Setting up virus tests and helping create new innovative treatments - the role - of our biomedical scientists
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE 55 SUMMER 2021
New clinics to
help long COVID
sufferers, page 11
We must learn
Setting up virus tests lessons from last
year, page 19
and helping create new
innovative treatments — the role
of our biomedical scientists, page 17
Trusts appoint new permanent chair
The Councils of Governors of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Flying mum
and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have appointed leaves hospital
a new permanent joint chair.
We’re used to welcoming
Professor Derek Bell OBE has been together beyond the pandemic, both
appointed following a recruitment organisations hope to make a bigger newborns, who then go home
process and starts on 1 September. and lasting impact by:
to be cared for by their loving
Professor Bell has 40 years’ ■ Working with local communities families. But recently the Trust
and partners to help improve
Medical students get hands-
experience in the NHS
and previously served the health and wellbeing of the said goodbye to some very
as President of the populations they serve.
different new arrivals – a brood
Coming
Royal College of
Physicians. He was
■ Tackling the health and care
inequalities that COVID-19 has
on experience despite of ducklings.
together
to tackle
awarded an OBE in
2018 for services
exacerbated.
■ Playing a leading role in helping to
challenges of pandemic
to Unscheduled
bring inward investment into the
common Care and Quality
Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.
Medical students from the new teaching school
Improvement.
issues ■ Strengthening the recruitment
Tony Horrocks, lead governor
at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS
at Sunderland University got their first experience
Professor Bell will and retention of specialist doctors Foundation Trust, said: “I am really of hands-on hospital training after the Trust
take over from Neil and nurses. pleased Derek Bell has chosen to join organised a series of COVID-19 safe sessions.
Mundy who was appointed us and take up this joint role. Coming
Working more closely together will also
as interim joint chair for both together to tackle common issues is so The Trust would normally hold a series of half-day
give both Trusts a stronger collective
Trusts in February (2021) pending the important for our patients, service users sessions for teaching within the hospital setting –
voice as they look to secure the capital
recruitment of a permanent joint chair. and communities. My thanks also go to but due to the pandemic these were suspended.
investment needed to rebuild and
upgrade existing hospital facilities in Neil Mundy for his work as our interim
The two Trusts are the area’s largest The teaching, in a special bespoke education unit at the
Teesside and North Yorkshire. joint chair over the last five months.”
employers, with almost 15,000 staff, University Hospital of Hartlepool, was developed to teach the
and by continuing to work closely group clinical skills in a hospital setting.
The amended programme was organised by director of
undergraduate clinical studies Dolon Basu and the medical
Staff nurse retires
education team and delivered by consultants and doctors in
training with an interest in medical education.
The students will also have some mental health assessment
after four decades
teaching delivered by the medical education faculty at Tees
Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Every year, the same tagged duck pays a special
visit to the University Hospital of North Tees to lay
Consultant gastroenterologist Vikram Mitra said: “Students
a clutch of eggs in one of the courtyards.
have the opportunity to attend lectures and demonstrations in
caring for babies a socially distanced environment. This is followed by hands-
on examinations on simulation models and role play in small
groups under close supervision from the teaching faculty.
This April, the unnamed visitor returned and staff were
soon treated to the sight and sound of a cute brood of
tiny ducklings waddling around the courtyard.
“Students described this learning experience as unique and
A neonatal nurse who worked at the enriching – they are thrilled to be in a safe hospital setting.
Staff working nearby helped the flying mum and her
new arrivals by providing a paddling pool and a
Trust for 44 said her goodbyes “The faculty described the programme as well structured and supply of birdseed.
as she retires. enjoyed interacting with the students in this new non-acute
COVID safe hospital environment.”
In order to protect the duck and her
brood, staff arranged for them to be
Margaret Carter, 66, began working at North Tees carefully rehomed to a more suitable
General Hospital – as it was known at the time – environment nearby, complete with a
in 1977 as a 22-year-old student nurse. natural water source and abundant Staff working
food.
nearby helped
In 1980 she trained to be a midwife and has been working She said: “I’ve been able to work with a fantastic team all
Hospital domestic Christopher the flying
in the Trust’s neonatal department ever since, most recently these years and merging with Hartlepool hospital has only
Owens-Hunt is always enamoured
as a staff nurse on the special care baby unit caring for enhanced us.
by the Trust’s flying ‘maternity
mum and her
poorly or premature babies.
“When I walk through the hospital now I can see all the patient’ and managed to take a few newborns
During her time at the hospital, Margaret has seen many changes that have happened since I started. That being photographs without getting in the way
changes, from new technology and buildings to big said, the Trust has always looked after me and I’ve always of the flying family.
organisational progress within the Trust. felt well supported by the Trust and my team.”
2 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 3
Chief people officer
appointed into regional role
Remote rehabilitation
Our chief people officer, Alan Sheppard has taken up the post of vice president
Patients from across the region are benefiting from remote
for The Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA). respiratory and cardiac exercise sessions from the Trust.
Alan succeeds the role from Morven Smith, Director of Workforce and OD at
County Durham and Darlington, and says he is excited for the challenge ahead.
