Winter 2015
RD&E news
A Winter’s tale
A special report on how we handled the pressure this winter on page 4&5
Index
04-05 Winter PRESSURES: Special report
06 Patient Safety Programme Update
07 RD&E Roll of Honour celebrating some of our extraordinary people
09 Intensive Food ICU recipe book launched
10 RD&E helped me patient feedback
11 Smokestop Midwives help Jane to quit
12 New 100,000 Genome Centre announced
14 Members’ Say how your feedback makes a difference
18 Pharmacists become Antibiotic Guardians
19 New Friends and Family Exhibition with Exeter Health Care Arts
Welcome
Welcome to the winter edition of RD&E News. This winter the RD&E, like
hospitals across the country, saw a dramatic increase in demand for our
services.
Throughout this period, RD&E staff went above and beyond to ensure we
continued to provide safe and high quality services for patients. You may have
noticed a group of them on our front cover who represent just some of the
many different people across the Trust who pulled together when we really
needed them to. Read all about it on pages
4 and 5.
Our cover stars are (from L to R): Infection Prevention & Control Nurse
Specialist Carlton Kneil; Biomedical Scientist Joanne Price; General Manager
Diane Ody;
Junior Doctor Tori Moss; Consultant Emergency Physician Dr
Gavin Lloyd; Head of Patient Flow Sheila Guinchard; Pharmacist, Sarah Jane
Rowlands; Nurse Alina Piper; Medical Secretary, Cherry Evans; Portering
supervisor Greg Clover.
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 us to consider for the next
edition of RD&E News, and don’t forget we love pictures too so send them in!
Copy deadline for the next issue is 23rd March 2015. The next RD&E News will
be published in late May 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
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Beating the bugs - RD&E is MRSA free for over
3 years
We are proud to reveal that the RD&E has been MRSA free for more than three
years. This fantastic achievement means that there hasn’t been a single case
of hospital-acquired MRSA bacteraemia infection at the hospital since
September 2011.
Targets to tackle MRSA have been achieved through a wide range of
prevention strategies such as screening patients on admission, isolating
patients with MRSA in high risk specialties, providing topical treatments to
reduce carriage in hospital and improving hand hygiene compliance.
However, the Infection Prevention and Control Team could not have made this
improvement alone and collaborative work with specific teams has been
critical. These include:
• The appointment and on-going work of a team of vascular access specialist
practitioners to improve the insertion and care of intravenous devices
• Skills training for doctors and nurses about the care of intravenous devices
• Re-assessment of such skills annually in high risk areas such as the dialysis
service
• Changes to the management of patients with infected diabetic leg ulcers
• Minimising the use of antibiotics that select for MRSA and other resistant
bugs through antimicrobial stewardship programmes led by the medical
microbiologists.
Judy Potter, Lead Nurse for Infection Control & Tissue Viability Services/Joint
Director of Infection Prevention & Control said: “We are now very proud that
we have had no hospital acquired MRSA blood stream infections for more
than three years. Whilst MRSA has been reduced in all hospitals in England,
we are one of a very small number of organisations that have made such a
fantastic achievement.”
RD&E Chairman James Brent added: “Our Members have consistently told us
that infection control, and hospital cleanliness, are some of their top priorities,
and so this outstanding achievement clearly demonstrates how we have taken
their feedback on board.”
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph.
aureus). This is a common bacterium that can live harmlessly in the nose,
throat and sometimes on the skin. However, Staph. aureus may cause
serious harm, such as chest infections or septicaemia, if it enters other
parts of the body. This is more likely to happen in people who are already
unwell and in hospital, particularly those who have invasive devices such
as drips and catheters.
Infection Control Team trains staff in
preparation for an Ebola outbreak
Due to current concerns about Ebola in West Africa, the Infection Control
Team has been working with key personnel across the Trust preparing for
the possibility of patients presenting with fever who have travelled to West
Africa in the last 21 days.
Training continues to be provided with the emphasis on staff, public and
patient safety at all times. Short films have been made (available on the IaN
intranet) concerning personal protective clothing, waste and specimen
collection. New protocols have been drawn up to ensure all stages of the
patient journey through our service are controlled and safe.
Infection Control New Year’s Honours list
announced!
The Infection Prevention and Control Team is always keen to honour
excellence and, over the last year, there has been much to celebrate.
The team has formulated a ‘New Year’s Honours List’ incorporating
awards representing a number of key aspects of Infection Control
practice and standards. Hand hygiene has been featured as well as
line care, MRSA screening, commitment to training and audit as well
as special awards for contributions to infection control through
cleanliness and
patient placement.
Judy Potter said: “Such a lot of wonderful work is done across the
Trust maintaining patient safety and ensuring hospital stays are free
from infection. We wanted to celebrate good practice and honour
some of our hard working colleagues.”
A full list of this year’s winners can be found on IaN.
A Winter’s Tale
A dramatic surge in patient demand tested hospitals up and down the country
to the limit over Christmas and the New Year – including the RD&E. Here we
give an overview of what happened here and show some of the many staff
groups who worked together to tackle the pressures.
WINTER, more than any other season, is never a quiet time for a hospital.
Hospitals know this and prepare hard for it - the RD&E, like other acute
hospitals, has a robust winter Capacity Plan, containing a whole range of
actions and measures designed to cope with higher numbers of patients.
But demand over the Christmas and New Year period proved far higher
even than the peak levels allowed for in the Capacity Plan.
Emergency admissions rose sharply as large numbers of patients
presented with serious respiratory problems and needed a hospital bed.
Emergency Department attendances remained high, making it harder to hit
the 95% four-hour waiting time target, and some areas were hit with
Norovirus.
As beds became more and more scarce, the pressure went from serious to
severe, and the Trust, for a brief period, declared an internal Significant
Incident.
This allowed clinical and non-clinical management teams to immediately
mobilise extra staff, space and resources – over and above the higher
levels pre-allocated in the Capacity Plan - and call on the support of other
health and social care partners in Devon. The priority was to ensure urgent
and emergency patients could be treated safely. Regrettably, this meant
many elective procedures had to be cancelled.
Staff across the hospital, already working hard, dug even deeper. From
frontline clinical staff through to pathologists, porters, secretaries and
managers, everyone played their part.
