Issuu

2019

your yourchoice

Inside this issue

Looking back on 2018 page 3

Public Recognition at Proud Awards page 7

Queenâ€™s Nurse Award for Community Nurses page 9

Produced by TRFT Graphic Design Service 01709 426352 JS 02/18

JANUARY 2019 ISSUE 1

Your Annual Members Magazine

for The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Welcome to the 2019 edition of Your Choice. Improvement Plan will be the Trust’s top priority for 2019. The plan will ensure that we deliver all the actions we need to take to address the CQC’s concerns.

Contents

A look back at 2018

Could you be a Governor?

40 years of Rotherham Hospital

70 years of the NHS

Public Recognition Award

Queen’s Nurse Award

Funding boost for Electronic Prescriptions

Charity news

Hip and knee school

Promoting sexual health

Become a volunteer

Work with us

Not yet a Member of the Trust? Anyone aged 16 or older can become a Trust Member, it’s free!

Simply log onto www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/ members/ or call 01709 427800 for details.

Welcome to the 2019 edition of Your Choice, our annual members magazine. 2018/19 has been a year of on-going challenge and change for NHS organisations up and down the country. It has also been one of celebration, with the NHS 70th Birthday giving us all the opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements in healthcare over the last 70 years. Here in Rotherham, we also celebrated 40 years of Rotherham Hospital and how the services we provide for our patients have developed over this time. Like many Trust’s across the country, we continue to face challenges and financial pressures. However in 2018/19, we have had a much greater focus on improving our financial foundations and we are on track to achieve our financial plan; helping to ensure we have a sustainable future. Last year we secured some additional funding to invest in a number of areas across the Trust, including the co-location and enhancement of our assessment and ambulatory facilities, and improvements in our digital equipment and systems for the implementation of electronic prescribing. In January 2019, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its report of our services following inspection in September and October 2018. The Trust’s overall rating remains at ‘requires improvement’ with a ‘good’ rating for caring and responsive. The implementation of our Quality of Care

Collaboration with our partners has continued to be a key part of our work over the last 12 months and will continue at pace during 2019. Working closely with our partner organisations, in Rotherham and across the wider South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, will help us implement improved ways of working which will provide sustainable services for the future. Our workforce is clearly our greatest asset and throughout the year we have seen a number of colleagues receiving national recognition. Three of our community nurses have been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse for their on-going commitment to the profession and dedication to patients. One of our Therapy Support Workers has also been awarded the Silver Medal at the 2018 World Skills Competition. Our colleagues also continue to bring improvements and innovations to Trust services and our patients. Our Pain Nurse, Ruth Roddison, received national recognition for raising awareness of the use of acupins to reduce patient sickness and alongside the teams amazing efforts in sexual health awareness, our Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine, Dr Nadi Gupta, launched the new British HIV Association position statement at their World AIDS Day event in London. Thank you for taking the time to read about the Trust and our colleagues. In the magazine you will be able to read more on our progress and achievements over the last year. Thank you once again to all of our members, governors, colleagues and members of the public for your continued support.

Martin Havenhand Chairman The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

The way we communicate is changing We have a new magazine which is being published in the Rotherham Advertiser on a quarterly basis. This new magazine will replace future editions of Your Choice. If you do not live in an area covered by the Rotherham Advertiser but would like to receive an electronic copy of the new magazine when it is published, please contact rgh-tr.foundation.trust@nhs.net. We also have a regular e-newsletter for members. Contact the Foundation Trust Office via telephone on 01709 427800 or email at rgh-tr.foundation.trust@nhs.net to sign up or to update your contact details.

‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/The RotherhamNHSFoundationTrust

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A LOOK BACK AT

2018 January – Colleagues in the

Gynaecology team carried out Rotherham’s first laparoscopic myomectomy to remove uterine fibroid (by keyhole surgery). Traditionally, fibroid removal surgery involved a cut in the lower abdomen (laparotomy).

February – Pain Nurse, Ruth Roddison,

received national recognition by being featured on the front cover of Nursing Standard raising awareness of how the use of acupins can reduce patient sickness.

