Insight
THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND VISITORS
Autumn 2018 | Issue 67
Hero Brian reaches new heights
Read about our 82-year-old volunteer who abseiled down the National Lift Tower Supported by Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund
ALSO: as feature pecial looking at the wo our fan rk of Macm tastic illan te am
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COLUMN
There’s a common thread running through the articles in this edition of Insight as throughout the magazine, you can read about members of Team NGH going the extra mile. Our volunteer Brian who, at 82 years of age, abseiled down the Northampton Lift Tower to raise money for our younger patients; our porter Nathan who administered first aid to an injured football supporter in the town centre, and our Abington ward team who designed a new day room for patients on their ward who have dementia. I see examples of this every day in our hospital as our employees and volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty to support their patients and colleagues. So much discretionary effort goes into making the NHS the wonderful institution it is and it’s a pleasure to be able to share some of those stories with you here. It is these everyday acts of selflessness, generosity of spirit and putting others first that we’re hoping to recognise with the launch of our new awards. The NGH Everyday Hero Awards will celebrate our non-nursing and midwifery team members who, through their exceptional efforts, make a tangible difference to either our patients or to their colleagues. Our DAISY Awards celebrate our exceptional nurses and midwives and, in the same spirit, our NGH Everyday Hero Awards will celebrate their colleagues. You can find out more about this on page 5. You can also read who’s been shortlisted in our annual Best Possible Care Awards. This is one of the highlights of our year, a time to reflect on the amazing input of our employees who provide exceptional care to our patients, deliver improvements in care or practice or excel in their role. I hope you enjoy reading our stories.
Dr Sonia Swart
Chief Executive Northampton General Hospital
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust endorse any of the products or services.
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NGH emergency medicine bucks the national trend
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huge Team NGH welcome to all the new doctors who started with us this summer. Our emergency department has 26 new doctors, their largest ever intake of newlyqualified doctors – and that’s against a national backdrop of recruitment challenges to emergency medicine. Inspectors who visited us last year said they were impressed by the outstanding leadership in our emergency department. The team has adopted innovative approaches to making the department a great place to work. This includes looking at rota re-design and offering some unique and flexible job plans for junior doctors.
“I’m sure after the new doctors have learnt our systems and processes they will become invaluable members of our ED family. It can be very challenging initially for the nursing staff however we are more than happy to show them the ropes and we are very patient!” Sister Sharon Coles. “We love to meet new members of staff, extending our ED family! All bringing new inspirational ideas and helping us to provide the best possible care.” Steph O’Shea, advanced care practitioner. “The ability to fill our vacancies is a massive plus for the department, for patients, and for the doctors themselves; we will not only improve the reliability and consistency of our departmental staffing and departmental governance, but we will also have a lower need for expensive agency staff, and a reduction in admin hours trying to fill the previously patchy rotas.” Tom Odbert, emergency department consultant.
Our emergency department with some of the new junior doctors who have chosen to start their medical career here in Northampton
Insight
Autumn 2018 Issue 67
Insight is a free magazine. Please feel free to take a copy home with our compliments and pass it on to a friend or relative when you have read it. Insight is produced thanks to the sponsorship of Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund. Edited by Eva Duffy eva.duffy@ngh.nhs.uk; Contributors: Kieran Jones and Zoe Catlin; Cover photo: Kieran Jones. Designed and printed by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB.
Keep in touch Follow us on Twitter @NGHNHSTrust Follow us on Instagram northamptongeneralhospital Like our Northampton General Hospital Facebook page Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2018. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528
Brian has been a volunteer with Northampton General Hospital for over twenty years. He works at our Billing Road information desk helping visitors with directions
Brian took the accolade of Volunteer of the Year at our employee and volunteer awards last year
BRAVE BRIAN ABSEILS LIFT TOWER FOR CHILDREN’S WARD
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n 82-year old hospital volunteer took on the world’s tallest permanent abseil tower this summer to help create a dedicated area for young adults receiving hospital treatment. Brian Hayes, who has been volunteering at Northampton General Hospital for over 20 years, abseiled 418ft down the National Lift Tower to raise money for a new area for adolescents in the hospital’s paediatric department. Brian was one of 25 plucky fundraisers taking part in Northamptonshire Healthcare Charitable Fund’s annual charity abseil day. Various teams from across the hospital met at the Northampton Lighthouse in St. James to go ‘over the top’ and abseil down the 418ft tower to raise funds for the hospital. In total, the teams taking part across the hospital raised over £12,500 for Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund. You can turn to page 30 to read more about the day. So far, Brian has raised £1,676. He said: “I was fundraising for a good few months before the day arrived and I wasn’t nervous until the night before of the abseil. When
I got there, the abseil team were very friendly and supporting, thy told me exactly what I had to do and it calmed my nerves. “When I got to the top, I had a look around, took in the sights, went over the edge and shut my eyes until I got to the ground. “If you are thinking of doing an abseil, find yourself a good cause you can raise money for first, and just don’t be scared. The team were great. I’d certainly recommend the experience to anyone. I would do it again too!” Last year, Brian marked his 20 years of voluntary service to the hospital and received the Volunteer of the Year award in the hospital’s Best Possible Care Awards. Brian says: “I have a lot of friends here at Northampton General, and I like meeting new people too. I love it.” Although Brian has already done his abseil, you can still support him with a donation. Contact the charity team on 01604 626927, or email them on greenheart@ngh.nhs.uk. If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved with fundraising for our hospital, you can visit our charity’s website at http://www. nhcfgreenheart.co.uk.
Brian was congratulated by Northamptonshire Health Charitable Trust’s Alison McCulloch following his daredevil abseil
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TACKLING SEPSIS WITH NEW ROLE AT NGH N
Sepsis is a rare but serious orthampton General Hospital is complication of an infection, also known tackling sepsis and supporting as blood poisoning. patients with the help of new sepsis Sepsis occurs when the body’s response nurse Jess O’Sullivan. to an infection damages its own tissues and Jess, who worked in our critical care organs. The immune system works to fight team for 15 years, has taken on a new bacteria and germs and prevent infections role specialising in sepsis. The focus of however sometimes for unknown the new role is providing more reasons the immune system goes guidance to staff on diagnosing into overdrive and begins to and treating sepsis and attack the body’s organs supporting patients and and tissue. This is the their families affected beginning of sepsis. by sepsis. Once sepsis is identified, six steps Day-to-day Jess Jess said: “I wanted are carried out; three treatments works with patients, to move into this and three tests. Treatment their families and role to make the includes: antibiotics, giving fluids staff to make a experience better for through a vein and giving oxygen difference to the our patients. if levels are low while tests include care they receive and “I’ve have been taking blood cultures, blood support them following involved with sepsis samples and monitoring a diagnosis of sepsis. throughout my career urine output. This involves ensuring and I’ve seen first-hand staff know about the early what it does to patients signs of sepsis and can begin and families. Putting the treatment within an hour. individuals behind the diagnosis Jess supports the teams in A&E, critical ignites my passion. I am very privileged to care and critical care outreach to work be able to work with amazing members of to the 60-minute rule. This is to make staff in this hospital, who are dedicated to sure antibiotics are administered within supporting those affected by sepsis.”
