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s u e
Is
28
News from Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
WIN!
An iPod
shuffle
Cora’s
journey
SUHT goes
international
mediamonitor the latest SUHT news
Welcome to issue Sports injury expert warns kids
28 of Connect are being ‘driven to the brink’
In this issue... A leading sports injury expert says it big they need to put up
SUHT in the news 2 many young athletes are being ‘driven with the aches, pains and
Cora’s life-changing move/ to the brink’ by coaches. niggling injuries – almost a
Save our heart unit 3 Vel Sakthivel, a consultant ‘toughen you up’ culture
SUHT goes international 4/5 orthopaedic surgeon at Southampton – and that is driving many
New lease of life for diabetics/ General Hospital, has warned the to the brink of serious
45 years in ED 6 pressure on budding youngsters to damage to their bodies.”
Revolutionising cardiac education 7 perform is contributing to a rise in Mr Sakthivel, who recently
Dear Connect/ injuries among under-16s. launched a dedicated paediatric
The fundraising connection 8 “We are seeing an increase in sports injury clinic at Southampton
the number of sports injuries in General Hospital, is concerned at the
Tell us what you think... children each year, ranging irresponsible behaviour displayed by
Let us know what you think of Connect, from serious ligament some coaches – which he has even
plus tell us what news and features you’d damage and fractures, to witnessed in his own treatment room.
like to see in future editions. strains and sprains, and He explained: “I have encountered
the pressure applied coaches who attend consultations
Email connect@suht.swest.nhs.uk
by coaches is to with children and tell me injuries are
Write to blame on many not possible on equipment such as
Communications, Mailpoint 18, occasions,” he trampolines because they have a soft
Southampton General Hospital, said. surface and patients who come to
Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD “Kids are me and say their coaches have urged
told if they them to continue despite complaints
Telephone 023 8079 4853
want to make of pain.”
Website www.suht.nhs.uk
MediaMonitor MediaMonitor
media monitor: This story was covered by BBC Radio 5 Live, the Press Association, the Daily Express, the Daily Mirror, BBC Hampshire,
Connect is produced by SUHT’s
BBC Radio Solent, The Telegraph India and the London Evening Standard.
communications team.
Princess Anne Hospital Heart patients test world’s first
documentary up for second BAFTA ‘anytime’ health assessment booth
The second series of running but missed out to BBC Two’s Patients at Southampton’s university “This equipment could greatly improve
Channel 4’s One Born Welcome to Lagos. hospitals are trialling the world’s first the way patients with pacemakers
Every Minute followed In addition to last year’s BAFTA win, ‘anytime’ booth to assess the health are followed-up,” said Professor John
in the footsteps of the the shortlisting followed nominations of their heart without the need for a Morgan, consultant cardiologist and
first with a prestigious at this year’s Broadcast and Royal nurse, doctor or appointment. study lead.
British Academy of Television Society awards. The hi-tech cubicle at Southampton “Patients are able to come in
Film and Television Maria Dore, head of midwifery, General Hospital enables people fitted when they want to and head home
Arts (BAFTA) nomination. said: “We have had a fantastic journey with pacemakers the opportunity to immediately after their assessment,
The flagship maternity documentary, over the past three years and are so have an instant check-up at a time that which takes just a few minutes, and,
filmed at Southampton’s Princess Anne proud to have opened the door on suits them – cutting waiting times and once the team has evaluated their
Hospital over six weeks and aired the amazing world of midwifery that missed appointments, and giving staff results, they will be contacted at home
in 12 one-hour episodes earlier this I and all the midwives and staff at more time to treat patients who require and informed of the outcome and what
year, battled it out with three other the Princess Anne Hospital are able to intervention. to do next.”