March – Colleagues from across the Trust came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of Rotherham Hospital. Various teams and departments helped to demonstrate how things have changed over the past 40 years. April – More than 20 musical theatre

and dance students from Rotherham College joined the Trust’s Speech and Language Therapists to raise awareness of World Voice Day by performing in the hospital’s main entrance.

May – Rotherham Mayor, Cllr Alan

Buckley, and his wife pledged their support to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s Dr Ted appeal. Also in May, colleagues celebrated International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife.

June – This was a successful month for our HR Systems and Compliance team who scooped the HR Analytics Award at the national HPMA Awards ceremony. Three of our community nurses were also awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse.

July – We celebrated the 70th anniversary of the NHS by holding a number of tea parties, raising money for Dr Ted and colleagues sharing their memories. Also in July, ‘A Day to Celebrate’ showcased some of the fantastic achievements and developments made by teams across the Trust.

August - ‘Inspirational’ cancer patient, Elizabeth McGibbon presented the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity with £4,763 after teaming up with family, friends and colleagues. Fundraising activities included a daring skydive, the Three Peaks Challenge, and race night.

September - The Trust was awarded

the Gold Medal in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards. We also held our second Innovation Week with more than 40 bright ideas, on how we can change and improve the care we provide to our patients, being submitted by colleagues.

October - Our Allied Health

Professionals celebrated the first AHP Day where they promoted the different professions that support our patients in the hospital and in the community. We also welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Education who met with some of our apprentices.

November – We celebrated the

achievements of colleagues and volunteers throughout our annual Proud Week with a recognition of learning event, volunteers’ celebration, long service awards and our annual Proud Awards ceremony which was attended by over 250 colleagues. Therapy Support Worker, Abiola Lugboso, gained a silver medal at the World Skills competition national finals.

December - The Trust was awarded £750,000 of national funding to implement a new electronic prescribing system which is set to improve patient safety and provide better quality care. Also this month, the Integrated Sexual Heath team promoted the importance of HIV testing and AIDS awareness as part of World AIDS Day. For more information and news from the Trust visit our website www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/news 3

Could you be a Governor? I have been a Governor of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust since 2013 and in 2018 it was an honour to be elected as Lead Governor. We have now started the process of Public Governor elections which will culminate in you, the members, electing new governors for a term of 3 years. This year we have 12 seats to elect spread across 4 local constituencies, a ‘Rest of England’ seat and within the Trust for staff governor roles. I want to encourage any members that have an interest in becoming a Governor to seriously consider standing for election. Governors are part of the essential fabric of the Trust. We carry out important statutory duties such as appointing the Chairman of the Trust and the other Non-Executive Directors. The governors are responsible for holding the Non-Executive Directors to account for

their assurance of Board performance. Our role is broader than that though. Governors also represent the interests and views of the members, the general public and patients within the Trust. We are often invited for our opinions and regularly engage with the Trust leadership. Our views are always taken into account where important decisions are to be made. Being a Governor matters and can be rewarding. However, even if you do not feel that you could contribute as a Governor, I want to ask all members to contribute by voting for a candidate if you have one standing in your locality (including a staff colleague).

Your Constituency: Wentworth South Why did you join the Council of Governors? I recently completed over 44 years’ military service. Since leaving I have seen first hand the work the staff at the sharp end of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust do for the public. They are by any measurement a highly dedicated and professional workforce. I am also involved in the running of a number of veteran related charities. I believed that I may be able to make a contribution to supporting the staff at all levels and the management team in making this most valued of public services better in some small way.

Annual Members’ Meeting

Lead Governor, Gavin Rimmer

Full name: Lt Col RA (Mac) McPherson MBE

Governor proﬁle

SAVE THE DATE 18 SEPT 2019

What does being a Public Governor mean to you? It is a representative role. I am involved in representing the views and concerns of those who have entrusted me with this important appointment. The whole Trust works hard to ensure that when needed, the public get the best possible service and support; the role of Public Governor makes a valuable contribution representing constituents and supporting the hard working staff at all levels.

