The heartbeat of the hospital - Autumn 2019 - Medway NHS Foundation Trust
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Autumn 2019 The heartbeat of the hospital Inside: The reality of dementia Same Day Emergency Care - new centre is first of its kind in region
2 News@Medway News@Medway 3 Rising to challenges Further - whatever the award recognition weather Our Emergency Department staff have been nominated for The mild and sunny days of summer waits than normal. You can play a two more major healthcare may be only just behind us, but our role in helping us to manage winter awards after narrowly missing focus is now on winter. We have been pressures by ensuring that you choose out on a top prize at the RCNi working all year to ensure that we the best place for your care (it’s not Nurse Awards in July. This Research team leads are prepared to meet the increased always our Emergency Department) time the team is nominated demands for our care in the colder and by having your flu vaccination. in the Emergency and Critical weather. Care category at the Nursing I’m delighted that this issue features right for our patients who are not just from the front Times Awards in October, with An important part of managing winter many of our unsung heroes in the a number to us, but the very reason Consultant Nurse Cliff Evans also pressures is managing our patient Trust. Doctors and nurses are the most for our existence as an organisation. up for Nurse Leader of the Year. journey throughout the organisation. visible face of any hospital but there I will never allow poor performance In this issue, you can read more about are thousands of other staff behind The Trust’s Research and Innovation – the highest number ever for the to become the acceptable norm at our Same Day Emergency Care centre the scenes who play an integral role Team recruited the highest number of region – of which 5,426 participants Medway. Being seen quickly in the Lift upgrade which is playing a key role in helping in providing patient care. We couldn’t participants from any NHS organisation were based at Medway. To find out Emergency Department, not having to our patients to return home without provide the levels of care that our in the south east for health research how you can get involved in research stay in hospital longer than is required, the need for admission – improving community expects without them and studies last year, according to the latest at your local hospital, contact the team and getting an appointment without patient experience and freeing up we are grateful for each and every figures. In 2018/19, 38,599 patients on 01634 830000 extension 6736 or Work has started to upgrade a long delay are all essentials of good beds in the process. one. and healthy volunteers took part in email met-tr.medwayresearch@nhs. the lifts at Medway Maritime healthcare and we have 4,000 staff We are lucky to have fantastic support Finally, I am very proud to present the commited to ensuring our patients studies across Kent, Surrey and Sussex net Hospital. from our community and we have Not Just a Number campaign in this receive exactly that. The much-needed improvements been grateful for the patience that issue. This provides a visual reminder James Devine will take place over the next two you have shown when facing longer of the importance of getting things Chief Executive Residents at the heart years with a phased approach to minimise disruption to patients, visitors and staff. In this edition of council and health Several of the lifts are very old and the work is needed to restore them and ensure a good service 4 10 partners’ plans between the floors. Notices on the lifts and around The News@Medway NEW EMERGENCY CARE CENTRE SPOTLIGHT ON...THE FALLS TEAM the hospital will provide advice The first such centre in the south Helping to reduce the number of falls All the evidence points to a growing Clinical Commissioning Groups, are team east opens and updates as the project demand for health and social care and working together under the umbrella progresses. 5 13 Editor-in-Chief: Glynis Alexander in Medway, statistics show the need is even greater. of an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) – a new model for the SPECIALIST MIDWIVES HOMECARE MEDICINES SERVICE future with residents at Editor: Will Chambers It is clear that there needs to be Supporting women and families in Our service is good news for patients the heart. changes in the way care is provided Medway Contributors: Michael Addley, so that it is tailored to the needs Over the coming Claire Baigent, Krishna Devi, 6 16 Donna Law, Jodie Moore of today’s – and tomorrow’s – population. This includes providing months you will hear more about the ICP, HEARTBEAT OF THE HOSPITAL CHARITIES FUND MURALS Photography: Mike Gough care out of hospital and closer and will have the The crucial role of Estates and Our cancer unit received a £50,000 to home where appropriate, and chance to get involved Facilities staff makeover Design: Nina Lee introducing innovations designed in developing future to improve experience for people services for the people 8 20 How to get in touch receiving health and social care. of Medway and Swale. Look out for further THE REALITY OF DEMENTIA AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY With this in mind, Medway Council, Email: updates! Trust staff benefit from specialist Find out about our latest engagement Medway NHS Foundation Trust, communications.medwayft@nhs.net Medway Community Healthcare, and training opportunities and health events
4 News@Medway News@Medway 5 New team supports women and families Women and families in Medway and Swale are benefitting from the care of a specialist team of dedicated midwives. by Jodie Moore Team Connect, a team of community midwives, provides antenatal and postnatal care for women and families who have additional vulnerabilities or complex needs. Our centre is the first of Lisa Jarvis, Named Midwife for Safeguarding said: “We introduced Team Connect because we recognised that its kind in region some women and families needed additional support during pregnancy and after birth. It means that women and their families are always cared for by New centre aims to see and assess patients in the shortest time possible. the same midwife who has an understanding of their needs. Their midwife will also support by Claire Baigent the work of other services and agencies who may be involved in We recently opened our Same Day functioning SDEC is ongoing but we promptly and a full range of tests was the family’s life. “ Emergency Care (SDEC) centre – the have already completed phase one carried out. One of the tests had to Team connect gives additional support to families in Medway and Swale first hospital in the south east region and work has begun on phase two. be repeated six hours later and during to do so. SDEC is the provision of The initial actions have resulted in the wait we were given food and drink same day care for emergency patients a much improved waiting area for and had somewhere comfortable to Award success who would otherwise be admitted to our