Hospital Life October 2010 - Barking Havering and Redbridge ...

The magazine for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustOctober 2010Head injurysuccess at TrustRecent report puts Queen’samong the country’s bestTurn to page 3

Looking tothe futurePraise forpedalpowerStaff have been working onupdating the organisation’svision, aims and values, as well asdeveloping some codes ofbehaviour.This is a time of great change for theNHS, and we are also workingtowards achieving Foundation Truststatus in three years, so it was asensible time to try and define theessence of BHRUT.Patient care and safety is at the heartof everything the Trust does, and ournew vision has been agreed as:striving for excellence in patientexperiences and outcomes.In line with that we have also drawnup our Codes of Behaviour for staffwhether they are dealing withcolleagues, patients, relatives orvisitors.These include:• Treat each other and patients asyou would like to be treated• Always ask how a person wants tobe addressed and always introduceyourself both in person and on thetelephone and explain what you aregoing to do• Always look presentable and tidyby adhering to the dress code andwearing your identity badge• Always be helpful if someone asksfor your help and, if you can’t be ofassistance, direct them to someonewho can• Maintain privacy andconfidentiality at all times and alwaysbe discreet and maintain yourprofessional attitude.These codes will help us to continueto ensure that patients receive thebest possible experience while theyare in our hospitals.The Trust has beenpresented with a specialcertificate by LondonMayor Boris Johnson.The presentation was to markthe Trust’s involvement in theCycle Solutions scheme – aiming to get employees to use pedal power to getinto work.Staff can cut the cost of buying a new bike, and there has also been a boostin mileage rates for business travel wherever staff can sensibly substitutedriving with cycling.Boris Johnson is pictured handing over the certificate to Health and WellbeingManager Sue Kennard.News in brief . . . . . . . . .Visiting hoursVisitors are really important inhelping patients recover andkeeping up their spirits.We know many play a vital role ascarers both in hospital and at home,helping their loved ones with meals,personal care and looking afterthem, as well as keeping themcompany.So do our visiting hours get thebalance right for both carers and forfriends and wider family?Do they allow patients to getenough rest and for the staff toperform all the care they need to dowithout interruption?Are the different times across ourhospitals confusing?We want to know what you thinkabout visiting hours so they work forall our patients, staff and visitors.You can emailconsultation@bhrhospitals.nhs.ukor write to: Visiting hoursconsultation, c/o Lesley Marsh,Assistant Director of Nursing,Queen’s Hospital.Beating bedsoresPressure ulcers (often known asbedsores) are a serious health riskfor patients as well as beinguncomfortable. Some patientswho have conditions like diabetesor are unable to move about areat particular risk.We have followed the ‘Your SkinMatters’ strategy, new checks onpatients’ skin, and action plans forevery patient at risk to protect theirskin and help them recover.The Trust has recently had anindependent review of its pressureulcer care. We are working moreclosely with nursing homes andcommunity nurses, and have seen arecent drop in the numbers ofpatients developing pressure ulcers.Help with parking costsCould you be entitled to freeparking at our hospitals?The Trust has always offeredconcessions to specific patients andvisitors, but now we have set thesedown in a new policy. Continued . .2 H O S P I TA L L I F E

