Autumn 2014
RD&E news
MEMBERS’ SAY 2014! Read all about it pages 12-13
Index
04 Connecting Care Latest news
05 Patient Safety Programme Update
06 RD&E shortlisted for HSJ awards
07 Chancellor pays tribute to ‘amazing work’ during visit to RILD
08 Be a Flu Fighter!
09 Richards Wish refurbish Paediatric oncology rooms
10 Kathleen quits with RD&E Stop Smoking Service
11 Healthcare science At the RD&E
12 Members’ Say 2014
16-17 RD&E staff overseas
Welcome
Welcome to the autumn edition of RD&E News; bringing you a roundup of all the latest
news, activities and achievements at the RD&E.
Our Members play a crucial part in helping us to shape our services and make
improvements to the way we work. Every year, we hold our Members’ Say event so we
can better understand the views and opinions of the communities we serve, as well as
giving you the opportunity to get to know us better.
This year saw hundreds of Members come together to hear from staff, Executives and
Governors, and to learn more about the future of healthcare at the RD&E. You may have
noticed RD&E Member Lilian Sevilla and her husband Alfonso chatting to Gill Baker from
our Clinical Research Facility at the event on the front cover of this edition. You can read
all about the day on pages 12 and 13.
Unsubscribe?
If you are a Member and would like us to remove you from our mailing list please
contact the Engagement Team on 01392 403977 or you email rde-
tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
Tell us your news!
We’d love to hear about your projects, achievements and successes. Get in touch if
you have a story idea that you would like including in the next edition of RDE News,
and don’t forget we love pictures too so send them in!
Copy deadline for the next issue is 8th December 2014. The next RD&E News will be
published in February 2015.
To get in touch, contact a member of the Communications Team:
James Garnett, Communications Manager 01392 402833, jamesgarnett@nhs.net
Gwen Powell, Communications Officer 01392 406941, gwenpowell@nhs.net
Lucy Basten, E-Communications Officer 01392 406186, lucybasten@nhs.net
Or email rde-tr.RDEComms@nhs.net
Accessibility
We can arrange language translation if you do not speak English. We can arrange
British Sign Language interpretation, and also give you this information in larger text.
Please ask us on (01392) 403977
#hellomynameis update
Following the launch of our #hellomynameis campaign this July, the message has
maintained its momentum with a further 634 members of staff pledging their support. Our
campaign video has also continued to be a hit and many others have pledged their support
on Twitter.
We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who got on board with the campaign so
enthusiastically and who are using #hellomynameis every day when caring for patients.
Some of the most notable supporters of the campaign have included keen advocates Alison
Wooton, Helen Pattison, Sandy Chivers, Kelly Dugan, Sheila Edgecombe, and Lyn ColvilleHyde, and Tanzin Wangdi who singlehandedly signed up 69 people.
Junior Doctors Olivia Jagger and Bethan Loveless, who were the catalysts for bringing the
campaign to the RD&E, have now moved on to rotations elsewhere. However, picking up the
baton is new #hellomynameis Junior Doctor Champion Jenny Dodds. Jenny is an F2 on
Clyst Ward; she was keen to carry on the project because: “#hellomynameis is very simple
concept but it can make a significant impact on patient care and their hospital experience.”
What a year it’s been!
You can find out about our progress and achievements throughout 2013/14 in the
RD&E’s brand new Annual Report Summary. The publication is a helpful guide to
some of our main activities during the year, as well as a brief overview of our
finances, targets and strategic challenges. To take a read of the full story visit
www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/trust/documents or pick one up on your next visit to the
RD&E while stocks last.
System Resilience
The last few months have seen increased pressure and demand for services at the
RD&E. Chief Executive Angela Pedder explains.
“The pressure on the NHS seems to be a regular feature of news reports at the
moment and, as we head towards the May 2015 general election, I expect the intensity
of coverage will increase. Unfortunately, the national picture of significantly
increasing demand for hospital-based care is replicated at the RD&E where
emergency admissions have increased by over 15% since April. We have become
better at modelling demand and planning capacity but we, along with many other
hospitals, did not predict the sustained step-change in demand we have seen since
April.
I and other members of the Board are very aware that the current situation is
particularly challenging and creates difficulties for our staff and patients. I know that
people are working incredibly hard to ensure our patients are safe and treated as
quickly as possible. Thank you for all you are doing for our patients in these very
difficult circumstances.
The scale of the increased demand is such that the joint approach currently in place is
simply not robust. This means that a number of people are now being admitted into
the RD&E who should, with the right interventions and support earlier, not require
acute care. In addition, the approach taken to managing demand has not resulted in
slowing the numbers of people coming into the Emergency Department.
We are working hard with NEW Devon CCG and Devon County Council to refine the
current approach as well as inputting into a new system-wide Acute, Community and
Social Care Resilience Plan that should help to ease the immediate operational
pressure we face. Further work will be needed to provide greater resilience as we
head towards winter.
As you know, one of our strategic objectives is for the RD&E to play a much bigger
role in delivering integrated care for our catchment population across Exeter, Mid and
East Devon. In late summer the NEW Devon CCG has published its strategy for
Community Services and indicated it had a preference for the RD&E to lead the
delivery of integrated care for our catchment area. A final decision on this was due as
RD&E News went to print, but this is a very exciting opportunity and in the interests of
our patients because it will open up the way for the RD&E to manage their care
pathway and smoothly ensure all patients receive care in the most appropriate
setting.”
90% of staff would recommend care at the RD&E!
The results of the national Staff Friends and Family Test have shown that 90% of
RD&E staff would recommend the care and treatment provided by the Trust. The first
quarter results (from April to June 2014), which were published by NHS England in
September, show:
• Nationally, 76% of staff said they would recommend their organisation to friends and
family in need of care or treatment. In comparison, 90% of respondents at the RD&E
would recommend the organisation. Last year, 76% said they would recommend the
Trust.
• Nationally, 62% of staff said they would recommend their organisation to friends and
family as a place to work. In comparison, 72% of respondents at the RD&E would
recommend the organisation. Last year, 62% said they would recommend the Trust.
NATIONAL NHS STAFF SURVEY – Have you
received yours yet?
You may have received a request to take part in this year’s NHS Staff Survey. The
survey is essential in helping us to understand your views and to consider what
needs changing to improve working life at
the RD&E.
In previous years we’ve asked all staff to complete the survey but this year, to help
reduce costs, we have commissioned Capita to randomly select 850 staff. This
sample will give largely the same result as a full staff survey and it will be used to
compare the RD&E with other Trusts.
If you have received a letter and survey form, please return it to Captia by the 5th
December.
Case study: Haemodialysis Unit
WILL’S TOP TIPS:
• Keep the Comm Cell content easy to update
• Make it easy to interpret visually, colourful etc
• Make it relevant and accessible to your area/workforce
Latest news
A NEW phase in the roll-out of the Trust’s innovative Connecting Care way of working
has begun this autumn.
Since January the Service Development Team have been training up all clinical areas on
how to use Connecting Care’s ‘Communication Cells’.
Now these areas will begin using the next key tool ‘Observe and Support’. This is a
simple framework which allows staff all the way up the Trust’s management structure to
regularly review the progress frontline teams are making with Connecting Care’s Comm
Cells, Patient Flow Boards and all other aspects of their service.
Crucially, Observe and Support gives teams the opportunity to seek advice and
encouragement from the Trust’s senior leadership teams, who are then able to spread
what they learn to other teams they visit and ensure innovations and best practice from
the frontline are shared at all levels of the Trust.
Project Manager James Hobbs said: “Observe and Support is the key part of
Connecting Care and really enables those connections to come to life. Whilst it takes
commitment to ensure O&S visits are scheduled and are held consistently, the
feedback from areas that have already implemented O&S has been particularly
positive.”
If you have any questions contact Service Development who are always happy to help.
Email: rde-tr.ServiceDevelopmentTeam@nhs.net
Working Together workshop to enable better
hospital discharge
A key engagement event was held at the RD&E in September, as part of our Good
Outcomes On Discharge (GOOD) project. The ‘Working Together Workshop’ was
organised to engage further with colleagues from nursing and residential homes
across Devon on the process for discharging patients from hospital.
