May 2012 - West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Newsletter Issue 35May 2012News and views fromSt Albans,Hemel Hempsteadand Watford HospitalspulseNewsletter Spring 2012

General Trust NewsContents2 General Trust NewsGetting Better5 Nursing678What's happening on your site -Watford General HospitalWhat's happening on your site -St Albans City HospitalWhat's happening on your site -Hemel Hempstead Hospital9 Staff10 Risk10 Staff Awards11 Events News12 News in briefFoundation TrustUpdateYour hospitalYour NHSThe Trust received good news in March when itwas informed that the Strategic HealthAuthority had put the Foundation Trustapplication through to the Department ofHealth for Secretary of State approval.This is a significant step forward and, followingan extensive sixteen week assessment byMonitor (the independent regulator), it shouldlead to the Trust being authorised to become aFoundation Trust later this year.In the words of the Beatles… “It's getting better all the time”, andthat is certainly how it feels in the Trust. It is well known from the generalpress that austerity measures and the growth in the demand forhealthcare is putting a lot of pressure on health services throughoutthe country. As part of that pressure, Trusts throughout the countryhave had a 4% reduction in the amount of money they have tospend on the services that are provided for the same level ofservice.In previous years, the Trust has had ‘The Big Ask’ as the banner underwhich its financial targets have been achieved and, as evidenced by theTrust’s current financial position, this was largely successful. 2012/13 seesthe launch of the ‘Getting Better’ programme as the natural successor to‘The Big Ask’. The Trust believes that by concentrating on three aspects of quality:clinical, access, and deployment, it can deliver the financial improvements required while at the sametime increasing the quality of the services provided to patients.Natalie Forrest, the Trust’s Director of Nursing has taken on the mantle as the Executive Director withresponsibility for the improvement programme in 2012/13 and is keen to prove the relationship betweenimproving quality and efficiency at West Herts.Two recent examples of how quality has been enhanced while at the same time improving the financialposition include:• The approval to recruit respiratory technicians as part of a plan to keep people local in terms oftheir healthcare and the need for specialist respiratory tests. By doing so, not only does the Trustimprove access for existing patients, it potentially allows open access for new patients and theirGPs across the local areas.• Identifying parts of the buildings that need better insulation. This will lead not only to cooler facilitiesduring the warmer summer months but also a significant reduction in energy bills during the nextwinter and beyond. In qualitative terms this improves the experience of our patients, as well asreducing the Trust’s CO² emissions leading to a greener site.The Trust is keen to get ideas and to engage with people in all parts of the organisation. If you have anidea or want to be involved please email TEAMGB@whht.nhs.uk.Outpatient survey: Showing continued rise in patient satisfactionThe Trust is delighted with the results of the latestindependent outpatient survey which confirmeda further increase in patient satisfaction.Since the previous national survey in 2009, thelatest results clearly show that the Trust has seenan improvement in performance across 53 out ofthe 62 questions asked – a total of 85% - acrossall areas of the survey; including waiting times,the environment, information about medicationand overall satisfaction and care.Next issue:August 2012If you have any articles or information youwould like to see in the next edition of thismagazine, please contact the CommunicationsDepartment on WGH x8280.The results were collated from 378 questionnaires sent out by the Care Quality Commission andresponded to by patients who received care and treatment from the outpatient services between Juneand October 2011.Chief Executive Jan Filochowski said: "These results are the fourth set of survey results which showevidence of steady improvement in our outpatient service. It is excellent to see that the work we havedone to improve our outpatient service has been reflected in the impression our patients are receiving.However, although these results continue to be encouraging, the survey does pinpoint some areas forimprovement which we need to focus on in the future.”2May 2012

General Trust News“If we get it right with our staff, we will get it right with our patients”Staff Survey ResultsThank you to everyone who completed the national annual staff survey lastautumn. The Trust has now received the results which show significantimprovements in the vast majority of the 38 indicators compared to last year’ssurvey. This is really good news as it demonstrates a significant overallimprovement in morale within the Trust.