“The HPMA is a national network position to attract some great HR team in responding at pace in what was
aimed at being the professional professionals”, he said. an exceptionally challenging year.”.
voice of HR in health care. My post
as VP is to represent North East and Alan continued: “It would be remiss of Alan took up the post in October 2020
North Cumbria HR practitioners. me not to acknowledge the hard work and joins 12 other chairs who support
It’s an exciting time for HR as we of our own workforce team during the their networks right across the UK.
start to work towards recovery, last year. I am exceptionally proud of
and the NHS is really in a prime the efforts employed by everyone in the
Vaccine passport Celebrating National
scam alert issued Volunteers’ Week
The Trust asked people to remain vigilant To mark National Volunteers’ Week, the
after reports of a circulating scam email Trust celebrated the contribution and
regarding ‘digital coronavirus passports’. dedication of its volunteers who work
As holiday locations behind the scenes to support staff and
continue to open their help patients.
airports to the UK and
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme of exercise and Joanne Symm, clinical respiratory specialist, said: “During
large-scale events are Volunteers carry out a variety of duties that have
education for those with long-term lung conditions such the height of COVID-19 we obviously had to limit face-to-face
trialled, you may need evolved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, from
as COPD, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, contact with our patients as the majority were advised to
to apply for an NHS driving patients to hospital and collecting prescriptions
cancer and those waiting for lung transplants or other shield because of their long term lung condition.
COVID pass to show your to offering emotional support and a friendly face to both
thoracic surgeries.
vaccination details or patients and staff. “So faced with this challenge, we got the remote rehabilitation
test results. This will be Recognised as being one of the most clinically and cost sessions up and running really quickly using the Attend
Taking on a number of different roles, the volunteers
a requirement depending effective medical interventions, it is also known to reduce both Anywhere system. It’s a safe and secure package where
are highly valued throughout the Trust.
on the venue or country exacerbation rates and hospital admissions. The Royal College the patient at home only needs a smartphone and internet
you are entering. Paul Wharton, volunteer coordinator, said: “Our of Physicians estimates those who complete a pulmonary connection for us to be able to connect with them
volunteers give something but get a lot more in return; rehabilitation programme will likely spend only an average of at home. It worked really well but it’s limited
Fraudsters, posing as NHS employees, are taking they get the satisfaction that they have helped someone 4.8 days in hospital within 18 months of receiving treatment as we can only have three or four people
advantage of people’s excitement for their holidays by and made their day a little better. compared to the 9.6 hospital bed-days endured by those who per session.
offering phony passports in exchange for a fee.
“Volunteers really do add value to both the patients’ do not.
“We’re in the process of introducing
The crooks have sent emails with links that redirect you journey and those who support them during their time
Cardiac rehabilitation similarly helps people get back to a the Microsoft Teams platform as we
to a fake but convincing ‘NHS’ website that asks you to
apply for your ‘digital coronavirus passport’ using your
with us. They are a vital cog in many ways and we
cannot thank them enough.”
full life after a heart event such as a heart attack, coronary can have up to ten people in each It's a
angioplasty or bypass surgery, but it is also about supporting class and maintain visuals with that
personal and payment details.
people with a heart condition such as stable heart failure, package. It makes it even more cost safe and
The NHS will never contact you to ask for payment
stable angina or cardiomyopathy. effective for the Trust and more fun
and engaging for the patients.”
secure
details to obtain the NHS COVID pass. You can view
your double vaccination status freely on the NHS app or
The Trust began running virtual pulmonary and cardiac
rehabilitation sessions using the secure Attend Anywhere video Janine O’Rourke, cardiac rehabilitation
package...
apply for an NHS COVID pass free of charge online.
software during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme has specialist nurse, said: “After seeing
proven so successful that the pulmonary rehabilitation and how successful it was, our cardiac
If you do receive an email asking for payment details
cardiac rehabilitation teams are expanding the offer to include rehabilitation team jumped at the chance to
to apply for your NHS COVID pass, please do not click
virtual cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation for those patients with run virtual exercise sessions for our patients.
any links, do not input any personal or bank details and
heart and/or lung conditions.
delete the email immediately.
“Now our patients, many of whom are recovering from serious
To cope with the increase in demand they have opened the heart conditions, are able to receive their regular rehabilitation
Alternatively, you can report any scam or phishing
new cardio-respiratory suite at the University Hospital of sessions in complete safety while still under our watchful eye.”
emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Hartlepool and will be using new software which will enable
more people to take part in each session.
4 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 5
Teddy bears helping
Inspiration
bereaved families pay tribute behind special
Hospital chaplains who run an annual service in memory kitbag for
of babies and children who have died provided a
new way for relatives to pay their respects.
community
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Chaplain Dave Russon said: “Sadly the memorial service
nurses
normal service at the University – held to help and support families through their loss and
Bereaved Hospital of North Tees will not grief – can’t take place this year. Frontline NHS staff
relatives can
take place.
“But we want to still do what we can so that the memories
have described how
leave a soft Instead, the chaplaincy team have of babies and children who have tragically died can still collaborative working
toy and a
created a teddy bear’s picnic display be honoured. has led to the creation of
where bereaved relatives can leave a soft
message toy and a message. “This is a way of allowing this to happen while still ensuring the Community Kit Bag.
District nurses create innovative
we maintain a safe environment in the building.”
Steven Yull, organisation
development practitioner,
infection prevention solution for was one of the staff members
who helped bring the bag to
Frontline staff back International Day of the community care staff to be used life and described it as a “real
family effort.”
importance of nature Midwife – Invest in midwives across England “Need is the mother of all
since pandemic outbreak A local NHS Trust is backing the
invention” was Steven’s response
when asked why the Community
call to ‘invest in midwives’ – which District nurses at the Trust have helped launch Kit Bag was first created, before
was the key message of this year’s an innovative infection prevention and control going on to explain how the initial
concept for the bag came about
International Day of the Midwife. (IPC) solution for community care staff, which is after a community nurse new to
helping save key frontline healthcare workers the the Trust had no suitable bag to
keep all of her equipment in.
Steph El-Malak, head of midwifery, said:
“Midwifery is an extraordinary career.
equivalent time of visiting 240 patients each year.
