Your staff health and wellbeing guide for all your physical health, mental wellbeing, fiscal and spiritual needs
Health
and
Wellbeing
Issue 1 October 2021
CONTENTS
Welcome
3
Hebridean Reflections
4
Perceived Stress Scale
6
Our People - Making NTH matter
8
NHS Discounts
9
A Recipe of Love
10
Spotlight - ability group network
12
Books and reviews
13
Lock down viruses this winter
14
Voluneering and wellbeing
15
Charitable funds and YOU
16
Snap a Moment
17
Health and Wellbeing Sessions
18
Health and Wellbeing support contacts
19
Want to contribute to the magazine? Do you have an experience, review, picture or story you would like to share that contributes to your health and wellbeing? To get involved contact nth-tr.communications@nhs.net
WELCOME
Dear colleagues, Welcome to your new look Trust health and wellbeing magazine. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool Solutions are dedicated to ensuring that our staff journey is a positive experience for all who work here. The past year and a half has demonstrated our resilience, our dedication to patient care and our absolute commitment to ensuring that we keep our Trust delivering the very best possible services for our communities. However, without our colleagues, teams and NTH family around us – it would be hard to maintain this level of delivery. Our dedication to health and wellbeing continues to grow. Much has changed over the course of the past year or two, and we have worked to reflect the pastoral needs of staff. From the introduction of our Rainbow Rooms to the support of mental health colleagues both from within our own Trust, and colleagues at TEWV. Our engagement teams continue to work with staff across the organisation, and we want to ensure that this level of support only grows and develops with time. This publication was described to me as a social occasion or a space for relaxation in magazine format and I think that is a fitting way to position it. I would encourage everyone to get involved. From snapping pictures of your day (remember we don’t see all that happens across our teams) to sharing your best recipes and book reviews. Health and wellbeing is something that we all own, that we can all contribute to and that we can all draw upon. We hope you enjoy the magazine for a very long time to come. Best wishes Julie Gillon, Chief Executive 3.
TRAVEL
HEBRIDEAN Reflections By lead chaplain, Jim Wright
4.
It is 3pm Friday afternoon. I have just cycled 80 miles. I sit under the impressive red brick structure of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, which, in addition to providing protection of ships since 1862, doubles as the finishing point of the Hebridean Way: 10 Islands, six Causeways, two ferries and 185 miles north of where it began on the isle of Vatersay. As a rare Hebridean sun continues to insist beating down on me, I unpeel the cling-film from my lunch and reflect on my journey of the past five days. I have glided past so many beautiful beaches that I have lost count. Each night has welcomed a sunset more glorious than the last. I have sat in Iron-age roundhouses. I have been awe struck by ancient standing stones erected 5000 years before. I have climbed up passes through mountains some 2.9 billion years old. I have eaten lots of cake and in turn been eaten by the infamous Scottish midge. My simple reflection is this – I have had the privilege to see and do some marvellous things. I have been blessed with incredible weather but also faced the challenges of steep hills and aggravating pests. However, through it all, (and best of all), I did not make this journey on my own: I had people to eat cake with; the sunsets were not marvelled at alone. At the end of each day, I shared a whisky toast with those around me, as we discussed tired legs and midge bites. In that shared experience I found friendship and fellowship and gave thanks for the precious gift of travelling companions. Three weeks later, I am in my office at the University Hospital of North Tees, my black coffee steams in its ‘Hebrides” mug. I continue to journey. The joys and struggles of a long distance bike ride may be of a different nature to working in the NHS but the inner truth of both are alike. I know that each joy and challenge, each steep struggle and each downhill thrill, will not be experienced alone, but alongside my current precious travelling companions here in this trust. And once again, I give thanks. 5.
CHECK IN
Perceived stress scale. A more precise measure of personal stress can be determined by using a variety of instruments that have been designed to help measure individual stress levels. The first of these is called the Perceived Stress Scale. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a classic stress assessment instrument. The tool, while originally developed in 1983, remains a popular choice for helping us understand how different situations affect our feelings and our perceived stress.