emergency patients and a better sit.” It means that women was very anxious when I discovered and their families are I was pregnant with Arlo. I had hospital. working environment for staff. “Two different doctors spoke to prenatal depression and I was under Patients presenting at hospital, with “This is a huge step forward for us and took the time to make sure always supported by the the Mother and Infant Mental Health The team was recently recognised for certain conditions, can be rapidly patients and has a number of benefits, that my mum understood what they same midwife who has service. assessed, diagnosed and treated without the need to be admitted to not least, avoiding admissions. We know that where possible, people were saying and what treatment she would receive. In fact, all the staff an understanding of their needs. “ “My midwife, Cheryl, supported me from the beginning and was really its work with families in Medway by winning the Outstanding Contribution to Public Health award at this year’s A a ward, and if possible, can go home would much rather return to their we interacted with were kind and Better Medway Awards. understanding of my needs. I suffer the same day. home and not have to stay in helpful.” from agoraphobia and she came to my hospital.” This helps ensure that only the In line with the aim of the centre, Beryl “We have had excellent feedback from house for my appointments so I didn’t Beryl’s story: most seriously ill patients remain was discharged home the same day the families we work with, as well as have to go out. in the Emergency Department and and her follow up appointments have our colleagues from across the health “I ended up having to have an encourages good flow of patients already been booked and confirmed. and social care sector.” Eighty-six-year-old Beryl Haffenden emergency caesarean and Cheryl really throughout the hospital. In addition, Pamela added: “Mum really didn’t Hannah Norrington gave birth to her helped me afterwards to understand it ensures that patients are seen and was recently treated in SDEC and she want to be admitted to hospital so it is son Arlo in March 2019 and was cared what had happened and explained assessed in the shortest time possible. and her daughter, Pamela Mills, were great to have a service that aims to get for throughout her pregnancy and things to me. She visited me at home delighted with the care she received. Director of Operations, Kevin people back to their homes as quickly in the postnatal period by a midwife for some time after Arlo’s birth to Cairney, said: “The creation of a fully Pamela said: “We were seen really as possible.’’ from Team Connect. Hannah said: “I check on us and his development.”
6 News@Medway News@Medway 7 Heartbeat of the What do the long-serving staff think about the role hospital of Estates and Facilities? The Estates and Facilities team plays a crucial role in the safe running of Medway Maritime Hospital, and is responsible for managing, maintaining and improving property and facilities across the site. “ I’ve been at Medway for 20 years and I love my job. I am proud to keep the wards up to a high standard of cleanliness by Will Chambers and communicate with “ “ patients to ensure their From engineers to security staff, staff; the post room, which sends stay is a happy one. housekeepers to porters, and and receives thousands of items every gardeners to catering staff, the team Our patients and day; the laundry, which washes over Ariel Kowalaszek, Security Management Ann Alderson Specialist, said: ‘’The team works really provides a 24/7 service which is vital to visitors should enjoy three million items, such as pillow hard to provide a safe environment and to Housekeeper the Trust, working behind the scenes a warm welcome and cases, blankets, and theatre scrubs, protect our property and grounds. This is to support all staff in delivering high- per year; and many other vital services quality care to patients. a safe and pleasant like accommodation, transport and achieved by regular security patrols and CCTV monitoring, while staff also liaise directly with experience ... our job is Peter Graves, Head of Estates, said: ‘’Our patients and visitors should to create that. “ switchboard, to name just a few.’’ Elsewhere, the hospital is also served Kent Police to help reduce crime in the area.’’ “ enjoy a warm welcome and a safe and by an on-site security team, which is pleasant experience from the moment made up of several security officers, they arrive at the hospital – our job is team plays a key role in the smooth including Bhumiraj Rai (pictured), The best part of my to create that. running of the hospital. On average a and is on hand to assist staff, job is seeing patients, porter walks nearly 2,000 miles a year patients and visitors. helping people and ‘’To achieve this, our hard-working making them happy. estates staff, like Mechanical Engineer transferring patients and moving items. It is tiring, walking so Craig and Grounds Maintenance Operator Stephen (pictured), look after all building services and grounds ‘’Alongside these teams we have the catering “ many miles every day, but you get used to it after 17 years! across the site, including things like department, water, heating, signage, and power, which Nigel Bryant plus much more. prepares Porter ‘’Including our administrative support food for “ team and part time workers, we have patients, more than 40 staff who work shifts visitors and are on-call, covering the site at all and It’s great to be part of times.’’ such an amazing team – I have worked in this David Moore, Head role for 30 years now of Hotel Services, and I feel really proud to added: ‘’Our represent the NHS and housekeepers my local hospital. It is work around very rewarding to serve the clock to keep wards and A porter walks “ and speak to patients, visitors and staff on a daily basis. departments clean, while 1,952 miles Ang Hovenden our portering Catering Assistant
8 News@Medway News@Medway 9 Coffee Experiencing the break for reality of dementia carers Being a carer for someone living with dementia can be Trust staff have been learning what it’s like to live with dementia. Here, members of staff very stressful. Carers sometimes share their thoughts on the specialist training. struggle in isolation, not knowing how to cope and in the long term, by Claire Baigent which impacts their own health. “ Our Carer Coffee Break, which Imagine you’re not sure quite where “I found it almost impossible to is recognised as an area of you are, but you know it’s not home; It was a humbling complete everyday tasks which we ‘Outstanding Practice’ by the Care people have come to visit you but experience which normally take for granted. Quality Commission, provides you’ve no idea who they are and they My Medway... are all talking at once; and on top of reiterated how crucial it is “For a short time, I experienced the emotional support, information that we deliver care that world through the eyes of one of our and education, giving carers a that, your hands won’t perform the dementia patients and discovered how welcome break from their