nominees to claim the best factual witness each and every day to people Once patients enter the walk-in booth, Regular monitoring allows experts
series crown for the second year across the UK and further afield.” they see a series of green lights precede to examine changes in patients and
two loud bleeps and a bullseye signal intervene early if necessary. If successful,
MediaMonitor MediaMonitor
media monitor: This story was covered by BBC News, The Guardian and the Daily Echo. to confirm their data has transferred the booth could eventually be rolled-
successfully. out across the community in health
Staff are then able to access the data centres and GP practices to create easier
through a secure server using the access and free
CareLink remote monitoring system and up hospital
The Daily Echo has run
review the information downloaded resources.
a series of front pages
from the pacemaker.
on the campaign to save
children’s heart surgery MediaMonitor MediaMonitor
media monitor: This story was covered by The Daily
in Southampton (see
Telegraph, the London Evening Standard, Sky News,
page three for more
the Press Association, the Daily Echo, BBC Radio Solent,
information).
Capital FM and Medical News Today.
Reproduced with kind permission of the Southern Daily Echo
2 CONNECT
ISSUE 28
When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. Printed on environmentally friendly paper.
Cora’s life-
changing move
It had been an exhaustive journey by the time
Cora Banyard and her family made the trip to see
heart experts at Southampton General Hospital.
Born and where they asked its renowned team
diagnosed with of specialists for a second opinion on
only half a heart her treatment.
complicated “Cora’s quality of life was poor – it
by two main was difficult for her to participate in any
arteries in the physical activity – and we felt we had to
wrong position try something else,” said full-time mum
and two holes, Deb, 38.
her parents, “We had researched Southampton’s Cora required taking down the previous “This surgery
Deb and team extensively and wanted to come surgery, performing an arterial switch, has revolutionised
Mark, were and talk to them to see if there was re-implanting inlet valve attachments Cora. Her exercise
told surgery anything they could do.” which were crossing through the hole capacity is excellent
to correct her The family made their first visit to and closing a difficult hole between the having been very
condition Southampton in November 2009, where two pumping chambers,” said Mr Haw. poor before and
would not be they embarked on a journey they never The result is a complete transformation her long term outlook is now very good.”
possible. thought possible. for Cora that has uncovered a new life Despite a rollercoaster of emotions for
Instead, five-year-old Cora had to Using a revolutionary scanning – which includes trampolines, swimming the family and years of constant hospital
undergo major open-heart operations at technique – multiplane review (MPR) pools and fun in the park with her trips, they do not go a day without
two other UK hospitals simply to prolong 3D echocardiography – pioneered in parents and three-year-old sister Zelie, thinking of the staff who cared for their
her life. Southampton by consultant paediatric with whom she shares a close bond. daughter.
At just a day old, doctors at the family’s cardiologist Dr Joseph Vettukattil, he and “Prior to surgery, Cora remained happy Deb said: “We can’t thank all of the
local hospital in Berkshire quickly realised colleague Dr Kevin Roman made a life- and positive because, in her words, ‘they medical, nursing and play staff enough
something was wrong. changing discovery. were going to mend her heart to be the for their help, skills and support,
“We were distraught,” said Mark, 40, “Although diagnosed as having one same as Zelie’,” said Deb. particularly play specialists Becky Cutler
“
an IT manager. “We were told not to pumping chamber instead of the normal
have any hope of any medical miracles or
advancements and that the very best we
two, to the family’s delight, we found
that Cora actually had a reasonable
Watching them both having fun
could expect was life expectancy of late second ventricle using a combination together now is an amazing sight and
teens – only if everything went perfectly.”
The prognosis for children born with
of MPR 3D and cardiac MRI scanning,”
explained Dr Roman.
one we cherish every day.
single ventricle heart conditions is poor, The breakthrough meant corrective “Watching them both having fun and Jo Groves, who worked with Cora in
with only 50% likely to survive until they surgery was possible, but would be together now is an amazing sight and the months prior to surgery to prepare a
are five-years-old. extremely high risk. one we cherish every day.” very scared and bright child for what was
After seeing their daughter struggle to Led by cardiac surgeon Marcus Haw, Dr Roman added: “We could have to come.
live life for two years after life-extending the team attempted a radical four-part chosen to undertake further palliative “These guys are true heroes – the day
operations at six and 18 months, the operation to ‘re-plumb’ Cora’s heart in surgery, which would have been very low we chose Southampton marked a new
family uprooted from their home to be November last year. risk – but this would have meant poor start for Cora and our family and we’ll
closer to Southampton General Hospital, “Creating a normal circulation for quality of life for the rest of her life. never forget that.”
