Spring - Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

insightRoyal United Hospital BathNHS TrustISSUE 5 SPRING 2010New YearsHonoursTime to careRecycle zone

BHRBath Hospital RadioNeed to get to the RUH?Live in West Wiltshire?Book Connect2 for work,appointments or visitingTo book call 08456 525255 option 2For information 01380 860100To contact us from the hospital dial 1444from any hospital extension.Connect2 RUH – a door-to-door serviceFor a request or dedicationfrom RUH PatientLine: dial * 800or RUH phone dial: ext 4151from Royal National Hospital forRheumatic Diseases dial: ext 74151Direct dial: 01225 824151or email: studio@bhbs.org.uklisten on-line at: www.bhbs.org.ukBath Hospital Radio is proud to be sponsored byinsightAdvertising space now available!Want to advertise your services to hospital staff? Then you’ve come to theright place! Advertising space is now available in our hospital magazine.For a very competitive rate, you can reach a diverse audience, both insideand outside of the RUH. ‘insight’ is produced once a quarter, with aprint run of 3,000.Requests for advertisements will be accepted on a first come, first servedbasis - so book your space now for the next edition.For further information, please contact Communications Officer AnitaHoulding on 01225 825799 or email communication@ruh.nhs.ukWANTEDIndependent VisitorsCan you spare a few hours each month to make adifference to the life of a child or a young personwho is in care?Would you like something enjoyable and rewarding todo in your spare time? Are you able to share hobbiesand enjoy activities or sports with a youngster?Are you non judgemental and a good listener?Reconstruct recruit, train and support people to visitand befriend children who are looked after by localauthorities. They may live in foster care, residentialhomes, secure units or live independently.Reconstruct is an independent organisation and wework with young people across the Avon & Somersetregion. We offer reasonable pay and expenses, fulltraining, CRB and reference checking.If you are fun, friendly, reliable and committed togiving a few hours of your time each month to supportand spend quality time with a child or young personwe would like to hear from you. There is a shortageof male visitors so we are very keen to hear from anymen wanting to get involved.You need to be able to drive and to be available afterschool, at weekends and in school holidays.You need to be flexible and you need to betrustworthy, reliable and able to commit to your matchfor a minimum of 18 months.If you would like to find out more please call01225 780145 and ask to speak to Suzanne or emailsuzanne.davies@reconstruct.co.ukGet in touch andhelp Make a Difference

insafehandsPatient SafetyPatient safety continues to be our number one priority and the Patient Safety Improvement Programme ishelping us to manage our progress in improving patient safety at the RUH.Safer SurgeryOne of the five Patient SafetyImprovement Programme workstreamsis Perioperative Care Management,which includes the implementation ofthe WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.Theatre staff have adapted theWorld Health Organisation (WHO)Surgical Safety Checklist to include aformal pre-operative briefing. This isparticularly important due to increasedcomplexity of cases and the surgery tobe performed.Dr Lesley Jordan says: “We have alwaysundertaken multiple checks beforesurgery and these still occur. However,the purpose of the WHO checklist isthat it is a ‘final’ check immediatelybefore anaesthesia and immediatelybefore surgical incision. It also checkscorrect identity and operation andthat important processes have beenundertaken to increase patient safetyand decrease surgical complications.This will assist us in delivering excellentquality of care to our patients.”Taking actionagainst infectionInfection control is an integral partof the Patient Safety ImprovementProgramme and is a fundamental partof the clinical workstreams.Often at this time of the year, manyhealthcare settings will see a sharprise in the number of patientssuffering with diarrhoea and vomiting(D&V). Norovirus is the most commoncause of infectious gastroenteritis(D&V). The illness is generally mildand people usually recover fully withintwo to three days; there are no longterm effects that result from beinginfected.However, an outbreak of D&V canresult in bed and ward closures aswe are unable to admit new patientsto beds in affected areas; this putsadditional pressure on many areas ofthe hospital.The infection control team supportward staff in reducing the risk of thespread of infection, but in order todo that they need to be kept reliablyinformed. Senior infection controlnurses Jackie Cosgrove and DanaJacomb say: “You know your patientsbetter than anyone - so if you aresuspicious of any symptoms whichmay indicate a possible outbreak, thenplease contact us.“We’ll come to your ward, give youthe outbreak form to complete and“ All staff can help reduce the risk of the spread ofinfection by good hand hygiene and preferably using thealcohol gel after hand washing “4insight Spring 2010