Impressivesurvival ratesat Queen’sSeriously injured patientsbrought to Queen’s Hospitalwith head injuries have abetter chance of survivalthan elsewhere in thecountry.The hospital houses a specialistneurosurgical centre, and takespatients from across London,Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent.The Helicopter Emergency MedicalServices in London, Essex,Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey andSussex regularly land at the hospital’shelipad bringing patients who havesuffered serious head, spinal andfacial trauma.And a recent report shows that thespecialist care at Queen’s leads to anadditional 2.6 survivors for every 100patients compared to otherneurosurgical centres.Consultant Neurosurgeon KarolyDavid says that the secret to thesuccess of the unit is teamwork.“The good results are down to thededication and expertise of the staffhere, as well as the speed oftreatment.“The Emergency Medicine teamhave made a real difference to thespeed of investigations andadmission of patients.”As soon as Emergency Medicine staffare made aware that a patient witha head injury ison their way,neurosurgeons areinformed and are on standby.Emergency CT scans are carried outas soon as possible. The nationaltarget is 60 minutes, but Queen’s isachieving an average time of 35minutes.Since moving from OldchurchHospital, the Trust has also opened adedicated Neuro Critical Care Unit,and Mr David is sure that this toohas had a positive effect on patientoutcomes.“Having a 12-bed neuro critical carefacility with specialist staff isfantastic. We also have fivededicated ConsultantNeurointensivists so patients aregetting the very best care.”As well as the Neuro HighDependency and Intensive Care Unit,there are also a further eightspecialist beds available for patientswith head injuries as well as anAcute Neurosurgical RehabilitationUnit.“All of the staff - including juniordoctors, nurses, physiotherapistsand occupational therapists - play avital part in a patient’s care,” said MrDavid.The staff are used to dealing withpotentially harrowing situations –and often treat young patients.Recently the team had to operate ona woman who suffered terrible headinjuries after being attacked by herpartner. Another patient had fallenoff a ladder and needed emergencysurgery.But often patients will simply needto be admitted for observation, astheir condition could rapidlydeteriorate. Neurosurgeons are onsite 24-hours-a-day to deal withemergency situations.“Every member of the team shouldbe proud of what they achieve andhave played a vital part in thesuccess of the department,” saidMr David.• Pictured is Mr David, and nurses inthe Neuro Intensive Care UnitNews in brief . . . . . . . . . continuedOur hospitals have to charge peopleto park - it forms part of ourplanning approval.However, we can offer people freeparking under some circumstances.Parking costs will be reimbursed for:• Inpatients for their first seven daysof treatment. From seven daysonwards they will be charged £5 aday.• Patients in the oncology andhaematology department receivingregular radiotherapy, chemotherapy,supportive care and bloodtransfusions.• Next of kin called in an emergencywhere death is expected.• Next of kin of patients in ITU orHDU.• Next of kin of children receivingcare for the first five days.• Birthing partners during labour.• Relatives of patients receiving endof life care.O C T O B E R 2 0 1 03

Breast surgery centre ofexcellence at King GeorgePlans to create a centre ofexcellence for breast cancersurgery at King George Hospitalhave been published.The plans involve a majorinvestment in King George, offeringfacilities specially designed to theneeds of breast cancer patients andproviding a base for the Trust’s fivespecialist breast surgeons and widerteam of clinicians.Patients will be able to benefit froma full specialist multi-disciplinaryteam and services such as enhancedrecovery, helping them return homefrom surgery more quickly.While the plans involve movingsome pre-surgery procedures fromthe Victoria Centre to King Georgeso patients do not have to come inagain before surgery, the plans donot relate to the wider future ofVictoria in offering breast screening.BHRUT’s Medical Director Dr IanAbbs said: “We want to ensurepatients with symptoms of breastcancer get the best possible care,meaning both their clinical outcomesand their experience of our services.This is why we are putting forwardplans to bring our breast surgeryservices together at King GeorgeHospital - the first step in developinga breast care centre of excellence forpatients across the area.“It is also important that routinebreast screening is available close topeople’s homes, and our plans forbreast surgery will not affect this.What they will do is enable us toprovide care that meets NICE bestpractice, offer a full specialist team,and also reduce the amount of travelpatients wilThe Trust is inviting patientrepresentatives, publicrepresentatives, GPs and members ofthe public to put forward their viewson the plans which you can find onour website. Views and questionscan be emailed toconsultation@bhrhospitals.nhs.ukor sent to: Breast surgeryconsultation, c/oCommunications, Trust offices,Queen’s Hospital, Rom ValleyWay, Romford, Essex, RM7 0AG.Farewell tomuch-loved matronA long-serving Accident and Emergency Matronhas bid farewell to the Trust.Margo McFarlane, who has been with the organisationsince 1979, has been Matron at both Queen’s and KingGeorge.Colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Margo and topresent her with a host of presents including a balloonflight.Divisional Nurse Caroline Moore said: “Margo has somuch experience and was a great asset to the Trust.She will be desperately missed.”As well as being given gifts and cards to mark herretirement, she was also presented with a certificate ofthanks from the Trust Board.• Margo is pictured at her retirement celebration withcolleagues and her certificate.4 H O S P I TA L L I F E

