Heartbeat April 2020

April 2020
Sandwell and West Birmingham
NHS Trust
The pulse of community health, Leasowes, Rowley Regis, City Hospital, Sandwell General and the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Issue 127
Pages 4-6
Celebrating some of our more than 550 patients who have survived COVID-19 in our care
Our fightback
against
COVID-19
Midland Met
plays her part
We show our
thanks as we clap
for businesses
Junior doctors'
- life on the
frontline
Page 3
Page 8
Page 9
Page 11

Welcome to your April edition
of Heartbeat.
This month we bring you
everything you need to know
about COVID-19 from around our
Trust. We also celebrate some of
our survivors' inspirational stories.
You’ll see a few photos shared in
this edition with colleagues sitting
or standing close to each other.
Please note these were taken prior
to 2020 BC (before coronavirus)
Enjoy!
HELLO
Contact us
Communications Team
Ext 5303
swbh.comms@nhs.net
Communications Department
Ground Floor, Trinity House
Sandwell Hospital
Published by
Communications Team
Sandwell and West Birmingham
Hospitals NHS Trust
Designed by
Medical Illustration,
Graphics Team
Sandwell and West Birmingham
Hospitals NHS Trust
FROM THE CHAIR
Leadership during the
Pandemic
I am sure that the impact of the
COVID-19 will be a long term part of
the culture of our workplace in the
years ahead. The support the Trust are
committing to provide to mental health
organisation-wide will be with us for
the long term, and I have asked Lesley
Writtle, our new non-executive director,
and ex-chief executive of the Black
Country Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust to advise us on the effectiveness
of that offer as we look to make sure
that you have the help you need next
year and this one. Richard Burnell’s
short videos have been in our bulletins
and are worth coming back to and
reflecting on.
Simon Stevens has indicated that we are
moving towards the restoration of services
alongside COVID-19. We have reserved
some facilities, notably the Birmingham
Treatment Centre, with that in mind, and I
know that Liam and Toby, alongside Paula
and David, are working to put into place
our restoration plans in May.
Both local authorities have mobilised on
a major scale to support us, but especially
to supporting the most vulnerable in our
communities. Yvonne Davies, as leader of
Sandwell Council, has ensured that food
provision is distributed across the borough.
Meanwhile, you will know that Paulette
Hamilton, Chair of Birmingham Health and
Wellbeing Board, has led calls for action
on the deaths of black and minority ethnic
care staff, as well as patients. The Trust
associates itself with both campaigns, and
we have played our part in each.
role to play as an independent overseer
of the forward focus - looking at the risks
and implications beyond the initial surge
plans, the ongoing wellbeing of staff,
the disruption of services for non-COVID
diseases and conditions. Importantly, that
includes how we capitalise on some of the
gains which will be realised on the rapid
changes our teams have been making and
the quality improvement as a result. The
Board is also clear that COVID-19 staffing
changes are temporary and revised staffing
ratios are not with us for the longer term.
Thank you to all of you who have been in
touch to let me know how things feel for
you on the ground. It is appreciated. And
thank you to every colleague who is part
of our continued outstanding response
to this health crisis. The character of our
Trust shines through in our response. I
was delighted to see the Clap For Business
activities a fortnight ago, as we look to
the long term economic response of the
country. With the approval of our car park
applications, we can now go forward for
our plans to release land for development,
support better housing locally, and invest in
creating wealth for the long term. Our 2025
ambitions are alive and well – but they play
second fiddle to the kindness of our work
to support everyone effected by this awful
virus.
Richard Samuda, Trust Chairman
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communications team
Ext 5303
swbh.comms@nhs.net
Stay updated
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Bulletin via email every day and you
can now read Heartbeat articles
throughout the month on Connect.
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From talking to partners, and to chairs of
neighbouring organisations, I am clear how
impressive our Trust's response has been
- whether it be our transparent and open
communication with you, how we have
handled the provision of PPE, the support
we have provided to partner organisations
or our pre-emptive actions in key areas such
as testing. We need to keep going, even
though I know it is painful and hard, as
these challenges will be with us through the
second surge and deep into the summer.
Ensuring appropriate governance of the
organisation is as important now as ever
and we have continued our Board and
non-executive-led committee meetings
virtually, accepting that the Trust’s response
to COVID-19 is the key feature of those
meetings. The Board has an important
Chairman, Richard Samuda

Surging forward – our fight back
against COVID-19
Day to day life as we knew it has
changed immeasurably across our Trust
in the last few weeks. We have all
pulled together and accommodated a
lot of change to help fight back against
the spread of COVID-19. Undoubtedly,
this pandemic has brought with it
stresses and strains, but our Trust has
risen courageously to the challenge and
together we are making progress.
To ensure we were able to manage the
surge of cases we have set up a series of
new arrangements including:
• Creating hot (red) and cold (blue)
streams for COVID positive or
suspected patients and patients with
no COVID symptoms
• Creating additional capacity for
COVID patients at City and Sandwell
Hospitals
• Creating additional intensive care unit
(ICU) capacity and expanding our
non-invasive ventilation capacity
• Stopping elective surgery and moving
our cancer services off-site
• Moving to telephone and virtual
consultations and only keeping
clinically urgent outpatient
appointments and essential
diagnostics
• Moving 150 nurses into critical care
and 100 nurses into base wards.
Wards have changed from blue to red to
accommodate the increase in COVID-19+
patients. This, in turn has meant we
have needed extra nursing staff on our
wards and trained to work in critical
care. Other training has followed with
colleagues working on our wards and in our
emergency departments.
The opening of the Nightingale Hospital in
Birmingham sees our region expanding its
capacity as a whole to deal with up to an
additional 4,000 patients in a worst-case
scenario. We are actively playing our part
and 20 of our nurses have been seconded
to work at the hospital currently.
For our part, Operation Mary Seacole is
how we have chosen to refer to our efforts
COVID-19
to tackle this pandemic. An exemplary
nurse, Mary was voted the greatest ever
Black Briton in 2004. Many of you are
experiencing this pandemic first hand,
acting selflessly as Mary once did to look
after the unwell.
Given the scale of our operation, we
have chosen Mary as our figurehead in
fighting this pandemic. As a Trust, we
celebrate that many of our colleagues
come from different traditions, faiths,
and communities. It is what makes us
stronger and, more united in our fight
against COVID-19, an illness that is
disproportionately affecting some
local people.
Thank you for all you have done.
We will keep moving forward, and
together we will see this through.
We hosted our first blue brigade event with colleagues being trained to support our portering teams
3

106-year-old Connie bounces back
after beating virus
COVID-19 SURVIVORS
Meet 106-year-old Connie Titchen.
She is believed to be Britain’s oldest
patient to overcome coronavirus, cared
for by colleagues at City Hospital. The
great grandmother of eight battled
the virus for just less than three weeks
and was given a clean bill of health by
medics earlier this month.
Connie, who was born in 1913, has
lived through two World Wars. She
was admitted to City Hospital in mid-
March with suspected pneumonia and
was diagnosed with coronavirus soon
afterwards. Connie said: “I feel very lucky
that I have fought off this virus. I can’t wait
to see my family.”
Connie’s granddaughter, Alex Jones, said
her Nan bounces back from anything.
“She has had an active life. She loved to
dance, cycle and play golf. She has always
cooked for herself too, although she likes a
cheeky McDonalds now and then. I haven’t
told her they are closed. I think the secret
of her old age is that she is physically
active and very independent. She had
a hip operation in December and within
30 days she was walking again. She is
Connie Titchen with Sister, Kelly Smith
amazing, and I know all the family can’t
wait to see her.”
Alex added: “The care she has received at
the hospital has been brilliant and I can’t
fault it. During her stay, I was kept updated
constantly by the nurses looking after her
and that made me happy. I want to thank
the staff for all they have done for her
during her stay.”
Sister, Kelly Smith, who looked after Connie
added: “It’s been fantastic to see Connie
recover. She is amazing, and we did our
best to nurse her back to health. We were
pleased when she was given the all-clear. It’s
nice to see patients leave our ward having
beaten this virus.”
Morine on the road to recovery
following coronavirus scare
A care manager from a Halesowen
based housing association is urging
everyone to take the coronavirus
seriously.
Morine Burrell-Banton is on the road to
recovery at home after being discharged
from hospital on 7 April. “As most
people would be, I was initially scared
about contracting the virus but all the
nurses and doctors were fantastic in
helping me get better,” said Morine.
Morine was admitted to City Hospital
site on 4 April after experiencing
a higher temperature than normal
and a persistent cough. She initially
self-isolated, but after her symptoms
gradually got worse and her health
started to deteriorate further, she was
admitted to hospital where she spent
three days in our care.
She said: “All the staff were great and
very attentive to everything I needed even
though they were busy with lots of other
patients as well as me. I believe this is one
of the main reasons for helping me stay
positive but more importantly, it aided my
recovery to better health.”
Since her discharge, hour by hour, day by
day, Morine is slowly getting back to 100
per cent, however, she is pleading with
the public to follow the social distancing
guidance and only go out for essential
journeys.
“It’s disappointing that there are still some
people choosing to ignore the advice from
the government. Coronavirus is no joke
and something we should all take very
seriously. Though the majority of people
are eventually getting better, unfortunately,
some people are still dying which is why
everyone must follow the guidance. The
virus doesn’t discriminate.”
Morine is currently resting at home with her
family and hopes to return to work once
the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Morine is now recovering at home
4

COVID-19 positive nurse urges people
to seek hospital help for disease
Charlene Nelson, who works as a bank
nurse at Sandwell Hospital
COVID-19 SURVIVORS
Dad of one reveals how he beat
coronavirus
A dad of one who battled coronavirus
from his intensive care bed revealed
how thinking positively helped him
recover. Anthony Morrison, aged 55,
spent a week in City Hospital where he
was ventilated after being diagnosed
with the disease.
“Many people think that having coronavirus
is a death sentence, but that isn’t the case,”
said Anthony. “I was in a bad way, but I
pulled through, and people out there need
to know that just because you have the
illness does not mean you are going to pass
away. I have a friend who has had it and
she has also recovered.”
Anthony first experienced symptoms on
his way home from work. A couple of days
later he began suffering headaches and
had a high temperature. His wife called
paramedics and initially, he was told to take
paracetamol, but his symptoms didn’t ease
and he collapsed.
“The paramedics rushed me to hospital
and once I was there it was confirmed I
Colleague Charlene Nelson who
battled coronavirus has urged people
to seek medical help sooner if they
feel they are deteriorating. The nurse,
who is currently recovering at her
home, was able to fight off the
disease after spending just under a
week in the hospital.
Charlene, who works as a bank nurse at
Sandwell Hospital, said she started suffering
shortness of breath on 12 April. “I just
couldn’t breathe. I called for an ambulance,
and it all felt like a big blur. I got into A&E
and I was put into isolation because of
my symptoms."
Charlene was taken to Sandwell Hospital
and said: “If I hadn’t dialled 999, who
knows what sort of condition I would be in
now. The care I received was brilliant, and
colleagues are doing everything they can
to help patients. I am so much better than
I was a week ago. I’m just glad that I got
treatment when I did.”
She added: “I was treated with antibiotics
and tested for coronavirus. Because of
my kidney condition, I was transferred to
another hospital for further treatment. My
results for COVID-19 came back positive. I
had coronavirus,” he recalled. “My oxygen
levels were really low and I was in intensive
care. I knew I had to fight this disease, and I
practised deep breathing techniques. I knew
that I couldn’t let it beat me. It was difficult,
but I knew I had to remain positive. I think
that is a key factor with this illness.
“Also, hearing from my relatives picked
me up and when I received two handmade
cards from my grandnieces that picked me
up. Their messages touched my heart. I
knew I had to get out of the hospital and
see them again. There were small things too
that I tried to do whilst I was in the hospital.
I would set myself goals - every day I made
sure I was able to do something that would
help me in my recovery.
Anthony thanked our staff for the way he
was looked after. “The care I received was
brilliant, right from the domestics to the
doctors, everyone looked after me well.”
Having now returned home, Anthony is
resting until he is fit to return to work. His
message to people out there is simple.
was in a bad way for the first two
days, and I was very scared. I soon
started responding to the treatment
and began improving.”
“I think there may be people out there
who think they don’t need to go to the
hospital or believe that their situation
will worsen if they do go. However, my
condition improved. I would also like to
strongly urge people to stay indoors to
protect those who are most vulnerable in
our society.”
Charlene said she doesn’t know how
she contracted the disease as she had
been wearing the correct PPE during her
time working at the hospital and had
not been treating COVID-19 patients.
“It could have been from handling post
or when I was food shopping. I suppose
we’ll never know where I got it from,
which just shows how cautious we need
to be.”
Get well soon, Charlene.
“I really would say to people to stay
positive. You can fight this disease, and I
am an example of that.”
Anthony Morrison beat coronavirus
5

