Your staff health and wellbeing guide for all your physical health, mental wellbeing, fiscal and spiritual needs
Health
and
Wellbeing
Issue 2 December 2021
CONTENTS
Welcome
3
Christmas Reflections
4
Running is my therapy - by Claire O’Malley
6
Our People - Making NTH matter
8
NHS Discounts
9
A Recipe of Love and Christmas mocktails
10
Spotlight - BAME network
12
Books and reviews
13
Domestic abuse advocate
14
Foodbank - supporting our local communities
15
Great North Run 2022
16
Snap a Moment
17
Christmas vaccine clinics
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 the second edition of our new look Health and Wellbeing magazine. I hope you have been enjoying the staff generated content featured so far, and continue to enjoy the magazine during your well-earned breaks. As your Trust Wellbeing Guardian, I am passionate about looking after the pastoral care of every single one of our staff members, both clinical and non-clinical, from all corners of our hospitals and community locations. I have had the absolute pleasure and honour to work alongside the Trust for 15 years and during this time, my focus has been on safety, quality and patient experience. However, staff health and wellbeing has a vital role to play in ensuring that we can guarantee those excellent levels of patient safety and experience. A happy and healthy workforce is the important interwoven thread that ties together and ensures these goals can be achieved. It also ensures that as an NTH family unit we are looking out for one another. That we are making sure our colleagues know where to turn when they need that helping hand or encouraging word to help support them through a tough period. You have all had your resilience tested throughout this pandemic and I’m eager to understand just how you have been affected by the past year or two, both mentally and physically. It is my hope that by working together, we can continue to improve the level of health and wellbeing support we offer. A huge thank you for everything that you do every single day, both directly and indirectly, to ensure our patients receive the very best in patient care. Finally, I would like to wish every single staff member a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.
Best wishes, Rita Taylor, Wellbeing Guardian and Non-Executive Director 3.
THOUGHTS
CHRISTMAS Reflections
| By Lead Chaplain, Jim Wright
M
y brother-in-law was staying with us over Christmas one year when he received a text message from a close friend to say that just before Christmas her house had been burgled, and all her gifts for people and a lot of her own household stuff had been taken. She wasn’t having “A Merry Little Christmas.” At this time of year, when TV adverts try their best to focus us on a cosy, sentimental sanitised version of Christmas, it is hard when the harsher realities of life breaks through the thin veneer of the Christmas commercials and reminds us of how cruel the world we live in can sometimes be. However, it so easy to forget the fact that the original Christmas narrative is a story full of hardship: a pregnant unmarried teenager, miles from home because of a decree from the occupying dictatorship that has invaded her country. Giving birth amongst the farm animals, news of the birth of her son reaches a prideful and jealous king, who had heard that this new-born baby was being called ‘King’ and ‘Messiah’. There was only room for one king and King Herod wanted it to be him. He orders his soldiers on a murderous rampage of the area’s young boys, in order to ensure that there is no rival to his throne. Forewarned of a massacre, the family are uprooted once again, fleeing for their lives and seeking refuge and asylum across the border in Egypt. Now, I certainly don’t want to put a dampener on anyone’s festivities this Christmas, but I do worry about the pressure put on families and individuals, especially after being assured by Andy Williams’ again and again and again that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” My fear is that, if we’re not having a wonderful time, then we may begin to think that there is something wrong with us. The adverts would have us believe that the perfect Christmas can be had by buying the right food or the perfect present.
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For me, the original Christmas story, with all its challenges, gives me permission to acknowledge that life is not perfect just because it’s late December: There are still people feeling isolated, displaced and alone through situations not of their own making; there are still people on the brink of being overwhelmed with the uncertainty of their current circumstances – COVID-19, job pressures, debt to name but a few; there are still people who fear for their lives because of domestic or national violence; there are still people fleeing for their lives across borders. However, having said all of that, I actually do believe that Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but not because of presents, turkey and tinsel, but rather because of the reminder that God didn’t remain tucked safely away in heaven, but entered the same world that I experience day by day with all it hardships and opportunities, challenges and joys, heartaches and hopes. Christmas is a time when I am reminded that God drew near and is close no matter what challenges I face. If you would like to reflect further along these lines, please do pop into the Oasis Spirituality Centre in North Tees to see this year’s Christmas display which address these themes. My hope for you this Christmas, is that you may know something of God’s peace and presence in the midst of circumstance. 5.
