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The Royal United Hospital BathinsightNHS TrustISSUE 3 AUTUMN 2009Missionof mercySafe andsecure 24/7One of the bestsurvival rates

Need to get to the RUH?Live in West Wiltshire?Jamie’s Italian, Bath10 Milsom PlaceBath BA1 1BZTel: 01225 51 00 51Fax: 01225 51 00 52www.jamiesitalian.comOpening times:Monday - Saturday, 12 noon - 11pm andSunday, 12 noon - 10.30pmNo bookings necessary!We want you to visit us when it suits youand as our menu is designed around fresh,quality dishes that are quickly produced,we’ve decided to keep things simple.Rather than taking bookings, we suggestthat you just come along and we’ll find youa table as soon as we possibly can.If we’re completely full when youarrive, we’ll look after you untila table becomes free.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 serviceAdvertising space now available!Want to advertise your services to hospital staff? Then you’ve cometo the right place! Advertising space is now available in our hospitalmagazine.For a very competitive rate, you can reach a diverse audience, bothinside and outside of the RUH. ‘insight’ is produced once a quarter,with a print run of 3,000.Requests for advertisements will be accepted on a first come, firstserved basis - so book your space now for the next edition.For further information, please contactCommunications Officer Anita Houlding on 01225 825799or email communication@ruh.nhs.uk

WelcomeWe hope you enjoy this next edition of insight,do continue to give us your feedback.In the forthcoming winter edition, there will be moreinformation on our progress towards becoming a newNHS Foundation Trust. In the meantime do keep aneye on the weekly newsletter ‘intheweek’, the intranetand noticeboards, as well as the updates from our chiefexecutive at the open staff meetings.We’ll be able to tell you more about what a FoundationTrust is, our responsibilities, what difference FoundationTrust status makes to our hospital and where we are inthe application process as well as information about publicconsultation and on how to become a member ofa Foundation Trust.Anita HouldingCommunications Officer / EditorEditorial dates 2009/10You can send your articles for Insight via email to Anita orcommunication@ruh.nhs.uk or you can send a paper copyvia the internal mail.Deadline for copy Publication dateWeek ending 25 September Week commencing 2 NovemberWeek ending 18 December Week commencing 1 FebruaryContributorsinside this issueinsafehandsExecutive patient safety visits.............................. 4Teamwork to control infection............................ 5Safeguarding adults............................................ 5Safe and secure.................................................. 6Yours sincerely.................................................... 7inpersonOn the button.................................................... 8Team of month................................................... 8Nabarro medal................................................... 9In memory of Janet........................................... 10Just a minute.......................................... 9, 10, 13A family affair................................................... 11Retiring together.............................................. 11Cardiac centre.................................................. 12Learning stars................................................... 13Mission of mercy.............................................. 14inviewImproving our hospital...................................... 16Protecting our environment.............................. 17intheknowITU one of the best in the UK........................... 18Above and beyond........................................... 18Tales of honey and maggots............................. 19How to write objectives.................................... 20NHS Constitution.............................................. 21inadditionStaff ‘Feel Good’ day........................................ 22Forever Friends................................................. 23Art................................................................... 24Blooming marvellous........................................ 26Keep on running.............................................. 26Patient safety certificate progress....................... 27Choir sings farewell.......................................... 27inyourowntimeTake a break..................................................... 28Adam JonesSecurity & Car Parking ManagerSafety and security isparamountHelen Robinson-GordonHead of Communications &External RelationsA race against timeKim GuptaConsultant Anaesthetist & ClinicalLead for ITUBest survival rates in the UKwww.ruh.nhs.uk3

insafehandsExecutive patient safety visitsPatient safety continues to be our number one priority - to enable the trust to achieve this, theteam are focusing on the Patient Safety First Campaign leadership intervention, which includesthe executive patient safety visits.Director of NursingFrancesca Thompsonlistens to a patientEach of the executive team hasresponsibility for visiting specific areasto increase awareness of patientsafety at board and ward level. Theyare there to support and empowerstaff to discuss safety issues openly,identify solutions and to minimiserisk. The execs are helping to promotea safety culture within the hospital,identifying areas of good practice aswell as areas where improvementscan be made. They’ll be improvingcommunication and building strongrelationships between themselves andfront line staff.Assistant Director of Nursing Jo Millersays: “28 visits have been made so farand some areas are about to be visitedfor a second time. I accompany theexecs on each of these visits whichtake place every two months. We planthem at a time mutually convenientto everyone. To ensure that nightstaff are also included and involved,I accompanied Francesca Thompson,Director of Nursing, on a night visit.“It’s an informal way for leaders totalk to frontline staff about patientsafety. We encourage between threeand five staff to be at these meetingsso that we get a broad view and wewant a range of staff to get involved,not just senior sisters. I take minutesso that we’ve a record of actions thatmay need to be taken, or that havebeen completed. Judging from thecomments I’ve received - such as ‘It wasuseful to discuss patient safety in anopen manner and not feel vulnerable’,‘Often talking about patient safetyissues can be seen as failing the patient,this concept of raising concerns could,in reality, prevent incidents occurring’ -staff are finding these visitsextremely useful.“The executives also find it valuable.The visits give them a more informedunderstanding of what is happeningwith regards to patient safety atward level.”“ It’s an informal way for leaders to talk to frontline staffabout patient safety “4insight Autumn 2009