The event was attended by representatives from over 30 residential homes and
facilitated an open dialogue about the challenges facing the Acute Trust, Onward Care
Teams and the homes themselves. The workshop got underway with Em Wilkinson
Brice, Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer outlining the challenge for the entire health
and social care environment in the local area. Sessions from Social Care and nursing
and residential home representatives then followed, before workshops on
communication, planning and standardisation.
David Thomas, Assistant Director of Nursing - Surgical Services and Chair of the
GOOD project, said: “Six key actions have been identified from the event. We intend
to come back together in February to look at what we have been able to achieve to
improve the discharge process for patients and residents.”
PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMME UPDATE:
Sepsis Six in Emergency Department
Sepsis claims 37,000 lives annually in the U.K, and costs the NHS an estimated
£2.5billion. Early intervention with Sepsis Six care pathway saves lives, reduces
length of hospital stay and reduces the need for Critical Care admission. Lead Nurse
Patient Safety and Risk Berni George, explains our progress…
Our collaborative and Patient Safety programme aim is to save 1500 lives across the
NHS QUEST network by December 2015 and to reliably implement the Sepsis Six
Bundle in the Trust.
Why is this important to patients and their
families?
Each year in the UK around 65,000 people survive a life-threatening brush with
Sepsis. As you read through some of the stories that survivors share on the UK
Sepsis Trust website, you notice some themes:
n I knew I was seriously ill: Many of the people telling their story describe how they
knew they were seriously ill, but had no idea what was wrong and so didn’t know
where to go for help.
n I wasn’t taken seriously: Some weren’t taken seriously when they did ask for help,
only to deteriorate further and to be rushed into hospital when they were critically
unwell.
n No awareness of Sepsis: Almost all tell of their disbelief and lack of awareness. For
many, a hospital admission with Sepsis is the first time they’ve heard of it, while
others simply did not believe it could happen to them.
n Long-term devastation and lack of support: Sepsis can leave those who survive
with long-term psychological, emotional and physical problems. Lack of awareness of
this in the healthcare community can make it hard for people to access the care they
need.
n There is another way: The good news is that early recognition, rapid intervention
using the Sepsis Six care pathway, and efficient referral to Critical Care teams where
necessary will increase the number of people surviving and improve the quality of
their lives.
So what progress have we made? Over the summer the Emergency Department, led
by Charge Nurse Jamie Banks and Staff Nurse Debbie Reed, have made some rapid
improvements in implementing Sepsis Six. Enthused after attending the launch of the
NHS Quest Deteriorating Patient Collaborative in July, they’ve been testing out the
use of a Sepsis Six sticker and allocating a Sepsis nurse on each shift. The Nurse will
ensure that once a patient with Sepsis has been identified, all elements of the bundle
are applied and importantly that anti-biotics are given within an hour of the patient
arriving. The results have shown a significant improvement since these two
interventions have been tried and tested. Jamie and Debbie have engaged the whole
team through their Connecting Care Comm Cell. The team will continue to work on
this through the autumn to ensure that the changes made are sustained. The Acute
Medical Unit also started work on the Sepsis Six in September.
Find out more by visiting www.quest.nhs.uk
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a condition triggered by an infection. The body’s immune system goes into
overdrive, setting off a series of reactions including inflammation and blood clotting,
and can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. If not treated quickly, sepsis can lead to
multiple organ failure and death.
Signs and symptoms:
• a high temperature
• chills and shivering
• fast heartbeat
• fast breathing
The Sepsis Six
The Sepsis Trust has developed the ‘Sepsis Six’- a set of simple tasks delivered by
junior healthcare professional within the first hour of a patient’s arrival in the ED, which
can double a patient’s chance of survival and help save thousands of lives.
The Sepsis Six are:
1. Administer high flow oxygen.
2. Take blood cultures
3. Give broad spectrum antibiotics
4. Give intravenous fluid challenges
5. Measure serum lactate and haemoglobin
6. Measure accurate hourly urine output
Nurse Practitioners at WEEU reach 10,000 eye
injection milestone
A team of Nurse Practitioners at the West of England Eye Unit (WEEU) have
performed a milestone 10,000 injections to treat patients with a chronic eye condition.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak into the retina
and is a common cause of poor vision in the elderly. The condition can be treated
with the injection of a drug directly into the eye under local anaesthetic, which needs
repeating regularly.
In 2008 Consultant Eye Surgeon Mr Peter Simcock, trained Nurse Practitioner Brian
Kingett to give the injections rather than the doctor. This was the first time that a
Nurse Practitioner was able to perform this technique in the UK.
The WEEU now has a team of four Nurse Practitioners trained to provide the service.
As well as increasing the amount of procedures they can perform, this has also
helped to ensure continuity of care for patients and freed up theatres and medical
staff for more complex operations.
The team has recently seen the results of their work published in a prestigious
medical journal called “Eye”, the Journal of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Mr Simcock has also been recognised for his with a nomination in the Macular
Society’s Annual Awards for Excellence.
RD&E shortlisted in prestigious Health Service
Journal awards
The RD&E has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Health Service
Journal (HSJ) awards - the Compassionate Care and Patient Safety categories.
In Compassionate Care, the RD&E’s comprehensive package of work with individuals
and families living with dementia and its ‘relentless focus and commitment’ to
tackling the illness caught the eyes of the shortlisting panel.
The Patient Safety submission was led by consultant Dr Babinder Sandhar and
orthopaedic registrar Sqn Ldr Jonathan Evans, who described how a new Quality
Improvement Academy was launched to better harness the potential of Junior
Doctors to work with clinical and managerial colleagues to identify patient care
improvements.
Shortlisted teams made a presentation to the HSJ judges in London in October, ahead
of the awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 19th November. At the time
RD&E News went to print, the outcome of the awards had not yet been announced.
Acute Kidney Injury Awareness Week
The RD&E’s Acute Kidney Outreach Team organised a week of events during October
(6th – 10th) to raise awareness of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) to staff.
AKI is a rapid loss of kidney function that can occur in any patient group. It is often
caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, usually in a patient who is already
unwell with another health condition. AKI affects 13-18% of all people admitted to
hospital. It can significantly increase the length of a patient’s hospital stay and the
risk of developing co morbidities.
This October, they were keen to raise awareness of the importance of fluid balance
and monitoring of urine output. Monitoring a patient’s fluid balance is a relatively
simple task, but fluid balance recording is often inadequately completed. Maintaining
fluid balance is important to avoid complications such as dehydration and over
hydration, both of which can have serious clinical consequences.
The team were available throughout AKI week in Oasis, the main concourse and in
RILD to teach staff the importance of monitoring fluid balance. Nephrology Consultant
Dr Mulgrew also provided a teaching session for nursing staff on prevention and
management of AKI. Finally, the team ran a special AKI quiz for all wards in the
hospital to test their knowledge, with Yealm and Okement Wards both receiving
prizes.
Information and resources about AKI can be found on IaN.
Chancellor pays tribute to ‘amazing work’ during
visit to RILD
The Chancellor George Osborne has paid tribute to the ‘amazing work’ going on at the
RD&E.
Mr Osborne and Education Secretary Nicola Morgan met a cross-section of healthcare
and research staff on a visit to the RILD building at the RD&E’s Wonford site in October.
During the visit the Chancellor announced a £1.6million award to the University of
Exeter’s Medical School to fund a new state-of-the-art genome research facility at RILD.
He also presented a ‘Women in Science’ achievement award on behalf of
biopharmaceutical provider Quintiles to Exeter medical student Eleanor White.
Speaking to staff, he said: “I’m delighted to be at the RD&E and pay tribute to the
amazing work you are doing here, and the brilliant collaboration between the NHS, the
University and Quintiles and what that means for what we are doing as a country to
tackle major diseases.”
Mr Osborne and Mrs Morgan also had a roundtable discussion with senior staff,
including Em Wilkinson-Brice, RD&E Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Executive Angela Pedder, and Dr Gill Baker, Clinical Research Facility Manager.
Genetics reveals patients susceptible to druginduced pancreatitis
Doctors have discovered that patients with a particular genetic variation are four
times more likely to develop pancreatitis if they are prescribed a widely used group of
drugs.