Join the fight to save children’s heart surgery
People across the region and country are being urged to support the campaign to keep children’s heart surgery
in Southampton and ensure many more patients like Cora are cared for to the highest standards of quality.
A long-running national review only one of the options. “It is vital that every single person who patients with congenital heart disease either
of paediatric cardiac surgery is “An independent review has rated wants to keep such a world-class facility directly under review in Southampton
recommending that fewer, larger centres Southampton as providing the highest providing the highest quality care to or seen in partnership with the south of
should be created in England, and the quality of service outside London and we severely ill children comes forward and England referring network and, during 2010,
NHS Safe and Sustainable review team are regularly recognised both nationally submits their views during the public Southampton performed 404 congenital
has put forward four options on where and internationally for our surgical consultation.” heart surgery procedures, with 338 of them
these should be developed. outcomes,” said Dr Michael Marsh, There are currently more than 10,000 on children aged 16 or under.
Despite being rated by experts, led by medical director at SUHT.
Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, as the second- “We are all obviously extremely
highest performing of 11 centres in England disappointed to have only a one in four Details of how to get involved are available at www.saveourheartunit.org
that provide this service, Southampton chance of retaining this exemplary service i or you can call 023 8079 8773.
University Hospitals NHS Trust is included in for patients from across the UK.
CONNECT
ISSUE 28 3
SUHT goes
international
Trust staff improving hospital care around the world
Specialists based at Southampton’s teaching hospitals don’t just offer some of the
best medical care to people in the UK – they are travelling far and wide to improve
healthcare globally.
From India and Russia, to Sierra Leone and Trinidad, doctors, nurses and ex-NHS
managers give their time to support isolated and hard-pressed health workers, teaching
basic skills, providing appropriate equipment and supporting service development.
And, following the launch of Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust’s
International Relations Group a year ago, the Trust has formalised its partnership with
the Ghanaian Health Service and children’s rights organisation Afrikids to support the
country’s upper east region.
The Trust also has ongoing major activity in Nepal through its voluntary staff society
Southampton Overseas Health and Medicine (SOHMED), which was formed in 2007
by consultant anaesthetist Dr Ollie Ross and is the umbrella group for staff travelling
across the world.
“SOHMED was formed primarily with the aim of promoting health awareness and
education, and to develop solid, sustainable links, but also to provide a central point
on global health trust-wide and that is progressing extremely well,” said Dr Ross.
“The International Relations Group has helped to publicise the society more widely
Dr Nigel Hacking, consultant
across the Trust and that has enabled us to build a structure to work from and support
interventional radiologist – Has
not only our work in Nepal and Ghana, but also the foundations laid by our staff in developed services offering patients a
other countries.” non surgical way of treating fibroids by
blocking off the arteries that feed them
– known as Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
(UFE). Since 1998, he has set up services
Anaesthetists making a in the Caribbean, where he has seen
more than 900 cases in Trinidad and
difference in Nepal 50 in Barbados, and in Nairobi, Kenya,
where he has now treated over 50
women since 2009.
With a flourishing tourism industry and the dreamy backdrop of the
Himalayas, you would be forgiven for thinking Nepal has left the worst behind.
That is far from the truth. Kathmandu to develop emergency care, programmes.
It is one of the world’s poorest countries surgery and intensive care. In conjunction with the
and health services for its 30 million “For far too long, anaesthesia has been Nick Simons Institute,
population have suffered. a neglected specialty worldwide and a Nepali organisation
A severe shortage of medically qualified Nepal is an example of this, with a severe dedicated to supporting
anaesthetists, particularly in rural areas shortage of anaesthetists, particularly in rural healthcare, members
outside the capital Kathmandu, means rural areas,” said Dr Ross. of SUHT’s department of
patients – predominantly women in “This situation is similar in many anaesthesia visit twice a
labour – in the South Asian country’s poor countries around the world and year to run Nepal Health
hospitals are vulnerable when an places patients at real risk of serious Training Council-accredited
emergency arises. complications during childbirth and anaesthesia assistant
But specialists at Southampton surgery, so tackling this in Nepal is a step refresher training courses.