The questions in this scale ask about your feelings and thoughts during the last month. In each case, you will be asked to indicate how often you felt or thought a certain way. Although some of the questions are similar, there are differences between them and you should treat each one as a separate question. The best approach is to answer fairly quickly. That is, don’t try to count up the number of times you felt a particular way; rather indicate the alternative that seems like a reasonable estimate.
For each question choose from the following alternatives: 0 - never 1 - almost never 2 - sometimes 3 - fairly often 4 - very often 1. In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
6. In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?
2. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?
7. In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in your life?
3. In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and stressed? 4. In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems? 5. In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?
6.
8. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things? 9. In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control? 10. In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?
Figuring your PSS Score You can determine your PSS score by following these directions. First, reverse your scores for questions 4, 5, 7, and 8. On these 4 questions, change the scores like this:
0 = 4, 1 = 3, 2 = 2, 3 = 1, 4 = 0 • • • • •
Now add up your scores for each item to get a total. My total score is ___________ Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress. Scores ranging from 0-13 would be considered low stress. Scores ranging from 14-26 would be considered moderate stress. Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high perceived stress.
The Perceived Stress Scale is interesting and important because your perception of what is happening in your life is most important. Consider the idea that two individuals could have the exact same events and experiences in their lives for the past month. Depending on their perception, total score could put one of those individuals in the low stress category and the total score could put the second person in the high stress category. Disclaimer: The scores on the following selfassessment do not reflect any particular diagnosis or course of treatment. They are meant as a tool to help assess your level of stress. If you have any further concerns about your current well being, you may contact EAP and talk confidentially to one of our specialists.
7.
APPRECIATION
Our people making NTH matter Each issue we will dedicate a space in this magazine to staff appreciation. It is a direct drive from our executive team who recognise how much love, energy and expertise is poured into every department across North Tees and Hartlepool.
The event will be held virtually once more on Monday 25 October, but we know that will not detract from the importance of celebrating the continued dedication and hard work of our colleagues.
Of course, the monthly star of the month and team of the month is our constant nod to those people delivering outstanding services, but as we head to the end of 2021, the event that celebrates colleagues’ right across the organsiation is set to take place – Shining Stars.
We invited one of our past winners to tell us what it meant to them being celebrated by their colleagues…
“
Winning at shining stars was such a humbling experience. I’ve gotten on with just doing my job and as a team we have all worked together to look after our patients - but winning the award was a bit like a birthday present. It was a nice reminder that the work my colleagues and I do is so important.
Kevin Aaron - Portering Supporting Services Star Shining Stars 2020
8.
Just a really lovely feeling to get that acknowledgement and to find that colleagues have all valued your work and voted for you to win.
NHS Discounts More amazing staff benefits and discounts can be found at www.bluelightcard.co.uk and www.nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk/deals/all
Morrisons More for NHS club - 10% off until 31 December 2021
Bloom and Wild Buying someone a gift? Get 40% discount on flowers
my.morrisons.com/more/#/nhs
www.bloomandwild.com
Fitbit Keeping fit? Order 1 fitbit tracker and a clip accessory at a discounted price www.fitbit.com/global/uk/store/ nhsstaff/welcome
Blue Light Tickets Free Tickets Fancy going to see something? Sign up to Blue Light Tickets and you can access free tickets to different events around the country
JET2HOLIDAYS £25 off holiday bookings with Jet2CityBreaks https://www.nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk/ deal/25-off-holiday-bookings-with-jet2citybreaks
Edinburgh Zoo 15% off entry to Edinburgh Zoo https://www.nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk/ deal/15-off-entry-to-edinburgh-zoo
www.bluelighttickets.co.uk/user/signup 9.