The sepsis six
Jess is working to raise awareness of sepsis across the hospital
60 minutes of patients being identified as septic. The UK Sepsis Trust advises that early identification and treatment of sepsis could save 14,000 lives in the UK and mean 400,000 fewer days spent in hospital for patients each year. Jess described why people should come to A&E as soon as possible if they suspect they or a relative has sepsis: “Sepsis is more common than heart attacks and kills more people than bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer combined. It’s vital people are more aware of the signs of sepsis and seek urgent medical attention if they think it could be sepsis.” You can find our more about sepsis by visiting the UK Sepsis Trust website on www.sepsistrust.org.uk
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HOSPITAL PORTER SAVES THE DAY DURING WORLD CUP CLASH F
ootball sent the nation into a frenzy over the summer as the England men’s team reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since Italia 90. For most, it was a time to celebrate the success of a team that had crashed out of the Euros after a poor performance against Iceland just two years earlier. Unfortunately, for a small minority, it was an opportunity to take advantage of the sport to incite violence. Nathan Loughran is a porter at Northampton General Hospital and has previously worked as a special sargeant with Northamptonshire Police. On the day of England’s win over Sweden, which moved them into the semi-finals, Nathan and a group of friends had been watching the game together in town. Afterwards, fans gathered on the streets of Northampton to celebrate. Nathan’s group had made plans for lunch after the match and were making their way towards the town centre. The group Nathan used skills he had picked up while working with Northampton General Hospital and Northamptonshire Police.
unwittingly found themselves caught up in a brawl. Nathan said: “Instantly, I backed my group of friends off, as I was in front. It was turning into a huge brawl and I was just working to get us out of the situation. At this point, I saw a man fall back and NGH hit the back porter of his head Nathan on the curb. I knew he was in trouble. I ran over to check on him, and noticed there was a puddle of blood forming around his head.” As the man was unresponsive, Nathan performed sternum rubs on his chest until he regained consciousness and
was able to confirm his name. Nathan then checked the head injury and began to apply pressure to the wound with his hands and t-shirt. Nathan said: “I had no access to a first aid kit or any medical supplies at this point. Someone passed me an England flag that I used to compress the wound. Then security from a nearby pub came over with medical supplies which we used to clean and dress the wound properly. I was working hard to keep the man calm until paramedics arrived.” This was one of few isolated incidents that took place in Northampton during the 2018 World Cup. Nathan said: “I don’t think you should ever feel unsafe, especially in your own town, but the emergency services will always do their best to make sure the public are kept safe.”
The Everyday Hero award for extraordinary members of Team NGH Everyone who works in a hospital has the opportunity to make a real a difference to our patients or their colleagues. Running in tandem with our existing DAISY Award for our nurses and midwives, The Everyday Hero award is for our nonnursing and midwifery staff. Everyday heroes can be found at the heart of all we do, sometimes on the front line but often behind the scenes. They might be a porter, a cleaner, a ward hostess or HCA; a member of the finance, IT, governance or HR teams; work in pathology, pharmacy, radiology or therapies; a PA, admin assistant or volunteer; work in estates, facilities or catering. The list is endless – but if you know an Everyday Hero, now is your opportunity to nominate them for an award. Download a nomination form from our website.
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Helping to get our patients home safely is the main aim of our discharge team. Here, we look at the different roles in the team and how they support patients to leave hospital when they’re ready.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME O
ur discharge team works to resolve any problems which prevent patients from leaving hospital when they are medically fit to leave and don’t need to be in hospital anymore. They work with ward teams, patients, relatives, carers and community organisations to ensure patients have a discharge plan in place after being admitted to hospital. By planning a discharge early, the team can make sure patients are returning to a safe and suitable environment and resolve anything preventing their return home while the patient is recovering. Jane Ajeto, discharge team manager, described why the team is so vital to NGH: “The discharge coordinators and complex discharge nurses work closely with the wards and patients. They get to know the patients’ history and learn what support they need to help them get back home when
Discharge team
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they are medically fit. “We can sit with patients and have conversations about any concerns they have and work with them to find solutions. It’s all about making sure the patient has a good discharge as a continuation of their journey to recovery.” Jane’s role includes overseeing the discharge coordinators and complex discharge nurses and helping to support with any issues that they are unable to resolve. She ensures everyone in the team has allocated wards and a daily list of patients to see; she updates the team on the bed flow of the hospital; reports on patients who have been an inpatient for more than seven days; and she develops the service to keep it as efficient as possible. Jane explained: “Communication is the biggest thing for us. It means there’s somebody there to support and listen to our patients, relatives, ward staff and community.”
Jane Ajeto
Complex discharge nurses Nathan Whitmill
Discharge coordinators Our discharge coordinators have allocated wards and act as a single point of contact for patients throughout their discharge. Each coordinator gets to know the patients and staff on their wards, working to build relationships and open up communication to ease any concerns they may have over the discharge. Nathan Whitmill, discharge coordinator at NGH described what his role means to patients: “When you introduce yourself to a patient their face lights up and they want to speak to you because they know you’re here to help them get home.” A typical day for Nathan involves looking at his daily list to see which patients need support to get home. Once a patient has been identified Nathan works with occupational “Essentially we’re therapists, on-the-ground trouble physiotherapists, shooters. We help with and the ward team the things that may be to establish what worrying patients. We’re the patient needs to make sure their the organisers making home is suitable for sure patients have a them to return to. plan from day one.” Nathan described the purpose of a discharge coordinator: “Essentially we’re on-theground trouble shooters. We help with the things that may be worrying patients. This may be making sure patients know where their house keys are or that there’s food available when they get home. We’re the organisers making sure patients have a plan from day one.” To do this he works with the community, relatives and patients to check they have the support they need in place; this includes referring people to community care teams and other community services or sourcing care if required. The discharge coordinator team has grown substantially and the team are looking to expand further with four more coordinators.
“It’s days like that when you know we did the right thing as a team. There’s nothing else I’d want to do, I love it.”
The complex discharge nurses support the discharge coordinators with complex discharges. Complex discharges rather be at home and it helps are circumstances which us to provide care for another aren’t straightforward and unwell person.” are preventing a patient from Della’s colleague Mary leaving hospital. Once issues are explained why building trust identified the nurses work with in her role is so important: “No the community, the patient and matter how difficult the situation family to resolve them. is, we do all we can to support Complex discharge nurse Della the patient and their relatives to Rawlings explained: gain their trust. “Sometimes we “We have to assess deal with the patients’ needs situations but also listen to “We’ve had where it concerns from can take a relatives. We occasions where long time worked with relatives have told us for us to a family who they have a holiday sort out were worried planned so they don’t issues about a relative want their loved one to and help moving to a care the patient home outside be discharged.” to return Northamptonshire. home. It was the only “We’ve had place the patient occasions where could receive the care they relatives have told us they needed but the family were have a holiday planned so they concerned about the distance. don’t want their loved one to After discussions the family be discharged. We’ve even had trusted us enough to try the relatives purposefully take home and a week later we their relative’s house keys on received messages of thanks holiday with them to prevent for the work we’d done and them from going home and details of how happy the interrupting the holiday. patient was. What they don’t realise “It’s days like that when you is that if you’re medically know we did the right thing as fit you don’t need to be in a team. There’s nothing else I’d hospital. Patients would much want to do, I love it.”
Della Rawlings
Mary Brennan
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Signing up t our armed fo
Northampton General Hospital Northamptonshire organisation for our armed forces.
Bill centre, with the head and neck team
GARDEN REFRESH FOR HEAD AND NECK WARD
Chief executive Dr Sonia Swart signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf on hospital to vow to support our armed forces personnel and their families. Ruth Smith, Armed Forces Covenant lead, said: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that we will value and support those staff, patients, families and carers who have served in the armed forces. “Our role is to be the best signposting team we can be and let people know about the support networks in the community. There is a wide range of support for veterans, such as hearing aids, mobility scooters, fast track mental health referrals, and visiting and home repair services. “We hold monthly drop-in sessions
W
hen our patient Bill Murrie was admitted to the head and neck ward, he wanted to find an outside space for a change of scenery and to get some fresh air. Bill was advised to visit the small garden on the ward. During his 15-day stay. Bill set his mind to brightening up the garden and making the garden a space for the patients and staff to enjoy. “The garden had been neglected a bit and I thought with a bit of a tidy up and a bit of thought and imagination it could be put to good use. “I asked a friend to bring some paint and paintbrushes in so I could keep myself occupied. I bought new plants, including some donated by staff, and changed the hose pipe fitting to make sure they could be watered.”