University Hospitals NHS Trust are helping towards better overall standards and Dr Ross added: “The World
to change that. begins to address the issue of appallingly Health Organisation has estimated the
Led by Dr Ollie Ross, a consultant high maternal mortality rates that persist shortage of critical healthcare staff as
anaesthetist at Southampton General worldwide.” four million worldwide, but there is
Hospital, the Trust’s voluntary staff Due to the shortage – 0.3 anaesthetists strong evidence that shows using other
society, SOHMED, has been working per 100,000 compared to 17 per healthcare workers to fill medical roles –
in Nepal since its formation in 2007 to 100,000 in the UK – anaesthesia in ‘task shifting’ – can help to address
improve skills, training methods and Nepal’s district hospitals is delivered the problem.
facilities. mainly by nurses who are known as “So we are supporting these nurses
The group is focused on tackling the anaesthesia assistants. in delivering safer anaesthesia by
anaesthetic crisis at district level, but also Dr Ross’s team has focused on providing regular training but also
works with colleagues at large central supporting their training through courses, by simply being a source of advice
government training hospitals such as evaluation visits and a video library of and support to help them grow and
the Bir and Kanti children’s hospitals in techniques to assist Nepali-led teaching mature in their jobs.”
4 CONNECT
ISSUE 28
Supporting chronic disease training in Ethiopia
Neuro expert Dr Martin Prevett and his colleagues in Southampton
have been working with the Tropical Health and Education Trust
(THET) to provide support and training in a range of chronic
diseases to medical staff in Ethiopian hospitals.
The Trust’s involvement in the African country has less developed countries such as
grown over the past ten years and recently became Ethiopia,” said Dr Prevett.
a formal arrangement following a project grant “We provide support and training
from the International Health Links Funding for nurse-led clinics in rural health
Scheme (IHLFS). centres around Jimma in the south
Much of the work, which is led by SUHT’s epilepsy west of Ethiopia and around
service and Professor David Phillips, an endocrinologist Gondar in the north west.”
at the Medical Research Council’s epidemiology More than 8,000 patients with
resource centre, focuses on the management of chronic epilepsy have been registered and
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as epilepsy, started on treatment as part of this project, while
diabetes and rheumatic heart disease. many patients with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
“These are common, but neglected, problems in are now benefiting.
Dr Gary Connett, paediatric respiratory
specialist – In addition to joining SOHMED’s
work in Nepal, Dr Connett is involved with
supporting cystic fibrosis care in developing
countries with colleague Dr Julian Legg. As
part of this work, they have developed
sevices in Russia (Moscow), India (New Delhi
and Chandigarh), Albania,
Latvia and, most recently, Moldova.
Mo Abu Hilal, consultant general
Dr Martin Prevett, consultant surgeon – Has led liver and pancreatic
neurologist – Along with his work surgery and training projects with
in Ethiopia (see case study), Dr colleagues in Palestine and Saudi
Prevett works in collaboration with Dr Ollie Ross, consultant anaesthetist and
Arabia with clinical fellow of
colleagues from King’s College SOHMED lead – Founded Southampton
neurosurgery Malik
Hospital, London, teaching the Overseas Health and Medicine (SOHMED)
Zeben and theatre
undergraduate neurology curriculum in 2007 and is involved with current
nurse specialist
at Al-Qud’s University Medical School projects in Ghana and Nepal. He has
Arlene Alano.
in occupied Palestinian territory the West previously spent time helping colleagues
Bank. He and consultant neurosurgeon in Pakistan, Belarus and China.
Professor Liam Gray also provide bedside
teaching at hospitals in East Jerusalem,
Ramallah, Bethlehem and Hebron.