By mid-January, the pressures had started to ease somewhat and the
winter was starting to look more ‘normal’ again – busy, but not severe.
For RD&E staff, its patients and their families, and for the NHS across
England, it had been one of the toughest Christmas and New Year periods
for years.
Em Wilkinson-Brice, RD&E Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer, said: “I
would like to pay tribute to our staff who once again have demonstrated
they are willing and able to go the extra mile to deliver high quality, safe
care in even the most testing times. I also want to thank our patients for
their understanding, particularly those affected by cancellations.
“We continue to work with our health and social care partners to radically
transform our services. This should ensure that our system locally
provides patients with the right treatment, at the right time, and in the most
appropriate setting.”
What was it like for our staff?
Diane Ody, General Manager
“The staff’s response to deal with the pressures was just outstanding.
They went way beyond what was required of them. Their commitment and
professionalism allowed us to continue to deliver quality care and maintain
patient safety throughout our busiest time.”
Tori Moss, Junior Doctor
“The team worked really well together to keep on top of the workload. I
predominantly did rapid assessments, and at times it was difficult to make
sure every patient coming in via ambulance was seen at the door and had
the necessary immediate investigations due to the volume of patients
coming in.”
Gavin Llloyd, Consultant Emergency Physician
“The current winter crisis is clearly a challenge for emergency
departments and acute trusts across the UK. I can also empathise with
nursing and medical colleagues in acute medicine who would have felt just
as much strain, but not got the same media attention. We look forward to a
time when the well-publicised issues raised in the College of Emergency
Medicine’s STEP campaign are addressed.”
Sarah-Jane Rowlands, Pharmacist
“Despite particularly long hours and an exceptionally high work load, the
Pharmacy Team were great and raised their game. Our focus was to
efficiently and calmly meet all requests for medications.”
Greg Clover, Portering Supervisor
“The biggest challenges were making sure all new areas that were opened
and needed to be equipped with beds, lockers, and bedside tables were
done so in a timely manner - but that it didn’t compromise patient
movement to their booked appointments.”
Alina Piper, Registered Nurse
“It was very stressful. Trying to meet patients’ needs on a ward that is not
normally open to inpatients was hard. Continuity was also difficult with
different staff being on each day.”
Carlton Kneil, Infection Prevention & Control Nurse Specialist
“Our biggest challenge has been to ensure that, despite the demanding
circumstances, infection risks to patients and staff were minimised. This
has been achieved through assessment, isolation and prompt diagnostic
testing of suspected infectious patients.”
Joanne Price, Biomedical Scientist
“It has been very busy due to increased requests for Norovirus and
Influenza testing, even Christmas day and Boxing day. Everyone in
Microbiology has worked really hard to get the results out so that beds can
be freed up and infected patients can be isolated.”
Cherry Evans, Medical Secretary
“It was extremely pressurised. We needed to ensure that all of our patients
received the correct information in a timely manner regarding their
cancellation of surgery and felt reassured that we have their best interests
at heart to deliver patient care.”
What our patients told us…
Many patients who visited the RD&E during this exceptionally busy period
gave us their feedback:
“The Acute Medical Unit staff were very attentive and considering how
busy the unit was I was very happy with the care I received. Amazing
service on a bank holiday.”
“The staff were very friendly and polite and kept us constantly informed
about delays.”
“Staff were absolutely wonderful, nothing was too much trouble, any
doubts or questions we had were answered simply and honestly. Despite
the hospital being at full capacity a member of staff somehow managed to
check everything was well and to offer comfort.”
“A hospital is only as good as its staff and you have the best at the RD&E!”
“My experience of your hospital and staff has been exceptional, from the
gentleman who welcomed us at the entrance, the guys that served us
coffee, right through to the admin staff, nurses, housekeeper, anaesthetist
and of course my consultant.”
“Although staff were very busy, no one was rushed and they treated each
patient as an individual, checking and re-checking everyone was as
comfortable as they could be.”
“I cannot express enough how impressed we were with the care my father
received and the compassion my mother and myself were shown by every
member of the team.”
Working 24/7 to juggle capacity
Head of Patient Flow Sheila Guinchard played a key role throughout the
busy winter period with the Site Management Team. The team work 24
hours a day to juggle hospital capacity and demand for beds, making sure
every patient is placed in the best possible bed for their needs.
“We always knew that this winter was going to be quite challenging, but
the surge in emergency admissions in early January happened quite
suddenly after the bank holidays. Patients were arriving through
Emergency Department and via their GPs in Acute Medical Unit, and our
priority was to make sure they were seen as quickly as possible to
maintain patient safety.
“When the Significant Incident was declared, it enabled us to open 57 extra
beds in day case areas to increase our capacity. This put extra pressure on
our support services such as portering, linen, catering and admin, and we
brought in staff for extra shifts.
“The pressures were immense and the challenge was huge but overall the
period was managed extremely well. From top to bottom everyone played
their part and pulled together when we really needed to.”
Patient Safety Programme update: the Quality
Improvement Academy (QIA)
By Bernadette George, Lead Nurse Patient Safety &
Risk
Launched in 2013, the Quality Improvement Academy (QIA) is an
organisation run by junior doctors, for junior doctors, to encourage and
run quality improvement and patient safety projects with support from
Trust management.
The QIA has already achieved a great deal. Many of these projects have
been published in BMJ Quality Improvement reports and presented both
nationally and internationally, whilst QIA itself was shortlisted in the
Patient Safety category of the 2014 Health Service journal Awards.
In addition to this, we have:
• Implemented systems to enhance communications between junior
doctors and phlebotomists, thereby minimising duplicated blood tests and
preventing delays in blood results
• Started a project to implement electronic job books across all wards,
improving accountability and reducing errors
• Implemented a new, clearer drains chart in plastic surgery
• Implemented a new bespoke plastic surgery/hand injury clerking
proforma
• Improved the system for ordering renal tract imaging
• Increased the efficiency of the hand trauma clinic
• Implemented the Dr-Toolbox website, an online reference source
providing information for all junior doctors on working practices, which
has improved the handover when juniors rotate between specialties
• Improved the prescribing of antibiotics in Trauma and Orthopaedics
• Improved the way blood taking equipment is stored on medical wards
reducing delays in taking emergency blood tests.