Teamwork to control infectionYvonne Pritchard is Senior InfectionControl Nurse. With her wealthof knowledge and experience ininfection control, ably supportedby her team of infection controlnurses, Yvonne is looking to notonly achieve, but exceed thisyear’s challenging national targetsthat are set by the Departmentof Health, to reduce healthcareassociated infections.Yvonne says: “Last year, we performedreally well and we met the standardsset by theDoH. Thisyear I wantthings tostep up agear! Ideallywe’ll not onlymeet targets,we’ll exceedthem. To make this happen will requireeveryone’s involvement; staff, patientsand public.“My team of five infection controlnurses will continue to provide staffwith the information and tools theyneed to improve infection controlpractices on the wards, and throughoutthe hospital.“We are supported in our work byaround 100 link practitioners. Thesestaff are responsible for leading oninfection prevention and control intheir clinical areas. They engage withstaff to develop local improvementplans through education and auditof standards. They are key membersof staff who are able to challengepractices and support staff to makechanges that will reduce the risk ofharm to patients.“The public can play an importantpart in helping us - simply by stayingaway from the hospital if they have acold, or chest infection, or if they’vehad diarrhoea and vomiting, or beenin contact with someone who has.This will help to reduce the risk ofthe spread of infection. Something asfundamental as washing of hands usingsoap and water, or if in clinical areas,using hand gel, really does help.“We’ll also continue to work closelywith colleagues in Primary CareTrusts to ensure we are all workingtogether to reduce healthcareassociated infections.”Yvonne has been Senior InfectionControl Nurse since April of this year.This follows a 12-month period ofsecondment to the infection controlteam from her role as Matron.Safeguarding adults‘There can be no secrets and no hiding place when itcomes to exposing the abuse of vulnerable adults’.This is a statement taken from a national Governmentpolicy called No Secrets: Guidance on developing andimplementing multi-agency policies and procedures toprotect vulnerable adults from abuse. The policy givesa high priority to taking immediate action to ensurethat vulnerable adults, who are at risk of abuse, receiveprotection and support.Director of Nursing Francesca Thompson says: “All personshave the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse.Abuse can take many forms such as financial, emotional,physical, sexual and neglect.“Local authorities and other relevant agencies working withvulnerable adults living within a local authority boundary,must work together to protect them from abuse. TheRUH is already working to this agenda and Sue Leathers,Neil Boyland, Kate Purser, Kate Peacock and myself -the RUH Safeguarding Adults Group - are taking the lead onthis for the hospital.“The team has just produced an annual report 2008/09(approved by Trust Board in June) which demonstrates thatthe trust has made extremely good inroads on makingvulnerable patients safer through strong partnership andteam working.“We hope that you find the Identification and Protection ofVulnerable Adults Policy, flowchart and referral forms easy touse and would be delighted to hear from you if you feel thatwe can improve upon any of our processes.“The team meet on a regular basis and are keen to achievean increased level of staff awareness and training in thisimportant aspect of patient care.”The Identification and Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policyis available on the intranet, under policies - search thealphabetical index under V.www.ruh.nhs.uk5

insafehandsSafe andsecureStaff will be comforted to know that their safety and security at work is of paramount importanceto the hospital. That’s the ethos which is being enthusiastically practised by two, fairly new, membersof staff who lead the hospital’s security team.Adam Jones is Security and Car ParkingManager who joined the trust inFebruary and Sean Kedzia is Securityand Car Parking Operations Managerwho joined the trust in April. Adamand Sean have extensive experienceof working in a security basedenvironment, both having workedfor many years in the Prison Serviceas a Senior Manager and OperationalManager. Adam also has a militarybackground.Nine male and one female securitystaff, and two car parking attendantsmake up the rest of the team, whoprotect both staff and the hospitalenvironment.Adam, whose thoughts are echoed bySean, says: “We’re very happy to behere. It’s great that the RUH is investingin professionals. We want hospital staffto know that they can approach us foradvice at any time - the security teamare on call 24/7 to assist them.”The security team have a wide remit,working to policy and guidance setdown by the NHS Counter Fraudand Security Management Services.They’ll be protecting us against theft,anti-social behaviour, violence andvandalism. Adam is very clear that weneed to exclude people who abuseNHS staff. “We have zero tolerance ofviolence at the RUH. Our staff have theright to be safe at work. If we needto pursue anti-social behaviour ordersand injunctions through the courts toprotect our staff - we will do it.”Adam is also in the process of developinga ‘lone worker’ policy: “I’m aboutto initiate a risk assessment to assessareas of concern, which may resultin specific staff being given a specialpersonal security alarm, which has aninbuilt GPS system and panic button.”They are also responsible for managingthe car parking on site - which isn’tan enviable task. An audit is currentlybeing undertaken to review the criteriafor allocating parking at the hospital,which will be in line with nationalpolicy. Shift staff will be glad to knowthat the opening of a ‘late shift’ parkingarea is imminent. Approximately 50spaces will be set aside in a fencedoff area, with barrier access. This carparking area won’t be accessible untilaround mid-day each day.Sean says: “Car parking issues area problem for most hospitals and isclearly an emotive subject, but we wantSean Kedzia(left) and Kevinkeeping an eyeon thingspeople to have a balanced view. Weshouldn’t take our parking facility forgranted and people need to appreciatethat the trust has to work withinnational NHS policy on parking (yes- there is one!) which advocates thatparking has to be ‘fair for all - not freefor all’. We also have to adhere to localgovernment’s Green Travel Plans. Sothere are many things to be taken intoconsideration. We’ll always be seekingamicable resolutions - we want peopleto be happy - but those resolutions willhave to be within the rules.“It’s a good opportunity to remindstaff to always park courteously,whether on or off site. If anyone doesidentify inconsiderate parking, ortailgating, we want to know about it.”The nature of the work of the securityteam will be profiled right from thetime of induction of new staff - sothat there won’t be any doubt that thesecurity team absolutely has the bestinterest of staff at heart.6insight Autumn 2009

Yours sincerelyThe trust frequently receives letters in praise of the care ourstaff give to patients. Some also appear in the local press.Here are extracts from a few.Mr H Russell from Frome wrote “One hearsso much criticism of the NHS and the RUH thatI must express my thanks for the treatmentI received on two recent occasions. Theprofessional and personal care I was given wasexcellent and I would be grateful if you couldexpress my thanks to all doctors and nursesinvolved in my care and treatment. Even thefood was good and well presented.”Ms J Cushing from Malmesbury wrote“I am writing to tell you of the wonderfultreatment I received at your hospital. Becauseof negative media reporting of the NHS, Ihad a ‘terror’ of having to go into hospital. Icame to the RUH scared and in acute pain. Inthe Emergency department the kindness andspeed I was seen by doctors was exceptionallygood. On to MAU and the cleanliness, care,empathy, friendliness astounded me. Was thisthe NHS I keep reading about? This was theopposite of everything I’d been told. In Victoriaward everyone was kind, caring, patient andprofessional. The hand washing and floors andcleaning sparkled - very impressive.I am now telling everyone - don’tMs J Best from Chippenham wrote “I am writingto say what a wonderful team of doctors and nursesyou have and to say a huge thank you to those whotreated my mother. In the Emergency department shewas swiftly diagnosed and the doctor took time toexplain the implications to us. On Robin Smith wardstaff took very great care of my mum. We stayedby her bedside for a week and we witnessed thewonderful dedication of all the staff - from auxiliaryand staff nurses, Dr Barnaby and Dr Edward Jefferies.As well as caring for mum, they took time to makesure that we were comfortable and well informed.Sadly mum passed away but without the dedicationof your wonderful ‘front line’ staff, she would nothave had the care that she received and for that weare truly grateful. It is true what they say “doctors andnurses are born, they are not made” - you are all trulyunique people, thank you.be afraid to go to Bath. What agreat hospital you have andwonderful staff.”Mrs Dagger from Melksham wrote “Imust sing the praises of the RUH, in particulargynaecological, surgical and oncology units, MrNick Johnson, Dr Ed Gilby and their teams andthe brilliant nursing staff of Charlotte ward. Intwo years I have had two life-threatening majoroperations, thanks to advancement of medicalscience and the skill and dedication of theseteams, I am still able to continue my life. Wordscannot express enough my grateful thanks.”Mr R Wallis from Bath wrote ”I had reasonto visit x-ray and I am writing to tell you of theexcellent service I received. From the momentof entering, I was greeted in a friendly, efficientmanner and similarly for the actual x-ray itself.Everything was handled in a manner with whichI think anyone would be pleased - and proud ofthe service provided.Well done everyone.”Mr G Brace from Saltford wrote “From thetime I arrived in the Emergency department, thecare and treatment I received was just superband I would like to thank everyone involved fortheir courtesy, understanding and compassion.”www.ruh.nhs.uk7

