Newcross News Issue 9

newcrossnews 

CONNECTING WITH HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS 

Issue 9 | Autumn 2016 

Healthcare 

Heroes 

What makes a hero? 

www.newcrosshealthcare.com 

Long Service Awards 

special feature 

Dementia Care: 

Quality of life 

Practical tips for 

person-centred care 

PAGE 18 

Technology 

Avoiding the 

nighmare of a 

battery failure 

PAGE 25

£ 

recommend a 

just got better! 

How many friends can you recommend this year? 

£500 

for introducing a nurse 

£250 

for a healthcare worker 

Don’t delay, just log into www.mynewcross.com/staff/friend and click the friend button 

we’ll do the rest! 

good friends deserve 

great rewards 

Terms and conditions apply, subject to employee successfully completing 

an initial working period.

Welcome to your 

new look 

newcrossnews! 

Have you noticed we’ve given Newcross News a re-boot for the 

latest issue? We’ve listened to your feedback and evolved your 

magazine so it’s more interesting, informative and fun. There are 

new features to discover including practical tips when caring for 

someone with dementia and how to be food smart at work. 

This month we recognise the contribution of the longest serving 

Newcross staff members. Those of you who have been with us 

for over 5, 10 and 15 years have received special awards as 

a small gesture of thanks for your dedication and service. 

Meeting one particular award-winner, Ivy Davenport, was 

especially poignant. I had the pleasure of interviewing her in the 

Torquay branch 15 years ago! 

We also recognise our healthcare heroes this month as we say 

a heartfelt thank you and well done to Zibby Kruk (HCA) and 

Sandra Watson (RGN) for their excellence in care. You have 

exemplified the standard of care we originally dreamed of when 

Newcross began, and on behalf of the clients you’ve worked 

with, thank you. 

It’s testament to each and every one of you who uphold the 

vision of excellence in care that Stephen and I imagined 

originally, Newcross has grown to over 50 branches and over 

5,500 staff. These 20 years have been a fantastic journey and 

I’m immensely proud. 

Here’s to the next 20 years! 

Michelle Gorringe RN 

Managing Director 

Contents 

04 

07 

08 

10 

16 

18 

20 

22 

24 

25 

26 

08 

06 10 

18 25 

The Briefing 

In the news 

Staff honoured for long service 

Healthcare Heroes 

Welcome to Chi 

Dementia Care 

Be food smart at work 

Quest for the perfect uniform 

Ecowatch 

Power to the People! 

The healthcare benefits of 

Pokémon Go 

Chief Marketing Officer | Matt Woods | matt.woods@newcrosshealthcare.com 

Digital Marketing and Advertising Manager | Sarah Gill | sarah.gill@newcrosshealthcare.com 

Internal Communications Officer | Chris Atkinson | christopher.atkinson@newcrosshealthcare.com 

Graphic Designer | Alex Hall | alex.hall@newcrosshealthcare.com 

Marketing Apprentice | Jamie Ford | jamie.ford@newcrosshealthcare.com 

T: 01803 867800 E: communications@newcrosshealthcare.com 

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper 

newcrossnews | www.newcrosshealthcare.com 03

THE BRIEFING | BRANCH MOVES & LATEST CQC INSPECTIONS 

The Briefing 

As a business we go through several changes as we expand; from branch launches or moves to 

new members of staff joining our ever growing team. We want to keep you up to date with all the 

latest developments so you are never out of the loop. This is where “The Briefing” comes in to play. 

This section is designed to give you a nationwide snapshot of what is happening behind the scenes 

at Newcross as we continue to deliver quality person centred care. 

Branch moves 

As our business continues to expand, we need to stay ahead of the curve by investing in larger offices 

to house our growing needs. 

We are pleased to announce that due to the on-going success of our Liverpool and Yeovil branches, we 

have moved to larger premises to accommodate our ever growing team. 

Our new Liverpool address is: 

Second Floor 

Suite 2B 

Queen Insurance Buildings 

24 Queens Avenue 

Liverpool 

Merseyside 

L2 4TZ 

Our new Yeovil address is: 

Ground Floor 

Telstar House 

Mead Avenue 

Houndstone Business Park 

Yeovil 

Somerset 

BA22 8RT 

We are in the process of looking into more branch 

moves in the coming months, which 

include Durham, Chester 

and the Isle of Wight. 

We will keep you 

updated with the 

status of these 

moves as more 

information becomes 

available. 

LIVERPOOL 

YEOVIL 

CHESTER 

DURHAM 

Latest CQC Inspections 

ISLE OF WIGHT 

Our Southampton and Isle of Wight complex 

care teams were recently inspected by the CQC, 

who listened to feedback from both staff and 

clients about the Newcross service. Describing 

staff as caring, kind and dedicated, our clients 

gave glowing feedback on the care they receive 

and shared with inspectors how Newcross staff 

change their lives for the better. 

Clients described the service as ‘highly 

personalised (and) staff encouraged people to 

remain as independent as possible'. Giving key 

periods of respite, one client said, “I've taken 

more respite days away than I ever did... because 

I feel confident with the care team." 

Congratulations to our amazing complex care team! 

04 newcrossnews | www.newcrosshealthcare.com

THE BRIEFING | NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR NEWCROSS MANAGEMENT TEAM 

New additions to our Newcross 

Management Team 

It’s an exciting time for the business as we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. As part 

of that vision, we are delighted to announce that we have appointed two new members to our senior 

team who bring with them a wealth of experience and new innovative ideas. 

Matt Woods 

Chief Marketing Officer 

Matt will be responsible for developing a 

marketing strategy that will support the future 

growth of the business and help us to strengthen 

Newcross’ position as a thought leader and 

employer of choice within the healthcare sector. 