What do you bring to the Governor role? After a career spanning well over 40 years in the Army, reaching the highest rank possible, I remain an active manager and leader who can produce novel solutions to testing problems, principally but not exclusively within the third sector. In particular, I have been involved in change management and reorganisation of established organisations, improving outputs and efficiencies. This is valuable experience which I hope enables me to make useful contributions to the Trust at various levels. What do you do in your role? Governors have their responsibilities set out in statute. Like all board members I support the Chairman, attend meetings and make contributions as and when I feel it is appropriate to do so. There are also additional duties; attending various committee meetings as an observer. There are a range of additional roles which can be undertaken as and when you are available. What would you say to anyone considering the role of Public Governor at the Trust? It is not a difficult or onerous job. For those who feel they have a contribution to make and have some spare time this is an excellent way of making a contribution to an extremely valuable and important asset to our local community. Get involved - go for it!

2019

Governor Elections Nominations for our Council of Governors Elections 2019 are open from 6 March until 3 April 2019. During that time, we will be looking for Members of the Trust who are passionate about healthcare and want to help influence the future of their local NHS Trust, to consider becoming Governors. The constituencies where elections will be held in 2019 are: Rotherham North, 2 seats

Keppel, Rotherham West, Wingfield (Thorpe Hesley, Kimberworth Park, Greasbrough, Masbrough)

Rotherham South, 2 seats

Boston Castle, Rotherham East & Sitwell (Town Centre, Eastwood, Canklow, Moorgate, Whiston)

Wentworth North, 2 seats

Hoober, Swinton, Wath (Harley, Wentworth, Brampton, Upper Haugh)

Wentworth Valley, 1 seat

Hellaby, Maltby, Wickersley (Flanderwell, Bramley, Listerdale)

Rest of England, 1 seat

Covers all areas not within RMBC boundaries Additionally, elections will be held in the staff constituency– 4 seats (applications in this constituency are from Trust colleagues only). The terms of office are for three years, at which point Governors are eligible to re-stand. No previous experience is required as we will provide full training, support and information packs to assist new comers in the role. More information on the role, including essential reading documents are available on our website: www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/governors/ Alternatively, please contact the Foundation Trust Office: • email rgh-tr.foundation.trust@nhs.net or • telephone 01709 427800.

The closing date for completed nominations to be received by ERS is 12 noon on Wednesday 3 April 2019 If you would like further information about the role or to ask any questions you may have, why not join us on Wednesday 13 March 2019 at 5.30pm in the Boardroom, Level D, Rotherham Hospital. To book a place please email rgh-tr.foundation.trust@nhs.net or telephone 01709 427800. Do you have any family or friends living in the constituencies where elections are being held? Would they be interested in the role? If yes, please let them know about the Governor elections. If they are not already a Foundation Trust Member, they can still apply to be a Governor, but will also need to ensure that they register as a member using the online application form which can be found at: www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/members/

Eligible members living in all constituencies where elections are being held will be receiving information from Electoral Reform Services (ERS), who are undertaking the election process on our behalf. Alternatively, you can request a nomination form in any of the following ways: Online: Telephone: Email: Post:

www.ersvotes.com/rotherham2019 0208 889 9203 ftnominationenquiries@electoralreform.co.uk Electoral Reform Services Limited The Election Centre 33 Clarendon Road London. N8 0NW

40 years since the hospital’s oﬃcial opening On Tuesday 6 March, with the help of colleagues and the then Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Keenan, we launched our 40-year anniversary celebrations. This day marked 40 years to the day that we first opened our doors to patients on 6 March 1978! To highlight the fantastic work we do and how things have changed over the last 40 years, we were joined by many colleagues and teams from the Trust including Ear Care and Audiology, Radiology, Research, the UECC, Speech and Language Therapy, Post Graduate Medical Education, Dietetics, Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, Estates and Facilities, Children’s Services and more.