Chief executive Dr Sonia Swart signed the covenant on behalf of NGH
Bill watering the plants
The furniture and hose pipe restored by Bill
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Ward sister Della Craig described the difference the garden will make: “Outside the ward was a small tired looking garden where the furniture had seen better days. Bill took it upon himself to paint the seats and tables giving them a cleaner fresher look meaning hopefully the furniture will last for many more years. “Bill is a keen gardener and put life back into the garden by planting some very colourful flowers for everyone on the ward to enjoy. He’s an inspiration to us all.”
The covenant is supported by organisations a
to support forces
has joined twenty other ns to pledge their support from the Royal British Legion. We have volunteer armed forces champions who act as a point of contact for our staff who may need support for themselves or for guidance on information and signposting for patients. “It is an honour and privilege to be able to help deliver this project and the signing of the countywide covenant with our partners was one of the proudest moments of my NGH career.” Vikki Barr, armed forces covenant partnership officer praised the work being done at NGH: “There is some incredible work going on at NGH in respect of the Armed Forces Covenant and they are a welcome addition to the Northamptonshire partnership.” “We deeply value those who courageously serve or have served our country. The covenant is in place to ensure that service personnel past and present and their families are respected, supported and treated fairly. The work we are undertaking will benefit our staff and patients alike.” Deborah Needham, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer.
across Northamptonshire
L-R- BBC Radio Northampton’s Willy Gilder, Jemma Gotch, Catherine Low, patient Kevin Denham, Lorand Pusok and Alison McCulloch.
Patients benefit from new dementia day room A 1940s-themed day room has opened at Northampton General Hospital specially designed for patients with dementia and their relatives. Thanks to the hard work and fundraising efforts of staff on Abington ward and donations from the local community, Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund (NHCF) invested over £3500 in designing, decorating and furnishing the new space. Lorand Pusok, charge nurse on Abington ward, has been the driving force behind the project, alongside his ward team: “Fundraising and designing this room has been a team effort and it’s a pleasure to see it open and ready to be used by patients. It can get lonely for them so by providing this space they can socialise together, play games and help them to return back home sooner.” As well as a social space, the 1940s-themed room provides a quiet environment for calming patients who may be agitated or distressed, or having private discussions with patients and relatives about treatments, care or information. Catherine Lowe, dementia liaison nurse at NGH
described how the room will benefit patients with dementia: “For patients with dementia this new room provides a place to share meals together and socialise with other people on the ward. This is particularly important as sometimes people staying with us lose their desire to eat and drink which slows down their recovery. “Being in hospital can be quite lonely. Having this space means we can encourage patients to eat together, chat and give them a calmer environment which stimulates their cognitive skills.” Ward staff organised a masquerade ball and raffle which raised £1,400. Our charity matched this total alongside a contribution from our Do It For Dementia fund and donations from the public. The team want to make the most of the room and add more activities for patients. In future, they want to add a newspaper stand with old newspapers from varying eras to help patients with dementia reminisce, and continue to make the room a calming, recognisable space for patients and relatives.
Specialist training for our porters ran through August with very positive feedback. Our porters now have a better understanding The interest and engagement shown from those of how to approach and interact with patients who have attended so far has been brilliant and who have dementia, thanks to our dementia really makes the training so much easier and awareness training programme. more beneficial to them. Our patient-moving “We’re delivering training porters regularly support to specific employee patients with dementia and groups and the longconfusion and while they term goal is to ensure will normally have a clinical that all NGH staff are staff member escorting a dementia aware and that patient, they felt it would those staff who work be helpful to learn more regularly with people with about dementia and ways dementia on their wards to respond and interact are dementia skilled. It better with patients. Demetia liason nurse Catherine may take some time to Catherine Lowe, our Lowe and some of our porters get there but the current dementia liaison nurse who’ve completed their dementia progress is a step in the who ran the training, said: awareness training right direction.” “Initially, weekly sessions
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External review finds high quality scans at NGH Sonographers at Northampton General Hospital have received the top rating for the quality of their scans. This means our patients who chose to have screening tests during their pregnancy can be confident they’re getting the most accurate results possible. Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, women are offered a screening test looking for Down’s, Edwards’ and Pattau’s syndromes. The test involves a scan that measures the fluid at the back of the foetus’ neck combined with the results of a blood sample. If her results show she has a higher chance that her baby has any of these syndromes, she’ll be given additional information and offered further tests.
How is the quality of our scans monitored? Random images are reviewed on a monthly basis for each sonographer to monitor the standard of the images. Every six months, each sonographer’s results are assessed by an external agency on behalf of Public Health England (PHE). Each sonographer is awarded a flag status: the green flag equates to an excellent result the amber flag is a good/ acceptable result the red flag highlights concerns Our sonographers have always received positive results but for our most recent two review cycles, every sonographer not only received a green flag status but went on to maintain it in the following review. We’re the only NHS organisation achieving a complete green flag status for subsequent quality assurance cycles. 10 ❘ Insight
DANCE THERAPY ON CHILDREN’S WARDS THANKS TO GIFT FROM PATIENT O
ur paediatric play team were delighted to receive a gift from 13-year-old patient Joseph Lomax who has cystic fibrosis. Here, Joseph explains why he wanted to raise money for the team and why he chose to donate a games console. “The play team on Paddington ward do so much for me when an inpatient and when I’m not! They have been there since my first hospital visit and are still here today, always to cheer me up (and sometimes annoy me). Also, all of the nurses on the ward are so friendly, chatty and funny; that’s why we wanted to
give back. My mum and our family friend Becci decided to hold a masquerade ball at the Picturedrome pub in Northampton in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the ward. In total, we raised £3,600. We donated £3,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help them in the amazing work they do. But then we got thinking, what would the ward benefit from with £600? Eventually we came up with the idea of a games console specifically for those patients with CF who fight through the physio, IVs and infections. We bought a Nintendo switch, six games, four controllers and a trolley to transport and store them. It’s not only for playing games however, it will also be used for physiotherapy. As CF patients do lots of exercise as part of their treatment, the Just Dance game means patients can work hard dancing and competing with the physios! All of this would not have been possible if not for the hard work of my mum and Becci, who spent months making sure everyone attending would enjoy themselves. Also, none of this would mean anything if it weren’t for the play team, who put in so much effort to make life better for those who are frequent to the ward, so I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped raise money for this donation and everyone who has helped me and my other CF patients to keep going.”
REMEMBERING THEO: FRIENDS UNITE FOR GRUELLING BIKE RIDE A
huge well done to Rob Crussell and his nine friends who cycled from Northampton General Hospital to the Eiffel Tower in Paris - that’s 361 miles in four days! The cycle is just one of many fundraising efforts in memory of Rob and wife Kate’s first child, Theo. Theo died three years ago, just 44 hours after an emergency delivery that followed Kate’s
The 4Theo group gathered at NGH to start their four-day epic cycle
diagnosis of severe pre-eclampsia. As well as raising money for our maternity department, Rob and Kate work tirelessly to raise awareness of pre-eclampsia. To find out more about Theo’s story and to make a donation, visit www.4Theo.co.uk Kate and Rob pictured with their daughter Elsie
Factfile
Mild pre-eclampsia affects up to 6% of
pregnancies, and severe cases develop in
about 1 to 2% of pregnancies.
Initially, pre-eclampsia causes high blood
pressure and protein in urine.
As pre-eclampsia progresses, it causes
severe headaches, vision problems, sever heartburn, nausea or vomiting and sudden swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or face. If you are pregnant and you notice any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, get medical advice immediately by calling your GP surgery or NHS 111.
We support the #TheatreCapChallenge! Employees of Northampton General Hospital are joining the growing international movement which sees operating theatre staff writing their name and job on their scrubs caps. Under the title #theatrecapchallenge, NHS staff are posting selfies with their name and role written or printed on their caps. Advocates of the movement say it improves patient safety because patients and colleagues know who everyone in the team is and what their role is. It is quick and easy to read and people can see at a glance who they are talking to and who is talking to them. Deputy medical director, Govindan Raghuraman, consultant anaesthetist Gordon French and medical director Matt Metcalfe.
