Survey Puts Trust in Top 20% - The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals ...

Update on latest achievements
TrustTalk
Winter 2011
Survey Puts
Trust in Top 20%
All the latest news and development from across the Trust

Contents
Winter 2011
From the top
1 Welcome
From the Chief Executive & Chairman.
Achievements
2 Cancer Patient Survey Puts Trust in Top 20%
A Nationally co-ordinated cancer patient
survey, undertaken on behalf of the Care
Quality Commission, puts the Trust in the top
20% of UK hospitals.
3 Pressures Handled Well Over Winter
Faced with the National onslaught of swine flu
and seasonal flu.
4 Dementia Ward Volunteers
Since our new dementia ward opened, our
stock of volunteers has grown considerably.
5 Transforming Community Services Update
Transforming Community Services, (TCS), is a
National programme of change.
Tackling Fraud
6 Help Prevent Fraud and Corruption
The Trust has a responsibility to ensure that all
staff, patients and visitors are aware that fraud
and corruption does occur in the work place.
Special Features
7 Maternity Unit Weighs Up Changes
The Maternity Unit here at New Cross
continues to see a lot of changes.
8 Brian Millar Retires as Medical Director
Brian Millar’s career began in 1973 at the
Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Hospital.
9 New Medical Director Announced
Dr Jonathan Odum graduated from
Birmingham University Medical School in 1984,
and began his career as a Pre-Registration
House Officer.
10 Focus on the Chaplaincy…
When most of us think of a hospital
Chaplaincy, our immediate thoughts turn
purely to religion. But there’s so much more to
this department than that.
Have you got any stories for the next edition of
Trust Talk?
Then contact the Communications Department on
01902 695900 or email samanthaturner@nhs.net
If you require this magazine in another format please
contact the Communications Team on:
01902 695900
or would like to share your thoughts on Trust Talk.
Welcome
from the Chief Executive & Chairman
This week, the Health and Social Care Bill 2011 was introduced to the House of
Commons and published for the wider public to read.
The proposed changes will lead to better quality care, more choice and improved
outcomes for patients, as well as long-term financial savings for the NHS. Savings
made will be reinvested to improve care.
Under the new measures there will, for the first time, be a defined legal duty for the
NHS and whole care system to continuously improve patient care in the areas of
effectiveness, safety, and - most importantly - patient experience.
These will be to:
▶ Enable direct commissioning links between the patients and their GPs
▶ Increase patient and public accountability through HealthWatch and local
health and wellbeing boards
▶ Support all Trusts to become more locally managed by becoming Foundation
Trusts
▶ Improve overall public health through the creation of ‘Public Health England’
▶ Reduce bureaucracy
Chief Executive of the Trust, David Loughton CBE admits we’re in an exciting
position entering into the latter stages of achieving Foundation Trust status:
“In theory, these changes mean patients will be more involved in the decisions
made about their treatment and care. It will also enable us, as an NHS Trust to
concentrate on results that are more meaningful to our patients as opposed to
being target and outcome focused. Clinicans will still lead the way, and its success
will come down to achieving an effective partnership between ourselves and the
GP-led groups, who will commission our services.”
The measures aim to save the NHS over £5 billion by 2014/15 and then £1.7 billion
every year after that – enough money to pay for over 40,000 extra nurses, 17,000
extra doctors or over 11,000 extra senior doctors every year. The majority of the
savings would come from a significant reduction in bureaucracy following the
abolition of strategic health authorities and primary care trusts, and a reduction
in management staff by an estimated 24,500 posts. The changes would pay for
themselves by 2012/13 and the subsequent savings would give the NHS a stable
financial basis for the future.
“We will continue to keep you informed about how these changes will help us to
achieve the best that we can in quality patient care,” said David.
David Loughton CBE,
Chief Executive
Barry Picken,
Chairman
From the top
2 5 8 10
David Loughton CBE
Chief Executive
1

Achievements
Cancer Patient
Survey Puts
Trust in Top 20%
A Nationally co-ordinated cancer
patient survey, undertaken
on behalf of the Care Quality
Commission, puts the Trust in
the top 20% of UK hospitals.