With the new QIA year launched in September 2014, many new exciting
projects are already underway to build on their first year’s success,
including developing stronger links with QI groups across the Peninsula
and plans for an Exeter QI Conference this Spring .
A few of the other new projects we are supporting this year include:
• A multidisciplinary team project focusing on improving prescribing of
antibiotics across the hospital
• Improving access to equipment for rapid chest drain insertion
• Improving antibiotic provision in the community for respiratory patients
• Improving the “Post-Take” ward round in Acute Medical Unit.
If anyone wishes to learn more or become involved in a project whether
doctor, nurse or other allied health professional please don’t hesitate to email
us on: rde.quality@gmail.com
Introduction of ‘traffic light’ scoring for feverish
illness in children less than 5 years
New resources have been produced to help staff recognise sepsis in
children - a leading cause of preventable death in children under five. Staff
from the Paediatric and Emergency Departments are raising awareness of
the condition within the RD&E to ensure early identification and prompt
treatment for young patients.
To ensure staff are compliant with NICE guidance for children that present
with feverish illness, they have introduced a number of resources to help
identify patients who are at risk of sepsis using a traffic light assessment
system. These include:
• Visual reminder ‘credit cards’ for all staff to carry if they see children with
fever
• Posters of the traffic light system in the ED and Paediatric Assessment
Unit
• Stickers to be inserted into medical notes of any child presenting with a
fever
• Stickers to contain information on information given to parents.
Please contact Hannah Williams, Cluster Manager for Child and Women’s
Health, or Dr Rebecca Franklin, Consultant Paediatrician, if you would like
any further information on this project.
RD&E Roll of Honour
There are many talented and dedicated staff at the R&DE who work tirelessly
to provide high quality care for our patients. Over the last couple of months,
several of them have been recognised for their hard work …
Alison Wootton wins NHS Emerging Leader of
the Year
Assistant Director of Nursing Alison Wootton won the award for NHS
Emerging Leader of the Year at the Regional NHS Leadership Recognition
Awards. The award sees Alison recognised as one of the region’s most
talented, dedicated and inspirational leaders and she will now be entered
into the National Leadership Recognition Awards. Well done Alison!
Find out more about Alison on page 16
Clinical School Nursing Awards celebrate problem
solving
Nursing and midwifery staff’s innovative responses to ‘compassion’ were
celebrated at the inaugural Clinical School Nursing Awards. Charge Nurse
from Durbin Ward Alex Moore was announced the winner, for his work on
ensuring that patients with a Neck of Femur fracture are transferred onto a
pressure relieving mattress as soon as possible.
RD&E narrowly misses out on HSJ Awards
Two teams from the RD&E narrowly missed out on top honours at the
Health Service Journal awards. The Trust was in the running in the
Compassionate Care and Patient Safety categories. This year the HSJ
awards received a record 1305 entries so it is a massive achievement to
have been shortlisted.
Recognition for patient safety work at NHS QUEST
Awards
The RD&E has been awarded two NHS QUEST Awards for our quality
improvement and patient safety work. Lead Nurse for Patient Safety &
Risk, Bernadette George, collected the Trust Participation Award and the
Site Lead of the Year Award for her great patient safety work.
Julie Vale awarded place on King’s Older Persons
Nurse Fellowship
Senior Nurse for Older People Julie Vale has been awarded a coveted
place on the Older Persons Nurse Fellowship programme at King’s College
London. Julie said: “This will help me to become recognised as a national
expert in caring for older people.”
Medical Imaging Team receive coveted ISAS
accreditation
The Medical Imaging Team have been recognised for providing high
quality radiology services to patients by achieving the UKAS Imaging
Service Accreditation (ISAS). They have become one of just 16 NHS Trusts
across the country to have been granted the official accreditation by the
United Kingdom Accreditation Service on behalf of the Royal College of
Radiologists and the College of Radiographers.
Tissue Viability Team receive recognition from
Wounds UK
The Tissue Viability Team have received national recognition for their work
on wound cleansing and diagnostic interventions. In November, Tissue
Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Joanne Woolhead had her poster
‘Larval therapy: treatment of last resort or diagnostic intervention’
displayed at this year’s Wounds UK conference. Meanwhile Senior CNS
Juliet Price and CNS Michael Ellis’ co-written article, ‘An evaluation of the
efficacy and cost-effectiveness of octenilin® for chronic wounds’, was
published in November’s Wounds UK Journal.
Autumn Winners
Excellent Care – Roy Abbott, Physiotherapy
Roy was nominated by a patient, “Roy’s compassion, care and attention to
my needs is really appreciated. He respects me as a patient and I like the
way he listens to me.”
Exceed – Louise Rattenbury, Matron, Neonatal Unit
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.”
Exemplar – Jon Whybrow, Clinical Measurements
Senior Clinical Scientist Jon Wybrow unexpectedly passed away in
November 2013. In her nomination, Clinical Scientist Helena Wilding spoke
of Jon’s passion, drive and commitment to his job.
Extra Mile – Jill Harrower, Ward Housekeeper,
Bolham
Jill was nominated by Pete Squire: “Jill plays a big part in helping staff
give the best possible care. Jill has very high standards and never lets
them slip.”
Extra Mile Team – Wynard Ward
Wynard were nominated by Nigel Lawrence for their integrity, adaptability
and their belief in putting their patients and families first.
Exceptional Achievement – Torridge Ward
Consultant Ray Sheridan nominated Torridge: “As one of only a handful of
units offering ‘faecal transplants’ for recurrent C.Difficile, they have
transformed the lives of patients.”
Food and mood:
how the Clinical Psychology Team help reduce
emotional eating
The RD&E Clinical Psychology Team work across a range of areas in the
hospital, from pain management to neuro-rehabilitation services. They use
a variety of psychological therapies to help patients with physical health
problems to cope with their condition.
One of the areas they are working with is the Exeter Medical Obesity
Service. Clinical Psychologist Dr Kate Pearson explains:
“The Exeter Medical Obesity Service (EMOS) is a specialist service which
supports patients to achieve weight loss, provides education, guidance
and follow-up to patients requiring bariatric surgery, and support of
patients following surgery. The EMOS team comprises medical
consultants including Dr Katarina Kos (Clinical Lead), dieticians, a
consultant psychiatrist, clinical psychologists
and physiotherapists.