inpersonOn the button!Adam Button, who happily sharesa surname with his hero, Formula1 Championship leader JensonButton (from nearby Frome), is overthe moon with a very special gift- a Brawn GP team cap personallysigned by Jenson himself.Despite spending over six months inthe intensive care unit at the RUH, 18year old Adam from Wiltshire - whosuffers from a neuro muscular disorder- has followed Jenson Button’sprogress every step of the way. He triesnot to miss a minute of the racing onTV and drives all the racing circuits onhis play station.Junior Sister Hilary Wheeler, one ofthe staff involved in Adam’s caresays: “Adam is such a delight and heabsolutely loves Formula 1. I had theidea of contacting the Brawn GP Teamto see if we could get Adam somethingsigned by Jenson and they really cameup trumps. Now he’ll probably bewearing his personally signed team capto bed!”Adam came into the ITU back inSeptember 2008 with a chest infectionand he has had to spend a long timeon a respirator. His treatment alsoinvolved spending time at a specialistunit in St Thomas’ in London.Mum Trish and Dad Eddy are full ofpraise for the staff who care for Adam:“The ITU team has become like partof the family, we’re all on first nameterms and they can’t do enough forus. They go above and beyond the callof duty and we think they’re brilliant.Junior Sister Rose Corbett eventravelled to London to visit Adam atChristmas when he was in St Thomas’.“Now they’ve arranged this specialtreat for Adam, and he is thrilled withhis cap. We are very grateful to thestaff for arranging it and to the BrawnTeam GP for their generosity.”April Team of the Month -Trauma Nurse SpecialistsThe achievements of the Trauma Nurse Specialistshave been substantial. They include streamlining thepatient pathway for trauma patients, in particularthose with a fractured hip; supporting betterdischarge planning, helping reduce the averagelength of stay for trauma patients and working withother Trusts to deliver a one-stop-service for dexascanning for osteoporosis. Congratulations onthese considerable achievements.8insight Autumn 2009

inpersonIn memory of JanetA special quiet room dedicatedto the memory of Janet Crane - aformer member of staff at theRUH - has been set up to providea private space for cancer patientsand their carers to use.The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group(BCUSG) - who provided the fundingfor ‘Janet’s room’ - has dedicated thisfacility to her memory, Janet died inNovember 2009. Janet was secretaryto the BCUSG and worked at theRUH for over 40 years as aSuperintendant Radiographer.Sarah Hudson, Cancer ServicesManager at the hospital, says:“Janet’s room is available to breast,gynaecological and urological cancerpatients. It’s a place where they canspend some time away from the clinicalenvironment to sit and talk to thecancer nurse specialists about theirThe Mayor of Bath, Cllr.Tim Ball with Janet’s husband Jim and Sister Irene Buckleyat the formal openingdiagnosis, treatment and results after Without her help and the commitmentsurgery, or they may choose to use it as of the cancer unit support group, thisa breathing space.”quiet room probably wouldn’t exist. Wewanted to do something to rememberJohn Carter, Chair of the BCUSG says:her by and we think ‘Janet’s room’ is a“Janet worked closely with us to helpfitting tribute.”fundraise for the very first radiotherapytreatment machine at the RUH.Just a minute……. with Julie Stone, Matron in OrthopaedicsJulie is responsible for clinicalQWhat book are you readingleadership, improvement,right now?development and managementof the orthopaedic servicesQ What led you to work inOrthopaedics?A Orthopaedic training could bestarted at age 17 and I wasdesperate to leave home!Q What’s the first thing you dowhen you get into the hospitalin the morning?AQAQAQThe Island by Victoria Hislop.What’s your dream holidaydestination?Studland Bay in Dorset – noquestion.Name one thing you couldn’t dowithout in your job?My fantastic team of staff.What makes you laugh?QAQIf you could change one thingabout working at the RUH,what would it be?To have a staff only restaurant.What do you do for fun?ATell Sister Pearce a funny storyAEverything.ADrink champagne!about the day before.10insight Autumn 2009

A family affair“Since my mum and dad hadworked here, I always felt itwas inevitable I would come towork here too - it feels like a realfamily affair.”That’s the view Colin McMahon - whois an Assistant Electrician - has ofworking at the RUH. Colin has workedhere for 26 years. Both his mum anddad worked here when they werealive - his mum was an auxiliary sisterand dad worked in Stores - andColin’s wife Sandra also works hereas a domestic on evening shift.Colin says: “There are quite a few‘families’ who work here, there’s a lotof loyalty to the RUH.”Colin joined as a domestic and thenworked as a porter in Physiotherapybefore becoming an assistant electricianworking in the maintenance team:“I’m involved in PAT safety testing ofall types of electrical equipment usedin the hospital, from kettles in kitchensto the medical equipment used to carefor patients on wards. We also test thefire alarm system and repair electricalbreakdowns.“I really enjoy working in the Estatesteam, we’re a close unit and we havea lot of laughs. One of my colleaguesLarry Moores is amazing, he has somuch knowledge and has been veryhelpful to me over the years.”You may well see Colin around - he’snot hard to spot - as his daughter hasbeen practising her hairdressing skillson him - he’s the one with the blondspiky quiff. “I’ve had a lot of stickabout it - as I knew I would - but it’s agood advert for my daughter’s salon.No doubt there’ll be more ribbing whenthey see me in the hospital magazine.”Retiring together...Pat and Carl Andrews have bothrecently retired from the RUH.Pat was a staff nurse on the daysurgery unit and Carl worked hereas the gas porter.Pat had a varied career in the healthservice before joining the RUH in 1988.Following almost ten years on the eyeunit, where she introduced the firstnurse led pre-assessment clinics and thestart of day case for cataract surgery,Pat then worked as Staff Nurse on theday surgery unit for ten years: “I’veloved working in day surgery - they’rea very close knit team. My job has beenvery rewarding but I’m ready for achange, though I’ll still be doing somebank work.”Day Surgery Unit Manager JayneCroucher says: “Pat is an outstandingnurse who cares passionately aboutpatient care. She’ll by greatly missed byus all.”Carl had worked at the RUH as the gasporter for almost eight years. Previouslyhe studied law and was a junior schoolteacher before taking early retirement.Carl says: “It was important for me tomaintain contact with people, which iswhy I came back to the workplace.I’ve particularly enjoyed using myteaching skills on the mandatorycourse on medical gases. Now I’veretired I’ll have more time to play myviolin and viola.”We wish Pat and Carl a very happyretirement.www.ruh.nhs.uk11