Clinicians at the RD&E and the University of Exeter Medical School led by Dr Tariq
Ahmad have discovered that 17 per cent of patients who have two copies of a
particular genetic marker are likely to go on to develop pancreatitis if they are
prescribed thiopurine drugs. The drugs, which include azathioprine and
mercaptopurine, are some of the most effective and commonly used drugs in the
treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis and after some
organ transplants.
It has long been recognised that about four per cent of patients who are prescribed
these drugs for IBD go on to develop pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas,
which can be fatal. But in the study published in Nature Genetics, doctors have
identified a group of patients whose genetic make-up means they are more than four
times more likely to develop the condition when given these drugs.
The work has been funded by the International Serious Adverse Events Consortium, a
not-for-profit organisation funded by pharmaceutical companies, the Wellcome Trust
and academic institutions. The Wellcome Trust also provided funding and the work
was supported by the National Institute for Health Research and Crohn’s and Colitis
UK.
Pupils get an insight into life at the RD&E during
Work Observation Week
36 pupils from schools across Exeter visited the RD&E for their ‘Work Observation
Week’ to make a first step towards their future career.
The annual programme gives young people in Year 10 and above the chance to find
out how the RD&E works and to consider the many different jobs the NHS has to
offer. A highlight of the programme was the ‘mock ward’ exercise, which gave pupils
the opportunity to experience how a real-life ward is run. By acting out the roles of
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and housekeepers
alongside RD&E staff they were able to learn more about the roles involved in patient
care and the challenges that staff face.
Fifteen year old Kelsey Ellacott, from Tiverton High School, hopes to be a midwife one
day. She took on the role of a nurse on the mock ward and said: “it gives you an
insight into what they do and how they do it as well.”
Throughout the week the pupils were also given an introduction to every aspect of
day-to-day work at the RD&E. They enjoyed practical training sessions, made visits to
Hospiscare, the Clinical Skills Lab and the Laundry, and shadowed staff across the
hospital.
NINE OUT OF 10 cancer patients give RD&E
top rating
Cancer patients have rated the RD&E among the top 20% of acute Trust’s in England
for the care and experience they provide, according to a national survey published by
NHS England this October.
Some 94% of patients rated their care ‘excellent/very good’ – up 5% since 2012 which places the RD&E in the top 20% highest scoring Trusts.
More than 1,000 adult cancer care patients from different cancer groups gave
opinions, which were then analysed and compared with those gathered in all other
English acute Trusts providing cancer care.
Other areas where the RD&E scored in the top 20% included the quality of
communication given to patients by clinicians; the patient’s involvement in their own
treatment; and the respect and dignity they were treated with.
Em Wilkinson-Brice, Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer, said: “Treating patients with
compassion, respect and dignity are enshrined in the Trust’s values and behaviours
and these results confirm our own internal evidence that staff are putting them into
action every day.
“Being treated for cancer can be a hugely challenging time for patients but we can
significantly improve their overall experience while in hospital through respectful
communication and closely involving them in decisions about their treatment.
“Our clinical and management teams will continue to use this valuable survey tool to
maintain and continue to improve the experience of our adult cancer patients,
acknowledging and building on the fantastic support from the voluntary sector which
contributes to the cancer patient experience.”
Some of the specific survey indicators where the Trust was in the top 20% in England
were:
Patients definitely involved in decisions about care and treatment
Patients got understandable answers to important questions all/most of the time
Patients had confidence and trust in all doctors/nurses treating them
Patient’s family definitely had opportunity to talk to doctor/nurse
Hospital staff definitely gave patients enough emotional support
Patients’ rating of care ‘excellent/very good’.
Be a Flu Fighter!
Over 1800 RD&E staff have already had their seasonal flu jab. The vaccination
programme is part of our annual preparation for winter pressures and will help us
protect the health and safety of our staff, patients and family members.
Influenza (flu) is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable. You can carry
and pass the virus on to others without having any symptoms yourself, so even if
consider yourself healthy, you might be putting vulnerable individuals at risk.
From the early October until the end of November, all staff were offered the
opportunity to ‘be a flu fighter’ and get their flu jab from the Occupational Health
Team. Regular vaccination sessions were held on the Wonford site, with walkabout
session in Heavitree, and peer vaccinators available in some clinical areas for staff
unable to get to the planned sessions.
For more information see IaN or contact Occupational Health on rdetr.occupationalhealth@nhs.net
PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY rooms refurbished
thanks to Richard’s Wish
Children and young people who are having oncology treatment on Bramble can now
enjoy two newly refurbished rooms thanks to Dawlish charity Richard’s Wish.
Richard’s Wish was set up in memory of seventeen year old Richard Cridge, who had
oncology treatment on Bramble before he passed away in 2008. Alongside
fundraising for the £10,000 refurbishment, the charity supports young patients who
are undergoing treatment for cancer by providing them with a wish.
The refurbished rooms were recently opened by Richard’s parents, Jo and Dave
Cridge, along with representatives from the charity and the Exeter Foundation. Guests
then enjoyed a tea party in the Bramble playroom to celebrate.
“Richard spent an awful lot of time in those rooms during his treatment” said Jo
Cridge, “He always used to say they needed uplifting.”
Thanks to the charity’s help, the rooms have been furnished and decorated. They also
now have internet access so young patients can keep in touch with their friends.
Jo added, “The rooms are a real home from home now. They are light and airy, and
don’t have that hospital look anymore.”
“They are everything that we hoped they would be” agreed Dave Cridge. “And we are
really proud to see the Richard’s Wish signs above the door. We’d like to say a big
thank you to everyone who has helped us raise the money.”
Dr Corinne Hayes, Consultant Paediatrician said: “We are so grateful to Richard’s
Wish for all the work they do to support local children, teenagers and young adults
having treatment for cancer. The changes to the cubicles have made a huge
difference for our patients and their families. Richard was a remarkable young man
with a warm, generous character and I know he would be proud of all the work his
parents and wider family and friends do in his memory.”
www.richardswish.co.uk
Royal Devon and Exeter League of Friends
The hospital’s League of Friends (LOF) have a number of activities planned in the run up
to Christmas:
n Wednesday 26th November – They will be lighting up the Christmas Tree they have
donated outside the main entrance.
n Saturday 13th December – They will be hosting a coffee morning at St Stephen’s
Church in the High Street, 9.30am - 12.30pm. They’ll be selling coffee, cakes, mince pies,
decorations and bric a brac.
Trolley Shop profits buy PEOC a new bladder
scanner
PEOC has a new bladder scanner thanks to a £5,000 donation from the ‘Trolley Shop’.
The not-for-profit enterprise is run completely by volunteers. Any profits they make
are put into a fund, and every ward is given the opportunity to apply for support once
a year.
The majority of this year’s fund was awarded to our three Orthopaedic wards after
Tavy Ward requested a bladder scanner to help them care for their spinal patients.
Matron Ann Heath said: “At the moment we have to borrow a scanner from another
ward, so this will have a big impact for staff and our patients.”
Also benefitting this year were Ashburn and Yeo Wards, who were awarded £200
each.
Volunteers and joint Chairpersons of the Trolley Volunteers Committee, Heather
Hutton and Judith Wedgwood, recently visited the wards to hand over the cheques.
If you’re interested in volunteering contact the Volunteers Coordinator on 01392
406058.
Kathleen quits with RD&E Stop Smoking Service
Retired Nursing Home manager Kathleen Newton quit smoking in April with the help
of the RD&E Respiratory Service and the Stop Smoking Service.
Kathleen agreed to be referred to the Stop Smoking Service by Sarah Lines,
Respiratory Nurse Specialist, following a home visit. Kathleen had smoked 20
straights a day for 58 years.
Kathleen quit in 2004 for seven weeks and in 2013, and has tried patches and ecigarettes, but carried on smoking throughout.
Kathleen said: “I was angry and desperate for breath so had to do something. I was
upset after Sarah left as she was basically saying that all that was left was to stop
smoking. But she also helped because until she said it, I did not realise that stopping
would make a difference.”