Richard Newsom, consultant
ophthalmologist – Heading to Sierra James Byrne, consultant general
Leone later this year with the Mercy surgeon – Has spent time at
Ships – vessels that provide expert the Christian Medical Centre in
Ash Monga, consultant gynaecologist
healthcare to the poor in port Vellore, India performing upper
– Works with women across Uganda
areas around the world – to help gastrointestinal surgery and
and Ethiopia who have been affected
with relief work and train local eye lecturing on the specialty.
by fistuale, a severe medical condition
surgeons. This will be his fourth trip
affecting 100 million women across
with the organisation.
Africa where a hole develops between
either the rectum or bladder and vagina
after severe or failed childbirth and
Andy Cowan, consultant anaesthetist – adequate medical care is not available.
Worked on board the Africa Mercy Ship in
May in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Africa
Mercy is the largest non-governmental
hospital ship in the world and runs four
operating theatres with a mixture of Alison Hutchings, trauma nurse specialist
part-time and permanent staff. His work Jane Spring, superintendent radiographer – – Works with the Marine Advisory
involved anaesthetic support for a range Sourced surplus x-ray equipment and flew Medical and Repatriation Service
of surgical specialties, including paediatrics, out to the upper east region of Ghana in (MAMRS) on behalf of the Merchant
maxillofacial, burns, 2009 to install and teach local staff how to Navy in many countries around the world
orthopaedics, general operate it. Since then, SUHT radiographers repatriating injured and sick seamen.
and gynaecology. and radiologists have worked closely and
regularly with local staff to update practices
and procedures, chair team meetings and
build firm foundations for them
to progress and learn new skills to
continue to improve the care they
give to patients.
CONNECT
ISSUE 28 5
S p o u t i n g
i t h …
New lease of life for
o f f w
Mr Nick Brook
diabetes patients
A pioneering procedure has been performed on 15 type 2
diabetes patients that could remove the need for medication
When I was invited to manage their condition and help them lose weight.
to write an article
for Connect on It involves the implant of a device known with diabetes, like the effect it could general surgeons
a subject that as the EndoBarrier - a small plastic sleeve have on my eyes and feet,“ said Kim. Jamie Kelly and James
troubles me it that is placed into the small intestine via “I’d previously suffered with digestive Byrne at Southampton
took me less than the mouth. problems as a result of my diabetes and General Hospital - and
a second to come When food passes through, it acts as a that scared me, so to now need so both are pleased with
up with an answer. The barrier so the food is not absorbed. few drugs to manage my condition is the early findings.
‘F’ word and why do I use it with The result is weight loss and a an amazing feeling and long may “Initial results among
such frequency in clinic with my change in the signal being passed back it continue.” the 15 patients who
fertility patients? to the brain so metabolism of sugars The device stays in the body for twelve have had the EndoBarrier inserted have
The dilemma we face every day is altered - leading to a reduction in months and is the kick start patients been really encouraging and we are very
as fertility specialists is that there is blood sugar levels. need to lose weight and manage their excited about the potential impact of
an increasing demand for fertility Kim Currie, a 45-year-old foster parent condition. this new treatment for patients,” said
services on the NHS – but the ‘F’ is from Southampton, was one of the first The continued success of this is then Mr Byrne.
“
the problem. While some of you may patients to undergo the procedure. She
not appreciate what the ‘F’ is in this has suffered from type 2 diabetes since …we are very excited about the potential
context, I mean ‘NHS funding’. 2008 and her weight has played a factor
Fertility services may be viewed by in her ability to control the condition. impact of this new treatment for patients
some as similar to cosmetic surgery Since having the device fitted, Kim has
- not life-saving, very expensive and lost four stone and is feeling fitter and down to the patient, who must maintain “We are already seeing the benefit
potential poor results. However, to healthier than ever before. As a result, a healthy and balanced diet to keep the to our patients with reductions in the
those patients I see every day who she has gone from taking nine tablets to weight off. treatment required to manage diabetes
face the life crisis of childlessness, just one per day to regulate her blood During the trial, Kim and her fellow as well as significant weight loss.”