Conducted by Quality Health,
the survey was designed to
monitor National progress
on cancer care, following
the launch of the Cancer
Reform Strategy in 2007. The
information captured in the
survey will be used to help drive
local quality improvements.
158 acute hospital Trusts,
throughout the UK, took part in
the survey which was conducted
between 1 January and 31
March last year. 677 responses
were received from cancer
patients treated at the Trust in
Wolverhampton – a 66% return
rate.
In several areas, the Trust
scored in the top 20% of UK
hospitals. Areas of outstanding
achievement mainly centred
on the provision of patient
information and support.
“The written comments we’ve
had directly from our patients
were particularly insightful and
positive,” said Chief Executive,
David Loughton CBE. “The
survey results reflect the hard
work and dedication of the
cancer teams at the Trust and
will help us to further improve
the care given to our cancer
patients.”
“The written
comments
we’ve had
directly
from our
patients were
particularly
insightful and
positive,”
Pressures Handled
Well Over Winter
Faced with the National onslaught of swine flu and seasonal
flu, the Trust has coped amazingly well with this year’s
winter pressures thanks to the hard work and commitment
of its staff.
Unfortunately, the Trust experienced four deaths from
patients with underlying respiratory problems who
were already extremely ill, but also admitted with
the flu. Sadly, deaths from flu are not uncommon,
particularly during the winter months. But there
are things those in at risk groups can do to help
protect themselves from the dreaded flu:
• Get your jab done
• Keep warm
• Follow a balanced diet full of nutrients
• Apply hand hygiene at all times
Each year GPs begin offering vaccines
from October at the latest. Here at
the Trust we also offer the vaccine to
staff, targeting frontline staff in an
effort to protect our patients and
the rest of our staff.
So, if you didn’t have yours this
year, it’s well worth getting it
done next time around,
particularly if suffered
from flu. Staff will be
informed as vaccines
arrive next Autumn
and members of the
public can contact
their GPs to find out if
they are eligible.
Sorry your leaving...
Growth in National
Recognition for
Trust
Towards the end of 2010 the Trust was shortlisted for
three awards.
The Health Service Journal Awards and Healthcare
Business Awards are both prominent events in the
health sector calendar. The Orthopaedic Team were
nominated in the HSJs Efficiency category and the
Trust was shortlisted for Outstanding Achievement
in Healthcare and for a catering award at the annual
Healthcare Business Awards.
The Trust was also shortlisted for a prestigious award
to promote normal births.
Outpatient Services Matron, Debra Hickman and
her team, were nominated for the Bounty Award
for Promoting Normal Births at the Royal College of
Midwives awards.
The category focuses on initiatives taken to minimise
intervention and promote normal birth for women
and their babies. Shortlisted projects reflect changes
in provision of care during antenatal, labour and
postnatal periods, and the needs of the mother and
baby throughout.
Thanks to Debra’s work, the Trust introduced its first
qualified HypnoBirthing Midwifery practitioner in
September 2009. The service then became available to
the women of Wolverhampton early in 2010.
Debra Hickman explained why the Trust has made
HypnoBirthing available to all women at its unit, in
terms of accessibility and affordability. “This method
supports keeping birth normal and changing attitudes
towards birth for both women and midwives, giving
women the confidence to trust their body’s ability
to give birth calmly and safely. Although we didn’t
actually win, we were really pleased to be shortlisted
for this award. It recognised the hard work we have
done to ensure our patients have access to high
quality services that meet their needs.”
2
Hillary Waite and volunteer Sue Waine
review patient information literature
Retirement just
the ticket for Leo
Car Park Attendant, Leo McKeown retired
in January after 12 years with the trust
working for APCOA as a car park attendant.
During that time, Leo never once received
a single complaint in his role – quite a feat
given the nature of his job!
Well done Leo and best of luck in your
retirement.
Sue Turner
Sue Turner, a Head and Neck Nurse, who
started out as a cadet trainee, is retiring
from the Trust after a career spanning 38
years.
Sue spent two years as a cadet in 1972.
She then got the bug to become a nurse
and enrolled in nurse training, qualifying in
1976.