inpersonCardiac centre missing an‘inspirational leader’Sister Claire Monahan retired in June this year and Cardiac Centrestaff say she has been an inspiration.Junior Charge Nurse Steve Baldeospeaks on behalf of all the staffon the cardiac unit when he says:“Claire had become an iconic figurewithin the department. She has beenan exemplary leader to the entireteam and never failed to provideinspiration to her nursing staff. Clairehas managed changes within thedepartment astoundingly well; this wasdriven by the leading role she playedwithin the Clinical Governance team.It was obvious to her nursing staff thatshe took pride in providing care toher patients of the highest standard.This was equally demonstrated inthe special interest she gave to allher staff members in facilitating theirprofessional development.”Steve adds: “Claire will be greatlymissed for her sense of humour, warmsmile and outstanding managementqualities. We think she is the mostorganised person in the world, a joy towork with and a true blessing to thenursing profession.”We all join the Cardiac Centre nursingteam in wishing Claire Monahan awonderful retirement.“ Claire will be greatly missed for her sense of humour,warm smile and outstanding management qualities “Team of the Month for May- Anticoagulation TeamThis winning team has established a new clinicfor patients who are on the anticoagulant drugWarfarin. Clinic arrangements are very flexibleto make the service as convenient as possible forpatients. A new service dedicated to Julian Houseresidents, whose lifestyles are unpredictable, isalso being provided, giving easy access to regularmonitoring. The Anticoagulation team hasimproved patient safety by using the INR computersystem to communicate a patient’s history shouldthey be admitted to hospital. Patients have beenvery positive about the service and the efficiencyand friendliness of the team. Congratulations.12insight Autumn 2009

Celebrating achievementsof learning starsStaff were recently invited tonominate colleagues (using goldstars) for achievements madethrough learning, education anddevelopment.Around 150 gold stars were displayedduring a special Learning at Work Dayevent, at which Bath Rugbyteam members Danny Grewcock andBrad Davis made guest appearances.The gold stars were entered into a drawand many won fabulous prizes donatedby local businesses.‘Gold star’ staff nurse Trudie Younginitially worked as a hospital domesticand has since trained to become a staffnurse and obtained a degree. Trudiesays: “The support I’ve had at the RUH- from the first day as a student rightup to today - has been excellent. I stillreceive the help and encouragementthat I need.”If you want to read more about Trudie’slearning experience, check out theintranet newsboard or call Tracey Elvinson ext. 1772 for a printed version.Just a minute……. with Kate Horn, Consultant in GU MedicineQWhat led you to become aGU consultantQWhat’s your dream holidaydestination?AQQAQSerendipity!What’s the first thing you dowhen you get into the hospitalin the morning?Change into greens.What book are you readingright now?I’ve just finished The Book Thiefand I’ve started reading The Shack.Name one thing you couldn’t dowithout in your job?AQACanadian Rockies - winter to ski,summer just glorious.If you could change one thingabout working at the RUH,what would it be?The location! Closer to shops andpublic transport links would be farbetter for our patients (and staffmight like it too!)Q What makes you laugh?A My children!QAWhat do you do for fun?Socialise with friends and family.Also riding my folding bike to workwhen I can, it’s a way of keepingfit which can be squeezed into myworking day.The rest of the team.www.ruh.nhs.uk13

inpersonMissionof mercyOn Saturday 20 June, in a hospice in Wroclaw, Poland, a 34 year old mother lost her fight againstcervical cancer. Why was her death of consequence to me? Because in the last few days of her life,our paths crossed in such a way that it renewed my faith in human kindness and compassion.A week before Teresa Wasik’s death, Ihad been asked if I knew of any waywe could repatriate her to Wroclaw(pron: Vrot-slafv) as it was her wish tobe reunited with her young son andfamily for whatever time she had left.There was no hospital funding availableand Teresa didn’t have insurance orsavings of her own. But could we gether back when time and finances wereagainst us?We are all asked to do difficult thingsin our jobs, but of one thing I wassure; I would want to move mountainsto be with my children if I knew I hadlittle time left. I would need to say mygoodbyes, hug them for one last timeand I felt that Teresa deserved thatchance as well.Commercial airlines were unwilling tofly Teresa as she needed medical careand would possibly need to be on astretcher. She was getting weaker aseach day passed and although RAFLyneham was very helpful, ultimatelyit was not going to be possible withinthe time we had. We received a similarresponse from jet leasing companies- we knew we had to look in anotherdirection.Over the weekend, we persuaded BBCRadio Bristol to help. On Monday’sBreakfast Show they interviewed Dr EdGilby, one of our consultant oncologistswho was treating Teresa. Teresa agreedto the publicity and the media interestwent into overdrive from the UK andPoland. Teresa was still strong enoughto be interviewed and although it tiredher, she appreciated the fact that somany people were trying to help her.We were hoping the coverage wouldachieve the almost impossible – thatTeresa could be flown home by anorganisation that would put an aircraftand medics at our disposal withoutcharge… a big ask, given that thecost would be around £13,000! Butif we all wanted Teresa to share herlast days with her son, wouldn’t otherpeople want that too? The responsewas incredible; we received masses ofpledges for funds to pay for Teresa’strip home. We were quite simplyoverwhelmed.Then the very call we needed - WingsAeromedical from Bristol offered toprovide the flight and medics for14insight Autumn 2009