role and simple task of buttoning your jacket. helps to reduce anxiety You’re really not sure what’s going on. This is what it can be like for a person and fear for those living with dementia. “ much the disease affects you. It was a humbling experience which reiterated how crucial it is that we deliver care helping them to get the support they need. I moved to Medway Maritime Hospital as a consultant physician in Every third Tuesday in the month, with dementia coming into hospital – that helps to reduce anxiety and fear Diabetes and Endocrinology because of the challenges that Medway and carers can come together, to share confusing and frightening. for those living with dementia.” experiences with others who Swale face with regard to diabetes care, and I believe that I can make a A number of staff at the Trust have Most of us probably know of someone The aim is to help Trust staff understand their situation, learning difference. received the specialist training from who has dementia. It is now the most understand why dementia patients tips and strategies on how to Training 2 Care Ltd, describing it as The vast diversity in our local population, translate to very challenging common cause of death in the UK. might behave or respond in a certain deal with challenging behaviours worthwhile and eye-opening. medical care, which of course makes working in Medway very challenging It is therefore more important than way and, importantly, what can be and issues. Over coffee and ever that staff working in hospitals Krishna Devi, Community Engagement done to help them maintain their cake, carers make friends, gain and interesting. are trained to provide care in a way Officer, shares her experience: independence by adapting behaviours confidence and walk away feeling Working in Medway is not often easy, but it is worth it. that reduces anxiety and helps people “Dressed in props to impair mobility, and ways of communicating. less overwhelmed and stressed living with dementia to retain their vision and hearing, I was walked into by the pressure of looking after Dr Victor Oguntolu As a result of the success of the Virtual independence. the simulation room. I felt stripped of someone living with dementia. Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetes Dementia Tour, the Medway Hospital all my senses and cannot describe the At Medway Jo Dron, Dementia and Charity has agreed to fund training for If you are interested in the group Delirium Lead Nurse, has introduced anxiety I felt. Despite knowing it was a simulation, I wanted it to end as I was three members of staff, so that they or would like more information, Have you thought about a a Virtual Dementia Tour. This clever can in turn deliver the experience to please contact Ruth Goodey on simulation gives the participant a taste of what it is like to live with confused, disorientated and felt so vulnerable. colleagues. 01634 830000 ext 3208/6845. career at Medway? dementia, complete with headphones that make it harder to understand Medway NHS Foundation Trust runs Medway Maritime Hospital, a busy what’s being said, glasses that make hospital, with more than 4,000 staff, treating nearly 500,000 patients vision less clear, gloves that make once every year. nimble fingers clumsy, and shoe spikes We are less than an hour from London and just a few minutes away from giving a permanently uncomfortable the Kent countryside. The Trust is a fantastic choice for ambitious staff sensation. – both clinical and non-clinical – who want to develop their career in a The tour was created more than 20 dynamic environment. years ago in America and is medically Here at Medway, we pride ourselves on working together as one to ensure and scientifically proven to be the that our best of people provide the best of care to patients across Medway closest re-creation of what living with and Swale. dementia might be like. Many years of If you think you have what it takes to positively contribute to our exciting research have gone into making the future by being part of our amazing team, please go online – http://jobs. experience as realistic as possible. medway.nhs.uk – to view our latest vacancies.
10 News@Medway News@Medway 11 Spotlight on... Your Say TOP TWEETS the Falls Team Ginny @GinnyAB Your feedback from Can you have too many rainbows in www.nhs.uk your life or is it better to make the world a Learn more about some of the 4,000 people who work at more colourful place Medway Maritime Hospital, all focussed on providing the The care from all the midwives and doctors we to live? With thanks to best of care to our patients. encountered was superb. I could write 100,000 @RainbowNHSBadge words about how well we were looked after. Thank and @Medway_NHS_FT I now have my you so much! August 2019 Rainbow NHS badge. Funky frames, non-slip socks, care, focusing on individual My husband spent time on Keats ward and was in hospital League of Friends @MedwayLOF wristbands and sensor pads – all interventions and plans to for two weeks. The consultant, medical staff and auxiliary these and more are in the Medway reduce a patient’s risk of falling. staff were all amazing. Thank you to all concerned. It’s our financial end of year today and armoury to reduce the number of August 2019 it’s throwing up some random interesting The team aims to see all facts... The Medway League of Friends falls. inpatients who fall in hospital has served a whopping 685,832 Falls are the most commonly reported in order to establish the customers in the last 12 months! The nurses were amazing and I cannot incidents in hospital and there are cause and take action to thank them enough for their patience. more than 400 separate risk factors prevent any further incidents Thank you again for everything. that can influence the likelihood of and any patient referred by Jo @1970Jo August 2019 someone falling. the wards who need more specialist input. They also co- Helping with the Acute illness, particularly in frail, ordinate the Emergency Department tea round ensuring older people or those recovering from Clinical Nurse Lead for the prevention ambulatory falls service to ensure Tell us about your experience! our patients on serious injury or surgery increases the of falls, Kerry O’Neill, said: “Here that patients aged over 65, attending Arethusa Ward risk of a fall. People in hospital are at Medway we have introduced a as a result of a fall, are signposted are hydrated @ vulnerable to delirium, dehydration number of initiatives and equipment to the appropriate service, such as Your feedback helps us focus on making improvements Medway_NHS_FT and deconditioning (reduction of to help prevent people experiencing their GP, the Community Falls Team, where you think they need to be made. muscle mass), all of which affect a fall. These include Funky Frames, other specialist nurses for condition balance and mobility, especially in which involved us decorating walking You can leave feedback via social media, online via the management, fracture liaison service David @dasalter unfamiliar surroundings. aids to make them more eye-catching NHS website – www.nhs.uk – or by filling