Before a move into Maxillofacial, Sue spent four years at the Queen
Victoria Nursing Institute of Dermatology and time caring for the
elderly. She then worked on various wards at the Royal Hospital and
here at New Cross, before joining the Head and Neck Clinic in July
2008. Congratulations and all the very best in your retirement Sue!
Sue Turner receives flowers and
best wishes from the Medical
Director Brian Millar
3

Achievements
54
Dementia Ward Volunteers
Since our new dementia ward opened, our stock of
volunteers has grown considerably. There are now 22
volunteers who have been trained and are helping out
on the ward.
The Age of our volunteers starts at 18 and goes up
to the age of 71. Many of the younger volunteers are
hoping to embark on a career in medicine or nursing,
and the older volunteers tend to have experience
themselves of caring for family members with
dementia. But regardless of their age or reason, they
all have something else in common. They simply want
to help!
Each volunteer takes up the role of a ‘dementia buddy.’
This means they are available to provide 1:1 support to
our patients. They do this by meeting a range of needs,
helping patients with nutrition, hydration and (to them
what must be) a strange environment.
They will regularly check with patients to see if they
The Trust was delighted to win the Lean Healthcare
Academy innovation award. It was received for
improvements made through the introduction of
digital dictation during a pilot project in our diabetes
service.
need food, drinks or a toilet break. By establishing a
relationship with the patients they will also talk to them
about their environment, aiding their daily ‘orientation
by reminding them what day it is, where they are and
talking about memories or people from their past.
“The work our volunteers do is incredibly valuable,”
said Eleanor Morris, Volunteer Service Co-ordinator.
“They have much more time to build relationships with
patients than our clinicians do. This frees up our nurses
and doctors so they can concentrate on diagnosing and
treating the medical condition of their patients.”
The Trust is now working with the Arts Co-ordinator
at the Wolverhampton City PCT to develop a team of
volunteer artists. They will provide therapeutic art and
craft activities on the dementia ward and at wards over
in West Park.
There are plans to recruit even more volunteers later
this year.
Lean towards excellence
The digital dictation project team receive their award.
The latest volunteers who will be helping on the ward.
Digital dictation replaces the old tape dictation using
digital hardware. Its software system also provides
workflow visibility and extensive reporting. Since
winning the award, the system has been rolled out to
28 clinical specialities, 130 secretaries and some 600
authors.
The initial project targeted Drs, but its success
means ‘authors’ now include nurses, dieticians,
physiotherapists, histopathologists, ophthalmologists,
and hospital managers.
“Typing turnaround has hugely improved and the
process will be enhanced by our plans to make letters
available to GPs electronically,” said Nina White,
Service Improvement Manager. “There have been
unexpected benefits to the project, such clerks having
the ability to fast track cancer patients through
access to Drs dictations before letters are typed
and the eradication of minute taking for divisional
secretaries.”
Transforming
Community
Services Update
Transforming Community Services, (TCS), is a National programme of
change. It’s been introduced to achieve greater service integration through
a structural reform of community services provided directly by the PCTs.
Last December, the Co-operation and Competition Panel, (CCP),
approved the proposed transfer of PCT Community Services over to the
Trust; and Mental Health & Learning and Disability Services, across to
Sandwell.
Shadow monitoring began in January. This means some managers from
the PCT have now transferred over to New Cross. At the same time
assessments began by Monitor. Monitor is the regulator which assesses the
TCS proposals. We have to present documentation to them as part of our
Foundation Trust Status approval.
Foundation Trust approval is expected on 1 April 2011.
Innovative Patient Safety
Measure Launched
The VitalPac is a hand-held mobile device which can
be used by clinicans to monitor, record and track
a patient’s progress. It means that staff can more
easily carry out their observations, stepping away
from the paper and clipboard approach, and apply
the device as if it were a new personal assistant.
“The VitalPac is going to be hugely important for us,
explains David Loughton. “It will help us to monitor
real time events and also detect and alert us if there
is a problem with a patient, or if they deterioriate.”
The new device is portable and wireless and can be
used anywhere and at anytime. As well as achieving
a time saving of up to 40%, the paperless system
reduces the likelihood of any errors and provides
immediate access to data for all staff in a team.
