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The pathology team opened their doors to the public with a series of events during National Pathology Week (November 3-9). Over 200 local school students and members of the public visited the modern laboratories at the hospital and enjoyed exciting demonstrations, talks and tours. Harlow MP Bill Rammell joined the fun by visiting the department to formally open the new Michael Morgan Laboratory, named after the PAH’s long serving and recently retired breast surgeon, which will house state-of-the-art equipment to undertake molecular tests. Students were then given the opportunity to analyse samples and tissue, learn about dissection and find out more about choosing pathology as a career. They also toured the laboratories and visited the Clinical Skills Bus where they got some real handson experience in first-aid skills and blood pressure monitoring. Dr Jolanta McKenzie, Pathologist and Clinical Director for Cancer and Diagnostics, said: “We were delighted to use National Pathology Week as an opportunity to showcase the department and help promote the role of pathology. Millions of pathology tests are performed every year in the UK - an average of 14 for every man, woman and child! But some people may not even realise that if they have ever had a blood test, cervical smear or biopsy, the result will have been provided by a pathologist.” Dr Suzy Lishman, Assistant Registrar at the Royal College of Pathologists and National Pathology Week Lead, added: “I am really pleased that we have given these school students an opportunity to see what pathologists really do. “We are really keen to raise awareness among young people so that they are better informed about their own health and who knows – some of them might even choose to take up pathology as a career.” Biology teacher, Sophia Spurgin, of Birchwood High School said: “We had a really good and interesting time and the students were full of what they had seen and learnt. It was particularly useful for those interested in a medically related career.” 4 intouch A New Service For Warfarin Patients A new service to monitor and manage medication to prevent blood clots is being introduced at the Hospital from 1 December. The anticoagulation clinic will be led by nurses and supervised by consultant haematologists at PAH for patients who need a prescription or adjustment to their warfarin dosage, a blood thinning drug that prevents clots forming. Up to 60 patients a week can be referred to the clinic from their GP or Hospital Consultant for counselling, education, blood tests and monitoring of medication. Sarah Ayton, DVT Nurse leading the clinic, said: “New, vulnerable and complex patients will be eligible to attend. Their appointment will allow them to discuss their condition with a nurse and to have their treatment monitored closely. The remainder of our anticoagulation patients will continue to have their bloods and anticoagulation levels checked via the existing computerised system.” The clinic has been jointly funded by the Hospital and two local Primary Care Trusts. The investment has created a few new full-time posts to support the initiative.
‘Milk Kitchen’ Opens in Maternity A new milk kitchen is being opened in the maternity unit at PAH to support mothers who choose to bottle feed their babies. The new facility, which will be opening in the first week of the New Year, will allow midwives and nursery nurses to teach mothers and their partners the correct way to make up formula milk for their babies. Chris Argent, the unit’s Infant Feeding Adviser, said: “Although we encourage mothers to breastfeed – and have already been recognised as a leading unit in the country for doing so – some women still prefer to bottle feed their babies. “The milk kitchen will enable us to give parents information about the right way to do this. They are shown how to sterilise equipment and learn about general hygiene practices. They also find out the best way to store milk and how to safely prepare it. This is based upon new advice from the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency.” From January 2009, parents who prefer to bottle feed will need to bring into hospital a couple of small bottles, teats and formula milk. Parents will then make up feeds under supervision of ward staff. The milk kitchen comprises of a sink for hand washing, another sink for washing equipment, fridges, kettles and sterilising equipment. New Campaign Launched to Support Breast Cancer Research The Epping Breast Unit has launched a ‘sponsor day’ campaign to help hit the £250,000 target needed to expand the research and development function. Ashraf Patel, Clinician from Princess Alexandra Hospital is asking individuals to donate £100 to register their name against a special 2009 calendar date, for example birthdays, anniversaries and other important milestones. It is hoped the project will raise over £30,000. Ashraf said: “It is important that we have the opportunity to persist with clinical trials so we can enhance our understanding of breast cancer and develop treatments to cure the disease. The community has offered a great deal of support over recent years: in 2007 we raised £150,000 and in 2008 over £250,000. I hope this idea generates a similar amount of income.” Currently, the unit is conducting trials involving the new drug Lapatinib from GSK and Sutent from Pfizer, while the unit’s surgeons, Mr Bradpiece, Miss Jenkins and Mr Patel, are in the process of starting a new clinical trial involving fat transfer for breast re-construction. News in Brief The Trust’s brand new intranet - full of helpful information and news from the trust - will be launching early in 2009. The Communications team will require a representative from each area to be responsible for uploading and updating the content for their section. If you are interesting in being involved or finding out more, please contact Gaynor Cross by emailing: gaynor.cross@pah.nhs.uk The Stress Steering Group has piloted the use of the stress indicator tool, recommended by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), in three areas. It was carried out as a survey and the results have been analysed. The Group is producing a report for the Trust Board and a set of actions will hopefully be agreed for implementation in the Trust. As part of a rolling programme, the Group has also sent survey forms to other areas in the Trust. Cragrat attendees were recently invited to ‘Have you Say’ events to suggest ways in which the Trust could improve working life for its employees and empower them to do their jobs more effectively. The various ideas will be submitted to the Trust Board who will decide which should be actioned. intouch 5
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