Steven added: “The bag is
designed to meet all of the
“It’s emotional, challenging, ever changing and filled The team has worked with a ‘bag for life’, this is the first
different needs of community
with the most joyous moments you can imagine. It’s not experts across the organisation kit bag designed within the NHS
care staff and it’s flexible
easy and it’s not for everyone, but for the right people, to develop an IPC compliant kit specifically to combat these
enough that if products or
there’s no better way to spend a working life. bag system, the Community Kit challenges faced by the healthcare
Frontline staff have described how turning to nursing interventions change,
Bag, which saves community sector and is already in use by
“We’re involved with our patients from a very early it can adapt. It’s a very good
nature has helped them cope with the mental stage of the pregnancy, right through to birth and
care teams both time and hundreds of NHS employees across
solution that allows change and
money as they provide the country, as they continue
health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. beyond. We play an active part in the health of mum essential healthcare services. to deal with the overwhelming
development.
and baby and our advice and care is always tailored to demand for healthcare services.
The Trust has backed Mental Health Awareness Week and “Our innovation is a real family
each person. The Community Kit Bag is the
its theme of being outside. effort and I am so pleased
result of the collaboration between Designed with infection control
“I’d encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a that it has benefitted other
Elaine McWilliams, consultant clinical psychologist, said: “When the district nurses, the infection in mind, the kit bag is made
midwife to look into it and hopefully make the decision organisations across the
our mood is low, we can easily feel like doing very little. control team, occupational health from fully wipeable antimicrobial
to commit to this amazing line of work.” country too.”
and design specialists. It has material, which has provided
“We often wait for a time when we want to get outside, been brought to market by the community care staff with
For more information about careers in midwifery,
which is counter-intuitive. innovations team at NTH Solutions, added peace of mind during the
including training, visit www.healthcareers.nhs.
a subsidiary company of the Trust. COVID-19 pandemic. The bag also
“The key is just to do it, even if you don’t want to at first. uk/explore-roles/midwifery.
doubles up as a sterile treatment
Being regularly outside and taking in your surroundings
A recent study carried out by field in the event that there is no
can do so much to raise your mood.
district nurses at a North East- suitable place to treat the patient.
“One tip is just to put it in your diary every day and tick it based NHS Trust found that, by
off when you’ve done it. using the bag, each nurse saved If you would like to find out more
72 hours in back to base trips and about the Community Kit Bag,
“It’s something I have personally found so helpful – being please visit
32 hours on back to boot trips
out for walks, taking photos of flowers, animals or insects. www.nthsolutions.co.uk/
per annum.
Appreciating things. services/community-kit-bag
“It’s something I know has helped so many staff across Many community care staff rely
the organisation especially over the last year.” on their own rucksacks or even
6 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 7
Meet the bikers
Educators go virtual to
help reach out to next transporting blood
Former football scout presents
generation of NHS staff
“Our staff are what makes us one of
for transfusions special charity medal to
the best employers in the region.”
That is the key message from a new recruitment
A group of motorbike riders have been
dedicating their free time to transport
cancer team who cared for him
video the education team is sharing to reach out to
schools and colleges in response to the pandemic. transfusion blood
The team would normally regularly visit young
to the Trust from
people in education settings but has not been able across the UK.
to do so since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bloodrun EVS (Emergency
Working with the Trust’s communications and Voluntary Service) is a
marketing team, the service has produced the first charity that provides a free,
of a series of videos focussing on different career voluntary blood courier
opportunities across the organisation. service to NHS hospitals and
Trusts across the North East. 74-year-old Margaret Finegan
Suzanne Coyle-Watson, non-clinical educator,
is a voluntary duty controller
said: “We are passionate about finding the next The bikers have a close-knit for Bloodrun. She works as a
generation of NHS staff. relationship with the pathology link between the riders and the
laboratory at the Trust and Trust’s pathology department.
“One of our ways of doing this is visiting our local
work around the clock to deliver
primary and secondary schools and our further
transfusion blood and blood She said: “If we can achieve that
education colleges.
samples across the country to it would be fantastic, it gives
“Unfortunately this just has not been possible over the Trust’s hospitals. The service us so many more options. The
the last few months. works as an alternative to using riders are really excited to be
taxis – an added cost to the able to get out on the bikes and
“These videos are our way of NHS. take the blood.”
reaching out to these young Eric (centre) with urology team
people in a virtual way. At the moment transfusion blood The trial has so far been a
can only be transported in a car success and recently two
“This is a fantastic while motorbikes carry blood motorbikes, ridden by volunteers A former patient returned to the team who treated him to give thanks
organisation to work for –
we are here for our patients
samples and other necessities
such as breastmilk and doctors
Mac Watson and Bren Smith,
arrived at the University Hospital
for the care he received and present staff with a bespoke medal.
and are making life-changing notes. But the charity is working of North Tees with transfusion
Eric Powell (MBE) presented a specially designed Karen Kilburn, specialist urology nurse, said: “For Eric to
differences to people across closely with the Trust to give the blood intact and at the correct
medal to the urology unit at the University Hospital show his gratitude with such a beautiful keepsake for the
our community.” bikes validation to be able to temperature.
of North Tees to show his appreciation for the service is really humbling.”
carry blood products.
treatment he received during his recent stay.
*Photos were taken by Don’t Blink Photography*
Eric was diagnosed with cancer and spent several weeks in
Urging smokers to #CommitToQuit on World No Tobacco Day hospital before and during his procedure.
Eric, originally from Thornaby and now living in Yarm,
For World No Tobacco Stockton, said: “Since COVID-19 wanted to give something back to the unit, so decided to
restrictions were introduced, we get a medal made to say thank you.