Kathleen knew that a lot of the damage done to her lungs through smoking would not
change her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) diagnosis but by
stopping smoking she could slow her deterioration. As Kathleen was a patient in the
community, Stop Smoking Adviser Steph arranged for telephone support.
“Within a week Lucy Drury from the Devon Stop Smoking Service called me and
arranged to speak to me each week. It’s made such a difference. Lucy sounded so
confident in me and I really didn’t want to let her down” said Kathleen.
Kathleen was amazed that somebody who doesn’t know her could give her so much
encouragement and Lucy advised Kathleen on her medication too. Kathleen used to
spend £50 a week on smoking and the money she saved paid someone to do the
decorating and get her curtains cleaned.
“My coughing has really reduced and I have stopped coughing up sputum for the first
time in years, my chest feels so much better and I can get out more. I wish people
would take notice of the ‘Take a breath and quit’ adverts as they made an impression
on me.”
Find out more about by visiting
www.takeabreathandquit.co.uk
Helping to quit the habit this
“Smokers are five times more likely to stay smokefree if they successfully make it
through the first four weeks.”
The RD&E’s Stop Smoking Adviser Steph Parker was keen to highlight this key
message during this year’s Stoptober campaign. The 28-day stop smoking challenge
is the biggest mass quit attempt in the UK and aims to encourage as many people as
possible to go smokefree during the month of October.
In preparation for the launch of the Public Health England campaign, Steph was
available in our Oasis restaurant once a week giving carbon monoxide readings as a
way of encouraging people to think about quitting for a 28 period.
n If you are a member of staff and want to quit call Steph on 6133
n To refer a patient:
- call Steph on 6133
- e-mail a referral form to s.parker4@nhs.net
- or make an e-referral through the whiteboard system.
Healthcare Science at the RD&E
There is a department in the hospital that can really help you feel yourself again. The
Reconstructive Science service has the ability to transform how patients feel when
they look in the mirror.
The team, based in the Specialist Surgery Clinic and Laboratory, provide a highly
specialised service creating bespoke prostheses for patients mainly with facial or
body disfigurements. Such treatment could be required because of a malformation
from birth, or due to the effects of a disease such as cancer, or as a result of trauma.
Led by Consultant Healthcare Scientist, Mr Lindsay McNeil, it is the only centre in the
South West which receives patients from as far afield as Cornwall, North Devon,
Taunton, Torbay or Dorset.
“We’ll try our best to help any patient who needs our services”, said Mr McNeil, “if
they’ve got an unusual problem they come to us and we’ll see what we can do for
them.”
The team see a variety of patients requiring a wide range of devices at different stages
of their treatment. They can design and construct realistic prostheses, such as eyes,
ears or a nose, and intra-oral prosthetics, including post oral cancer dentures and
palates. Each custom made piece is painstakingly crafted to look and feel as natural
as possible.
Mr McNeil explains: “We take a cast of the area and the item to be reconstructed, for
example, when making an ear, so that we can create a mould. Then we make a wax
model so that we can check the shape and alter the fit on the patient, before we start
building the prosthesis out of coloured silicone. Every patient is different, we use
different techniques or materials to try to find a solution that we’re happy with, but
more importantly, that the patient is happy with too.”
The team are often involved at several stages of a patient’s treatment. They can help
plan out temporary fixes, such as prosthetic nipples for mastectomy patients, and
then permanent solutions, including nipple tattooing once a breast has been
reconstructed. They can also help ensure surgery such as a jaw realignment is
performed with as much precision as possible, and teeth specific wafers to make sure
the jaw lines up
in theatre.
The nature of the treatment the team provides means that they often build up a long
term relationship with their patients. Prostheses need to grow and age with the
patient, and spares are required in case the original gets damaged.
“People really come to rely on their prosthesis. They have the potential to have a
really big impact on patients psychologically. For example, a prosthetic, post cancer
denture can help a patient to speak and swallow again, and even a prosthetic finger
can give someone back the ability to grip.” added Mr McNeil. “We spend a lot of time
with patients, potentially from their initial consultation through to the post-surgical
clinical construction phase of any prostheses. Being involved from the depth of their
heart breaking loss, through to times of the confident re-launching of themselves
back into the public realm, is a real privilege. To play, in some small way, a part in
their pathway, for what is such a massive physical and psychological journey for
many of them, is something we treasure.”
Your Member and Governors section!
Members’ Say 2014
Over 200 people attended this year’s Members’ Say event in the RILD building on
Saturday 27th September. The annual event gives our Members the chance to have a
say and contribute ideas and thoughts on our services. This year’s theme focused
on the future of healthcare and looked at how the RD&E is working hard to find new
and more effective ways of providing good quality care, at the right time and in the
right place.
Proceedings were kicked off with the 2014 Annual Members Meeting, where the
Executive Team, including Chairman James Brent, Chief Executive Angela Pedder
and Lead Governor Richard May, fed back an update on the Trust’s progress
throughout the year. The Trust’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2013/14 were also
presented, with copies of the 2013/14 Annual Report Summary being given out to
attendees of the meeting.
The RD&E’s ninth annual Members’ Say then followed; an event designed to help us
better understand the views and opinions of the communities we serve. The event
included a range of interactive activities for Members, including the spending money
challenge and the wishing tree, as well as opportunities to give their feedback
including focus groups and the ‘Your Opinion Counts’ survey. Members also got an
insight into work at the RD&E with ‘Medicine for Members’ talks on Early Supported
Discharge for Stroke Patients and Safe and Compassionate Care for Frail Older
People, as well as seminars on Compassionate Care and Clinical Research.
In between the sessions, Members could visit a range of information stands in the
main foyer and talk to staff about their area of the Trust. These included stalls by our
Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists, Patient Services, the Infection Control Team, Health
Watch Devon and Age UK. Visitors could get a check-up and advice in the Health
Check Room, and the Glaucoma Bus was available for tours in the car park. Members
also had the opportunity to meet their Governors representatives at a drop in session
throughout the day.
Look out for information about how we are going to use your Members’ Say feedback
in the next edition of RD&E News.
The Wishing Tree
Rising demand, more expensive treatments and less money for the NHS will result in
big changes to how healthcare is delivered in the future. At the Members’ Say we
asked you to tell us what you would wish for to make the healthcare of the future
better. Here are just some of your suggestions.
n More funding (although you’re doing a marvellous job!)
n Less political interference and more concentration on care in the community, with
local influence.
n More joined up care
n I would like to see more funding from the government for clinical research into
diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancers etc.
n I wish the government will change its policies and stop all cuts to the NHS. This is
one service that deserves all support!
n I couldn’t wish for anything more. The RD&E is the most fantastic hospital. Thank
you!
Feedback from the day
Member and ex-Theatre Nurse Muriel Evans commented: “Today has been very
interesting. I think people need to know all about your services, but it’s a two way thing.
We need to know how to look after the hospital as well as the hospital looking after us.
You need a combination of the two to make healthcare better.”
Margaret and Keith Evans have been Members since the Trust was founded, and this
was their first Members’ Say: “We’ve just come from the Medicine for Members lecture.
We found it very informative and perhaps a look into the future of care for the elderly. It
was useful to get feedback directly from medical staff, and some answers to questions
that we have already been talking about.”
“This was an excellent day. I learnt a lot and it was, once again, a very full programme.
Very informative and very relevant.”
“Lovely day. Really enjoyed it and very enlightening.”
“I think you should be getting more young people involved; offer lectures on subjects
relevant to them.”
“Very busy schedule. Hardly time for lunch. But most informative and well presented”
“Difficult fitting in lunch break and attending sessions.”
“The seminar was the best lecture I have ever heard on the subject of compassion!
Brilliant.”
“A very enjoyable day. Look forward to it next year!”
Board of Directors meetings for 2015:
The dates of our Board of Directors meetings are currently being confirmed and will be
available on our website shortly and in the next edition of RD&E News.
Join us!
We are always looking to recruit more Members to help us shape our services. Our
Members play a vital role in providing feedback and support on how local health care
is provided
Becoming a Member is free. You can be as active and involved with the RD&E as you
want. As a Member you get to have a greater say in how our services are run and can
attend events such as Members Say and Medicine for Members to gain a deeper
insight into the care we provide. You will be able to vote for representatives on the
Council of Governors or even put yourself forward for election. You will also receive
regular updates from us in the form of our quarterly newsletter RD&E News.