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Soneya Joby
Ruth Allen
Debbie Curtis
RECOGNISING OUR SHINING STARS N
Allen, Lisa Couppleditch, Debbie Curtis, ursing stars across our hospital Soneya Joby, Lisa Morin, Neena Quim have been recognised thanks to our partnership with nurse welfare and Melanie Sharpe. charity Cavell Nurses’ Trust. Paul Steiner, communications manager at Cavell Nurses’ Trust praised the The Cavell Star Awards, winners: “Speaking to other winners I launched nationally in April, are know how important it is for nursing awarded to nurses, midwives professionals to be recognised and healthcare assistants who like this by their nursing have been nominated by their colleagues as a team mates. To be a nurse special team mate who is emotionally draining “Speaking to other has shown exceptional and sometimes you rely winners I know how on your team to give care for either their important it is for you a boost and so you colleagues or their nursing professionals patients and can do what’s best for your patients. Here’s patients’ families. to be recognised like Congratulations to to more Northampton this by their nursing our first stars Ruth General Cavell Stars!”
Cavell Nurses Trust is the charity that supports retired and working nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants in the UK when they’re experiencing personal or financial hardship. Last year, we were proud to be one of ten founding members of a new programme launched by the national charity.
team mates.”
Neena Quim
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Lisa Couppleditch
Lisa Morin
OUR PATHWAY TO NURSING EXCELLENCE GOES GLOBAL W
e’re on course to be one of the first NHS hospitals in the UK to achieve an internationallyrecognised programme for nursing and midwifery standards. The Pathway to Excellence accreditation programme recognises hospitals with positive practice environments where nurses excel. Earlier this year, two of our emergency department nurses represented Team NGH at an international nursing conference. Moya Flaherty, clinical practice educator, and A&E matron Michelle Coe delivered presentations focusing on different aspects of our excellence journey. Here, Moya and Michelle share their thoughts on the experience with us.
My absolute favourite thing though has been chatting to everyone, different hospitals different specialities but all one thing in common: they completely and utterly believe in the Pathway to Excellence programme and what it does for nursing. Pathway is about acknowledging that an organisation has what it takes to drive the nursing agenda and make work somewhere that nurses flourish and are driven to be the best they can for their patients but also for themselves. I believe in pathway because it makes me feel valued and like I have a voice and can influence anything. I’m willing to try and I want to engage. This is a mutually beneficial relationship.
Moya’s story
Michelle’s story
Being selected to deliver a presentation felt amazing. It confirmed that we are doing something good, but also that people might actually be interested in hearing about it. For me it was about sharing all the amazing stories of the people I work with, and how we as a senior team in the emergency department (ED) captured that, thought about, reflected on it and made it something special that everyone now values. Sometimes you simply need to take a step back and look around, talk to people find out what is important to them and realise you are doing great things with them. The atmosphere at the conference was like nothing I have experienced before. It was truly inspirational.
The support I received from the hospital was amazing. I had coaching and mentoring for the presentation content and my delivery, both from my nursing peers and senior staff. I was given time to develop the presentation in the run-up to the conference; senior nurses also took time out of their busy days to let me practice and gave constructive feedback. I have never spoken at a conference before – the largest group of people that I have presented to previously was about 35. I was terrified and felt at times overwhelmed with nerves. Pastoral support provided from colleagues was invaluable; they made me believe that I really could do this, and that they were immensely proud that I would be representing Northampton General Hospital. My presentation looked at how leadership had transformed nurse morale in our Emergency Department. I believe that support provided by leaders transformed my confidence and in turn, morale. During the conference, I received so many good luck wishes and support from colleagues at work – many of whom I don’t know. It was humbling.
DAISY award founders welcomed to Northampton General Hospital
D
uring the summer, we were delighted to welcome the founders of an international awards programme to celebrate the first anniversary of the awards being introduced at NGH. Mark and Bonnie Barnes, founders of the DAISY awards, unveiled a new display dedicated to our past and present DAISY awards recipients. Located on Hospital Street, the hall of fame publically recognises those who have delivered exceptional care to their patients and their families.
Moya and Michelle who flew the flag for NGH at an international conference on nursing excellence
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More Than Mobility 25 Weston Favell Shopping Centre, Northampton NN3 8JZ
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APEX
Last year, our Macmillan information and support centre helped over 3,000 local people to get information and support relating to cancer. There are an estimated 2.5 million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK with that figure predicted, this figure will rise to 4 million by 2030. In Northamptonshire alone, there are over 3,700 new cancer diagnoses each year. In this special feature, we talk to some of our employees providing support to our patients affected by cancer and their families.
On-site Macmillan centre supports over 3,000 people each year As our information and support centre celebrates its tenth birthday this year, we caught up with Wendy Smith who runs the centre. Wendy is a registered trained nurse, with a background in palliative care in hospice, community and hospital settings. Wendy said: “The centre allows patients to take some time away from their clinic or treatment. It provides a listening ear and a cup of tea. “We have a wide range of information material including books, leaflets, audio CDs and DVDs on a huge selection of subjects, from finances to health and wellbeing or about certain types of cancer and treatment.” Whether you have cancer, are supporting a friend or relative who has cancer or you’re a health professional caring for a patient with cancer, Wendy and her trained volunteers are on hand to answer any of your questions or concerns. It’s a drop-in service and they also have people contact them by telephone, email and post. For the team, it’s important that the environment is friendly and relaxed with a comfortable seating area and private room. Wendy said: “No two days are the same. We see tears, laughter, anger and frustration. We have both one-off and regular visitors at the centre and we are always looking at ways to promote the centre as a place to come and receive help and support. “We offer a variety of different services, from complementary therapies to health and wellbeing events. We also do a lot of outreach work to promote cancer awareness and inform the public about Macmillan services. We have a great team of trained volunteers who deliver these services and signpost people to relevant services or groups.” The centre is on the ground floor of the oncology outpatient department in Area N. The service is open to the public between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Douglas Macmillan founded the Macmillan cancer charity in 1911 after watching his father die of cancer. Douglas wanted advice and information to be available for all patients with cancer. Today, Douglas’s legacy lives on and Macmillan are a source of support for all people affected by cancer.
Volunteer Sophie Fretter; Macmillan information and support lead, Wendy Smith and hair care co-ordinator, Debbie Smith
NGH backs the Macmillan Recovery Package A new national initiative to improve outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer has seen the introduction of a Macmillan recovery package project team at Northampton General Hospital. We’ve worked with cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support to roll out a series of key interventions which, when delivered together, can greatly improve outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer. This includes care planning, treatment summaries, cancer care reviews, holistic needs assessments and health and wellbeing events. The team is led by Bethan Read and includes
two facilitators, Adele Williams and Hollie Watts, and administrator Viv Kelly. Two additional support workers are due to be recruited. Wendy has a particular focus on the health and wellbeing aspect of the recover package. She explained: “The health and wellbeing events equip patients, carers and family members with the information and contacts they need to gain a greater sense of control, feel more confident and are more easily able to access the support they need, when they need it. “Engaging in social activities can enable
Continued overleaf
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... from previous page patients to cope with emotional distress which can lead to a better quality and life; they are also able to make informed choices about their own health and wellbeing. The opportunity is also provided for patients to freely tell their story and share experience with peers and healthcare professionals.” Overall, the recovery package is a support and self-manag ement pack for those affected by cancer. It includes with guidance and resources on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing the consequences of treatment and information about finances and employment support.
Wendy is heavily involved in embedding the recovery package into the care at NGH with the assistance of the countywide team.
If you would like to know more about the Macmillan recovery package, visit macmillan.org.uk and search recovery package
Supporting our patients with cancer Thanks to our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, we have a number of clinical nurse specialists who play a key role in the care of patients with cancer at every stage of their pathway. They help patients cope with diagnosis, aid them in making treatment choices, and support them throughout their cancer pathway. Patient Terrie Greenway describes how her relationship with head and neck clinical nurse specialist Hollie Watts helped her.