RUNNING
is my therapy By Claire O’Malley
Highly Specialised Podiatrist Claire O’Malley started her running journey over four years ago after a chat with a fellow mother at her child’s nursery. An initial drive to get a bit fitter and be a bit more active a few days a week turned into a lifeline during the pandemic. Claire took some time out over one busy lunchtime in December to share how running has helped with her health and wellbeing:
“
CLAIRE: On the 16 March 2020 I started running every single day. That’s 365 days twice over, in all weathers. At the time, I was conscious that the world around us was changing and I should make the most of being able to get out for a run before lockdowns and restrictions came into force. I didn’t want to take my running time for granted. When COVID came, we all had to continue working to do the best for our patients. That was regardless of how worried we were with our new reality. Our high risk podiatry clinics kept running to the same capacity levels, but everything felt heightened. Running every day became a sacred time - my ‘wee bit of sanity’ to help escape the noise, changes and pressures of work. I run before work in the morning and that half hour helps to prepare me mentally for the day ahead. 6.
I say to my kids: ‘I’m going for a run and I’m going to leave my bad mood somewhere’.
”
And if I’ve had a bad day? I go out on an evening for 20 minutes, pop in my headphones, throw some music on and decompress from the day. I say to my kids: ‘I’m going for a run and I’m going to leave my bad mood somewhere’. It works for me - I always come back feeling happier and lighter. The time to get my thoughts in order and put things in perspective helps me ensure that a tough day doesn’t affect my home life, as firstly I’m a mummy of young children. Secondly, I’m a podiatrist working within a high pressured team. I’ve been quite lucky to also have a number of ‘crazy running friends’ who live nearby – so I can share my running time with them, nothing beats a good old moan with your friends, especially when being outside exercising was the only way we were allowed see other people at the time. During the first lockdown our running group set running challenges via our Facebook page to help to keep each other motivated and connected in such isolating times. I’ve also since joined the
Trust’s Strava group and through that I’ve made new work friends. It’s nice to be able to chat to likeminded people and then bump into them at work or out in ‘real life’. Running has also led to some new adventures. Starting with smaller challenges has since translated into bigger challenges. I’ve now done three Ultramarathons in the past two years. The latest being a Sunderland Ultramarathon in November where I was the second lady finisher! My biggest challenge to date was the Lakeland 50 Ultramarathon in the Lakes in July – a 50 mile race over extremely challenging terrain. I find them less serious than your normal marathon as you can’t run fast all the time – it’s a good excuse for lots of chatting and snacking with new people. Do I have any thoughts for staff who want to start running? Everyone says ‘I can’t run’ but we all have to start somewhere. I would say there is no better motivation than having a running buddy, it keeps you accountable as you’re letting someone else down rather than just yourself if you don’t go out. I have found that you always regret the runs you don’t do, not the ones you do, every bad run makes a good run great. 7.
APPRECIATION
Our people making NTH matter Every 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.
Our latest Shining Stars awards were held on Monday 25 October and we invited one of the winners to share what it meant to have won the award for inspirational leadership...
How it felt to win:
“
The acknowledgement from my fellow colleagues means a lot to me. It feels like all your hard work, dedication and service has all paid off. More than anything, the gesture itself is priceless. What good leadership means to you:
Mercy Cabrega - Haematology Inspirational Leader Shining Stars 2021
“
It’s so important to influence good working behaviour, letting staff adapt to your way of leadership and working well as a team. Shaping who you want them to become and the good career progression you hope to see for them. Staff value your work and aim to do the same as you do, if they have a good role model.
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NHS Discounts More amazing staff benefits and discounts can be found at www.bluelightcard.co.uk and www.nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk/deals/all
ASDA 10% discount in-store this Christmas until 2 January 2022 www.asda.com/blue-light-card-termsand-conditions
GO Outdoors 15% discount online 10% off in store www.gooutdoors.co.uk
TUI - Holidays for Heroes Up to £100 extra discount for NHS https://nhs.tui.co.uk
Hotel Chocolat Sweet treats for Christmas? Get 10% discount online www.hotelchocolat.com
Toby Carvery Save 20% off food from Monday to Saturday. Valid until 23 December 2021 www.tobycarvery.co.uk
Blue Light Tickets Sign up to Blue Light Tickets and you can access free tickets to different events around the country www.bluelighttickets.co.uk/user/signup
9.