£Millionmark forLeagueof FriendsThe League of Friends of KingGeorge Hospital has reached anastonishing milestone.The dedicated and hard-workingfundraisers have now donated goodsworth an amazing £1 million to thehospital.The items they have bought range insize and value – but all have made abig difference to the life of patientsand staff at the hospital.They include gifts to all patients onthe wards on Christmas Day, andcourtesy packs (soap, flannel,toothbrush and paste etc) for eachpatient admitted in an emergency.They have also purchased large itemssuch as an orthopaedic cameracosting £13,000, a harmonic scalpelfor theatres for £16,000, acolonoscope for £34,300 and anadult ventilator for £23,500. Afurther £45,000 was raised for apiece of equipment for thegastroenterology department.Over the years the League has alsopaid for specialist chairs for thephlebotomy department and amuch-needed ice machine for A&E.The League of Friends KGH wasformed in 1962 in the old hospitalon Eastern Avenue.In 1967 the hospital gave the Leaguespace for a small shop. At the timethey also held many jumble sales,raffles and fetes that boosted theirincome. In all, about £80,000 wasraised over the following 25 years.The big jump occurred in 1993 whenthe hospital moved to its new site inBarley Lane, and the League wasprovided with a shop site in thefoyer of the new hospital. TheLeague paid to set up the wholeshop with counters, shelves,refrigerators etc.The League of Friends shop is openseven days a week and is run withthe help of about 30 regular helpers,plus rotas provided by two Rotaryclubs and two branches of theLeague of Jewish Women.As well as a wide range ofconfectionary, toiletries, greetingscards and toys, they also sellnewspapers and an enormousnumber of donated second handbooks.They also collect used stamps andforeign coins to raise money.The League of Friends itself hasabout 60 members. As well asrunning the shop, members also takeover the information desk when thatis unmanned, give change for thecar park and, very importantly,provide a friendly ear for patients.It is during the 17 years since thehospital opened that the League hasraised the impressive milestonefigure.To mark the occasion, the Trust hasgiven the League of Friends of KingGeorge Hospital a special LifetimeAchievement Award.Unveiling a special plaque next tothe shop in the atrium at KingGeorge, Chief Executive JohnGoulston said: “The award marksmore than 40 years’ service to thehospital, its patients, staff andvisitors. It is also in recognition of the£1million raised since the currenthospital opened – what anoutstanding achievement!”The BHR Hospitals Charity fundedthe plaque which will be seen by thethousands of patients and visitorswho pass through the busythoroughfare.• Interim Chairman Barbara Ligginsand Chief Executive John Goulstonwith members of the League ofFriends of King George Hospital.Did you know . . ?You can now go to the Upney Lane Walk-In Centre in Barking foryour GP X-ray appointment.If your GP has referred you for an X-ray, you can now choose to have it atUpney Lane instead of heading to one of our main hospitals.And the service is available seven days a week.The opening hours for GP X-ray referrals are from 9am to 9pm onweekdays, and from 10am until 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.You must book your appointment, and can do this by calling 0208 9708307 between 9am and 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays.This service runs alongside the existing Walk-In Minor Injuries servicewhich is already in place at Upney Lane.O C T O B E R 2 0 1 05

Charge Nurserewarded fordedicationDiabetic nurse is a ‘Star’A diabetic nurse, called a “star” by grateful patients, has been given anEmployee of the Month Award.Vassoodee Kunhya – known as Dave by colleagues and patients alike – wasnominated for the prize by four separate people who he has treated at KingGeorge Hospital.Michaela Gavin from Dagenham said: “Whenever I meet anyone withdiabetes I always mention Dave. To me he is a star and I am forever gratefulto have met him.“He is so dedicated and really helped me to understand the condition.”Fellow patient Susan Banning added: “He is kind and caring and goes out ofhis way to help those of us who are under his care.”Dave was presented with a certificate, vouchers and chocolates at a surpriseceremony.Did you know . . ?You can change or cancel your outpatient appointment on theTrust’s website.Every year thousands of people fail to keep their appointments. If we haveno warning, we can't give the slot to someone else who really needs it.This really matters to the organisation. It is costly for the hospital andwastes staff time and resources. Most of all it impacts on the length oftime others have to wait for theirappointments.If you can't come to an outpatient clinicappointment for any reason, you canphone the clinic number on your appointmentcard. Please have your appointmentletter or card to hand as youwill be asked for your hospital number.Alternatively you can go to our websitewww.bhrhospitals.nhs.uk and click on the linkto change/cancel your appointment.A dedicated nurse has picked upan Employee of the MonthAward after he was nominatedby a host of different colleagues.Jonathan Faulkner is Charge Nurseon Sahara A ward at Queen’sHospital - focusing on neurosciencesand the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit.Ten members of staff put his nameforward for the accolade.One colleague said: “Jonathan is ateam player with a caring approach,and an outstanding knowledge onneurological conditions. He is atireless, caring, professional - hiscompassionate conduct is a credit tothe nursing profession - supportingand motivating his peers andcolleagues.”His example to junior staff was alsoheralded by the therapists. Theysaid: “He is a shining example ofwhat nursing is all about, throughhis work and willingness to teachstudents at every availableopportunity. He is always on hand tosupport and guide junior staff.”In a surprise ceremony, Jonathan waspresented with his certificate,vouchers and a bottle of Champagneby new Trust Chairman, EdwinDoyle.Jonathan said: "I am so grateful tobe given this award and I really lovemy job - but I couldn't do it withoutthe help of everyone in the team -they are all wonderful."• Jonathan is pictured withChairman Edwin Doyle6 H O S P I TA L L I F E