Terri, with Hollie, rings the bell that signifies the end of her treatment
“Do and go che
Terrie’s story I found a lump on my neck which over a space of two weeks got bigger so I went to my GP to get it checked. They referred me to Northampton General Hospital where I had a number of scans and biopsies. After a painful two week wait I had my follow up appointment with Mr Ameerally where along with a friend I found out the news. “CANCER” he said. I then just stared into the room trying to take it all in and my friend asked some questions which I can’t recall the answers. I remember thinking about my husband and my two kids and how I was going to tell them. Five years before we lost my father-in-law to cancer and I did not want the kids thinking that was what is going to happen to me. As I was in shock and anxious about telling my children, Dr Ameerally introduced me to a Macmillan nurse called Hollie who was quick to calm me down and confirm what would happen next. She gave me leaflets to take home and gave me her number which I could call if I had any questions.
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My Initial thoughts when I was told I had cancer I thought I was going to die and that I would have to say good bye to my husband and kids. What was the treatment like? The chemo was the worst part of the treatment. It made me feel very sick when I was feeling low and weak. The last thing you need is to sit in a chair for most of the day followed by laying down and having a mask over your face while you undergo radiotherapy. What was the toughest part of the whole experience ? Trying to stay positive each day and when I felt like I wanted to give up I had to keep thinking of my kids and what their life would be like without me. I had to stay strong as I wanted to see them grow up, get married, be a nanny and all the things you take for granted.
What would it have been like without Hollie your Macmillan nurse? Lonely, stressful and nervous Has cancer changed me? I now live life to the full each day and don’t take things for granted. My thoughts when breast cancer was identified following the PET scan? I was devastated and thought I could not be so lucky to survive both cancers and that I was definitely going to die. What is life after cancer like? I still have some nerve damage to my arm and shoulder but, if that’s all I am left with after what I have been through, I have to say my life is back to 9/10.
No bad hair days at Northampton General! Hair loss, skin changes or scarring are some of the side effects of treatment for cancer. That’s why here at NGH we have an in-house hair and beauty service available to all patients receiving treatment in our oncology or haematology departments as well as those receiving cancer care at other hospitals.
Hollie’s story
I first met Terri in the Maxillofacial department, where she was told that she had a head and neck cancer. Terri was understandably devastated and in shock by this unexpected news. Like others, Terri’s instant worry was how she was going to tell her family, particularly her young children Jacob and Amy. I helped to support Terri by talking to Jacob whom has autism, on the telephone and later we met face to face. This helped to deescalate not only Terri’s anxiety about talking to Jacob about my on’t leave things role, but also Jacob’s d hope they will own thoughts about o away - getting hospitals and cancer ecked out saved treatments. Forming a trusting my life.” therapeutic relationship with Terri was key, understanding her worries and concerns, enabled me to resolve them, ensuring that she was supported during such a stressful period of her life. Unfortunately, during staging investigations Terri was also diagnosed with an early breast cancer which understandably heightened anxiety levels further. Together, we attended her appointments and she commenced treatment soon after completing her head and neck treatment. It has been a pleasure to support Terri throughout her treatment. She displayed a strength and humility throughout and always had a smile for me. Being able to support an individual during a time filled with uncertainty and threat by making that difficult period a little easier through support, care and compassion is what drives me. My patients help to remind me on a daily basis that life is precious and that we must live for every moment with no regrets. *Since writing this article, Hollie has taken on a new role as a cancer care recovery package facilitator for the region.
privacy they need as we can help them Debbie Smith is our in-house hair and look themselves again.” beauty co-ordinator; last year she Debbie also supports family members supported 750 patients. who are coming to terms with cancer Debbie provides free customised wig and how it is affecting their loved and fitting, nail and skin care sessions, ones; family members often hair and scalp care sessions accompany the patient as well as makeup classes. to their appointment. These sessions take place There are times where in the privacy of the “It’s common to see Debbie will guide oncology salon where family members with Debbie often gets to people in the salon who tasks such as wig know the patients will be very excited fitting, or nail and very well. with the opportunity to hair care. Debbie said, “It’s have a makeover and “Many of the patients common to see do not see me as a people in the salon the chance to reinvent nurse, or a medical who will be very excited themselves.” professional, so I often with the opportunity to find that patients are have a makeover and keen to confide in me. I the chance to reinvent guess you could say it’s just like themselves. However, we also going to any other salon, we discuss have patients who need privacy; relationships and holidays and generally have they might not want people to know about a good time.” their illness. This service gives patients the
Debbie is our in-house hair and beauty co-ordinator at Northampton General Hospital.
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New role to support end of life care
End of life care is the general term to describe support for people who are in the last months or weeks of their life but in a hospital setting, we’re often caring for people as they live their last hours and minutes. In June, we welcomed Hayley Cole, our new end of life care practice development nurse. Hayley’s role is to focus on the delivery of training sessions for our employees to improve their overall confidence, professional skills and knowledge around end of life care. Hayley said: “Since arriving in June, I can already see staff feeling more confident when caring for patients after training. Working in end of life care can be challenging, especially in a busy acute hospital. “I think if a member of staff feels more confident and competent to be able to deliver great care with compassion and sensitivity, it means the patient will hopefully be able to die peacefully with the dignity they deserve, and their loved ones will feel supported through what is probably the worst time of their life.” The training covers many different aspects of care, including advance care planning, the practical side of care, when and when not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and sensitive communication. After qualifying as a registered nurse in 1999,
“Staff often care for patients who are moments away from death and also have to deal with what comes after. Sometimes just providing some support and encouragement can be all it takes for staff to know they are doing the right thing.”
Hayley joined us as a practice development nurse at the beginning of June.
Hayley worked in specialist palliative care for over seventeen years at Cynthia Spencer Hospice. While there, she delivered training and education to nursing, allied health and medical professionals in the local community.
While cancer charity Macmillan Cancer has financed Hayley’s position, her work will benefit patients with and without cancer as employees across the hospital will benefit from her training and expertise.
Holistic therapies available to patients with cancer at Northampton General Hospital Lesley Burrows is one of our accredited Reiki therapists providing free natural healing sessions to patients with cancer. Reiki is a Japanese technique based on the principle that energy surrounds all living things. Once trained, therapists have the ability to connect with this “We have people natural energy and deliver it to the patient; the energy is absorbed and used for their own regularly tell us how personal benefit. wonderful they feel Lesley said: “During the session, energy is after Reiki.” delivered from a short distance away from the body; 3-4 inches away is the optimum distance, as this is the area in where the natural energy field will surround the body. Patients can expect various feelings after a session; some have reported seeing intense colours, deep feelings of relaxation, tingling sensations, or hot and cold feelings. One of the major benefits Reiki provides is the time spent away from a hospital setting, especially when treatment for cancer can be intense. Patients can come for sessions throughout their treatment at no cost, with some regulars attending for over twelve months. Lesley said: “It’s important for patients to feel in control of their choices. We often find patients feeling out of control as they follow their journey with cancer, it can be a real struggle. We have people regularly tell us how wonderful they feel after Reiki. This is fantastic, especially when seeing how anxious they can be on arrival.”
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FERTILITY CLINIC BENEFITS PATIENTS TRYING TO CONCEIVE T
he fertility clinic at Northampton General Hospital works to help couples on their journey to becoming parents. About 1 in 7 couples in the UK may have difficulty conceiving naturally. In the last two years, the service has seen an increase in patient numbers, meaning the team have changed the way they run their clinics to help patients avoid unnecessary visits to hospital. On referral to the hospital couples are seen by a consultant or nursing practitioner to work out how best to manage the couple’s fertility issues. Last spring, the team established the hysterosalpingo contrast ultrasonography (HyCoSy) clinic, which is now the most commonly used method of testing for fertility related issues. This is an investigation of the cavity of the uterus and the fallopian tubes Eggs travel along the fallopian tubes from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilisation. If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked this can impair fertility. It is not always possible to see the fallopian tubes using x-rays or ultrasound alone, so the HyCoSy test is carried out to see if there are any blockages which may be preventing the usual fertilisation process. If the test indicates a blockage in the tubes, this can be investigated further and plans can be made for treatment.