Security – working withthe communityThe RUH, in collaboration withthe BANES Youth Offendingteam, has given a youngoffender a chance to try tomake up for criminal damagehe caused on the hospital sitelast year.update every single time a patient hassymptoms. We’ll also need to knowif any staff or visitors have developedsymptoms and, depending on theinformation we receive, we’ll make adecision about closing the ward to newadmissions and restricting visiting. Asa next step, staff should obtain stoolspecimens to test for Norovirus andC.diff, depending on the symptomsand the clinical circumstances. Resultsfrom positive tests inform us how thesituation is developing.“All staff can help reduce the risk ofthe spread of infection by good handhygiene, so using soap and water todecontaminate their hands and usingthe alcohol gel after hand washing.When looking after patients withD&V symptoms, it’s essential that allstaff wear the appropriate personalprotective equipment (e.g. glovesand aprons).“We’ll work closely with the site andbed managers to manage the impactD&V may have on beds, but early,prompt action can reduce the length ofany outbreak, help minimise the impacton hospital services and help reducethe risk of more patients, visitors andstaff being infected.”Head of Security Adam Jones says:“In June last year a teenagercaused considerable damage to carsparked in the staff car park. I wasadvised that the youngster wouldnot be attending court but wouldreceive an official final warningthat would remain on his record forfive years.“I talked with BANES YouthOffending team and the Police toexplore ‘restorative justice’, which isa new initiative. Basically offenders(up to 18 yrs old) can choose tomeet with the victims of their crimeto demonstrate their remorse. Theydon’t have to agree to meet.”“I attended a restorative conferencewith the youth, his dad and theBANES Youth Offending team. Wetalked about the damage he hadcaused and he was truly remorseful.He was a first time offender andabout to go to university - it wasa sobering experience for him.We arranged for him to undertakesome voluntary work with someof the environment team toclean up the hospital site, undersupervision.”Security – on siteNew staff will get to meet thesecurity manager during theirinduction, when they’ll hear moreabout how they can help with crimeprevention, be given useful contactdetails and know how the securityteam can provide appropriate adviceand response. They’ll also find outabout the new Conflict Resolutiontraining which will be available tofrontline staff.The Conflict Resolution (Violenceand Aggression) policy is also nowavailable on the hospital Intranet,under staff resources, policies andprocedures, health and safetypolicies.www.ruh.nhs.uk5

Eating in style at the RUHStaff and visitors can look forward to dining in brand new, vibrant surroundings at theRoyal United Hospital.The current Lansdown restaurant hasclosed to undergo complete redesignand refurbishment. The new restaurantwill provide a more workable, attractiveand up-to-date facility for everyoneto enjoy.The restaurant will be closed forapproximately ten weeks whilst worksare carried out. Interim cateringarrangements will be provided inalternative venues across the hospitalsite and these venues will be clearlysignposted to both staff and anyonevisiting the RUH.Hotel Services Manager Mike Newport,says: “We’ll still be offering hot andcold food although the menu will beslightly reduced. We’ll also be sellingthe usual sandwiches, snacks andbeverages. We have arranged for foodto be served from a variety of differentlocations around the hospital; such asthe atrium coffee bar, the Oasis caféand in the Lansdown foyer.“We know that the Lansdownrestaurant is well used - andappreciated - but it’s long been in needof updating. It will be great for ourstaff and visitors to eat in new, modernsurroundings. We’re excited and reallylooking forward to the completion ofthis project.”ElectronicStaff Recordtakes offThe new training and e-learning system Electronic Staff Record(ESR) has launched at the RUH. Amanda Gunning, LearningTechnologies Lead says: “It’s been a great team effort withstaff from Information Services, Finance, Education and HumanResources working together to make the implementation asuccess.”The new system has also brought efficiencies, enabling thehospital to save time and money. ESR hosts over 70 new andimproved e-learning programmes which can be accessed atwork or from home and has the added benefit of staff beingable to update their own personal information such as theirchange of address or emergency contact details direct into ESRrather than filling in multiple forms.If you haven’t logged on to ESR yet there is trainingavailable which you can book via the education centrereception on 5502.www.ruh.nhs.uk7

inviewReleasing time to careBy responding to the challenge to think ‘how can we do it better?’ staff at the RUH have released moretime to spend at a patient’s bedside.and accessed we’ve measured that‘direct care time’ has increased in ITUfrom 48% to 73%, that’s 25% morenursing time spent at the bedside.”The new purpose-built storage systemfor stock is being used on WilliamBudd, ITU and Charlotte ward. Stock isnow stored in bar-coded drawers ratherthan shelving, with their contentsentered on a database. This meansthat staff can find what they arelooking for straight away and it’s easierto monitor stock.Some of the simplest ideas - fromchanging the way equipment is storedand accessed, to the more complex -changing how we manage a patient’scare, have resulted in freeing-up moretime to care for patients.The ideas have resulted from theProductive Ward project, originallydeveloped by the NHS Institute forInnovation and Improvement inresponse to the discovery that, onaverage, registered nurses in the NHSspent only 40% of their time providingdirect patient care. So, by implementingthe Productive Ward programme, thetime nurses spend with patients willincrease and, step by step, will improvethe quality of the patient’s hospitalexperience.The RUH has certainly taken up thechallenge to ‘release time to care’;senior nurses Pete Fox and AnnePlaskitt, led by Assistant Director ofNursing Sharon Bonson, have beenworking with staff on the ProductiveWard project. Pete says “It’s notunreasonable that people should askus to prove the project has made a realdifference. A great example is that bychanging the way equipment is storedJunior sister Dawne Chandler andHealthcare assistant Hannah Wheelerin Endoscopy reorganised their storagespace: “We colour code equipmentin relation to a specific procedure,which is then organised by colour onthe shelves, so you can see what youneed at a glance. Also, we’ve listedthe contents of a storage cabinet onthe outside of each drawer - now it8insight Spring 2010