Matt has worked with a wide range of 

organisations from Coca-Cola to the Cabinet 

Office. He specialises in the use of content, digital 

media and marketing technologies and has 

previously held management positions in both 

client and agency environments. 

Matt will be working with experts across the 

business to continue to both improve efficiencies 

and to help tell the personal and professional 

stories that illustrate the high standards we all 

cherish at Newcross. 

Lisa Anderson 

Chief Product and Development 

Officer 

Lisa will be responsible for leading our technical 

teams, managing software product and 

development across our platform. 

Recently returning from Silicon Valley, she comes 

with global experience in building and running 

technology platforms, working for top companies, 

ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to 

corporates. 

Lisa’s priorities will include innovating how we use 

our software and technologies to scale our 

services and deliver top quality care, while 

advancing Newcross as the technology leader in 

our industry. 

5572 

healthcare 

employees 

BUSINESS SNAPSHOT 

333 

office 

employees 

52 

branches in 

England, 

Scotland 

& Wales 

NEW BRANCHES PLANNED 

Ipswich and Leicester - opening October 2016 

2100 

clients

IN THE NEWS | HEALTHCARE STORIES 

in the news 

The pace of change in the healthcare sector is rapid. With the best practice evolving on a regular 

basis. We’ve taken the effort out of sifting through all the news and given you a bitesize view of the 

biggest stories. All of these articles and campaigns affect everyone in Newcross and in the wider 

world in different ways and they may even change the way you do your job. 

90% OF NURSES REVALIDATE 

Since Revalidation was introduced in April, 

9 in 10 nurses and midwives, have completed the 

process for the first time. Revalidation requires 

nurses to complete: 

450 practice hours over 3 years 

35 hours of continued professional development 

with at least 20 hours of participatory learning 

5 pieces of practice related feedback 

5 written reflective accounts and 1 reflective 

discussion with another NMC registrant 

A health and character declaration 

Declaration of appropriate cover under an 

indemnity arrangement 

And finally confirmation of completion of the process 

and providing their Name, PIN numbers, emails, 

professional address’ and postcode of the confirmers. 

If you need any help with Revalidation please feel 

free to contact our Clinical Excellence Team and they 

will be happy to help you. 

Source: Nursing Times 

MISSING TYPE CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES BLOOD DONORS 

Missing Type is a campaign by Give Blood UK that 

aims to encourage blood donors to give blood. The 

letters A, B and O, which represent the main blood 

types, are removed from logos. During the recent 

National Blood week, our Twitter feeds lit up with logos 

featuring brands including Tesco, Xbox UK and 

Nandos. This campaign really highlights the need for 

rare blood types and how giving blood really can save 

someone’s life. We take for granted that blood that is 

available for patients, but it is slowly running out. Make 

sure you give blood if you can. 

Source: Twitter Campaign 


IN THE NEWS | HEALTHCARE STORIES 

ICE BUCKET BREAKTHROUGH 

Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge that took the 

world by storm? Everyone (including Newcross) took 

part to raise awareness and money for the Motor 

Neurone Disease Association. This amazing 

campaign raised £87.7 million, which has 

contributed to the discovery of a new gene called 

NEK1. 

The discovery of this inherited gene means scientists 

can now develop a gene therapy to treat it. While 

treatments are still some time away this is a big step 

in the right direction to understanding this illness and 

could eventually lead to a form of treatment or even 

cure. 

Source: BBC News 

DEBT + COURSEWORK + JOB = QUALITY OF CARE? 

From 2017, student nurses in England will be 

losing their NHS bursary and instead will need to 

self-fund, probably with student loans. According 

to the Government, this will create up to 10,000 

new student nurse places. Scotland will maintain 

the student bursary, creating a vast difference 

in how nurse training is funded in the future. This 

change will mean student nurses in England will 

start their career with up to £65,000 of debt. 

This raises the question of whether student nurses 

will be able to focus on their studies while 

balancing placement time and possibly a second 

job. An additional 10,000 places may also place 

strain on mentors who support the placement 

experience. 

Source: Nurchat 

EFFECTIVE THERAPY OR ‘CUPPING’ MAD? 

During the Olympics, we noticed strange circular 

marks on some of the Olympians. The marks were 

later revealed to be from a therapy called ‘cupping’. 

It’s the process of heating up a glass cup and putting 

it on the skin that creates a vacuum, which then in 

theory increases blood flow to the area and 

reduces muscle tension. This therapy has yet to be 

the subject of any major studies, however some 

people stand by this new therapy. 

Source: LiveScience 


COVER STORY | STAFF HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE 

Jane Kendall being presented with her long service 

award by Michelle Gorringe RN 

COVER STORY 

Staff honoured for 

long service 

From humble beginnings twenty years ago, 

Newcross has grown into a network of over 50 

dedicated branches across the UK. 

Although much has changed over that time - with 

innovations in techniques and medication - one 

thing has remained constant. The hard work and 

dedication of our staff continues to underpin our 

ability to provide outstanding healthcare. One of 

the characteristics that differentiates our 

ever-growing team is loyalty. Indeed, many of 

the people that joined back in the early days still 

remain with us. 

To recognise the contribution made by these 

outstanding people, the ‘Long Service and 

Distinction Awards’ were introduced. Awards are 

presented to people who have been with us for 

5, 10 and even 15 years. 

Co-founder, Managing Director (and Registered 

Nurse) Michelle Gorringe visited some of the 


COVER STORY | STAFF HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE 

I am very proud of how far we’ve come. 