in a feedback or the medical falls clinic. and encourages people to use them. form from the hospital’s main reception. Our inpatient prevention of falls A big thanks to the ambulance crew, An important part of the role is to We also provide non-slip socks, hip service is made up of two clinical Medway NHS Foundation Trust nursing staff and doctors who have carry out research and trial new protectors, anti-slip pads, sensor nurse specialists, Kerry O’Neill and looked after my mother-in-law today equipment and initiatives to see if pads and alarms and assistance alert Glynis Collings. They support the Medway_NHS_FT at Medway Maritime Hospital. Waiting patients could benefit. wristbands. ward areas to provide person centred times were short, assessment was very “Sadly, it is not possible to prevent all MedwayNHS thorough and all staff were attentive and falls in hospital but we are working considerate. First class care. hard to reduce the number as much as possible and put as many measures I was treated by a lovely member of staff in the ear, in place as we can to limit the risk nose and throat service. She was great and made me Stephanie @steffieg777 of injury. It is important that we feel comfortable, and if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have encourage patients to be mobile and been able to come home so soon. Great job! Another great site huddle today for independent but unfortunately this August 2019 Unplanned and Integrated Care. Patients in comes with the risk of a fall. right beds and great working in the heat. “I am pleased to say that the number of falls in our hospital is declining and I visited children’s A&E with my two-year-old. The we will continue to ensure patient staff were all so friendly and made my child feel at safety is our number one priority.” ease. Absolutely wonderful staff - I can’t thank them enough! August 2019
12 News@Medway News@Medway 13 Homecare medicines service is good news for patients More outpatients at Medway Maritime Hospital are now using homecare medicines services avoiding the need to travel to the hospital to collect medication. by Jodie Moore The majority of medication dispensed Chief Pharmacist Stephen Cook said: medication so the savings for them in to patients following an outpatient “Our Pharmacy is extremely busy and both time and cost is huge. appointment or upon discharge from wait times can sometimes be long. “Not only does it benefit patients to hospital is available from a community Our aim is to provide patients with Preventing cerebal palsy have their medications delivered, but it pharmacy. However, many patients medicines that are safe, appropriate is also cost-effective for the NHS.” have medication requirements that and cost-effective, in a timely manner. may only be issued from a hospital The development of our homecare Options for delivery vary depending on pharmacy, even when they are at medicines service has meant that we the type of treatment being delivered in pre-term labour home. are better able to meet the needs but patients may choose to have their of our outpatients by delivering medication delivered to their home Outpatients who require these medication direct to their home or address, work address or another medications would usually have to agreed location. address of their choosing. The van is attend the hospital to pick up their unmarked so patients can be assured prescription. Thanks to our homecare “In June we made approximately that the service is discreet. The neonatal and maternity teams at Medway Maritime Hospital are celebrating the medicines service, we are now able to 1,100 deliveries to patients in Medway success of a programme which aims to reduce cerebral palsy in premature babies. deliver more medications to patients in and Swale. That’s 1,100 patients who Medway’s Pharmacy department the community. did not have to make the journey dispenses, on average, more than by Jodie Moore into the hospital. Some 30,000 items each month. It employs of these patients a team of more than 70 staff, Babies born before 37 weeks are at Clinical Lead for PReCePT across Kent, mother, Emma Counsel, remembers require monthly including pharmacists, pharmacy higher risk of developing medical Surrey and Sussex. She explained how being offered magnesium sulphate to repeat technicians, pharmacy assistants, and conditions, including cerebral palsy, a the work of PReCePT focuses on the help protect her baby’s brain. support staff. lifelong condition affecting movement needs of the local population and is The Pharmacy provides a number Emma said: “Sadly we lost Archie’s twin and coordination caused by a problem transforming outcomes for premature of different services to patients when I was around 19 weeks’ pregnant. with the brain occurring before, babies: “We know that magnesium across Medway and Swale including When I was told I had to deliver Archie, during or after birth. sulphate given to women in premature dispensing services for I was given the magnesium sulphate labour reduces the likelihood of inpatients and outpatients, Cerebral palsy causes a range of some time before my scheduled delivery cerebral palsy by crossing the placenta supplying medication difficulties from minor problems to to give it time to pass through to the and protecting the brain in premature stock to hospital wards severe disability. Although being baby. After now learning more about babies. as well as a range of born prematurely does not mean a the risks of cerebral palsy in premature child will develop cerebral palsy or “The PReCePT programme aims to babies, I am so relieved that Archie was outlying hospitals any other health issues, nearly half increase the number of eligible women given the treatment.” and clinics, of the children who develop cerebral who are given magnesium sulphate to clinical pharmacy The success of PReCePT at Medway services and a palsy were born prematurely. In the 85 per cent. Before Medway Maritime is testament to the excellent work team of specialist UK around 60,000 babies are born Hospital joined the programme, of midwife Jenny Wooley and close pharmacists with prematurely every year. around 70 per cent of eligible women collaboration between the maternity expertise in specific per year were receiving treatment. The PReventing Cerebral Palsy in Pre- and neonatal teams, supported by the clinical areas such as Since joining the programme this has Term labour programme (PReCePT) Kent, Surrey, Sussex Academic Health antimicrobial therapy, increased to 88 per cent and our aim is a national programme which aims Science Network. If this success is frailty and paediatrics. is to exceed 95 per cent by 2020.” to increase the uptake of magnesium repeated across England it is predicted sulphate as a neuro protector. Archie Johnson is a happy, healthy to prevent several hundred cases of The team also provides an on- three year old who was born at 26 cerebral palsy per year. call pharmacy service for advice and Dr Helen McElroy is consultant supply of urgent medication outside of weeks weighing 680 grams. His neonatologist and the Regional pharmacy opening hours.