inviewThank you to all our ‘snow angels’We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made such an effort to get in to work during thesnow and icy conditions in January.Staff made extraordinary efforts toget to the RUH, walking for miles inthe snow, staying overnight on-siteand often working extra shifts tokeep hospital services running. Goodneighbours, friends and local farmershelped battle the elements to makesure the care the RUH gave to patientscontinued as normal.We asked for your stories and werepleased to receive so many; we onlywish we had space to tell them all here.Thanks to:…Staff Nurse Beatrice Buckley whowalked from Corsham, leaving at 8amto work a late shift. Fortunately a kindsoul gave her a lift from Batheaston;Bea has two children who were lookedafter by her husband.…the ambulance man from FASTwho spent 17 hours driving nurses toand from work in his 4x4. Aisha Sarrwas his last ride home at 11:30pm andhe even offered to rescue her kittenwho was so pleased to see Aisha shefell into a snow drift and got stuck.…Mr Roger Brown, a very kindneighbour who brought Joan inAudiology to work.…Kitchen Supervisor DarrenBowen, who walked from Paulton toFarnborough and then thumbed threelifts to arrive for his late shift on time.He stayed overnight with his brother tobe in for his early shift the next day.Thanks also to the environmentporters, whose job was particularlychallenging as half their time is spentoutdoors, to staff at the educationcentre who went out of their way tohelp accommodate staff by organisingbedding, security and refreshments andstaff on Waterhouse Ward who madeit in and carried out extra shifts withoutcomplaint.We received many more stories whichwe published on the RUH intranet,but would also like to thank DebbieHolt, Dave Minchin, Tash Cross, NethCurtis, Luke Champion, Angie Thomas,Amanda Speed, Claire Diment andKelly Hinds.We are all extremely grateful for yourefforts and very proud to be yourcolleagues.Executive Team and SevereWeather Taskforce10insight Spring 2010

Yours sincerelyIt’s always pleasing to receive positive feedback from patients andtheir relatives for the support and care they receive from our staffand the Trust frequently receives letters of praise and thanks.Some also appear in the local press. Here are extracts from a few.Ms P Welsh from Melksham wrote “I am writingto express my appreciation for the care I recentlyreceived in the Breast Unit. Often press publicity isnegative in response to NHS care and I feel that,certainly on this occasion, the objective of ‘United inExcellence’ was more than achieved. The ability tohave scans, meet consultants and have a diagnosisin one day, with less than a one week wait, certainlydemonstrates an efficient and effective service. Thiswas immeasurably enhanced by the professional andfriendly way in which each and every member of stafftreated me and no doubt other patients. Please passon my thanks and appreciation to your team.”Major J Hordern from Wells wrote “I wantedto express my gratitude and appreciation for thetreatment I was given at the RUH. I have had littlerecent experience of life in hospitals, but, like somany people, have been affected by the constantflood of critical media commentaries. I wastherefore uncertain as to what I should expect. I amdelighted to say that from the moment of my arrivalon Philip Yeoman ward, my reception and theatmosphere of the establishment totally reassuredme. Advice, enquiries and explanations werereadily answered; the subsequent move, includinghandover procedures on route to the operatingtheatre could not have been bettered by even themost efficient airline crews. All I had to do wasrelax. I fully appreciated what a marvellous team, orteams, were looking after us. Care appeared to beseamless and with available staffalmost interchangeable. Individualswere clearly dedicated and highlymotivating and always encouraging.I would like to offer my thanks forall your efforts.”Mrs D Beaumont from Bathwrote “Please thank all concernedwho looked after me on Victoriaward. You have a great hospital withincredible people.”Mr C Walker from Midsomer Nortonwrote “I felt I must write and record my thanksfor the care and culture which surrounded mytreatment. I was in awe of the workloadhandled by a very hardworking and undoubtedlyexperienced team on MAU. On MSSU, excellent nursing and ateam of doctors prepared to listen and quickly utilise the specialistresources in the hospital. The extent to which nursing staff wereprepared to put themselves out, while committed to other dutieswas greatly appreciated. My care on CPU and Cardiac Wardwas again supportive and caring. The approach and care by DrHubbard and his team was exceptional; his willingness to listen,explain and put a patient at ease while leading his team was apleasure to witness. On all occasions the Emergency Departmentteams were exemplary. The greatest impression has been made bythe positive attitude and culture that seems to surround most ofthe activities that I have seen within the hospital. I ask you to passon my thanks to the many who have cared for me and who areproviding excellent service within your sector of the NHS.”Mrs M Garside from Radstock wrote “My fatherpassed away on William Budd in September but I amwriting to let you know that it made everything muchless distressful and difficult for us because the staffthere were so very kind and caring and did all theycould to make him comfortable in his last hours. Theyalso took care of myself, my husband and my brotheras we were obviously very upset and they kept usinformed at all times as to what was happening andwhat we should do. I would especially like to thankall in Emergency Department and Medical AssessmentUnit, but most especially Luke and Alex, night nurseson William Budd and staff nurse Alison who lookedafter Dad before the night staff came on. I wouldappreciate you thanking them all for me and myfamily, we so appreciate their great care.”www.ruh.nhs.uk11

inpersonJust a minute…with Audrey Hawkins, Pharmacy ServicesAdministratorQ What’s the first thing you dowhen you get into the hospitalin the morning?A Turn on the PC and get that allimportant cup of coffee - I can’tstart the day without caffeine!Q Name a film you’ve seen morethan any otherA Probably Titanic for the storylineand the special effects and themusic score. When I saw it in thecinema for the first time I thoughtit was an amazing film.Q Name one thing you couldn’t dowithout in your jobA It has to be two - my PC and thePharmacy team - who are thereason I’m here.Q Name something you have wonA £28 on the RUH lottery.Q If you could change one thingabout working at the RUH,what would it be?A That I lived nearer the hospital - itwould be great to be able to walkto work.Q Name something you areproud ofA Becoming a published author -holding the book for the first timeand knowing it was all my ownwork was an amazing feeling.Q List a compliment someone hasgiven youA ‘Thank you so much for alwaysbeing there for me and all thethings you do to help, I’d belost without you’ - taken from aChristmas card I received from oneof the Managers.Q What’s your favourite comfortfood?A I’m definitely not safe nearchocolate - it’s a must-have, but it’smy downfall as the bathroom scaleswill testify!September Team of the MonthDuring the last year, the Sterile Services team hasundergone many changes in the way that they work.Changes in the equipment used by other departmentsresulted in the Sterile Services team undertaking extratraining and learning new skills in order to be able toprocess equipment in the correct way. The team has oftenneeded to sterilise hospital equipment at very short noticeduring an exceptionally busy period, particularly whenextra clinics have been provided.They have constantly risen to the increasing demandson their services, and throughout this period of change,they have demonstrated excellent communication skillswith colleagues in other departments as well as externalorganisations.Many colleagues have acknowledged that the support ofthe Sterile Services team has helped them toimprove their standards of patient care.12insight Spring 2010