So if you know someone who would like to become a Member, all they have to do is
send their name, address, and email address to Royal Devon & Exeter NHS
Foundation Trust, FREEPOST NAT 7092, Exeter, EX25BF, or email
rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
Medicine for members
The next Medicine for Members talk will be on Physiotherapy. Rob Wickins, Clinical
Lead for Physiotherapy and one of our Extraordinary People award winners, will be the
keynote speaker. He will be focussing on how our Physiotherapy department plays a
vital role in the treatment of trauma. He will be supported by fellow Physiotherapists
Louise Watson and Anna Lloyd.
Monday 15th December 1.30pm
The talk will be held in the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre at Wonford Hospital.
Places are limited so reserve your place early to avoid disappointment by contacting
the Foundation Trust Office on 01392 403977 or email Jenny Jones, Engagement Officer
at
rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
Council of Governors Meetings for 2015
All Council meetings are 2-4pm
Monday 19th January - Seminar Rooms 3 & 4, RILD
Monday 20th April – Seminar Room 2, RILD
Monday 13th July – Seminar Room 2, RILD
Friday 16th October – Seminar Room 1, RILD
Venue: Research, Innovation, Learning & Development building (RILD), RD&E,
Wonford, Barrack Road, Exeter.
All Foundation Trust members are welcome to attend. There is no need to book but if
you would like more details, please contact the Engagement Team on 01392 403977 or
email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net.
Have your contact details changed?
Let the Engagement Team know so that we can still keep in touch with you. Call us on
01392 403977 or email
rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS election results 2014
Thank you to all our Members who voted in our 2014 elections, and particularly to the
Members who stood for election. The opportunity to vote for your representatives on
the Council is a vital part of ensuring the Trust hears your views on healthcare.
In these elections we had vacancies across all our constituencies (public and staff):
n In East Devon, Dorset & Somerset, Jill Gladstone was re-elected with Kay Foster
and Alan Murdoch elected. All were elected for three year terms. The turnout was
42.5%.
n In Exeter and South Devon, Keith Broderick was re-elected, with Molly Holmes and
Tony Ducker elected. All were elected for three year terms. The turnout was 34.1%.
n In Mid, North, West Devon & Cornwall there were two vacancies and two candidates
so new Governors Christopher Wilde and James Bradley were elected uncontested.
As one of the vacancies was due to a Governor resigning mid-term, a term of office of
one year was available, alongside a term of office of three years. Lots were drawn
and James received the three year term and Christopher the one year term.
n We had three vacancies for Staff Governors, with Alison Wootton re-elected
uncontested and new Governors Paul Bedford and Helen Hooper elected
uncontested. All received terms of three years.
Thank you, and goodbye!
The Trust would like to thank several Governors who retired at the 2014 Annual
Members Meeting. Rachel Jackson, Cynthia Thornton, Penny Lobb and Ros Wade are
all leaving the Council. We are grateful for their dedication and support of the Trust
over the years.
2015 Elections
Keep an eye out for details of the 2015 elections which will be published in the new
year.
Meet Helen Hooper – one of our new Staff
Governors
Head of Access and Patient Flow, Helen Hooper, works to improve patient pathways,
including access into services and the flow through the hospital.
1.
What made you want to stand as staff Governor?
“I am passionate about Health and Social Care and believe in the principles of the NHS. I
believe my experience in all staff groups enables me to represent staffs’ viewpoints and
perspectives, bringing debate to the Trust to ensure high quality safe care.”
2.
Why is it important that we have
Staff Governors?
“Staff Governors can have a say on behalf of staff. They can represent the views of staff,
understanding the culture and pressures staff are under and offer a broad view when
decision making in all areas of the organisation.”
3.
What do you hope to achieve whilst being a Staff Governor?
“I hope that I can represent the views of staff and be the conduit between staff and the
Board. As we go through the next few challenging years, I want to help steer the
organisation in the right direction by taking into account staffs’ views on services.”
4. Would you encourage others to become a Governor?
“I think it is important that a large organisation such as the RD&E has representation from
staff as they are close to the ground and hear what patients think about our services. They
can best represent both the views of patients and staff.”
RD&E helped me…
Every day the RD&E treats hundreds of patients and many take the time to give us
feedback. Here in our regular RDE News feature we share some of the recent thank
yous we have received…
“Dear RD&E,
I was admitted by your A&E department on Monday night with severe breathing
problems. The A&E department was most helpful, concerned and quick to respond. I
was transferred to the Men’s Acute Ward during the night and received excellent care
there the following day. Everyone was most helpful and efficient and I would
particularly like to express me appreciation of the cheerful and friendly care given by
Kerry and Rachel who brought a smile to every one’s face. I also appreciated the help
and advice received from Hannah regarding chest physiotherapy.
Later in the day I was transferred to Clyst Ward where once again the care and help
could not be faulted. Everyone was professional helpful and encouraging. I
particularly appreciated the advice received from Mari Chris when dispensing my
prescriptions and hope she has a Happy New Year!
I am surprised that Google sets a maximum of 4 stars as I certainly received 7 star
service.
Once again my thanks to all concerned. I could not have been better treated and
consider myself very fortunate to have been in Devon when it all happened.
Chris Willis”
“Dear RD&E,
We would like to say thank you to two of your A&E team who helped my daughter last
weekend.
Our 5 year old, Isabel, attended the department after having a wasp fly up into her
nose and become stuck there whilst enjoying a family day out. She was seen to
immediately and the nurses dealing with the situation were superb. Their names were
Jo & Sarah. We were particularly impressed with how well they dealt with Izzy herself
as she was understandably distressed. They were calm, reassuring and informative
about what they were doing and why. They made what was an upsetting and
potentially dangerous situation for Izzy in to a memorable visit that ended swiftly and
successfully.
If at all possible please convey our thanks directly to them. We are both grateful and
appreciative of their professionalism. Regards,
Mr and Mrs Ottaway”
You said, we did…
We always want to hear feedback about your experience at the RD&E. We collect your
comments through a variety of methods, from feedback forms and surveys to the
Friends and Family Test and comments online.
We take on board everything you tell us, and try our best to make changes to improve
our services. Here are just a few changes we have made as a result of your feedback:
Dyball Ward
As part of the analysis of the prevention of falls within the Surgical Services Division,
it was identified that improving the way crutches are hung would reduce the
likelihood of patients falling whilst trying to retrieve them. Crutch holders have been
purchased and are now available by each bedside and in each bathroom for patient
use.
Colorectal
Following patient feedback regarding an outpatient appointment where they were not
expecting a physical examination, the letters for a colorectal appointment have now
been amended to warn patients that a physical examination may be necessary and
will be discussed at the appointment.
RD&E overseas
This year has seen a number of staff take or plan trips to offer their clinical expertise
to communities aboard. When they can’t help in person, they have also fundraised
and collected donations to send out to those who need it most.
Exeter Optometrist takes your glasses to the
Gambia
Optometrist Kieran Loft, from WEEU, is about to embark on a on a mission to the
Gambia with the Plymouth-Bissary Aid Project.
During his trip in January, Keiran will be utilising his optometry skills to help people in
the remote village of Bissary who have difficulty accessing basic healthcare such as
an eye test. He will also be distributing the 200 pairs of glasses that people have
kindly donated to the Eye Unit.
Kieran will be accompanied on the trip by other medical professionals, but this will be
the first time they have had an optometrist with them.
David Compton, founder of the project said: “Inland, in a remote location, people will
never have had an eye test due to lack of facilities and the cost of a set of glasses can
easily be two or three months income.”
Emergency Department donate equipment for
school Malawi expedition
28 pupils from St Peter’s School, Exeter, have delivered five cages worth of medical
equipment to St Andrew’s Hospital in Malawi during their annual expedition.
The Emergency Department has been collecting out-of-date medical supplies that
would otherwise be disposed of, including syringes, gloves and catheters.
James Moore from the Exeter Travel Health Clinic, and a former senior nurse, has
helped identify equipment of most value to the Malawi hospital, having accompanied
the expedition himself in 2013.