The then Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Keenan joined our Chief Executive and Chairman at the event to help us mark this special occasion by cutting the anniversary cake, hearing about our services and visiting some of the Trust’s long-serving colleagues in their place of work, including colleagues in Critical Care, Urology and Photopheresis. As part of the celebrations, the Mayor also kindly presented our Chairman, Martin Havenhand, with a Rotherham Coat of Arms to be displayed at the Trust. Some of our long serving colleagues, who joined us at the event, were also interviewed by the Rotherham Advertiser, to share with the public how care has changed over the years.

70 years of the NHS

On 5 July 1948, Aneurin Bevan, the then Minister for Health, launched the NHS in Park Hospital, Manchester (now Trafford General Hospital) and to mark its 70th birthday, colleagues throughout the Trust and across the country were celebrating this much loved institution. Colleagues attended the NHS70 Celebration event hosted by the Rotherham CCG at New York Stadium and there were lots of messages being shared from patients and colleagues to wish the NHS a Happy Birthday and share messages of thanks! Our Chief Executive, Louise Barnett and long-serving colleagues, Julie Allison, Senior Booking Clerk and Christina Oxer, Domestic Assistant represented the Trust at a special NHS70 Celebration Event at Westminster Abbey and our Chairman, Martin Havenhand, with long6

serving colleagues, Kath Phillips, Community Nurse and Solomon Muzulu, Consultant represented the Trust at another NHS70 Celebration at York Minster. In addition, both hospital and community colleagues hosted NHS7Tea parties to celebrate NHS70 and raise funds for our Dr Ted’s Children’s Appeal! There was an amazing turn out and some wonderful cakes provided by colleagues, their families and ASDA. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Alan and Sandra Buckley also attended this event, giving a special toast to the NHS and cutting the celebration cakes! It was a fantastic day with celebrations spreading throughout the whole Trust and the country also!

Public Recognition for Kelly! Each year as part of our annual Proud Awards, the Trust asks our patients and members of the public for nominations of exceptional NHS colleagues who pull out all the stops to deliver outstanding care and first class community and hospital services across our borough. Out of over 150 nominations, we were pleased to announce that the winner of the Public Recognition Award 2018 was Kelly Guest, Early Attachment Service. The Early Attachment Services provides support for parents, babies and children under five who have been identified as having attachment and relationship difficulties. Kelly’s nominator said: “Myself and my son had the honour of accessing Kelly’s support at the most traumatic time in our lives; during my post-natal depression illness. Look up the word ‘outstanding’ in a dictionary and there should be a picture of Kelly. “Accessing support from Kelly was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do and I suddenly found myself receiving support from a service I didn’t really know much about, the Early Attachment Service. Kelly offered me listening visits at times of crisis, when I couldn’t access any other services and she makes you feel like you are the most important person there, like there are no other problems as important as yours. She takes the time to understand you as an individual and a family. “Kelly held my hand as me and my son travelled a journey that no family wants to travel. She put my mind at rest and helped me fight my demons. She validated my concerns, worries and fears and understood them in a way I didn’t think possible. I suddenly didn’t feel like a failure and that there was help out there for me and my son. “She understood my emotions as though she had watched my life as a fly on the wall, she felt my emotion as though it was her own. When I think of Kelly, I think of a person who gave me the most wonderful gift. She gave me my son back.” Kelly was very surprised when she won this award. She said: “I was totally shocked when I won the Public Recognition Award. It was such a surprise to hear I had been nominated. Like many others, I just go about my daily job and don’t expect this level of recognition, which I am really grateful for. “We are such a small service at the Trust, of only two colleagues, and I never expected this. In my 14 years working for this service and the Trust, it has been the biggest highlight of my career.”

“Kelly held my hand as me and my son travelled a journey that no family wants to travel. She put my mind at rest and helped me fight my demons. She validated my concerns, worries and fears and understood them in a way I didn’t think possible.” For a full list of Proud Award winners visit www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/ProudAwards2018Winners/

Kelly receiving her award from our Chairman, Martin Havenhand, Dave Doyle from Rotherham Advertiser and Dixie from Heart Breakfast (our awards ceremony host).