• staff reporting that they believe they can contribute to improvements atwork which moved from being in the lowest 20% to above average,• staff recommending the Trust as a place to work or be treated whichmoved from worst 20% to just below averageOf particular interest is the ‘overall staff engagement indicator’ which movedfrom being in the lowest 20% to being average. This indicator is put togetherby the Department of Health and is calculated by combining questions fromthe 3 following indicators:• staff reporting motivation at work from below average to above averageThe indicator reporting experience of harassment and bullying between staffhas fallen from 19% to 16% which is average for acute Trusts.What’s been happening?Since Mark Vaughan, Director of Workforce joined the Trust in January 2011he has met with over 200 members of staff to ask their views and ideas onhow the Trust could address issues raised in the 2010 staff survey. Over thepast year, the Trust has also embarked on a staff engagement programmewith outpatients and AAU staff, including facilitated sessions and thedevelopment and delivery of specific action plans to improve staff experience.To date, around 93% of staff have received an annual appraisal. This is a hugeimprovement on previous figures, but there is still some work to do in thisarea, as only 36% of staff believed their appraisal to be well structured.Internal communication processes have also recently been reviewed and anumber of new initiatives have been introduced, as well as strengtheningexisting communication methods. Some of the new schemes include a ‘Backto the Floor’ (see back page for Louise Gaffney’s account of her time in theAAU) and shadowing programme.One area where the Trust could have done better in the staff survey wasaround job relevant training. However, a recent review of mandatory andstatutory training will help to address this issue as it will target moreappropriate levels of refresher training in line with best practice.Two other areas highlighted as needing a real focus were the availability ofhand washing materials and the number of staff reporting an experience ofsome form of discrimination. The second point will be addressed by thedelivery of an Equality Delivery System’s action plan which is currently beingdeveloped following a recent self-assessment.Going forwardA new People Strategy recently agreed at the Board is being introduced. ThePeople Strategy has four key inter-related elements; core standards,competencies, working differently and demonstrable outcomes, which are allbased on the premise that improving the experience of staff leads to a betterpatient experience and improved outcomes.Key components of the strategy:Core standards• Identify all managers with people management responsibilities and taskthese individuals with deliver of key aspects of strategy. For example allstaff should be appraised, undertake mandatory training and be part ofteam communication.• Develop further sets of standards for all staff based on the Patients Pledgeand ‘Making things work better’.Competent workforce• Ensure key list of identified managers have appropriate skills baseddevelopment, including newly appointed Clinical and Divisional Directors.• Improve quality of appraisals and PDPs and align with service objectives.Collegiate working/staff engagement• Continue to deliver targeted listening and engagement exercises such asthose carried out in Outpatients and the AAU.• Improve the visibility of the Board and senior management and continuewith events such as ‘Back to the Floor’ programme and staffrecognition/award ceremonies.Demonstrable outcomes• Continue to raise profile of patient and staff surveys.• Link metrics related to patient outcomes with staff indicators, for examplesickness and turnover.Over the next few months, you will be hearing a lot more about the newPeople’s Strategy and how it will help to make the Trust a better place to workin for all of us. If you would like to discuss anything in this article or wouldbe interested in Mark Vaughan visiting your department or attending one ofyour team meetings, please contact WGH x7388 or emailJohanna.mills@whht.nhs.ukFor a more detailed summary of the Trust’s 2011 Staff Survey results, pleasevisit either the HR Intranet Pages or visit http://nhsstaffsurveys.com/cms.May 2012 3

General Trust News‘Making Things Work Better’NewI smile,The patientI keepintroduceis mypatientsmyself andpriorityinformedlistenA ringingI createphone is mya calmresponsibility environmentIn order to improve “customer care” for patients, relatives, GPs and eachother, a new set of Telephone Standards were issued in March by the ChiefExecutive, as part of the Making Things Work Better (MTWB) Project. TheseTelephone Standards must be fully operational across the Trust in advance ofthe summer holiday period 2012.Many staff were involved in developing the Standards, through pilots in ‘frontof house’ areas and via staff ‘drop-in’ sessions held across the three hospitalsites.The Chief Executive said: “I expect all staff to prioritise necessaryimprovements in our telephone communications. Divisions must incorporatethe monitoring of the Telephone Standards into routine performancemanagement.”Telephone Standards• I know which phones I am responsible for,• I answer any ringing phone within five rings,• I will answer caller enquiries or take and notify a clear message,• All messages are responded to the same working day,• I will ensure face-to-face conversations with patients, carers andrelatives are not curtailed by a ringing phone,• I will answer any phone by introducing myself by my name, role anddepartment,• I respond to voicemail messages the same working day,• I ensure my phone is covered at all times.A series of e-nuggets were distributed in April that explained the TelephoneStandards in more detail, and what is required for these to be implemented. Ifyou would like a copy of the e-nuggets, please see the ‘Hot Topics’ section ofthe Intranet or contact the Communications Team on WGH x8280.The Making Things Work Better Project Steering Group will be auditingprogress of the implementation of the Standards during May and June 2012.If you have any concerns or need support in establishing the TelephoneStandards in your area, for example the absence of voicemail, issues aroundroutinely covering phones during periods of leave or if you feel that any ofyour staff would benefit from ‘customer services’ training, please emailinfo@whht.nhs.uk or telephone WGH x3997.Personal Fair Diverse ChampionThe Trust has recently appointed Equality and DiversityManager Neil Carter.neil.carter@whht.nhs.uk. Neil is based on the Ground Floor in the AdminBlock at Watford.Neil joins the Trust fresh from working with MiltonKeynes Community Health Services and HospitalFoundation Trust where he helped to successfully embeda personal, fair and diverse approach to equality.Neil is relishing the challenges ahead. Neil said, “I want staff and patients tosee the relevance of equality and the best way to do that is to help peopleanswer the question, “How can equality help me in my job?” That’s why I’mchampioning a Personal, Fair and Diverse NHS – a place where patients andstaff are treated with courtesy, dignity and respect, a place where care doesn’tstop at the door, but helps people live healthier lives. I’m really looking forwardto making a difference”.Neil has spent the last twenty years as an equality practitioner working acrossa range of public sector organisations including the criminal justice system,local government as well as the third sector and brings with him a wealth ofexperience and expertise.Neil will be sharing his time with Hertfordshire Community Health Trustand can be contact on WGH x8787, 07717346254 or emailEquality Objectives publishedThe Trust published its equality objectives on 6 April 2012, as required by theEquality Act 2010 (Public Sector Equality Duties (PSED) Regulations 2011.The objectives have measurable aims that will help the Trust to meet thethree general equality duties it must deliver:These are:1. Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation.2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share acharacteristic and those who do not.3. Foster good relations between people who share a characteristic andthose who do not.The Trust’s objectives will be reviewed and published at least once every fouryears. To find out more about these objectives, go to the homepage of theTrust website and click ‘Commitment to Equality’.4May 2012

NursingThe 15 Steps ChallengeUniform ConsultationThe Trust is working with the Institute forImprovement on a project called The 15 StepsChallenge which focuses on the initialimpressions that an individual gets when theytake their first 15 steps onto a ward ordepartment.The 15 Step Challenge was piloted at the SeniorLeaders Day on 13 March 2012. Forty six seniorleaders were randomly put into pairs and given award to visit that they were not familiar with.Altogether, twenty three ward areas were auditedusing a series of questions and prompts. The visitswere kept to thirty minutes in order to capture‘first impressions’ only.At the end of the visits, each team reported backto the main group one positive and one negativetheme from their findings. Some of the positivekey themes highlighted during the exerciseincluded every ward visited was found to be calmand clean and the majority had good informationboards available. One of the negative pointshighlighted was that the walls on a number ofthe wards were cluttered with too many posters.All wards that took part have received a copy ofthe feedback in full for their specific area and willbe expected to develop an action plan designedto improve upon some of the negative themes.The Trust will continue to work with the NHSInstitute for Improvement on this valuableproject. When a final draft of the tool is agreed awide range of stakeholders will be invited toperform the 15 Steps Challenge across theorganisation, including patients, non executivedirectors, volunteers, and administrative staff sotheir perspectives and expertise can be used toimprove the experience for all patients in westHertfordshire.A consultation was held in February and March to ask nurses and midwives what they thought ofthe Trust’s proposed changes to uniforms. The consultation is now complete and the majority ofresponses were in favour of the proposals. The comments below were raised during theconsultation and each one was individually considered by a group specifically established to reviewnursing and midwifery uniforms in the Trust.No. Comment Uniform Group response1 I worked hard and was proud to gain my“blues” to be now told they are to be takenaway. The demotion of our uniforms back topre promotion uniforms is doing nothing forthe morale of nursing staff.2 Could the uniforms not be phased in sothat the colours stay the same and aspeople come to the Trust the new uniformsare given out? This would save a lot ofmoney by not replacing uniforms that stillhave a lot of wear in them.3 Why can’t a specialism radiograph nursewear the navy and red that the otherspecialisms wear?4 I prefer the uniform, but not the colour!Band 6’s will look like student nurses!5 Can you consider the uniform for thespecialist support workers? We would liketo be able to have the sky blue with a redor navy piping to match the trained nurse?The group understand that junior sisters haveworked hard for their position and wish tobe recognised. It is for this reason that thegroup agreed not to put all RNs in the samecolour uniform as many trusts have chosento do. The group believe that the Royal Bluewill stand out but allow the Senior Sisters towear the navy.There is no additional money available tochange the uniforms. The process will bephased to ensure maximum impact withminimal wastage.The Uniform Group feel that local decisionsregarding the choice of which uniform amember of staff should wear must be madeby the Matron and Senior manager forindividual areas.The Uniform Group have reviewed the royalblue colour. The group believe that it is avery different blue from the student