“We take a compassionate perspective, which acknowledges that many
people with obesity have had to deal with adversity in their lives, including
bullying and prejudice. In order to ensure that patients are well supported
in meeting their personal goals we meet as a team to identify how their
individual needs are supported best. Where appropriate, patients are
offered consultations with the team psychologists or psychiatrist. For
binge eating and emotional eating - two common psychological issues in
people with obesity - group programmes are run by psychologists and
dieticians.
We encourage a balanced diet and an increase in activity, and teach a
range of psychological strategies to help reduce over-eating and promote
a more helpful way of responding to emotions. In order to achieve a
sustainable lifestyle change, as necessary prior to referral for weight loss
surgery, it is important to tackle any unhelpful habits and learn new
techniques and eating behaviours.”
Some of the many useful techniques for reducing
emotional eating include:
• identifying triggers of over-eating e.g. by keeping a food and mood diary
• assessing over-eating risks in the immediate environment (e.g. removing
supplies of biscuits from the desk drawer)
• practising being self-compassionate: losing weight and changing eating
habits is difficult, and being a “supportive coach” rather than a self-critic is
more likely to lead to success.
Intensive Care Unit launch charity recipe book
David Cameron, Michael Caines and Rick Stein are just some of the big
names who have provided recipes for ‘Intensive Food’, a charity cookbook
in aid of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Trust Fund.
The recipe book, which contains a collection of over 300 recipes from ICU
staff, friends and special celebrity guests, was launched in December at an
event attended by staff, the Lord Mayor of Exeter and former ICU patient
Rolf Clifton.
All the proceeds from sales of the recipe book will go towards providing
extra comfort for patients and their relatives during their stay on the unit.
The department’s love of food and drink sparked an idea for the collection
of favourite recipes and the team, led by Consultant Nurse Carole
Boulanger and ICU Matron Marie Toghill, have been busy compiling
recipes ever since.
The book covers range of sweet and savoury recipes, each tied together
with a chapter introduction from ICU Consultant Dr Roland Black. A
special final chapter is dedicated to Rolf, who spent over 50 days on ICU
last year.
Carole and Marie added: “The final chapter for us says it all. Thank you
Rolf for your wonderful contribution - you and many others like you are the
reason we continue to love our jobs.”
Hard copies of the book have now sold out, but if you if you would like to
register your interest in buying one if there is a second print run please email
carole.boulanger@nhs.net
Or buy your copy of the Intensive Food ebook online for only £4.99 from
Amazon.
Angela’s online!
You can now read the latest blog from RD&E Chief Executive Angela
Pedder on our website. Angela’s monthly blog gives a more personal
insight into the latest news and events at the RD&E – everything from
patient safety to our Extraordinary People.
Take a look at Angela’s latest blog by visiting www.rdehospital.nhs.uk
Listening to our students
In December, the Learning and Development Service held their first
student forum to capture the views and opinions of those who have
undertaken placements at the RD&E.
The students discussed questions such as how their placements could be
improved and how they perceived the quality of care at the Trust in groups
with senior nursing staff, such as Assistant Director of Nursing Alison
Wootton.
The first forum seems to have gone down well with the students involved,
with several commenting that it was good to have a “reflective discussion
with other students” and that it was great opportunity for “senior staff to
hear what it’s like to be a student”.
• Student Forums will be held three times a year, so keep an eye for details
of the next one on IaN.
RD&E helped me…
If you would like to share your positive feedback with us please
email rde-tr.Positivefeedback@nhs.net
Every day the RD&E treats hundreds of patients and many take the time to
give us feedback. Here we share some of the recent thank - yous we have
received…
Dear RD&E,
After being told for two years by my previous doctor that there was
nothing wrong with me, a dear friend took me to the RD&E – and I was
admitted straightaway with suspected cancer.
I felt so ill that I said I’d not have an operation, but the surgeon Mr Gee told
me, very gently, that I had two weeks to live, or with an operation, probably
another year. His caring manner gave me second thoughts so I agreed and
had a large growth removed.
I have just celebrated thirteen years since that operation and, daily, feel
grateful to Mr Gee and the hospital who gave me such care.
Barbara Chivers
Dear RD&E,
I have recently had an extremely successful Bilateral Hip Operation at the
RD&E.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere and grateful
thanks to everyone, all nursing staff and housekeepers of firstly Dyball
Ward then Abbey and Exe wards, involved in my care and recovery. I
would especially like my thanks conveyed to Mr Charity who performed my
operation. To now be so mobile and free from pain is wonderful and all
thanks to his expertise and skill.
Dear RD&E,
I was a day patient in Otter Ward, Heavitree for ENT surgery to ‘zap’ weak
blood vessels in my nose.
Can you PLEASE pass on my sincere thanks to the theatre sister/ senior
nurse, I’m sorry I didn’t catch her name but I was too concerned about
what was about to happen. She was holding /squeezing my arm during the
Op, and yes it does make a lot of difference even to a 64 year-old man.
Thanks again, particularly the lady in question. We all need human contact
sometimes.
Tim White
Dear RD&E,
I just wanted to express my thanks to all the midwives who helped with the
delivery of my little boy Sebastian in September. I had a wonderful
experience and the three midwives and support staff involved were all
brilliant. Thanks to the breast feeding help I received straight away Seb is
exclusively breast-fed. Here’s a photo of him milk drunk!
Charlotte
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:
Kenn & Bovey
Following feedback from relatives that patients were not always receiving
appropriate food choices and supplements, a simple diet board has been
set up in the ward kitchen. This has improved communications between
nursing staff and dieticians, and allowed for a more effective handover of
patients’ nutritional and dietary needs.
RD&E website
Following a complaint about incorrect contact details on the Trust’s
website, Administration line managers are now working with the
Communications Team to keep the contact information for their specialties
up-to-date.
How Jane quit with the help of our Smokestop
Midwives
Jane Boden thought that she couldn’t give up smoking. The 22 year old
from Exmouth had tried to quit in the past but hadn’t been able to manage
it on her own. When she became pregnant with her first child she knew
that she should try again.