It was lovely to be able to thank some of 

the extraordinary people who had been 

with us for so much of this journey. 

Michelle Gorringe 

Managing Director, RN 

Ivy Davenport being presented with her long service 

award 

longest established branches to thank recipients 

and present them with their awards. Meeting up 

with Ivy Davenport was particularly poignant as 

Michelle had hired her personally over 15 years 

ago. Ivy reflected on her time with Newcross and 

the changes she’s seen. 

“I’ve been based in three different branches and 

seen many different faces over the years. I think 

it’s important to build relationships and I’d 

consider each of them to be friends rather than 

co-workers,” said Ivy. 

She also commented how nursing has evolved for 

the better, recalling now out-dated methods such 

as the “Australian lift” that she is glad to have left 

behind. 

“Certainly, one of the things I’ve really valued is the 

continual training. It’s so important to keep up to 

date with the latest technology and best practice.” 

Another Newcross veteran who received an award 

was Jane Kendall who has been with us for over 15 

years. “I’ll hopefully be retiring in the next 15 years 

but I know that Newcross will go from strength to 

strength. It’s got a unique culture.” 

In preparation for our anniversary in 2017, 

we would love to hear from other long 

serving staff. Please get in touch with your 

stories and recollections at 

communications@newcrosshealthcare.com 

Staff at the Torquay branch being presented with their 

long service awards 

Staff at the Plymouth branch being presented with their 

awards 


HEALTHCARE HEROES | WHAT MAKES A HERO? 

Healthcare Heroes 

What makes a 

hero? 

Heroes don’t always have flowing capes or 

wear tight spandex costumes. In reality, 

heroes are the people on the street who are 

just trying to do the right thing. Real heroes 

are those who are determined to fight for a 

better world, no matter the cost. 

A real hero is selfless and willing to put the lives 

of others ahead of their own. A real hero is a 

leader and a role model to those around them, 

staying calm and strong in the face of danger. 

If anyone embodies what it means to be a 

“Hero”, it would be Dr Kate Granger. 

When faced with a terminal cancer 

diagnosis from a doctor that did not 

introduce himself or even look her in the 

eye, Dr Granger set out to change the 

system that failed her. She started the 

‘#HelloMyNameIs’ campaign with 

the aim of encouraging more 

compassionate patient care. The 

campaign is based on the 

simple premise of 

reminding staff to go back 

to basics and introduce 

themselves to patients 

properly, which 

Dr Granger described 

as “the first rung on 

the ladder to providing 

compassionate care”. 

Introductions are about making a human 

connection between one human being who is 

suffering and vulnerable, and another human 

being who wishes to help. They begin 

therapeutic relationships and can instantly build 

trust in difficult circumstances 

The campaign went on to win the backing of more 

than 400,000 doctors, nurses, therapists and 

porters across 90 NHS organisations while 

also helping raise over £250,000 for Kate’s local 

cancer charity. 

As well as her charity works, Dr. Granger 

served as a huge inspiration to many when 

she started writing about the illness that 

would eventually claim her life. Dr Kate 

Granger passed away, surrounded by her 

loved ones on July 23rd, aged 34. 

On her passing, her husband said "Her 

legacy will remain for many, many, 

many years to come and we 

have many ambassadors 

across the globe that 

will make sure the 

name Kate Granger 

and '#HelloMyNameIs' 

will always be 

remembered”. 

10 newcrossnews


Heroes come from many walks of life, can work any job and the 

heroic acts they perform can be just as varied as their origins. The 

healthcare sector is no exception, as the smallest of deeds can have 

such a long lasting effect that many deem them to be heroic. 

Newcross champions healthcare heroes. 

We recognise our home grown talent and 

the positive impact that you leave with 

our clients. Each quarter, we celebrate 

your achievements with our Excellence in 

Healthcare and Complex Care Awards. 

Our Bournemouth branch is the home of this quarter’s winner of 

our Excellence in Complex Care award. HCA Zbingniew Kruk 

(Zibby), a former electrician, was nominated for providing the family 

of his clients much needed respite through the level of passionate 

care he delivers. Zibby said “I am very honoured to receive the 

award, a smile and a thank you is enough, but I feel this is a lovely 

way to be recognised”. 

Zibby was proudly presented with his award in branch by 

Bournemouth Complex Care BCM Nicola Fordham and Field 

Team Leader Aleesha Lloyd. 

During the presentation Zibby was asked what his favourite aspect of 

his job with Newcross was, to which he responded; “Patient contact 

is the best part of my role. I enjoy seeing the difference I can make in 

someone else’s life, and making that easier is extremely rewarding”. 

BCM Nicola Fordham commented, “Zibby is an ambassador for the 

difference the human touch that we provide can have for our clients, 

we are proud to have him on our team”. 

Bournemouth Complex Care Business Centre Manager Nicola Fordham 

presenting Zibby and Aleesha with their awards 

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT 

Top 12 Courses 

for Newcross 

Nurses and HCAs 

NEW COURSES 

ANNOUNCED! 

Newcross training credits no 

longer expire after 12 months 

so make sure you are taking 

full advantage of the learning 

and development 

opportunities on offer. 

NURSE COURSES 

• Venepuncture 

• Syringe Drivers 

• Catheterisation 

• Medication Teraining 

• Wound Care 

• Peg and Pump (Enteral 

Feeding) 

HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT 

COURSES 

• Epilepsy Awareness 

• Basic Life Support 

• End of Life Care 

• Understanding Behaviour 

• Intellectual Disability 

• Dementia Awareness 

All of the courses will be 

rolled out throughout the 

country. 

Enquire in branch about 

securing your place today! 