FOOD
A recipe of love
by Ruth Dalton, Head of Communications and Marketing
Chorizo Gnocchi Bake I first discovered this recipe when I was working for City of Bristol College. Our horticulture students had an abundance of spinach – it had been a good year for the crop, and staff benefited from the mass production with free veggies to take home for what seemed like months.
As I was cooking she wandered into the kitchen to find out what the wonderful smell was that was besieging the house. Proudly, I lifted the dish from the oven to showcase my toils of the evening. That night we sat around the table and tucked into my first bake – encouraging the small people by explaining the spinach was fortified with goodness and would make them strong and healthy. My Popeye reference was completely lost on them, but they ate up with joy.
As I drove home with a boot full of the stuff, I started to wonder just what I was going to actually do with it. I hate waste, so as soon as I got in – Google was my friend. The BBC Food site is an absolute game changer for chucking in a list of ingredients and producing some great recipes, without any real thought or input Whenever my stepdaughter visits from Cardiff, from my culinary expertise and me. and asks for a preview of the menu of the days ahead…I know what she is really asking. There it was – chorizo gnocchi bake – warm, Chorizo gnocchi bake is a firm favourite in the hearty – and most importantly full of spinach. Dalton house, it means coming home, family I set to work in the kitchen creating what was and spinach inducing muscles. J soon to become a firm family favourite. At that time my stepdaughter lived at home with us, long before her vegetarian, vegan and other dietary updates hit us. 10.
Method I start by heating up the oil in a pan, then chucking in the garlic and onion to soften (careful not to burn). I try and use a griddle pan – I read somewhere that the oil from the chorizo can move around more freely (not sure how true this is). Throw in the chorizo and wait for the wonderful smell that starts to emanate from the pan. Get the tomatoes in the pan and season, then add the spinach on top. It’ll start to wilt (not sure that’s the technical term…but hey ho). Meanwhile I’ve heated up a pan of hot water for the gnocchi. I’ve not made it from scratch before, so I buy fresh from the supermarket. I should really try and create my own. In the pan it goes to soften, all the time I am stirring the pan of spinach and chorizo goodness.
Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped A bag of young spinach 2 garlic cloves, crushed 120g chorizo, diced 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 600g fresh gnocchi 125g mozzarella ball, cut into chunks
Grabbing a baking dish, I drain the gnocchi (after about five minutes cooking) and pour it into the bottom of the dish. Sometimes, for good measure I stir in a bit of pesto. I pour the tomato, chorizo, onion and spinach sauce over the top of the gnocchi and set to work tearing up the mozzarella, wholly satisfying. Layering that over the top of the sauce, I bake in an oven at 180 (standard mam temperature) for around 25 minutes and then serve – sometimes for double carb heaven I bake some bread to dip in the remaining sauce. Not that often mind, it’s not masterchef. That’s it – a family favourite that’s good for a winter treat once in a while, as long as it is all balanced with a good healthy diet the rest of the time! 11.
GROUPS
SPOTLIGHT Ability Group Network
“Anybody that’s suffered from disability, or serious depression like myself should feel they can get support from the Trust - because I have. You feel so much better when you have been and spoken to someone.”
- Pharmacy support worker and group member, Nic Samuels When was the group established: March 2021 (six sessions held so far) Name of group leader: Kris Bell, ability group network lead (pictured second from left) How often does the group meet: Monthly What made you want to become involved in the group: I have a genuine passion for helping people, especially those who feel vulnerable, or lack confidence and self-esteem. I wanted to help create a safe and supportive space for members where they can connect with each other (and themselves), helping them to feel confident and comfortable to speak openly about the challenges they have. My aim is to not only help with their confidence and speaking out but to also raise disability awareness and help make positive change in attitudes, perceptions and eliminate misunderstandings. I feel anyone can benefit from being disability aware, especially unseen (or hidden) disabilities. Having a better understanding can have a significant impact in supporting a member of staff who has a disability. What are the aims of the group: To provide members with a confidential and supportive environment where challenges or obstacles can be discussed openly. To also discuss support that is available and suggestions for improvement or reasonable adjustments that can help in their work. It’s a safe space to share personal experiences and work challenges, share thoughts and frustrations, meet new people, or to listen and reflect – there is no pressure; it is a very comfortable atmosphere. The network also creates a sense of belonging and inclusion where participants feel valued, heard, and reassured that they are not alone. We can help towards making improvements that can support participants to flourish, grow and feel happier in their work without any unnecessary struggles.