it can be as serious as life or death, sugar levels. participants get intensive nutritional The procedures in this initial study
with impacts on their health, “Before having the EndoBarrier support to reinforce the importance of were performed on NHS patients and,
relationships and well being. implanted I thought I would become healthy living and ensure their habits with further evidence of its effectiveness,
At present, I need to tell many insulin-dependent and constantly continue once the sleeve is removed. the technique could be adopted across
couples requiring IVF that it will worried about the conditions associated The trial has been led by consultant the NHS.
cost them up to £5,000 as there is
only limited funding available.
45 years
As a result, we are effectively
denying many couples the chance of
having a child because they cannot
afford a treatment or because
in ED
they live in the wrong post code
and their PCT currently does not
fund treatment, or only in special
circumstances.
In the name of saving money, the It takes a certain type of person to deal
NHS forces most couples into paying with the mixed bag of complex, minor and
for IVF. The expense of treatment sometimes just plain strange cases that
encourages them to request transfer come through the doors of the emergency
of multiple embryos to increase department every day.
success. And the couples and the
NHS end up paying far more for And nurse practitioner Arlene Brady is one of them,
the complications of premature with her steely determination and enthusiasm for
multiple births. the job seeing her spend 45 years with Southampton
If we can take the ‘F’ word out of University Hospitals NHS Trust – and she has no plans
the clinic, everyone will benefit. to stop anytime soon!
Jamaican-born Arlene left home for England in
• Nick Brook, consultant 1963 to join Poole Hospital for three years’ training
gynaecologist, works at the before beginning her long haul in Southampton,
Complete Fertility Centre based at where she would go on to become the central focus
the Princess Anne Hospital. of the team.
For more information, visit “I feel the emergency department has had the best
www.completefertility.co.uk years of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way
or call 023 8079 6980 – it is my life,” she said.
“The people I work with are great and the years
• If you have a burning issue you’d have flown by. I can’t imagine my life without the
like to get off your chest email patients, pressure and pleasure the job brings.”
connect@suht.swest.nhs.uk
6 CONNECT
ISSUE 28
Manikin
revolutionises
cardiac education
A manikin and a computer-generated 3D
model of the heart are revolutionising
cardiac education and training at
Southampton’s teaching hospitals.
The heart simulator is helping consultant damaged heart valves and other away from
anaesthetist Dr Paul Diprose and his conditions, can be seen clearly. the operating
team in cardiac anaesthesia and intensive The equipment, developed by cardiac theatre so
care to simplify the teaching of complex anaesthetists at University College they are highly
medical techniques. Hospital in London, is made up of skilled before
Doctors are able to slice through the a manikin and a custom-designed interacting with
model displayed on a computer screen to ultrasound probe, all connected to a patients.”
show the internal structures of the heart complex computer system so real-life He added: “It
as well as blood flow. investigative procedures can be recreated. can be difficult
Valves and vessels can be reproduced, “This device is helping with the training for people to understand the 3D structure understand the components
together with simulated ultrasound of clinicians right through to consultant of the heart while they are looking at of the heart and how they interact with
images and relevant anatomical level,” said Dr Diprose. images of it on a 2D screen, but through each other, improving cardiac knowledge
information and problems, such as “They are able to build their expertise the use of this device, they will better at our hospitals.”
Foundation Trust update
SUHT reactivated its Foundation and have remained committed to the
Trust application on 31 March 2011 2020Vision.
and authorisation is expected later For example, the Trust has continued
in the year. to improve the experience of its staff
FTs have a greater degree of and patients, is excellent in terms of
managerial and financial freedom, quality performance, including MRSA
which enables them to adapt services and C. difficile rates, and continues
to meet the needs of their patients to expand specialist services including
and the local community. stroke, vascular and major trauma.
In February 2010, the Trust The application has been reactivated
reluctantly decided to postpone its with support for the business plan
FT application due to the situation and future activity levels from our
of the health economy at the time. commissioners.