You can also find more 

information on the training 

pages on myNewcross. 

www.mynewcross.com/Training 



Kirkcaldy Business Centre Manager Patricia Easton presenting Sandra with her award 



At our Kirkcaldy branch, RGN Sandra Watson 

was nominated and selected as the winner of the 

Healthcare award. Sandra trained to be a nurse 

following the birth of her daughter. She cemented 

her reputation for excellence from the beginning 

as she was awarded the coveted Fife Healthcare 

Trust Rosebowl as well as receiving a merit for 

best healthcare student. 

Kirkcaldy Business Centre Manager Patricia 

Easton presented Sandra with her award in 

branch. On receiving her reward Sandra said: 

“Totally stunned! Also very happy to be 

recognised for making a difference to the clients 

I care for”. Sandra was so excited to be 

nominated, let alone win; she invited her family 

along to watch her be presented with her award. 

When asked what advice she would give to those 

looking to join the care sector she said “Always 

remember care is person centred, not task 

orientated. Skills must include passion, 

understanding and empathy”. 

“Sandra is a credit to her profession and we are 

extremely lucky to have her as part of Newcross”. 

BCM Patricia Easton said, “Both Sandra and 

Zibby were just two of many who were 

nominated for being heroes in their profession, 

for going beyond the call of duty in providing 

dedicated person centred care and really making 

a difference in the lives of others”. 

Sandra and her family 

Congratulations to... 

Nominees for the 

HEALTHCARE AWARD 

Manickchan Jhurry 

Bournemouth 

Hu Qian 

Bristol 

Norma Muchauraya 

Cannock 

Andrea Conlon 

Durham 

Alin Drogoste 

Gloucester 

Susan Southgate 

Hamilton 

Heather Greenslade 

Isle of Wight 

Dorothy McHardy 

Perth 

Nicola Friendship 

Plymouth 

Moses Mncube 

Reading 

Angelica Kray 

Southampton 

Kelly Vickery 

Swansea 

Bethany Freeman 

Taunton 

Slyvia Anderson 

Torquay 

Marcin Jerzy Kierasinki 

Worcester 

Emma Shore 

Yeovil 

Nominees for the 

COMPLEX CARE 

AWARD 

Bianca Meredith 

Bristol Complex Care 

Sylwia Blazewicz 

Exeter Complex Care 

Eleanor Muldoon 

Plymouth Complex Care 


To give real 

service 

you must add 

something which 

cannot be 

bought or 

measured with 

money, and 

that is... 


...sincerity 

and integrity 

DOUGLAS ADAMS 


BRANCH PROFILE | CHICHESTER 

Welcome to Chi! 

The growth of Newcross Healthcare 

continues to accelerate with the opening of a 

new office in Chichester. We visited the new 

branch for its launch event to meet the staff 

and find out more about the historic city. 

On the 2nd August, VIPs and local dignitaries 

including the Mayor of Chichester converged on 

South Street to mark the opening of the 52nd 

Newcross office. 

Serving both the city and surrounding towns and 

villages on the South Coast, the Chichester Office 

is set to create around 100 new jobs for local 

healthcare professionals. 

“Although we’re a nationwide business, our services 

are very much tailored to local neighbourhoods and 

the varying needs of individuals who need care and 

support,” said Kelly-Marie Harris, Regional 

Operations Manager. 

“Our new office will serve as both an administrative 

centre, a hub for a clinical support and a venue for 

advanced training programmes. Having a 

dedicated Chichester branch will enable us to 

develop even closer relationships with local staff 

and end-users. It’s easier to maintain high 

standards of management and care when we’re 

right at the heart of the community.” 

During the launch event, Bethany Spink, the branch 

co-ordinator was persuaded to role-play as a 

patient during a demonstration of a high tech bed 

hoist. Although in the capable hands of qualified 

staff, Bethany looked rather apprehensive at first. 

“Being winched out a bed made me feel a bit self 

conscious,” she admitted. “On reflection it was a 

valuable experience. It’s always helpful to consider 

what it’s like to be the recipient of care.” 

Claire Wilson, recently appointed as Business 

Centre Manager, will be responsible for the new 

Chichester Branch. She explained that healthcare 

in Britain is changing rapidly. 

“Modern care is often very complex, which 

demands highly skilled staff. Care is also being 

delivered in a wider range of places; not just 

hospitals and residential centres but increasingly 

within people’s own homes. Having an agile and 

responsive workforce is essential.” 

West Sussex 

CHICHESTER 

As with the rest of the Newcross network, 

Chichester will be offering permanent contracts, 

ongoing training and flexible working hours to 

give staff greater control of their working lives. The 

Chichester office will provide new local jobs as well 

as collaborating with Newcross’s established 

Southampton and Eastbourne offices. 

Claire went on to highlight her recruitment drive in 

West Sussex and further afield on the South Coast: 

“It’s a great honour to be part of a success story 

that we can all be proud of. We’re growing and 

we’re actively looking for talented, qualified staff to 

join our team.” 


Key People 

KELLY-MARIE 

HARRIS 

REGIONAL 

OPERATIONS 

MANAGER SOUTH 

COAST 

Kelly-Marie Harris has 

been with Newcross 

for nearly 5 years and 

Chichester is now 

one of 12 branches 

that she oversees. 

Known by friends and 

colleagues as “KM” 

(Never just “Kelly”, 

please.), she is also a 

volunteer 

Progression Mentor 

for the Prince’s Trust. 

CLAIRE WILSON 

BUSINESS CENTRE 

MANAGER 

Claire Wilson is the 

Business Centre 

Manager or “BCM” 

responsible for the 

Chichester Branch. 