Day this year, smokers have had 1,295 smokers in Stockton
were challenged to alone set a quit date or pledge to quit The medal is a copy of the ones given out as part of the
smoking. Many have never tried to quit well established Eric Powell MBE Charity Cup, which is
#CommitToQuit and access before and they have been pleasantly played locally each year.
local support services to surprised by how quickly they were
He also presented the team with a framed photo to display
help kick the habit. able to receive support, often beginning
on the unit and 100 cards to keep as mementos.
treatment on the same day on which
Smokers can #CommitToQuit by they made contact with us.”
Eric said: “I would like to thank the staff in the urology unit
making an online pledge, giving
Smokers in the region can call the for all of their care and attention. Nothing was ever too
their reasons why they want to
following numbers to get practical much for them; their organisation was immaculate from
live smoke free and receive advice
advice and help to quit: admission to discharge.
and support straight from the
World Health Organisation. “I wanted to present something that the staff can see on a
Hartlepool: 01429 402814/402815
Sue Swinson, service lead for the Stockton: 01642 383819 daily basis and know that everything they do is making a
Specialist Stop Smoking Service in real difference to people’s lives.”
8 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 9
Event to celebrate newly qualified
therapy staff working during pandemic “It’s not a new chapter,
Therapy staff held a celebration event to mark how newly it’s a new book”, says
qualified members of the team rose to the challenge of COVID-19.
A virtual rotation roadshow was “The event offered staff the opportunity
trans health employee
held for occupational therapists and to voice and present their experiences
physiotherapists. In response to the during the last six to nine months, “It’s not a new chapter, it’s a new book” is
pandemic, staff who would normally including positive experiences and the message from Matthew Andersen, a
follow a structured rotation had to learning opportunities and challenges.
move to other areas to meet demand.
transgender man as he approached what
“This gave staff the opportunity to gain he calls his first ‘manniversary’.
Vikki Pickering, therapy team lead, insight into the rotation detail before
they made their choices.”
Support for
said: “The year has been extremely The 30-year-old clinical coder came out as
challenging – this event was an transgender to his family, friends and colleagues Left to right – Physiotherapist Vivien Saunders, respiratory doctor
opportunity to recognise the work of the Kevin Conroy and mental health nurse practitioner Vicky Taylor.
people with
two years ago.
junior members of staff, having entered
their chosen profession during Matthew, who does not like to publically refer to his birth
dementia and
New special
a pandemic. name, was confident in the support he would receive
from those in his life, especially his Trust colleagues.
their families “The group have not only risen to the
challenge of responding and adapting Matthew, from Norton, took part in a filmed interview as
clinics to help
to incredible demand at short notice but, part of Pride month.
The impact of the as services returned, they were asked
to start choosing their next choice of
Left to right – Therapy team leader
Vikki Pickering, physiotherapist Nicole Hinchley He said: “I didn’t even realise I was a man. All of my life
pandemic has service to rotation. and occupational therapists Melissa Waugh
and Sophie Kay.
I thought I was female.
long covid
stretched far and wide “I was a bit of a late bloomer, I was 28 when I realised I
was transgender. Looking back at my life and childhood,
– and that includes for all the signs were there – I just didn’t piece them all
people with dementia The ‘invaluable’ volunteers helping together.
and their carers and
family members.
to vaccinate you against COVID-19
Behind the scenes of the
“When I came to the realisation that I was living in the
wrong body it was a glass shattering moment. Very
quickly it became unbearable. It felt wrong, but at the
time I felt there was nothing I can do about it. When I
sufferers
Trust’s battle against COVID-19
Our dementia specialist nurse
Stephen Nicholson was raising is an incredible group of
look at photos of myself pre-transition, I recognise that People suffering from any long-term
person but it’s not me.
awareness that the same help volunteers, all keen to do effects of COVID-19 are being helped
and support is still out there. “My physical transition began when I started
their bit in the pandemic. testosterone. That brought about the physical changes. by special new clinics.
As part of Dementia Action Week, I started that about a year ago.
Over the past year the Trust has
Stephen was reminding and The long covid appointments are helping
recruited a new wave of over “I’m having a party for it – I call it my ‘manniversary’!
informing people about some of patients with a range of conditions
100 volunteers. Eager to help out
the fantastic organisations we can Shelia Atkinson including fatigue, breathlessness,
during a very busy period and “Pre-transition is like a prequel, this is my life now. It’s not
call on in the area. anxiety, depression and other
support a good cause, they have a new chapter, it’s a new book. It’s the start of my story.”
taken on different roles across debilitating symptoms.
This includes the Green Links One such volunteer is 66-year-old
gardening and crafting group the Trust.
Sheila Atkinson, a retired bank
Matthew was supported by his family, colleagues and
The centre is led by respiratory consultant
We continue
the Trust during his transition.
from Groundwork, the Clevearc The volunteers have supported worker from Hartlepool. Sheila began Kevin Conroy from lung health at the to learn
dementia charity, The Bridge staff at the University Hospital of volunteering last September in the Stuart Harper-Reynolds, Trust adult safeguarding nurse University Hospital of North Tees with
in Hartlepool and the LiveWell Hartlepool with the Novavax vaccine Novavax vaccination study at the
more every
and chair of the Trust’s LGBTQ+ staff network was the key support from physiotherapist Vivien
Dementia Hub in Stockton. trial and, more recently, helped staff University Hospital of Hartlepool. first person Matthew confided in about his realisation he Saunders and Vicky Taylor, a mental health day...
and the public to get their vaccines. was trans. advanced nurse practitioner from Tees,
The Trust also supports the John’s Sheila worked with the research and
Their hard work to support both staff Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
Campaign for the right of people development team to welcome and
and patients has not gone unnoticed.
with dementia to be supported by support participants in the trial. She
Dr Conroy said: “We are able to offer a
their family carers. also performed routine checks, such
comprehensive assessment and support for patients
as taking participants’ temperature,
Other initiatives include the All with common symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue, many
to make sure they met the criteria to
About Me document in hospitals of whom benefit from the reassurance our service can provide.
take part.
which provides professionals with Some patients have other symptoms requiring different
information about a patient with She said: “I’m just a little cog in a specialist services which we are able to help direct them to.
dementia to help enhance and big wheel but it’s meant that the staff
have more time. It’s been nice to be “We now know so much more about this virus, we continue to
support their care.
involved in it.” learn more every day and are able to do more and more to help.”
L-R: Marion Riordhan and Alison McNab
10 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 11
New mother enjoys
Hartlepool beach walk with Surgery team able to help patients
other mums-to-be — just like student nurse Megan
hours before giving birth A woman who feared her nursing studies could be affected by ankle issues is
one of many patients to benefit from a surgery team’s quick response to a backlog.
A new Hartlepool mum has described how
she went for a special beach walk with Like all health trusts across upset at the prospect of having to her revision surgery to provide extra
the country, the organisation have surgery for a second time and stability to the ankle.
other mothers-to-be just hours before postponed all elective surgery for how this would affect my studies.
giving birth in the town’s hospital. several months as it responded to Mr Limaye, who specialises in foot
the pandemic. “But the team have ensured I was and ankle surgery, said: “We are
Lyndsey Lee had been The facility is also a able to have the surgery, still complete delighted to be able to help patients
planning to join other supporter of the continuity After surgery resumed, the my studies and be healed in time for like Megan, whose surgery was a
pregnant women on of carer programme which orthopaedic team were swiftly able the start of my nurse placement. complete success – leading to a rapid
the Beach Bumps walk ensures women are seen to work through a list of patients recovery post-operatively so she can
by the town’s seaside by the same midwife waiting for surgery – including Megan “I am so thankful for everything the now resume her nursing studies.
when she started throughout their pregnancy. Richardson. team have done for me.”
Working with
to experience mild “Any issue affecting joints really can
Lyndsey added: “The Megan needed a further procedure to Surgery, carried out at the affect p
eople’s lives.”
contractions.
continuity of carer service treat ongoing issues with her ankle organisation’s centre for non-urgent
Because she was not was fantastic for me. stability due to suffering from severe surgery at the University Hospital of
university to
having any discomfort, hypermobility. Hartlepool, involved ankle ligament
Lyndsey still joined the “My midwife Caroline reconstruction and an augmentation
was amazing throughout Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Rajiv using an internal brace technique.
group that morning.
the pregnancy. She was Limaye and surgical care practitioner
help paper-free
Yet – less than 24 hours always there for me if I Beth Alderton have led her surgery Megan’s first surgery involved a
later – she was in the had a question or a query and treatment with support from the similar procedure but – due to her
midwife-led Rowan Suite at — and, being a first time wider team. hypermobility – this resulted in an
injury to the lateral ligaments, making
ambitions
the University Hospital of mum, I had lots!
Megan, who was at the start of her ankle unstable.
Hartlepool having her new
“And giving birth in her student nurse training at the
daughter Ayda Quinn Lee.
Hartlepool was something University of Sunderland when she The team discussed using an internal
Lyndsey, 34, and her which was so special. was told the news, said: “I was quite brace as an augmentation during Megan Richardson with surgical nurse
practitioner
partner Anthony, are full I was born in the old The Trust and Teesside University Beth Alderton and consultant surge
on Rajiv Limaye
of praise for the service Cameron’s Hospital in the have come together to transform the way
New staff ID badges helping remove the
and the beach walks. town — it is lovely Ayda
was also born in the town. clinical audits are carried out — helping
The walks were set up by
improve patient care.
barrier facemasks create with patients
midwives as part of the “As well as this, the
Trust’s status as an ‘Active after-care was fantastic —
Every year, the guidelines, highlight where
Hospital’ by Public Health with advice and support
organisation carries out we are doing well and where
England and its commitment around important things
to regular exercise. such as breastfeeding.”
around 200 clinical audits, there could be improvements. The palliative care team have created new ID badges to show the face behind the mask.
helping keep care in line
with local and national “In the past, this has been Now the team is calling on all The #AndILookLikeThis campaign – “When you can’t see half of someone’s
Lyndsey said: “I had been
standards. recorded in a manual way of its clinical colleagues across first launched by staff at Chesterfield face, it creates a real challenge.
along to Beach Bumps
on paper. the organisation to join them in Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust So, when we saw the social media
once before.
The Trust has traditionally wearing special ID badges which – is in response to the impact personal coverage from Chesterfield about their
recorded this on paper — but “This takes a significant
“On the day of the walk, I help remove the physical barrier protective equipment (PPE) has had idea, we loved it.
is now using electronic ways amount of time. We are now
was starting to experience facemasks can create. since the COVID-19 outbreak.
of carrying this out. using electronic methods “Ever since we have first used the
some contractions. The
but these are not perfect John Sheridan, badges, we have had so much
next day I went in to the
Four teams of students have and are reliant on access to Macmillan lead fantastic feedback.
unit at 4.30am and had Lyndsey’s
Caroline Wood, created several different desktop computers. This isn’t nurse for end of
Ayda four hours later. mi dw ife, with baby Ayda
named
versions of a mobile app always easy for clinical staff life care, said: “So “It shows to patients who we are —
“It was a fantastic which staff can quickly and – computers aren’t always much of the care they can see from our badge what we
experience being there.” easily use for audits. readily available at all hours of we give is about the look like behind the facemask.
the day and night, especially personal relationship
The Rowan suite opened Terry Holdcroft, clinical on the clinical wards. we have with our “We are now calling on all of our staff
earlier this year – so that effectiveness manager, said: patients. A smile, to join us in wearing the badges.”
local women considered “Audits are an important “What we have challenged a reassuring touch,
to be low risk could have responsibility for all clinical staff. students to do is create an and showing that we
their baby in the town. App to allow staff to audit care can mean so
“They ensure we are in conveniently and quickly.”
Lyndsey, Anthony and baby Ayda much to them and
line with national and local
to their relatives.
12 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 13
Patient views!
Here is just a small sample of some of the
lovely comments our patients have made
about our staff and services online!
We’d love to hear your comments on
our services and hospitals as we strive to
continually improve the services
we provide.
You can share feedback and let us know about
things we are doing well or give suggestions for
improvements through our patient experience team
by emailing: nth-tr.patientexperience@nhs.net
or contacting the team on: 01642 624719.
Alternatively, join us online at:
NorthTeesHpoolNHS
@NTeesHpoolNHSFT
northteesandhartlepoolnhsft
14 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 15
Stockton man’s
foot is saved Setting up virus tests and helping
after help from create new innovative treatments —
specialist team Claire O’Malley (pictured with Ian) is one of the the role biomedical scientists have
played in fighting COVID-19
highly specialised podiatrists who treated Ian.
A man from Stockton who has survived two separate
The issue first got to that stage five years ago and has done so
battles to save his feet has thanked the team of health again in recent months — both times the diabetic foot team,
specialists who have helped save them. which works across both hospitals and the community, cared
for Ian.
Over the last 12 months our biomedical scientists have carried out more
Ian Gamble, who is 66, has type two diabetes — this than a staggering 100,000 PCR tests for COVID-19.
He was also treated by a wide range of specialist staff including
puts him at a much greater risk of developing problems
a diabetic consultant, an orthopaedic consultant, podiatrists, Over the last year the trust’s
with his feet due to the damage raised blood sugars can
district nurses and orthotists. biomedical scientists have performed
cause to sensation and circulation.
more than 6.4 million tests for
He said: “I had surgery to scrape out the debris but I had a very
medical conditions including cancer,
bad infection in my foot as a result.
diabetes, blood disorders, meningitis
“After some treatments including a negative pressure device and hepatitis.
to help the ulcer on my foot to heal, doctors were again at the
Among other statistics over this period,
stage where they were considering amputation.”
more than 206,000 patients have had
Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Mackenney opted to carry out surgery blood taken by the phlebotomy team
at the University Hospital of Hartlepool — using his innovative while 14 new point of care devices
technique to fuse the foot together using an external fixator foot have started to be used.
frame in place for nine months.
The team perform a key role in
Along with treatments of intravenous antibiotics, this has helped screening for diseases, identifying
Ian’s foot to make a dramatic improvement. those caused by bacteria and
viruses and monitoring the effects of
medication and other treatments.
This was after two members excelled in as one of the leading They do so using sophisticated
Maggots and a special leg wound dressing help – Emma Swindells and Robyn
Turnbull – set up a new testing
process in the space of just a
trusts in the country.
“Without this team, we simply would
automated equipment, microscopes
and other hi-tech laboratory
equipment and computers.
woman, 81, recover from road accident injury month with support from the
wider team.
not have been able to innovate and
improve as an organisation at a pace of Staff are also supported with
change that we have never seen before development opportunities — over
The team has also issued 230 — all for the benefit of our patients.
Maggots, a special wound dressing and a new staff training programme have all convalescent plasma units as part
the last year 17 members of the
team have professional or academic
helped get a Billingham woman back on her feet after a serious road accident. of the special RECOVERY trial the “They have undoubtedly helped
qualifications.
Trust is involved in to help find new save so many lives and improve the
treatments for the virus. health outcomes of so many others
Brenda explained: “By far the most serious injury was a
in our community and beyond.”
wound to my leg. It’s something which has meant I have
As the Trust marked Biomedical
been unable to walk properly and caused a lot of pain.”
Science Day, pathology service
Due to the serious nature of the injury, the district nursing team manager Sharron Pooley said: “The
asked for support and advice from the tissue viability nurses. work our biomedical scientists – as
well as our staff across the whole
The team, led in the community by specialist nurse pathology service – have carried out
Andy Brown, put together a care package for Brenda. since the virus outbreak has been
nothing short of outstanding.
Andy said: “We recommended a number of measures.
These included a dressing not frequently used by the team, “On top of their normal demanding
a medical grade fly larvae treatment using maggots to help and highly skilled roles, they
Tissue viability nurse Andy Brown with patient Brenda Barrett
clean the wound and a negative wound care pump to help have taken on the challenge of
it heal. setting up a new testing system
Brenda Barrett sustained a number of serious injuries
for coronavirus, performing an
when she was hit at 60mph by another car as she “We also created training videos for staff in an internal enormous number of tests and
was driving. network called the learning hub. These are aimed at taking part in an international
refreshing some of their knowledge and skills when it research study— a study which
The 81-year-old spent three weeks in hospital before returning comes to wounds.” we as an organisation have
home under the care of the community nursing team.
16 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 17
Healthy lifestyle the key
Health care
volunteers to controlling diabetes
We must learn lessons from
recognised
A healthy lifestyle is the key to controlling the impact diabetes
the last year, says NHS chief
in medal can have on someone’s life, a specialist team have said. If Tees NHS teams do not learn lessons from the Coronavirus health
ceremony Sue Jones, a senior consultant doctor, leads regular diabetes outpatient pandemic, then they cannot drive for a positive change across the region.
clinics and treats inpatients across the organisation.