Playing’s good for healthChildren’s specialists at ourhospitals have been promotingthe importance of play.‘Play in Hospitals Week’ was markedat Queen’s with a special exhibitionled by Play Specialists Lyn Clark andAlison Stephen.The pair showed visitors what theydo to entertain and engage withyoung patients – and how importantthat is to their treatment.Play Specialists are based on ourchildren’s wards and children’soutpatients department.Lyn said: “We want to make theirtime in hospital as happy as possible.Through play and activities we canhelp to speed their recovery.“It also allows children to assimilatenew information, adjust to and gaincontrol over a potentially frighteningenvironment and prepare to copewith procedures.”Lyn added: “We work closely with allthe health professionals and providethe children with a great variety ofplay and activities. We find they arehappier and more relaxed when theyare able to play games, stick, paintand so many more things.“We also work closely with families,making the stay in hospital a goodtime to share in child’s play. Many atime an adult has said how relaxingcolouring in or model-making canbe.”The importance of play in helpingchildren to relax and heal isrecognised across the world.A spokesperson for the Departmentof Health said: “There is evidencethat play hastens recovery as well asreducing the need for interventionsto be delivered under generalanaesthesia.”The displays to mark Play in HospitalsWeek included painting and designsput together by patients on thechildren’s ward at Queen’s, TropicalLagoon.• Pictured are Play Specialists AlisonStephen and Lyn ClarkO C T O B E R 2 0 1 07

Power to the ElderlyA special event has been held tomark Older People’s Day.The Trust has had great success intreating elderly patients since a newunit was opened in August.The Acute Elderly Unit sees olderpatients treated on designated wardsat both Queen’s and King George byexperienced staff.All are seen by an elderly carespecialist on arrival, and there aretherapists on site to help withrehabilitation.The success of the unit in such ashort space of time has beenastonishing.The number of falls has been cut byhalf, the number of pressure ulcershas reduced by 30%, and therecording of patients’ vital signs hasgone up by 35%.Elderly patients are recovering so wellin the Acute Unit that, in just nineweeks, the average length of stay fellby two days.All of the wards have a dedicatednutrition assistant who makes surethat people are getting the food anddrink that they need.And nurses make sure that they visitevery patient regularly and do regularreviews of their condition.The Trust is working to improve careof the elderly across the board, and isin-line with national strategies for thecare of older people and treatingdementia.Groups have been set up to reviewpain assessment and management,to improve the promotion ofcontinence and to improve patientexperience.Dignity champions have also beenput in place to ensure that patientsare treated with respect, and aProductive Ward scheme has beenintroduced which has seen nurses’direct patient care time increased by12%.National Older People’s Day sawstands at both hospitals manned byspecialist staff and promoting whatwork we are doing to improve carefor the elderly.Visitors could ask any questions theywished, make suggestions forimprovement, take part in a quiz andeven sample special nutritional drinksgiven to elderly patients.• Pictured are members of the AcuteElderly Unit at King George Hospitalmarking Older People’s DayContact us: If you would like to see a particular service featured in Hospital Life, contact Niki Eves on01708 435314, or email nicola.eves@bhrhospitals.nhs.uk