It is also encrypted which makes it ultra secure and
requires a pin number for anyone using it.
As well as more effective monitoring of pain, blood
pressure and night time observations it also helps to
screen for things like MRSA and VTE (blood clots).
The new system has helped reduce mortality rates
and the number of cardiac arrests when used
elsewhere.
“Clinicians are warmly welcoming VitalPac as an
integral tool in their day to day tasks. It improves
on ward communication and helps to enhance
staff satisfaction by making their job easier and
more efficient. Because it takes less time to do it
also releases more nursing time so that nurses can
concentrate on providing quality of care to their
patients.”
Student Nurse James Gilbert
demonstrates the new
VitalPac system
5

6Tackling Fraud
The Trust has a responsibility to ensure that all staff, patients and visitors are aware that fraud and
corruption does occur in the work place. We all need to know what needs to be done if fraud or corruption
is suspected.
Workplace fraud can range from falsely claiming exemption from prescription charges, claiming too much
mileage, claiming for shifts not worked, working in the UK without entitlement, working for another
employer whilst off sick or falsely claiming qualifications on job application forms.
Corruption can include things like accepting bribes for awarding contracts/tenders.
Is the counter fraud service working?
During 2009 to 2010 the following was released by the national counter fraud service:
Help Prevent Fraud
and Corruption
The value of fraud and unlawful action identified was over £16m and the potential NHS savings from
completed NHS Counter Fraud Service investigations was almost £10m.
The NHS Counter Fraud Service maintained a 96% successful prosecution rate with 69 prosecutions
brought in 2008–09.
A total of £2m was recovered by the NHS Counter Fraud Service, with more than £59m recovered
since 1999.
Over 1,000 articles were published in the media regarding the work of NHS Counter Fraud which aims
to act as a deterrent.
Recent Case in the Press
Three hospital workers were recently jailed after pleading guilty to fraud against the NHS. Three more who
also pleaded guilty are await sentencing. Between them, the six fraudulently earned a gross of £235,651.31.
They were among 15 NHS workers arrested in January 2011. All were suspected of using false UK Borders
Agency indefinite leave to get stamps in their passports and obtain work. The three each received eight
months imprisonment.
To find out more about NHS cases by visiting the following website:
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/CounterFraud/NewsListing.aspx
As a responsible stakeholder of the Trust, it’s important you know how to identify potential fraud or
corruption, and how to report your suspicions, and what’s involved if you do. See recommended DO’S AND
DON’TS below:
Do Don’t To find out more:
DO report your suspicions to
the Trusts Local Counter Fraud
Specialist (LCFS).
DO write down your concerns,
including dates, times, witnesses
- where possible.
DO keep hold of any evidence
that could otherwise be destroyed.
DON’T confront the person(s)
you have suspicions about.
DON’T try to undertake any
investigation yourself. Contact
the LCFS.
DON’T be afraid of raising your
suspicions.
DON’T do nothing.
Visit the Trust’s intranet:
http://intranet/general_information/counter_fraud_service.aspx
Call the Trusts LCFSs on:
0121 507 5087
Email:
paul.westwood@cwaudit.org.uk
Maternity Unit
Weighs Up Changes
The Maternity Unit here at New Cross continues to
see a lot of changes. But it’s not just the redevelopment
of the unit people will be noticing. The Trust won two
maternity awards in 2010 and was recently shortlisted
for its efforts in promoting normal births, enhancing its
reputation as one of the best in the care and treatment
of its mothers and babies.
HypnoBirthing was introduced in September 2009 and
made more widely available to the women of Wolverhampton
in 2010. It’s a method of birth preparation
embraced by clinical staff and patients, giving choice to
both low and high risk women which promotes keeping
birth normal.
Then
Around 40 women have now accessed the programme
through group sessions and 1:1s. 30 of these women
subsequently delivered themselves and post delivery
evaluation of the programme was exceptionally positive.
The main findings indicated that women feel in control
of their labour and birth, therefore eliminating the need
for analgesia and medical intervention.
It has also established a strong breast feeding network,
having successfully launched a breast feeding awareness
campaign.