FOOD
A recipe of love
by Nicole Hinchley, Physiotherapist
Nanny’s Parkin
Ingredients
This Parkin recipe is a definite festive family favourite.
4oz. margarine
My Nanny lived until the whopping age of 105 and her husband was a firefighter in World War II. Her traditional family recipe made with the simplest of ingredients, makes for a delicious, comforting winter treat. Nanny would always make this recipe in the colder months, when my mum, aunties and great aunties would all gather together at Nanny’s house for bonfire night. The homemade Parkin was one of their favourite childhood memories and one we continue to bake and enjoy to this day. 10.
4oz. Soft brown sugar 4oz. Medium oatmeal 4oz. Self-raising flour 4oz. Golden Syrup 1 egg 4 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon ginger
Method 1. To start grease an 18cm square tin, making sure to line the bottom with greaseproof paper to make the Parkin easier to take out of the tin later. 2. Use a large bowl to mix together your dry ingredients: the brown sugar, oatmeal selfraising flour and ginger.
4. Then add your dry ingredients to the mix, crack in your egg and beat the mixture well. 5. Pour the mixture into your tin and bake in the middle shelf for 50-55 minutes at 160C/325F/Gas mark 3 or until a lovely golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, warm the golden syrup, margarine and milk in a pan, ensuring the margarine has fully melted into the mixture.
Festive Mocktails
Some festive favourites from BBC Good Food
Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine
Alcohol-free Irish Cream Liqueur
Ingredients 500ml pomegranate juice 25g golden caster sugar handful of frozen blackberries 250ml apple juice 1 cinnamon stick 1 star anise 4 cloves 3 black peppercorns 1 orange, quartered
Ingredients 150ml double cream 50ml evaporated milk 2 tbsp maple syrup 25ml freshly brewed espresso pinch of ground cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract pinch of finely grated orange zest Ice
Method Put the pomegranate juice, sugar, blackberries and apple juice in a saucepan. Add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, peppercorns and orange. Heat gently until simmering. Taste for sweetness, then strain into heatproof glasses.
Method Put all the ingredients in a large cocktail shaker or jug with a generous handful of ice. If using a shaker, shake well until the outside feels cold, then double strain into tumblers. If using a jug, stir well until combined. Serve poured over ice.
11.
GROUPS
SPOTLIGHT
Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) Network
When was the group established: July 2021 Name of group leader: Sushil Munakhya, BAME network chair person How often does the group meet: Once a month What made you want to become involved in the group: I have been working as a Black Members Equality Officer for UNISON as a representative for members in our Trust. I had the chance to get involved with the network, I took the opportunity to support my BAME colleagues. What are the aims of the group: Our main aim is to provide a forum for ethnic minority staff, debate any issues affecting staff and to provide support for one another. Our current key objectives for the group are to advance leadership within BAME staff to increase diversity of senior positions throughout the Trust and to ensure a transparent and fair recruitment process. We would ultimately like to raise the visibility and profile of our BAME colleagues’ contributions to our workplace and community. In addition, we are reflecting on the staff survey in line with the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard to understand discrimination, bullying and harassment. By doing this, we can work towards reducing the number of racial issues in our Trust.
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What has the group managed to achieve so far: We have developed an action plan and are currently working towards achieving our ultimate goals. We have undertaken training on the issue of unconscious bias and hope to roll this out to managers across the organisation in the near future. We are also organising a programme to raise awareness on workplace bullying. We are looking to implement Cultural Ambassadors Trust-wide who can be part of formal investigations of racial discrimination within the Trust and act as mentors in training our colleagues to ultimately reduce the number of staff who feel they have experienced discrimination at work. Who can join the group: Membership is open to all staff from a BAME heritage. We are an inclusive group and use the broadest terminology of BAME for our membership. How does the group help support staff health and wellbeing: We have an open forum for staff to discuss any issues affecting them. If staff would like to discuss anything privately, they are very welcome to get in touch with me. If I can’t help, I can signpost them in the right direction to make sure their issue is resolved correctly and efficiently.
Contact information: s.munakhya@nhs.net or nth-tr.bamestaffnetwork@nhs.net
REVIEWS Book review
CALL OF THE PENGUINS Hazel Prior Paperback (11 November 2021) Review by Librarian, Deborah Elliot ‘Call of the Penguins’ is an absolute gem of a book – a warm hearted, humorous and emotional read. It is a story about family, self-discovery, self-reflection, unlocking hidden secrets and penguins. Lots of cute penguins! The perfect Christmas pick-meup! The character at the centre of the story is fierce, impeccably dressed, 87-year-old Veronica McCreedy, whose latest adventure as ‘Penguin Ambassador’, takes her to Australia and the Falkland Islands, in the company of eminent wildlife documentary maker Sir Robert Saddlebow. Veronica reminds us all that it is never too late to have an adventure or to make the most of life.