Dr Gavin Lloyd, Consultant Emergency Physician said: “It is an absolute pleasure to
see the hospital salvage materials that benefit patients in Malawi. The ED has already
begun collecting material for the 2015 expedition and hope to develop further links
there in future.”
£6,000 and counting raised by Physiotherapists
for Interface Uganda
Physiotherapists from the Plastics Rehab department have raised over £6,000 for
charity Interface Uganda by walking, cycling and playing netball.
Interface Uganda aims to provide essential reconstructive surgery for the poor, and to
equip and train local specialists so they can expand reconstructive surgery care in
the region. The charity was set up in 2001 by Andrew and Sarah Hodges, a
Reconstructive Surgeon and Anaesthetist who previously worked at the RD&E.
February saw a highly competitive netball match between various Physio teams, then
in May a team of nine cyclists rode 180 miles from the RD&E to Buckingham Palace.
Most recently in June, over 50 people took part in ‘The Dartmoor Challenge’.
Physiotherapist Dom Hazell and Occupational Therapist (OT) Jamie Currie will also be
travelling to Uganda this November to train OT and Physio staff at two local hospitals.
Interface Uganda would like to thank everyone who took part in, or generously
sponsored these events.
www.interfaceuganda.org
A visit to a conflict zone
RDE Pharmacist Miriam Silva tells the story of her arrival to the Democratic Republic
of Congo in January 2014, where she worked for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
“It’s difficult to dispel a dream-like sensation when you fly low altitude for over thick
jungle, far away in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The pilot does his best to help:
‘Those villages are empty’. ‘How can you tell?’ ‘The huts have no roof, they have all
been burnt and everyone has fled.’
We are in Katanga, in the village of Shamwana, an area known as the Triangle of
Death. MSF has had a project here since 2006 providing healthcare to the displaced
populations affected by the conflict. The hospital in Shamwana provides
comprehensive services with paediatrics, a therapeutic feeding centre, surgery,
internal medicine, gynaecology/maternity and lab. There is also an outreach team that
supports six Health Centres in the surrounding area.
Recently, new bouts of violence displaced thousands of people, leaving them with no
shelter or food. Children under five years old are the most commonly affected by
disease, suffering of malnourishment and malaria. MSF is speaking out for the
desperate humanitarian situation here and at the same time putting all efforts in
giving the displaced people access to healthcare. If you’ve ever considered donating
to MSF, know that your money will be converted in care reaching human beings that
might have no one else to help them.”
Read all about it – First Steps Nursery is
expanding!
We are pleased to announce that plans have been passed to extend the on- site
nursery provision for NHS staff. First Steps Nursery situated on the Wonford site is
always busy and spaces are in high demand.
Kay Rosslee, Childcare Services Manager, said: “The plans are to develop a brand
new 24 place baby unit close by to the nursery as a fantastic new facility for children
under one. Development is currently at the early stages and we do not as yet have an
opening date. Waiting lists for nursery places at First Steps are long and it is hoped
that the development of this new unit will benefit even more staff by providing high
quality childcare and enabling them to meet their work life balance at the RD&E.”
School Holiday Playscheme
The RDE Playscheme is based at First Steps Nursery on the Wonford site and caters
for children between the ages of 4.5 to 13 years old.
The Playscheme operates during all public school holidays at very affordable rates.
We open our doors at 7:45am and close at 6pm providing over 10 hours care per day.
We include special discount rates for children who attend the Playscheme full time
and also to any elder siblings when both children attend. In addition to this; RDE
parents can pay for their fees via our tax efficient salary sacrifice scheme – this
means that the total cost of the care can be deducted from your salary free of tax,
national insurance and pension contributions.
A theme will be assigned to each playscheme and its activities. Play scheme trips
include swimming, ten pin bowling, the museum and visits to the local park or further
afield to Crealy, Woodlands, Escot and Dawlish.
Our next playscheme will run during Christmas. To find out more please contact the
Childcare Department on 01392 405860 or visit Childcare Services on IaN.
Childcare vouchers for children up to the age of
15!
The RD&E Childcare Voucher Scheme is a government led initiative designed to
support working parents with their childcare costs. In exchange for part of your pay,
vouchers are issued to you – which can then be used as payment to any registered
childcare provider of your choice.
Would you like to find out more about this amazing staff benefit – then why not pop
along to Oasis Restaurant on Friday 5th December from 10am to 2pm to find out
more!
For further information please visit IaN or contact Steven Ball (Childcare Department)
on 01392 405867.
Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2014-15
The Risk Management Team are holding events in Oasis until March 2015 to promote
safe working in the Trust. The last event on 19th September looked at accidents,
Datix and risk assessment. Our thanks to the staff who used the opportunity to raise
valid concerns and all have been addressed.
The last three years have seen a 34% reduction in Trust employee health and safety
incidents. For example, the introduction of safer sharps has reduced needle-stick
injuries by 59% so far, whilst reviewing workplace layout and work processes
following incidents have led to a 49% reduction in avoidable employee incidents.
Come along to the next events and find out how health and safety can support you:
21st November 2014 - COSHH & DSE
23rd January - Manual Handling
27th March - Work Equipment, Audits & Inspections
Trust a Dietitian
RD&E Dietitians recently unveiled a new ‘Diet myth buster’ poster to help dispel some
of the common nutrition myths for Oncology patients, including anti-cancer diets,
‘superfoods’ and herbal products. The poster, copies of which are located around the
Oncology department, is designed to promote the British Dietetic Association’s ‘Trust
a Dietitian’ campaign and highlight how good nutrition can be fundamental to health
and wellbeing.
ELF embarks on new project at the RD&E
The Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) has invested £30,000 to help realise the idea of
building a family room for Haematology patients at the RD&E.
The charity has invested the funds to develop and plan out the reworking of space in
the Haematology Centre to accommodate an area where critically ill patients can
enjoy time and privacy with their families. The family room will bring all the comforts
of home, but also allows quick access to hospital facilities and expert healthcare
professionals when required. It will have bedrooms for family members, ensuite
facilities, a lounge and access to some outdoor space.
To make this room a reality, ELF has funded the concept designs and initial drawings,
as well as the planning and mechanical engineering reports. Once the planning is
complete, ELF will embark on a capital funding appeal later in the year.
The plans will build upon the work that has already been achieved at the Wonford
hospital as a result of the on-going partnership between ELF and the Royal Devon
and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. In 2003 ELF part-funded the building of the new
£2.4 million Haematology Centre, and currently supports a counsellor, an
aromatherapist and Physio-Technician on the Yarty Ward.
Mags Naylor, Chief Executive of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), said: “This is a
wonderful opportunity for ELF and the RD & E to develop a world class facility to
support patients and their families.”
The Devon Garden is officially open!
The Devon Garden was officially opened by RD&E Chief Executive Angela Pedder in
September with an afternoon tea party in the sunshine. The innovative garden has
been specifically designed to improve the quality of care offered to those with a
cognitive impairment such as dementia.
The event was attended by members of RD&E staff, the project design team,
researchers from the University of Exeter, and representatives from local charities
and Devon County Council. Following a speech by Angela and a rededication of a
memorial tree by Chaplain Simon Harrison, guests were able to take a look around the
garden and explore its innovative features and memory prompts, including the stories
telephone box and the cabinet of scent.
Tenth anniversary of FORCE Support Centre
Exeter’s FORCE cancer charity is unique. There is no other organisation like it that
supports patients, funds research and buys equipment to ensure the best treatment.
The charity is proud of its ability to listen and respond quickly to local needs and this
year it reaches a significant milestone.
September marks 10 years since the opening of the FORCE Support and Information
Centre in the grounds of the RD&E. It was one of the first purpose-built cancer
support centres in the country and has had more than 120,000 visits in the past
decade.
The centre opens five days a week and is at the heart of the charity’s operation. It
helps cancer patients, their families, friends and carers as well as health care
professionals with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that offers a haven from the
clinical environment of the hospital.
“We believe that anyone diagnosed with cancer deserves the best possible treatment
and professional support close to home,” said the charity’s chief executive Meriel
Fishwick. “Hearing that you or someone close to you has cancer can be a distressing
experience. And it can be tough to face that alone. The FORCE Cancer Support Centre
is here to help.”