She joined the 

company in January 

2016 and had 

previously been 

looking after the 

Reading branch. 

Prior to joining 

Newcross worked as 

a certified pharmacy 

technician. 

“Our new 

Chichester 

office will serve 

as both an 

administrative 

centre, a hub 

for clinical 

support and a 

venue for 

advanced 

training 

programmes” 

BETHANY 

SPINK 

HEALTHCARE 

CO-ORDINATOR 

Bethany’s role is 

matching healthcare 

professionals with 

assignments, 

managing staff and 

shifts. In her spare 

time, she’s a singer 

songwriter. 

1st Floor 

62-63 South Street 

Chichester 

West Sussex 

PO19 1EE 

T: 01243 884271 

We're recruiting 

NOW, so please 

contact us if you 

or someone you 

know would like to 

join the team! 

BRANCH PROFILE | CHICHESTER 

FACTS ABOUT 

CHICHESTER 

Chichester or “Chi” as it’s called by locals, 

is the only city in West Sussex and was 

developed on the site of the Roman 

settlement of Noviomagus Reginorum. 

Hometown of Major Tim Peake, the first official 

British astronaut who gained fame through his 

work on the International Space Station. 

The main industry in the area is tourism and 

hospitality and includes the Goodwood 

Estate, home of iconic horseracing and 

motorsports events. 

The oldest hominid remains yet found in 

Britain were unearthed at Boxgrove 

near Chichester. The leg bone of a 

pre-Neanderthal man was found at a quarry 

there in 1993; and has since been dated as 

half a million years old. 

Public Health England estimates the 

population of the district, including 

Chichester and Midhurst, is around 115,000 

(June 2015). Over 12,000 emergency 

hospital admissions are typically made 

each year. 

There are over 50 registered care homes 

within 5 miles of the city centre. 

Local hospitals are managed by the Western 

Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 

including St. Richard’s Hospital in the centre 

of the city. 

The area is served by South East Coast 

Ambulance service which operates 45 

Ambulance Stations and 51 Ambulance 

Community Response Posts in the region. 


DEMENTIA CARE | PRACTICAL TIPS 

Dementia Care 

Quality of life 

Make a difference every day with practical tips 

for great person-centred care 

Dementia is becoming increasingly 

prevalent in the UK as up to 850,000 people 

live with it in some form. It’s progressive, 

degenerative and one of the greatest health 

challenges of our time. The experience of 

families watching the deterioration of a loved 

one as their memories slowly fade is heart 

breaking. 

As nurses, care assistants and support 

workers, we can make this time less distressing 

for both the person and their family by focusing on 

promoting quality of life. Person-centred care that 

supports wellbeing and independence can help 

the individual with dementia retain their dignity 

and identity for as long as possible. 

Person-centred care simply means ensuring the 

individual and their needs are at the centre of 

everything we do as health professionals. Their 

abilities should be promoted and choices 

respected, which can be difficult, especially in the 

latter stages of dementia as memory and 

decision-making declines. 

In addition to providing patient, compassionate 

care, we can also help to make the physical 

environment more dementia friendly in the 

following ways. 

Maximise natural light during the day 

and darkness at night 

Natural light is important for a person to know 

where they are in their surroundings but also 

whether it’s morning, evening or night. Try 

opening the curtains and letting as much light 

in during the day and closing them at night. The 

visual clues as to the time of day will help someone 

feel more grounded in their daily routine. 

Minimise trip hazards, uneven 

surfaces and obstacles 

Changes in the texture or colour of a floor can be 

a trip hazard for someone with dementia. They 

may view it as something to avoid or step over, 

which could cause a fall. For instance, a darker 

coloured doormat can look like a hole in the floor. 


DEMENTIA CARE | PRACTICAL TIPS 

Closed doors can also present an obstacle for 

someone with dementia, so keeping doors open, 

especially the bathroom door (when not in use), 

can help someone identify where they need to go. 

Play familiar music 

Research has shown playing music that’s 

personal to the individual can help their mood 

and communication. In a recent trial in a hospital 

setting, one person who had previously been 

withdrawn and disorientated began singing loudly 

when they heard the familiar music. Another 

keep their glasses, keys or other personal items, 

try to encourage the return of those items after use. 

The more independent a person with dementia can 

be, the more comfortable they will feel. 

Use colour contrasting crockery 

and cutlery 

Objects that have a colour contrast are more 

easily identifiable than those of similar colour, so 

it’s easier to see a plate if it’s a different colour to 

the food that’s on it. However, stripes and patterns 

on crockery can look confusing. A patterned table 

cloth may also make it harder for someone with 

dementia to make out where their food is, so stick 

with plain colours for tableware. Being able to eat 

independently can help improve wellbeing and 

quality of life for someone with dementia. 

Developing your knowledge 

of dementia care further 

Newcross is committed to becoming a 

dementia-friendly organisation and we’re 

encouraging every team member to sign up to 

become a dementia friend. It’s a free initiative run 

by the Alzheimer’s Society and provides a 

foundation level of knowledge on dementia, its 

nature and how to support someone with any 

combination of symptoms. 

Newcross also offers Excellence in Dementia Care 

training courses in all our local branches, which 

will give you both underpinning knowledge and 

practical skills. We include sections on developing 

effective communication, understanding 

person-centred care and how to recognise 

different needs. Contact your local branch to find 

out when a course is on near you. 

person who had previously not engaged in 

conversation became animated and engaged 

after playing her music. 