“I wanted to quit, but I thought I couldn’t do it because I had tried giving up
before” said Jane.
At her 12 week scan, Jane was asked to blow into a carbon monoxide
machine, which indicated that she was still smoking. She was then
referred to one of the Trust’s new Smokestop Midwives, Mair Davies, who
chatted to Jane about the impact smoking could have on her unborn baby.
Mair used a doll and a placenta to show Jane how the carbon monoxide
she was inhaling through cigarettes was lowering the baby’s oxygen
levels.
“It was really scary” said Jane. “Seeing it really made a big impression on
me, so I agreed for the Smokestop midwives to give me some help.”
Mair, along with her fellow Smokestop midwife Beccy Risely, arranged to
see Jane at home and weekly at a midwifery centre. They also arranged
for Jane to receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help her quit.
“All the praise and support they gave me was just brilliant. Eventually I
was forgetting to stick the nicotine patches on because I didn’t need them
anymore. I’d quit the cigarettes before I was 20 weeks, and by 23 weeks
I’d quit the patches too.”
Jane gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Jake James, in November. She
attributes her success in quitting to the support she received from Mair
and Beccy. “I just think they’re amazing. They have been a great support
and made it seem easy. I feel a lot better now I’ve quit. I’ve got more energy
and I don’t have the weird taste in my mouth or stained fingers anymore.”
RD&E Smokestop Midwife Service
The Smokestop Midwife Service is available to help pregnant women to
stop smoking. Beccy and Mair explain:
“Our service offers input for all pregnant smokers throughout the
antenatal period. We see women in a range of settings including local birth
centres, children’s centres and in their own homes. We offer behavioural
support for all women and organise nicotine replacement therapy
treatment via the GP if appropriate. We’ll also support partners or another
family member if they wish to quit alongside a pregnant smoker.”
Clinicians can make referrals at any stage in pregnancy.
• If you are pregnant and would like help to quit please call 07500095422 or
email rde-tr.smokestopmidwife@nhs.net
Risks of smoking in pregnancy
• Smoking is responsible for approx. 5000 miscarriages, 2200 premature
births and 300 perinatal deaths annually in the UK
• As well as the significant health risks to mothers there are also long and
short term health implications for the baby. It is linked with increased rates
of fetal abnormalities, stillbirth and sudden infant death (SIDS)
• The estimated costs of smoking in pregnancy to the NHS are between
£20 million and £87.5 million per year.
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Research and Development at the RD&E
RD&E SELECTED AS NATIONAL GENOMICS
MEDICINE CENTRE
The RD&E has been selected by NHS England as one of 11 centres that will
jointly lead its 100,000 Genomes Project, which aims to establish England
as a world leader in the fight against cancer and rare disease. The RD&E
will lead the project in the South West, working in partnership with other
hospitals across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
The project involves collecting and decoding 100,000 human genomes –
complete sets of people’s genes – that will enable scientists and doctors to
understand more about specific conditions.
The South West Peninsula NHS Genomics Medicine Centre is anticipated
to contribute 4,200 genomes from people living in the region. Recruitment
to the project will begin from February 2015.
The bid was led by Professor Sian Ellard, Head of Molecular Genetics,
RD&E and Professor of Human Molecular Genetics at the University of
Exeter Medical School. She said: “We are delighted to be involved in this
landmark project which will give new insights into cancer biology, new
ways of diagnosing rare disease and new treatments for patients in the
NHS and throughout the world.”
Angela Pedder, Chief Executive of the RD&E said: “This is recognition of
the excellent ground breaking research that has already taken place here
and our partnership with the University of Exeter. The new Genomics
centre- bringing together clinicians and researchers to improve patient
care – is in line with our strategic goals of delivering high quality services
to the communities we serve.”
The bid was created with the support of the South West Academic Health
Science Network (SW AHSN).
Sian recognised for contribution to research
Congratulations to Prof. Sian Ellard, Head of Molecular Genetics at the RD&E
and Professor of Human Molecular Genetics at the University of Exeter
Medical School, who has won an award from the inaugural Academy for
Healthcare Science congress. Sian was nominated for her research work in
neonatal diabetes, including the discovery of 14 new causes of the disease,
which has transformed the lives
of patients throughout the world.
Maggie Shepherd appointed Honorary Clinical
Professor
The Lead Nurse for Research at the RD&E, Maggie Shepherd, has been
promoted to Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Exeter Medical
School. Maggie currently works in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF)
in RILD. The academic promotion is a testament to her growing international
reputation in monogenic diabetes and dedication to ensuring research
advances are successfully translated into patient care.
Exeter health innovation hub wins second property
award
The RILD building has been awarded Building of the Year 2014 by The
Building Forum for Devon and Cornwall. £27.5 million centre of excellence
for health education and research is a partnership between the University
of Exeter and the RD&E. This is the second accolade that RILD has been
awarded since it was opened in June 2014.
Gretel returns to research after volunteering at
RD&E
Dr Gretel Finch has been able to return to her career in research thanks to the
help and support she received as a volunteer at the RD&E.
Having worked as a Research Scientist for many years, including posts at the
BBSRC Institute of Food Research and the University of Bristol, Gretel took a
career break to care for her young family. During this time she helped set up
a breast feeding support group and trained as a Peer Support Counsellor.
In the summer of 2012, Gretel was keen to return to her research career but
wanted to build up her confidence and experience again. She approached
RD&E Infant Feeding Coordinators Charlotte Kilvington and Karen Read to
discuss volunteering opportunities and soon Gretel was using her research
skills and Peer Support experience to help them with their medical audit into
Tongue Tie intervention. Whilst volunteering she has also been able to gain
clinical practice hours towards her International Board Certified Lactation
Consultant (IBCLC) training.
“My time volunteering at the RD&E significantly increased my confidence,
skills and experience after such a long career break to apply for a Research
Fellowship in maternal eating behaviour at the University of Bristol through
the Daphne Jackson Trust, which I was awarded in February 2014” said
Gretel. “The RD&E has been an amazing environment to work in and it has
been a privilege to work with such dedicated and hardworking professionals,
including those from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
Research Design Service and the Exeter Health Library.