The story is infused with detail about the natural world and it is easy to become absorbed in the fascinating information about penguins and climate change without even realising it. It is the perfect book to cosy up with under a blanket on a cold day. So, why not grab a hot chocolate and a mince pie, and totally lose yourself in this heart-warming story. In the words of Veronica, “Penguins … are not only a source of endless entertainment; they are an example to us all.’
You can borrow a copy of ‘Call of the Penguins’ and ‘Away with the Penguins’ 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
‘Call of the Penguins’ is the sequel to the author’s ‘Away with the Penguins’, published in 2020.
Movie review
THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK (15) Sky Cinema now, home media release 21 December 2021
Review by Mark Malik I’m a big fan of The Sopranos. How big? I went on a guided tour of filming locations in New Jersey and bought a novel written by Joseph ‘Vito’ Gannascoli who joined the tour. So I cautiously approached The Many Saints of Newark, the long-delayed cinematic prequel to the seminal TV show. Will it be terrible or will it be worthy of The Sopranos name? And…it’s OK. That’s as good as this film gets. The movie is afflicted by the curse of
all prequels – we know the familiar characters will survive and we just aren’t that invested in the newer additions to the rogues’ gallery. Another fatal flaw is the viewer doesn’t get enough time to become familiar with the new actors playing younger versions of their TV counterparts. You are very aware: “That’s Tony, but it’s not”. The plot feels rushed and the character relationships are never fully formed. The Sopranos told us Dickie Moltisanti was Tony’s legendary mentor, but the movie fails to sell this crucial relationship, nor does the narrative
make us truly care about the central conflict which drives the plot. An undoubted high point are the performances. With the exception of one actor, the cast nail their roles, particularly Vera Farmiga as the young Livia Soprano who turns in a perfectly judged performance of a monster-inthe-making. For fans of The Sopranos, The Many Saints of Newark is a huge missed opportunity. And frankly, why would a non-fan even watch it? Ultimately, this movie needed to be a TV show.
13.
CAMPAIGN
MEET OUR: independent domestic violence advocate
In October, the Trust said a warm welcome to independent domestic violence advocate Kelly Thomson and she has already received a positive response from staff. Employed by Harbour – a Hartlepool-based organisation which provides support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse – Kelly is on a two year secondment with our Trust to help and support those who may be experiencing domestic abuse at home. Working alongside the adult safeguarding team, she provides instant intervention if a colleague has a concern about a patient or if they have disclosed domestic abuse. However, she is also here to offer confidential support to staff as well. Whether you would like some guidance on spotting signs of domestic abuse, advice on how to support those experiencing domestic abuse or if you would like some support yourself, Kelly is making herself available. Kelly said: “I’m here for the patients. But I’m also here for any staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse. 14.
“If a staff member would like support for themselves, or advice for a loved one, this will be done in the strictest confidence. “It doesn’t matter what job role you’re in, what gender you are, what your ethnicity is. I’m here for you.” Our Trust is a safe space. If you’re a colleague experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are safe to speak up, you will be heard and you will be supported. For confidential help and support regarding domestic abuse, please get in touch with Kelly on:
EMAIL: kelly.thomson10@nhs.net PHONE: 07789 506664
FOODBANK
Supporting our local communities
While many of us enjoy a few days of fun, family time and a little over-indulgence over the festive period, for too many in our community, Christmas is a time of added stress and financial hardship. Throughout November and December, colleagues across the Trust have generously donated food, treats, gifts and household essentials to some of the most disadvantaged families across Stockton-onTees, Hartlepool and the surrounding areas. Over Christmas, the Trust collected tinned vegetables, biscuits and cakes for Stockton, Billingham and Hartlepool foodbanks so that local families could get together and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with one another. You also donated hundreds of gifts to our local Salvation Army branches to help make the festive period a little more special for the children and young adults in our community who may not have much under the tree this year. None of this would be possible without the Trust’s dedicated volunteer drivers who graciously collect our donations and drop them off at local foodbanks and charities.