Keep items in the same place 

everyday 

For someone with memory difficulties, remembering 

where objects are can be difficult and they might 

find it frustrating when something isn’t where they 

remember it. If the person has a specific place they 

LEARNING POINT 

The term ‘dementia’ is an umbrella term for 

symptoms caused by a range of conditions, all 

of which affect the brain differently. Memory loss, 

reduced motor skills, impaired ability to 

communicate and unpredictable emotional 

responses can all be a result of a type of 

dementia. 


HEALTH & WELLBEING | BE FOOD SMART AT WORK 

Be food smart at work 

Prepare 3 healthy lunch box dishes that will invigorate you mid-shift 

There’s nothing less likely to sustain you in the middle of a long, busy shift than a limp service station 

sandwich or a cheap sausage roll. Neither will give your mind or body what you need to perform at your 

best, so a little food preparation is a simple, effective solution. Your wellbeing is undoubtedly linked to the 

quality of care you provide, and recognising this is an important step in caring for yourself while at work. 

Quick and easy to prepare, these lunch box recipes provide a range of nutrients that will boost your energy 

and help your mind to stay at its sharpest by providing a balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein. 

Spicy Peri-Peri 

Quinoa 

kcal 386 

fat 7g 

saturates 1g 

carbs 35g 

sugars 15g 

fibre 5g 

protein 47g 

salt 1g 

Serves 4 

Cook 20 minutes 

4 skinless chicken breasts, cut 

into bite-size pieces 

1 tbsp Peri-Peri seasoning 

100g quinoa 

600ml hot chicken stock 

100g dried cranberries 

125g ready to use puy lentils 

1 tbsp olive oil 

2 red onions, cut into thin 

wedges 

1 bunch of spring onions, 

chopped 

Small bunch of basil 

Quinoa is high in 

protein, iron and 

fibre and is 

naturally 

gluten-free. 

Toss the chicken in the Peri-Peri 

seasoning and bake for 20 minutes 

until the chicken is cooked. Set aside. 

Cook the quinoa in the chicken stock 

for 15 mins until tender, add the 

cranberries and lentils and cook for a 

further 5 mins. Drain and add to the 

chicken. 

While the quinoa is cooking, fry off 

the onions in the olive oil until 

softened. Add to the chicken and 

quinoa mix, stir and add the 

basil. Allow to cool before 

boxing up. 


HEALTH & WELLBEING | BE FOOD SMART AT WORK 

Chilli Bean wraps 

kcal 320 

fat 9g 

saturates 1g 

carbs 52g 

sugars 0g 

fibre 6g 

protein 11g 

salt 3.98g 

Serves 4 


1 small onion, sliced 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

400g can mixed beans, 

drained and rinsed 

400g chopped tomatoes 

30g fajita seasoning or similar 

8 soft tortilla wraps 

Grated cheese 

Handful chopped coriander or 

parsley 

Gently fry onions for 5 minutes to 

soften. Tip in the beans, 

tomatoes and fajita seasoning 

stirring occasionally, and cook for 

around 10 mins. 

Take a large spoonful of the mix 

and spoon along the centre of each 

wrap. Top with cheese, a 

sprinkling of coriander or parsley. 

Wrap everything up and chop 

in half. 

Remember to keep 

your meals in the fridge 

while at work where 

possible, especially 

those meals containing 

meat or dairy 

products. 

Charred aubergine, pepper 

and bulgar wheat 

kcal 198 

fat 3g 

saturates 0g 

carbs 38g 

sugars 6g 

fibre 6g 

protein 6g 

salt 0.2g 

Serves 4 


175g bulgar wheat 

2 tbsp sundried tomato paste 

4 baby aubergine, each 

sliced lengthways into 3 

1 red pepper, sliced 

lengthways into 1cm pieces 

2 tsp olive oil 

Handful basil leaves 

Prepare the bulgar wheat according 

to the instructions. Stir the tomato 

paste into it. 

Heat a BBQ or griddle pan to high. 

Drizzle the oil over the pepper and 

aubergine slices, cook on each side 

for 5 minutes until charred. 

Add to the bulgar wheat mix and stir 

through the basil leaves. Leave to 

cool before boxing. 

All food prepared, cooked and photographed by our resident 

Newcross Food Guru, Sarah Gill. 

vegetarian 4 

vegan 4 


POINTS OF VIEW | UNIFORMS 

The Quest 

for the 

Perfect 

Uniform 

Is your uniform simply practical workwear or 

does it say something about your profession? 

As Newcross begins a review of company 

clothing, we explore the past, present and future 

of healthcare uniforms. 

Few professions put more demands on clothing 

than healthcare. You don't have to be on the 

frontline very long before realising that a long shift 

can be tough on your uniform. Despite numerous 

1840 

changes over the decades, with innovations in 

fabrics, features and styles, most of us are still 

looking for that elusive 'perfect uniform'. 

THE FIRST NURSES 

The origins of the classical uniform designed 

come from the church and the military in the 19th 

Century. Formalised healthcare was first delivered 

by nuns and civilian women seconded to the army 

and so the earliest bespoke uniforms were 

adapted or modified accordingly. Many of the 

initial design features such as layered tunics, 

pinafores and caps persisted for years. 

THE STEREOTYPE 

The 1950s uniform, seen in period dramas like 

Call the Midwife, is arguably one of the most 

iconic and enduring. However, while it was stylish 

and instantly recognisable, it was far from 

practical. Heavy wool overcoats? Not really ideal 

for cycling to your next patient. 

Rapid change took place in the 1960s due in 

part to evolving responsibilities, new tiers of 

specialism and the birth of a once exotic but now 

commonplace variant; the male nurse. With the 

arrival of men came the rather dapper 

combination of trousers and a white jacket with a 

high neck, which later became widely adopted by 

both genders. Durability, easily laundered and 

colourfast, synthetic fibres like nylon and 

polyester were considered by the ‘experts’ to be a 

huge improvement. 