Mr Gnanachepella
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The clinic team
Partners can stay throughout the assessment and couples have time together after the procedure to discuss and make choices on treatment options. By using the procedure the team has reduced the amount of follow-up appointments needed, and patients get an early diagnosis meaning treatment can begin sooner. Mr Chellappah Gnanachandran, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant, described why this new clinic is beneficial to patients: “Changes in the way we work mean that we now see more patients, we need fewer follow-up appointments and we can provide an early treatment of choice. “By introducing this clinic we have avoided patients repeatedly coming for different appointments such as scans, tubal patency and then followup consultations.” The team carries out between 120 and 150 HyCoSy procedures per year. The minimally-invasive procedure differs from traditional methods which include surgery and use of radiation to look for any blockages. The fertility team also offer hysterosplpingogram (HSG) – an x-ray test to determine if the fallopian tubes are open and assess the shape of the
uterus - or in some cases laparoscopy keyhole surgery if there is an underlying health problem. We carry out approximately 100 HSG procedures each year and 70 laparoscopy procedures.
Other support for patients counselling and investigations
for couples experiencing fertility problems for the first time lifestyle advice that may improve their changes of conceiving supporting couples who experience recurrent miscarriages and work to investigate the causes. ultrasound scanning to measure the future egg supply in the woman, investigation and treatment for endometriosis- which is when endometrium tissue is found outside of the womb investigation and treatment for fibroids, polyps and abnormalities in the womb or uterus. In the future, the team hope to develop the clinic further with 3D scanning assessments, meaning MRI scans and hysteroscopy procedures to look inside of the uterus can be avoided. They are also developing telephone and video-call consultations to speed up the consultation process and avoid unnecessary visits to hospital.
Case study Krystina and her partner had been trying for a baby but after years of unsuccessful attempts they realised things weren’t quite going to plan. It was then that Krystina approached our fertility clinic for help to find out what was causing the problem. Following a variety of investigations from the fertility team to assess tubal “Even though patency and try to find out what was causing problems Krystina underwent a you’re discussing surgical procedure. awkward subjects This showed that old scar tissue I’d encourage was affecting her fertility. As a result, people to do it, in vitro fertilisation treatment was recommended. A year after starting it’s worth it.” investigations, Krystina became pregnant and Elliot was born earlier this year. Krystina described the importance of people seeking help if they are having trouble conceiving: “I’d recommend people to come to seek advice if they are suffering or aren’t able to get pregnant. The team were always there for me and take the time to listen to you. Even though you’re discussing awkward subjects I’d encourage people to do it, it’s worth it.” Krystina and Elliot
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Shortlist
Congratulations to all everyone who has been shortlisted in our annual employee and volunteer awards!
Our Best Possible Care Awards give us an opportunity to reflect on the dedication and commitment of our employees and volunteers to supporting our patients and colleagues. With over 200 nominations in total, the judges had the difficult task of selecting the shortlist – those listed below will go through to the finals to find out who takes home the title this year!
Unsung Hero (clinical)
Unsung Hero (non-clinical)
Patient Safety
DrIrfan Sabih Laura Bastow Lindsey Carman Dr Mel Blake Dr Nick Barnes Paul Blake Last year’s winner: Margot Emery, lead nurse for palliative and end-of -life care
Alistair Noble Jane May June Rason Karen Spellman Laurence Neale Sue Leonard Last year’s winner: Anne-Marie Dunkley, health and wellbeing co-ordinator
Elizabeth Page Infection control team Mary Brennan Dr Mike Pearce and the mental health team Nick Adams and Peris Nderitu Samantha Galloway Last year’s winner: Maxine Chapman, Creaton ward
Clinical Team of the Year
Non-clinical Team of the Year
Clinical Educator of the Year
Ambulatory Care Centre Barratt Birth Centre Breast screening service Child health medical team ED minor injuries Manfield theatres Last year’s winner: Allebone and Eleanor stroke wards
Anaesthetic pain administration team Clinical coding Fracture clinic IM&T management team Security team Pharmacy distribution team Last year’s winner: Linen Room Team
Volunteer of the Year
Quality Improvement
Andy Smith Audrey Barnard The buggy service Derek Warren Michael Leonard Velma Richards Last year’s joint winners: Bedside Book Club and Brian Hayes
Ashley Wilsdon Dr Chiraag Thakrar Janeme Lam Lorna Gould Rapid access vascular clinic Vascular diabetic foot team Last year’s joint winners: Obstetrics diabetic clinic and the Dr Toolbox app
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Alison Waples Ashley Gayton Beverly AlAzzawi Last year’s winner: Vicky Garrod, clinical simulation manager
Patient Experience Christina Mallinder Compton ward Hollie Watts Lorand Pusok Dr Polly Davies Robert Jones Last year’s winner: doctors and nurses of critical care
Here is a reminder of some of last year’s winners. Look out for the winter issue of Insight to find out who has lifted the trophy this year!
Anne-Marie Dunkley – Unsung hero award Anne-Marie, Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator’s role focuses on helping our employees to keep physically fit and mentally well through increasing awareness of healthy lifestyle choices, and signposting staff in the right direction where needed.
Doctors and nurses of critical care Patient Experience Award Day-to-Day duties on the ward for these Doctors and Nurses include providing care, where other hospital ward’s may no longer be able to adequately treat to patients who are critically ill, this frequently involves the use of hi-tech machinery, advanced blood tests and various other modalities of care. The role also requires the ability to provide counselling, often to relatives who may have unresponsive family members present on the ward.
Maxine Chapman – Patient Safety Award Maxine, Sister on Creaton Ward, was delighted to have her work in nursing recognised. Based on Creaton Ward, Maxine worked alongside her team to deliver quality care to patients and ensure their safety at all times. Maxine’s work had been integral in the ward attaining green ward accreditation for patient safety. Overall the team achieved all 15 green results which is a huge achievement for both Maxine and Creaton ward.
Brian Hayes – Volunteer of the Year award Brian Hayes has been a volunteer with Northampton General Hospital for twenty years and has provided support in various areas, last year; Brian was awarded with a Best Possible Care Award. For twelve years, Brian volunteered for the hospitals ambulance car service and then later moved on to volunteering on our Billing Road Entrance information desk, where he has been with us for the past eight years. Brian joins us on Friday morning between 7:25am and 11:45am; assisting patients and visitors with any queries they may have as well as providing directions and booking transport for patients who are unable to walk around the hospital unaided.
Bedside Book Club Volunteer of the Year award the Bedside Book Club is run by a team of six volunteers bringing books directly to patients in our adult wards. Now a well-established provision, the book club required a vast amount of planning and preparation including book collection, fundraising, covering of books and an on-going effort from volunteers delivering the books and improving the service day on day. With additions of colouring and Sudoku books the service is still growing and expanding to suit a variety of genres and interests.
Allebone and Eleanor stroke wards Clinical Team of the Year Linen Room Team Team of the Year (non-clinical) During an average day at Northampton General Hospital, the linen team are responsible for the delivery of 3000 sheets, 1600 blankets, 2000 pillow cases, 1500 towels and 400 modesty and bariatric gowns, to wards, clinics and theatres across the hospital. Northampton General Hospital’s linen room team won the Non-Clinical Team of the Year award last year.
Obstetrics Diabetic Clinic Quality Improvement Award The clinic is a joint antenatal service for pregnant women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes. With almost 500 patients seen in the clinic during 2016, the team recognised the need for improvement, to decrease waiting times and ensure women had a positive experience. They worked over 12 months to significantly reduce waiting times, creating a happier patient and staff environment.
The stroke unit is a county-wide service that covers all Northamptonshire as well as areas of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, with Eleanor being a hyper-acute stroke ward while Allebone is a ward for rehabilitation treatments and therapies. The wards work closely with the community stroke team so that therapy and support is provided in patient homes where needed. Last year they won the Clinical Team of the Year.