University Hospital of North Tees drop-off points: • Tatchell Centre • Pathology (staff room) • Radiology (Gail Griffiths’ office) • Communications and marketing office, fourth floor, north wing • Directorate office, third floor, tower block • Tess Moore’s office, fifth floor, tower block • Fiona McEvoy’s office, seventh floor, tower block • Domestic supervisors’ office
University Hospital of Hartlepool drop-off points: • Ward 1 (admin), first floor • Outpatients (staff room) • Amanda McNeany’s office, fourth floor • Chemotherapy ward
Remember, we don’t just collect for Christmas – our foodbank collection scheme runs year round to make sure those in need don’t go without food, hygiene products and household essentials. 15.
CHARITY
If you would like be part of the 57,000 determined and dedicated runners on Sunday 11 September 2022, 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. We have a limited number of guaranteed charity places in #TeamNTH so if you would like to represent your NHS Trust charity please get in touch on 01642 383571 or at suzi.campbell@nhs.net
Great North Run 2022
#TeamNTH
To be part of #TeamNTH we ask you to pay a £59 registration fee and raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 to benefit our hospitals. These places won’t last long so don’t delay. We look forward to supporting you throughout your GNR journey and welcoming you in the charity village when you arrive at South Shields.
Contact details Suzi Campbell 01642 3(83571) suzi.campbell@nhs.net
www.justgiving.com/northteesandhartlepoolnhsfoundation
If you’d like to see your health and wellbeing related snap featured, send it through to nth-tr.communications@nhs.net Alison Brown and friends from the ‘Durham Delights’ raise a whopping £10,000 for mental health charity Miles for Men
Staff celebrating their award win and newly published book after taking part in the ‘Creative Writing for Wellbeing’ workshops
Christmas decorations at Hartlepool
Claim to fame!
Colleagues being interviewed for BBC Look North
Colleague Jodie Savage manages to capture a moment of calm
Seeing some of the fantastic and generous donations from staff going to local foodbanks
17.
CLINICS
Christmas vaccine clinics The staff vaccine centre has closed in the Spirituality Centre and is now located in Room 5, Middlefield Centre. Staff who have not yet had their first, second or covid booster doses are welcome to drop by throughout December, from 9am to 5pm. If you would like to book a specific appointment slot, please email nth-tr.workforcecovid-19@nhs.net You can get your flu jab from the room opposite the Tees Restaurant on a drop-in basis between 11am and 2pm throughout December.
COVID Clinics • Wednesday 22 • Wednesday 29 • Thursday 30 • Friday 31
Let us know if you have had your COVID-19 or flu jab elsewhere It’s vital that the Trust accurately records your COVID-19 and flu vaccination status. If you have had any of your vaccines outside of the Trust, please ensure this information is logged with us by emailing: nth-tr.workforcecovid-19@nhs.net
Flu drop-in • Friday 17 • Tuesday 21 • Thursday 23
Staff offer
From local company Tees Valley Innovation The RECOVER massage gun is your pocket sized partner giving you a high quality muscle and stress treatment anytime, anywhere. Compact but powerful the RECOVER massage gun is the most agile massage device - that goes wherever you do. Buy as a gift for you or your loved ones as a special offer only available to North Tees and Hartlepool staff and volunteers.
£79 plus free postage (Normal price £129 - a £50 saving!) To purchase use the QR code or website link: teesvalleyinnovation.com/recover-massage-gun To take advantage of this fantastic offer: • Choose which vibrant colour(s) you want • Go to your shopping basket •
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Enter the unique discount code: nt&h1
Only £79 for with discount code nt&h1
SUPPORT
Key support
INTERNAL CONTACTS
EXTERNAL 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.
Chaplaincy Offering one off support
Contact: 01642 383138 jim.wright@nhs.net
Contact: 0800 321 3137 Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals
Occupational health ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub
Offering workplace support
Confidential advice and support helpline. 7am - 9pm (7-days a week)
Contact: 01642 383211
Contact: 0191 223 2030
Recovery college online A range of online courses to support with aspects of wellbeing and mental health.
Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk
Staff psychology support hub
Facilitated by the psychology department
Contact: 01429 522048
IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy Provide talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies. Staff are placed on a priority list but must state 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 staff can be seen). Available 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and online referrals can be made anytime. Contact: 01642 573924 Visit www.impactonteesside.com
Domestic violence advocate Confidential staff support
Contact: 07789 06664
kelly.thomson10@nhs.net 19.