Medical Nurse Practitionerssupporting clinicians and patients“Working with Louise is like having another doctor on the team.”That’s the view of Junior Doctor Jamie Watson, sharing his thoughtson the support that Medical Nurse Practitioner Louise Stenner is ableto provide him.“Louise’s extra training combined withover 20 years nursing experience inboth an acute and community settingmeans that she is able to make clinicaldecisions and deliver more specialisedcare to patients than if she was in ageneral nursing role.“She has a range of responsibilitiesand skills that I don’t have. Forexample she is much more involvedin discharge planning, keeps in touchwith a patient’s family and liaises withhealthcare professionals out in thecommunity - so she has a better insightinto who to speak to about what. Herconstant presence on the ward meansthat the patient gets better continuityof care from someone who knowsthem and can get them what theyneed. It’s brilliant working with Louise.”The Medical Nurse Practitioner is a fairlynew role in the NHS, which enhancesthe role of skilled nurses in hospitalsby ensuring they are better qualifiedto assist clinical teams. They also helpHospital Trusts to comply with theEuropean Working Time Directive toreduce junior doctors hours.Currently there are four medical nursepractitioners who work in the OlderPeople’s Unit, as well as Cardiac,Respiratory, Hamilton, Marlboroughand Haygarth wards. Some are alreadyadvanced nurse practitioners andothers are being given a higher levelof training so that, by 2011, all ninewill be qualified to physically examinepatients, make a diagnosis andprescribe medication if necessary.Louise, (pictured top right with hercolleagues) who is based on Victoriaward, says: “I’m really enjoying beingable to consolidate all my knowledgeand experience in this role and I’mreally encouraged by the all the positivefeedback.“I see the Medical Nurse Practitionersacting as a lynch pin, looking after boththe medical health and social care ofour patients and providing continuityof care. We’ll be focusing on dischargeplanning to help reduce a patient’slength of stay and we’ll help to improvecommunication amongst clinical staff.”www.ruh.nhs.uk13

inpersonAwards ceBeneath the sparkling original Whitefriars chandeliers, amidst the splendour of Bath’s largestGeorgian interior, more than 200 staff enjoyed the annual New Year’s Honours Awards night.The Myeloproliferative Disorders telephone service team were voted the MostInnovative Team and the Privacy & Dignity Building Team were voted Team ofthe Year. Personal Achievement Awards were presented to individuals whohad made an outstanding contribution and Loyalty Awards were given tostaff in recognition of their long service.There was music from the RUH Choir, talented singer and staff memberSamantha Nolan and the incredible Ambling Band. It was a wonderfuloccasion and well done to all the award winners.We are grateful to the RUH Charities Committee, the von Essen Hotel group,Molnlycke and Unison for their support for the event.Charles Dickens famously wrote in his Pickwick Papers:‘In the ball-room, the long card-room, the octagonal card-room, thestaircases, and the passages, the hum of many voices, and the soundof many feet, were perfectly bewildering. Dresses rustled, featherswaved, lights shone, and jewels sparkled.’14More information and pictures will be available on the Trust’s website. Photographs are also availableto order, go to www.celiamannings.photography.co.uk, choose event and select RUH from thedrop down list. The user name is celiamannings and the password is RUH.insight Spring 2010

emonyThe RUH invited members of thepublic to help them find a HospitalHero for 2009. We asked “Hassomeone gone above and beyond thecall of duty or made you, a friend ora relative feel especially well cared forwhilst at the hospital?”Director of Human Resources LynnVaughan says: “We wanted the helpof our patients and visitors to makethis Award a success. We had a greatresponse and we are delighted toannounce that the winner of the firstever Hospital Hero award is Dr SteveJones, Consultant Paediatrician. Stevehas been recognised for his dedicationand compassion in caring for patientsand their families and for his supportto colleagues at the RUH. He is ashining star – a treasure to Bath andits children.”www.ruh.nhs.uk15