As building work continues in an effort to introduce more
comfortable surroundings and better facilities, there’s
no doubt the Unit will continue to go from strength to
strength.
Special Features
Former Patient Celebrates with Fundraiser
One of our ex patients recently celebrated 15
years free from laryngeal cancer. To celebrate,
Mr Yapp’s family threw him a surprise party
and, during the celebration, they managed to
raise £345. The money was presented to Ward
9 on the Head and Neck unit and the family
is expecting more to come. Sister Jayne
Tipper explained what it means when a
patient helps out in this way: “Mr Yapp is
a wonderful man. After everything he’s
been through, it is marvellous that he
should want to do something for us. We
are incredibly grateful for such support.”
Mr Yapp presented the cheque to the
unit just before Christmas, following an
appointment with his consultant.
Now
7

New Medical
Director Announced
Brian Millar Retires as
Medical Director
Brian Millar’s career began in 1973 at the
Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Hospital.
He came to the Trust in 1989 because he
had a specialist interest in mouth cancer.
“Coming to Wolverhampton gave me
the opportunity to redevelop what is a
major Maxillofacial Unit here in the Black
Country,” said Brian.
On his arrival there were just two
consultants, three Senior House Officers
and a shared Senior Registrar. Brian only
intended to take up the role of Medical
Director for just one year – but admits
that he’s been in the role ever since!
Today there are five consultants, eight
SHOs, three full time registrars and
four other clinical staff. A reflection of
the instrumental role Brian has played,
in developing the unit into the only
8
specialised Maxillofacial Unit in the Black
Country.
“I am proud to say that we now have a
truly combined head and neck service
here,” said Brian. “We currently see
around 70-80 new patients with mouth
cancer every month and we are one of the
largest units in the Country.”
As Medical Director, Brian has seen many
changes during his years with the Trust,
including two Chief Executives, one
Acting Chief Executives, five Chairmen
and countless Board Members. One of the
most satisfying elements of his career at
the Trust has been to see its turnaround
from being one of the most financially
challenged in the NHS, to one that its staff
and patients can be exceptionally proud
of. “We have expanded clinically to offer
a quality of service that continues to be
demonstrated and acknowledged across
the Country.”
As the Trust nears its quest to reach
Foundation Status, Brian reveals that he
will miss his contact with the patients
most of all and also the great camaraderie
between colleagues.
Brian Millar leaves at the end of February,
after 21 years with the Trust. With an
interest in local history wherever he goes,
Brian is keen to work in the voluntary
sector where he can put this knowledge
to good use. As well as wishing to travel
more extensively, including a return to
India and visits to Australia and New
Zealand, Brian also plans to watch Ireland
play rugby on a regular basis, become
fluent in French and learn to ride a Harley
Davidson!
Trust has appointed a new Medical Director
who will take up the post following the
retirement of Brian Millar, who has been
with the Trust for over 20 years.
Dr Jonathan Odum graduated from
Birmingham University Medical School
in 1984, and began his career as a Pre-
Registration House Officer, here in the
Black Country, at Sandwell DGH. He did
most of his post-graduate training in the
West Midlands including a 2 year research
fellowship in North Staffordshire.
He was awarded his MD thesis in 1993. He
also spent two years working in Adelaide,
South Australia gaining further experience
and training in renal medicine before
returning to the UK.
Dr Odum was appointed as Consultant
Physician and Nephrologist at New Cross
Hospital in 1993 and he will take up his
new role as Medical Director at the end of
February, having been with the Trust for 17
years.
He has held a number of managerial
appointments since his taking up
post as Consultant Physician in
1993. He was appointed Clinical
Director Renal Services in 1995 and
Clinical Director of Medicine in 2002.
In 2006 he was appointed Divisional
Medical Director-Division Two and
has remained in this role until now.
Dr Odum is a specialist in renal and general
medicine and since his appointment to New
Cross Hospital he has been involved in redesigning
and supporting the develo pment
of clinical services, along with supporting
various managerial developments within
the Trust.
He has been involved in numerous
service development projects including
the commissioning of the various
satellite haemodialysis units belonging
to or contracted to the Trust, and was
instrumental in restructuring the previous
Clinical Directorate of Medicine to help the
individual specialty areas to become more
MRSA Record Continues
In the past three years, we’ve seen a remarkable
reduction in the number of serious MRSA infections.