“ In the last few days of her life, our paths crossed insuch a way that it renewed my faith in human kindnessand compassion “were clearly taking their toll. Against aleaden sky the helicopter finally tookoff. There was a sense of relief but alsoof the inevitable sadness to come.just the cost of the fuel. Dorset andSomerset Air Ambulance offered to flyher from the hospital to Filton Airfieldin Bristol, free of charge. Suddenly thechance of getting Teresa home, andsoon, seemed very real. Contacts withinthe local Polish community managedto persuade the Wroclaw hospital toaccommodate her without chargeeven though she did not have healthinsurance.We thought we were set... but theneverything was suddenly in the balance.Teresa was struggling to come to termswith the situation and like anyonefaced with such bleak news, desperateto believe that more could be done toprolong her life. But every hour thatpassed further jeopardised her chanceof making the flight home.The doctors and nursing staff onWilliam Budd ward had to contendwith a language barrier and hadthe painful task of trying to makeTeresa comprehend, at some level,she was terminally ill. Few of us canonly imagine how difficult that musthave been. Somehow they achieveda breakthrough and finally on theThursday morning, less than a weekafter the appeal began, everything wasin place and more than £8,000 hadbeen pledged.Followed by the TV cameras, Teresawas wheeled to the helipad andtransferred to the helicopter, but eventsLate that afternoon, we were told shehad arrived safely in Wroclaw. Teresaspent the too few remaining hoursof her life with her son and parents.Without the generosity of so manypeople and organisations and thesupport of the Polish community, thatwould not have been possible.Thank you.Helen Robinson-Gordon, Head ofCommunications & External Relations.www.ruh.nhs.uk15

inviewImproving our hospitalImproving comfortand privacyfor patientsAs part of our commitment toimproving patient experience- and in particular improvingprivacy, dignity and respectfor patients - a significantinvestment programme is nowunderway within the hospital.Work to upgrade and refurbishtoilets and washrooms on sixwards - Pierce, Philip Yeoman,Forrester Brown, Waterhouse,Parry and Haygarth - began inMay and behind the disruption,the benefits are already clearto see.Junior Sister Jo Flint looksafter patients recovering fromvascular surgery. She says: “Weoften need to help patientswith washing and the facilitiescould be cramped, but now we’llhave four larger washroomswhich will make things somuch easier. The new facilitieswill help us enormously in ourwork to rehabilitate patientsafter surgery, prior to returninghome.”What other improvements arebeing made at the RUH?Robots to provide safe andefficient drugs dispensingTwo robots are being installed withinthe pharmacy department to provideautomated drug dispensing systems.Patient and prescription details will befed into the robotic ‘storage’ systems,which will then automatically, safelyand efficiently dispense the requiredmedicines and drug label. The newsystem will be up and running in earlyAugust. Thanks to all ward staff whohave had to alter their practices to fit inwith the new changes.Further improvements to cardiacday case surgeryThe addition of a procedure room tothe cardiac day case surgery (openedearlier this year) will mean staff will beable to treat more patients. Since thepurpose built, nurse-led day surgeryopened, waiting times have significantlyreduced whilst patients have received areally high standard of care.“ It’s a difficult road to travel but once we get there, thebenefit to patients and staff will be phenomenal “Senior Sister Irene Richards16insight Autumn 2009

Protecting our environmentHuge changes are being made to the way we managewaste at the RUH.The trust now uses a new waste compactor to compactwaste emptied from custom built wheelie bins. Four or fiveof these bins can be picked up at once by a new electrictruck. A new cardboard baling machine is also in operation.Environment Manager Luke Champion says: “The newsystem will reduce our carbon emissions, significantly reducewaste management costs and will help raise awarenessof the importance of recycling. We’ll be able to sell thecardboard bales to generate revenue for the hospital.“It’s a great move forward and wouldn’t have beenpossible without the hard work and determination of theenvironment porters - they contributed to the designprocess of the new waste management system - theirideas and suggestions have been invaluable in gettingall this off the ground.”Back: Joe Esposito & Julian Stanley.Front: Clive Young, Paul McCusker, Andy Gay,Shaun Boswell, Luke Champion, Dave Bodman &Tony Scovell.New isolation rooms and chemotherapy suite forWilliam BuddWork is underway to build a new chemotherapy suite thatwill provide treatment for up 16 patients (six more thancurrently) at any one time. Five new isolation rooms withensuite facilities will replace the current isolation rooms,greatly benefiting the treatment of immuno-compromisedpatients.New pre-operative assessment suiteA newly expanded and refurbished Pre-op assessment suiteis open for business. All pre-op assessments that took placepreviously in orthopaedics, central pre-op (Widcombe ward)and day surgery have been absorbed into this new facility.Final designs for new NICU are completeDesigns are complete as we wait for planning permission torebuild our newborn intensive care unit.Victoria ward gets an upgradeVictoria annex (below) has recently undergone a faceliftwhich will greatly help improve infection control.BeforeAfterwww.ruh.nhs.uk17

intheknowITU one of the best in the UKOur Intensive Care unit has someof the best survival rates in the UK.Latest findings from the IntensiveCare National Audit & ResearchCentre (ICNARC) show thatseriously ill patients being treatedin the Intensive Care Unit (ITU) atthe RUH are more likely to survive,than patients treated in most othersimilar units in the UK.The most recent report from ICNARCputs our ITU in the top ten for the183 participating intensive care unitsin the country, and third place whencompared with the 35 similar intensivecare units.Dr Kim Gupta, Consultant Anaesthetistand Clinical Lead for the IntensiveCare Unit says: “I am delighted that,once again, our unit’s survival and costfigures are amongst the very best in thecountry. Caring for the sickest patientsin the hospital places great demandson all who work on intensive care andthese results reflect the hard work anddedication shown by every member ofthe intensive care team.“The recent report from ICNARC coversthe period 1 April to 30 June 2008. Itshows that the RUH has a standardisedmortality ratio of 0.7, where 1.0 is theratio for expected deaths.Findings from another nationalindependent organisation, theCritical Care National Cost BlockProgram, also shows that the RUHITU is one of the more cost efficientunits in the country. Despite the veryhigh quality of treatment receivedby patients, the cost per intensivecare bed at the RUH is below theaverage for other units.Above and beyond – nominate a customer service starDo you know someone who goes above and beyondthe call of duty to help their colleagues, our patients orvisitors? Was it a single act of unprecedented kindnessor good service or do they often go out of their wayto help?They could be eligible for one of the Trust’s new awards -the Customer Service Award, which are being presentedin partnership with the hotel chain, the von Essen group.Each month members of the staff recognition committeewill assess nominations and based on a given criteria, selecta winner. The Committee is looking for someone who hasevidence of their efforts being appreciated e.g. letter ofcompliment/thanks; can show how they went above andbeyond the call of duty in either a sustained way or in asingle act and either in adversity or under pressure; and thatthe impact of that behaviour can be shown. Nominationforms are now being circulated to all departments within thehospital along with guidelines to assist completion.By the time you are reading this, the first four staff willhave received their awards. They are; Dr Terry Farrant*Consultant Physician, Senior Infection Control Nurse YvonnePritchard, Christine Wrintmore from Retinal Screening andCleaning Supervisor Carole Perkins.Each of the winners plus a guest will be treated to lunch,afternoon tea or a spa treatment at one of the local hotelsowned by the von Essen group, courtesy of the group.* Dr Farrant was awarded a sum of money which he generouslydonated back to his department.18insight Autumn 2009

