex patients divided for the tower block from our classroom window. into single-sex bays. There have also been substantial changes to the way nurses are Having qualified as an SRN, she worked as a trained, as they no longer train full-time in the Staff Nurse in General Theatres at Southgate hospital environment. Interaction between staff Street and also in the Orthopaedic and and patients and between staff themselves Gynaecology theatres at Great Western Road. is also a less formal affair, with far less strict etiquette than she remembers when she began In 1977, Veronica went to do midwifery training her training. at Gloucester Maternity Unit where she stayed until 1990 delivering babies. In September 1990, Veronica says that she has few regrets, and she returned to General Theatres in the tower concludes: Would I change the way my life block where she has remained ever since. turned out? No, I would do it all over again! Theatre Nurse Veronica Ellison has just celebrated working at the Trust for 40 years. She started at GRH on 1st March 1971! Outline spoke to Veronica about the changes she has seen over the years.

Like father, like daughter

Midwife Asha Dhany has more than just genes in common with her father. She was recently awarded a distinction for her Msc in Advanced Practice at the University of the West of England. Dad Dhany, a Senior Charge Nurse at GRH also completed a Masters degree some years ago. He said Ashas mother and I are so proud of her, she has worked extremely hard over the last 3 years and was awarded the highest mark in her group 85%. We wish her continuing success in the future. Asha previously worked at Cheltenham General on the delivery suite but now manages the new Birth Unit at Gloucestershire Royal.

17

News in Brief
IT Training dont miss out
Please contact: IT.training@glos.nhs.uk. Email Management The team have also designed and delivered this new training which allows staff to learn how to use their email more effectively and efficiently. In December 2010, 101 staff attended a one hour Email Management session. To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, delegates completed pre- and post-course questionnaires. 36% of the delegates returned both forms. Following the session, delegates reported an average of 12.8 minutes saved per person per day on time spent using email. This equates to the creation of 7.9 days per person per year for other more productive tasks based on a 7 hour day. So (assuming that all staff who attended saved the same amount of time) this would mean a total of 797.9 days per year which is equivalent to a saving of approximately 95,000. In addition delegates reported the following changes: A clear-out of inboxes (down on average by 28.7%) A reduction in the frequency of people accessing their email (down by 27.5%) Examples of other changes are that delegates are now making more use of the phone, writing clearer messages with better subject lines and sending fewer copies. The feedback also shows that delegates now experience less stress and are prioritising and managing email more effectively. More sessions will be available in April and May. E-travel expenses E-travel expenses training is available via e-learning - please go to the Gloucestershire Academy website or contact the IT training team on 08454 226087 or email it.training@glos. nhs.uk

The Countywide IT & Systems Training Service provides tutor-led sessions at Sandford and Redwood Education Centres, taught at Introductory and Intermediate levels. Introductory IT Sessions start with Introduction to Computers, a session which will gently introduce the learner to mouse skills, PC terminology and accessing the Staff Intranet. The other Introductory sessions are Word, Outlook Email, Outlook Calendar, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and How to Use File and Folders. All sessions allow time for practice and consolidation. Intermediate Sessions in Word and Excel are aimed at the learners who already possess a basic knowledge of the application. This is an ideal follow on from Introductory level or for learners to increase or brush up on their existing skills. 1-1 Coaching - Do you need individual help/ support - can you always find the files or folders you have stored or created? Do you know how to archive on your email or invite colleagues to meetings using calendar? Do you struggle with Excel? the team also now offer 1-1 Coaching either face to face or a telephone consultation. The service also provides e-learning access and testing facilities for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and Microsoft Office Skills Training (MOST) both of which are internationally recognised IT qualifications. CPD points are also available for both ECDL and MOST qualifications for doctors from the Royal College of Physicians.

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Adverts
Clarkes Beautiful Gardens: Professional Landscape Maintenance & Development. Call today to book a consultation and take the first steps towards a garden to be proud of. 17 years experience, references available. contact Andy Clarke on 07983 302687 or Email me at andygclarke@googlemail.com Local computer specialist: Covering the whole of Gloucestershire. Computer repair, virus removal, new PCs, internet security, wireless, broadband faults and more. Standard rate 25 for 1st hour, 10 per 30 mins thereafter. Available weekends / evenings at no extra charge. 5 discount on 1st hour for NHS employees with ID card/proof of employment. Freephone: 0800 6124 454 Website: www.glospcrepair.com Pressed for Time: Ironing collected and delivered free minor alterations and repairs.10% off first order Tel: 01242 695186 Prodec: The Complete Decorating Services over 30 years experience. Discount available for NHS employees. Free estimates and advice prodec@btinternet.com M: 0797 1460314 Insurance work welcome. Traditional & Special Paint Finishes, Paperhanging, Wallpaper Removal,Coving Barefoot Photography: Stylish photography at a reasonable price. Female photographer offering 10% discount to NHS staff for Wedding, Boudoir and Portrait photography. References and portfolio available. Fully insured member of Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers. Please see website www.barefootphoto.co.uk or call 077121 91779 for a no obligation chat. Clare Woolford The Stretching Workshop: This weekly class could offer you the opportunity and the inspiration to start doing more flexibility training. During the workshop we will work through and play with a number of different stretches and movements, including dynamic, passive, static and active isolated stretches. Sunday Evenings: 5.30 6.30pm Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre (CHHC), 32 Wellington Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2AG Cost: 6.00 per workshop. To book a place, or for more information contact David Rawlings: mobile: 07815 60 60 51 email: david.james230@yahoo.com Shared House, Princes Street: Fairview, Cheltenham - 3/4 bedrooms available. 250 333per room. 1000 total PCM. Princes Street, Fairview...10 min walk from Cheltenham General Recently refurbished regency terrace with garden. Unfurnished. jonathan.minton@xerox.com 07789 374945 Cosy Cornish Cottage To Let: Portscatho, Roseland Peninsula. Wonderful cliff top walks from the cottage door. Overlooks the sea. Village pub and shop. Private secluded garden. Wonderful location in all seasons. Winter rates from 195 per week. Contacts: 07855492472/01453 885223 (evenings). angelakirby1@hotmail.co.uk To place an advert, please contact comms@glos. nhs.uk.Alternatively, place your advert on the Staff Classifieds section on the intranet (under useful pages)

Gloucestershire Chest Fund - Jazz at Mid Glos

Enjoy Trad Jazz at Mid-Glos Indoor Blowing Club, Green Street, Brockworth and help raise funds for the Chest Fund on: Saturday April 2nd 7.30 10.30pm Tickets 5 available from: Gloucester Tourist Information Centre Mid-Glos Bowling Club GloucestershireChest Fund

19

Su ering, but its...

Then choose

W ELL

Visit your pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts on medicines and how they work. They are quali ed to give advice on things like coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains, sprains and stomach upsets.

Gloucester Health Access Centre

Walk-in service open 8am til 8pm 7 days a week
The centre o ers a walk-in service for minor ailments and injuries such as minor cuts, bites and stings and allergies.
Eastgate house, Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1PX. Find us at: St Michaels Branch Surgery, St Michaels Square, o Brunswick Road, Gloucester, Tel: 01452 336290 GL1 1HX. Tel: 01452 336290 (Please note the Access Centre will be moving to Eastgate House, Eastgate Street, Gloucester in January 2010 ).

Call your GP surgery

If you have a are up of a long-standing illness such as kidney or lung disease, bronchitis, asthma or diabetes that is not responding to self care or advice from your pharmacist.

For information about healthcare options

Text: WELL to 60777

To nd out more call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www. choosewell glos.nhs.uk
Each text costs one standard network rate message. See our website for full details.