inpersonEnjoy yourretirement JaneFarewell to theTrust’s ChairmanTrust Chairman James Carine is retiring from hispost at the end of March. James joined the Trustin November 2006 and has led the Board throughimproving times for the RUH, with the hospital goingfrom ‘Weak’, ‘Weak’ in the 2006 Annual Health checkscores, to ‘Good’, ‘Good’ in 2009.Jane Cockram retired at Christmas, after workingfor seven years as the main receptionist in theEducation Centre. Jane is partially sighted and shewas a familiar sight around the hospital with herclose companion guidedog Nena.Jane was delighted with her gifts of a Bath Aqua gobletand theatre vouchers. Education centre manager DavidMinchin says: “Everyone was sorry to see Jane leave. Weall wish her well in her retirement and we’re sure to seeher around from time to time as she’s quite interested injoining the RUH choir.”James said, “I have spent three very happy years withthe Trust and have got to know a lot of wonderful anddedicated people - both staff and volunteers. I came to theTrust in my early 70s and now I feel, reluctantly, it’s time forme to retire. I look forward to watching the Trust continueto strengthen and develop as an important and valued partof a good local health system. It has been my privilege tobe Chairman. I shall be leaving you with much fondnessand a little sadness.”The post of Chairman was advertised in January and asuccessful candidate will be selected by the AppointmentsCommission to take up post from the 1st April. TheAppointments Commission is the independent organisationresponsible, on behalf of the Secretary of State, forappointing chairs and non-executive directors to a numberof NHS organisations including acute trusts.16insight Spring 2010

Just a minute….with Rachel Burch, Communications ManagerQ What’s the first thing you dowhen you get into the hospitalin the morning?A My day starts before I get in towork, watching the Breakfast Newsto find out if any health or localnews stories that might affect ushave broken that day. Once here,it’s straight down to checking theemails and catching up with Anitaover coffee.Q Name a film you’ve seen morethan any otherA Clueless! All time teen classic movie- guaranteed to make me smile.Q Name one thing you couldn’t dowithout in your jobA Post-it-notes - in ever-short supply.Q Name something you have wonA I once won Monopoly in a raffle,only the street names were all inSwansea. Wind Street doesn’t havethe same ring as Mayfair!Q If you could change one thingabout working at the RUH,what would it be?A I’d like a staff area or restroomwhere we can get away from ourPCs and have a cuppa in peaceand quiet.Q Name something you areproud ofA A few years ago I worked for acharity in Greece. I’m very proudof the work we did but more ofthe impact it had on our youngvolunteer’s lives, who often foundout more about themselves duringa four week stint living in a tent inan olive grove than they ever couldback at home.Q List a compliment someone hasgiven youA Apparently I make a fantasticlemon pudding.Q What’s your favouritecomfort food?A Sausage, mash and beans - theonly thing my dad could cook ifmy mum worked on a Saturday -preferably eaten in pyjamas.October Team of the MonthBetween July and September 2009, the Emergency 4-hourtask force was successful in making sure the RUH met thenational target of ensuring 98% of people attending theEmergency Department were seen and either admittedor discharged within 4 hours of arrival at the hospital.All staff ensured our patients received timely andappropriate care and the task force supported this byworking with social services, community hospitals andcare homes to provide a focus on 4-hour delivery. Theyidentified different ways of working, were action-focusedand worked as 4-hour champions in the trust.The 4-hour task force comprises staff from the emergencydepartment, Chair of the Medical division Dr WilliamHubbard, Divisional team representatives, Great WesternAmbulance Service, Business Intelligence Analyst, Siteteam, the Discharge team and Director of OperationsJames Rimmer.www.ruh.nhs.uk17

inpersonNovemberTeam of the MonthThe Outpatient Appointment team developed asystem for offering patients a choice to attend oneof the new NHS Treatment Centres, which includedwriting an operational procedure and appropriateinformation for patients as well as the necessarypaperwork to track referrals identified for transfer.This new process means that patients are being givenmore choice in where they wish to be treated.We anticipate that this project will reduce the demandfor outpatient services within the Trust and supportus in achieving two of the targets set by Government– 11-week outpatient target where patients wait 11weeks or less for an initial outpatient consultation,and the 18-week referral to treatment target, whenpatients must have had or started active treatmentor surgery within 18 weeks of being referred to thehospital by their GP. Congratulations to the team.Panto stars bring a little bit of magicTwo fairies - one good one bad -sleeping beauty and a handsomeprince all braved the snowyconditions to spread a littleenchantment amongst the youngpatients at the RUH.The characters were some of the castfrom the Theatre Royal’s SleepingBeauty pantomime. Liza Goddard, whostars as the good fairy, Gemma Bissix(the bad fairy), Natalie Marie Dignam(sleeping beauty) and Tim Bonser (theprince), arrived dressed in full costume.Lisa Goddard said: “We received such awarm welcome and thoroughly enjoyedvisiting the brave young patients andthe hard-working staff.“We wore our stage costumes so thechildren could experience some of themagic of pantomime while they areaway from home. It was an upliftingexperience and a real pleasure to meeteveryone on the ward.”The cast bought in goodie bags togive to the children, supplied by thepantomime sponsors Bath Chronicle.Hospital play specialist Lyn Gardinersaid: “We are very grateful to thecast for taking time out of their busyschedule to visit us. It was a real boostfor the young patients to meet the starsof the show and receive a souvenirgoodie bag.”18insight Spring 2010