Three Rotherham community nurses receive prestigious award Three community nurses working for the Trust were recognised for their commitment to nursing at a ceremony held in London in June 2018. Sharon Hunter, District Nurse; Paula Boyer, Community Matron and Sharron Roberts, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Community Matron were awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute. Between them, they have nearly 60 years’ nursing experience. The title is not an award for past service, but indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership. Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity. Chris Morley, then Chief Nurse at the Trust said: “It is fantastic news that Sharon, Paula and Sharron have been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse and testimony to the quality of the care that they provide. I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the difference that these nurses make to the health and wellbeing of their patients. This is a prestigious award and I am very proud of their tremendous and well deserved achievement.”

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the Queen’s Nursing Institute said: “On behalf of the Queen’s Nursing Institute I would like to congratulate Sharon, Paula and Sharron, and welcome them as Queen’s Nurses. Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country. The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with all Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.” In their roles, Sharon, Paula and Sharron work collaboratively across a number of partner organisations, ensuring patients with complex and long term conditions receive high standards of care and helping to reduce the number of hospital admissions.

£750k funding boost for electronic prescriptions Patients and healthcare workers in Rotherham are set to benefit from a £750k investment in technology to introduce a new electronic prescription system.

the choice of best medicines for the clinical condition, for the patient and for the NHS in terms of cost. It will also ensure greater consistency between primary and secondary care settings.

The Health Minister, Stephen Hammond, recently announced that The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is one of an initial group of 13 Trusts who are receiving a share of £78million national funding. This will speed up the introduction of technology which aims to improve patient safety and provide better quality care.

Stephen Hammond said: “As part of the long-term plan for the NHS, we not only want to harness technology to make it one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, but crucially to improve patient care.

The new electronic system, known as electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (ePMA), will see a move away from hand written prescriptions to electronic prescriptions and will help greatly with reducing medication errors. It will improve access to information on prescribed medication, at the point of patient care. It will support

“The funding provided for these trusts will help to drive these changes to the patient experience, but will also aid our hard-working and dedicated staff. “The introduction of electronic prescribing is not only known to reduce medication errors, but also frees up time for staff by moving away from archaic paper-based systems.” Dr Callum Gardner, Interim Medical Director at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This funding will enable us to continue improving the care and services we provide to our patients, whilst ensuring they are as safe and effective as possible. “The new system will also see wider benefits being felt across our organisation with improved processes being implemented which will free up health workers’ time which can be spent looking after our patients.” The Trust has committed to the aim of having 80% of inpatient prescribing and administration electronic by 2020. 9

An update about

Rotherham Hospi

How we make every penny count From toys and children’s entertainers to life-saving equipment - every penny raised for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity has really made a difference to our patients.

• A host of games, art supplies and musical instruments worth almost £500 for patients at Oakwood Community Unit. The resources are used to encourage patients to socialise with others and helps to promote wellbeing and boost social skills.

Volunteers, colleagues and donors raised £147,852 in 2018, which enabled the charity to invest in the added extras which are above and beyond what the NHS can afford.

• An i-STAT Alinity System, worth £6,500 for the Trust’s Clinical Radiology Team. The equipment means just a few drops of blood are needed from patients at their bedside, with results available in minutes. Radiology experts can then proceed with potentially life-saving imaging testing, such as MRI or CT scans, more quickly because patients don’t need to attend a separate blood test appointment.

Barry Mellor, Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donates money or fundraises for the charity because it means we are able to invest in resources, equipment and projects which the NHS would not ordinarily be able to provide. “We have been working hard with colleagues in the community and at Rotherham Hospital to look at ambitious and creative ways of spending charitable funds and we’re really pleased with the breadth of ideas we’ve had. We’re also looking forward to hearing more from patients and their families about how they think charitable funds could continue to improve the care we provide.” In 2018/19, the charity has successfully funded: • An £11,117.82 birthing bed for the Midwifery Department. The specialist bed enhances the experience and comfort of mother’s who use the Trust’s birthing pool. It allows colleagues to transfer women to and from the pool smoothly and allows more supportive positions during labour. 10