What has the group managed to achieve so far: • Our group has grown significantly in confidence and morale as members have built rapport with each other and become comfortable with sharing their experiences, they are very supportive of each other. • We held an excellent disability awareness day on the 13 September to increase staff awareness and received a lot of positive feedback including new members to the group. • We hope to develop further events in the future to continue to raise awareness and share support with staff Trust-wide. Who can join the group: Any member of staff who has a disability can join. We also welcome anyone who would like to attend as a speaker to share their story if they are caring for someone who has a disability. Their experience can also help others. Any member of staff can also request information or access support relating to a specific disability with fact sheets available on request. How does the group help support staff health and wellbeing: Having a support network can have a big impact on staff mental health and wellbeing. It’s important to have and know where to go if someone needs support. It’s good to talk but it’s not all about words, it is about actions and making things happen. Supporting each other, feeling comfortable to speak openly about how they are feeling and their challenges, as well as ways to overcome them can help boost self-worth and confidence levels. It is a relaxed atmosphere where they can ‘let off steam’, pour their heart out if needed or enjoy a little laugh together with light hearted humour; everyone leaves the session on a ‘high’ feeling better and boosted. It’s knowing they have a voice and someone to come to who is working to ensure they never feel undervalued or excluded.
Contact information: Kristopher.bell@nhs.net or nth-tr.disabilitynetwork@nhs.net
REVIEWS Book review
THE MAN WHO DIED TWICE The Thursday Murder Club (Book 2) Richard Osman Hardback (16 September 2021)
Review by librarian, Deborah Elliot Richard Osman’s highly entertaining second novel revisits the quartet of septuagenarians that made his debut comic crime, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ a resounding hit. This time the intrepid elderly sleuths from the Kent retirement community of Coopers Chase, ex-spook Elizabeth, former nurse and journal writer, Joyce, logistics and details man, psychiatrist Ibrahim, and Ron, with his past life as a vociferous and committed union man, face the New York Mafia and chase £20 million pounds of stolen diamonds as the dead bodies pile up! There is definitely enough action to keep thriller lovers engaged and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, along with heart and depth. Osman’s characters are beautifully drawn and I absolutely loved spending time with these quirky individuals, watching how their relationships evolve. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a cosy mystery! There are lots of twists and turns and the opportunity to use your own detective skills. This is one of those books you will want to read in one sitting.
You can borrow a copy of ‘The Man Who Died Twice’ from the ‘Reading for Pleasure Collection’ available at the library. Knowledge and Information Service Ground Floor, South Wing University Hospital of North Tees
01642 624789 nth-tr.knowledge@nhs.net
Movie review
BLACK WIDOW (12A) Review by Kat Gretton I will be one of the first to admit, I’m not a huge superhero movie lover – but being coerced with the promise of tasty popcorn and snacks by a friend, it was nice to have an excuse to be back in the cinema. An easy watch with some well-timed laughs, Black Widow, is everything we have come to expect from the marvel universe. As far as storylines go – there is nothing ground breaking here; a standard formulaic action adventure with an entertaining dysfunctional family dynamic.
The quintessential big bad villain with a very questionable accent, Ray Winston’s turn as a cockney Russian was sadly, a disappointing and forgettable choice for an actor I usually quite enjoy watching. But some stand out comedic moments from David Harbour and especially Florence Pugh, are probably the real reason I enjoyed my romp into this Black Widow stand alone so much. Overall, there are many ingredients that still make this a more than enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
13.