Innovation at the RUHThe Myeloproliferative Disorders telephone service team recently achieved national recognition for usinginnovative ways of working to improve patient care at the RUH.The team implemented a community scheme whichenabled patients to have their blood tests at their localGP surgery and to receive the results by phone fromthe RUH. This avoided the need for patients to attendhaematology outpatient clinics every 2-3 months andfreed up appointments for others.Oncology and Haematology Pharmacist Vicki Clarkesays: “We were delighted to attend a ceremony hostedby the Myeloproliferative Disorders in Practice Journalat the Royal Society of Medicine in London. Theypresented us with a £2,000 cheque which we will use tofurther develop our understanding and management ofMyeloproliferative disorders.”Myeloproliferative disorders are a group of diseases inwhich the bone marrow produces too many red or whiteblood cells, or platelets. Patients require medication tocontrol the overproduction of these blood cells.DecemberTeam of the MonthThe Swine flu vaccination teamworked extremely hard to instigate amajor programme of the swine flu andwinter flu vaccinations across the Trustwith great heart and commitment.Those that received the vaccinationexperienced a professional servicewhich was essential in ensuring ourstaff remained healthy and wellprotected against the flu virus. Thisenterprising team worked tirelessly toget all areas of the Trust on board withthe programme and, as of December09, 60% of staff at the RUH hadbeen vaccinated. This is a fantasticachievement and makes us the mostsuccessful Trust in the South West atstaff vaccination.Well done to you all.www.ruh.nhs.uk19

inpersonCustomer Service Award winnersSeptember 2009Simon Andrews, Acting Charge NurseSimon demonstrates outstanding commitment to his role as Acting ChargeNurse and he is an excellent role model. His colleagues have acknowledgedSimon’s extremely high standard of care and duty to patients and to staff, andhe has directly contributed to the high level of morale on Pierce ward (nowForrester Brown Trauma Unit).Simon’s positive attitude encourages all staff to do the best they possibly canand he is highly respected by staff and patients. Congratulations to Simon onhis award which is richly deserved.November 2009Lez Goodwin, Porter in Cardiac CentreLez has provided an outstanding service to assist both staff and patients. Heputs patients at ease, treating them as individuals, building a rapport withthem and helping to ensure that the patient’s experience is as pleasant andefficient as possible. Lez works hard to ensure that patients arrive on time tothe department, which reduces waiting times and patient’s length of stay. He’san important member of the team and is a worthy award winner.Congratulations Lez.December 2009Anita Houlding, Communications OfficerAnita offers unswerving support to the Communications department andnever fails to deliver on results. Her role includes writing and editing thenew Insight magazine which has received many compliments from acrossthe organisation for its new format. She has excellent communication andorganisation skills which she uses in a calm, professional manner. When theBBC or other media teams film on site, Anita ensures that our staff, the crewand the actors are all happy and aware of what is going on, which is vital inwhat can often be a very busy time.Anita’s behaviour helps to ensure that the department runs smoothly andharmoniously as she remembers the things that others forget.Well done Anita, and thank you.20insight Spring 2010

intheknowCelebrating...25 years of fundraisingThe Bath Cancer Unit Support Group has raised over £3,000,000 in the past 25 years tohelp cancer patients at the RUH.John Carter, Chairman of Trustees BathCancer Unit Support Group said: “Itnever ceases to amaze me what can beachieved if a community is prepared topool its fundraising proceeds. Projectswhich would otherwise not get off theground because of their cost can beundertaken.”Founded in 1985, the Bath CancerUnit Support Group has funded manyprojects at the RUH, including:£1m on a Linear Accelerator and a newreception area. The Linear Acceleratoris a high energy x-ray machine, whichallows more targeted and effectiveradiotherapy treatment to be providedto patients with cancer.£220,000 for a day-case treatment areaon William Budd oncology unit, whichenables some patients to receive theirtreatment as outpatients rather thanbeing admitted as an inpatient.£25,000 for a new quiet room, whichis a private space for cancer patientsand their carers to use. The quiet roomis dedicated to the memory of JanetCrane, a former member of staff atthe RUH.£35,000 towards the funding ofa new prostate cancer treatmentcalled Brachytherapy, which involvesplanting radioactive seeds directly intothe prostate gland and is often usedinstead of radical surgery.Staff Nurse Chris Scott catching up with patient Peter in the William Budd Day Case ward.Ralph Nunn was the first patient to A significant percentage of donationsbenefit from Brachytherapy, he said: come from patients and families of“I would like to formally thank the patients. To find out more aboutBath Cancer Unit Support Group work of the Bath Cancer Unit Supportwithout whose generosity this would Group, visit the charity’s website,not have been possible. Many future www.bcusg.org.patients will have cause to be gratefulfor their fundraising activities.”www.ruh.nhs.uk21

intheknowKeeping information secureAt the RUH we take a proactive approach to good information governance - ensuring that patient, staffand sensitive corporate information is handled in a secure way.But it’s always useful to do a ‘selfcheck’now and then to remindourselves of some of the effectivecontrols we have in place to preventavoidable loss of data.If you can say a resounding ‘yes’ tothe questions opposite, then youcan sleep soundly at night! However,if the answer is ‘no’ then it’s timeto take action and help avoid anyunnecessary risk.If you require any further adviceon any Data Protection orconfidentiality issues, please askyour Line Manager or theInformation Governance Manager,Simon Edwards (ext. 5556).Top 5 Golden rules Yes No If No...What to doI only use a Trust encrypted memorystick to store Trust informationAny notes, clinic lists or printedconfidential information aredisposed of in the confidentialwaste and no ‘scrap paper’ isremoved from siteIf faxing confidential informationI ensure I have the correct faxnumber, check someone is ready toreceive the fax and ensure a receiptis received as confirmationIf I use a laptop for work it is anencrypted Trust issued laptopI am aware not to transfer Trustsensitive information to my own PCor mobile device.Total scored out of 5Request and collect an encryptedmemory stick from IT service deskThis is the most common cause ofinadvertent losses of confidentialdata. No scrap paper must beremoved from site due to the risk ofit holding confidential dataThis is another easy way to sendconfidential data to the wronglocation. Always think and checkbefore you hit the send buttonData on an encrypted laptop istotally safePatient identifiable info andTrust sensitive data must not betransferred onto personally ownedequipment22insight Spring 2010