nurseuniform and do not feel that there will beany confusion.The uniform group considered this request.There will be a specialist band 2-4 uniformof sky blue with red piping.Thank you to everyone who took part in the uniform consultation. Your feedback was invaluable inensuring that all nursing and midwifery staff have a uniform that they like and is practical andcomfortable for everyone.Stop the pressurePressure ulcers cause patients long term pain anddistress. To make it easier for you to prevent andtreat pressure ulcers, please see the new PressureUlcer Path, at www.stopthepressure.com/path.You may also like to look at a two minuteanimation at www.stopthepressure.com, which isfull of surprises and practical help for you andyour colleagues.Congratulations toFlaunden Ward whoare the latestwinners of ‘TheProductive Ward ofthe Month’ awardMay 2012 5

Watford NewsWhat’s happening on your site – Watford General HospitalIncreasing capacityContact us...If you work at Watford and have anynews you would like included in thenext edition of this magazine, pleaseemail info@whht.nhs.uk or ring theCommunications Department onWGH x8280.During 2011/12 it became apparent that the Trust was a lot busier than it had expected to be whenplans had been made for the year. Therefore, last summer the Trust discussed with staff what could bedone to expand the facilities at Watford in order to respond to the pressure. During the review it wasabundantly clear that A&E and AAU did not have enough capacity and maternity also had a fairly similarproblem as births continued to increase.The Trust Board made decisions in July 2011 to invest in a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) in A&E, aSurge Ward (now known as AAU, Red Suite), a new area for treating minor injuries in A&E and extracapacity in Maternity and Neonatal Care. Funding was found to carry out this important work, someof it internally, particularly for maternity, and some of it externally from the Primary Care Trust who hasbeen very supportive and understanding about the pressure the Trust is under.Work on the projects began very quickly and the new areas were all completed on time – around theend of 2011/ early 2012 - and are providing extra capacity and a much better experience for patientsand staff.Thank you to all staff who were involved in these important projects, which have enabled the Trust tomanage with the significant increase in demand on our services.Events diary: Watford*21 May - Pre-Retirement Course*13 June, 12.30 – 1.30pmStress Management Lunchtime Workshopfor all staff.19 JuneCarers’ Week – lunchtime session to be heldfor staff caring for relatives or friends,12 – 1.30pm. With support and informationfrom the Alzheimer’s Association and theopportunity to talk to others with similarexperiences.*24 July, 12.30pm – 1.30pmStress Management Lunchtime Workshopfor managers*5 SeptemberMigraine – lunchtime talk. Migraine Actionwill be coming to talk to staff about thelatest information, advice and support forthose that suffer with migraine.11 SeptemberKnow Your Numbers Week. Blood pressuretesting between 12pm and 2pm*21 September, 1.45pm – 4.45pmMid-Career Personal Financial PlanningA half-day course covering pensions,savings and investments, taxes and more.What our patients sayabout us?The Trust regularly receives thank you letters fromhappy patients and relatives. Below is an extractof a letter received from a patient who visitedFlaunden Ward at Watford.“I was extremely well treated at WatfordGeneral; the good humour and dedication of thestaff on Flaunden Ward where I stayed for twonights, was in my opinion truly excellent. Thiswas the first time I had been admitted tohospital and I was nervous to say the least butthey put me at my ease, kept me informed theentire time I was there as to what washappening and did their utmost to expedite bothmy recovery and discharge from hospital. Manythanks to all the staff, you really are Angels!”Anyone for TableTennis?Staff can now have a game of table tennisafter work at Watford. The table can beused in Terrace Meeting Room 3 (outside theExecutive Meeting Room in the Spice of LifeRestaurant) between 5pm and 8pm eachweek day. Please ring the Human ResourcesDepartment on WGH x7356/7388 to bookthe table. Any staff booking will beresponsible for unfolding and folding thetable up again before and after use. Batsand balls can be obtained from HumanResources with a small deposit, whenbooking.Refurbished visitortoilets now open inSpice of Life Restaurant*To book a place please call the TrainingDepartment on WGH x7247 or 7964.Music to the WardsA 'Music in Hospitals' charity has visited a number ofwards at Watford to brighten up the day forpatients. The charity produces concerts by an arrayof professional musicians from all genres and culturalbackgrounds for hospital wards and healthcaresettings. The performances at Watford weresupported by the Harlequin Shopping Centre.Natalie Forrest, Director of Nursing said: " Music hasnumerous emotional and physical benefits and thepatients on our wards were visibly delighted to beentertained by the team of musicians."Following the last performance, one patientcommented: "It was lovely to hear him sing, he issuch a great musician", whilst a visitor to the wardadded that it was: "a lovely thing to do to make thepatients feel better".6May 2012