In the 1980s, considered by some as the 

‘golden age of nursing’, there was a concerted 

effort to make uniforms more functional and 

informal. 

Uniforms identify to patients who you 

are and what you are there to do, which 

is key especially for patients with 

Dementia. It is important that uniforms 

are functional, fit for purpose and made 

of comfortable breathable material. 

Linda McVeigh 

Senior Clinical Lead Nurse, Head Office 


POINTS OF VIEW | UNIFORMS 

Some felt this made staff more approachable and 

enabled them to perform their (often physically 

demanding) duties more easily. Others felt that 

more casual styles failed to reflect our 

professionalism and rigor. 

ONE SIZE FITS ALL? 

Today, there’s a wider spectrum of healthcare 

roles than ever before. In Newcross, we employ 

numerous different types of nurses, healthcare 

assistants and support workers. Each has their 

own area of specialism and working environment. 

A uniform that’s appropriate in a hospital ward 

might not be ideal for home visits. Some patients, 

such as those with dementia, might respond well 

to the continuity of familiar dress style while 

children or adults with learning difficulties may not. 

MODERN DEMANDS 

While we might welcome a sassy new design from 

Stella McCartney, we can’t overlook the legal, 

clinical and operational constraints. In a highly 

regulated sector, factors other than aesthetics are key 

considerations when specifying uniforms, these 

include: 

• Infection control - Body fluids are a fact 

of life (welcome to our world!). Thorough 

laundering is essential. 

• Skin tear risks - Fasteners, buttons and 

insignia mustn’t catch on patients. 

• Work place safety - We need to protect staff 

with the right kit and that includes clothing 

• Occupational health - We walk, lift, stretch, 

bend and carry every day. Uniforms shouldn’t 

make things more difficult! 

• Cost - Each employee often needs to be issued 

with new uniforms several times a year. 

Most homecare agencies and other 

residential care settings along with 

hospitals have their staff wearing looser 

scrub type uniforms in various colours. 

They look smart (not too casual), different 

designs with piping, logos, trimmings etc 

have the essential pockets and are 

definitely a great deal cooler…. 

Patricia Anne Morgan 

Healthcare Assistant, Swansea 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

If you have a point of view about how we should 

update and improve our uniforms, now’s a good 

time to speak up. 

Yes. Right now! We’d like to hear your ideas and 

- if you’re feeling creative - see some designs. Send 

your suggestions and sketches to 

communications@newcrosshealthcare.com. 

We will take into account all your submissions and 

we’ll award prizes for the best. 

2016 

THE NEWCROSS UNIFORM 

Since its foundation in 1996, Newcross has had a 

number of different uniform styles. In a recent 

clear-out of the Torquay branch a few ‘vintage 

pieces’ were discovered in storage. As we’re all 

different shapes and sizes, it’s tough to find one pattern 

that’s comfortable for everyone. The 

number of vents and darts (splits and tucks) are also 

much debated. 

As with every aspect of the organisation, we need 

to constantly assess our uniforms. In response to 

feedback from staff in the field, it seems that now is a 

good time to update and improve a uniform redesign. 


ECOWATCH | SUSTAINABILITY 

CO 

Changing lives through sustainable projects 

Newcross has been a carbon 

neutral organisation for 

many years, but how does 

that change lives for the 

better? Well, it means we 

support projects across the 

world that reduce carbon 

emissions and by doing so, 

help people live better, more 

sustainable lives in their local 

environment. 

We currently offset 348 tonnes of carbon 

dioxide emissions, the 

equivalent of 232 small cars or 58 

large African bush elephants! 

One of the projects supported 

by Newcross is the provision of 

fuel-efficient cooking stoves in 

Uganda. 95% of Ugandans 

rely on solid fuel cooking 

methods, usually charcoal or 

wood, which has led to the 

degradation of the local 

forests. 

The improved stoves feature an 

insulated fuel chamber that 

reduces the amount of fuel needed 

by improving the combustion 

efficiency and retaining heat. 

It also reduces the level of 

toxic fumes that families are 

exposed to during the 

cooking process. 

Families are able to save money on 

fuel, which means they can pay 

school fees for their children, 

start a business and pay 

health care costs. 

Newcross also supports a 

reforestation project that aims 

to re-instate the Kikuyu forest 

in the Great Rift Valley in 

Kenya. Deforestation for cooking 

fuel, building materials and medicinal 

needs caused the forest to be almost 

completely destroyed, resulting in 

water sources drying up, soil 

erosion and the loss of wildlife. 

Conflicts between two 

native groups over dwindling 

resources also caused 

fighting, loss of life and loss 

of tourism business. 

So far, the reforestation 

project has planted over 

150,000 trees of over 20 different 

species. This has created 

employment and skill-sharing 

opportunities for local communities 

as well as water regulation across the 

region. Families are able to earn a 

living from selling produce such 

as fruit and honey, and 

benefit from an increase in 

eco-tourism. 

Find out more about these 

projects and how we’re helping 

change lives for the better 

http://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbonoffsetprojects.html

TECHNOLOGY | POWER TO THE PEOPLE 

TO THE PEOPLE! 

The mobile phone is now an essential piece of kit for a healthcare 

professional. How can you avoid the nightmare of a battery failure? 

If you’re constantly on the move, and 

particularly if don’t have a car, keeping vital 

gadgets charged is a challenge. For most 

people, being uncontactable because your 

phone is dead can be frustrating. When you’re 

providing vital care to patients, it’s potentially 

more serious. 