Volunteers who give Our chief executive Julie Gillon has said that the
One in five inpatients treated at the organisation have diabetes, which is caused opportunity to upgrade and dedicate to more
their time and support when people have too much sugar in their blood. ‘aspirant population health’ for the Tees Valley is
to patients are being Speaking from her clinic at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, she said: “Around absolutely prime as the NHS starts to recover from
the impact of COVID-19.
recognised with a 20 per cent of our inpatients are diabetic – a significant number which shows the
impact this can have on people’s health.
The Tees Valley reports some of the starkest health
presentation of an NHS “For someone with diabetes, getting control of your blood sugar level is so important. Sugar statistics across the country, with the widening gap in
Volunteers medal. control for our inpatients means a shorter hospital stay and improved health outcomes. health care inequities reportedly growing since the start
of the pandemic. Ms Gillon has spoken openly about the
“For people with diabetes
The Trust has over 400 challenges the past 18 months have presented for the
it is about managing it,
volunteers working in wider NHS, but closer to home – for her own Trust.
making changes and fitting
various roles to support the
the demands of it into your She said: “The changes we made when the pandemic
organisation, staff and patients.
lifestyle.” hit – regards workforce and in particular our estate were
Chief executive Julie Gillon
The organisation has a at points exceptionally challenging. Working with an
and volunteer co-ordinator
diabetic specialist team ageing estate – built for a population in the 1960’s with a
Paul Wharton presented the
which help patients with a progressive and innovative workforce of current times has
first of the medals to volunteer
range of diabetes related been, quite honestly at times really heart wrenching.”
Nicholas Day (pictured) who
supports staff on ward 36 at conditions such as foot
At the height of the pandemic, the organisation had to
least three times a week, often problems and help for
extend its critical care provision and bed space out into the
at a weekend. women who are pregnant.
hospital theatres owing to capacity, raising concerns for the
staff on the wards.
Speaking at the event, held in the
University Hospital of North Tees'
chapel, Julie praised Nicholas
and all of the volunteers working
within the organisation.
Research team behind new COVID-19
She said: “Your contribution over treatments recognised with awards
the past year, and indeed beyond
Ms Gillon added: “Our colleagues are dedicated to keeping
has been critical. From mealtime A research team’s part in a special trial into COVID-19 patients safe, no compromise. The changes forced upon us by
companions to our volunteer treatments was highlighted after three members the pandemic really challenged us. It makes us all too aware of
drivers, vaccination support,
volunteer responders, and so were recognised. what needs to change for health and care across our region.”
many more wonderful ways In a bid to harness the learning of the pandemic, the
Respiratory consultant Ben
in which you contribute to our Trust held an event – inviting 100 leaders from across the
Prudon, research nurse Alex
hospitals and wider community. organisation to join a virtual event to ‘push for progress’.
Ramshaw and research data
Thank you for all that you do for
assistant Rachel Taylor have been
the Trust and for the families and Ms Gillon said: “Our service to the people of Teesside and
presented with a certificate of Respiratory consultant Ben Prudon and
patients of Teesside.” research nurse Alex Ramshaw the surrounding areas must become even more ambitious
recognition for their “outstanding
and aspirant than ever before. The health inequalities
Ms Gillon presented Mr Day with contribution to research” by
across the region, which of course have been exacerbated
a letter of appreciation and a the National Institute of Health Dr Prudon’s nomination highlighted his
by the pandemic need to be owned and addressed by
medal, which expressed her Research’s regional clinical leadership, passion for research and
everyone who can influence positive change.
personal gratitude. research network. his relationship with patients involved.
Alex’s mentioned her enthusiasm and “For us this starts with a workforce of the future, fit to deliver
The organisation’s many
energy and her achievement being a new way of helping people to simply live better. The first co-
achievements have included being
appointed the study’s lead research hort of 100 leaders at our event have been asked to deliver
the first testing site in the country
mid-way through the trial. some bold, courageous changes for the Trust.
to trial three different treatments
and proportionally being the second Rachel’s nomination included details “Working in partnership with Teesside University, these
highest recruiter of patients in the UK about her work developing screening logs members of our team will be supported to deliver
— taking on just under 800 people. and setting up an effective IT system to something different, more befitting to this region – what
find potential patients to recruit. our population deserves, a stronger healthier Tees Valley.”
18 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 19Mark Davies and Duncan Maw from the freemasons
New drug Volunteers offer emotional support
with staff from the emergency care department
first trialled in to people affected by cancer from the
Stockton helps comfort of their home
reduce deaths A new volunteer-led cancer service means that patients and their loved ones
can now receive extra support without making the trip to hospital.
from COVID-19 existing volunteers in new
virtual roles.
A new drug first trialled by our The volunteers offer emotional support
over the phone to anyone affected
research staff has been found by cancer – whether that is a patient
to reduce deaths from COVID-19 undergoing cancer treatment, or a
by a fifth in the sickest patients. Charity shows gratitude family member or friend having a
hard time coming to terms with a
to emergency workers
loved one’s diagnosis.
The new successful monoclonal antibody If you would like to book a
combination was first tested on a patient at catch up call appointment,
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation
Trust last year – through the research team’s as part of annual teddy please contact the team on
01642 383041 or nth-tr.
bear donation
involvement in the national RECOVERY Trial, cancerinformationcentre@nhs.net
run by Oxford University.