Since then, we have continued to For further information, please see
develop world-class specialist services www.suht.nhs.uk
CONNECT
ISSUE 28 7
talkback
Find out more... Sign up to Southampton Hospital Charity’s newsletter to receive
i more news and fundraising information. Email charity@suht.swest.nhs.uk
Dear Connect The fundraising
I was born with a complex
congenital heart condition and
have undergone four life-saving
connection
Call Southampton Hospital Charity on 023 8079 8881 or visit www.suht.nhs.uk/charity
procedures.
In 2007, I came under the care
of the adult congenital heart
team at SGH and have not looked New £200k
back since.
Words cannot express my thanks microscope
and admiration for the team in
Southampton – everyone I have transforming
met and who has been involved
in my care has been absolutely brain surgery
fantastic. They don’t just treat you
as a patient or a number here,
Brain surgeons at Southampton
they treat you as a friend.
General Hospital’s Wessex
Recently, the hospital has
Neurological Centre are the
been in the news regarding the
first in the UK to use a new
government’s Safe and Sustainable
fluorescent microscope that is
review of children’s cardiac surgery
revolutionising the way complex
within the UK.
operations are performed.
The government wants to
The advanced technology
reduce the number of centres
combines the world’s most
performing paediatric cardiac
compact optical head with
surgery from 11 to six or seven.
fluorescent imaging and allows
I was very upset to see that
surgeons to see blood flow
Southampton is only mentioned
in one of the four proposed
options. What makes this even
Hospital charity’s ‘Red through the smallest veins
and arteries.
Its flat and compressed design,
more shocking is that a review
done by an independent expert
panel revealed that Southampton
& White’ day boosts known as horizontal optics
technology, increases comfort level
was rated the second highest
performing centre in the UK.
appeal funds by giving surgeons more working
space than ever.
“The new microscope is state-of-
I’m not at all surprised the
People from across the region said: “We would like to say a huge the-art and allows neurosurgeons
centre scored so highly because,
raised more than £50,000 for blood thank you to everyone who helped a significantly enhanced view
as a patient, I know it’s a great
cancer patients on a fun-packed fundraise on Red & White Appeal Day of the brain and spine during
centre. But what does shock and
day in March. to support this vital project.” operations,” said consultant
annoy me is that this centre only
Members of the public, communities neurosurgeon Paul Grundy.
has a 25% chance of surviving.
and businesses participated in a “It also enables us to view
If this centre closes, its patients
range of events and activities for tissues with fluorescent imaging
Southampton Hospital Charity’s Red and means we can see blood
& White Appeal, which aims to raise vessels and tumours that would
£2.2million to create a specialist not be visible with a normal
treatment unit for patients with microscope, allowing us to
leukaemia and other blood disorders. perform highly complex surgery
From hospital workers and visitors, more safely.”
to Red Funnel staff and West Quay The £200,000 kit, which
shoppers, everyone played their part can be used during a range of
in ‘painting the town red’ to boost neurological and spinal procedures,
the total cash raised for the project to is the latest cutting-edge
£830,000. equipment donated to the Wessex
and parents will Joan Newman, bone marrow Neurological Centre by charity
be forced to travel to Bristol or transplant clinical nurse specialist, Smile4Wessex.
London for heart surgery. Can you
imagine the impact on the patient
Sudoku challenge
WIN!
and family, emotionally and
financially.
As an adult congenital heart
patient, I’m also concerned about
Win an iPod shuffle
the knock-on effect this may have
Enter numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank squares, so that every row,
on the adult congenital services.
every column and every 3x3 square has one of each digit.
Please support us in saving this
Send your entry in the internal post to Connect, Mailpoint 18,
great service and making sure it
to be in with a chance of winning a 2GB iPod shuffle donated by
stays where it belongs.
Kiteleys Solicitors. Entries close 31 August 2011.
Thank you,
Jonathan Upton
43, West Sussex
www.saveourheartunit.org
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