CAMPAIGN
Lock down viruses this winter… Our usual winter health campaigns for staff ordinarily focuses on ensuring staff are protected against influenza. Of course, since 2020, our focus as a health and care provider has been firmly on COVID-19. So now – we have double respiratory trouble to combat as we head to the darker, colder months. North Tees and Hartlepool has teamed up with South Tees Hospitals on a campaign for 2021 aimed at protecting our staff from both viruses. Our clinics this year are being held in the spirituality centre, and launched on Monday 27 September. Offering the influenza vaccination and the Pfizer COVID-19 booster jab (180 days after your second dose) our Trust vaccination team are ready to support staff in protecting them, their families and their colleagues. Make sure you take the opportunity to get in and get jabbed, locking down viruses this winter. 14.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering and wellbeing Our Trust has more than 300 fantastic volunteers in various roles who dedicate their spare time to working with our patients and supporting our staff. The role of a volunteer is continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our Trust and our staff. Most recently, our volunteer coordination team has expanded roles out to include end of life companions and on-call volunteer responders. Each volunteer has their own reasons for committing to the Trust; to gain work experience for their future career, to give something back to the NHS or simply to fill their time with a good cause.
Whatever their reason, there’s a common thread that unites the volunteering team – they gain more out of volunteering than they give.
training package. She also has access to chaplaincy and other health and wellbeing support services if she feels she needs some emotional support.
Ann McCabe is a retired 77-yearold end of life companion, working closely with patients who are receiving palliative care. When asked why she took on the role, she said: “I’m giving something and I’m getting something in return.
On the flip side is 17-year-old Kieran Gill, a clinical volunteer and aspiring doctor.
“I go home every day knowing that I’ve pleased somebody, knowing that I’ve chatted to somebody who needed a lending ear. Volunteering is the best thing I’ve ever done.” Ann’s role is supported by the palliative care team who have taken her through a bespoke
He carries out various tasks in his proud duty. But his favourite task is simply keeping the patients company and continuously learning more about how to talk to patients for his bright future in medicine. Kieran said: “Being in hospital can be very lonely and distressing so I feel privileged to spend time with patients, put a smile on their faces and improve their stay in whatever way I can.”
“I think volunteering has been the single most valuable thing I have ever done.”
15.
CHARITY Meet your new fundraising coordinator Suzi Campbell
Charitable funds and YOU
M
y name is Suzi and as I write this I’ve been in post for 10 days as your new fundraising coordinator. I sit within the fantastic communication and marketing team but I will also work really closely with Sharon Pounder in finance, who has done an amazing job in looking after the charity as well as her other busy roles.
mental health and wellbeing of you, our staff. So if you have any ideas or suggestions of how potentially your charity can support your ward, department, or care group please get in touch and I’d be happy to hear your suggestions to see if it is something your charity can support.
Having worked in the charity team for eight and a half years at South Tees I’d heard so many lovely things about working for North Tees and Hartlepool and now that I’m in post I can see why. It’s got a really nice atmosphere and as I walk in through the main entrance at North Tees every day, I feel like I’m walking into an airport lounge as people have happy eyes as they greet each other.
Three days into post I was asked if I could get some pizzas for our emergency department, so a huge thank you to the RACZ group who supplied the staff with free pizza over a weekend.