Brave doctor puts the NHS first in
our battle to beat COVID-19
COVID-19
As we find ourselves amid a global
pandemic it is stories of selflessness
and sacrifice that are bringing hope
to many people at this difficult time.
Now more than ever, our nation has
shown just how much it appreciates
the work we are all doing to protect
lives whilst battling this unknown
and dangerous virus.
Our healthcare system is a melting pot
of talented people, all specialists in their
areas, with some people choosing to join
the NHS from outside of the UK. One
such person is Dr Gerald Rajakulenthiran
Santhiyapillai, a young doctor who
became part of our Trust just six months
ago from Sri Lanka.
Having moved to the UK with his family,
Dr Santhiyapillai has quickly become a
well-regarded member of the cardiology
team. He joined our organisation
through the Medical Trainee Initiative
(MTI) via the Royal College of Physicians in
London. This national scheme allows junior
doctors to work and train in the UK for
up to 24 months before returning to their
home countries. For the NHS, it means we
get to work with and train up some of the
most talented, young, international medical
graduates.
As the COVID-19 crisis began to unfold,
the Sri Lankan government contacted
doctors that were part of the MTI and made
provisions for them to return home. Upon
being contacted, Dr Santhiyapillai arranged
to send his family home but decided to stay
in the UK to help us battle the outbreak.
Speaking exclusively to Heartbeat, he said:
‘My wife and I decided that my family
should return home to Sri Lanka where they
could be surrounded by our family. I chose
to stay here in the UK because I have taken
the Hippocratic Oath. I have a duty of care
towards my patients; I will not leave or
resign at this time of crisis.’
Understandably this altruistic act has
not gone unnoticed. Dr Fairoz B Abdul,
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist,
commented: ‘Our department is incredibly
touched by this act of selfless commitment.
It has raised the morale of the team, made
us stronger, more resilient and even more
dedicated to beating COVID-19.
He added: ‘Other registrars have since
put themselves forward for the COVID-19
rota without hesitation, knowing only too
well the risks they face to their health. Dr
Santhiyapillai has inspired our team and,
we feel there is a strengthened sense of
commitment despite the adverse situation
we find ourselves in.’
Chetan Varma, Consultant Cardiologist and
Group Director, Medicine and Emergency
Care added: ‘Dr Santhiyapillai is a
hardworking, intelligent and efficient doctor
who has adapted very quickly to working
within the NHS. His kindness, generosity
and dedication to our Trust is nothing
short of inspiring. Like so many other key
workers, he continues to come into work in
these uncertain times and puts the lives of
patients’ first. I would like to thank him and
the rest of the team for their dedication.’
Dr Gerald Rajakulenthiran Santhiyapillai pictured with his family
6

Nice two metres, two metres nice:
The importance of social distancing
COVID-19
to your role. If not, speak to
your manager to clarify if you
can do so.
• Use telephone or online services
to contact your GP or other
essential services.
Midwives socially distancing outside St James Medical Centre
It may sound simple; wash your hands
more often and for 20 seconds or longer.
How many of us in reality though do
that regularly throughout the day?
There may be a temptation to give your
hands a quick wash after the 10th time
or perhaps squeeze past someone in the
supermarket, but with COVID-19 cases
increasing, we must observe the social
distancing guidelines set out for us by
the government.
Done properly social distancing is in
place to help reduce the transmission
of COVID-19. Across the UK we are
being asked to:
• Avoid contact with someone who
is displaying symptoms of
COVID-19.These symptoms include
high temperature and/or a new
and continuous cough.
• Avoid non-essential use of
public transport.
• Maintain a distance of two metres
from those around you when in
public places.
• Work from home, where possible.
This is something you should have
already had a conversation about
with your manager if this applies
Following these guidelines is
particularly important if you:
• Are over 70
• Have an underlying health
condition
• Or are pregnant.
Other ways you can help prevent the
spread of infection include:
• Washing your hands more often.
Alternatively, use a sanitiser
throughout the day, when you
blow your nose, sneeze, cough or
eat or handle food. Clinical
colleagues, in particular, are
reminded of the five moments of
handwashing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose,
and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with
a tissue, then throw the tissue in
a bin and wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently
touched objects and surfaces in
the home.
People across the UK have received letters
from the Prime Minister asking them to
stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Five moments of
handwashing
1. Before touching
a patient
2. Before clean/aseptic
procedures
3. After body fluid
exposure/risk
4. After touching
a patient
5. After touching patient
surroundings.
7

Midland Met plays her part to lead
coronavirus testing
COVID-19
Our new University Hospital
proposed to have the busiest
A&E in Europe and scheduled for
completion in 2022 has become
the testing bed of the Midlands for
coronavirus.
The Midland Metropolitan University
Hospital has officially opened up to our
community colleagues as well as primary
care, social care and other public sector
workers across the region to get tested
for COVID-19.
Our Midland Met testing site has
become Birmingham’s second mass
testing centre and will help boost tests
numbers within the local area. One of
the key factors in making this decision
was having studied countries such as
South Korea and Italy, the Trust was
convinced that both colleague and
community testing targeted and well
delivered, is important in trying to
control the pandemic.
Appointment slots will be allocated
and our ambition is to test hundreds
of people a week. We hope that by
testing more of our local community, we
will enable key workers to continue to
do the essential work they need to do
Midland Met has become a testing bed of the Midlands for coronavirus
whilst keeping themselves and others free of
the virus.
Toby Lewis, Chief Executive, believes increased
testing will help the fight against coronavirus.
He said: “Our Trust has been one of the
biggest testing NHS bodies over the last three
weeks and we are thrilled to be launching
this service for transport workers, GPs, refuge
workers, social workers and emergency
service staff. Midland Met is more than a
hospital.”
He added: “We will continue to test across
our Sandwell and City sites, but with the help
of friends at Balfour Beatty we can increase
testing massively. This will be crucial in
not only reducing the first surge but also
better managing the second curve in later
months.”
If you believe you have symptoms
of COVID-19 and need testing,
please call 0121 507 2664 and
choose option 5. If you are selfisolating
because of a family
member they too can be tested
by contacting the same number
including children.
8

Over 300 colleagues benefit from hotel
accommodation to protect themselves an
Top quality hotel rooms are still available
if you feel you need to move into one.
Please consider this seriously if you are
recognising that for the next little while
the best answer for you, your work, and
your loved ones is separation.
As part of our plan to manage the pandemic,
we need to have the right workforce at work
and keep absence of all types below 30 per
cent.
Hotels we are currently using include:
• Mercure Hotel, West Bromwich
• Holiday Inn Express, St Chads,
Birmingham
• Holiday Inn Express, Oldbury
• Serviced City Apartments Ltd.
Any patient-facing colleagues including ward
service officers and porters can have access
to our reserved rooms to enable you to be
away from a household with someone who
has symptoms. We strongly recommend
that patient-facing colleagues take up this
provision so that you can continue providing
your vital service to our patients.
Mark Whitehouse, Head of Patient Access
& Planned Care, told us: “The main perk of
staying in the hotel is reducing the risk of
taking anything back to the family on a daily
basis. I would encourage staff to book a room
if they are at all worried about transporting
the flu from work to home. The rooms at The
Mercure are big and for your one hour exercise
the hotel is located right next to Sandwell
Valley Park.”
Staying in a hotel may increase the risk of
passing the virus between colleagues working
in different environments. National guidance is
that where possible:
• Minimise time in communal areas of the
hotel including receptions and corridors
to reduce risk of infection to colleagues.
• Where possible, to limit to one or two
people at a time in lifts where possible,
or to use the stairs if appropriate.
• Ideally eat in your room. If meals are
provided within the hotel, please try to
sit at tables at least two metres apart
from other residents in any bar or
restaurant.
We will be working with the hotels and
providing guidance so they are aware of this
and are working to support you.
COVID-19
To book your room email
swbh.hotel-booking@nhs.net
We still have hotel rooms available. Please
take advantage of them if you want and
are able to.
We clap for businesses that have
supported our Trust
Earlier this month, we unveiled “thank
you” banners recognising businesses in
the area which have come to the aid of
our organisation during the pandemic.
The signs were revealed at City Hospital
where colleagues gathered on 15 April,
to clap for businesses.
Despite many companies feeling the strain
of lockdown, they have helped to ensure
supplies of consumables, equipment and
food are still being provided. As a sign
of our continued thanks, our Trust will
continue to add names of other companies
to the signs over the coming weeks. This
includes firms building special equipment
on the organisation’s behalf.
Toby Lewis, Chief Executive, said: “At the
time when our NHS has most needed it,
local businesses have come forward to
offer us help, even when they have been
struggling with the impact of lockdown.
Just as people come out every week to clap
for our carers, today we want to show our
appreciation for the fantastic support we
have had from suppliers that enables us to
care for patients and colleagues throughout
this pandemic.”
Paul Faulkner, CEO of Greater Birmingham
Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is a
lovely display of thanks to all the many
businesses who have stepped forward at
this time to provide support for the patients
and staff at the Trust. Of course, we all
think that it is the staff working throughout
Colleagues come together to clap for businesses
the NHS, and in other critical care roles,
who are the true heroes. This gesture helps
to highlight how business is also a force for
good and demonstrates the way people
across our society and communities are
pulling together at this difficult time.”
9

Virtual is now a reality across our
workplace
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has
drastically changed the way we all
work with teams constantly looking
at different approaches to meet the
daily challenges presented by the
pandemic.
One thing we have all embraced during
this pandemic is the use of technology
with WebEx meetings and events
becoming the norm. Part of this digital
‘revolution’ has also seen clinics being
done digitally using an online tool called
Visionable.
Mark Whitehouse, Head of Patient
Access & Planned Care, told Heartbeat
that our clinicians have been using
Visionable to see their patients virtually
for a number of weeks now with some
great feedback.
“Patients have really embraced the
technology and have welcomed not
having to travel to hospital for routine
follow up appointments whilst also
saving on taxi fares, parking fees and
having to book time off from work,”
said Mark.
“Clinicians have also been pleased with
the way Visionable works, it is secure
and allows them to assess patients and
call them in for a face to face if they feel
that is necessary for their treatment.”
Mark added: “We are only scratching
the surface in terms of what the
technology can do. It is possible for
instance for clinicians to share x-ray
results with the patient, inviting other
clinicians into the consultation for
second opinions and other members of
the team like physios or even interpreters
Taking part in a Webex virtual ward round - Jaron Kooner, Patient Access Team Leader (holding the
IPAD) with Lisa Anderson, Stroke Alert Nurse and Dr Iqbal, Stroke Consultant
all through virtual technology. We are liaising
with colleagues to see what else they would
like to do within Visionable and we will work
with the supplier to ensure we are using the
technology to its maximum potential.”
Visionable/WebEx is also about to change the
way we do ward rounds. Earlier this month
Respiratory Consultant, Arvind Rajasekaran
conducted a trial of a virtual ward round using
Webex on Newton 3 and was positive about
the outcome.
He told us: “Initial feedback was very
encouraging. The audio and video was very
clear and patients (aged up to 70) involved in
the trial were very positive too.
“Although older patients (80 and above)
did appear to struggle with interface, often
searching for the consultant and speaking out
of sync. Our recommendation is that we avoid
using the technology when the ward is very
busy (with bleep monitors in the back ground)
as it degrades the consultation experience for
both the patient and the clinician.”
Arvind did not get the opportunity to test
scenarios that require a sensitive conversation
such as DNACPR but suggested the virtual
ward would be ideal for routine ward rounds
and checks on patients following a normal
face to face contact.
He said: “It would be great for the
afternoon huddle with a quick check on a
patient or two especially if the clinician is on
a different site and to facilitate decisions on
patient transfer. Visionable/Webex may also
be suitable for weekend ward rounds where
discharges can be facilitated following
previously agreed plans.
“Having the option of virtual ward rounds
is great for colleagues although I do not
anticipate that this will replace of face to
face ward rounds. For the virtual ward
round to work well, the junior doctor and
the consultant need to ensure they study
each case independently to avoid the risk of
overlooking information and thus making
the process safer.
“The human to human non-verbal
interaction that happens on a team ward
round is removed and the effect of this
is unclear. The environmental impact
and sustainability agenda will have to be
captured so involving our sustainability team
would be a good idea. However, overall the
virtual ward round is a positive experience.”
How the virtual ward round works
1. All patients are prepped by junior
doctor and a summary entered on
the clinical summary section of
clinical workflow.
2. Consultant and junior doctor agree a
start time and the order of the ward
round starting bay 1 bed1 etc.
3. Consultant looks at the first patient
summary on Unity (clinical work
flow), reviews vitals, bloods, drug
chart, CXR etc. In COVID-19 scenario,
particular emphasis on escalation
plans, previous conversations with
patient and family.
4. Consultant dials in using video
chat function.
5. Junior doctor (in full PPE) picks
the call.
6. Consultant and junior doctor run
through the clinical summary and
check understanding. If a nurse is
required for the consultation, the
nurse is brought into bedside.
7. Junior doctor takes the IPad to
patient and a consultation
follows. On occasions a three-way
conversation with the nurse (AHP)
and the patient ensues.
8. Consultation finishes with the patient
9. Consultant and junior doctor agree
the documentation schema.
10. Consultant and trainee doctor agree
which patient to see next with either
the same or a different junior
doctor (hands over the IPad that
being the case).
11. Call ends.
12. Junior doctor completes the
documentation as WR Dr Consultant.
13. Consultant checks documentation
and modifies and verifies with
signature.
14. Consultant looks at second patient
summary on Unity (step 3).
For further information about
Visionable or Webex contact Mark
Whitehouse markwhitehouse@nhs.net
or visit https://visionable.com/videos
10

Junior doctors – life on the frontline
Our Trust has mobilised in a way and
at a pace unknown to us before and
everyone has a part to play. Colleagues
from administrative functions, nurses
to HCAs and of course, our medical
teams, have all pulled together at this
challenging time.
Our junior doctors are playing a particularly
significant role in this pandemic. There
is a mix of experience and levels of
responsibility among them, with some just
newly qualified to those with a decade of
practical experience working in hospitals.
With approximately 53,000 junior doctors
practising in England alone, they make up
a sizeable part of any NHS Trust, and in
ours, they are crucial in our battle against
COVID-19.
Speaking of the positives, Alison explained
how working through this pandemic has
brought a sense of camaraderie to the
frontline.
“We have lots of junior doctors in our
Trust; some of them at the beginning
of their training, whilst others like me
have several years’ experience. I am very
overwhelmed and impressed by how we
have come together, sharing best practice,
looking after each other and learning how
to tackle this pandemic. I feel particularly
supported by the consultants – having that
senior presence has been essential. Nurses,
doctors, HCAs and ward services - we've all
become closer as a team.”
Dr Sarah Faloon, CT2 Stroke Medicine,
echoed these sentiments. She told us:
“Working as a junior doctor during a
global pandemic is not something I would
have ever expected. I am amazed by how
well everyone has pulled together and
the willingness to volunteer into new and
unfamiliar roles. Some of us have new
responsibilities, for instance, myself and
other core medical trainees have moved
onto the medical registrar rota. Whilst
initially daunting we have been so well
supported by the consultants, other junior
doctors and nursing staff.
“Morale and teamwork have been fantastic.
Managing sick patients is what we are
trained to do; however, the increased
amount of end of life care and breaking bad
news, especially when we have to do this
COVID-19
over the telephone can be psychologically
and emotionally demanding. The Trust and
wellbeing team have looked after us by
providing opportunities for debriefing and
with their wellbeing campaign. I have been
extremely moved by the public support, and
I am very proud to work for the NHS as a
medic here.”
Professor Jawad Khan, Director of Medical
Education, told us how incredibly proud
he is of our junior medical colleagues.
Speaking to Heartbeat, he said: “I would
like to draw particular attention to the
resolve, determination and bravery of our
junior medical staff in facing adversity
at a time which has been physically and
emotionally draining. The physical demands
on us as doctors are substantial. Working,
whilst wearing PPE, adds considerable effort
in terms of caring for patients.
“The junior doctors have been pivotal in
our efforts to address the surge in clinical
demand. They are at the very forefront of
our efforts, showing great flexibility when
redeployed into new clinical environments,
adapting to new roles and rotas. They have
matured quickly, adjusted and remained
steadfast to maintaining the highest
standard of patient care. Their conduct
has been exemplary. Their compassion and
dedication cannot be overstated.”
Dr Alison Eastaugh
We caught up with Alison Eastaugh,
Geriatric and Chief Medical Registrar, to
find out what life on the frontline has been
like for her. She told us: “I think at first
anticipation and anxiety were common
feelings among myself and my colleagues.
There was a sense of the unknown, we
weren’t sure how many patients we would
see or how unwell they might be. Many of
my colleagues were also being moved to
other areas to provide support where they
were most needed.”
Working through this pandemic has
brought with it some unfamiliar challenges.
“Wearing personal protection equipment
(PPE) all day can be very uncomfortable. It
also makes communication with colleagues
and patients difficult. Breaking bad news to
families on the telephone is also emotionally
challenging.”
Some of our junior doctors at their induction in 2019 before the outbreak of COVID-19
11

welearn to recognise excellence
COVID-19
April’s Quality Improvement Half
Day (QIHD) saw the launch of
welearn from excellence across our
workplace.
welearn from excellence provides
a platform for you to recognise
colleagues for their everyday brilliance.
The Trust, and the whole NHS, is
currently responding on a scale and at
a pace never before known due to the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
welearn from excellence will capture
the learning and appreciate the amazing
work that our colleagues are delivering
today and every day.
Positive reporting is quick and
easy…
Simply visit Connect and click on the
welearn from excellence logo on the
homepage. You will just need to answer
three quick questions:
• Tell us about a colleague or team
whose excellence you would like
to positively report
• What can we learn?
• Optional: How did it feel to be
involved?
Heartbeat caught up with Claire Hubbard,
Deputy Director of Governance: Knowledge
and Learning who told us more.
“Although the portal has only been live for a
few weeks we are delighted with the number
of positive reports we have received so far.
“It is clear that even though everyone is
working under extreme pressure we are all still
taking the time to recognise the good work
that is taking place around us.
“All excellence received via the portal will be
positively acknowledged so that colleagues
receive recognition and we can share
the appreciation and learning across our
workplace.”
QIHD goes digital
April also saw the first time that QIHD was
an all-digital affair with many teams logging
in via WebEx.
“QIHD via WebEx has been very well
received,” added Claire. “Many colleagues
have commented on how they saved time
as they didn’t have to travel cross-site and
they were still able to see each other via
WebEx!
“It was good to see 422 colleagues across
30 teams connect online to share learning.
We will certainly support teams to continue
to communicate digitally even when we do
go back to business as usual.”
For more information on welearn
from excellence please email
swbh.welearnlfe@nhs.net
New volunteer role launched at
the Trust
With the outbreak of coronavirus
across the world, our volunteer
service has seized this opportunity
to offer a helping hand.
Our hospital sites may have gone into
lockdown in recent weeks, but that
hasn’t stopped us in wanting to be
caring and kind and more importantly,
ensure our patients are still our number
one priority.
With visiting restricted due to the
outbreak of COVID-19, our volunteer
service decided they wanted to turn this
negative into a positive by launching
a new role for the service - a 2020
response volunteer.
“The role of a 2020 response volunteer
is to assist the organisation during the
coronavirus pandemic,” said Patricia
Hunt, Volunteer Service Manager.
“All our response volunteers will be
flexible and able to take on a variety of
Kay is ready and rearing to support the frontline
in her new response volunteer role
duties from distributing information leaflets,
posters to helping us with the many donations
from the community and wayfinding. The
role is designed to help support our frontline
colleague whilst they care for our patients.”
Kamal (Kay) Deep has taken up this new
volunteer opportunity and is thriving in her
new role. She told us: “It always feels good
to be able to give back to people in my
local area and help others, especially during
such difficult times. If by me wayfinding or
carrying out any of my other duties helps
our patients and key workers, then it is a
job I am proud to be doing.”
Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager
believes the response volunteers will make a
significant difference across all our sites. She
said: "Our response volunteers encapsulate
our strapline of ‘giving time to care’ and will
most definitely have a positive impact across
the whole Trust.
“Since the national call out from the NHS
encouraging volunteers to help the most
vulnerable, we have had a massive influx of
potential volunteers wanting to offer their
time to help us.”
You can contact our volunteer service
on 0121 507 4855 or email
swbh.volunteer@nhs.net
12

Rainbow brigades provide a
kaleidoscope of vital assistance
If you were to mention rainbows at
present you might end up having
a conversation about some of the
many wonderful drawings, paintings
and other pieces of art visible in the
windows of homes across the region.
However, rainbows are also connected
to the newly created COVID-19 brigades.
Back on 3 April, our organisation asked
volunteers to join our brigades. Three days
later following the release of updated
working from home guidance, colleagues
were asked to consider whether their role
was needed full time during the next ten
weeks of the pandemic. Of those not
needed full time, volunteers were then
sought to take up temporary redeployment
into key support functions.
Our brigades are split into the
following areas:
Red – clinical administration
This includes, along with purple,
colleagues shielding and working from
home.*
This brigade supports ward teams and
emergency care services with clinical
administration duties. This also involves
keeping in touch with patients whose
care has been delayed or deferred by the
focus on COVID-19.
Yellow – PPE wardens
This brigade has two key roles. Firstly,
making sure that everyone has the right
PPE and wears it as required. Secondly, this
brigade will be supporting areas as runners
to ensure that teams stay in PPE in their
affected departments.
Green – Cleaning
This focuses on cleaning communal areas,
door handles and other risk touchpoints.
Most of the work will not be in clinical
areas.
Blue – Portering and transport
Colleagues work within portering
supporting the existing experienced teams.
Some individuals might also be involved in
driving duties.
Purple – Specialist projects
This involves an evolving series of pieces
of work including projects on wellbeing,
isolation and the recovery programme.
Keep an eye out for more information within
the regular daily bulletins and on Connect. If,
with the ongoing changing of circumstances,
your time now allows to volunteer you
can get in touch with the brigade team via
volunteerbrigade.swbh@nhs.net.
COVID-19
We’ll also be featuring some of the
great work you are all doing across
our workplace in upcoming editions of
Heartbeat. If you’d like to feature, please
email swbh.comms@nhs.net.
Sonia Arnett and Brinderjit Rai from the
Improvement Team have joined the Green
Brigade
* Remember if you are either
shielding or working from home you
must be registered on the Trust’s
database. Failure to register will be
regarded as absence without leave
unless you are formally isolating or
otherwise off sick.
Nightingale Hospital opens its doors
A number of colleagues have been
drafted in to help at the new NHS
Nightingale Hospital based at
Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre
(NEC), which will be used if the local NHS
hospitals need additional capacity to
treat patients as a result of the pandemic.
The unit, which is currently set up to house
500 beds, was officially opened by Prince
William in mid-April and is fully equipped to
support patients with COVID-19 who may
no longer need intensive hospital care. The
facility will have the ability to scale up quickly
to 4,000 beds if needed.
NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham has
been built to provide extra capacity if needed
to local services dealing with the increased
number of patients during the peak of
coronavirus.
It is led by University Hospitals Birmingham
NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) and has a
workforce of doctors, nurses, therapists and
support staff who will ensure that all patients
receive the highest possible standards of care.
The NHS Nightingale Hospitals – currently also
in London, Manchester, Harrogate and Bristol
- are part of a nationwide effort to respond to
the greatest global health emergency in more
than a century. These measures mean that
capacity still exists in hospitals to deal with
coronavirus, with the Nightingales standing
ready if local services need them.
The main purpose of the Nightingale
Birmingham will be to ease pressure on other
hospitals in the area. By looking after general
medical COVID-19 patients, it will allow
existing hospitals and their expert clinical
teams to focus on those who need intensive
care.
Dr David Rosser, Chief Executive, UHB, said:
“The extraordinary effort in creating the
Nightingale Hospital in Birmingham is a total
team effort. Without this collective purpose,
we would not have been able to make the
staggering preparations to deliver this facility.
“The progress made on this site in just a
few days, to turn it from a vast warehouse
into an operational patient facility is quite
unbelievable. It’s yet another example of the
NHS pulling out all the stops alongside our
military, ambulance, contractor and NEC
partners to make this happen.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief
Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “West
Midlands Ambulance Service stands ready to
support our colleagues in the acute sector
and transfer patients from hospitals around
the region to the new Nightingale Hospital as
required. Our crews will also be on hand to
take people home or onto other care facilities
once they have recovered sufficiently.”
CEO of the NEC Group, Paul Thandi, said: “It
is our honour as a company and workforce
to step forward to help our country’s fight
against the life-threatening virus COVID-19.
“All teams involved have worked seamlessly
alongside our brilliant NHS and the Ministry of
Defence to deliver this facility, and we stand
ready to continue playing our part in the
NHS’s fight to save the lives of our families,
friends and fellow citizens.”
13

PPE: Staying safe
at work
COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment,
otherwise known as PPE has become
one of the key talking points during
the COVID-19 pandemic. As we
learn more about how the virus is
transmitted the PPE requirements
have changed. This may have
caused some confusion and anxiety
amongst colleagues. It is important
that colleagues understand the
correct use of PPE to keep ourselves,
patients and colleagues safe.
From FFP3 to N95 masks, gowns to gloves,
the assortment of protective equipment
has steadily morphed as we have learnt
lessons from countries that have battled
COVID-19 before us, and changed the way
we work to protect ourselves, colleagues
and patients.
Throughout this pandemic, from the initial
preparation phase to where we are now,
one thing has stood the test of time - that
being the need to protect colleagues as an
utmost priority. From supporting face mask fit
testing across the organisation, where almost
5,000 colleagues now know exactly which
masks to use to be able to safely care for
patients with COVID-19, to ensuring that as a
Trust we’re able to adapt our practices to be
one step ahead of COVID-19.
To find out more about the work being done
to protect colleagues and patients, Heartbeat
caught up with Infection Control Lead Nurse,
Julie Booth. She said: “We know we need
to protect colleagues to be able to continue
caring for our patients safely, so it’s important
we have the right support in place. We have
been working hard to ensure that we’re able
to reinforce not only our practices but our
provisions to protect staff.
“Colleagues will no doubt have seen all of the
posters that have been put up highlighting
the red and blue areas as well as top to toe
guidance on PPE. We now also have stations
on the entrances to every ward area with
clear guidance and supplies of PPE and we’re
working with colleagues in supplies to ensure
that we’re able to keep colleagues protected
should there be any further changes to the
guidance.”
Colleagues must remember to wash their
hands, this is the most important thing
that everyone must do regularly alongside
ensuring that they are wearing the correct
PPE appropriate to the right environment and
patient contact. Remember that not everyone
in a given ward or department will wear
the same; there are differences due to the
procedures that each person carries out that
dictate the level of PPE.
For further information on PPE, contact
the infection control team or keep up to
date via the daily bulletin and Connect.
R&D: Leading the way to innovations
in COVID-19
The strong research and development
culture at our Trust has once again come
to the forefront as out R&D team has
stepped forward and stepped up our
involvement in a range of research trials
looking in to COVID-19.
With innovation and ideas flowing from
clinicians across the world, all with the aim
of tackling COVID-19 and stopping it in its
tracks, research trials have stepped up pace
and nowhere more evident is that than our
own Trust where to date, we have already
managed to recruit over 63 patients in to a
range of studies.
To find out more about the work of R&D in
COVID-19, Heartbeat caught up with Gina
Dutton, Head of Research and Development,
she said, “Our Trust is proud of its long track
record of excellence in clinical research and
we’re keen to use all of our knowledge and
ability to develop more effective ways of
looking after our patients. COVID-19 has
undoubtedly had a significant impact on
both patients and healthcare professionals
and it’s an ideal opportunity to support
research in to innovations in treatment and
care of COVID-19 patients.
“The portfolio of COVID-19 studies is
increasing rapidly and I am proud to say
A patient being examined with the new
Bioptigen handheld device
that we have already opened or have in
set up six of the most important COVID-19
clinical trials and observational studies,
completing local governance checks and set
up processes in record time. Key to this has
been our close working relationship with the
trials pharmacy team. This has been a whole
Trust effort with all colleagues in various
medical specialties pulling together to ensure
that patients are offered these studies during
their hospital stay.”
Shortly after it was announced that the
prestigious RECOVERY trial had nationally
recruited its 5000th participant, the Trust
recruited its 50th. This study is looking
at a range of drug treatment options for
patients who are admitted to hospital with
COVID-19. It is a rapidly changing study
The infection control team are supporting
colleagues to stay safe
so that it can assess a range of treatments
quickly. The current medications in the study
include Lopinavir-Ritonavir, a commonly used
HIV drug, Low-dose Dexamethasone - a
type of steroid, which is used in a range of
conditions typically to reduce inflammation,
Hydroxychloroquine (anti-malarial drug),
Azithromycin (antibiotic) and Tocilizumab (an
anti-inflammatory treatment).
Two other treatment trials are for patients
who are more poorly; REMAP-CAP is a drug
trial using similar treatments to RECOVERY
and RECOVERY RS: Respiratory Support
is looking at different types of breathing
support, continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) and High flow nasal oxygen (HFNO).
A fourth treatment trial, PRINCIPLE, is in set
up with our GP colleagues in Your Health
Partnership.
Two other studies are collecting data and
samples to improve the understanding of
genetics of COVID-19 and how it impacts on
patients.
As this is such a rapidly changing portfolio,
R&D has created a special Connect page so
that Trust staff can be kept informed of our
current COVID research. https://connect2.
swbh.nhs.uk/research-and-development/
covid-19-clinical-research/
14

Caring for relatives during COVID-19
By Paula Gardner, Chief Nurse
Paula Gardner, Chief Nurse
COVID-19 has changed the world as
we know it in many ways, but one of
the most significant ways that I see
the impact, as a nurse, is the sheer
challenge of relatives not being able
to spend time with their loved ones
who are in hospital. This goes against
everything we nurses are used to and
are comfortable with and has often
left us stepping in more to provide that
social contact and empathy that their
relatives would normally bring.
Our patients remain at the forefront and at
times, when we don’t see them, it can be
easy to forget about the importance of regular
communication with relatives. This is why we
introduced our purple point telephone service
two years ago – to allow visitors and patients
to get on the spot help when they need it.
It is certainly even more difficult to speak to
relatives during the pandemic as they are not
popping in as they used to. But it is precisely
at this time that we need to consider more
than ever how we talk to relatives about the
care that the patient is receiving. We must
all put ourselves in the shoes of those people
whose anxiety must be heightened by the
inability to visit and see how their friend or
family member is getting on. I know, from
speaking to relatives after their loved one has
sadly passed away, just how traumatic the
experience has been for them and how sad
they are for not being able to spend as much
time together as they wanted.
Our wards have tablets and phones to help
people stay in touch. Yes, it might feel like it
takes time to help people use these, but this
time is essential in enabling patients to see
their family and the absent family member to
feel some closeness with their relative. This is
COVID-19
just as important as the hands on care
we provide to every patient.
Colleagues supporting patients in the
community have the same struggles
– whereas home visits still take place,
some are replaced with a telephone call
to check in and often the relative can
feel excluded from this.
There are some great examples across
the Trust of good, planned conversations
with relatives. The critical care team have
put together some excellent information
for relatives that clearly sets out how
they will communicate with them and
gives them information on how to
make contact virtually with patients.
One of the key lessons we must learn
throughout this pandemic is that careful,
consistent communication with relatives
is just as important as the care we give
to our patients.
Understanding more about COVID-19
By Professor David Carruthers, Medical Director
Professor David Carruthers, Medical Director
Since we first heard about this new virus
the world has been trying to understand
more about it….Who is most affected?
How is it transmitted? Can you be
immune to it? Why do some people
have a mild illness and other cases
end in a tragic outcome? What clinical
interventions do patients respond to?
At our Trust, we are no exception to this
hunger for information to understand
COVID-19 so that we might best protect and
treat patients who catch the virus.
We began seeing patients in our acute
hospitals with potential coronavirus
symptoms in February, but on testing, the
initial query cases were negative. Our first
confirmed case was at City Hospital on 12
March. We now have information on every
patient who has been treated by us with a
positive test result, every patient who has sadly
died with COVID-19 and all those who we
have seen and tested, whose test result came
back clear.
We are undertaking our own data analysis on
acute admissions to the Trust, contributing to
national research projects (clinical, therapeutic
and genetic) as well as detailed reviews of
mortality data.
This information feeds into wider regional and
national data analysis but even within our own
Trust we can start to see patterns emerging
– although it is important not to jump to
conclusions. It is very evident that underlying
health conditions contribute to the risk of more
severe disease.
Age is a definite risk factor with 47 per cent
of all COVID+ patients who have died in our
hospitals being over 85 years old. Men seem
to be affected more than women. Of the
patients we have seen with COVID-19, 58 per
cent have hypertension and 39 per cent have
diabetes. This is higher for the patients who
have died. We have also seen a difference over
time since the start of the positive cases at our
Trust. More of the patients who died were at
City Hospital in March but this has changed
in April, indicating the dynamic changing
nature of the epidemic. When we have looked
at ethnicity, there doesn’t appear to be a
disproportionate impact on patients from
different ethnic backgrounds at Sandwell
Hospital, whereas in March, 39 per cent
of the deaths of patients with COVID-19
at City Hospital were in black patients,
but only 19 per cent in April which is line
with the wider Birmingham population.
This could indicate a geographical cluster
in March in western Birmingham at the
start of the outbreak.
We continue to collect and analyse this
information as well as review deaths
in our care whether covid-related or
not. I am really pleased that our Trust is
participating in several research studies
on this virus as you can see elsewhere in
Heartbeat.
The clinical care of patients in hospitals
is also being reviewed carefully. The early
provision of oxygen therapy, proning
of patients (patients are placed on their
front and the bed is tilted to relieve
pressure on the lungs) and increased
use of NIV/CPAP seems to be having a
positive impact on some patients. We
continue to share learning with other
NHS organisations and see what has
worked well in other parts of the world,
modifying our approach to patient care as
we learn more. Many thanks to all of you
involved in patient care that makes rapid
changes in our approach to management
of COVID-19 possible.
15

It may be work b
With COVID-19 changing so many of the
things we all took for granted we’ve all had
to adapt the way we do things, not least the
way we work. Luckily at our Trust, we have
the flexibility to allow some colleagues to
work remotely at home.
Cyndi E Corlis
Organisational Development & Learning
Q How have you adjusted to
working from home?
A Much better than I expected, very
well actually.
Q Can you tell us some of the
benefits of working from home?
A I get to finish a cup of coffee
(or two). I have more time to focus
on tasks and time to think without
rushing.
Q What do you miss about
going into work?
A I miss the interactions I have with
others, the journey, or just the
change of scenery.
Q What’s your top tip for
working from home?
A Routine – Implement the same
start and finish times as if you are
still working on site. Have a
designated office area if you can
and get dressed!
Gemma Botfield
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
Q How are you finding working
from home?
A I am on week five of working from
home and feel like I’ve adapted to
it well. My manager and colleagues
are all very supportive; we’ve even set
up a WhatsApp group. This helps us
all check in with each other
throughout the day.
Q What has been the biggest
change for you?
A I miss the contact with children
and young people, however, we have
still been able to complete video calls
whilst at home. I also miss going into
schools and having contact with other
professionals. The same goes for my
work colleagues. We have our daily
catch ups which we use to complete
weekly cluster meetings.
Q Can you share some of the
benefits of working from home?
A I’ve not been stuck in traffic every
day. I also feel that communication
with other agencies has been easier
and faster.
Q What’s your top tip for working
from home?
A Ensure you set up a workspace with
all the correct equipment, a private
area is essential for taking and making
calls. Taking regular screen breaks is a
must too.

ut not as we know it!
Kajal Sondhi
Volunteer Service
Q How have you adjusted to
working from home?
A It has been a big change, it took a
few weeks to adjust but it has not
been impossible.
Q What has been the biggest
change?
A The biggest change for me has
been not seeing as many people as
I usually would.
Q What do you miss about coming
into work?
A I miss the little things, such as
talking face to face with colleagues,
meeting new people and doing
different things every day.
Q What’s your top tip for working
from home?
A It is important to keep a routine. It
took me a while to get into one, but
I am glad that I set one for myself. It’s
important to find a good working
space, and it helps to get into an
exercise routine too.
Here are our top tips to help you establish
an efficient home working regime:
Get dressed
This may sound like an obvious
tip but it makes a big difference
to how you face your day.
Making the effort to get ready
will help you to focus on the
day ahead.
Work your usual hours
Keeping to a routine will help you to maintain a sense
of normality in these unusual times. Don’t be tempted
to have late nights – getting enough sleep will help
you to feel rested and ready to take on whatever your
working day has in store for you. If you’ve saved a
considerable amount of time on your commute to
and from work you could use this time to invest in
something you enjoy like reading or taking part in an
online exercise class.
Talk to your colleagues
We all have lots of ways to communicate - WhatsApp,
Skype, Webex, the list is endless. The truth is whilst
these tools are fantastic for helping us stay in touch;
it’s nice to hear from someone. Make time to check in
with your colleagues at home, a quick five-minute chat
may not only cheer up someone’s day but help to boost
productivity and save you sending countless emails. It’s
good to talk!
Take a break
You may find getting your main
tasks done in the morning a little
easier, or perhaps you think better
in the afternoon. Whatever works
for you remember to take a break
– enjoy a cuppa or you could set
up a work playlist to help you
power through. If you are lucky enough to have some
outside space you could have lunch in the garden.

CORPORATE AND GENERAL
NEWS
Shout out has been a regular feature
in Heartbeat and it is fantastic to see
colleagues regularly taking the time
to give positive feedback to each
other.
We regularly receive positive feedback
from our patients too, and this month
we wanted to share some of those
heart-warming messages which have
been sent via our website and social
media platforms.
To – Jooby Thomas on the Respiratory Hub
For being really supportive in making plans
for increasing our nurse staffing numbers
in line with additional capacity.
From – Beth Hughes
To – Lesley Dowie
For taking amazing care of all the labour
ward staff and rustling up a cooked
dinner for the night shift team! Very much
appreciated!
From – Howard Stringer
To – All staff on the 6 PCCT Community
Wards
Thank you for continually seeking
opportunities to go the extra mile, from
putting on afternoon tea parties to
supporting each other which often involves
travelling from City to Rowley or vice versa
- we appreciate it.
From – Justine Irish
To – Nursing staff on Priory 2
A big thank you to the wonderful nursing
staff on Priory 2 for cleaning the ward
in between looking after the patients so
it takes some of the pressure off Ward
Services. It is highly commendable that we
are all pulling together during this trying
time. Well done!
From – Shila Patel
To – Domestics/ward services
A huge shout out to our fabulous SWBH
domestics /ward services officers at City and
Sandwell. Our amazing domestic services
teams are on the front line against virus
spread right now and they are doing an
amazing job. Amidst all the uncertainty
that inevitably results during an outbreak
of a virus, they keep calm and carry on.
Huge respect and thanks.
From – Mark Lee
To – Kevin Johnson - Portering team
Went above and beyond to help AMAA
staff move to medical infusions suite.
Not only stayed past his shift time but
supported the moving process, was very
helpful and was a great support.
From – Natalie Binfield
To – Amy Dawes
She looked after my nan/mum on Surgical
Day Case Unit when she thought she
was going to have her op. Amy kept us
informed of the situation; she was lovely,
kind and helpful.
From – Rachel Humphreys
To – Stacey Caffrey
A big thank you to our fabulous new
starter link nurse for being amazingly
supportive and available for all the
newbies on AMU.
From – Fiona Boddy
To – Sherry Craig
Just to say thank you Sherry and all the
Lyndon 3 crazy team. You're a fantastic lot
to work with because of your team work
ethic and support for each other. You make
me look forward to being at work with my
second family. Thank you all.
From – Barbara Boparai
To – Medical Infusion
For packing up their ward and moving to
Rowley Regis in 4 hours.
From – Mercia Buddle
To – Vanessa Neimke
Thank you Vanessa for all your support
with revising the New-born Blood Spot
screening process which has been disrupted
considerably by COVID-19. Your can-do
attitude and proactive approach have
helped a huge amount.
From – Becky Fox
To – Julie McFarlane
Thank you for your wonderful work that
you do in the antenatal clinic at Sandwell.
Especially this week where you have been
on your own doing all the bloods and
covering the front desk in what have been
very difficult circumstances. You are very
much appreciated.
From – Louise Bates
To – Ashley Pedersen-Gosling
Thank you Ashley for being so proactive
and offering support to other areas of
Maternity. Much appreciated, especially in
the face of current challenges.
From – Becky Fox
To – Pharmacy Stores and Distribution
Team
Helen Whiles, Sue Jones, Hugh Brown
and the pharmacy stores team. Thank you
for your hard work in responding to the
stock changes required to support ward
reconfigurations.
From – Emma Archer
To – Emma Shaw
Emma has dealt with major changes to the
ward amazingly well over the weekend.
All of the Lyndon 2 team are very proud
of you.
From – Sarah Phillips
18

Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Each month we profile some of our wonderful nurses as part of our
2020 year of the nurse and midwife celebrations.
Read on to find out about the career pathway of Matron for Primary Care
Community and Therapies, Natalie Whitton.
As you may be aware, this year
marks International Year of the
Nurse and Midwife, a campaign by
the World Health Organisation in
honour of the 200th birthday of
Florence Nightingale.
Nurses and midwives play a vital role in
providing health services in our workplace.
They devote their lives to caring for
mothers and children; giving lifesaving
immunisations and health advice; looking
after older people and generally meeting
everyday essential health needs. They
are often the first and only point of care
in their communities. Throughout the
year we will be highlighting some of our
nurses, HCAs and midwives who are
making a difference to our patients.
For April, we feature Matron for Primary
Care Community and Therapies, Natalie
Whitton.
Natalie was inspired to be a nurse by her
aunt. She told us: “I started my career as
a student nurse back in 2004 at the Trust.
At that time I had two young children and
was juggling this alongside my studying
which wasn’t easy, but I was determined
to achieve my goal.”
Just 16 months after qualifying, Natalie
was promoted to a ward sister. Natalie
briefly spent time away from the Trust,
before being persuaded by her peers to
Natalie Whitton
Matron for Primary Care, Community and Therapies.
Then and now. Natalie at the start of her career and pictured more recently as Matron for
Primary Care, Community and Therapies
apply for a senior sister post in primary
care, communities and therapies.
“I wasn’t sure about returning to the Trust
at first as I thought many things would
have changed and I may find it difficult to
adapt. However, after a few conversations
with some of my old colleagues, I knew it
was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss
out on so I applied.” She was successful
in getting the role and returned to us in
January 2017.
After an impressive 18 months, she was
successful in obtaining a matron post.
Natalie went on to win New Leader of the
Year at the 2018 Star Awards. She believes
this is one of her greatest achievements at
the Trust and is grateful to all those who
recognised her hard work as a leader.
She said: “To be recognised by staff as
being a person who has demonstrated
outstanding ability, talent and leadership
whilst showing great promise for the
future is a wonderful feeling. I was truly
thankful to all those who nominated me
for this award.”
Natalie continues to show what a fantastic
nurse she is. Most recently she played a
pivotal role in organising a tea party on
D47 which brought together colleagues,
patients and their families and, more
importantly, encouraged patients to get
out of their beds more often and use the
communal areas in the ward.
19

Ramadan during COVID-19
CORPORATE AND GENERAL
NEWS
This year Ramadan began on 23 April
and for many, it will be a different
experience as places of religious
worship of all denominations are
closed across the UK. Ramadan is
a time of spiritual reflection, selfimprovement,
and heightened
devotion and worship. Muslims are
expected to put more effort into
following the teachings of Islam
and perhaps with the events of
2020 so far it will play an even more
important part in the lives of many
people.
Typically, Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days
and ends with the celebration of Eid-
Ul-Fitr. Many Muslims will fast each day
from sunrise to sunset. This includes not
eating food, drinking liquids or smoking.
It is common to have one meal known
as the suhoor just before sunrise and
an evening meal known as Iftar after
sunset.
It’s also a time for charitable activity,
some people may make donations, and
others may participate in events. This
year there is lots of activity going on in
and around our Trust which colleagues
may wish to participate in.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection
Respecting the important role of Ramadan is
something we support at our Trust. This year
we will be doing things a little differently.
Some of the key changes include:
• Prayer facilities will be available in ‘hot
areas’ to enable colleagues to pray
without leaving the area
• Prayer mats will be available in local
prayer areas with disposable covers
• Colleagues will be offered night shifts
• Food will be made available to break
fast at the correct time.
Fasting is a central part of Ramadan. It is,
however, important to highlight that some
people and indeed patients we may see might
be exempt from fasting. These people include:
• All those who are unable to fast due to
illness (physical or mental) or being frail
• Pregnant and menstruating women
• Lactating women who have
concerns about their own, or their
child’s health.
It’s also worth noting that some medical
procedures do not break fasting. These may
include things such as:
• Injections (Intravenous, intramuscular,
intracardiac, intraosseous, intradermal
and subcutaneous)
• Taking bloods (thumb prick or
intravenous)
• Eye or ear drops (unless the tympanic
membrane is perforated)
• Urethral infusion, transdermal patch
(i.e. nicotine patches), concentrate
oxygen, epidural analgesia and
haemodialysis.
Dr Parijat De, Consultant in Diabetes and
Endocrinology commented: “Exemptions
exist for people with serious medical
conditions, including many with diabetes,
but a large number will participate, often
against medical advice. With the correct
advice and support from health care
practitioners and local guidelines, many
people with type 2 diabetes and other
medical conditions may be able to fast
safely during Ramadan.”
Our latest Ramadan guidance is on
Connect.
Keeping SWB safe and secure
On 23 March 2020, Prime Minister,
Boris Johnson announced that the
UK was going into lockdown. With
COVID-19 accelerating rapidly across
the UK this move was made to
protect the NHS and to help save
lives.
As a Trust, this meant we had to act
decisively to place all of our sites into
full lockdown to ensure patient and
colleague security was not compromised.
We caught up with Anil Bhogal, Security
Manager who told us more.
“We worked with our security teams to
lockdown all three of our hospitals. Our
security personnel made it their priority
priority to ensure there was a security
presence onsite across those sites. We
also inducted ten agency security staff
to assist with strengthening our security
presence.
Our hospital lockdown has meant our
security team had to change the way
Members of the security team who work to keep our sites secure
they do things and fast. Anil told us: “It
was a huge challenge to have everything
completed within a limited timeframe. We
had to complete a building risk assessment
of each site and ensure that all the doors
were repaired in time to support the physical
security of a lockdown. This also meant we
had to prepare our staffing rota three months
in advance, plus ensure we had substantive
and bank staff in place to support our plans at
this busy time.
He added: “We have restricted access
to all visitors coming on to our sites and
challenge everyone about why they
need to enter one of our sites, including
colleagues. This has helped to reduce the
risk of COVID-19 spreading by decreasing
the number of people entering our sites.
Everyone has been very understanding - it
has been a huge team effort and we’re
thankful to everyone who has helped us
achieve a safe and effective lockdown.”
20

Celebrating our
stars of the week
Star of the Week
Edward Fogden
Gastroenterology Consultant
example was brought up for good practice
and will be used as an example of this.”
Well done Edward!
Star of the Week
Anil Bhogal
Security Manager
Star of the Week
Kulbinder Sidhu
HCA
Congratulations are in order for a
consultant who has been praised far
and wide for the amazing care and
support he has been providing patients
in the BTC.
Edward Fogden, Gastroenterology
Consultant was nominated for the Star of
the Week award by Dr Eoin Dore, ACCS
CT2 anaesthetics.
Nominating Edward for the award, Eoin
said: “He is an example of excellence
in dealing with trainees and his use/
encouragement of the exception reporting
system when trainees/junior doctors have
to stay late to cover clinical issues. Despite
his very busy schedule, his ward rounds are
known for being excellent for teaching. His
Star of the Week
Neil Davies
Community Transport Driver
Congratulations are in order for a
community transport driver who has
been described as ‘incredibly helpful’
by colleagues.
Neil Davies is a community transport driver
who has been working at our Trust for
over 15 years in a range of roles and most
recently has been turning his hand to
transport.
Congratulations are in order for Anil
Bhogal, Security Manager who is our
most recent Star of the week award.
Anil has worked hard to transform the
security team growing the team significantly
in a very short period of time to be able
to respond appropriately to the difficult
situations that COVID-19 has presented.
Working alongside his front-line colleagues
Anil has taken the lead in shaping the face
of security to be friendly and supportive as
well as firm and assertive to protect both
colleagues and patients.
Nominating Neil for the award, Interim
Clinical Directorate Lead for iBeds wrote,
“Neil is consistently an asset to our PCCT
team, frequently assisting with a number
of last minute requests for transport of
patients, equipment and other essential
supporting roles.
On Wednesday he worked exceptionally
hard to facilitate the transfer of patients at
extremely short notice from Leasowes to
different locations in our area, taking some
to new ward locations at Rowley and at
City sites, as well as taking some patients
to their own homes.
He worked tirelessly with the team,
transporting nine patients from the unit,
releasing vital capacity for our Patient
Transport Service. He worked with positivity
and enthusiasm throughout and without
him we wouldn’t have successfully
completed the move within the day. He
reassured anxious patients and helped to
keep the whole team positive.”
Thank you Neil, your hard work is highly
valued by us all!
Congratulations are in order for a HCA
who has been praised far and wide
for the amazing care and support
she has been providing patients and
colleagues.
Kulbinder Sidhu, Healthcare Assistant on
the Respiratory Hub at City Hospital was
nominated for the Star of the Week award
by not just one colleague but by five in
total, all of whom felt that her personable
attitude, hard work and determination to
do the best for her patients and colleagues
made her a worthy nominee for the weekly
award.
Nominating Kulbinder for the award, Sister
Alice Sibanda wrote, “Kully has been a
God send since the move from Sandwell to
the new respiratory hub! She has kept the
ward tidy, managed stock, worked really
hard and managed all the new HCAs we
have had, helping to orientate them to the
ward. She has worked tirelessly including
coming in on bank to make sure the ward
is running smoothly. We can’t thank her
enough for her hard work and dedication
to the ward.”
Sharing her experience of working with
Kulbinder, Staff Nurse Alice Winter wrote,
“I have recently started on the Respiratory
Hub at City Hospital and Kulbinder has
been invaluable. She has been there
to show me where everything is, made
me feel welcome and supported me in
delivering patient care. She has made
my first few weeks as a newly qualified
much easier and she should know how
appreciated she is!”
Well done Kulbinder!
If you have someone in your team
that has gone above and beyond
the call of duty, put them forward
as a Star of the Week by logging a
nomination on Connect.
21

Multi-storey car parks granted
approval
CORPORATE AND GENERAL
NEWS
Our organisation has been given
the green light to build multi-storey
car parks at City and Sandwell
Hospitals which will improve access
for colleagues, patients and visitors.
Permission was granted by Sandwell
Council for a 400-space facility, whilst
Birmingham City Council gave the goahead
for a 550-space car park at our
City site.
The move will improve parking by creating
the new facilities. Sandwell Hospital is
undergoing some significant changes over
the coming years with work underway for
a £6 million health development which
will house Carters Green Medical Centre
and Lyndon Health Centre. The existing
provision of car parking space will be
constructed to meet the parking demands of
the site.
City Hospital is due to be redeveloped over
the coming years to incorporate new housing
and commercial space. It will also continue
to provide health services at the Birmingham
Treatment Centre, the Birmingham and Midland
Eye Centre and the Sheldon Block.
The Trust is working with car park operator,
Q-Park using its estates development partner
Prime to develop the plans for the new car
parks. Residents, councillors and hospital
staff were invited to hear about the proposals
during engagement events held in October
2019. The views, ideas and concerns fed into
the planning application.
James Pollitt, Associate Director of Strategic
Development from the Trust, said: “We're
delighted to have received planning
permission, which will address a longstanding
concern for our dedicated workforce. Our
schemes will include electric charge vehicle
provision and will help us to tackle parking on
neighbouring streets. The Trust continues to
invest in supporting other modes of travel as
part of our net zero commitment.”
Ewan Forsyth, Prime’s Development Director,
said: “These consents allow us to take the
first steps towards delivering much-needed
infrastructure for the Trust to help achieve its
strategic vision and deliver affordable, highquality
facilities that improve the patient,
visitor and staff experience.”
Sandwell site map showing where our new multistorey car park will be built
2020 - International Year of the Nurse and Midwife
May 2020 - National Walking Month
4 May Deaf Awareness Week
4 May Maternal Mental Health
Awareness Week
5 May International Day of the
Midwife
7 May Public Trust Board 9am -1pm
(Webex)
8 May Bank Holiday
11 May Dementia Action Awareness
Week
12 May International Nurses Day
18 May Mental Health Awareness Week
25 May Bank Holiday
26 May Clinical Leadership Executive
2pm-5pm (Webex)
27 May - TeamTalk 1pm (Webex)
22

Medicine administration –
supporting safe and effective care
CORPORATE AND GENERAL
NEWS
Colleagues must scan barcodes on medicines and wristbands
Medicine administration – the art of
giving the right dosage of the right
medication to the right patient at
the right time. While this sounds like
its fraught with danger, it’s actually
quite a safe process - if you follow the
approved workflow.
One of the key features of Unity is
clinical safety, and in no other role is
this most evident than it is in medicine
administration. With the operational
pressures of busy wards, the constant
demands on nursing staff, a safe process to
administer medication was one of the first
elements established in Unity.
A simple scan of a barcode on a patient’s
wristband is all that is needed to pull up a
list of medication to administer, followed
by scanning the barcode on the medication
before it is administered. This means there
are two automated system checks to make
sure that mistakes don't happen.
To find out more about the duty of care
when dispensing drugs, Heartbeat caught
up with Chief Pharmacist, Puneet Sharma.
He said, “Barcode scanning of patients’
wristbands and medication is mandatory
for all staff when administering medication.
Bypassing the scan to save time puts lives at
risk and could prove fatal.
“Occasionally it is necessary to bypass a
scan, whether it’s a faulty scanner or an
unreadable wristband, however these
should be few and far between. And
in these few cases, the bypass must be
documented.”
Following feedback from our nursing
colleagues, changes have been made to
the medication administration wizard
in Unity about how not being able to
barcode scan a patient’s wristband, or
not barcode scanning the medication
is now recorded. With the new dropdown
recording, we can track which
particular medication has not scanned
(and if there is a barcode issue resolve
this quickly), or if the medication has
not scanned for a valid reason. This is
then recorded against individual Unity
logins, so ward managers can see if
there are particular members of the
team that need further support through
reports.
Should you have any queries or
difficulties using barcode scanning,
please speak to the Unity Super User in
the first instance. If further information
is needed, please email the EPMA team
via swbh.PharmEPMABuild@nhs.net
BMEC still keen to see you right
SURGICAL SERVICES
It is an unfortunate necessity of the
COVID-19 pandemic that with such
dramatic changes to how we treat
patients in our care, services and how
we, as an organisation, operate them
have in some instances changed.
Be that in the way we offer them, the
location of treatment, the availability of
the service (in terms of opening hours), a
reduction in capacity and in a handful of
cases they’ve been temporarily closed due to
the redistribution of personnel throughout
the hospital.
One vital department that is still going
strong is the Birmingham Midland Eye
BMEC
Centre (BMEC). They’re very keen to get the
message out about their continued availability,
especially with people’s eyesight at stake. BMEC’s
emergency care department is still open and
seeing any patients that have an urgent need for
treatment.
Hilary Lemboye, Group Director of
Operations, said: "When it comes to eye
sight it’s something that often can’t wait –
and people shouldn’t. It’s vital that patients
know that they can still come to BMEC and
take advantage of our services. We want to
get that message out and let people know
that if they have an enquiry they can always
contact our central phone line.”
The advice given by the ophthalmology
team is that any contact lens wearer who is
experiencing eye pain, redness and reduced
vision that doesn’t settle or gets worse over
24 hours must attend eye casualty. If you
are concerned about either eye related pain
or loss of vision, don’t wait, either contact
either our regions local urgent eyecare
services, or alternately call our emergency
and urgent care teams on 0121 507 4440
where you will be given advice by one of our
skilled ophthalmic nurse, or clinicians.
23

Strength of teams praised at Rowley
Regis and Leasowes
PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITIES
AND THERAPIES
“A unique time with some
exceptional and sometimes
unsettling challenges” was the way
one colleague explained to Heartbeat
how COVID-19 had affected the lives
of staff and patients at two of its
facilities.
With COVID-19 hitting hardest amongst
the elderly and those with pre-existing
health conditions, March and April
proved to be an ongoing battle for both
the staff at Rowley Regis Hospital and the
Leasowes End of Life Care Centre, each
of which deals predominantly with elderly
and frail patients.
For colleagues at Rowley Regis, there
has been not just the battle against
coronavirus but an even bigger concern,
if possible, to keep matters contained.
There was a fear that the virus could
travel rapidly through its patient base
with deadly consequences if were not
for the constant vigilance of doctors and
nurses.
One colleague told us: “As with all
members of the Trust we’ve been going
to great lengths, aided by the guidance
put out by teams, such as infection
control, to do all we can to help with this
fight. For the Rowley teams, it’s a war not
just for victory over COVID-19, but it’s a
war for peace. Peace for all our patients
whether blue or red. I’m so proud of all
the teams at Rowley right now, they’re
working so hard.”
It’s a sense of pride that is echoed across
the way at Leasowes. As readers can no
doubt imagine, it has been a particularly tough
time for colleagues at the centre, as the effects
of the virus have accelerated the number of
deaths seen. But whilst they had, ‘taken more
than just one gut punch’ over the last couple
of months, the team is still standing together.
Heartbeat spoke to Palliative Care Team Leader,
Sue Law and asked her to lay out just some of
the challenges her team have faced.
“Leasowes opened to 20 end of life patients on
19 March, but within hours the palliative care
team had identified an additional nine patients
for transfer to Leasowes,” explains Sue. “This is
a complex task as the palliative care team had
to liaise with the ward teams, the patient, the
family, transport and of course Leasowes itself
to ensure it all flows easily for these patients.
The Palliative Care Hub checks daily for patients
from the wards or home who need to use a
bed at Leasowes and then support the patients
and families at this difficult time.”
“Put simply, the workforce at Leasowes across
the board have been brilliant. Working hard
so that all patients and their families are well
cared for at this most trying time. An example
of the change in circumstances is that one of
our specialist palliative care nurses changed
her role to give a daily presence at Leasowes.
This was necessary to not only prescribe and
support families but offer to colleagues the
support they needed in dealing with the
ongoing situation and offer additional training
on palliative concerns. At night the palliative
urgent response team have supported the
Leasowes team with symptom control and care
after death when regretfully necessary.”
Teams also worked together to ensure that vital
equipment such as syringe drivers and oxygen
concentrators have been readily available as
demand increased, exacerbated by the nature
of the virus. The palliative care consultants
are also supporting the GPs and nurses
with symptom control and issuing death
certificates.
Among the teams also namechecked for
their hard work were the pharmacy team
for their medicine delivery and the transport
team for their helpfulness in providing a
‘vital, essential and invaluable’ link to the
facility. Praise was also heaped on the GPs
from Your Health Partnership, who recently
joined our Trust, for being steadfast in their
support.
The challenges faced by colleagues,
particularly in regards to mental health,
are far from unnoticed. The Trust has
regularly shared the range of health and
wellbeing support that is available to
colleagues as part of the daily COVID-19
bulletin. Services having been extended
to help us all deal with the impact of the
pandemic on our mental wellbeing. You
can find examples of that help and advice
here – some is specific to our Trust and
other support listed is for all NHS workers.
• Meet up with someone for a
virtual coffee. Email
swbh.letsgettalking.nhs.net
• Do you need to talk to someone?
Book a free confidential
appointment with an accredited
counsellor by calling 3306.
• Individual resilience coaching can help.
Email Richard.burnell@nhs.net to
see if this is for you. You can also
review the suite of wellbeing films
and podcasts in our dedicated online
library.
One size does not fit all so speak up if
there is something you need that is
not currently available. You can email
lawrencekelly@nhs.net - we want to
hear from you.
Chairman, Richard Samuda pictured in 2019 with colleagues from Leasowes
24

Helping SWB put our best foot
forward during COVID-19
As many of you will know, podiatrists
are healthcare professionals who have
been trained to diagnose and treat
abnormal conditions of the feet and
lower limbs. They also prevent and
correct deformity, keep people mobile
and active, relieve pain and treat
infections.
With COVID-19 gripping the nation,
colleagues at our Trust have had to change
the way they do things to benefit both
patients and our organisation. We caught
up with Thomas Calderbank, Clinical Lead
Podiatrist who told us more.
“We have completely reconfigured our
service. We are now only completing faceto-face
care for our most vulnerable or
urgent patients and supporting all of our
other patients by telephone. This has seen
an 80 per cent reduction in our normal
face-to-face activity. That, in turn, is helping
to protect the public by complying with
government social isolation advice.
“The other positive to come from this
change is that our team have more time
available to assist other areas. We currently
have seven clinicians supporting the
mortuary team, four clinicians supporting
the swabbing team and two clinicians
completing FIT testing. As well as this, we
are also providing administrative support to
the phlebotomy service where required.”
Thomas Calderbank, Clinical Lead Podiatrist
Thomas has been coordinating the team’s
response to the pandemic and told us just
how in awe he is of their willingness to
take on new roles and challenges. “Some
of the roles that our team have undertaken
are far removed from their normal positions
in foot health. One of our clinicians, Sarah
Underhill, is currently working across four
different services. This is in addition to her
day job where she works as an advanced
PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITIES
AND THERAPIES
prescribing podiatrist working with
our most at-risk patients. Sarah has
been taking bloods on hot wards with
the phlebotomy team, completing FIT
testing and working in the mortuary. She
is an absolute trooper, and she is just
one of many people stepping outside
of their usual roles to help us all fight
COVID-19.”
Another area where the team has got
involved is in the community contact
centre. Thomas explained: “The
community contact centre at Sandwell
keeps our department running. They
cover all administrative aspects leaving
our clinicians to focus on patient care. To
free up the contact centre team who are
now busy supporting other areas, our
clinical team have almost entirely taken
over the administrative side. This has
been a real eye-opener to the amount
of work the contact centre does on our
behalf.”
He added: “All in all, it has been a
massive team effort. I’m proud of how
everyone has chipped in and supported
each other. We truly are all in this
together.”
Members of our podiatry team that have given their full support to keeping our Trust running smoothly during COVID-19 (photo taken before
introduction of social distancing)
25

World Autism Awareness
Week 2020
PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITIES
AND THERAPIES
World Autism Awareness Week
took place from 30 March – 5 April
this year. The week had one clear
focus and that was to help raise
awareness and acceptance for
those who live with autism. To help
find out how we support children
within our Trust, we caught up with
Meridith Durham, Children's Senior
Occupational Therapist, and Natalie
Pountney, Children's Senior Speech
and Language Therapist.
Meredith and Natalie work as part of
Children’s Therapies and their role is to
support children with autistic spectrum
disorders (ASD) and their families and
education providers to develop their
communication, learning and wellbeing.
Speech and language therapists and
occupational therapists work closely with
colleagues in both health and education
in the diagnosis of ASD.
Natalie explained ‘For nursery children,
speech and language therapists
support families to improve their child’s
communication and wellbeing at home.
For example, by setting up symbols to
Children’s Therapies support children with
autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), their
families and education providers to develop
their communication, learning and wellbeing.
help children communicate and helping
parents understand how to play with
children to help their language development.
For school-age children, schools can access
training and drop-ins to help set up social
skills groups, language activities and
communication systems. For children who
need symbols to help them to communicate,
we work closely with schools and families.
It’s very much a team effort’.
Part of the occupational therapy service is
to provide sensory education and advice to
parents. Meridith told us: ‘Presentations,
activities and discussion groups offer
parents the opportunity to learn about
sensory processing. The aim is to support
them in understanding their child's sensory
needs and develop strategies to help
their child organise their sensory system.
Due to COVID-19, the sensory education
presentations and resources will be made
available online. Please contact Children's
Therapies on 0121 612 2345 if you would
like more information’.
As we all adapt to the evolving COVID-19
situation it is important to establish routines
that work for you and your family. This is
especially important if you or someone you
live with has autism as it provides order in
what might otherwise feel like a world of
chaos, and can make engaging in daily life
much easier.
We've outlined some top tips to help you
develop a routine that works for you:
• Support your autistic family member to
understand the changes;
• Put in structure, support and new
routines to manage anxiety;
• Focus on activities and learning to
keep things positive.
If you’d like to keep up to date
with Children’s Therapies you can
follow them on social media. Visit
@SandwellSPOT on Twitter and
SWBH_ChildrensTherapies on Facebook
for all the latest news.
26

It’s time to talk about the menopause
Vicki Fox delivers the seminar on menopause
Seminars are taking place to help
women working within our Trust who
are going through the menopause.
The sessions cover reasons it happens,
hormones, as well as signs and symptoms.
Run by Vicki Fox, Care Services Manager
from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, the
seminars also share statistics, the impact of the
menopause, how it affects our stress levels,
what we can do, self-care, and workplace
adjustments.
The Kaleidoscope Plus Group developed
a course as it became clear that working
women were struggling to understand their
symptoms. Vicki said: “The sessions are open
to anyone, including managers supporting
those experiencing the menopause and those
going through it themselves. We want to
normalise women’s experiences and give them
the tools to make the transition as comfortable
as possible.”
Symptoms of the menopause include hot
flushes, a feeling of nowhere to escape
WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTH
to, brain fog, lack of concentration,
confusion, embarrassment, selfconsciousness
and many more.
Speaking to Heartbeat, Vicki said, “The
more sessions that are held, the more we
discover. These seminars will give women
the tools to help themselves; they’ll learn
how to build their resilience and what
treatments are available. We also look
at what reasonable adjustments can be
requested in the workplace.”
To find out more contact the
occupational health team on
extension 3306, option 4.
Maternity teams up with Baggies and
the Villa to provide clinics for women
Our maternity department has teamed
up with the Baggies and the Villa to
set up temporary clinics at the football
clubs. The facilities are for women
undergoing antenatal and postnatal
care and have been set up at the West
Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa
grounds.
Helen Hurst, Director of Midwifery, said:
“We wanted to provide an alternative space
for women who are having antenatal and
postnatal care. Women are slightly anxious
about coming to the hospital in the current
climate so we wanted to find a safe space
away from the hospital.
“It will be for women who are 24 weeks
onwards, and there will be postnatal clinics
for those who have been discharged. It will
be as safe as the services that are currently
provided by our midwives within the
community and in GP clinics. Should the
need arise, we will be able to call on the
ambulance service.”
Albion Chief Executive, Mark Jenkins, said:
“We are more than happy to open our
doors to enable this vital service to be safely
conducted. It is another example of how
the club can help within our community
during the pandemic, something we are
determined to continue to do. We like to
think you are never too young to join the
Albion family.”
Guy Rippon, Head of Foundation and
Community Partnerships at Aston Villa,
Some of our nursing colleagues pictured at West Bromwich and Aston Villa FC
said: “We are delighted to be able to help
out our local NHS hospitals by opening up
Villa Park as a temporary maternity clinic.
During these uncertain times, our famous
home will provide a safe environment for
local expectant mothers and their midwives
and nurses to be able to carry out their vital
work.”
Three clinics will run at the Baggies
Monday to Friday, between 9am and
5pm in the East Stand.
Five clinics will run at the Villa from
Monday to Friday, between 9am and
5pm in the North Stand.
27

Putting patients first during
COVID-19
IMAGING
Radiology have been doing A-OK as they
work remotely and adapt their services
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed
the way we do things across our Trust.
What it has shown us over the past
few weeks is just how resilient we
are. One of the most positive things
to come out of this pandemic so far is
our ability to adapt and keep pushing
forward to deliver the best patient
outcomes.
Our radiology team are just one of many
to have changed the way they do things.
One of the main adjustments has seen
colleagues working from home. Previously
some members of the team had taken
advantage of working flexibly at home;
however, it has now become the norm for
many of our radiologists.
We caught up with Fiona Rotherham,
Deputy Group Director of Operations,
Imaging, who told us more. “A number of
our radiologists have been reporting from
home before the outbreak of COVID-19.
However, with the current pandemic,
many more are now routinely working
remotely. This has been facilitated by
the IT/PACS team who have helped us
The fracture clinic gets plastered for
a good cause!
Orthopaedic Practitioners, Stephanie
Craig and Steven Hackett-Cann have
recently led a project at City fracture
clinic to create a children’s corner in
the plaster room. As anyone who’s
ever broken a bone or had a fracture
will know the thought of getting
yourself put back together is a
daunting prospect.
The colourful play area was created to
make children’s experiences within the
clinic more welcoming. Equipped with
everything from a portable DVD player
to watch films on, to books, bubbles and
colouring in posters, the area has been
designed to ensure our young patients are
entertained. It also means that children
are distracted from thinking about the
procedures they are about to undergo.
Pleased with how the transformation has
gone, Stephanie said: “We felt collectively
as a team that we could make our area
more inviting for children. Steven and I
have taken the lead on this project, but it
has been a team effort. We couldn’t have
made this happen without the support of
our colleagues. We have enjoyed working
on a project that we know makes a real
difference to the children we look after.”
The revamped children’s area
Steven added: “It’s a pleasure to see
our young patients enjoying the area.
It’s turned out just as planned and, we
couldn’t be happier with the results. It
brings a smile to your face knowing that
you’ve done something that makes a
hospital visit that bit more pleasurable.”
Denise Gnosill, Sister in the fracture clinic,
told Heartbeat: “Stephanie and Steven
have worked incredibly hard to create
an area that children find friendly and
with the provision of specialist reporting
equipment.
“Our radiologists can review images taken
at all of our sites and report them at
home, in addition to also vetting requests
and providing an off-site advisory service.
Being able to work in this way has meant
that any radiologists required to isolate or
shield at home during this pandemic can
continue to support Imaging which we are
thankful for.
Sarah Yusuf, Group Director, Imaging
added: “I am proud of the way the team
have adjusted over the last few weeks. As
well as working remotely, something new
we are doing is providing a consultant-led
on-call service due to the redeployment
of our junior doctors’. The team adapted
to this new working pattern within a
week and what it means is that there
is consultant cover every night and at
weekends to vet and report emergency
and inpatient plain film and CT requests.
We know this is a particularly stressful
time for our patients, so we are doing all
we can to ensure things run as smoothly
as possible for them.”
where they can relax. These changes mean
that they have something to divert their
attention. It also makes the experience
of visiting the hospital less scary and
overwhelming.”
The transformation of the children’s corner
has been so successful that Sandwell
Hospital is in the process of creating their
very own child-friendly area.
Well done to Stephanie, Steve and the
team at City fracture clinic.
28