St Albans NewsWhat’s happening on your site – St Albans City HospitalEvents diary: St Albans12 SeptemberKnow Your Numbers Week. Blood pressuretesting between 12 and 2pm*20 SeptemberPre-Retirement Course*21 September, 9.30am – 12.30pmMid-Career Personal Financial PlanningA half-day course covering pensions,savings and investments, taxes and more.16 OctoberCholesterol and Glucose Testing*To book a place please call the TrainingDepartment on WGH x7247 or 7964.What our patientssay about us?The Trust regularly receives thank you letters fromhappy patients and relatives. Below is an extractof a letter received from a parent of a patientwho visited the Minor Injuries Unit at St Albans:“The nurses that treated my son were gems.They took the time to explain and reason withhim at every step, and gave first class treatment.We were made to feel as though he reallymattered, and would highly recommend thisParents get a treat!On Wednesday 14 March, parents dropping theirchildren off at the Busy Bees Nursery at St Albanswere presented with breakfast bags by the staffas they left for work. Parents were thrilled withtheir treat, as many had not yet had time to eattheir breakfast!unit. Thank you for your care.”The Day Surgery Unit (DSU) at St Albans has been open for approximately fiveyears.Contact us...If you work at St Albans and haveany news you would like includedin the next edition of thismagazine, please emailinfo@whht.nhs.uk or ring theCommunications Department onWGH x8280.Spotlight on the Day Surgery Unitat St AlbansThe main function of DSU is to provide high quality, efficient planned surgicalcare. DSU provides elective surgery for a wide range of specialities including:Orthopaedics General Surgery Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Pain GynaecologyThe Unit is Nurse-led and dispenses its own medication. This ensures that patients are seen in a timelymanner and are able to be discharged easily after recovery. On average 800 patients a week are treatedby the Unit, with three separateconsultant lists a day, one list in themorning, one in the afternoon and onein the evening. These lists are runfollowing a theatre timetable whichfollows a bi-weekly rota.The DSU staff work on a shift basis withfive staff on an early shift and three on alate shift. Each nurse is assigned aConsultant operation list to followthroughout their shift. They care for eachpatient on their list from admission,through surgery and into recovery.Comments receivedfrom DSU patients“I was very nervous about my hospital visitbut the treatment was exceptional. Veryclean, friendly approachable staffing madethe visit as pleasant as possible given thecircumstances.”“The care I received was of the higheststandard. Every single member of staff wasextremely caring, respectful and kind. Ialways felt reassured and looked after. Myoperation was a complete success and hasgiven me a much more confident andcomfortable life.”Team ofthe Year2011/12They also work very closely with the pain team toensure their patients are cared for and kept in aslittle pain as possible.Main contacts for DSUWard Manager:Dawn BaileyMatron:Paula KingLocation:Gloucester Wing, Ground Floor Contact details01727 897467Opening times of the Day Surgery Unit:7am-10pm Monday to Thursday7am - 8pm FridayMay 20127

Hemel NewsWhat’s happening on your site – Hemel Hempstead HospitalContact us...New Decontamination Unit opensIf you work at Hemel Hempstead andhave any news you would like includedin the next edition of this magazine,please email info@whht.nhs.uk or ringthe Communications Department onWGH x8280.Events diary: Hemel Hempstead29 JuneChildcare Information Drop-In Session,Medical Education Centre . Drop in any timebetween 11.30am and 1.30pm forinformation on childcare vouchers, financialbenefits and general childcare.13th SeptemberKnow Your Numbers Week. Blood pressuretesting between 12 and 2pm10 OctoberCholesterol and Glucose TestingA new Decontamination Unit opened at Hemel Hempstead in February2012. All NHS Trusts are required to achieve specific decontaminationstandards and Endoscopy decontamination represents a significantelement of this standard. In order to identify a clear pathway to achievingfully compliant facilities in the Trust, a Decontamination ComplianceProgramme Board was established. Following a detailed review of options,it was agreed that the current units at Hemel Hempstead and Watfordwould be redeveloped.Building work started at Hemel Hempstead in June 2011 and the newDecontamination Unit opened in February 2012, under the managementof Antonio Cecco, the Head of Integrated Decontamination Team.Building work to develop the new Decontamination Unit at Watford willget underway shortly with a large proportion of the work beingconducted offsite. The new unit will be developed in the lightwell in theMain Block, adjacent to the Endoscopy Unit on Level 3 and is expected beoperational in early 2013.What our patientssay about us?The Trust regularly receives thank you letters fromhappy patients and relatives. Below is an extract of aletter received from a patient who visited theFracture Clinic in Hemel Hempstead.“I have had three appointments at the FractureClinic and was very well looked after on all threeoccasions. The staff were kind and helpful, theset-up in the room where they do the plaster isgreat and a porter moved me around in awheelchair when necessary. I really like the e-check-in system, and the screen displaying whatis going on. I didn't have to wait very long onany visit, even when waiting at X-ray andOccupational Therapy.”8May 2012