14 News@Medway News@Medway 15 Our patients are OF PEO Celebrating our T BES PL E Best of People! A Staff and volunteers from across the organisation came together at the Corn Exchange in Rochester this had gone the extra mile in their daily roles and to thank our long-servers who have devoted so many years of WARDS 2019 following a strong response from readers, midwife Valerie Andrew not just a number summer to celebrate the very best of service to the Trust. claimed the prestigious award, which Medway at our annual staff awards The Medway Messenger once again was collected on the night by her Being seen quickly in the Emergency Department, not having to stay in hospital longer ceremony. daughter Katrina. than is required, having people caring for them who wash their hands, and getting an teamed up with the hospital to launch The Best of People Awards were an a readers’ Hospital Hero award. In Congratulations to all of our award appointment without a long delay are all things that matter to our patients, and they opportunity to recognise those who what was a close fought contest winners and long-servers! matter to our staff too. Dot Brame Don Lawrence by Michael Addley Best Employee Best Volunteer Improving our performance against statutory targets such working hard to deliver safe and compassionate care every as the four-hour emergency care and the 62-day referral to day. treatment standards is a priority for the Trust. This isn’t just “They do a fantastic job, but sometimes it is important about numbers, it’s about getting the fundamental aspects to take a moment and reflect on the person behind the of care right. numbers. That’s what Not Just a Number is all about, Maternity Services We want our staff to always remember that behind every putting empathy at the heart of our care and making Best Team percentage point on a spreadsheet are patients that are not Medway brilliant for all patients.” getting the care they deserve. Long Service Our Chief Executive James Devine explains: “I’m very Good hand hygiene helps to 20 Years proud of the care that our staff provide to our community, keep our patients safe. It is a simple, low-cost action to prevent the spread of microbes that cause healthcare associated infections. It can save lives. That’s why our hand hygience Multiple patient moves can be harmful. compliance rates are not just a number. They predominantly affect older, frailer patients, and increase the risk of falls, Long Service delirium, medication errors and extend 30 Years length of stay. A stay in hospital over 10 days leads to 10 That’s why the number of times a years of muscle ageing for some people who are most at risk. Volunteers’ patient moves is not just a number. Rosie Swan NOT JUST A NUMBER That’s why our length of stay performance Best Professional is not just a number. Development efforts rewarded NOT JUST A NUMBER Ruth Chimanga The commitment shown by our hospital Best Patient / Customer Care volunteers was celebrated at a special awards ceremony and afternoon tea in Chatham in July. Long service awards were given to 19 volunteers Best Supporting Service - Jackie Suter, Anaesthetics for 10 years’ service, nine volunteers for 15 Best Innovation - Trude McLaren, Maternity years’ service and four volunteers for an NOT JUST A NUMBER incredible 20 years’ service. Hospital Hero - Valerie Andrew, Maternity
16 News@Medway News@Medway 17 Charity news Charities fund murals Coming up... in Cancer Unit 14 November – Sing-along Tedway The hit musical The Greatest Showman comes to life The hospital’s Cancer Unit has received a £50,000 makeover thanks to the at the charity sing-a-long evening! Have fun, sing loud generosity of two charities. and experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and by Donna Law full audience participation essential. Book your tickets now at www.glassboxtheatre.com Thank you to all everyone who contacted the Donations from The Medway Brendan Law, Teenage Cancer Cynthia Matarutse, Macmillan Lead fundraising team with a mascot name. We had some Hospital Charity and The Teenage Trust Regional Services Manager, Cancer Nurse said: “We are incredibly lovely suggestions from staff. The shortlisting panel Cancer Trust have paid for the unit said: ‘’We are delighted to have thankful to The Medway Hospital unanimously fell in love with one – Tedway! Christmas Knitting to be transformed from a clinical, partnered with the Trust to provide Charity and The Teenage Cancer Trust He was named by Ariel Kowalaszek, the Trust’s We know we’re barely out of summer but we prepare somewhat uninviting space, to a these enhancements. We know that for funding these improvements. They Accredited Security Management Specialist. early at The Medway Hospital Charity! If you would vibrant environment, more conducive improving the environment alongside make such a difference to the feel like to receive our knitting patterns for our Christmas to supporting patients through their excellent specialist nursing care are key and look of the unit. The assessors Knitting Appeal, please email medwayft.charity@ cancer journey. factors in supporting people through are looking forward to seeing the Hospital Heroes nhs.net their cancer treatment.’’ improvements when they visit us for Vicky Kidner, Macmillan Lead Nurse reaccreditation in 2021 and we hope for Chemotherapy, said: “The murals These improvement plans helped the throughout both Lawrence Ward and Unit secure the Macmillan Quality they will help us secure another five- star rating.” Thank you to the incredible army of superheroes who 8 November – Quiz Night Galton Day Unit are truly appreciated Environment Mark’s five-star rating last descended on The Great Lines in June to run the first Why not join us for our bi-annual Quiz Night in the by patients and families alike. They are year. This top score was partly due to Pictured: Lucy Roberts, Senior Medway Hospital Heroes 5k. One hundred and seventy hospital restaurant? Tickets are priced £6 per person colourful and aesthetically pleasing, the enhancements, as the assessors Sister on Lawrence Ward and Vicky five people signed up and more than £2,750 has been for teams of six to eight. May’s Quiz Night raised a giving a less clinical feel to the felt the wall art would contribute to Kidner, Macmillian Lead Nurse for raised to support projects that fall outside of the NHS wonderful £673 for The Medway Hospital Charity. To environment. Patients, therefore, feel the patients’ sense of comfort and book your tickets, please emaill medwayft.charity@ Chemotherapy in the Day Room budget. more at ease.” well-being. nhs.net Thank you, too, to everyone who helped on the day including: staff, volunteers, marshals, sponsors MC Personnel, supporters Medway Council, Medway Norse, Asda Chatham, Asda Rotary, Medway Park, Nuffield 6 December – Christmas Fair Health, Mr Softee, Glitter Faces, A Down Catering, Patients, visitors, staff and local residents will be able Wild Balloons, Hospital Radio Medway, Nandos and The to get into the festive spirit at our Christmas Fair, from Entertainer, Chatham. 