Tales of honeyand maggotsNurses are using natural healing products such as honey and maggot larvae to clean woundsand help in the fight against MRSA.When skin becomes damaged theremaining wound takes time toheal. Whilst many heal naturally intime, choosing the right dressingfor each wound can make all thedifference to ensure patientshave the best chance of healingas quickly, and as pain free, aspossible.Medical grade Manuka honey,harvested from the native New ZealandManuka plant, has antibacterialproperties not found in other honeysand is now being used in a range ofwound dressings at the RUH.Kate Purser, Tissue Viability NurseSpecialist says: “Honey has been usedin healing for centuries but now newproducts on the market have overcomethe problems associated with usingconventional honey and bring the useof honey into a modern healthcaresetting. As well as having effectiveantibacterial properties, honey has anosmotic action meaning its high sugarcontent actively draws fluid from thewound helping the body to dissolveand remove dead tissue. It also reduceswound odour and maintains a moistwound healing environment.”Mrs Dorothy Yeo from Bath, has beenreceiving treatment for an ulcer forthe last three years and recently beganusing honey dressings. She says: “I felt Iwasn’t getting anywhere, and the painmade it hard to sleep. After trying theStaff Nurse Becky shows patient Jack the sterile maggots.honey dressings I’m optimistic aboutthe future. I’m able to sleep withoutsleeping tablets and for the first timenew skin is forming over my ulcer.I’m very, very pleased, these dressingsjust seem to work for me and I’drecommend the treatment to anyone.”From bees to the sterilised larvae ofthe common green bottle fly, the useof maggot therapy in wound healingcan help in the ongoing fight againstMRSA and other healthcare associatedinfections.Kate says: “Sterile maggots appliedto a wound as part of a dressing, arecapable of killing bacteria in their gut,including MRSA; in addition, their salivacontains enzymes that enable them toremove dead or unhealthy tissue andpromote healing in a wound.”“ As well as having effective antibacterial properties,honey has an osmotic action meaning its high sugarcontent actively draws fluid from the wound “www.ruh.nhs.uk19

intheknowHow to writeobjectives that work!Useful information is available on writing objectives to support staff when reviewing their personaldevelopment and setting work objectives as part of the Performance Review process. These objectivesalso enable managers to evaluate staff performance and help in discussions around career development.Appraisal Project Manager Melanie Ballsays: “Objectives exist so that staff willknow what they need to achieve intheir role, be clear of their direction andknow that where they are heading fitsin with the objectives of the hospitalas a whole. Objectives also highlightthe value and contribution each of youmakes.”Success can be measured using SMARTwork objectives, which focus onoutcomes rather than activities.What are smart objectives?• Specific• Measurable• Achievable• Relevant• TimelySpecific - does the objectivedescribe what I really want toachieve?• Is it clear and well defined• Is it clear to anyone that has a basicknowledge of the work area• Does it detail the desired outcome.Measurable - What is themeasurable outcome?• Know if the objective is obtainableand how far away completion is• How will you know if you havebeen successful• Write objectives using action verbsas they are easier to measure, e.g. towrite, to present, to improve, to solve.Achievable - how long will this takeand is it achievable?• Agree with all parties what theobjectives should be to ensure clarity• Are resources, knowledge andtime available• Is the right support in place.Relevant - will the objective resultin a relevant improvement?• Does the objective link to those ofyour team• Does the objective support the overallobjectives of the trust• Is the objective ‘stretching’ enough toensure performance improvement.Time framed - what is the date forcompleting this objective?• Is there enough time to achievethe objective• How often will it be reviewed• Beware of too much time, which canaffect or dilute performance.Badly written and unclear objectivesmay mean that you never achievewhat you need to, or end up workingagainst each other. They can causedisagreements over whether objectiveshave been achieved.That’s why we have systemsfor planning and performancemanagement. It’s like setting a compassin the right direction.“ Badly written and unclear objectives may mean thatyou never achieve what you need to “Set it correctly and you’ll journey safely.But fail to set it and who knows whereyou’ll end up.20insight Autumn 2009

The NHS Constitution:the NHS belongs to us allThe NHS Constitution waspublished in January 2009 andbrings together, in one place, whatstaff, patients and public can expectfrom the NHS.It explains that by working togetherwe can make the very best of finiteresources to improve our health andwellbeing, to keep mentally andphysically well, to get better when weare ill, and when we cannot recoverto stay as well as we can to the endof our lives. The constitution reaffirmsthat everyone has a role to play in thesuccess of the NHS.As well as capturing the purpose,principles and values of the NHS, theConstitution brings together a numberof rights, pledges and responsibilitiesfor staff and patients alike. For staffthe Constitution means an NHS-widecommitment to equipping you withthe tools, training and support youneed to deliver high quality care. TheConstitution includes a section on staffrights and NHS pledges to you, as wellas your responsibilities as a member ofstaff in the NHS.Subject to Parliamentary approval, allNHS bodies, and private and thirdsectorproviders supplying NHS serviceswill be required by law to take accountof the Constitution in their decisionsand actions.The ambition is that the Constitutionwill form the basis of a new relationshipbetween staff and patients – arelationship based on partnership,respect and shared commitment whereeveryone knows what they can expectfrom the NHS and what is expectedfrom them.For more information on theNHS Constitution and how itaffects you, visit NHS Choices onwww.nhs.uk and scroll to thebottom of the screen. The NHSConstitution is listed there.New Health Secretary sets outvision for a people centred NHSA new era in the NHS that buildson targets achieved and prioritisesquality of care was set out by newHealth Secretary Andy Burnhamat the annual NHS ConfederationConference recently.Mr Burnham pledged a ‘deep clean’of superfluous national targets infavour of clearer, simpler standards.Improving the quality of health services- with a greater focus on preventingillness and disease - will lead to both abetter patient experience and greaterefficiency, helping the NHS meet thefinancial challenges ahead.Introducing a new minimum standardfor the NHS to eliminate all preventableMRSA infections, Mr Burnham said:“The NHS has made huge progress. ButI want it to go from good to worldclass,moving away from numbersand towards what matters most - thepatient’s experience.“On MRSA, infections have beenreduced by 65% since 2003. I haveasked the National Quality board tohelp develop a new minimum standardthat will ensure all hospitals drive downMRSA bloodstream infections to thelevels currently being achieved by thebest performers - making the NHS evensafer for staff and patients. I want thisto be fairer - taking into account localdifferences - based on clear evidenceand developed together with NHS staffand stakeholders.“Reducing infections makes sense notjust for patients, but for NHS financestoo. Cutting cases of MRSA andC. difficile not only saves many lives, italso saved the NHS at least £75 millionlast year.”www.ruh.nhs.uk21