FORCE needs to raise nearly £1million every year to fund its commitment to patient
support, a research programme at University of Exeter Medical School, the purchase
of state-of-the-art equipment for the RD&E and a new outreach programme with
clinics in Tiverton and Okehampton.
The Exeter War Hospitals Project
This year’s centenary of the First World War has sparked the nations’ interest and
inspired many groups to gather memories about the conflict. One such group is the
War Hospitals Research Group, part of Exeter’s Local History Society, who have
embarked on a project to tell the story of Exeter’s war hospitals.
Between 1914 and 1919 more than 35,000 wounded troops were treated and cared for in
a group of temporary hospitals in Exeter. The seven Voluntary Aid (VA) Hospitals were
initially set up in October 1914 as a Devon Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment
initiative.
Ruth Whitaker, of Broadclyst, served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) Nurse at VA
Hospital No.1 from 1914. Her memoirs have been preserved at Devon Heritage Centre.
Like many civilian VAD’s, she was a unaccustomed to a hospital environment, so the
Red Cross arranged for the new recruits to spend time at the RD&E to get clinical
experience.
“In October I was sent as part of a small group of VADs for ten days of trial in the Devon
and Exeter Hospital, and on 21st to No 1 Red Cross Hospital. [West of England Eye
Infirmary]. The Matron stayed on each ward and the theatre had a trained nurse as
sister, and the VADs as nurses. We had a day or two to find our way about, and then
came the warning of a convoy arriving.
Everything had been ready for hours – brightly-burning fires, shining floors and tables
gay with flowers until hospital routine banished them; at last there was nothing to do
but wait.
And then those stretchers, each with its exhausted burden, and there was no time to
wonder if you could, because you had to.
I was working with Matron when up the ward, green-faced, came a girl;
‘Matron, the amputation case in the bed under the window wants a bed-pan’.
‘Then give him one, Nurse Edwards’, snarled Matron, and, as an after-thought, ‘Go and
help her, Nurse Whitaker’.
When we reached the bed the condition of the amputated leg was appallingly evident to
more than one sense. The leg had been blown off, not amputated, and the stump was
terribly septic.
He was desperately ill, and the leg was amputated surgically in the ward…I remembered
how we had practised amputation bandages and assured each other ‘Of course we
shall never really do this. There will always be trained nurses.’
His old father came from Lancashire, and cried, and Sanders cried, and I did not cry.
The men in the big ward…said, ‘Nurse, if Sanders don’t die soon, you will.’
But the weedy little body had astonishing toughness, and he fought, and the doctors
fought, and I fought, and the enemy was defeated that time.
In due course he [went] to the big ward, and I hoped to be transferred there too. But
instead the bed was filled by a man from the medical ward who had developed tetanus –
he was there three days and died.”
If you have information about Exeter’s war hospitals email Dr Julia Neville
j.f.neville@btinternet.com or visit
www.devonremembers.info/exeter-war-hospitals-project
Why I remember.
RD&E QA Co-ordinator Peter Stunell spent 30 years in the Royal Air Force as a Flight
Lieutenant. He completed his service in late 1996 and now works in our Haematology
Centre. Peter is often involved in marking Remembrance Sunday at the Trust, and
explains why it is important to him:
“Remembrance Day is not just about WWI or WWII.
At the start of my career, I worked on Vulcan aircraft that carried the UK nuclear
deterrent and often stated that I would be happy to be redundant if peace broke out. I
worked on Harrier aircraft during the years 1977 – 81 in West Germany.
During that time, just before Christmas, a young pilot died when he crashed near the
air base, and a huge melancholy came over all of the personnel on the Squadron.
I remember him.
When I returned to the UK, I went to the home of the Harrier at RAF Wittering on the
A1 in Cambridgeshire. I had friends on Number 1 Squadron who were deployed to the
Falklands with their Harriers. Many servicemen died in the conflict.
I remember them.
I was commissioned as an Engineering Officer during 1983 and was back at the base
in Germany in 1987. I made very many friends there who were helicopter crews.
During the Iraq war, one of those pilots, by now a wing commander, was shot down
with others in a helicopter he was a passenger in.
I remember him.”
Peter Stunell
Looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle or to lose
a few pounds?
Over 2011-13 the Nutrition & Dietetic Department helped over 600 members of staff to
achieve this, even gaining a Trust Extraordinary Team Award along the way.
We are currently planning future sessions starting in January 2015 to include:n 6 week Healthy Living programme
n Inspiring talks from dietitians, physiotherapists and other health care professionals
n Optional weigh-ins and other measurements
n Support to achieve goals
If you are interested in finding out more or signing up to a programme please email
ruth.davies13@nhs.net
I’m forever blowing bubbles…
The Exeter Pulmonary Fibrosis Group have been blowing bubbles to show their
support for this years’ World IPF Week (28th Sept – 5th Oct). The support group, who
meet regularly at the RD&E, are aiming to raise awareness of the chronic and
progressive lung condition Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
IPF is a disease that causes a gradual scarring of the lungs. It is becoming
increasingly common, and now kills over 5,000 people a year. However, awareness
remains low, and there is no known cause or cure.
Blowing bubbles may seem like a simple thing to do, but for a patient with IPF this
activity could be very challenging, so people were encouraged to share their photos
on social media.
IPF patient Gillian Morgan recently attended the group for the first time. She said: “I’d
never heard of IPF before I was diagnosed last November. Of course, I should really
have gone to the doctor the year before. I think more should be made of raising
awareness of it.”
The Exeter Pulmonary Fibrosis Group offers advice and support for patients and
relatives affected by pulmonary fibrosis. The group is facilitated by Respiratory
Consultant Dr Michael Gibbons and Respiratory Nurse Specialist/British Lung
Foundation Nurse Sarah Lines.
Sarah Lines said: “Raising awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis is important as earlier
diagnosis may help with future treatment. In the meantime, many patients and/or their
carers gain support from this group through each other and the informed
presentations.”
www.blf.org.uk/Page/interstitial-lung-disease-ILD
Fiona Fry appointed Chairperson of the British
Association of the Study of Liver disease Nurse
Forum
Senior Hepatology Nurse Specialist Fiona Fry has been elected as Chairperson of the
British Association of the Study of Liver disease Nurse Forum (BASLNF). Fiona took up
her role in September at the BASLNF Annual Meeting and will hold the position for the
next three years.
The forum is a professional nursing organisation aiming to develop knowledge and
understanding of liver disease through the advancement of good clinical practice, the
promotion of patient-focused research and the provision of educational opportunities.
Liver education for all nurses and greater collaborative working are the goals of
BASLNF’s new chair. Fiona said: “Liver disease is seen across the Trust. We all want
better care, and it’s about getting the education out there, not just for specialist nurses,
but for all nurses.”
RD&E Hospital Dragon Boat team win bronze!
The a team of enthusiastic RD&E staff recently took part in the Exeter Dragon Boat
Festival this September. Karen Toulalan captained the team, which took bronze in the
overall competition and raised over £1,140 for the Devon Air Ambulance. Karen said:
“The team gathered excitedly at Exeter Quay for a pre-race coffee. All was quiet and
peaceful until we walked over the bridge and saw the crowds and dragon boats being
prepared. Two teams were called and we were lined up against the Air ambulance
team. There was some good-natured rivalry between the teams and we won our first
race! Our final qualifying race pitted us against the fastest team of the day and we did
a superb time even though we didn’t win.
A tense moment followed as the organisers cancelled holding semi-finals and went
straight to a three boat final – and we qualified! We raced our hearts out and there was
only one second difference between the finish times of the three teams. The medals
were announced and the hospital team were awarded bronze; we were all delighted
and so proud of our team effort.
We thank you all so much for your support and all the fantastic donations. More race
photos will be posted to www.justgiving.com/RDEHospital-DragonBoatTeam”
Charity ball raises fantastic total for charity
The Exeter Charity Ball, organised by nurses Christine and Kim from Creedy and
Haemodialysis, has been hailed as a huge success, raising over £1780 for charity. The
proceeds will be split between the Royal Devon and Exeter Kidney Development Fund
and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
“Kim and I would like to thank the businesses that supported us especially Peter
Brend and the staff at Devon Hotel who were amazing, those who donated raffle
prizes, Exmouth Photo Services, the caricaturist Luke Warm and Rea Pearson and the
rest of the band for a great evening. We would so like to thank all the individuals who
supported us in raising the money and giving us their time and support.” said
Christine.