Staffalance 4 Lifeyour health, your fitness, your wellbeingCooking up a storm!On 24 February, as part of Healthy Heart Month, a team from the PamperedChef cooked up some delicious British Heart Foundation recipes in the Spiceof Life Restaurant in Watford to demonstrate that healthy eating can bequick and easy! Staff were shown how to make Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry, andHealthy Vegetarian Pizza. The delightful aromas in the restaurant drew anumber of people along to taste a sample of these dishes.For both recipes pluslots more tips on healthyeating, please see theHealthy Eating page ofthe Balance4Life webpages.Retirement NewsMaria Jose SantarsieroAfter 30 years of dedicated service onRidge Ward at Watford, Maria JoseSantarsiero (or Jose as her colleagueslike to call her) is retiring from her roleas a Healthcare Assistant.Originally from Portugal, Jose started work at Watford General in 1981. Shehas been caring for its patients ever since, and finished on 26 April this year,having most recently worked several night shifts every week.During the three decades Jose has worked for the Trust, she has seen anawful lot change to her working environment and the way public healthcareis delivered. “It’s changed massively”, she said. “But one thing that has neverchanged has been the unwavering support from my ward manager.Did you take up the challenge?Staff really got involved in the recent Activity Challenge which ran fromJanuary to March. The Activity Challenge, organised as part of Healthy HeartMonth in February, included a pedometer challenge, one-off fitness sessions,cholesterol and glucose tests and a healthy eating cookery demonstration.Points were earned for participation in any of the Trust events during theperiod of the challenge.Due to popular demand, the East ofEngland Strategic Health Authorityonce again generously provided theTrust with a Water Wellpoint Kioskduring Healthy Heart Month. TheKiosk was available to staff in Watfordfor two weeks, followed by HemelHempstead and then St Albans for aweek each. (Using the Kiosk alsoearned staff an Action Challengepoint). Over 600 people used theWellpoint Kiosk to check their bloodpressure, weight, body fat, body mass index, heart rate and hydration quota.Some of the staff that used it were pleased with the results they received;while some used it as a wake-up call to embark on a new fitness regime. Onemember of staff from St Albans has already lost a stone in weight since sheundertook the health check.At the same time as the Action Challenge was running, a pledge form wasavailable on the intranet inviting staff to make their own personalcommitment to improving their health and wellbeing. The pledges will bereturned to those that wrote them approximately three months after theywere submitted, so that the individual concerned can see whether or not theyhave achieved their target. Although the challenge is now over, the pledgeform is still available on the intranet for staff to use if they wish.Congratulations to Sarah Lafbery, Matron on the Intensive Care Unit atWatford who is the winner of the Activity Challenge. Sarah won a day for twoat Champneys in Tring. Sarah regularly takes part in two zumba classes eachweek and entered her steps every week for the Pedometer Challenge.“Parames Ramasamy has always been good to me, especially when I wasinitially still learning to work and communicate with patients in my secondlanguage on a day-to-day basis. She has been a massive support”.When asked if there was one thing she would like to think she has left as alasting influence upon her colleagues and the department, she answered:“That a positive, caring attitude doesn’t cost a thing, and getting a realenjoyment of working with people”.So after such a lengthy day-to-day routine, what will Jose do now? “Spendtime with my husband who I will have been married to for 40 years in 2013;and working on my garden which is my pride and joy. I will be able to seemy friends more now too, so I’ve got a lot to look forward to”.The Trust would like to say thank you to Jose for her dedicated service andwishes her a very happy and fulfilling retirement. She was presented with aLong Service Award and retirement gift by Colin Johnston, Medical Directorat the start of her last shift.Well done also to ‘The Walkaholics’ led by Surgical Matron, Karen Bowler,who were the winning team in the Pedometer Challenge, and to the winningindividual, Cheryl Atkins who works for the Infection Control Team. Eachwinner will receive a Champneys gift set.Coming to a site near you soonThe Water Wellpoint Kiosk will return to the Trust for three weeks inSeptember – a year from when it was first available, and staff across all threesites will be able to check their health again. Cholesterol tests will also beoffered in Watford on 25 September, in St Albans on 16 October and afurther date is yet to be confirmed in Hemel Hempstead.Welcome to the following new Consultants:• Nida Suri – Emergency Medicine• Ruth Davies – A&E Consultant• Ben Rudge - Consultant in OrthopaedicsMay 2012 9

RiskIncident feedback and learningAll these incidents have been highlighted via the completion of our Online Datix Incident ReportingForm. This learning is being shared to help staff improve patient safety and carePoor communication between staff, patients and relatives. This is acommon theme in incidents, complaints and PALS and we must ensure thatcommunication is consistent, clear and effective and that patients andrelatives are involved. A lot of work is being carried out to enhancecommunication and patients are being included in handovers to ensurethat they are more aware as well as training being offered to staff.A number of incidents have been reported relating to medicationerrors including delayed admin, wrong dose, wrong time,prescription errors, delayed TTAs and omitted drugs. Please ensurethat errors are noted, reported, monitored and escalated and that you areadhering fully to the Medicines Management Policy and other relevantprotocols and guidelines.Patients admitted to hospital with Grade 3 and 4 pressure ulcersacquired in the community. These are reported to the PCT using theinformation reported on