inadditionStaff Feel Good dayJudging by the feedback we received from our staff, the first ever ‘Feel Good’ day in Junewas a great success.On the day, with the open air pool basking in glorioussunshine, staff from all areas of the hospital took theopportunity to find out what services were available - both atthe RUH and locally - to help and support their mental andphysical well-being.As well as enjoying the complementary therapies and funactivities which took place around the pool, staff were ableto find out more about the health benefits of joining theOasis fitness centre or the Royal Crescent Hotel Spa. Threemembers of staff also won the chance to have their hair andmake-up revamped by professional stylists with the audiencevoting for the best by the loudest applause.Advisors were on hand to provide more information aboutCyclescheme - helping us to get to work using a moresustainable method of transport. Professional chefs alsodemonstrated the preparation and cooking of some tasty,healthy recipes.Urology senior secretary Janice Book said: “I had awonderful time. There was a fantastic atmosphereand lots of interesting and worthwhile things to seeand experience.”We extend grateful thanks to all of those who generouslygave their time and expertise to make this summerevent informative and fun for everyone. We hope tooffer something similar next year. If staff have any ideasfor a contributor to a Feel Good day, please contact thecommunications team via communication@ruh.nhs.ukPhoto: Our three ‘make-over’ winners Anne Stott, WendyBlackman and Maria Ringham with professional stylistPhil Thompson and make-up artist Rebecca Sacco.22insight Autumn 2009

Forever Friends latestNICU ‘Space to Grow’ campaign in final phaseThere have been some exciting developments with the campaign. The RUH hascommitted to increase its funding for the new NICU to £3million, recognisingthe substantial benefits that this project will bring for babies, their families andfor the staff providing this specialist care. This means that the project will befunded through a partnership of NHS funds and charitable fundraising. TheAppeal’s fundraising challengeis now to raise the final£1.5million (25%) of theproject cost.There are lots of fantasticways you can get involvedand help make this uniquebuilding a reality. Contactthe Appeal office on01225 825825 to findout more.Ted’s Big Day Out! Friday 16 OctoberThe Appeal’s annual fundraising day - Ted’s Big Day Out!- sponsored by Rotork, is celebrating its 10 th anniversarythis year. We want your help to make it bigger andbetter. Pay a £1 and take your teddy out for the day.This year we will be celebrating in the traditional10th Anniversary colours, silver and blue. There arelots of fantastic fundraising ideas and all the toolsyou need on our website.Visit www.tedsbigdayout.co.ukfor inspiration.Mamma Mia goes Al Fresco -Saturday 26 SeptemberLansdown cricket club will play hostto an outdoor screening of hit musicalMamma Mia - the story of a bride-tobetrying to find her real father, toldusing hit songs by ABBA. Gates open at6.30pm - film starts at 7.30pm.Entry is free although collectionbuckets will be in use! It’s a greatway to spend an evening.NICU ‘Baby’ Brick badges and collectionboxes now available‘Baby’ Brick collection boxes are now available to order -perfect for collecting loose change. Take it to work or evenput it on the bar in your local pub. Every £10 collected willpurchase one ‘Baby’ Brick - you’ll get a certificate of givingand permanent acknowledgement within the new NICU unit.Also, ‘Baby’ Brick pin badges are now available costing only£1.50 each. Boxes and badges are available from theAppeal office.www.ruh.nhs.uk23

inadditionArtAll aboutLizzie - who is an A-level student at Bruton School for Girls - has been gaining some work experience,assisting the hospital’s Arts Programme Manager Hetty Dupays. Here Lizzie shares her thoughts on thelatest art that is available for everyone to enjoy at the hospital.Celebrating handsI attended a recent workshop - run by artist EdwinaBridgeman - where nursing staff came up with creativeways of illustrating the importance of cleanliness, andreinforced the message ‘the future is in your hands’. Thisworkshop formed part of the ongoing NHS Safer HandsCampaign and followed on from a recent session withpoet Rose Flint, who created four touching poems usingdescriptions and contributions from staff.A poem called ‘Gel’ (see opposite) was chosen asthe focus of the workshop and nurses imaginativelydecorated foam hand-shapes using buttons, beads,wool and sequins. The event was a great success - oftenthe room was silent with concentration. Staff said theythoroughly enjoyed it, that it was a fun way to convey thevalue of hands and their skills. This celebration of handswill soon be on display in the hospital.Gel poemIf it was rose, geranium and vanilla,or just a puff of glittery fairy dust.If it was anti-ageing, something gorgeous and creamy,massaged in by someone else.If it was sandalwood, spicy and exotic,lime and coconut from a tropical isle.If it was a magic glow box that you could dip your hands inand see them shine ultra-squeaky clean.If it was a lean, mean, bacteria reducing water machine,hydrating, plumping out the wrinkles every time.Or a sort of Dyson dryer, one dip in, you’d be sortedand silky smooth to the touch.Or if it was moisturising, soothing,warming on winter mornings, cooling summer heat.We would use these cleansing gels in just the same waythat we do everyday, in every corridor and unit.Not as a barrier, but as an offering,of our own care and diligence and healing power.24insight Autumn 2009

New Royal Photographic Society (RPS)Members ExhibitionThis exciting exhibition shows a rangeof photographs, from enthrallinglandscapes and animals to stimulatingabstract images. Altogether, theymake a beautiful and interestingcollection, brightening up the walls ofthe hospital.Art is a very important factor in thehospital environment, providing someescapism from the day-to-day routinefor patients, visitors and staff. Thesethought provoking and beautifulimages create a break away fromthe hectic hospital corridors andbring beauty to the confinement ofthe building.If you don’t get to see the exhibition,you can view the images on the RPSwebsite at www.rps.orgPhotos, (above from left): The Footbridge by Ivy Goatcher. Lindsay Duncan byMichael Birt. Leaping White Tiger, Singapore Zoo by Rob DuncalfPhotos, (above from left): Dawn tide by Anne Mahany. The Pier by Toby Smith.Autumn ExhibitionPaintings in Hospitals (PiH) is an organisation that rentsworks of art to hospitals and other healthcare services. Arecent touring exhibition from PiH will be at the RUH forone year and will form part of the autumn exhibition in thecentral ground floor corridors.Nine screen prints byWilhelmina Barnes-Grahamare on loan from theBarnes-Graham Foundation.Wilhelmina lived and workedin St. Ives until her death in2004 and was one of Britain’smost renowned abstract artists. Her images are random anduncomplicated, the simplicity of these stunning screen printscould be seen as childlike but it is this minimalism that givesthe paintings energy and draws one in.Other artists in the autumn exhibition include:David Hampton, Philip Ledbury, Peter Wells andCharlotte Humpston. Also sculptor Ben Dearnley willshow a selection of his bronze and marble sculpturesof Olympic and Paralympic athletes from his series,‘Avenue of Champions’.David Hampton’s paintings are mainly bright and bold. ‘Fortde San Tiago’ is one to look out for, it’s a peaceful imagewhich creates a sense of tranquillity and calmness, which canbe hard to find in such a busy environment.Peter Wells also uses bright, vivid colours. Living six monthsin India each year, his paintings portray snapshots of Indianculture and religion. When introducing Wells’ collectionCharlie Higson says: “Just like India itself, there is a feeling oforganised chaos, of a deep and mysterious structure behind itall that somehow holds it all together.” This quote remindedme of hospitals in general; the busy commotion in a hospitalis controlled and thought through.”A private view will be held on Friday 4 September at6.30pm. If you would like an invitation to this eventplease contact the arts programme managerhetty.dupays@ruh.nhs.uk or call 01225 824987.www.ruh.nhs.uk25