• The Active for Health programme – a pilot project worth £6,264 offering physical activity designed to support and encourage cancer patients to become more active. Thanks to the charity, patients are offered 12 weeks free access to the programme. • Dementia-friendly calendars for all ﬁve bays on Ward A2 at Rotherham Hospital. The calendars, which change daily to show the date, season and weather, cost £310 and help patients to feel more grounded and less anxious during their hospital stay. • A new charity mascot to represent the charity’s Dr Ted children’s appeal. The furry bear cost £4,968 and will help raise smiles among children and young people, at Rotherham Hospital and at community fundraising events. We can’t wait for you to meet him!

out our

ospital and Community Charity Charity curated art inspires hope and wellbeing for special families An artist with a flair for bringing storytelling to life has been busy creating marvellous murals on the Special Care Baby Unit at Rotherham Hospital. Rotherham-based artist Lucy Strutt was chosen by colleagues at the Trust to enhance SCBU’s welcoming and homely atmosphere with her nature and magical themed designs. Lucy, 34, said: “Rotherham Hospital’s SCBU is such a calm, lovely environment and the perfect place to paint.

Beverley Lomas, Ward Sister for SCBU, said: “It’s been wonderful working with Lucy on this project, from looking at her original drawings and sharing her vision for the ward, to seeing her bring each room to life in such a colourful and vibrant way.

“I feel really proud to work here and the feedback from parents has been wonderful. It’s rewarding to know the artwork gives them the little “We think her murals are stunning – really beautiful. All the families boost they need when they’re spending so much time at their baby’s who’ve been with us while Lucy has been hard at work have enjoyed bedside. seeing the ward really come to life. It’s been a fantastic talking point and a way to bring parents who are going through similar circumstances “I really hope the paintings will make families happy for generations to together. come.” The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity funded the project with the paints and materials donated by Brinsworth Manor Junior School.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the charity because without your fundraising our beautiful ward revamp wouldn’t have been possible.”

Charity lights the way Families visiting loved ones receiving critical care at Rotherham Hospital are benefitting from a colourful and uplifting environment thanks to new ceiling lights funded by the charity.

The charity teamed up with lighting specialists Visualite and Yesss Electrical in Rotherham to illuminate the entrance to the intensive care and high dependency units with blue skies and trees. Janet Lockwood, Ward Manager for ITU and HDU, said: “The families of our patients spend a lot of time with us and a large amount of this is spent in the relative’s room and on our corridor. They are understandably distressed and anxious. “We wanted to change the dark, dull and unwelcoming corridor into a bright, uplifting and serene space where relatives can appreciate the quiet time they need when their loved ones are ill. “Changing our surroundings in such a creative and thoughtful way has had a big impact on the wellbeing of our patients and their families.” The £10,000 project was possible thanks to funding from the charity and colleagues in Critical Care who entered a Visualite competition to win £5,000 towards the cost of light panels to enhance their workplace. Barry Mellor, Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee, said: “Colleagues described the area as ‘dull, dingy and claustrophobic’ before the work was completed but it now feels much more calming and beautiful.” 11

Our dedicated Wills, Trusts and Probate department has a wealth of experience and are ready to offer you practical advice in a professional manner. We offer a wide range of legal services to suit your needs including the preparation of Wills and provide the full range of services you may need to plan for during your lifetime and in the event of your death. Our specialist team can help you with: ■ Administration of Estates ■ Inheritance Tax advice

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Home or hospital visits are available for clients who are unable to travel to our offices.