• The Daphne Jackson Trust is an organisation dedicated to helping scientists
and engineers return to research following a career break by helping with
support and retraining. www.daphnejackson.org
Inaugural Clinical Trials Symposium
The collaborative work of research and clinical staff was celebrated at our
inaugural Clinical Trials Symposium. As well as giving staff an update on
the progress of the hospital’s clinical trials work the symposium also saw
the presentation of the RD&E’s very first Clinical Research Team Awards.
There were 16 submissions from research teams across the Trust and the
top three entries - the Emergency Department, Exeter Stroke Team and
STOPCUTS - were invited to present their work to delegates. The
Emergency Department Research Team (pictured) claimed first prize for
truly embedding research within the clinical service at every level.
To find out more contact Leigh Boxall, Lead Research Practitioner, on
leigh.boxall@nhs.net or 01392 406915.
Research and Development Annual Report 2013/14
The RD&E’s Research and Development Team has achieved a great deal
over the last year. 2013/14 saw a large number of research publications by
RD&E staff, impressive levels of funding secured and the innovation of
staff recognised.
Key research partnerships with the University of Exeter and the University
of Exeter Medical School also flourished, with the opening of the Research
Innovation Learning and Development (RILD) building.
The Trust is also a key member of the National Institute for Health
Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN), and was appointed to
host the South West Peninsula Clinical Research Network (CRN: SWP) this
year.
Some of their other highlights in 2013/14 have included:
• 139 research publications from staff were included in peer reviewed
journals.
• In excess of £12m of NIHR funding and £5m of external grant funding for
research projects was secured.
• Over 3880 patients were recruited into NIHR clinical research studies
from a total of 180 studies. Nationally the Trust was 9th out of 44 Trusts in
our benchmark group for patient recruitment into trials.
• Patient feedback survey demonstrated that 94% of patients felt valued as
a participant in research.
• Research continues into genetic types of diabetes. Professors Sian Ellard
and Andrew Hattersley received seven years funding from the Wellcome
Trust to support their work on neonatal diabetes. Exeter has received
samples from over 80 countries in the world and is the international leader
in this field.
• The number of research active staff in the Trust has increased by 20% in
2013/14. We have seen an increase in non-medical researchers, including
Extended Scope Practitioners and nurses acting as Principle Investigators.
your Member and Governors section
Members’ Say Focus Group Feedback
Six focus groups were held during the course of our Members’ Say event on
27th September 2014. Three of these groups focused on issues concerning
the RD&E’s reputation and branding. Around 40 Members of the Trust
attended these three sessions and took part in a lively and informative hour of
discussion and activities on what sat behind the reputation of the RD&E.
In the first exercise the group was asked to set out the key attributes that sum
up the Trust. Based on a textual analysis of the discussion the key word
associations for the RD&E were:
• Professional
• Good reputation/word of mouth
• Dynamic
• Safe
• Competent
• Efficient
• Trustworthy
• Delivered with care
• Research
In the second exercise, participants were asked to respond unprompted to the
words, images and sounds that came to mind when thinking about the RD&E.
This enabled the respondents to think about and discuss the relative
strengths and weaknesses of the reputation from their own perspectives and
that of the wider public.
This exercise was broadly positive, though less so than the first exercise. The
main negative issues to emerge focused on poor communication and
customer care. The primary word associations used for the RD&E brand
(based on numbers of mentions) include:
• Good quality
• Waiting - negative
• Parking - negative
• Quality care
• Great medical staff
• Friendly
The conclusions of these focus groups will be used to better understand the
RD&E’s reputation and what Members value about the Trust.
Member surveys
Last year we enclosed a survey with the Summer edition of RD&E News
and we also followed this up with inviting a small number of Members to a
focus group session. The research was designed to explore opinions on
the options for care in older age, your experiences of care services,
support and funding and your perceptions of the RD&E’s reputation. The
results of the survey showed:
• Members were overwhelmingly positive about the Trust reputation with
the majority agreeing that they have ‘confidence in the RD&E’ and that ‘the
RD&E is trustworthy’.
• The survey asked to what extent Members would choose care provided
by the RD&E over alternative care providers if the RD&E started to provide
a similar offering. Over three quarters of respondents (76%) agreed that
they would choose the RD&E over alternative care providers, whilst one
fifth (20%) were unsure.
• The survey also explored perceptions on the requirement for specialist
care for an age related condition, such as dementia, stroke or arthritis.
Members’ preferences were as follows:
- Supported care at home (74%)
- Care in a dedicated facility, such as a care home (10%)
- Don’t know/unsure (16%)
• The survey also asked questions about how Members would prefer their
care to be funded in later life. The majority of respondents (60%) indicated
that they would most likely turn to social care or NHS funding to fund
future care, while 29% indicated that they would be prepared to spend their
own money on care.
The results of the survey will be used to help the RD&E consider how it
can best support elderly patients in need of care in the future. Thanks to all
those who responded – your help is greatly appreciated.
Medicine for Members
Tuesday 24th March 2.30pm
The next Medicine for Members talk will focus on the Acute Kidney Injury
(AKI) outreach nursing service. Mel Sully, Senior AKI Nurse Specialist, will
be presenting a highly informative talk on how their team helps to reduce
the progression of AKI, a rapid loss of kidney function which can occur in
any patient group.
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
Drs Richard and Mary Fortescue Ffoulkes
Member Barbara Katherine Cork recently got in touch with the RD&E News
Team to tell us about her parents Drs Richard and Mary Fortescue
Ffoulkes.
Her father Richard had been an anaesthetist at the Royal Devon & Exeter
Hospital, the West of England Eye Infirmary and the Princess Elizabeth
Orthopaedic Hospital from 1925. Whilst her mother Mary, who was also an
anaesthetist in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, is thought to be one
of the first women doctors in Exeter. Mary worked as a medical officer in
the casualty department of the old Southernhay RD&E hospital during the
Second World War.
Following the war, there was a great need for extra hospital facilities in the
city so the couple bought Politimore House near Pinhoe and opened it as a
private hospital and maternity unit. When the NHS was formed in 1948, a
number of beds were also contracted out to the new service. Between 1945
and 1963 over 10,000 patients were admitted to Politimore House,
including several thousand on the NHS, and a total of 1,401 babies were
born there. When the Fortescue-Foulkes retired in 1963, the house
became part of the Exeter Hospitals Group and remained a medical
establishment until the new Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital was built in
Wonford in the 1970’s.