Although Central Support is on call 24/7 to ensure 

we can put other staff in place if you can’t be 

reached, if you miss a call, it can mean that you’re 

missing out on an extra shift. That’s why a growing 

number of our team are now carrying a power 

bank. So, what is a powerbank and which one do 

you need? 

The size of every battery or power bank is measured 

in mAh (milliamp hour) which represents how much 

energy the battery can hold. The higher the mAh, 

the longer the battery will last, or in the case of 

power banks the more power it will hold. So what 

does all of this mean in real terms? 

If your phone has a mAh of 3000 and on 

average you get around a day of usage from it 

then a power bank of mAh 3000 will give you a 

whole extra day of charge. You can leave your 

phone in your bag with it charging while you are 

on a shift, but beware your phone or powerbank 

may heat up when placed in an enclosed space.. 

We use our phones for everything from viewing 

available shifts to contacting Central Support and 

are such an integral part of our lives. Power banks 

allow us the ability to not worry about our phones 

battery life so we can keep doing all the things 

we want to with them and having a power bank 

means you won’t miss any more available shifts. 

Aukey 5000mAh 

£10.99 

This is a cheap power bank 

that can fit comfortability in 

your pocket and is great 

value for 

money. 

Lenmar iPhone 6 Battery 

Case 

£24.99 

This case has a 3000 mAh 

battery in it so you always 

have a power bank with your 

phone. It’s convenient and 

re-charges 

when your 

phone is on 

charge. 

RAVPower 22000mAh 

£28.99 

This power bank has a 

massive capacity and can 

charge up to 3 devices at 

once. However, 

it is heavy 

due to 

large 

capacity 

battery. 

Look out for more technology ideas in the next issue of newcrossnews 


LIGHT RELIEF | MOBILE GAMES 

@RayRossTheBoss 

PokemonGo is so therapeutic. 

It's breaking down all of my 

social anxiety. I've met so many 

cool people so far. 

Pokémon Go has also helped increase activity 

levels for some who have previously struggled 

with exercise, previously going for a 20 minute 

walk was a Herculean task… but now, they’ll 

willingly walk anywhere from 2km to 10km just to 

hatch a few Pokémon eggs. 

Critics have raised questions about safety 

and privacy but some argue that the hit mobile 

game has therapeutic benefits. Can chasing 

imaginary monsters really be good for you? 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the 

past month, you will have heard of the new mobile 

game Pokémon Go. Within the first two weeks of 

its release, Pokémon Go became one of the most 

popular mobile games of all time with over 15 

million downloads. 

The game encourages 

players to leave the house and 

exercise while searching the 

streets for animated characters 

called Pokémon, which appear 

on their smartphone screens by 

creatively using augmented 

reality to bring the creatures 

to life. Naturally, some people 

dismiss it as just a game or 

passing fad, but there are 

many others who proudly state 

that Pokémon Go is the best 

thing that has happened to 

them, despite the critics. 

People from all over the world 

that suffer from depression and 

anxiety have started reporting 

that after playing the game for 

some time, they feel more 

energetic and they’re less 

prone to negative feelings. 

They have even taken to twitter 

to praise the game 

@PozziePHL 

Pokemon Go somehow 

helps me divert my attention 

to something else and get 

through health anxiety. 

Increased activity can help you feel better. When 

you exercise endorphins are released and you feel 

happier. Feelings of depression or unhappiness can 

diminish or even disappear because your body is 

active. 

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop and Pokémon Go 

leaves you very little time to be idle. There can be a 

mental shift within you that could make you feel better. 

The game has even been seen to help in a clinical 

setting with C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan 

using Pokémon Go as a tool to help get patients out 

of their rooms. Use of the game soon encouraged 

interaction with fellow patients and hospital staff. 

J.J Bouchard, child life specialist at the Hospital, 

said “It’s a fun way to encourage patients to be 

mobile. This app is getting patients out of beds and 

moving around”. Jigna Patel, whose son is receiving 

treatment at the hospital added; "You can see the 

kids take their minds off the pain and the treatments 

that they're going through. I could see the 

difference. The kids were having a blast." 

The app is available 

for free on both the 

Apple App Store and 

Google Play Store. 


my 

newcross 

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT 

3 ways to improve your 

work organisation 

We’ve created a simple solution for organising your working life, it’s called myNewcross. 

Get your shifts booked, future availability added, book training plus engage with 

colleagues and get feedback - all in one place! 

Shift organisation 

View and accept shifts Add and manage availability 

View and download payslips Suggest someone for our recommend 

a friend scheme 

Training 

Pay for training courses that have been booked in branch 

View training and uniform credits accumulated 

Social and Feedback 

View staff assessment scores Chat with colleagues on social network 

Connect with colleagues with ‘add friend’ feature 

Suggest someone for our recommend a friend scheme 

Need instant access to update your availability or check 

your diary of shifts on the go? 

Try the Newcross Staff App. Download it for free from the 

iTunes store for Apple phones or the Google Play store 

for Android. 


Much more than 

just a uniform... 

It takes more than a badge and uniform to deliver exceptional 

healthcare. That’s why for 20 years, we’ve been committed to 

hiring and supporting only the very best staff. 

And we recognize that as an experienced professional you 

deserve to be rewarded. 

So, we offer new and returning nurses a range of benefits 

including specialist training, ongoing clinical support and 

flexible working hours that you control. 

Join us today via our Platinum Ticket programme and we’ll 

also cover the cost of your DBS/PVG check, provide a 

workplace pension… and give you £500. 

Find out more by visiting 

www.newcrosshealthcare.com/platinumticket2016 

A £500 reward * 

*Plus free uniform

Newcross News Issue 9

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