Good luck Bettina!
On 12th September we also said goodbye to Dr Bettina Kleuttgens as she left the
Trust to join the Peninsular Academic Health Science Network at the University of
Exeter as a Programme Manager.
Bettina joined the Trust in March 2009 as the Pharmacy Governance and Medication
Safety Pharmacist. Over the years she developed this role and was well-known across
the Trust for her commitment and insight to patient safety and governance. More
recently Bettina took on the role of Deputy Chief Pharmacist supporting the senior
management team in the department. Many staff have benefitted from her support and
encouragement. She will be missed by the pharmacy team and we all wish her well in
her new role.
Farewell to Matthew Bryant
One of the RD&E’s most highly regarded leaders Matthew Bryant was given a fond
farewell on Friday 15th August at a special leaving presentation.
Matthew joined the RD&E in 1998 as a management trainee and rose up the ranks
through a number of specialties to become Divisional Director, Medical Services. He
will now take up the post of Director of Operations at Taunton and Somerset NHS
Foundation Trust.
Dozens of Matthew’s colleagues gathered to hear Chief Executive Angela Pedder,
Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer Em Wilkinson-Brice and Associate Medical
Director Mark Daly pay warm tribute to Matthew’s intellect, unflappability under
pressure and his dedication to patient care.
Matthew said: “I have had a fantastic time at the RD&E. We have a wonderful shared
ethos here which recognises the great things our teams do but also that what we do
is never, ever good enough. We keep on trying until we get it right.”
Farewell to a ‘wonderful’ aux nurse Shirley
Axillary Nurse Shirley Beer, 73, recently retired following and impressive 36 years’
service in the Ultrasound team. Shirley joined the Trust in 1978, working first in the
Maternity Department at Heavitree and later in the Fetal and Maternal Assessment unit
(FMAU) in the Centre for Women’s Health, where she coordinated the clinics and
helped with the scans.
Shirley’s dedication and knowledge base is admirable and she will be sorely missed
by all in the department. She is described as ‘wonderful with patients’ and ‘highly
efficient’, going above and beyond her role. Shirley has also become infamous for her
‘Sixth Sense’, often being able to accurately predict the gestation of a newly pregnant
woman to the day!
Physio’s Bake Off for Hospiscare
Our Physiotherapists in Heavitree raised over £200 for Hospiscare by holding a ‘Big
Devon Bake Off’ this September. Inspired by their love of cake, the department
presented an impressive range of baked confections for judges Liz Jacobs and Jane
Middleton. In the end, a tie was called between Roy Abbott’s scrumptious chocolate
raspberry cake and Pam Cox’s marvellous pavlova. The cakes were then sold to staff
and visitors at the Physiotherapy and Pain Management department.
Senior Physiotherapist Sarah Martin and Receptionist Allie Alton-Vanderstay who
organised the Bake Off said: “Hospiscare is a cause close to our hearts, and as we love
to eat cake and show off our baking skills we couldn’t resist joining in!”
Susie Healey, Hospiscare Community Fundraiser, said: “It is a pleasure to work with
such a lovely team who were so happy to support their local community and had fun at
the same time.”
Volunteers at the RD&E
We work with a range of voluntary organisations at the RD&E, who support us in a
number of ways. This issue, we have a spotlight on the Exeter Lions Club. ‘Brian the
Lion’ and his apprentice Tina McKnight tell us more…
1.
What does your organisation do?
“The Lions are what is called a Service Charity. We were founded in the States in
1917. As a service Charity we support a huge number of different causes from buying
a new wheel chair for a young lady to funding a new floor in a scout hut.”
2.
How long have you been working with the RD&E?
“We have been involved with the RD&E for a long time now. Exeter Lions have
previously provided the flooring for the children’s play area on Bramble, which is why
it is called the ‘Lion’s Den’, and now we are fundraising to replace it.”
3.
What sort of things do you get up to at the hospital?
“So you may see our yellow vests as we potter up the main corridor! Some of the
things include; collecting crutches from GP surgeries and returning them to the
hospital; we provide emergency toiletry packs to patients on the Acute Medical Unit;
and we also collect unwanted spectacles and these we recycle to the third world.”
If you are interested in getting involved visit www.exeter-lions.org.uk or
call 0845 8339896.
The Great Dad and Son Trans European Cycle
Father and son Russell and Ben Chilton recently teamed up to cycle an impressive 1037
miles from Milan to Exmouth for charity.
The duo have raised over £465 for their chosen charities SANDS, charity for Stillborn
Babies and Neonatal Deaths and the Dame Hannah Rogers Disability Charity, in Newton
Abbott.
Russell, who works in Service Development, decided to undertake the challenge before
son Ben went to university. “We wanted to to raise some money for our main charities
and to put our enthusiasm for cycling to some greater good. We flew to Milan and
cycled back to Exmouth (our home town) over twelve days.”
“On the route back we covered between 65 and 120 miles a day and on one day climbed
6,500 feet up and over the French Alps.”
You can find out more about their trip by visiting www.justgiving.com/benjamin.chilton1
and
www.justgiving.com/russell.chilton1
Wolfram Syndrome charity road trip
Paul Lynch, from Wolfram Syndrome UK, stopped by the RD&E during the charity’s
60 hour UK road trip. He met with Matron Anny Willet, Mr Michael Smith and Dr Julia
Rankin to discuss the rare condition and hand over information packs.
‘Mad Nad’s Kidney Machine’ raises £1000 for the
renal unit
Nadine Ridge, from Somerset, has raised over £1000 for the Exeter Kidney Unit Trust
Fund thanks to her newly customised scooter. The 1961 Lambretta LI 150, or ‘Mad
Nad’s Kidney Machine’ as she calls it, has been decorated with images and
information about kidney health to help raise awareness of chronic kidney disease.
Nadine’s father Michael has kidney failure and is currently being treated at an RD&E
outreach clinic in Taunton. Nadine was keen to help raise the profile of kidney problems
and to encourage others to look after their kidneys better.
Since March this year, Nadine has been attending scooter rallies with her club, ‘The
Scootermaniacs’, to raise the funds. Nadine also organised an Open Day in Dawlish with
John Hooper from Killerpaint, who had sprayed the murals.
She visited the Exeter Kidney Unit in August to hand over the £1,008 cheque.
Nadine added: “I wanted to make sure the money benefitted local people in the South
West. I will continue to raise money and aim to be able to buy a Haemo machine one
day.”
Dr Chris Mulgrew, Consultant Nephrologist said: “We were delighted to welcome Nadine
to the unit and to see the expertly-decorated scooter. As a result of the generosity of
Nadine and her numerous donors, the money raised will go towards further improving
the quality of care delivered to patients under the care of Exeter Kidney Unit, and to
improve the quality of life of our patients with CKD and
on dialysis.”
New automatic CPR machine thanks to South
West heart charity
Patients at the RD&E are benefiting from a brand new CPR (Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation) machine thanks to local charity HeartSWell. The £10,000 AutoPulse
machine has been donated by the Plymouth based organisation to give patients a
better chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
AutoPulse is a portable cardiac support pump that provides automated chest
compressions to keep blood pumping around your body if you have a cardiac arrest.
The machine delivers consistent and high quality chest compressions, whilst freeing
medical staff up to perform other lifesaving duties.
Dr Gavin Lloyd, Consultant Emergency Physician said: “The AutoPulse is an effective
alternative to manual chest compressions. We have now secured two of these units -one stationed in the Emergency Department, the other in Cardiology. We are most
grateful to HeartSWell for funding one of them.”
This is the third AutoPulse device that HeartSWell have donated to hospitals in the
South West.
David Wells, Trustee Director from HeartSWell said: “We are delighted to donate the
vital ZOLL AutoPulse machine because of the possibility of improved survival for
cardiac arrest victims.”
www.heartswell.org.uk