Our local community has shown their appreciation for the NHS by proudly displaying posters
in their windows. Thank you for all that you are doing to keep us all safe and healthy.
29

Letters, of less than 200 words please, can be sent to the Communications Department,
Trust Headquarters, Sandwell Hospital or by email to swb–tr.SWBH–GM–Heartbeat@nhs.net
YOUR RIGHT TO BE HEARD
Wind tunnel outside Anne
Gibson for shuttle bus
Dear Heartbeat,
Are there plans to create a wind/weather
break for those waiting for the shuttle
under the portico at the Anne Gibson
pickup spot maybe along the lines of the
shelter provided at Sandwell?
Before Anne Gibson was closed you
could, if you arrived slightly early for the
shuttle and the weather was inclement,
go through the doors and shelter whilst
waiting; now you are standing exposed
to the elements.
I appreciate that if you are able to time
your arrival to just before the shuttle
leaves it would be less of an issue but,
sometimes you are not able to do that
and what if the shuttle was running
behind schedule?
Regards,
Anon
Thanks for your letter and I’m sorry
that you are suffering from being
cold while you wait for the shuttle
bus. Hopefully you are able to at
least shelter from the rain under the
portico. We may be relocating the
bus stop in the future as the Anne
Gibson rooms have been taken out
of use, so we will consider something
that provides more shelter before
the winter.
Best wishes,
Rachel Barlow, Director of System
Transformation
Annual leave – what will be
happening coming March
2021!?
Dear Heartbeat,
I’m sure I’m not the only one, but during
the COVID-19 pandemic everyone at the
Trust (both clinical and non- clinical staff)
have been working really hard. However,
when we are hopefully through the thick
of it what will happen with annual leave?
Will a lot the staff be forced to take the
majority of their leave before March 2021
meaning there will be reduced staffing
numbers or will we be allowed to carry over
limited days depending on our individual
circumstances? Will the Trust pay us back
the leave we don’t take perhaps? If we
could have clarification on this matter that
would be great.
Anon
Dear colleague,
We very much want people to take
annual leave and in most parts of the
Trust currently it is not workload that is
leading to leave stand-down. Instead it
is individuals feeling that a lock-down
fortnight at home was not the vacation
they had in mind. There are exceptions
to that where colleagues have very
decently foregone leave for service
need. We will revisit the possibility
of us buying out leave for individuals
(not en masse) in July and August. You
rightly worry about a bulk of leave
taken together later in the year. We are
working on leave guidance but expect
to treat leave as a two year matter
across April 2020 to March 2022 because
of Covid-19, notwithstanding leave
constraints that the move into Midland
Met in early summer 2022 may impose!
Kind regards,
Frieza Mahmood, Deputy Director –
People and Organisation Development
COVID+ offices should be closed
Dear Heartbeat,
As a matter of deep concern we wish
to bring to your attention that a contact
centre within the Hallam building at
Sandwell General Hospital continues to
operate fully staffed and in situ when we
believe members of its staff have been
positively identified as having COVID-19.
If COVID-19 has been positively identified
within this office surely it should be realised
that there is a high likelihood that other
members of staff have been infected and
are therefore infectious (even amongst
those that may not show symptoms).
So why is this office still open? Remember
these are office staff not frontline medical
staff (who have taken an oath of duty and
care and the risks that go with the job)…
In order to contain this situation and avoid
and further occurrences and the possible
consequences that go with it, we hope you
will give this your urgent attention.
Kind regards
Anon
Dear colleague,
I am really sorry that you feel you have
to raise this concern anonymously
and would hope that you would have
approached the management team for
this unit directly, or raised it with me or
others in such a way that I can actually
help you. Social distancing is important
in all workplaces and managers and
staff have been asked to ensure that
you take local responsibility for that.
It is not sensible to suggest that if one
person in a team has tested positive for
COVID-19 that we can be confident it
was conveyed at work, nor that that
should lead us to extreme measures in
terms of workplace colleagues’ welfare.
The whole point about testing is that
it should be matched with tracing, and
a sensitive, non-stigmatising approach
to those who could have come into
contact with one of us with COVID-19.
It will be incredibly important in coming
weeks that we approach this as one
organisation. Of course you are right
that we are looking at home working
and how it is extended and you should
consult the bulletin for details of our
updated guidance in early May. What
all of us can do, working at home or on
site, to take responsibility for our own
social distancing, challenging others’,
and, of course for hand washing over
and over and over again.
Toby Lewis, Chief Executive
30

Toby writes about… the future‘s bright,
the future’s orange
TobyLewis_SWBH
TOBY’S LAST WORD
I know the headline for this article is
an old technology strapline, which felt
appropriate as the NHS moves through
a year where doing stuff via WebEx or
Visionable has suddenly become almost
second nature. This though is not an
article all about the virus.
While we work and worry, the
construction of the Midland
Metropolitan University Hospital
continues. Almost 200 people are
working on the project currently, and
that will rise nearer to 900 towards the
end of the year. The Board has asked
for assurance on their safety and social
distancing, just as Balfour’s has. Of
course, the real challenge is how supply
chains are managed in a lockdown, or
lockdown-lite, situation. But the real
economy demands that we press on.
Our Victorian wards and 1970s bays
are the backdrop to what we are doing
now. They really bring home to me
what good design could do to help us
work and to help outcomes. Over 300
single rooms will give us the chance
to isolate and manage outbreaks that
currently we struggle sometimes to
do. A modern design for critical care
with some expansion space as well.
Adjacencies that do not require so
much lift movement, be it blue or red.
Imaging sat right next to ED.
Anyway, I am not writing this article
just to show you light at the end of the
tunnel. Instead to make sure that we
are all, and I know many are, thinking
now about the service design we
need for 2022. The clinical model for
Midland Met starts in primary care.
How we best support people in their
own home, how we ‘case-find’ people
who may be deteriorating. What can
we can do remotely to ensure best
management of high blood pressure, or
the best support to our care homes, and
in local schools? All the things that have
been the focus of our attention in recent
weeks and in our strategy for several
years. The NHS ‘restoration and recovery’
story needs to be with this in mind.
Midland Met in 2032, or 2027, will
only be right-sized if we succeed. We
have to cut admission numbers over
the decade where our population ages
and grows, and make sure that stays in
the nine floors of the hospital are only
during an acute phase of care. What
the design does give us is a caring
environment that helps to put kindness
more easily into how we work, with
privacy, bathrooms designed for those on
crutches and in wheelchairs, and kitchens
and ‘normal life’ in the centre of how we
rehabilitate people. That compassion has
always been important. It feels urgent
now.
Remember, we have a 3D virtual reality
vision of the new hospital available in
our libraries. We are asking teams now to
be thinking about how you might work
in 700 days’ time. The acute rotas we
have created to cope with COVID-19 may
not be the ones we need then, but
our pre-COVID rotas certainly are
not either. By the end of 2020 we
intend to lockdown (in a different
sense) the clinical model that we
will work with – so that 2021 can
be spent simulating how to work
that way before the move. Rachel
Barlow, Jayne Dunn and the team
are working to prepare material and
ideas and to engage and involve
you in how that will work. The
robots are arriving shortly to support
distribution (not that our PPE hubs
have not been fantastic). As those
references imply we want to make
it easier in MMUH for clinicians
to focus on patient care, with a
user-focused model of supply of
medicines, kit and wellbeing that
maximises your time to look after
yourself and your patients.
The spirit of just-try and experiment
that has sat around our response
to the pandemic has been at times
inspiring. That does not mean that
no plan for the new hospital is
required. Rather that we ought to
have confidence in our ability to
innovate and change, to calibrate
risk, and to work differently and
smarter. We must carry the emphasis
on wellbeing and peer support into
that endeavour, and to make sure
that the weariness of the year ahead
does not mean 2022 comes upon
us too fast. I am sure we can do
that. It will be a massive effort. But
worthwhile in so many ways as we
aim to make the site the very best
of what only the NHS can do. We
might even clap when we open.
31

A pop-up lifeline
YOUR TRUST CHARITY
@SWBHCharity To donate
to the Your Trust Charity text
“SWBH16 £5” to 70070
As the effects of the coronavirus have
continued to be felt up and down the
country, what was the normalcy of
life has been fundamentally altered.
Things that we once took for granted
are now tasks that have to be planned,
sometimes meticulously planned.
With longer hours and the uncertainty
of what the day will bring, even going
shopping has become a logistical
hurdle for numerous colleagues
around our organisation.
As part of the ongoing efforts around
all our sites to try to make things a bit
more manageable, a new pop-up shop
for colleagues has opened in Sandwell
Hospital’s learning and development room.
Its creation, masterminded by Your Trust
Charity, was achieved through the help
and generosity of both colleagues and
the community. Now open Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays, Sandwell workers
can, once a week, take a quick browse
of the shelves and stock up on essentials
such as bread, pasta, toiletries, fruit, veg
and even cleaning products. There’s also
the odd treat as well for those in need of a
sweet treat.
Fundraising Manager, Amanda Winwood
is the driving force behind efforts for Your
Trust Charity, she told Heartbeat: “We
have been extremely lucky to be able to
procure a wide array of products for the
store thanks to access to warehouses
and contacting wholesalers. Some of
it we are selling, other items such as
water cartons, the fruit and vegetables and
cleaning products are given as freebies to
each shopper to help things along. The latter
was only made possible from NewG420 Ltd
which works out to about £25,000 in soap,
disinfectant and other cleaning products.”
If you are based at City Hospital, there is a
service also available at Nisa Local, Crabtree
Road a 5 min walk from the hospital. The
shop has opened up to give colleagues early
access from 7am-8am and 7pm-8pm. Ensure
you have your ID badge with you to allow
you in. Rav Garcha, the store manager, is
also organising an option to order via their
Facebook page (click and collect) where they
will bring your shopping out to the car. The
click and collect is in the very early stages but
hope that it will benefit you.
Other organisations that have helped include
Bristnall Hall Academy, which provided
sandwiches, crisps and drinks, enough for 10
days’ worth of packed lunches. Prestige Suite
has been cooking chilled meals that have
been delivered to City, Sandwell and Rowley
Regis hospitals daily along with fresh fruit.
In total over £50,000 in donations have
been accrued, be it cash, stock or through
other donation methods such as Your Trust
Charity’s Amazon Wish List which has seen
members of the public support doctors and
nurses though much needed donations of
hand cream, sanitiser and other personal
hygiene products.
“We all felt this was needed. We saw the
public over buying essential goods causing
a shortage. Front line staff, who are putting
their lives at risk, were unable to have the
daily essentials we all need and deserve,”
explains Jay from NewG420 on his company’s
gesture. “We are fortunate enough to have
these supplies available, and this is the time
we need to give back to the community and
fight back against this pandemic. Our faith
teaches us to earn our living and share what
we have, and that’s what we are doing along
with our friends.”
It's been a busy month for Your Trust Charity
supporting our colleagues and the local
community. A big thank you to everyone that
has donated goods and their time.
April 2020 staff lottery results
1st £192.50
Madhane Glenn
2nd £115.50
Jane Burton
3rd £77
Catherine Heron
Don’t forget that Your Trust Charity lottery costs just £1 a month and anyone
who works for the Trust can join. Payment is deducted from your wages each
month. To take part email amanda.winwood@nhs.net.