11am to 3pm in the hospital main entrance. Join us for fun and games and do a little Christmas shopping! Get in 01634 825398 touch medwayft.charity@nhs.net www.medway.nhs.uk
18 News@Medway News@Medway 19 Getting Helping patients kick the habit It’s ok to help In Kent and Medway, local While smoking is in terminal decline, it remains the nation’s biggest killer. Although there are now almost two million fewer smokers than in 2011 nationally, there remain around six million adults who are still subject to the devastating harm tobacco causes. ask for authorities and NHS partners have come together to provide several resources which can help people find In Medway, it is estimated that there surgery the chance to talk about the “It was terrific to speak to people the support that they need before are 21,000 less smokers than there benefits of quitting smoking before an who were so understanding and help they get to crisis point. were in 2012, while the area has seen operation, and what support options encouraging – I was given advice its smoking prevalence reduce from are available locally to support them. before my operation, after I came out “ These include: 25.5 per cent in 2012 to 14.7 per cent of hospital, and I still get calls from the • The Release the Pressure in 2018. team to this day! campaign with free 24/7 support Here at Medway NHS Foundation Trust “To anyone who is thinking about line and webchat www. It was terrific to speak we are proud to be working with our giving up smoking, my one piece of releasethepressure.uk community partners to continue this to people who were advice would be to get in touch with so understanding and Life can be really tough sometimes and with one in four people experiencing mental health and • The Stay Alive app which is packed full of useful information and tools to help individuals stay progress, and help our patients, staff and visitors kick the habit. encouraging. “ the Medway Stop Smoking Service straight away – do not hesitate.’’ wellbeing issues at some point in their lives there is Since our site became smoke-free in Vicky Carter (pictured), Medway Stop a chance that either you or someone you know and safe in crisis. October 2016, we have undertaken Smoking Service Health Improvement love is currently struggling to cope. • Free to access suicide prevention One local Medway resident, who a number of initiatives to do exactly Project Officer (Acute), said: “If a training (three hour face to face that. visited the hospital earlier this year, patient stops smoking before surgery Unfortunately, mental health and wellbeing issues can or 45 minute online). Please successfully quit smoking after being they are likely to recover quicker and sometimes lead to people contemplating suicide and sadly 141 people took email suicideprevention@ This year, a project led by Consultant referred onto the service before an their own lives in 2017 (latest figures) in Kent and Medway. This means that there is less chance of complications kent.gov.uk for more details Anaesthetist Dr Nandita Divekar, in operation. She said: “I had been a the county has a higher suicide rate than the national average. such as lung and heart problems, and about how to access this free collaboration with Medway Council’s smoker for more than 50 years, so an increased risk of being admitted to Middle aged men are most at risk of suicide, but it is something that can affect training. Stop Smoking Service, saw the when I was first told about speaking intensive care, all of which can lead to both genders and all ages. Research has shown that life pressures such as introduction of specialist stop smoking to an adviser and giving up for good, I If you are feeling suicidal: a longer stay in hospital.’’ relationship breakdown, money worries, stress and grief are factors which can advisors at Medway Maritime Hospital didn’t think it was possible. However, lead people to crisis point. • Make an urgent appointment to two days a week. These dedicated the support I received was see your GP advisors offer smokers coming in for absolutely fantastic. Thankfully research has also shown that seeking help and talking about these problems can help many people feel better; people like Bill. Bill asked for help • Get support 24/7 from Release If you want to quit smoking for the pressure by webchat or good, visit www.medway.gov.uk/ after he began to have suicidal thoughts. calling 0800 107 0160 stopsmoking or call 01634 334 800. He said: “I didn’t know it was possible to feel that bad. I was in a really dark place, but talking helped me see that suicide wasn’t the only way out. It • Speak to a friend, family stopped the confusion taking over. My marriage had broken up very suddenly member or someone you trust and I just couldn’t handle it. I felt so lost, confused and powerless that I didn’t • Call the Samaritans 24-hour have a sense of future. It was only when I was so close to ending my life that I support service on 116 123. realised I needed to talk. If you are worried about someone “I talked to lots of friends and professionals. It gave me a bit of hope and even else: though the bad feelings would come back, each time I talked, the hope grew • Ask them whether they are and would last a little longer.” thinking about suicide. Try to stay calm even if they say they are. Listen. Ask open questions. Create a mini safety plan including reducing access to the means of suicide (if possible) and encouraging them to get help • Get support 24/7 from Release the Pressure by webchat or calling 0800 107 0160 • If you believe their life is in imminent danger call 999