Vicky Garrod Clinical Educator of the Year Our clinical simulation manager, Vicky Garrod, took last year’s award. Northampton General Hospital’s Simulation Suite is one of four in the country and provides medical training to nursing and medical students’ as-well as post-graduate and core medical training for doctors and trainees. The suite provides training courses in various areas. Vicky also had a large involvement with developing and implementing a training course on safe dental sedation.
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OUR PEOPLE 2
1 ➊➋
3 ➌
, and : This summer we said goodbye to three much-loved and valued employees. We send our best wishes for a happy and fulfilled retirement to Gossett Ward Sister Grace Rodgers, Maggie Coe, associate director for nursing & midwifery with responsibility for professional and practice development, and Celia Warlow, assistant director of patient safety and quality improvement.
Excitement builds ahead of new Nye Bevan Building opening 4
5
➍ Congratulations to Gill Ashworth
➎ Congratulations to our housekeeper
who was promoted during the summer to our associate nursing director role with responsibility for professional and practice development.
Linda Summers who celebrated her 70th birthday this summer. Linda is pictured here with junior sister Trena Lee on Holcot ward.
6 ➏ Congratulations to Willow ward host Nigel Carter who celebrated his 40th anniversary at NGH this summer. The ward team held a surprise party to thank Nigel for his long service. 24 ❘ Insight
As work on our new emergency assessment unit neared completion, our communications officer Kieran Jones was on hand to get some photos, including one of the assessment areas complete with its delivery of new beds. We’re on course to start treating our first patients here in the autumn.
Nye Bevan Building on Facebook Our Facebook followers were treated to two live guided tours of the new building when our dep uty chief executive and chief operating offi cer Deborah Needham talked us thr ough all the features of the two wa rds. You can still catch up if you haven’ t seen them – just check out our Facebook page.
Claire flies the flag for Northampton at national review of support for overseas nurses
NEW LOOK FOR CHILDREN’S WARDS O
ur paediatric wards, Disney and Paddington, have undergone a major refurbishment to brighten up and modernise their facilities for our patients. The wards have designed the rooms to suit patient needs with new additions such as remote control windows which include sensors to detect rainfall and mood lighting. Child health matron Wendy Copson said: “We are pleased that our children’s wards have been given a fresh new look along
with having some essential works carried out. The refurbishment includes new colour schemes, sliding doors, and sky lights in some of the patient rooms. It’s now a much brighter area for children and young people using our service. “The feedback so far from our staff and regular attenders is that the works have created a much nicer environment.” Our charity Northamptonshire Healthcare Charitable Fund contributed to the refurbishment costs.
Corporate practice development nurse Claire Ault leads on our support programme for nurses we’ve recruited from overseas. Thanks to the success of our support, Claire was asked to take part in a national review led by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of the overseas nurses registration process. Here, she explains what that involves. I felt privileged to attend this small workshop in London with NGH being the only district general hospital among prestigious London hospitals like Great Ormond Street, Kings College and London University Hospitals. The workshop prompted much passionate discussion regarding the arduous process that overseas nurses must undertake in order to become registered nurses in the UK, which includes a stringent English test, a clinical knowledge test and a practical clinical simulated exam which is better known in the nursing world as an OSCE. NGH has a national reputation for achieving excellent results in the OSCEs. Our pass rate currently stands at 96 per cent, well above the national average, and I receive regular requests from large university hospitals to come and visit us to find out the secret of our success. The NMC and the other hospitals in attendance were interested to hear about my experiences and difficulties with the process and the impact that then has on the nurses. We discussed the English test that overseas nurses need to register in the UK, a level 7 at academic level, and whether this was set at the right level. We discussed changes that might occur in the future to the NMC registration process to make it quicker and less stressful for the overseas nurses. We also discussed how the examination process will be reviewed and refreshed to maintain its relevance with the changes that are in the pipeline for the pre-registration nurse programme in the UK.
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From the Archive
Celebrating over centuries of Northampton hospital
T
his year, we’ve seen national celebrations to mark the 70 years of the NHS. But did you know that 2018 also marks the 225th anniversary of Northampton hospital on our current site? Read on to find out more. In 1790 Dr. William Kerr, senior surgeon at the George Row Infirmary wrote a report detailing the fact that it was no longer fit for purpose. Established 47 years earlier by Dr James Stonhouse and Reverend Philip Doddridge, Northampton first infirmary lacked sufficient space, sanitary conditions were poor and the town location unsuitable. Dr. Kerr and the hospital governors drew up plans for a new hospital and a subscription list was started to raise funds needed for the project. An eight acre site, Northampton Fields, was purchased which had once belonged to St. Andrew’s Priory and had a good supply of spring water. The new infirmary opened in September 1793. The budget set initially
for the infirmary was set at £10,000 and by the time it opened that figure had risen to £15,000.
Quote from a hospital report in the early 1800s.
“A map of Northampton which was published by Verner, Hood and Sharpe shows the new General Infirmary is out-side the old ditch which ran roughly behind the line of the present Cheyne Walk and up York Road and that there are in fact no other buildings bar a brewery, outside the town. That the edifice assumes a just and becoming importance without pomp and ostentation, that the situation is airy and salubrious set apart from the din and tumults of society.”
BUILDINGS, STAFF NUMBERS AND BUDGET The infirmary would accommodate
100 patients.
Wards would have 10 beds each, with
some 2 bedded wards.
Light, ventilation and washing facilities
were a priority.
Other buildings on site would include a
brew-house, bake-house and laundry. The recommended staff levels were: The apothecary with his pupil, matron, 4 nurses, porter and 3 maid servants. There would be doctors from the town
who would work in the infirmary, along with pupil doctors. Patients were also expected to assist with certain ward duties.
Excerpt from the 1793 annual report
“The infirmary offers excellent and abundant medical skill, which is always ready, auxilaries in the cure of distemper, proper accommodation and wholesome and nutritious food. In our charitable abode nothing is denied that can any way promote recovery. The Apothecary compounds and dispenses all the medicines and a matron lives in, and hath the whole care of the house, and nurses and servants are provided in proportion to the number of sick. To all those who are taken under our protection, compassion opens wide her stores and administers them with a skilful and unsparing hand.”
Earlier this year, the now-defunct charity Friends of NGH made their final donation when they presented the balance of their fundraising to us. The £43,000 was shared among wards and departments across the hospital and included the purchase of wheelchairs, equipment, music and art supplies for patients, staff training and a safeguarding poster campaign. We’re very grateful to everyone who donated to or fundraised for the charity and we’re delighted that those donations continue to benefit our patients, their families and our employees.
Pictured here are matron Wendy Copson, Friends of NGH manager Sheila Baker and chairman Tony Croft Chairman, and sister Chris Wood.
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Support for Talbot Butler emergency assessment bay Thanks to everyone supporting our £350,000 fundraising appeal for a new emergency assessment bay on Talbot Butler Ward. Our oncology and haematology patients can become very unwell between their treatment cycles and need emergency support and review. Currently, this means at night and weekends they have to attend A&E but due to their suppressed immune system this is a far from ideal situation. The state-of-the-art facility on Talbot Butler will have dedicated areas for triage, assessment and examinations in an environment that is open and spacious, offering patients round-theclock specialist care.
Almost £800 from bucket collections at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club & town centre
CHARITABLE FUND
£605 from Craig Walsh
L-R Chelsea Jackson, Lisa Couppleditch, Alastair Rowton, Alan Sutton & Dee Cox
Rotary of Nene Valley donate £7,200 to the Talbot Butler EAB! Rotary Club of Nene Valley’s President Alastair Rowton was joined by two other Rotary members, Dee Cox and Alan Sutton, to present the cheque. The money is going to be used specifically for purchasing equipment needed in the new purpose-built facility, providing an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, two cardiac monitors and two dynamap observation monitors.
Thank you so much to the spectators of a recent T20 cricket match at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and to the people of Northampton for giving so generously. A huge thanks to all those who volunteered: these included hospital staff and volunteers and Lee and Lorraine Lewis of The Lewis Foundation who kindly gave up their time to raise money.