Datix. The PCT will then review the informationand decide the originating organisation who will be asked to declare andinvestigate the pressure ulcer as an SI as per usual process. Thus it isimportant that all questions relating to pressure ulcers on the Datix formare completed fully.A number of incidents have been reported to the Medicines andHealthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) without notificationto the Clinical Engineering Department or completion of a Trustincident form. This was a Never Event and the investigation focussed oninterpretation and education amongst doctors in reading x-rays as well asadequate IT provision. In March 2011 a NG tube NPSA Alert(NPSA/2011/PSA002) stated that pH testing is used as the first line testmethod and X-ray is used only as a second line test.Patient Identifiable Data (PID). Please note that when completing theincident description on an incident form you should not include any patientdetails or other patient identifiable data. There are appropriate and specificfields on the incident form to enter such information. The Trust is monitoredby the NPSA on the number of incidents reported with personal identifiabledata so please ensure that you maintain patient confidentiality at all times.Incidents relating to mislabelling and / or unlabelled forms andspecimens have been highlighted. Please ensure that request forms andspecimens are labelled and correctly labelled in accordance with policies andprocedures and that such incidents are reported and monitored robustly toavoid any patient safety incidents.For more information contact the Risk Management and Governance Team on HH x2694 and WGH x7766, pooja.sharma@whht.nhs.ukStaff AwardsPatient Safety UpdateNew In-Patient PrescriptionGoing for Gold AwardsStaff Excellence Monthly AwardsDecember 2011Employee of the Month - Lynette Napper, Domestic, WatfordTeam of the Month - Maternity Department, WatfordJanuary 2012Employee of the Month - George Iddiols, Desktop Service Manager,Clinical Informatics, Hemel HempsteadTeam of the Month - Endoscopy Unit, Hemel HempsteadThe patientis mypriorityA ringingphone is myresponsibilityI smile,introducemyself andlistenI createa calmenvironmentI keeppatientsinformedTo nominate pleasecomplete a nominationform available via the Trustwebsite:www.westhertfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk orcontact the WorkforceDepartment on 01923217388 to request a form.For further details, please contact: Sharon Howarth(Lead Medicines Safety & Audit Pharmacist) Pharmacy Department,WGH x3319, sharon.howarth@whht.nhs.uk10May 2012

Events NewsIT host a national showcase eventTelevision Actress SurprisesVolunteersThe Trust hosted a national showcase event on 29 February to formally launch arevolutionary new IT system, which will speed up the process for doctors gainingimportant information on patients attending the hospital.The new computer system will allow information from a large number of previouslyindividual clinical computer systems to be brought together and viewed from onecollective ‘portal’. Clinical staff will be able to get real-time patient and clinical data,test results and imaging, such as x-rays and scans wherever and whenever they needto across the hospital sites.The showcase event called ‘Making Things Work Better: A clinical portal view of theworld of healthcare’ was attended by Trust staff, IT experts and healthcareprofessionals from across the UK.The Trust’s Medical Director, Dr Colin Johnston was one of the keynote speakers atthe event and described the imminent launch of the IT system as “a real jewel in thecrown”.He added: “The Trust is delighted to have been involved in the development of thisnew IT system, which really is the future of global healthcare. I am positive it willprove to be an invaluable tool for our clinicians and will deliver genuine benefits topatients by reducing delays in the consultation and treatment process andsignificantly improving thepatient experience. It is a shiningexample of how new technologycan improve patient care andsafety and drive efficiency. I haveno doubt that many other NHSTrusts across England are likelyto follow”.'One Spare for a Chair'Wheelchair SchemeChief Executive Jan Filochowski met members of the Patients Services team inMarch, who had the inspiration to set up a scheme asking doctors to donate partof their administration fee for completing certain legal documents to a fund whichcan be used to improve the patient experience. Thanks to the generosity of thisgroup of doctors the Trust has been able to purchase seven new wheelchairs forpatients to use at Watford.Volunteers had a surprise on 28 February when former BBC Eastendersactress Pam St. Clement dropped into the Trust's annual Volunteer 'ThankYou' event.Pam, who played Pat Butcher for 25 years in the much-loved British soapopera, spent the afternoon chatting and presenting certificates tovolunteers in recognition of all their hard work and dedication, in somecases over 27 years.The Trust's Volunteer of the Year, Joan Broome (pictured above), who is91 years old and has volunteered at Hemel Hempstead Hospital for over20 years, was also presented with a bouquet of flowers by Ms St.Clement.The Trust’s Chairman, Professor Thomas Hanahoe and the ChiefExecutive, Jan Filochowski, also joined the lunch party to update thevolunteers on the Trust's latest news and offer their personal thanks fortheir valuable contribution.Official launch of new unit fornewborn babiesA launch event was held in March to formally open a new NeonatalTransitional Care Unit at Watford.The 6-bedded Unit enhances the quality of care provided to mothers andbabies by providing an area where babies, who require