In the year 2005-06 there were 82 MRSA bacteraemias
in New Cross. Today, we can all be extremely proud
that it’s been around 600 days since our last MRSA
bacteraemia. This is an incredible achievement and
makes New Cross the best performing tertiary hospital in
England on this measure.
David Loughton said this was down to everyone’s
attitude towards combating infection and
acknowledged it would not have been possible
without the commitment of staff to improve standards
throughout the hospital: “I’m absolutely delighted to
see us going from strength to strength when it comes to
infection prevention here at the Trust. This is because it is
so important to the quality of care our patients receive.
“Our staff have made this happen, thanks to their
relentless approach to patient safety. I really hope this
helps to reassure our patients and their families that they
can visit our hospital with increased confidence.”
Number of days without
MRSA bacteraemia
4/2/2011
589
independent and autonomous.
Most recently Dr Odum also played a
significant role in the introduction of the
new Wolverhampton Urgent Care Triage
and Access Service (WUCTAS), which
opened on 22 November last year.
“I’m looking forward to taking up the
post of Medical Director and continuing to
strategically support service developments
that reflect what the Trust wishes to
achieve,” says Dr Odum.
“I also want to help our clinical directorates
to continue to deliver services to a
consistently high standard.”
Always follow the
New Cross Code
9
Caption

Focus on the
Chaplaincy…
When most of us think of a hospital Chaplaincy, our immediate
thoughts turn purely to religion. But there’s so much more to
this department than that.
Here at the Trust, our Multi-Faith
Chaplaincy prides itself on the
spiritual and pastoral support it
is able to give to those who
use or work at the hospital.
“We get involved in so
many different things
now, which does
surprise many people”
explained Chaplain
Team Leader, Craig
Fullard, “Today we are
a Multi-faith Chaplaincy
which is clearly
recognised and valued
for its functions across
the Trust. In essence we
are always available to listen,
which can be really important in
times of distress for a lot of people.
Ahmed Salloo
Muslim Chaplain
Steve Tuck
Roman Catholic Chaplain
The Chaplaincy is accessible to everyone,
religious or not, in a systematic,
effective and patient-centred way.”
Sharad Bhatt
Hindu Chaplain
Chaplaincy Values
• To treat everyone as an individual
• To be non-judgemental
• To maintain confidentiality
• To respect all individuals and recognise all human life is
precious
• To provide privacy and dignity
• To recognise diversity as a strength
• To be inclusive of everyone irrespective of age, gender, race,
culture, disability, belief or sexuality
The Multi-faith
Chaplaincy Team
Eamonn Corduff
Roman Catholic Chaplain
As well as visits to wards or departments and helping the
bereaved, the Chaplaincy holds a range of activities and
promotes prayer time across a range of faiths. We
are here for the staff as well as for patients
and visitors to the Trust.
Each year its Babies Memorial
Service attracts a large number
Lawrence Wallace
Ecumenical Chaplain
Narinder Kaur Sidhu
Sikh Chaplain
Craig Fullard
Team Leader
Christine Silvester
of parents. Attendance ranges
from those who recently
lost a child, to others who
sadly lost loved ones many
decades ago.
"It's an opportunity to
reflect, light a candle and
remember the short
time that they were
here," explains Craig. Its
annual carol service is
always well attended and
the Chaplaincy recently
Anglican Chaplain
opened a brand new prayer
room for all staff and is a space
which is open to people of all faiths
as well as those of no faith. It can be
used simply as a quiet area in which to reflect.
Not just about religion
We’re really keen for people to understand that we’re not here
to force religion on anyone, we’re simply here to help. So, next
time you see us, please smile, say hello, or have a quick word
with us. It’s always nice to have a chat – it’s one of the reasons
we’re here after all!”
Contact the Chaplaincy
For more information about the chaplaincy department or to
request a visit from one of the team please contact:
Craig Fullard, Chaplaincy Team Leader
Tel: 01902 695098 x 5098
email: rwh-tr.chaplaincy@nhs.net
10
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