3 Peaks Challenge raises over £6,000 A team of eight friends chose the mighty mountain challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon as their 2018 team goal. On 19 June, Team TPP walked 26 miles, ascended 3,064 metres and drove 462 miles to complete the challenge in 24 hours! In the process they encountered all manner of weather conditions, including mist, icy rain and gale-force winds on Scafell Pike. Team member Jamie John said: “By the time we reached Snowdon the conditions had greatly improved and it was nice to finish in the sunshine.” They were greatly inspired by people who kept on donating as they exceeded every fundraising target they kept setting, raising more than £6,000!
A huge well done and thanks to Craig Walsh for completing the Great Manchester Run in May, raising £605 in aid of the Talbot Butler appeal. As well as in a bid to get fit for 50, Craig wanted to help us towards our target to say thanks for the care his eldest son received while he was a cancer patient back in 2010. He received incredible support from his family. His youngest son Ryan and Craig’s nephew also took part in the race, spurring him on to the finish line in a very respectable time!
Kislingbury Jazz Festival raises over £8,000 for the Talbot Butler EAB We would like to thank the Kislingbury Jazz festival for fundraising for NGH for the second year in a row. Festival Co-ordinator Di Ward came in to present the cheque to Dr Craig Knighton and Lisa Couppleditch, with other members of the Kislingbury Jazz team; Pat Kidson, Dennis Titchmarch and Alan Cook. Dr Knighton thanked the Kislingbury Jazz team for their fabulous donation and said: “The NHS spends money on the right medicine and equipment for services but it is donations like this that will help us change the environment for patients, which is also very important to the care they receive”. The jazz evening went with swing with the Fenny Stompers Jazz band, who have an average age of 70, and were kindly sponsored by Michael Jones Jewellers. Together with other local businesses making donations and having donation cans in their pubs, cafes, pharmacies, Di Ward and her team were able to present a cheque for a wonderful £8,049.18!
L-R Pat Kidson, Dennis Tidmarsh, Alan Cook, Di Ward, Lisa Couppleditch and Dr Craig Knighton
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CHARITABLE FUND
Holly and Sam Pearson raise £1,270 for Becket Ward Cousins Holly and Sam Pearson wanted to say thank you to Beckett ward for the care that their late uncle received earlier this year, so they decided to put themselves right out their comfort zones and do a sponsored skydive! Holly and Sam said: “We have just jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft! Beautiful day for it and the most amazing experience! We have raised £1270.00 for Beckett Ward.”
Coffee Morning raises £745 for the stroke unit Following the care and treatment she received after suffering a stroke, Aimee McNeilly decided she wanted to raise some money for the stroke unit to say thank you. Aimee’s nan Marjorie held a coffee morning and raised £745 when 60 people descended on Marjorie’s home to enjoy coffee and cake. There was also a raffle, and with about 100 prizes on offer this proved a huge success. Dr Mel Blake & Eleanor Ward Sister Vicki Moore were thrilled to see how well Aimee is doing following her recovery and truly grateful to receive this incredible donation.
A-level student raises £1,358 for ITU
NGH Volunteer Celia Penn donates £600 to Urology As well as studying for A-levels and learning to drive, Josh White also ran this year’s Milton Keynes Half-Marathon to thank the ITU team for looking after his dad Nick during a 16-day stay being treated for sepis. Josh came in with Nick, his mum Sue and Nick’s sister, Sally to present a cheque to ward sister Lindsey Carman for the £1,358 he raised. The family were able to have a good catch up with staff who were so happy to see Nick looking so well. 28 ❘ Insight
Sending a big thank you to Celia Penn, who recently donated £600 to the urology department! Celia is a longstanding volunteer at NGH and for the last 16 years she has written and sold a monthly quiz. Celia chose to donate the money raised from the past six months to Urology as a thank you to the department for the treatment and care she received while a patient with bladder cancer. Celia now runs the monthly quiz with fellow volunteer Celia Elliott and they both came in to present a cheque to Consultant Tom Swallow and staff.
Generous donation purchases syringe drivers
Schoolgirl shaves her head for Special Care Baby Unit We are hugely grateful to Dr Jill Stewart and family for their generous donation of £2,202 earlier this year. The donation was made to purchase two new McKinley syringe pumps. These pumps are used right across the hospital so they will provide huge benefits in helping to reduce waiting times when required. Jill and family wanted to donate for these pumps to increase the number available and as a thank you for the superlative care her mother received at the hospital following a heart attack.
On 10 December 2002 Trinnie Phipps was born two months premature after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spent the first few weeks of her life on Gosset ward and her mum sadly passed away a few months later. Throughout Trinnie’s life she has been a regular visitor to the paediatric cardiology department but recently received the fantastic news that she’s been discharged from Dr Barnes’ care! To thank Dr Barnes, mark the end of her treatment and also raise awareness for Gosset ward, Trinnie decided she was going to raise money for the ward by shaving her hair off, raising a fantastic £1,500!
Simon Callow raises almost £4,500 for Disney Ward & the play team Local recruitment company raises £560 for Gosset! Local recruitment company EasyWeb held a food and drink themed fundraising event at the end of April to raise money for Gosset Ward. Jess Brosnan and Carly Knight came in to donate four bags full of food items for the parents’ room as well as the money raised. The food available in this room is invaluable especially when parents may have just a short time away from their little ones and are able to get a quick snack to refuel. Our thanks to everyone involved with this fundraiser.
Heartfelt thanks to Simon Callow for raising almost £4,500 for Disney Ward and the play team. Simon’s daughter Hannah was a patient on Disney while undergoing treatment for cancer. As the play team provided such a huge variety of amazing distraction techniques, particularly during the long boring hours of chemotherapy, Hannah wished for the money to be split between this team and Disney ward. After months of training – and smashing through the £1,000 target he’d initially set – Simon completed the Brighton Marathon in April, having raised an incredible £4,415!!
Christmas Fayre Raising funds for the Talbot Butler EAB appeal • Independent stalls • Refreshments • Tombola • Raffle 1:30pm-4pm, Saturday 10 November St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Harlestone Road, Duston NN5 6AB
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Charity abseil day raises over £12,000
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n a bright, sunny day at the end of June, 25 brave people came together to abseil down the 127m (418ft) of Northampton’s iconic National Lift Tower, all in the aid of charity! Each person taking part committed themselves to raising at least £200 for the department or ward of their choice and everyone excelled at both the abseil and their fundraising. There was an eclectic mix from the Talbot Butler Ward’s new emergency assessment bay and Rowan Ward to main theatres and endoscopy. We had the incredible volunteer Brian, who at 82 came down the tower nimbly and at speed, raising over £1,600 for
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the children’s adolescent area in the children’s wards. Margaret Morton at age 71 enjoyed the encouraging cheers of her granddaughter helping her get to the bottom and raising money for bladder and prostrate cancer care. A fabulous team of 10 Paddington Bears raised just over an amazing £4,000 for Paddington Ward. The day couldn’t have run so smoothly without the help of the Extreme Abseil team, who were beyond helpful and the group of volunteers who came along to serve refreshments all day – a big thanks! The daredevil team raised over £12,000 between them for NGH.
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Mildred Hubble was an ordinary girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Now in her final year, accident prone Mildred and her fellow pupils are about to embark on their biggest adventure yet. Jealous Ethel Hallow is always out to spoil Mildred’s fun. Miss Hardbroom is opposed to all fun in general. And just as Mildred sparks some inevitable mayhem certain to upset them both, an old enemy returns with a plan for revenge that could threaten not just the Academy, but the whole world. Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch takes to the Royal Theatre stage from Tuesday 27 November to Sunday 30 December.
Tickets are priced from £11 and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk For a chance to win a family ticket for the performance at 7:15pm on Tuesday 27 November, get in touch and let us know which article you enjoyed most in this edition of Insight. Send your entry to eva.duffy@ngh.nhs.uk or by post to Insight Editor, Communications Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton NN1 5BD Send your entry to arrive by Friday 9 November 2018. The winner will be chosen by random lottery. Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528