Home IV therapy serviceThe Trust has established a Lengthof Stay Taskforce to look at all theissues surrounding the dischargeprocess and how we as a Trust canwork smarter to get patients backsafely in their own homes as soonas possible.Over the next few months we will behighlighting actions we can all take;this month focusing on the Out PatientAntibiotic Therapy service (OPAT).There are a number of conditionsfor which a prolonged course of IVantibiotics is appropriate. Patientsfrequently remain in hospital for 4-6weeks in order to complete theirtherapy, even though their clinicalcondition would allow their dischargehome. This can result in bed daysblocked which could be freed up,an increased risk of the patientcontracting an infection, and patientdissatisfaction.OPAT is a nurse led servicesupported by the Microbiologydepartment and the patient’s clinicalteams. Patients who need long termintravenous antibiotic therapy whichcan be treated with a once dailyantibiotic regime and whose clinicalcondition is otherwise stable can bereferred to the OPAT team. The patientmust be capable of understandingthe concepts of, and taking someresponsibility for, IV therapy andline care.The OPAT team will risk-assess thepatients and, if found suitable, help theclinical team to co-ordinate the patient’sdischarge for home IV treatment.The service has a great number ofbenefits including a high level ofpatient satisfaction with extremelypositive feedback already received, areduction in the risk of infection andthe opportunity to release bed days andincrease inpatient capacity.There are detailed criteria for OPATreferral and more information canbe found on the RUH Intranet, under‘Antibiotic and other MicrobiologyTreatment Guidelines’.To contact the team directly, page07623914586.Make a dateThe dates for the open staff meetings are set forthe whole of 2010, so get them in the diary.By scheduling these meetings at breakfast, lunchand tea-time, we hope that this will assist andencourage as many staff as possible to attend. Itwould be really useful for teams to send at leastone representative to these meetings so that theycan share the latest news with their colleagues.Please note that the dates may be subject tochange, but we will keep you informed of anyamendment via the weekly newsletter - intheweekand the intranet. All meetings will take place in thePGMC lecture theatre unless otherwise stated.Thursday 11 February 12.30-1.30pmThursday 11 March 4.00-5.00pmFriday 16 April 8.30-9.30amFriday 14 May 12.30-1.30pmThursday 17 June 4.00-5.00pmMonday 16 August 12.30-1.30pmMonday 13 September 4.00-5.00pmThursday 14 October 8.30-9.30amFriday 12 November 12.30-1.30pmMonday 20 December 4.00-5.00pmwww.ruh.nhs.uk23

inadditionFriends of the RUH– where would we be without themThe Friends of the RUH continue to offer their invaluable support to patients and staff at the hospital.The gift of timeVoluntary Services Manager Jayne Creswell says: “We nowhave 420 volunteers - the highest number ever - who work ina range of areas across the hospital. They provide a listeningear and a welcome cuppa to our patients, offer a smile and aguiding hand to patients or visitors around the corridors, andserve behind the counter in the shop or the coffee shop. Onany given day there are around 70 volunteers in the hospitaland, over a year, they give some 62,400 hours of their timeto the RUH - they’re amazing.“We have volunteers of allages but there’s been quitean increase in the numberof student volunteers,who come for a short stintof around six months.Volunteering gives themvaluable experience whichthey include in their CVs.One of our students, Emily,told me that she volunteeredbecause she wanted to be a children’s nurse and being heregave her a good insight into the hospital environment. Shereally enjoyed spending time with the patients.for the vouchers was raised at the Christmas Fair which -despite the credit crunch - raised a staggering £3,212. Aspecial thanks to all the staff who supported this event.”Generous donationsThe Friends of the RUH are hugely supported in theirfundraising efforts by donations from generous public aswell as from profits earned in the atrium shop and thecoffee shop. Since October 2008, some £250,000 has beendonated to purchase vital new equipment or to contribute torenovation work.An exciting development for the New Year is the redesignand refurbishment of the Lansdown restaurant. The Friendsof the RUH have agreed a donation of £15,000 towards thisproject - inviting artists to tender to provide a set of uniquemurals for the restaurant.Friends Vice Chairman Richard Ford says: “The successfulartist or illustrator will design five large murals to reflect themodern look of the new restaurant, as well as providing asignature design for menus and signage. Their designs willbe enjoyed for many years to come.”“Although a lot of volunteers are attracted to helping out atthe RUH because they’ve talked to someone who is alreadyvolunteering, they also contact us by checking outour website. With a click of a button they can register theirinterest at www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk.“This is a good time to thank all our volunteers for all theydo throughout the year. They were here at Christmas too,helping to give out £3 gift vouchers as a Christmas gift to thepatients who spent the festive season in hospital. The money“ We have volunteers of all ages butthere’s been quite an increase in thenumber of student volunteers “24insight Spring 2010