Thank you Barbara for sharing your memories with us. If you would like to
share you memories of healthcare at the RD&E with us please contact the
Communications Team on rde-tr.RDEComms@nhs.net or 01392 406941.
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 rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net
2015 Elections to the Council of Governors
We will be holding elections to the Council of Governors once again this
year, with positions available in all our public constituencies as well as for
staff Governors. As in previous years, we plan to hold meetings for
members interested in standing as a Governor. All Members who have
told us they are interested in the role will be contacted and invited to a
meeting or to receive further information. If you would like to register your
interest in being a Governor and receive an invitation to a prospective
Governor meeting, please let the Engagement Office know on 01392
403977 or by emailing: rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net The prospective
Governor meetings are likely to be held in June/July 2015 with the
elections taking place between July and September 2015. More details of
the exact timetable will be in the next RD&E News out in late May.
Council of Governors Meeting Dates
All Council meetings are 2-4pm
• 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.
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 25th February
• Wednesday 25th March
• Wednesday 29th April
• Wednesday 27th May
• Wednesday 24th June
• Wednesday 29th July
• Wednesday 30th September
• Wednesday 28th October
• Wednesday 25th November
Please note: from February 2015, the public Board meetings will start at
9am and will finish at 10.30am.
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.
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 rdetr.foundationtrust@nhs.net.
Meet Alison Wootton – one of our Staff Governors
Assistant Director of Nursing for the Medical Division Alison Wootton has
recently been re-elected as a Staff Governor, having already served a three
year term.
Why did you want to become a Governor?
“I felt it would be valuable to be able to put forward what it was like to work
in the hospital as a member of a ward team and to be able to put forward
messages from patients about what they needed from services.”
You have recently been re-elected. Why did you choose to stand again?
“I feel that my role and input has been valuable. I think that I have provided
a perspective that has helped the Council understand issues in more depth
or from different perspectives. It has offered me a really different set of
development and networking opportunities that have helped me develop
both personally and professionally.”
Why is it important that we have Staff Governors as well as public
representatives?
“I think that the blend of staff and public representatives brings different
viewpoints to the role. Ultimately why anyone is there is to contribute to
making the care for patients and the services that we offer the best that
they can be. Each person on the Council brings a different perspective,
different skills and life experience to the role and this all adds together to
make us effective in what we need to do.”
Lamin benefits from expertise of Exeter hip
surgeons
Surgeons at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre (PEOC) have given
up their time to perform complex surgery on a patient from The Gambia.
Lamin Jawla is now back at work coordinating the Ebola Surveillance
programme at Banjul International Airport following a ‘life-changing’ hip
replacement.
Public and Environmental Health Officer Lamin needed the surgery after he
dislocated his hip in a road traffic accident. Over time the injury had
caused arthritis and deformity, but doctors in The Gambia lacked the skills
and facilities to carry out complex hip surgery.
Lamin was able to undergo his specialist surgery in Exeter thanks to the
efforts of Kim Fielding, a volunteer and Oncology Nurse, retired PEOC
Consultant Mr Gie and PEOC Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Matt
Wilson. The surgeons and the anaesthetists gave up their time for free,
whilst medical equipment manufacturer Stryker donated the replacement
hip implant and Lamin’s employers funded the rest of his care.
Lamin Jawla said: “This procedure made a great impact on my life. I am
walking without any pain or discomfort or stress. I will ever be proud of Mr
Wilson and Mr Gie for rehabilitating my life back to normal.”
Mr Matt Wilson added: “The decision to perform a complex hip
replacement in a young person is never easy but the opportunity to give
Lamin back his quality of life and get him back to the hugely important job
he is doing in The Gambia was not one we could ignore.”
Bishop of Plymouth joins in the ‘Blessing our
Vocations’ service at RD&E
The Bishop of Plymouth joined staff for a ‘Blessing our Vocations’ service
to celebrate the many vocations and job roles that make up the life of the
hospital. Staff and volunteers were invited to bring a symbol of their role
along to the service, be it a piece of medical equipment, a pager or even a
feather duster, to be blessed on the altar by the Bishop.
The Rt. Revd. Mark O Toole said: “I was pleased to be at the service and to
pray in thanksgiving for all those who put their heads, hearts and hands at
the service of those who are sick.”
Kevin donates £1000 to Diabetes Centre for third
year running!
Patient Kevin Hooper has donated £1000 to the MacLeod Diabetes &
Endocrine Centre (MDEC) for the third year running to say thank you to
staff there that have cared for him.
In the past, Kevin found living with Type 1 Diabetes challenging and was
not taking his insulin regularly. However thanks to the commitment and
support from staff he started getting the regular treatment he needed.
Kevin raised the money by holding a party for over 160 family and friends
to celebrate his birthday. He raised around £300 on the night and then
rounded up the sum to a thousand with his own money.
Tracey Courtney, Diabetes Nurse Specialist said: “We are all very grateful
for his support. This year, we’re hoping to use Kevin’s donation to make
improvements to our education and training facilities.”
Healthcare Science – the clout behind the Clinic
By Stuart Cannon, Trainee Clinical Scientist at the RD&E
“Hello, my name is Stuart and I have just started my training to become a
clinical scientist. When telling people about my new job, I often get asked:
“so what exactly do you do?” So I wanted to try and let more people know
just how important science is for healthcare.
Broadly speaking ‘clinical science’ includes everyone in the laboratories
and associated departments involved with the tests carried out on patient
samples, and currently there are about 300 clinical scientists in the RD&E
who work with many technical and supporting staff as well. Quite often the
clinical science teams will never come into contact with patients directly
however, results of these lab tests and services are vital to help inform
doctors when making diagnoses and considering the best treatments for
patients.
The team I have joined is the Molecular Genetics department, located in
RILD building, and we specialise in genetics and genomics - extracting,
analysing, and interpreting peoples DNA! This service can help doctors
understand whether an alteration in a patient’s DNA is causing their
disease. For example, a genetic mutation, or change in the DNA ‘code’,
may result in some parts of the body being built incorrectly, making people
unwell.
