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News... Page 6 Happy birthday to the Volunteer Health Mentor team MEMBERS of the Trust’s Volunteer Health Mentor project celebrated their first anniversary recently with <strong>news</strong> that they had engaged with more than 2,000 people to give information and support about making steps towards leading a healthier lifestyle. More than 20 volunteers are currently working at the hospital and have been trained to provide information to patients, staff and visitors about stopping smoking, sensible alcohol intake, improving diet and increasing physical activity. The volunteers were praised at a celebration to mark their first anniversary. Nick Grimshaw, Director of HR and OD, said: “I can’t believe the progress made by this small group of volunteers. Their efforts to help improve the lives of Members of the volunteer health mentors scheme celebrate their first anniversary. others has been inspiring. “I really admire the group because they are giving up their own time to use their skills and experience to help others.’’ Rachel Swindells, Public Health Facilitator, added: “To have made such an impact so quickly is absolutely amazing and the success of the project is totally down to the quality of the people volunteering. They are always thinking of ways to improve the service we offer and are amazingly dedicated.’’ Nicola Worrall, Health Education Practitioner, said: “The Health Mentor project has been an exciting opportunity to offer support and encouragement to people who want to make improvements to their health and wellbeing.’’ Care Team need your unwanted crockery The End of Life care project team are asking staff to donate their unwanted tea sets to be used on Wards for bereaved families and friends of patients that pass away in hospital. Nurses currently provide grieving relatives and friends with a quiet place to reflect on their loss and also provide drinks for them as they come to terms with the death of a loved one. In the past, wards have been able to provide a tea set consisting of a tea pot and matching cups and saucers which would be left with the grieving families and friends as they come to reflect on their loss. Sadly over the years these sets have been damaged or lost The End of Life care team launch their appeal for unwanted tea sets. meaning that the majority of wards can no longer provide this small resource. Lorraine Tymon, End of Life Project Coordinator for the trust said “Families and friends are really appreciative of the time and space nurses provide for them to comfort each other at this terribly sad time and it is incredible how personal touches like a drink being served to them from a tea pot into a matching tea cup can be appreciated and fondly remembered. It is the little things that mean a lot.” If you have a tea set that you would like to donate then please contact Lorraine Tymon on 7147 or Trevor Morris on 5497. Free golfing lessons MYERSCOUGH Golf Club in Bilsborrow, is offering free golf coaching sessions for adult beginners. The sessions are being held on Mondays and Thursdays commencing Thursday, February 2nd and will run till Monday, February 27th with the aim of helping people get into golf. There will also be sessions just for ladies on Wednesday evenings commencing Wednesday, February 1st which will run until Wednesday, February 29th. They are open to beginners/non members and provide an ideal opportunity for adults to experience the game of golf. To find out further information please telephone Myerscough Golf Club on 01995 642200. 10 pin bowling fun AS part of the NHS 2012 Challenge staff are invited to take part in the Blackpool NHS and Council 10 Pin Bowling League. Teams should consist of four players. The venue is 1st Bowl in Blackpool on Thursday nights with the cost just £6 per person for 3 games. If you are interested contact: janette.mills@blackpool.nhs.uk or elaine.nolan@ blackpool.nhs.uk to register for the bowling league.
away from the trust Page 7 Stephen Kearney. Stephen Kearney has a special job in our society member of staff has a A ‘special’ job away from his work in the waiting list department. Stephen Kearney, 25, has been a special constable for almost three years and says it has been an “eye opening experience.” Stephen said: “I decided to become a special constable when I was at university. I was studying criminology and it was something that fitted in well with the course and the interest I had in issues around law and policing. It is something I have never regretted. I love it and it has really helped me develop as a person”. He said: “I am often out patrolling in Blackpool Town Centre on a Friday and Saturday night but also deal with local community policing initiatives as well. The job is really varied and it can certainly be eyeopening. “You find yourself in some situations that you just would not see in a normal life and you learn so much. You get fantastic training that helps you deal with a wide range of scenarios and it really does help make you a stronger and more astute person that can only help you in your day to day life”. Asked about the highlights of his time as a special, he said: “the high speed blue light pursuits are obviously exciting and something not everyone will ever experience but on a personal level the biggest moment was my first arrest. That is always a landmark for any special and something you always remember”. Stephen said there is a great support network from local police staff who fully appreciate the efforts of the specials. He said: “You do get great backing from regular policing staff. They really do appreciate the work you do. They fully appreciate the fact that your volunteer your own time to do this”. Special Constables are unpaid volunteer police officers who have the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and are issued with the same equipment. The main duties of a Special Constable are: • To carry out local patrols. • To take part in crime reduction projects. • To help challenge anti-social behaviour. • To help police local events. A Special Constable is asked to work a minimum of four hours per week in a single shift but the working hours are flexible so that you can give more time if you can spare it. No formal qualifications are needed so long as you; • Are honest and reliable. • Have a positive approach. • Are able to work as part of a team. • Are willing to learn new skills. Applications can be accepted at the age of 18. There’s no upper age limit for applying to be a Special Constable but bear in mind that the normal retirement age for a Special Constable is 60. You must also meet certain health and fitness requirements and pass a fitness test. To find out more, contact the Recruitment Team on 01772 410392 or 01772 410377. Walk Report: January walk with Bob Bradley Forty Seven eager walkers set off on the Victoria Hospital Walking Club’s first outing of the year. The January walk is always a draw due probably to the fact that there is always a good meal at its end. Both groups started at the village of Scorton. The “B” group set off on their eight mile linear walk up Snowhill Lane, round via Pedder Wood, Long Crossey Wood and onto the Millennium Way. The final stretch was flat and followed the bank of the Lancaster Canal to the finish at Old Nell’s Restaurant at Billsborrow. The “C” group set off from the village on their circular six mile walk following paths by Park Wood, Lee Green Farm, Shireshead and a return journey along the River Wyre to Scorton, before a short coach journey to Old Nell’s. The weather throughout was dull with intervals of light drizzle but none of this damped the enthusiasm or the hunger for the great meal served up by Old Nell’s. Next month’s walk sets off from Downham near Clitheroe on Sunday, February 12th and all newcomers and children are welcome. If you would like to take part contact Bob Bradley on 01253 346384 or 07804892013.
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