Forever Friends – updateRead more about the events that have, or are about to, raise funds for the NICU ‘space to grow’ campaign.Celebs take on mastermindCasualty actor Tristan Gemmill recently scooped the coveted trophyin a Christmas episode of Celebrity Mastermind. Tristan, who visitedNICU in October, kindly nominated the Forever Friends as hischosen charity. Anyone who watched the BBC programme, whichaired on New Year’s Day, may have spotted the Appeal’s corporateofficer Nina Rack sitting in the front row!2010 Bath Half Marathon andFamily Fun RunHave you got a place in the Bath Half this year? Have you chosena charity? If not, the Forever Friends Appeal team invites you torun in aid of the NICU ‘space to grow’ campaign.For assistance and to obtain a fundraising pack, call01225 821535.Human table football competitionThis is a perfect opportunity to get a team together for some footiepractice with a difference! On Saturday 20 March 2010, at the Olympiadin Chippenham, the whole family can enjoy some inflatable fun and helpraise funds for an excellent cause. To secure a place for your team, getyour £100 entry fee in today, with a commitment to raise a further £250sponsorship. For more information, call 01225 821535 or visit theForever Friends Appeal website, www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.2009 Christmas Grand RaffleA flat screen television, hire of a sports car for the weekend and a brandnew Dyson cleaner were just some of the fantastic prizes on offer in thisyear’s grand raffle. An amazing £13,910 was raised - beating previoustotals - thanks to the dedicated Appeal volunteers Bill Viles and JohnHayhoe who sold the raffle tickets in the Atrium. They did a sterling job.www.ruh.nhs.uk25

inadditionArtStand back and admire the latest exhibitionsOur first new exhibition in 2010 is the Bath PhotographicSociety member’s exhibition – from 19 February to 2 May inthe central corridors.The Bath Photographic Society was founded in 1888 andWilliam Fox Talbot’s son was an early member. The Societyis forward-looking and friendly, embracing new technologiesand welcomes new members. The complete programme,a picture gallery and information can be found atwww.bathphotographicsociety.org.uk.A series of traditional black and white photographs willbe on display from the Crown Monochrome Group. Thegroup was formed in 1997 by Terrick Meakin ARPS APAGBwhose idea was to try and keep alive the skills needed forthe making of traditional black and white photographs andto provide a place where those still practicing the art couldmeet; the initial meetings took place at the Crown publichouse at Tormarton, hence the name. The group now meetsat St. Anne’s Church Hall, Siston, Mangotsfield, on the thirdThursday of the month at 7.30pm. For further details pleasevisit www.crownmonochrome.com.21-year old James Whitlock (below left) is a self-taughtphotographer from Bath. The majority of his work is basedin and around the city of Bath; he tries to capture the sightspeople see every day in a unique form.Former RUH patient James Tottle has produced ‘SpaceCadet 56’ (below), an illustrated musical about a man ona mission to Mars. A set of cartoon screen shots takes youthrough a journey from Earth to Mars and back again. SpaceCadet will particularly appeal to children and teenagers. Formore information visit www.myspace.com/scadet56.All the work is for sale and a commission is paid to the RUHArts fund so if you are short of ideas for a present - thiscould solve your problem!26insight Spring 2010

SoundbiteSoundbite is a lunchtime musical entertainment programme takingplace over the next six months. The programme is managed byLucetta Johnson, a PhD student at the Courthauld Institute inLondon. Many of the performers are sourced through Live MusicNow - a unique resource of specially trained young musicians- as well as the Music department of Bath Spa University. Theprogramme has been generously supported by the Joyce FletcherCharitable Trust.Part of the programme includes music lessons to patients fromRosanna Campbell. Rosanna is our Musician in Residence andwill play saxophone, clarinet and recorder on the wards. Rosanna,who is a music undergraduate at Bath Spa University, has playedfor the National Youth Orchestra. She is currently researching howtaking part in musical activities can benefit health and will workparticularly with young and elderly patients. “Learning a musicalinstrument can improve brain function and self esteem. Recentresearch has shown that music can improve communication, reducestress and anxiety and improve the overall hospital environment.”For more information on Soundbite - contactLucetta.Johnson@ruh.nhs.uk.Art at the Heart of the RUH is charitably funded and is responsiblefor the exhibitions of paintings, photography, sculpture, interior andexterior design throughout the hospital and delivers a programmeof arts projects for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors.For more information visit www.ruh.nhs.uk/art or contactArts Programme Manager Hetty Dupays on 01225 824987 orhetty.dupays@ruh.nhs.uk.www.ruh.nhs.uk27

inyourowntimeTake a breakThis is your chance to win a free cut and blowdry to the value of £40 at Artizan hair salon,Bartlett Street, Bath.All you have to do is to complete all the puzzles correctlyand return this page to the Communications office by the30 March.Puzzle8 5 33 2 1 55 3 9 83 4 54 1 2 61 7 26 7 8 23 4 7 92 5 6Spot the shotCongratulationsSee if you can spot the photo thatthis picture is taken from in this issue.To enter, just tell us which page it’s on._________________________________Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Quality Manager in PathologyIan Wilcox. His correct entry won him an exclusive evening spa sessionfor two at the Royal Crescent Hotel.Where am I?This medieval walled town wasof great historical importance,experienced the ‘black death’plague in 1347 and according toArthurian legend, Merlin wasborn in a cave close by.In the 16th and 17th centuriesagriculture was the dominantbusiness of the town and otherrelated trades included woolenmanufacture. In the mid 18th centurythe iron and coal trades becamemore important.James I decreed that the town shouldhave two sheriffs, though this wasreduced to one later, and the postcontinues to this day, though largelyceremonial. In 1555 Bishop Ferrarwas burnt at the stake in the marketsquare - friendly!The town has a number of survivingheritage attractions include a Romanamphitheatre and some lucky soulfound a hoard of Roman coins nearbyin 2006.Speedway racing was staged here inthe early 2000s, and the town has itsown football team, two rugby unionteams and boasts two golf courses.Where am I?________________________Name:Department:Contact No28insight Spring 2010