If you’re interested in volunteering
The new medication developed by Regeneron is The new ‘Catch Up Call’ service The new service began earlier this with the Trust get in touch with the
given as a single infusion, working by binding to the An organisation who have handed allows patients and their families
to chat on the phone with trained
year at the height of the pandemic
as a pilot scheme. The scheme, run
volunteering team on 01642 383933
or nth-tr.volunteersnth@nhs.net
virus to inactivate it.
For patients requiring hospital treatment for COVID-19
out tens of thousands of teddy bears volunteers at the Trust’s Macmillan
cancer information centre.
in conjunction with the National
Cancer Programme, works to deploy
who do not already have antibodies against the virus, to children facing emergency care
the medication significantly reduces the risk of dying.
treatment made a special visit to the
Ben Prudon, respiratory consultant and the Trust’s
lead investigator, said: “This is now the third University Hospital of
Hypnobirthing service relaunched
treatment investigated by the trial found to save
lives for those with severe COVID-19 infection – but North Tees.
it is the first medicine to be created specifically for Freemasons from the Durham
for local mums-to-be
the virus.” Province visited the paediatric
In the trial, deaths of those who had no antibodies
emergency care department
and the children’s ward —
We wanted to
of their own were reduced from 30% to 24% –
saving six lives in every 100 patients. Their stay in
leaving a bag filled with do something We are once again offering expectant mothers the opportunity to give birth in more
hospital was cut by four days on average and they
TLC bears, given by clinical
staff to young patients to help
to say 'thank comfort thanks to our refurbished hypnobirthing service.
were less likely to end up on a ventilator.
alleviate distress. you' to our Serenity HypnoBirthing aims to breathing and relaxation techniques
The group also left staff a box of NHS staff... reduce pain and create a calmer,
more peaceful childbirth experience
to self-manage the body’s reactions to
the birth process.
Members of the research team chocolates, vouchers for free coffees
by teaching women breathing
and lapel pin badges. “Serenity HypnoBirthing aims to help
techniques, relaxation exercises
reduce the pain naturally, although
It was also a chance for Mark Davies and Duncan and a safe form of self-hypnosis.
our team of midwives will be on hand
Maw from the freemasons to thank hospital play specialist Dawn Taylor Mums-to-be can sign up to a five- to offer painkillers if needed.
– for all her help in organising the teddy bear donation every year — week HypnoBirthing course for just
before she retires in the coming weeks. “Even if painkillers are still
£90, which includes a book and a CD
required, women will have a calmer,
of relaxation exercises.
Duncan Maw, who manages the initiative, said: “To mark more relaxed birth with Serenity
NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, we wanted to Steph El-Malak, head of midwifery HypnoBirthing.”
do something to say ‘thank you’ to our NHS staff, while also services for the Trust, said: “This is
To find out more about Serenity
remembering those NHS staff we have sadly lost. nothing like a stage hypnotist!
HypnoBirthing email:
“It was also our chance to thank Dawn for the fantastic help she “Serenity HypnoBirthing is a nth-tr.serenityhypnobirthingnth
has been in helping to organise the donation of these teddy bears meditative process of enhancing @nhs.net
every year.”
20 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 21Your latest news from
NTH Solutions...
North Tees and Hartlepool Solutions (NTH Solutions) is owned
by the Trust and provides all of our estates and facilities services.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of our staff have made the
pledge and in return get to proudly wear the rainbow badge,
myself included. The badge is a simple way we can show
that we are inclusive, open, non-judgmental and here to Exterior building works
help everyone.
#Partofthefamily almost complete
“I would encourage colleagues to get involved in the newly
formed LGBTQ+ staff network – a working group which meets Work is almost complete on repairing and restoring the
to discuss LGBTQ+ related issues in the workplace and seeks
We have been sharing some kind words exterior building at the University Hospital of North
to make positive changes within the Trust.” Trust staff have shared about their NTH Tees, improving the appearance of the site.
Solutions colleagues as part of an ongoing The extensive remediation scheme involves repairing and
campaign to show all our staff are protecting the original concrete façade, resulting in an
aesthetically pleasing solution while extending the life of the
#partofthefamily.
main hospital building, which originally opened in 1974.
Theatre matron Karen thanked the estates team
The team have been working collectively to manage impact
for their support and always being on hand and
to site operations while the works were carried out, ensuring
flexible especially throughout the pandemic, while
minimal disruption to hospital staff, patients and visitors.
orthopaedic outpatients’ sister Simona said how
their domestic Romi is an essential part of her
The products being used result in long-lasting protection
team who they would be lost without.
Hospital at night
against carbonation caused by weather conditions and provide
a 10-year guarantee to first maintenance.
It is really nice to hear some of the wonderful comments
staff have shared about their colleagues, we are all one
The hospital never sleeps, and could not Find out more information about the great work NTH Solutions
team with the same goal providing the best possible
does here: www.nthsolutions.co.uk
function without the night shift workers. care to our patients.
Take a look at these before and after photos below!
From the porters who transport our patients to
different areas for tests and treatment, to the
domestics on hand to clean rooms and ward bays
when patients are moved or discharged, we spent
some time with our night workers this month.
The estates team are available for any maintenance and
repairs, as well as making sure systems are in working
order, such as the hospital pod system. Whilst the
security team ensure the hospital is safe and attend
any incidents.
All our fantastic night staff provide quality patient care
and support to the clinical staff at the Trust!
Proudly celebrating Pride Month
Managing Director Mike Worden was joined by colleagues
to show NTH Solutions are an organisation proud to
support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and the wider community.
Mike said: “It’s great that we have pledged as an organisation,
through our staff, to be an ally and celebrate our LGBTQ+
colleagues, service users, suppliers and community, by
introducing a specially designed NHS badge.
22 Anthem | Summer 2021 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Summer 2021 | Anthem 23You can also read