closer monitoring,treatment and support than that of a post-natal unit, can be nursed alongsidethe mother, thereby avoiding unnecessary separation.The Trust’s Director of Nursing, Natalie Forrest officially opened the Unit andsaid: "I believe that this new facility will provide greater capacity to managethe growing demand for our Women's and Children's services and improvethe hospital experience for patients and their families. It will avoid separation,promote the developing mother/baby relationship, enhance breastfeeding andresult in earlier discharge home".Jan personally thanked the doctors and said: “Your thoughtfulness and generosityreally has made a difference to the experience of both patients and visitors alike.”Lesley Lopez, Head of Patient and Public Involvement explained: "We will carry onraising money; our next project is for new televisions in public areas of the hospital,in light of the forthcoming digital television switchover. The aim is to achieve thisby the time of the London 2012 Olympic Games.”May 201211

News in briefWest Hertfordshire HospitalsNHS TrustMy time in the Acute Admissions Unitareas they covered and also linked with in terms of ‘oiling the wheels’ ofthe patient experience and clinical inputs required. Unfortunately I wasn’table to assist much in this area but found it very useful to have a muchclearer understanding of the system in place and the staff involved.I was able to observe the workings of the ‘Board Round’ and the constantupdating of the Board by the co-ordinator which seems to be a critical rolein ensuring the exchange of information is correct and up to date, with asimilar system on all floors for easy reference by those who are working onmore than one floor of the AAU.I was able to assist with a couple of phone calls and with the final elementsof cross-checking the staff cover that had been used at the weekend, whichat least helped in a small way!By Louise GaffneyI recently spent a very interesting morning in the Acute Admissions Unit (AAU)at Watford, as part of the ‘Back to the Floor’ Programme.With all the pressure that staff have to deal with, everyone appeared to beworking really well with one another and the interaction between theteams was slick. All staff were polite and courteous and seemed very clearabout roles and responsibilities.Everyone was really helpful in explaining to me what was happening and takingthe time to respond to questions that I raised. I found it fascinating to bealongside different members of the team in triage, and find out the issues andGoodbye and thankyou to Virginia BarberVirginia Barber will be leaving the Patients’ Panelat the end of April to move to Cornwall. Pleasesee below tributes to Virginia from twocolleagues who worked closely with her duringher time at the Trust.“As an original member of the Patients’ Panel, which was formed in 2003,Virginia has been a loyal and committed member and ‘critical friend’ of patientsand carers within West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Virginia has workedtirelessly to support improvements to patient information and always willing toattend meetings, support wards and departments in various surveys, supportMatrons and Facilities staff in respect of iPEATS Trust-wide. Myself and the restof the Patients’ Panel will miss Virginia very much, and we wish her the verybest on her move to Cornwall, which will probably mean her joining anothervoluntary group, because that is the way Virginia is - someone who reallycares.” Jessie Winyard, Chair of the Patients’ Panel“On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Virginia for all her hard work overthe past nine years and to wish Virginia every happiness in her move toCornwall. As a stalwart and founder member of the Patients’ Panel, Virginia hasalways been proactive in championing to improve services for patients. As acarer herself, Virginia has always made sure that the voice of carers has beenheard. Virginia was instrumental and passionate in her involvement in thecentralisation of breast services to the West Hertfordshire Breast Care Unit thatwas formed in August 2005. I wish her well for the future and am sure she willalways keep in touch with the friends and colleagues she has made in the Trustover the years.” Lesley Lopez , Head of Patient & Public InvolvementIt was an extremely insightful morning for me and an excellent way to meetso many of the committed and professional staff that are working in theAAU.Meet Paul Jenkins,the new Director of PartnershipsWelcome to Paul Jenkins, the Trust’s new Director forPartnerships.Paul’s responsibilities include building strongrelationships with clinical commissioning groups,managing the Trust’s contractual relationships, andleading the process of business planning within theTrust.In a career in the NHS spanning over 20 years, Paul has held publicappointments including Chief Executive of NHS Westminster, ManagingDirector of the North West London Acute Commissioning Agency, andChief Operating Officer for NHS North West London.Trust Chief Executive Jan Filochowski said: “I am absolutely delighted towelcome Paul to the Trust. He brings with him great insight into primarycare and commissioning which will really help us and our partners in theNHS and Hertfordshire”.Paul was also chair of the Joint Action Group on Alcohol (JAG) on behalf ofthe Greater London Authority until 2011, and is currently a trustee ofFoundation66, a charity supporting people with alcohol and drugaddictions, and the Terrence Higgins Trust, a national sexual health charity.© Designed by Medical Illustration, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Ref: 54476. May 2012Information correct at time of printing12May 2012