20 News@Medway News@Medway 21 Dates for At the heart of the community Introducing your your diary Lead Governor Members go ‘behind the Members and non-members are welcome to attend these meetings. Please check our website for further In July, the Trust welcomed a new details of our events. scenes’ at hospital Lead Governor, Glyn Allen. We spoke to him to find out more about his If you have any suggestions motivation for becoming a Governor, about future meetings, please his ambitions in the role and why you contact Krishna Devi, Community should consider becoming a member Engagement Officer at krishna. of the Trust. engage whenever possible with the devi@nhs.net As an NHS Foundation Trust it is important that our members have an understanding of local community and promote the Q. What was your motivation Member events what goes on behind the scenes, so in July we opened our hospital doors to them. to become a Governor and excellent work of the Trust. Free parking available subsequently, put yourself forward Q. What is your connection to by Krishna Devi for the position of Lead Governor? Medway? • Annual Members’ Meeting – Tuesday 19 September 2019, The first of its kind, the event started A. Back in 2014, I was a patient A. I have always lived and worked 6pm to 8pm, Restaurant, with introductions from the Trust’s at Medway Maritime Hospital and in Medway, beside some periods of Medway Maritime Hospital. Director of Estates and Facilities, despite the Trust being in special work overseas. As a resident, I care Gillingham ME7 5NY. Gary Lupton, and members of the measures at the time, I had a good about the local community and the Simulation Team, as we opened our experience. This encouraged me to services available and I understand the Light refreshments and displays doors to members to showcase the become a member of the Trust but I difficulties and frustrations sometimes will be available from 5pm. vital work that is often unseen to the felt that I wanted to give something experienced by those in Medway and • Pharmacy and Medicines – public. back for the wonderful care I had Swale. Tuesday 19 November 2019, Guests were shown around the received, so in 2015 I become a Q. What would you say to 6pm to 8pm, Postgraduate Medical Gas Building, Emergency Governor. someone thinking of becoming a Medical Centre, Medway Generator House and Clinical Alastair Harding, the previous Lead Trust member or Governor? Maritime Hospital. Engineering, with the Trust’s Governor, did a fantastic job and when A. Do it! It’s great to be part of the This is your chance to hear experienced Hospital Engineers, Leo Hospital Engineer Leo I heard that he would be standing team and to be involved in such an about the role of Pharmacy, the McGregor-Davies and Paul Chambers. McGregor-Davies talks down, I decided to put myself forward integral part of the local community. safe use of medicines and the This gave members a chance to see to members outside as a candidate. There were quite a transformational work being By becoming a member, you can vote the ‘nuts and bolts’ behind the safe the boiler room few new Governors at the time and I for your Governors, have access to undertaken to improve patient running of the hospital’s operations. felt that my background and my four members meetings and events and experience, quality and patient Our Simulation Department (pictured the levels of modern training on offer, We would like to thank members for years’ experience as a Governor would have your say. safety. which helps to improve experiences joining us for this first ever ‘behind the make me an appropriate choice for below) then provided an insight into the role. Q. What changes have you seen Meet your Governors how our clinicians are trained using for our clinicians and patients. scenes’ event and it was encouraging during your time with the Trust? to see so many of you express an • Thursday 3 October 2019, advanced, lifelike manikins, in a range The tour ended with a question and Q. What are your aims as Lead interest in working more closely with A. The biggest change has been the 10am to 12pm of simulation scenarios. answer session with Chief Executive Governor? the hospital in future. Trust coming out of special measures Main entrance, Medway The Trust’s simulation staff work hard James Devine, who was quizzed on A. I have served on a number of in 2017. There is such an obvious Maritime Hospital to provide high-quality, educational a range of topics including future More information about our member Trust committees and groups and focus now on high quality care and plans for the hospital, car parking, events can be found in the ‘dates for • Thursday 28 November 2019, exercises for our clinicians, and am particularly interested in finance. patient safety. There have been supporting staff wellbeing, and career your diary’ section. 10am to 12pm Morrisons, 1 members told us they were impressed I hope to encourage my fellow changes to the leadership team and opportunities at the Trust. Knight Rd, Strood ME2 2AQ to see this first-hand and by If you have any questions about or Governors to get involved, attend I feel that it is now a very stable, Members concluded the suggestions for meetings, please events and attend committees. I will competent team who have the best session by telling us they were contact Krishna Devi, Community also endeavour to inspire them to interests of patients and staff at heart. ‘pleased to have participated’, Engagement Officer at krishna.devi@ were ‘better informed about nhs.net Become a member the back room operations delivered by unsung heroes’, were ‘positive and confident Take a look at that things were improving’, our behind the You can receive regular information and updates about the and were ‘extremely optimistic scenes video hospital, member events and how you can get involved by for the future of their local from the day! applying online to become a member at www.medway.nhs. hospital’. uk/membership. Membership is free.