I had quite a varied route to the NHS, I’ve worked for a national charity, a prestige car manufacturer and also the prison service, it was here I found my love for the charity sector. I feel very privileged working for an NHS charity as it sees me coming into contact with lots of staff, of course some departments are more visible due to the nature of their work but I’m a big believer that the hospital is a huge cog and works due to everyone playing their part. I also get to meet lots of amazing patients and their friends and families, who choose to give back to their hospital to say thank you to staff for looking after them and making a positive difference in their lives. I’m aware of how tough things have been of late and your charity has a part to play in supporting the
Some, in fact a lot of you may not even realise you have a charity so it may surprise you even more to learn the charity turned 25 years this year, so please watch this space for ways you may like to support your charity to benefit you and your patients. The charity isn’t here to replace like for like NHS core funding, but we are here to support and make a difference to enhance those aspects of patient care and staff development which may not be covered through core funding. I plan to meet as many people are I can, but if you have any ideas or initiatives of how your charity may be able to support you and your patients please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
Contact details Suzi Campbell 01642 3(83571) suzi.campbell@nhs.net
www.justgiving.com/northteesandhartlepoolnhsfoundation
If you would like be part of the 57,000 determined and dedicated runners who make the Great North Run the World’s biggest and best half marathon – this is for you! Crossing the Tyne Bridge and being cheered all the way to the finishing line in South Shields promises an unforgettable experience.
Fancy a Challenge?
So if you would like to represent the NHS and your NHS hospitals charity please contact me. To be part of the team we ask you to pay a £59 registration fee and raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 to benefit our hospitals. Find out more: suzi.campbell@nhs.net
What a treat! A huge thank you to Racz Group and Domino’s Pizza for organising and delivering free pizza for our hardworking staff in emergency care over the full weekend.
The chaos and the calm of the communications and marketing team.
Colleagues giving back to the community
Domestics having a well earned break in the Rainbow Room Staff taking part in the rowing challenge!
17.
SESSIONS
Breathworks Breathworks has recently become a popular method of therapy to deal with daily stresses, help manage anxiety and help find a state of equilibrium. This active meditation is much more than just a mindfulness tool, the practice helps reclaim your breath, to improve mental and physical well-being, and it has been found to promote deep relaxation or leave people feeling energised. Further information will be shared on staff communications around how to join the sessions.
October
November
Sunday 10 7.30-8.30pm Tuesday 12 7.30-8.30pm Sunday 24 7.30-8.30pm Tuesday 26 7.30-8.30pm
Tuesday 2 7.30-8.30pm Tuesday 16 7.30-8.30pm Sunday 21 7.30-8.30pm Sunday 28 7.30-8.30pm
Menopause support Support sessions for staff to discuss menopause are being held in the Trust rainbow rooms at a number of drop in dates throughout October. Menopause can be linked to many things such as anxiety and depression.
October Tuesday 12 2-4pm Rainbow room, North Tees Thursday 21 9-11.30am Rainbow room, Hartlepool Wednesday 27 9.30am-12 Rainbow room, North Tees Thursday 28 9-11.30am Rainbow room, Hartlepool
18.
SUPPORT
Key support
EXTERNAL CONTACTS
INTERNAL CONTACTS
Able futures • • •
Regular advice, guidance and support. Help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments. to help your mental health at work. Available from 8am - 10.30pm weekdays or refer online.
Contact: 0800 321 3137 Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals
Chaplaincy Offering one off support
Contact: 01642 383138 jim.wright@nhs.net
ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub Confidential advice and support helpline 7am - 9pm (7-days a week)
Contact: 0191 223 2030
Recovery college online
Occupational health Offering workplace support
Contact: 01642 383211
A range of online courses to support with aspects of wellbeing and mental health/
Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk
IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy Provide talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies Staff are placed on a priority listm but must stare that they are NHS staff at the time of referral. Initial assessments are relatively quick but the wait for therapy is currently a number of months (Note: Therapy type determined from assessment will dictate how quickly can be seen)
Staff psychology support hub
Facilitated by the psychology department
•
•
Offering 1-1 short term psychological support provided by psychologists and therapists Offering team support eg. Reflective sessions Contactable from 9am 5pm (weekdays)
Available 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and online referrals can be made anytime
•
Contact: 01642 573924 Visit www.impactonteesside.com
Contact: 01429 522048 19.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin