Spring 2015
RD&E news
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE HUMAN
GENOME
Family become first in the South West to donate DNA for ground-breaking research, page 7
Index
PLEASE TO MEET YOU AGAIN #hellomynameis national launch
PATIENT SAFETY find out about last year’s achievements
SCHWARTZ ROUNDS RD&E staff benefit from innovative sessions
RD&E HELPED ME patient feedback
WINNERS OF WINNERS more extraordinary staff recognised at annual awards
GOVERNOR ELECTIONS could you help shape the future of the RD&E?
CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS through new photography exhibition
ELF CHEVITHORNE APPEAL launched in Haematology Centre
TWEET TWEET follow the RD&E on Twitter
BOWEL CANCER SCREENING TEAM Know the Score
Welcome
Welcome to your spring edition of RD&E News; bringing you a roundup of all the latest
news, activities and achievements at the RD&E.
Late last year, NHS England selected the RD&E as one of 11 state-of-the-art genomic
medicine centres to jointly lead its 100,000 Genomes Project. The project will collect and
decode 100,000 human genomes – complete sets of people’s genes – enabling scientists
and doctors to understand more about specific conditions.
This April six-year-old Noah Puleston and his parents Sam and Andrew, pictured on this
edition’s front cover, became the first family in the South West to take part in our groundbreaking DNA research project. You can find out more about their story on page 7.
This spring we were also celebrating some of our exceptional staff at our Extraordinary
People – Winner of Winners Awards. The annual awards ceremony is our chance to
recognise and say thank you to our dedicated, hardworking and passionate workforce who
go the extra mile to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Read all about it on
pages 12-13.
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 22nd June 2015. The next RD&E News will be
published in August.
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
Or email rde-tr.RDEComms@nhs.net
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Your new look RD&E News turns one!
Yeo and Yarty receive Gold Standards
Framework accreditation for end of life care
The RD&E has become one of only two acute hospitals in the UK to be recognised for
the care we provide to patients who are nearing the end of their lives. Two wards at
the RD&E, oncology ward Yeo and haematology ward Yarty, and one at Royal
Lancashire Infirmary are the first to have been accredited by the National Gold
Standards Framework Centre (GSF) for their end of life care.
The GSF is a tool used to co-ordinate and communicate care needs to patients who
are within their last year of life. The two year programme, GSF Acute Hospitals
Training, aims to enable the provision of integrated tailored care, by helping staff
better understand the needs and wishes of patients.
Neil Toghill, Matron on Yarty Ward said: “I am very proud of my whole team in being
awarded this accreditation, I feel our care and hard work for those patients in the end
of life is second to none, and shows the multidisciplinary team are working together
to ensure patient and family focused support and care.”
Representatives from the RD&E received their award from Professor Sir Mike
Richards, Chief Inspector of Hospitals at the Care Quality Commission, at an award
ceremony on 27th March at the at the Royal College of Nursing.
Professor Keri Thomas, GSF National Clinical Director, said: “Caring for patients
nearing the end of life is one of the biggest challenges facing the acute hospital
sector. What these two hospitals have proved is that by implementing a structure of
better coordinated care and improved communication with patients, and fellow
professionals, it is possible to provide the right care for the right people in the right
place at the right time.“
Em Wilkinson-Brice, RD&E Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer, commented: “I’d like
to congratulate the teams on their success. Achieving this accreditation is a
testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff and End of Life teams on
Yeo and Yarty who daily provide safe, high quality and compassionate care for our
patients.”
New scents unlock forgotten memories in the
Devon Garden
Pleased to meet you again! RD&E joins over 100
NHS organisations for national launch of
#hellomynameis
A further 300 members of RD&E staff have pledged their support for the
#hellomynameis campaign during the national launch in February. The mass launch,
which saw over 100 NHS organisations support the campaign, was coordinated by
founder Dr Kate Granger and engagement organisation Listening into Action.
The #hellomynameis campaign was created to improve patient experience by reminding
staff of the importance of introducing themselves properly to patients.
The campaign’s message is one that our staff have already taken to their hearts. During
our own #hellomynameis launch last summer, many staff members signed up, and
shared their #hellomynameis selfies and videos.
The extra members of staff who joined the campaign this February means that almost
1,000 members of RD&E staff have now pledged their support to the campaign. Deputy
Chief Nurse/Midwife Tracey Reeves said: “#hellomynameis is a fundamental part of
providing compassionate care for patients and it is a message that we will continue to
promote to staff across the Trust.”
To find out more visit http://hellomynameis.org.uk/home or follow it on Twitter
#hellomynameis
Bon voyage to one of RD&E’s finest leaders
In April scores of colleagues gathered to bid warm a farewell to retiring Medical
Director Martin Cooper.
Martin has been with the RD&E for 27 years and has played a pivotal role in the
growth of the Trust as an Upper GI consultant, Breast Surgeon and Medical Director.
Among his many achievements he set up the Breast Unit and helped Exeter become a
Cancer Centre of Excellence. He was also Medical Director of the South West Cancer
Network and of course became a crucial member of the Trust’s Executive Board.
Trust Chairman James Brent said Martin had shown “integrity and candour from day
one” and that the hospital owed him a “huge debt of gratitude” for providing such
safe and compassionate care over the years. While Chief Executive Angela Pedder
said Martin was always driven by patient values and raising clinical standards and
praised his calm and poise under pressure.
Upon his retirement, Martin is to become patron of the Force Cancer Charity and will
carry out work for the Care Quality Commission.
Mr Adrian Harris, Consultant Emergency Physician, has now taken over the role of
Medical Director.
Staff give RD&E the thumbs up in 2014 Staff Survey
The 2014 NHS staff survey results show the quality of care delivered to our patients
and the working environment at the RD&E continue to be rated highly by our staff.
Overall the Trust has maintained its strong performance from last year across almost
all the survey’s indicators, with significant improvements seen in the quality of work
and patient care staff are able to deliver, staff communication and the appraisal
process.
Tracey Cottam, Director of Transformation and Organisational Development, said:
“Our staff deliver fantastic care every day and we are very committed to enabling
them to do this through involving them in problem solving and continuous
improvement, and providing training and professional development.
“We will use the survey’s insights to continue improving the ways we engage and
motivate our staff to deliver safe, high quality and compassionate care.”
Patient Safety Programme - Reducing harm for
patients
Over the last year, our Patient Safety Programme has undertaken significant, targeted
work to reduce harm to patients while they are staying in hospital. Lead Nurse Patient
Safety and Risk Berni George gave us a snapshot of some of the year’s highlights…
• According to our National NHS Safety Thermometer measurements, more than 95%
of our patients have received harm free care in eight of the last 12 months
• We’ve seen a 40% reduction in grade 1-4 pressure ulcers thanks to our reduction
work
• We have a 56% compliance with all aspects of the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) bundle
• 85% patients reliably receive rapid intervention through the Sepsis Six bundle in ED
• There has been a 37% reduction in cardiac arrest calls Trust-wide
• We have seen better than expected mortality levels in five out of the last 13 quarters
• Following a Nursing and Midwifery Nurse Establishment review we’ve invested £2.3
million in enhancing our ward staffing numbers for day and night duty cover in inpatient ward areas
• 60% of Diabetes triple assessments are now completed within 24 hours of admission
thanks to the Think Glucose campaign
• Over 1000 new clinical and non-clinical staff have received interactive Human
Factors Training through the Trust’s Induction Programme. Bespoke training in the
simulation suite has also been given to teams who respond to cardiac and medical
emergency calls
• Our Quality Improvement Academy (QIA) has seen 17 quality improvement projects
suggested by junior doctors many of which have had a direct impact on improving
patient safety
• There’s been a reduction in serious incidents involving patient’s discharge following
the introduction of a discharge checklist which was launched by the Good Outcomes
on Discharge Project (GOOD)
• Two wards have been part of a quality improvement initiative to improve in-patients
falls with the NHS QUEST network. Matrons have been testing out new ideas to
minimise the risk of falls and the ward teams have seen a reduction in the variation of
night time and day time incidents.
Berni George said: “A lot has been achieved this year in terms of improving patient
safety outcomes for patients and staff .The results outlined are a testament to all our
staff’s hard work and dedication. The safety programme for next year is being
finalised and this is another great year to build on in our aspiration for harm free
care.”
RD&E staff graduate from region’s first accelerated
Patient Safety Officer Training
A group of RD&E staff have become some of the first in the South West to graduate
from Patient Safety Officer Training. The training will help the team kick-start patient
safety improvement projects at the Trust.
Dr Jonathan Evans, Orthopaedic registrar; Paul Honey, Head of Facilities
Management; Jess Browning, Matron; Chris Chalker, Senior Nurse; Dr Eleanor
Rayner, junior doctor; and Belen Carballido Romero, Clinical Pharmacist all
graduated alongside 80 other healthcare professionals.
They’ll now be working on choosing specific projects to improve patient safety in
relation to theatre safety briefings, hospital at night, medical triage unit, medical
device safety and medication safety.
The training was delivered by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and was
hosted by the South West Academic Health Science Network.
Improving liver care – making every contact count
Liver disease is becoming an increasing problem in the UK. It is the third most
common cause of premature death in the country and the rate is increasing faster
than anywhere else in Western Europe. Rising levels of alcohol related disorders, viral
hepatitis and obesity, alongside other causes of liver disease, mean that every ward
and department within our hospital will see increasing numbers of patients with or at
risk of developing liver disease.
In the recent Lancet Commission on addressing the crisis of liver disease in the UK,
ten key recommendations were made to help improve care for liver patients. One of
these recommendations is to increase the level of educational opportunities for
nurses and other healthcare professionals, which is something that Fiona Fry, RD&E
Senior Hepatology Nurse and Chair of the British Association for the Study of the
Liver Nurse Forum (BASLNF), is keen to promote.
“As highlighted in the recent Lancet Commission report nurses are crucial to
improving care and outcomes for people with liver disease and the Royal College of
Nursing’s (RCN) introduction of liver nursing competencies supports this.” Fiona
explains. “Education is a priority for BASL, and BASLNF is keen to engage with more
ward and community nurses. Liver disease is seen across every GP surgery, every
hospital ward every hospital department and community setting; therefore it is crucial
to make every contact count.”
Education is vital to improve the quality of care we provide for the growing population
of liver patients. We understand that face to face training is increasingly difficult to
access for nurses and other healthcare professionals, however there are a number of
educational resources available online:
•
BASL Nurse Toolkits - BASLNF have produced a series of handy e-learning toolkits.
The web-based resources are free to use and available to both general and specialist
nurses. You do not need to be a member to access them. To access the toolkits visit
www.basl.org.uk and click on the Learning Zone.
•
RCN Liver Nursing competencies - includes any practitioner from level 1-8 and can be
especially useful during performance reviews. To find out more about the competencies
visit www.RCN.org.uk
•
BASLNF ward membership - this will enable all members of ward staff (including
dieticians, F1 and F2 doctors) to have access to BASL. This will provide access to
latest publications, including Gastrointestinal Nursing Journal - liver nursing
supplement; nursing bursaries to attend national and international meetings and
information on local educational opportunities.
If you would like any further information then please get in touch with Fiona Fry
f.fry@nhs.net
RD&E inpatients give RD&E a stamp of approval!
The RD&E has again performed highly in the 2014 National Inpatient Survey.
The Trust scored highly across a wide range of measures covering each stage of the
adult inpatient’s journey, from waiting list through to care on a ward and then leaving
the RD&E. Overall, 98% of inpatients said they felt they had, always or sometimes,
been treated with dignity and respect whilst staying in the hospital. The scores show
standards in care at the RD&E have remained consistently high since the last survey
in 2013, with some areas improving still further.
RD&E team narrowly miss out on PEN Award for
compassion work
The RD&E was shortlisted as a finalist for a Patient Experience Network (PEN)
National Awards. We were nominated in the ‘Strengthening the Foundation’
category for our compassion work, including Senior Nurse Cathy Allman’s
focus groups with Members, our compassion cartoon, and the
#hellomynameis campaign. Although we were unsuccessful, it was a great
achievement to have been shortlisted in such a tough category.
Honiton family becomes first in South West to take
part in ground-breaking DNA research at the RD&E
A SIX-year-old boy and his mum and dad have become the first family in the South
West to take part in ground-breaking DNA research at the RD&E to help fight rare
conditions.
Noah Puleston, from Honiton, has moderate to severe learning difficulties after
showing signs of delayed development from an early age. The cause of his difficulties
has so far remained a mystery but he and his family now have an opportunity to
unlock the mystery and achieve a clearer diagnosis after the RD&E was chosen to
lead one of 11 new state-of-the-art genomic medicine centres across England.
Noah, Sam and dad Andrew gave samples of their DNA in late April to a specialist
team at the Research, Innovation, Learning & Development (RILD) Centre at the
RD&E. The South West Peninsula NHS Genomic Medicine Centre, based at RILD,
brings together clinicians and scientists from the RD&E, the University of Exeter
Medical School and the South West Peninsula Academic Health Science Network.
The samples given will give the team the family’s ‘genomes’ – a complete set of their
genes. By collecting and decoding this complete set, the genomic team will be better
able to identify any genetic differences between Noah and his mum and dad and
pinpoint the cause of his learning difficulties for the first time. This may help
clinicians and the family to tailor treatment and support for him now and in later life.
Sam said the family have long suspected that Noah’s condition is not classic autism,
as his behaviours are not typical. She said: “This is really exciting , not only for us as
a family to find out more about Noah and what our genetics might mean for ourselves
and our other children. It’s also exciting for what this project could mean for other
people, because of the potential to discover new treatments.”
Prof Sian Ellard, programme director for the SW Peninsula NHS Genomic Medicine
Centre, said: “Many parents wait years for a precise diagnosis or never know the
cause of their child’s disease. Genome sequencing provides an opportunity to
provide answers and in some cases will lead to better treatment.”
The family’s decision to donate their genomes comes after the RD&E was selected to
play a key role in the ground-breaking 100,000 Genomes Project. The project aims to
establish England as a world leader in the fight against life-threatening and
debilitating rare diseases and disorders.
Dr Charles Shaw-Smith, RD&E Consultant Clinical Geneticist, said: “This is a really
exciting moment for Noah and his parents, but also for the parents of all children with
undiagnosed genetic disorders. These parents have to go through a lot of distress in
bringing up a child with special needs, and they often experience a deep amount of
frustration. They can go from doctor to doctor and have test upon test to try to find a
diagnosis for their child, and often the answer is ‘we don’t know’. This project is about
trying to find the answers for those children.”
Coming soon – A new pharmacy for outpatients
at RD&E
Patients and staff will soon be benefiting from a new Boots Outpatients Dispensary at
the RD&E. The new service will enhance patients’ experiences while visiting the
hospital, help to reduce waiting times and free up RD&E Pharmacy staff to focus on
in-patient care.
Boots has been selected to provide a dedicated outpatient pharmacy following a
competitive tendering process because of their expertise in this specialist area, their
partnership approach and their responsiveness to patient feedback.
Tracey Foss, RD&E Chief Pharmacist, said: “We are delighted to welcome Boots into
the hospital as our partner, because they have an excellent track record running
outpatient dispensaries at other NHS acute hospitals and we are confident they will
help us deliver real improvements for our patients. We are working closely with Boots
to ensure the project is delivered smoothly and with minimum disruption.”
Apprenticeship Week 2015
The positive impact of apprenticeships was celebrated at the RD&E during National
Apprenticeship Week 2015 (9th – 13th March).
The hospital currently has a range of apprenticeships, from business and
administration to customer care and clinical healthcare support. As a Trust we are
feeling the benefits ourselves with more apprenticeships than ever available at the
RD&E.
Apprenticeships are available at Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas. Please contact
Workforce Planning and Development if you’re interested in undertaking an
apprenticeship or would like to have an apprentice in your department.
Clinical Healthcare Support Apprenticeships
We presently have a group of 21 apprentices working across outpatient departments,
wards and theatres. They are on a fixed term contract of 37 hours and have a robust
training package to support them achieve not only their Level 3 Diploma in Clinical
Healthcare Support / Perioperative Support but also a Level 3 Employability Award
and Maths and English. At the end of the apprenticeship they may stay in their
workplace, go to another department in the Trust or go onto further education to
complete higher training.
An apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to get skills and knowledge that you
wouldn’t get in college and valuable work experience of working within an acute
setting.
Within the RD&E we need to build a flexible work force where our Band 2’s and 3’s
have the skills and knowledge to deliver excellent care. Apprentices could be a
young person (16-19) wanting to start their career in the NHS or someone with more
life experience wanting to change their career path. Either way we run a robust
training programme to support our apprentices to succeed in their goals.
Will wins South West apprenticeship award
RD&E Apprentice William Moyle has been awarded Advanced Apprentice of the Year
(Level 3) at the South West Health Sector Apprenticeship Awards. The awards are
organised by Health Education South West, Skills for Health and the National
Apprenticeship Service to celebrate the achievements and successes of apprentices
in the region.
Devon NHS staff benefiting from support of
Schwartz Rounds
Over 600 staff from the RD&E and Devon Partnership NHS Trust have benefited from
the emotional support provided by jointly run Schwartz Rounds.
The Schwartz Rounds are ‘grand round’ style confidential sessions for NHS staff to
discuss social and emotional difficulties created by their work and to explore the
human side of medicine.
They were set up in response to the Sir Robert Francis’ Inquiry into Mid Staffordshire
NHS Foundation Trust in 2013, and have since seen 104 NHS organisations sign up.
The RD&E and Devon Partnership Trust were some of the first health organisations to
get on board with the Schwartz Rounds. They joined forces in September 2013 to run
the monthly sessions, and staff support for the events seems to be going from
strength to strength.
The Trusts have just run their 15th Schwartz Round, focussing on the transition of
care from paediatric to adult services, and have seen approximately 675 members of
staff attend their sessions to date. Those who have attended the rounds have said
that the sessions left them feeling ‘revived’ and ‘inspired, and that they were ‘grateful
for the time to discuss issues and share thoughts in a safe forum’.
Dr Sarah Jackson Schwartz Round Clinical Lead at the RD&E said: “Our Schwartz
Rounds allow people to come together to discuss the emotional and social challenges
associated with caring for patients. We have attracted a wide audience from porters to
house keepers, cleaners to senior nursing, medical and non-medical management,
and the feedback we have received from those staff has been excellent.”
Angela Pedder named as one of HSJ’s top chief
executives
Angela Pedder has been ranked eleventh in the Health Service Journal’s (HSJ) Top 50
list of exceptional chief executives.
The HSJ judges described Angela as “always willing to embrace new ideas, always
offering new CEOs valuable advice, mentorship and coaching”. She was praised for
her “patient-focused gravitas and passion for quality improvement, as well as her
staying power.”
Take a read of this year’s full list at www.hsj.co.uk
Infection Control New Year’s Honours: in focus
In February, the Infection Control Team presented a range of ‘New Year’s Honours’ for
excellence and commitment in infection control practice. We brought you news of this
in the last edition of RD&E News, and this time we wanted to shine a spotlight on
some of our successful teams….
The Specialist Cleaning Team, a group of staff dedicated to providing the final clean
of rooms or clinical areas after an infective case, won the ‘Hotel Services Team of the
Year’.
Vital features of the team are their responsiveness at short notice to changing needs,
exceptional attention to detail in cleaning and the safe use of specialist products, like
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour. Unprecedented pressures in December 2014 saw 952
specialist cleans compared to 800 in the same period in 2013. Domestic Services
Manager Danny Marks (pictured centre) expressed his pride in the team that was
established in 2008.
Okement Ward received several awards and was recognised for having consistently
high hand hygiene compliance including that observed during a covert audit
conducted by the Infection Control Team. Ward Matron Jo Churchill commended Mark
Guyers (pictured with Judy Potter, Lead Nurse for Infection Control), who also won
an award for commitment to the role of assistant link nurse, saying that his
‘enthusiasm inspires all members of the team to do well’.
Why I’ll visit the staff who looked after me in
wonderful Wonford for the rest of my life
“It’s like any anniversary; you always want to remember them. And I will always
remember what they did for me that day.”
For 68 year old Michael Belcher the 17th December 2010 is a day that he and his
family will never forget. After being taken ill and collapsing at home, Michael was
admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) suffering from Group A Streptococcal
pneumonia flu B pneumonitis and severe Sepsis.
After spending around three weeks in ICU, followed by a few weeks on a renal ward,
Michael was on the long road to recovery and he attributes his success to the level of
care he received from staff on ICU.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that ICU saved my life. Without the fantastic care and
attention that I received at Wonford ICU I would not be here today.”
And it is for this reason that Michael has made it his mission to return to the ICU every
year since he was discharged from hospital for what he calls his MOT.
“It’s like one continuous thank you to all the staff there who looked after me. It’s the
least that I can do to say thank you to ‘Wonderful Wonford’.”
For the last five years, Michael has made the trip back to Exeter from their home in
Sidbury around the anniversary of his admission to catch up with the ICU staff who
they formed such a connection with during the dark days of that December. During
his annual visit Michael gives staff an update on his progress and lets them know
what he’s been up to, and they tell him if he’s looking well.
“You don’t forget them. That’s why I will carry on my visits in the future. I’ve already
thanked all the staff individually, but the thank you goes to the whole unit as well and
the Paramedics” added Michael.
Many of these staff members feature in a diary kept by Michael’s family while he was
being treated in ICU, which has since been published to give hope and comfort to
other families in a similar situation.
Carole Boulanger, RD&E Consultant Nurse, said: “We never expect to see Mike on his
‘ICU Anniversary’, and would understand if he didn’t, but it is a real pleasure to see
how well have has recovered and how busy he is with all his new projects.”
RD&E Helped me…
Every day the RD&E treats hundreds of patients and many take the time to give us
feedback. In this edition we share some of the recent thank-yous we have received via
Twitter…
RD&E Dietitians raise awareness of Nutrition
and Hydration Week
The RD&E’s Dietetic team have been raising awareness of the importance of
hydration during national Nutrition and Hydration Week (16th-22nd March 2015).
Throughout the week, the Dietitians organised an information stand in Oasis,
provided on the spot training to ward staff about the importance of drinking well,
delivered education on important aspects of patient care such as completing a fluid
chart correctly and ran a competition to ‘guess the volume’ of cups the hospital uses
which was won by Torridge. They also performed mini audit on the use of fluid charts
at ward level before and after the week to audit compliance to the Trust’s Food and
Nutrition Policy.
On Sid Ward, the Renal Dietitians were promoting a slightly different message. Many
renal patients are actually on fluid restriction - often because they have stopped
passing urine so have no way of getting rid of excess fluid – and Renal Dietitians
normally recommend only one litre a day. This can be quite tricky as it’s not just the
fluid in your drinks that are included, it’s also fluid in a food or meals as well. It’s the
job of our Renal Dietitians to help patients manage their fluid restriction through 1:1
counselling and education.
Medical Devices – Have you done the MEM
check?
Have you done the MEM Check? – just six simple words that have helped to
revolutionise medical devices training across the Trust since they were implemented
by Medical Devices and Training Facilitator Beverley Williams last year.
A medical device is an instrument, apparatus or implant that is used to diagnose,
prevent, or treat disease. They are an essential part of the care we provide and it is
critically important that staff are trained to use them properly.
Since taking up her post 12 months ago, Beverly has worked hard to implement a
bespoke system which can identify and record staff training competencies on medical
devices. She has created 62 training compliance matrix spreadsheets that document
the levels of training in every single clinical area. The matrix is based on staff’s selfassessment of competencies on devices in their ward, which will eventually be used
to inform a training database.
The matrix has proved really useful at ward level as a visual tool to identify those who
need extra help, those who are competent, and those who have enough skill and
confidence to train others to use particular devices.
Alongside the matrices, the ‘MEM Check’ brand, seen on posters and stickers on the
wards, reminds staff to make sure they are confident and competent using a device,
to confirm the device is in full working order, and to check the patient understands
what the device will be used for. A rapid response approach is taken to any concerns
regarding medical devices or safety.
The innovative work undertaken by Bev means that the Trust is now leading medical
devices training compliance levels in the south west. The key to their success has
been their determination to involve and empower staff and the importance they have
placed on staff and patient safety.
Beverly Williams said: “We’ve been successful because we’ve really cared about the
staff engagement. Our work also places the patient at the centre of everything we do
by incorporating this key concept into all documentation, teaching, assessment and
training.”
Winner of Winners Awards night – more of our
Extraordinary staff celebrated
Some of our most outstanding members of staff were celebrated at our second
annual Extraordinary People – Winner of Winners Awards night in April.
All of the winners from the seasonal Extraordinary People Awards, along with their
nominators, were invited to the prestigious ceremony in RILD to celebrate their
achievements. The ceremony was also attended by the RD&E’s Executive team,
Governors, and Non-Executive Directors, along with our very special guest host for
the evening, TV journalist and patient champion, Angela Rippon.
The event marked the culmination of the 2014/15 awards season, where all previous
winners were shortlisted in their categories again – Excellent Care, Exceed, Extra Mile
Individual, Extra Mile Team, Exemplar, Volunteer and Exceptional Achievement – with
one overall winner from each group being chosen by our judges to receive the Winner
of Winners trophy.
During the ceremony, the winners in each category were announced and a special
video was shown, explaining what it is that makes them so exceptional. A moment
was also taken to remember Otter Matron Chris Tarr who had been nominated for an
Extraordinary People’s Award in the winter seasonal nominations but who has sadly
passed away. The final award of the night was the People’s Award, which was voted
for by staff. This year the award, which was presented by Chief Executive Angela
Pedder, went to a very special individual – Patient Flow Manager Sheila Guinchard.
You can find out more about Sheila and all of our winners opposite.
Following the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed canapés and elderflower fizz whilst
being serenaded by a jazz band. And many were Tweeting live from the event – you
can catch up with the Tweets on
@RDEhospital #expeople15
James Brent, Chairman of the RD&E, said: “It really is an enormous privilege and an
honour to be involved in this process - and it is humbling to think that for every
nomination we see and for every person awarded, there are hundreds of stories out
there every day of staff who show a kindness, who go beyond the call of duty, who
have that great idea that really make a big difference to our patients or to how we
work together. That is why, all winners of these annual awards, should be seen as
representative of an extraordinarily dedicated, hardworking and passionate workforce
who, every day, do what they can to ensure that our patients receive the best care
possible or who are keen through their own endeavours to make a real difference.”
Winter winners
Meet our winners
Excellent Care – The Bladder and Bowel Care Team
The service was nominated by a patient who wrote: “From my first appointment, it
was the first time I let myself believe that things could be different and it felt like
someone lifting heavy stones from my shoulders.”
Extra Mile Individual – Julian Marks and Iain Morris, Security Dept
Julian and Iain were nominated by Alison Knowlton and Carole Boulanger after they helped
with a distressed patient. Carole said: “They behaved professionally at all times showing
empathy with the patient and ensuring all involved were as safe as possible”
Exemplar Award – Jon Whybrow, Clinical Measurements
Senior Clinical Scientist Jon Wybrow unexpectedly passed away in 2013 so his award
was collected by his wife Catlin. In her nomination, Clinical Scientist Helena Wilding
spoke of Jon’s passion, drive and commitment to his job.
Exceed Award – Louise Rattenbury, Matron NNU
Louise was nominated by Leanna Toms from SNUG: “Louise has worked
collaboratively with myself and all the parents to drive positive change, keeping the
family at the centre of everything. She works tirelessly to engage families and ensure
a smooth transition home.”
Extra Mile Team – The Urology Team
Every member of the team has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The Admin
staff have been relentless in their focus and ingenuity, while nursing, medical and
managerial staff have supported each other through challenging times.
Exceptional Achievement Award – Sheila Guinchard
and the Site Management Team
Sheila and the team were nominated by General Manager Diane Ody. Diane said:
“They have worked tirelessly to maintain good patient flow, while ensuring that those
patients are in the right place to receive the most appropriate care.”
Volunteer Award – Mary Boast, Jean Skelton and Pat Pope
The trio were nominated by staff on our Stroke Ward who said: “They deliver a high
standard of courtesy and respect, talking to, and reassuring the patients. We couldn’t
do without them.”
People’s Award - Sheila Guinchard
Described by colleagues as passionate, caring and strong, Patient Flow Manager
Sheila is someone who always puts the patient first and goes above and beyond to
ensure we are providing safe and high quality care.
On the night Chief Nurse/COO Em Wilkinson Brice said: “It is an absolute pleasure to
be able to acknowledge you in this way. I wrote to you recently and described you as
an absolute treasure. Your focus is always on patients and your ability to drive flow
and keep this hospital going is second to none. From the bottom of my heart, a great
big thank you!”
Would you like to have a real influence over the
future of the Trust? Are you interested in becoming
a Governor?
We are looking for Members interested in putting their names forward for our Council
of Governors.
The elections will be held during the summer and our 18,000 Members will be casting
their votes for new Governors.
We have vacancies in all our constituencies, both staff and public. If you are
interested in taking part in the important work of our Council of Governors, you are
invited to come along to one of our ‘prospective Governor meetings’, where you can
hear more about the role from current Governors and Trust staff.
We are looking for people who are committed to the NHS, who are keen to support us,
and who have skills that will add real value to our Council. Our Governors have an
important role: as well as collectively holding the Directors accountable for our
performance, they also ensure that the interests of the Trust’s Members are taken into
account. The new Health & Social Care Act gives Governors more powers so that
Foundations Trusts, such as the RD&E, become ever more accountable to the local
community we serve.
Our Governors have shown fantastic commitment in representing the views of local
people and helping the RD&E to shape its plans for the future.
The prospective Governor meetings will be held on:
Monday 29th June 2015, 2.00-3.30
Wednesday 1st July 2015, 5.30-7.00
For details of the venue and to book your place, contact the Engagement Team on
01392 403977 or email: rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
The meetings will give you information on the role of a Governor, on the commitment
you will need to make and what is involved. This will help you decide whether the role
of a Governor is for you. If you are not able to attend, you can still put your name
forward to join the Council of Governors, but we would encourage you to get in touch
with us so that we can talk to you about the role and the commitment required.
All our Members who have previously informed us of their interest in being a
Governor will be contacted individually about the election process and our
prospective Governors’ meetings.
You can also attend the Council of Governors meeting on 13th July 2015 in order to
see the Council at work.
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 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 magazine RD&E News.
To become a Member send your name, address, and email address to Royal Devon &
Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, FREEPOST NAT 7092, Exeter, EX25BF, or email rdetr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
RD&E Board Meetings 2015
Our Board has 10 meetings in a calendar year (though it can meet in August and
December if required) with each meeting having a public and confidential session.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the public sessions.
2015 Board meeting dates are:
•
Wednesday 27th May
•
Wednesday 24th June
•
Wednesday 29th July
•
Wednesday 30th September
•
Wednesday 28th October
•
Wednesday 25th November
Please note: from April 2015, the public Board meetings will start at 9.30am and will
finish at 11.00am.
The meetings are held in the Boardroom, Noy Scott House, on the RD&E Wonford site,
which is on the ground floor and accessible by wheelchair.
Council of Governors Meetings
All Council meetings are 2-4pm
Monday 13th July – Seminar Room 3, 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 these meetings. 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.
RD&E Governors promote Membership in
Exmouth
Three RD&E Governors recently took the opportunity to promote Trust Membership to
a local group in Exmouth. Kay Foster, Alan Murdoch and Lynne Wright were invited to
set up a stand at the Rolle Surgery Patient Support Group meeting. During the
meeting, the group were due to hear a presentation on cardiac care from RD&E
Consultant Cardiologist Dr Mathew Lovell, and the Governors used time in the coffee
break to talk with the group.
“This was a real opportunity to get face to face with the public” said Governor Kay
Foster. “There were glowing compliments from the majority, with some problems
expressed with car parking and communication snags. We as Governors were able to
listen and talk through these issues with the audience.”
The three Governors also used the event as an opportunity to promote our
Membership with the group.
Kay added: “We also had time to inform many of the audience who were not already
Members of the Trust, the benefits of Membership and were able to recruit some new
Members.”
“All three Governors thought the evening worthwhile, a rare opportunity to engage
with the public and represent the RD&E Trust as elected Governors. Thanks to Susi
from the Rolle Surgery Patient Support Group for giving us this opportunity, and a
most interesting talk by Dr.M. Lovell Consultant Cardiologist.”
•
If you would like to take the opportunity to promote RD&E Membership at a local
event or support group then please get in touch with the Engagement Team on 01392
403977 or you email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net who would be pleased to help.
Public engagement case studies feature in national
publication
The RD&E has been featured in a national publication to help Governors of NHS
foundations Trusts to better represent the interests of the public. The guide,
‘Representing the interests of members and the public’, has been produced jointly by
Monitor, GovernWell, the former Foundation Trust Governors Association, the Care
Quality Commission, the Department of Health and the Panel for Advising Governors.
It is designed to help Governors to understand their role in engaging with Members
and the public within our Trust.
Two examples of how RD&E Governors have engaged with our Members have been
included as case studies in the publication. Our annual Members’ Say event, which our
Governors help to plan and run, and our Compassion Cartoon, which was created as a
result of focus group feedback at a Members’ Say event and is now used to train staff.
To read the publication, please visit www.gov.uk and search for the title.
Niki gives the gift of time to bereaved parents
Niki Cunningham, founder of the Harry Cunningham Trust, has donated a ‘Cuddle
Cot’ to our Maternity Unit to enable bereaved parents to spend more time with their
babies.
The Cuddle Cot is a cold pad that can be wrapped around a baby that has been
stillborn or has been miscarried late in pregnancy. The Cuddle Cot keeps the baby
cool, meaning parents can stay with their child for longer after it has passed away,
giving them time to grieve and start to come to terms with their loss.
Niki and her husband Jamie founded the Harry Cunningham Trust in June 2012 for
fundraise for the RD&E neonatal unit following the very sad death of their son Harry
Arthur Cunningham, aged just 26 hours.
Niki Cunnigham said: “It really is an honour to be able to donate the Cuddle Cot to the
unit. I would have loved to have used it when Harry was born, but I didn’t get the
chance. It feels like we’re giving the gift of time to parents, which is really lovely.”
Zita Martinez, Clinical Midwifery Manager added: “We are very fortunate that the Harry
Cunningham Trust has donated this wonderful piece of equipment. It will make a huge
difference for bereaved parents, who will be able to hold and cuddle their babies,
prolonging those early moments and giving them memories to treasure.”
www.harrycunninghamtrust.co.uk
Tim and Vickie raise money to help
bereaved parents make memories
Tim and Vickie Hamilton have donated £2350 to the Maternity Unit to help other
bereaved parents make memories with their babies.
Tim and Vickie sadly lost their third child, Cameron, when he was stillborn in
September 2013. Vickie spent time in ICU and on the Labour Ward in the hospital’s
‘Heartsease’ bereavement room, and it was their time spent there that inspired them
to support other families.
The couple started their fundraising with a donation box at Cameron’s funeral, and
continued their collection by moving the donation box to the bar of the NoBody Inn, in
Doddiscombsleigh, where they were working. They also ran a monthly quiz night at
the pub and held a party with a raffle.
Tim and Vickie, who are now emigrating back to Australia, handed over a cheque for
£2350 to Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist Mr Ben Peyton-Jones and Matron
Lesley Bowerman at their leaving party.
Tim said: “We would like the money to be used for the Heartsease bereavement room
and to go towards helping other families to make memories of their children such as
prints, moulds and memory boxes.”
Carol Axon, Head of Midwifery, said: “We are extremely grateful to Tim and Vickie for
all their support for the unit. Their very kind donation will help us provide additional
support and comfort for women and their families during this extremely difficult time”.
Connecting Care featured in new national
quality improvement report
The RD&E’s Connecting Care programme has been singled out as a case study in a
major new report on quality improvement published by The Health Foundation.
The report, Building the foundations for improvement, looks at how five UK trusts
built quality improvement capability at scale in their organisations.
It describes how and why the RD&E embarked upon its Connecting Care
improvement programme, which has now been rolled out across almost all areas of
the hospital.
Read the full report at www.health.org.uk
Challenging perceptions of growing older
A photography exhibition in the corridors of RD&E challenges its viewers to think
differently about ageing. The ‘Growing Old Competitively’ exhibition by Alex Rotas
features a series of photos of athletes in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s who still
compete in international sporting events. The exhibition, organised by Exeter Health
Care Arts, fits into a programme of arts work by the RD&E to support older patients
and their families.
Alex’s photos of veteran sportsmen and women seek to challenge perceptions
sometimes associated with ageing and getting older, showing that vigour, passion
and drive does not necessarily decline with age – instead the athletes are celebrated
for their continuing competitiveness, physicality and strength.
Alex Rotas said: “I’m thrilled to be showing my work at the Royal Devon & Exeter
Hospital. I hope they’re a useful and joyful reminder of what’s possible even as we go
into our tenth decade and that they encourage patients, visitors and staff alike to
smile and to take heart.”
The ‘Growing Old Competitively’ exhibition can be seen between the Chaplaincy
Centre and the Oasis restaurant on level 2 of Wonford hospital site.
A Paralympian’s perspective
Paralympian Margaret Price MBE from North Devon went to see the photos whilst she
was a patient at the RD&E. During her career Margaret won 22 international and
Olympic gold medals for field and pool events whilst setting 12 world records in the
process. She said: “I think the photos are quite impressive. I particularly like the one
of the discus thrower – their face shows they’re putting their heart and soul into
throwing it rather than smiling for the photographer.”
“We’ve all heard it – you shouldn’t be doing that at your age – but there’s got to be a
happy medium. People should do sport for as long as they can still enjoy it.”
Our intranet is changing
Local schools bring ReadWell’s power of stories to
Bramble Ward
Owl Men, tame dragons and the Gruffalo are just some of the characters that young
patients on Bramble are getting to know better thanks to a new scheme bringing the
power of books and storytelling to seriously ill children.
The RD&E successfully applied to the charity ReadWell, which uses money raised by
local school children to fund a regular supply of brand new books and professional
storytellers into the hospital. Schools around Devon who have supported the charity
by running sponsored Readathons include Wystream Primary and West Exe School.
ReadWell’s distinctive orange bookcase, custom-made to move right up to a child’s
bedside and stocked with a mix of old favourites and future classics for children of all
ages, arrived at RD&E on World Book Day. To celebrate its arrival, young patients on
Bramble Ward were entertained at a launch event by local children’s authors and
illustrators, Heidi and Daniel Howarth.
SYMPTOMS WITHOUT A CAUSE? HOW THE
FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
SERVICE HELP PATIENTS
The Clinical Psychology Team work across a range of areas in the hospital, using
psychological therapies to help patients to cope with physical health problems. In
this issue, Clinical Psychologist Claire Bazen-Peters explains how they help patients
with neurological symptoms but no physical cause.
“The Functional Neurological Symptoms Service is part of the Community
Neuropsychology Team. It consists of four Clinical Psychologists: Ann Turner, Claire
Bazen-Peters, Rachael Carrick and Leo Russell. We are based in Exeter but also take
referrals from East and Mid Devon We work closely with neurologists and other
health professionals.
“This new service is designed for people with neurological symptoms which have
been investigated and for which no organic cause has been found, but who continue
to experience significant disturbance of function. Examples include those who
present with non-epileptic seizures, undiagnosed muscle weakness and speech
difficulties. Such symptoms are distressing, poorly understood and difficult to
manage. While people may be relieved to know that they do not have a lifethreatening condition, they are still left with symptoms which have a substantial
impact on their daily lives.
“Those referred to the service are seen by Ann and Claire for up to three sessions for
initial assessment, provision of information and help in understanding the impact of
factors such as stress, fatigue and life events on their well-being. Rachel and Leo are
then able to provide longer term psychological therapy where appropriate. We aim
for people to leave our service equipped with effective management strategies which
they can continue to apply over the longer term. We will be evaluating outcomes of
our work to contribute to the growing evidence base in this area.”
For further information please contact
Ann Turner (Service Lead)
annc.turner@nhs.net
Claire Bazen-Peters c.bazen-peters@nhs.net
Debbie Clyburn (secretary), 01392 676376
Calling all knitters - Help us knit Twiddlemuffs for
patients with Dementia
Staff and volunteers at are putting their knitting needles to good knitting
Twiddlemuffs for patients with dementia. And they are looking for more knitters to
join them.
Twiddlemuffs are knitted woollen muffs with items such as ribbons, large buttons or
textured fabrics attached that patients can twiddle in their hands whilst on the wards.
The idea for the project was ‘pinched with pride’ from Warrington and Halton
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and has been taken up by one of our staff member’s
90 year old mother, Beulah Hitchcock. Now RD&E Consultant Nurse for Older People
Debbie Cheeseman is keen to get other knitters on board to help create more
Twiddlemuffs to be used across the hospital.
Debbie said: “We are hoping that volunteers will come forward to put their knitting
skills to good use and make more Twiddlemuffs. This project is part of a wide range
of work we are doing to support our patients and we would love to have your help.”
If you would like to start knitting a Twiddlemuff, you will find the knitting pattern on
our website http://ow.ly/LosFr
Please send your completed Twiddlemuffs to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service:
Twiddlemuffs c/o Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS
Foundation Trust, Barrack Road,
Exeter, EX25DW
Exeter Leukaemia Fund launches The Chevithorne
Appeal - to keep families together
In March, Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) launched its Chevithorne Appeal on Yarty
Ward.
ELF wants to do more for critically ill and end of life patients. The Chevithorne Appeal
will raise £420,000 to fund a suite of rooms for patients and their families so that they
can be together while still receiving tailored medical care at the hospital. Family
members can sleep within the suite in a separate bedroom and will have home
comforts to make their stay as normal as possible all within the haematology ward.
“We know that, particularly at times of severe illness or difficult treatment, patients
need not only excellent physical care but comfort, privacy, dignity, and the
opportunity for loved ones to be able to stay with them” said RD&E Haematology
Consultant Dr Anthony Todd. “This is especially, though not exclusively, true toward
the end of life and for younger or more vulnerable patients. These patients have the
greatest need for the presence of those they are close to, access to private space
distinct from the clinical environment of the ward. The aim of the Family Suite is to
match these needs by providing not only an enhanced indoor environment but also a
protected outside area for its users to have time out from quite often very difficult and
stressful situations”.
ELF was established in 1987 and aims to lighten the load of families affected by blood
cancers and blood disorders. It provides transport, accommodation and guidance
services to families whose lives have been turned upside down following a diagnosis.
ELF also funds roles within the haematology ward and research into treatment.
There are loads of ways to become involved in the Chevithorne Appeal, from
Skydiving and cycling to organising a community event or buying a brick. To find out
more, please visit www.elfcharity.org.uk.
More diabetes patients seen by specialists
thanks to pioneering referral system
The number of people with diabetes seen by specialists at the RD&E has more than
doubled thanks to a pioneering assessment and referral system. The initiative at the
MacLeod Diabetes & Endocrine Centre allows ward nurses to complete three referrals
in three ‘clicks’ to three specialists. Referrals are made to the specialist diabetes
team, dietician referral and podiatrist referral within the target of 24 hours. The Exeter
Diabetes Ward Assessment Referral Data (EDWARD) has led to a rise in the number
of people seen by the diabetes team, up from 19.2 per cent in 2010 to 56.7 in three
years. The average for England in 2013 was 34.5 per cent.
The scheme works via a virtual whiteboard with an icon system displaying the whole
population of inpatients, which every staff member has access to. Diabetes Specialist
Inpatient Nurse Tracy Courtney, from the team which introduced the scheme, said:
“Each morning myself or the healthcare assistant scroll down the list of patients that
have an icon, to see which ones need a review - these are either amber or red. If they
are still blue it means the ward has not completed the diabetes assessment. We then
go to the ward and educate the nurses or help them to assess the patient.”
Top quality library services for the RD&E
Exeter Health Library staff were thrilled to achieve 100% compliance within the NHS
Library Quality Assurance Framework (LQAF) at the end of last year, for providing high
quality library and information services to the RD&E and local NHS staff.
The library, situated in the PMS/RILD Building, is staffed Monday – Friday 08:30-17:30
and is available 24/7 to registered users. Anyone employed by the RD&E is eligible to
join, as well as students on placement, local NHS staff and University of Exeter Medical
School students and staff.
The library stocks a wide range of healthcare books and journals and many resources
such as databases, electronic journals, electronic books and clinical resources. If you
can’t find what you need in the library, the library team also offer a document supply
service.
If you’re too busy to search for evidence on current practice, or research topics, the
library offer a literature search service. Clinical librarian Mary will search for you, to
your instructions.
Dave Newman, the Library & Information Skills Trainer offers 1:1, team or bespoke
training sessions on finding information, referencing, Microsoft Office tools and much
more.
The library also offers quiet study spaces, and an NHS IT Suite for training with NHS
networked PCs - a perfect place to do your e-learning! Printing and photocopying
facilities are also available.
And if you’re too busy to pop over, the library is trialling a ‘pop-up’ library in Oasis
restaurants on Wednesday lunchtimes until the end of May.
The library team appreciate how busy staff are, so many services can be accessed
remotely, such as borrowing/renewing books, document supply, literature searching
and access to quality online healthcare resources. If you need anything, please ask!
Exeter Health Library
Tel: 01392 406800
E-mail: medlib@exeter.ac.uk
Website: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/eml
IaN: Key Shortcuts > Exeter Health Library
Twitter: @ExeHealthLib
New Learning Disability Liaison Team at the RD&E
We are pleased to introduce the new Learning Disability Liaison Team here at the
RD&E. Liz Jennings has been working as a Learning Disability Liaison Nurse across
the Trust for the last eight years, and she has now been joined by two new Learning
Disability Nurses Lorraine Conibear and Jenna Hodgson.
Liz said: “We hope to have more of a presence across the Trust offering assistance to
staff when supporting adults with a learning disability. We want to be involved from
O/P through to discharge ensuring reasonable adjustments
are made.”
The liaison team are based alongside the Trust Safeguarding nurses and therefore
can also offer advice regarding the Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding. Please
refer all adult patients with a learning disability to the team on x2237 or rdetr.learningdisability@nhs.net
Did you know that you can follow us on Twitter?
You can find out lots more about the RD&E by following us on Twitter at
@RDEhospital
Or, if you’d like to hear more from some of our Executive Team, then why not follow
our Chief Executive
@AngelaPedderNHS or our Chief Nurse
@BriceEm
You can even follow some of our teams and departments for a more focussed viewpoint:
@RDEResearch – Tweets from the research teams across the RD&E.
@BowelEXMEND – Updates from our Bowel Cancer Screening team.
@rde_tr – Information from our Learning Disability Liaison team.
@IPCT_RDE – Tweets from our Infection Prevention and Control team.
@ExeHealthLib – Updates from the NHS Exeter Health Library.
RD&E bakers raise £700 from Great Inter-Divisional
Comic Relief Bake Off
Staff have raised £703 for Comic Relief by holding a Great Inter-Divisional Bake Off.
Competition was fierce as staff from each division– Specialist Services, Medicine and
Surgery - put their culinary skills to the test for their divisional cake sales. The teams
were also asked to select their best looking and best tasting cakes for the tasting panel
judges, and after much deliberation the winners were announced. Sally Hackney,
Operational Support Manager, took the ‘Best looking cake’ prize while Service
Development Lead Radiology Jane Toms was awarded ‘Best
tasting cake’.
Joint organisers Natalie Wickins and Jodie Blackwell, said: “We’d like to say a big thank
you to everyone who supported the Bake Off and cake sales. Your support means we
have raised
a great total for such a worthwhile cause.”
Wynard Ward ‘Make time for Tea’ and raise over
£400 for the Eve Appeal
Staff on Wynard Ward have raised £423 for the Eve Appeal by holding a tea party and
cake sale. Make Time for Tea is their flagship fundraising campaign for Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month in March, which encourages people to hold tea parties to raise
awareness. The team created a fantastic array of cakes for the tea party and cake sale,
which was held in the ward’s dining room. The tea party had an excellent response and
all the cakes sold out within an hour.
Wynard Matron Tina Jones said: “In the UK over 6,500 women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer each year and as a gynaecology ward we have cared for many patients
with this condition. We therefore were very keen to do our bit. As Matron I would like to
thank all those staff who made cakes, The café, Topsham who donated scones and all
staff who worked together to, enabling us to raise a fantastic amount of money”.
Rhythm of Life Choir
Any pastime that is genuinely fun, lets you make new friends and boosts your
physical and mental health has got to be worth looking at.
The Rhythm of Life is a group of RD&E staff that loves singing. Along with singing
great songs by Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder and Queen, we get the
opportunity to de-stress with breathing exercises and laughter.
For the last six months the Choir has had a really enthusiastic new director, who
encourages you to sing whatever your ability. Jax is young and vibrant but she also
has a wealth of experience and is keen to encourage new members to join.
Many of the choir members that enjoy singing in public have sung at various venues,
e.g. Exeter Guildhall, Exmouth Christmas market, Chudfest, and The Ottery food &
families festival, raising money for charity. We also sing around the hospital on
request when we can.
We meet every Wednesday at 5.30pm in RILD, Wonford. Please feel free to pop along
or contact us by email for further details:
rde-tr.rockchoir@nhs.net
We are open to all public sector workers and your first session is free, so come and
give it a try and bring along family members if they sing too. Check us out on
Facebook - The Rhythm of Life choir.
Easter treats from British Ceramic Tile for children
being supported by CLIC Sargent
CLIC Sargent corporate supporters British Ceramic Tile have donated 82 Easter Eggs to
the Bramble Ward. Hannah Radford, from House of British Ceramic Tile said: “Our staff
wanted to do something in addition to the various fundraising activities we have
organised, and this was a great way to give an extra treat to local children this Easter.”
“Doctors who listen”
An award-winning exhibit was on display at the British Association of Sexual Health
and HIV (BASHH) regional meeting in March. The meeting was hosted by Dr Rachel
Amherst and Dr Sophia Davies, who run The Centre in Sidwell Street.
‘doctor_patient:disconnect’ is the winner of the 2014 Artifact competition, which
forges collaborations between artists and scientists from the Royal College of Art and
Imperial College in London. It was created by Dr Dave Pao, who is a locum doctor at
The Centre and the RD&E as well as a part-time PhD candidate at the Royal College of
Art.
The installation explores the dissonance between the medical view of illness and how
patients actually feel about their condition. Viewers are invited to listen to real-life
testimonies from people living with HIV through a stethoscope, adapted to play
sound.
Dave says: “As clinicians, we know how patients feel about their illness – any illness can be very different to the way we view it. I wanted this piece to highlight the
importance of listening to the patient perspective, because better clinician-patient
conversations mean better health outcomes”.
Little Steps – new childcare facility for RD&E staff
opened
First Steps Nursery has just opened a new childcare facility for RD&E staff – Little
Steps baby unit – on the Wonford site.
The new unit, based in William Budd House, is just around the corner from the main
nursery and can cater for 24 babies per day. Little Steps and First Steps will be run
very much as one unit, and are connected by a garden link. The first babies took up
their places in Little Steps at the beginning of April.
Kay Rosslee, RD&E Childcare Services Manager, said: “Childcare places are always
in high demand at First Steps and so we are delighted to be able to offer increased
capacity through the opening of our new baby unit.”
If you are interested in a place at First Steps Nursery, please visit their page on IaN to
find out more or contact the team on rde-tr.firststepsnursery@nhs.net or 01392
405869.
Upper GI Nursing and Dietetic Teams support the
Be Clear on Cancer campaign
Staff from the Upper GI Nursing and Dietetic Teams supported Cancer Research UK’s
‘Be Clear on Cancer’campaign, by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of
oesophago-gastric cancer this February. They held information displays around the
hospital and were joined by patients and relatives from the local oesophageal patient
support group. To find out more visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/healthprofessional/early-diagnosis-activities/beclear-on-cancer/oesophago-gastric-cancerscampaign
Want to know more about the University of
Exeter Medical School?
Renal team raise awareness of World Kidney Day
Our Renal team were in Oasis on 12th March to mark the tenth anniversary of World
Kidney Day. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people
to increase kidney health awareness and promote ‘Kidney Health for All’.
RD&E Senior AKI Nurse Specialist Mel Sully was also interviewed on Health Today
Radio, an online radio channel found on the NHS Choices Website. In her interview,
Mel talks about her experiences as a renal nurse and gives an insight into what it’s
like treating patients with kidney disease.
www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/health-today-radio-programme3-nhs-heroes-mel-sully.aspx
James cycles from London to Paris for BHF
This May Medical Technical Officer James Sanders, his brother Mark and two friends,
will be cycling from London to Paris in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The group
will be undertaking the mammoth 285 mile trip over four days in memory of James
and Mark’s father Brian, who died of heart failure in September 2013.
James said: “My father was cared for and looked after by numerous staff at the RD&E
for most of his life and even had several life changing operations here at the hospital.
His care was second to none and that is something I am hugely grateful for.”
James and his fellow riders have set themselves a fundraising target of £2000 for the
British Heart Foundation and have been busy raising money ahead of their ride which
starts on 21st May.
“We would like the money to be used to prevent what we have gone through as a
family. There will never be a cure for such things but having extra time with Dad over
the last 10 years would not have been possible if not for the operations and care he
received.”
www.justgiving.com/london2paris4brian
Bowel Cancer Screening Team Know the Score
The Exeter, Mid, East and North Devon Bowel Cancer Screening team attended a
charity football event at Exeter City Football Club on Bank Holiday Monday (6th April)
to raise awareness of the importance of Bowel Cancer Screening and to support the
‘Know the Score’ campaign.
Over 4,500 fans were in attendance, so plenty of people to make aware of the signs of
Bowel Cancer and the importance of taking part in the screening programme. Fans of
all ages were invited to take part in a quiz, and it was great seeing teams of men and
families working together, having open discussions over the myths of bowel cancer.
April was Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and football players, managers and
personalities have been showing their support for the ‘Know the Score’ campaign,
which aims to end the perception that bowel cancer is an old person’s illness – in fact
it affects men and women of any age and the key to successful treatment is early
diagnosis.
This year’s campaign also marks five years since the popular Exeter striker Adam
Stansfield died from bowel cancer at the age of 31, and the Bowel Cancer Screening
team also joined forces with the Adam Stansfield Foundation for the occasion.
The Bowel Cancer Screening team also launched their own Twitter account and you
can follow them @BowelEMEND to help raise awareness of Bowel Cancer. You can
also find out more about ‘Know the Score’ campaign by following them on Twitter
@KnowTheScoreUK
Kim walks first 50 miles of aHUSUk’s Journey for
Life and raises £5,000
Renal patient Kim Balsdon, 21 from Patchacott, has just completed a 50 mile
sponsored walk from Illand to the RD&E to raise awareness of a rare condition. Kim
has atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), which is a rare disease that
causes blood clots to form in the kidneys.
On Rare Disease Day (28th Feb) Kim began the first leg of the ‘Journey for Life’, a
national fundraising event organised by charity aHUSUK. On her arrival at the RD&E
on March 2nd Kim was greeted by Consultant Nephrologist Dr Coralie Bingham and
members of the Exeter Kidney Unit nursing team.
Kim decided to undertake the challenge to help raise awareness of her condition and
help fundraise for aHUSUK and Kidney Research UK.
“I was diagnosed in November 2013 during my third year of university” Kim said. “I
wanted to do something to help others, so when aHUSUK announced their 2015 big
FUNdraising campaign and were looking for volunteers I thought my family, friends
and I could do the job!”
Kim then began planning her Journey for Life route and gaining support from local
businesses in preparation for her mammoth challenge.
Kim said: “It was hard work, but I had lots of support with 25 people joining me at
various points along the way. Overall, we’ve raised about £5000! I am amazingly
overwhelmed! I can’t thank everyone who donated and supported enough!”
Dr Coralie Bingham, Consultant Nephrologist, from the Exeter Kidney Unit, added: “I
have been involved with caring for patients with this disease in Devon for 20 years; it
is very rewarding to see that now we have such effective treatment a patient can walk
50 miles over a weekend to help to raise money for further research.”
What is aHUS?
• aHUS is a rare disease that causes blood clots in the filtering units of the kidneys
kidneys, which can rapidly cause kidney failure.
• The largest family in the world with this condition live in Devon.
• In 2010 the RD&E was one of a small number of hospitals in the UK selected to take
part in the clinical trials of the drug eculizumab, which established that this treatment
is highly effective.
Young visitors asked to vote on theme for new
children’s X-ray room
Having an X-ray can be quite a scary experience for young patients so our Medical
Imaging staff are keen to create a clinical area that is more welcoming and friendly.
Children visiting our X-ray Department are being asked to vote on a design theme –
underwater, jungle or space – for a new children’s X-ray room, by placing a token in
the corresponding voting box in the waiting room.
Fundraising for the department’s appeal ‘Big Raise for Little Rays’ is already well
underway, and staff have been busy holding cake sales, hamper raffles and a name
the Easter bunny competition.
The team are hoping to raise enough funds to refurbish an existing X-ray room with a
large wall mural and a ceiling projector that will convey the chosen theme.
Radiographer Charlotte Wood and Paediatric Lead Radiographer Katie Swann have
led the campaign. They said: “We want to create a room where kids can feel safe and
reassured with lots of interesting features to help take their minds off having an Xray.”
If you would like to support the Big Raise for Little Rays campaign donations can be
made by visiting the RD&E’s General Office, or by sending a cheque to Charitable
Funds and quoting reference FR283.