22 News@Medway News@Medway 23 Focus on.... We should all be aware of flu, a potentially deadly, and preventable, disease. There is no shortage of myths, Your Puzzle Challenge Flu misinformation and bad advice when Quiz Of The Day it comes to the flu and the flu vaccine. Dialling Codes See below for a few flu myth busters! 1. Which novel by J.P. Donleavy charts the racy misadventures of the book’s protagonist, Sebastian Dangerfield? 6. In which joint of the human body would you find the trapezium bone? 1 2 3 2. On which London thoroughfare did King James I keep his []’– ABC DEF 7. English actor Kit Harrington is best known for playing the aviary? role of Jon Snow in which globally successful TV series? 4 5 6 3. Which chemical, with the formula H2O2, is used as an oxidant GHI JKL MNO Spaces and any The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus and bleaching agent? 8. Brontophobia is the irrational fear of what? punctuation 7 8 9 marks are that can’t transmit infection. So people who 9. What are the chemical elements with the atomic numbers PQRS TUV WXYZ represented by 1 4. Epistaxis is the medical name for which common complaint? I will catch the flu become ill after receiving a flu vaccination 9, 17, 35, 53 and 85 collectively known as? MYTH Telephone dialling pads combine several were going to become ill anyway. It takes 5. Which brand of beer did brewers Shepherd Neame advertise letters on one key. Here we have encoded from the vaccine a week or two to get protection from the with the slogan: ‘Downed all over Kent, just like the Luftwaffe’? 10. Which fictional horse lived with Ginger and Merrylegs? nine cheeses by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into vaccine, but people assume that because Quick Crossword groups of three characters and run all the they got sick after getting the vaccine, the flu 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 names one after another to make your task Across Down a little more difficult. Can you crack the vaccinations caused their illness. 1. Enchanting (7) 1. Acted silently (5) 8 code? 5. Watery liquid (5) 2. Waif (5) 9 10 8. Unit of electrical 3. Join (7) 669 927 355 212 433 327 136 825 10 resistance (3) 4. Pay a short visit (4,2) While it’s especially important for people who 9. Souvenir (7) 314 568 237 837 122 377 445 591 5. Clever (5) 11 12 13 14 have a chronic illness to get vaccinated, 10. Scottish region (5) 6. Diet (7) 727 637 261 767 833 678 193 675 I am healthy so I 15 16 11. Move to music (5) 7. Maltreated (7) anyone can get the flu, even healthy people. 393 253 123 517 237 317 331 534 MYTH 13. Neck of land (7) 12. Ventilate (3) 17 18 19 20 21 don’t need to get And if you catch it, you can pass it on to those who are at more risk of serious illness. 15. Flexible stick (4) 17. Bather (anag.) (6) 14. Scorch (4) 16. Discreet call for 22 23 237 837 vaccinated This could include your friends, family or work 19. Made amends (6) 22. Republic of Ireland (4) attention (4) 17. Two-wheeled vehicle (7) 24 25 26 27 28 Word Pyramid colleagues. 24. Censure (7) 18. Raise to nobility (7) 26. Indian prince (5) 20. Insubstantial (7) 29 30 29. Heavy pole (5) 21. Age (3) 30. Strong feeling (7) 23. Put in (6) 31 E 31. Household god (3) 25. Ahead of time (5) 32 33 32. Very hard mineral (5) 27. Spin rapidly (5) M N While the flu may cause bad cold symptoms like 33. Struggled (7) 28. Filleted (5) A T R sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness, Magic Square The flu is just a Sudoku MYTH and cough, it is so much more than just a cold. I A A I bad cold Flu can be fatal and still accounts for 8,000 There is just one simple rule. Each row and each column REGAINED L R P A N deaths in England every year. must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 BIRDCAGE Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess. Using all 16 letters of the sentence moving from one chamber to another within above, form four words each of four the pyramid. You may only enter each of the 1 2 letters which will form a magic chambers once and may only proceed square in which the words can be through openings in the walls. The first letter 2 9 8 3 read both horizontally and vertically. may appear in any of the chambers. I was vaccinated The flu virus changes (mutates) each year. So 8 3 4 Equaliser Train of Thought MYTH getting vaccinated each year is important to last year so I don’t make sure you have immunity to the strains 5 4 7 3 6 Place the four signs (add, subtract, 6 8 What word links the following? need to get it again most likely to cause an outbreak. 4 5 7 multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and 9 3 7 _E___ 3 3 1. a tapered piece of wood; 1 6 2 down line is the same. 2. a stroke in cuneiform characters; Perform the first calculation in each line first 4 3 2 3. a golf club; 1 4 3 and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction. 5 1 4. to crowd closely. 3 7 9 6 8 1 5 4 Solutions Whirl; 28 Boned. Era; 23 Insert; 25 Early; 27 10 Angus; 11 Dance; 13 9 4 5 6 3 2 1 7 8 I have the flu Ennoble; 20 Tenuous; 21 Serum; 8 Ohm; 9 Memento; Wedge. Across – 1 Magical; 5 8 6 1 5 9 7 4 3 2 Ahem; 17 Bicycle; 18 Antibiotics work well against bacteria, but Transformer TRAIN OF THOUGHT: multiply. Total: 10. MYTH QUICK CROSSWORD: 7 2 3 4 1 8 5 6 9 so I must need divide; add; subtract; Misused; 12 Air; 14 Sear; 16 Parliamentarian. 4 5 2 9 6 1 7 8 3 they aren’t effective for a viral infection like in; 5 Smart; 6 Regimen; 7 Black Beauty. WORD PYRAMID: Clockwise from top left – 3 1 7 2 8 5 6 9 4 Gamin; 3 Connect; 4 Look Thunder; 9 Halogens; 10 EQUALISER: antibiotics 6 8 9 3 7 4 2 1 5 the flu. bel paese; Red Leicester. Down – 1 Mimed; 2 Game of Thrones; 8 Add the given letter or letters to the first word to make a Roquefort; Wensleydale; bare; acid; ring; edge. Lar; 32 Emery; 33 Tussled. Spitfire; 6 The wrist; 7 1 9 4 7 2 3 8 5 6 new word. Clue: Turn to embrace engine noise. Caerphilly; Parmesan; MAGIC SQUARE: 29 Caber; 30 Emotion; 31 peroxide; 4 Nose bleed; 5 5 3 8 1 4 6 9 2 7 double Gloucester; 24 Condemn; 26 Nawab; Birdcage Walk; 3 Hydrogen ___ +C=C___ Hug + C = Chug. 2 7 6 8 5 9 3 4 1 mozzarella; Cheddar; Breath; 19 Atoned; 22 Eire; 1 The Ginger Man; 2 DIALLING CODES: TRANSFORMER: Isthmus; 15 Cane; 17 QUIZ OF THE DAY: SUDOKU:
24 News@Medway
You can also read