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Hip and knee school for patients A multi-disciplinary team are helping to improve patient care on our elective ward. The hip and knee school aims to prepare patients for their replacement surgery by explaining what will happen and provide tips on how they can help themselves recover quickly. It also takes place on the elective ward so that patients are familiar with their surroundings when they have their surgery. Lee White, Matron for General Surgery, Urology and AA Team (previously MSK and Orthopaedics), explains: “We don’t want anything to shock or scare our patients on the day of their operation so we talk them through all aspects of their stay in hospital. We prepare them for their arrival into the Theatre Admissions Unit, talk them through

Promoting sexual health

across Rotherham and beyond

anaesthetics, explain the equipment and fluids they may have on their drip stand, how to help with any pain, the physiotherapy and also some exercises to do at home.” Advice for pain includes taking two paracetamol on the morning of the operation, using a cryocuff for 20 minutes each hour (for knee replacements) and using an acupin which helps to prevent nausea and vomiting. Since acupins were introduced, the incidence of nausea and vomiting has reduced from 48% to 18%. Ruth Roddison, our Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Pain, has previously received national recognition for the work she has done in the Trust to introduce Acupin therapy. The team have significantly developed the school over the last couple of years and the benefits to the patients are evident. Lee added:

“We can tell at a glance which patients have attended the session and which haven’t by how receptive they are to getting out of bed to do their exercises and those who are better at managing pain. Patients who attend the session tend to recover and go home much quicker than those who don’t attend.” Work is underway to try to ensure a 100% attendance rate for all pre-op hip and knee patients. The school, held on Keppel Ward each Monday, is well received by patients and the team make sure they send a letter to those who can’t attend, outlining what has been covered so that every patient receives the same information.

Our ambitious Integrated Sexual Health Service have been busy promoting good sexual health and awareness across Rotherham and further afield, tackling subjects that were previously taboo and helping dismantle stigmas. In November, the team hosted information stalls at Rotherham Hospital and in Rotherham town centre for National HIV Testing Week. They encouraged people to have a quick and simple HIV test; a pin-prick test that can give results there and then. Dr Naomi Sutton, who works within the Sexual Health Service and is also an ambassador for Saving Lives UK, raised awareness of HIV and the importance of getting tested online. Her YouTube video has been shared online through Facebook and Twitter, reaching a large audience across the country. On Friday 30 November, Dr Nadi Gupta, launched the new British HIV Association position statement on “U=U” at the British HIV Association’s World AIDS Day event held at the National Gallery in London. The U=U slogan stands for ‘Undetectable equals Untransmittable’, and has been around since 2016 when it was created by Bruce Richman, a patient advocate in New York. People living with HIV who take effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and consistently maintain an undetectable viral load, cannot sexually transmit the virus. Depending on the drugs employed it may take as long as six months for the viral load to become undetectable Nadi said: “I want to get the message out there that people who have HIV and take their treatment consistently will reduce the amount of HIV in their blood to undetectable levels, which means that they cannot transmit the virus to a sexual partner. This statement is based on scientific evidence from several major studies. “After more than 135,000 instances of condomless sex, there has not been one instance of transmission of the virus from the undetectable partner to the HIV negative partner. This is an extremely important message for people living with HIV and represents an unprecedented opportunity to dismantle the stigma that they face.” Naomi Sutton has also gone on to star in a new TV series on E4 called ‘The Sex Clinic’. The reality series is aimed at young adults and helps to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections, as well as other conditions that can effect genitals and reproductive organs. It also encourages people to take precautions and get tested regularly. If you have any concerns about your sexual health or would like to arrange any tests, contact the Integrated Sexual Health Service on 01709 427777.

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Have you thought about volunteering?

We have a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who provide help and support across many areas of the Trust, including the hospital’s welcome desk, wards and chaplaincy. We also have some fantastic green-fingered volunteers who grow plants in our greenhouse. The volunteers also help raise money and support events for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit our website: www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/volunteers and contact our Voluntary Services Coordinator by emailing rgh-tr.volunteers@nhs.net.

Work with us The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust prides itself on being ‘The Really Friendly Trust’ that values employees and recognises the hard work and dedication that everyone demonstrates day in, day out. The Trust operates a large number of services from sites across Rotherham. We are an innovative organisation which continues to develop and transform at pace. All our vacancies are advertised on NHS Jobs. You can also use NHS Jobs to apply online. For more information about working with The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, the benefits and opportunities available, visit: www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/jobs/

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