inadditionKeep on running…then hobble, hobble, hobble!Consultant audiologist Andrew Reidraised a fantastic £2,620 for SoundSeekers - The CommonwealthSociety for the Deaf - by runningthe London Marathon, despitesome health issues of his own.Andy had experienced someunusual cardiac symptoms butwas well cared for at the RUH.He was advised to get moreexercise and started training,eventually completing his firstBath Half Marathon.Andy says: “Sound Seekers contactedme to ask if I would be interested indoing the London Marathon to raisefunds for their charity. It was an honourto help them and, after getting medicalclearance, I accepted.”Sounds Seekers work to improve thelives of deaf and hearing-impairedchildren in the poorest countries ofthe world. They provide audiologyequipment; hearing aid and trainingso local health workers can diagnoseand treat hearing loss. They alsoprovide support for schools for deafchildren and work to improve people’sunderstanding of the needs of deafpeople.Andy says: “A big thank you to all whodonated to this very deserving charity.”Blooming Marvellous at the RUHThe floral displays at the front entrance to the RUH arebeautiful enough to rival any of the competitors in theBath in Bloom competition this year.Hanging baskets bursting with summer blooms are ondisplay for staff, patients and visitors to enjoy, thanks toBANES Parks and Green Spaces department and theHospital Friends.Richard Ford the Friends Vice Chairman says: “Staff askedif we could help to brighten up the front entrance of thehospital and we were only too delighted to make a donationtowards the costs of the hanging baskets. The vibrant splashof colour from the flowers is welcoming and attractive.“The facilities department at the hospital arranged for theattractive hanging basket supports to be repainted andmoved to a new, more central location. BANES Parks andGreen Spaces department generously supplied theflowers and kindly agreed to care for them during thegrowing season.”Howard Jones, Director of Estates & Facilities says: “Thisproject is just one of many funded by the Hospital Friends tobenefit patients, visitors and staff. They provide equipmentand improved amenities for patients as well as assisting inimproving the hospital’s environment. We are exceedinglygrateful to them for all their support.”For more information on the work of the Friends of the RUHvisit www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk26insight Autumn 2009

Patient Safety First– Certificate of ProgressChief Executive James Scott has been presented with a Certificate of Progress from the Patient Safety Firstcampaign for the excellent work the RUH has done in terms of improving patient safety across the Trust.The Certificate of Progress, which will be on displayin the Atrium, means that the RUH has successfullydemonstrated progress against the core commitmentsmade when we signed up to Patient Safety First. Thisshows we are amongst a group of Trusts who are leadingthe way in the campaign.With initiatives such as Executive Patient Safety Visits,Safety Briefings at Handover and the Detection ofthe Deteriorating Patient, we are driving forward theeight work streams that will really help improve carefor patients.The Patient Safety First campaign will be celebrating oursuccess by publishing the names of the leading Trusts ontheir website www.patientsafetyfirst.nhs.ukFor more information on Patient Safety First, contactJo Miller, Assistant Director of Nursing.Choir sings farewell to JeremyJeremy Martin, Head ofPerformance and Contracts, hasconducted the RUH Choir forthe last time. We wish him wellas he joins Yeovil Hospitals NHSFoundation Trust.The choir were sad to see Jeremy go,he has been a guiding force, shapinga group of enthusiastic amateurs intoa unified group of stronger, morepolished singers who enjoyperforming together.There are around 40 core choir memberswho give up an hour of their timeeach week to rehearse in readiness forall sorts of events. Past performancesinclude the sell-out ‘Sing for Life’festival at St Luke’s Church and variousfundraising events in support of theNICU ‘Space to grow’ campaign.The choir will continue into the futureunder the direction of new conductorJo Sercombe and we look forward tomany more performances.www.ruh.nhs.uk27

inyourowntimeTake a breakWin a fabulous meal for two (to the value of £50) atJamie Oliver’s restaurant - Jamie’s Italian,10 Milsom Place, Bath.All you have to do is complete all three puzzlescorrectly and return this page to the Communicationsoffice by the 25 September.Brain TeaserWhere am I?This town sits in the shadow ofhills known as the ‘backboneof England’, once famous formanufacturing the best type of aparticular cloth in the world.Past US President Jimmy Carter hadan item of clothing made here but ifthe Luddites had had their way in theearly 19th century that may not havebeen possible. Their attempts to haltthe advancing mechanisation in theproduction of this cloth were bloodybut ultimately unsuccessful.A more successful development camein 1849 with the opening of whatwas then the longest railway tunnelin the world, at 3 miles 176 yardslong. Also in the mid 19th century, thefore-runner of the Post Office SavingsBank started in the town’s MechanicsInstitution and was called the PennySavings Bank.Try to fill in the missing numbers.• Use the numbers 1 through to 9 to complete the equations. Each number isonly used once.• Each row is a math equation. Work from left to right.• Each column is a math equation. Work from top to bottom.Spot the shotThe town has also been the home ofmany famous people including PrimeMinister Harold Wilson, runner DerekIbbotson – the first man to run a fourminute mile - and actor Patrick Stewart.The Sex Pistols played their final UKconcert in this town as a benefit for thefamilies of striking fire fighters.Where am I?See if you can spot the photo that this picture is takenfrom in this issue.To enter, just tell us which page it’s on.Name:CongratulationsCongratulations to last edition’s winner, Clinical TechnologistPaul Adams from MEMS. His correct entry won him a Twilightpackage at Bath’s premier Thermae Spa.Department:Contact No.28insight Autumn 2009