However, not all mutations are harmful! For example; a healthy couple who
are known to be at risk of having a child with a genetic disorder (such as
cystic fibrosis) could be offered genetic testing to see if they are carriers
of an unexpressed or ‘hidden’ mutation. This mutation may not be harmful
to them but may become harmful when inherited by their children and
cause a disease. Therefore, results from a test such as this would allow
healthy couples to make informed decisions on planning their family.
There are also other applications of genetic testing. For example, certain
mutations can tell doctors if someone has a rare inherited type of diabetes,
which would mean they would need a different medicine. Or in some cases
genetic testing can tell a person if they have a higher risk of developing
certain inherited cancers. Amazingly, the DNA of a lung, colon or skin
cancer tumour can sometimes even tell us which treatment drugs the lump
will respond to, allowing the patient to take the most effective drugs for
their cancer as soon as possible!
Healthcare science is ever advancing and is an important part of the
healthcare system cumulatively working together to help everyone to live
longer. So, if you want to find out more about our service visit
www.exeterlaboratory.com, follow us on twitter @Exeter_Lab, or Google
‘genomics education’ for a broader introduction to genomics.”
RD&E Pharmacists sign up as Antibiotic Guardians
The Antimicrobial Stewardship Team has signed up to become Antibiotic
Guardians. Antibiotics are some of the most precious medicines that we
have. Clinicians rely on them for many aspects of modern medicine,
including operations and cancer treatment, however we are at risk of
losing them if they are not used responsibly. If antibiotics continue to be
used when they are not needed, more bacteria will become resistant to
antibiotics, meaning routine treatments could become increasingly
dangerous.
To show your support for the campaign visit http://antibioticguardian.com/
and once you’ve pledged, you can join the campaign on Twitter using the
hashtag #antibioticguardian.
Dom and Jamie help train hospital staff in Uganda
RD&E Physiotherapist Dominic Hazell and Occupational Therapist Jamie
Currie travelled to Uganda in November to help train staff based at
Kagando Hospital in West Uganda, and CoRSU Hospital in Central Uganda,
where their work was supported by charity Interface Uganda.
Interface Uganda was set up in 2001 by Andrew and Sarah Hodges, a
Reconstructive Surgeon and Anaesthetist who worked at the RD&E. It aims
to provide essential reconstructive care and rehabilitation for the poor and
to equip and train local specialists.
Dominic explains: “Our time at Kagando was spent supporting the work of
the lone Physiotherapist Ken working at the hospital. The sheer volume of
his workload was incredible and he had to deal with an enormous variety
of conditions, including recovery from Malaria, Leprosy and large trauma
from crocodile and hippo attacks. We were able to ease the workload
whilst providing condition specific teaching and supporting the
development of Interface Uganda sponsored Physiotherapist Dennis.
People would often travel for days through the Rwenzori Mountains and
from the Democratic Republic of Congo to
receive treatment!”
“CoRSU presented with different challenges as a centre for reconstructive
and orthopaedic surgery. Jamie worked closely with Andrew Hodges in the
rehabilitation of complex reconstructions, assisted by the equipment and
materials donated by Interface to CoRSU Hospital. Both participated in the
Community Based Rehabilitation outreach programme and became
involved in the Disability Sports Day to raise awareness and break down
barriers of disability in Africa.”
If you wish to find out more about Dom and Jamie’s Uganda trip visit their
blog at
www.interfaceuganda.org
Exeter College Art Student makes a meal out of
hospital menus
Jayne Gordon from the Plymouth University / Exeter College Foundation
degree course has been working with Exeter HealthCare Arts on a
photographic project themed on food.
Stephen Pettet -Smith, the Trust Arts Manager, challenges students each
year to come up with photographic artwork on the theme of ‘In sickness
and in health’. Jayne has developed her project around the ingredients
used in food served to our patients to make pictures that resemble the
Dutch Master painters.
The results of Jayne and her fellow students work will be exhibited during
the spring.
Arts Community lift the spirits again this winter
Exeter HealthCare Arts have once again teamed up with the local arts
community to present the annual Friends and Family exhibition - now in its
16th year! Displayed from the chapel to area B, the second floor corridor is
a wonderfully varied collection of artworks produced by artists who have a
connection to the hospital. We have talented staff, former staff, outpatients
and former patients all loaning their work to brighten the hospital
environment. Many of the works are for sale with artists donating a
percentage of prices to Exeter HealthCare Arts, which helps with exhibition
work throughout the year. Anyone interested in pieces of artwork please
contact stephen.pettet-smith@nhs.net or 01392 402366
FORCE donate specialist chairs
A grateful patient has raised nearly £3,000 for the FORCE Cancer Charity to
purchase two specialist chairs for the Centre for Women’s Health.
The chairs are designed to make a significant difference to the comfort of
patients after surgery for vulval cancers, which affects more than 1,200
women each year in the UK.
Gynaecological Oncology Nurse Specialists Gail Webb and Jacky Stewart are
delighted with new equipment.
“The patients are able to use different settings on the chairs to relieve
pressure, enhance comfort which helps promote healing and recovery.”
More information about cancer of the vulva is available from FORCE Cancer
Support Centre www.forcecancercharity.co.uk
Christmas on Bramble
It was a busy couple of weeks on Bramble Ward this Christmas…
• Exeter City FC and Build-a-bear bring some festive cheer
Players gave out dozens of teddy bears and signed merchandise to the
young patients, with a little help from Grecian the Lion and Bearemy from
Build-a-Bear. Exeter City defender Pat Baldwin said: “I hope that we have
brought a smile to the faces of a few children this Christmas.”
• Exeter Chiefs deliver Christmas presents for all
Stars from the Exeter Chiefs also paid a festive visit to give out presents
and Chief’s goodie bags. Prop Brett Sturgess said: “As players and also as
parents ourselves,we aim to cheer the kids up, give them a few presents
and try and bring a smile to their day.”
• Bears for Bramble from the
Devonshire Freemasons
Dozens of teddy bears have been donated to Bramble by the Devonshire
Freemasons through their Devonshire Teddy for Loving Care (TLC)
campaign. W.Bro. John Adcock, the Devon Coordinator for TLC, said: “As
long as the children are happy with the teddies then we’re happy too!”
• Marine’s mince pies and mulled wine raise cash for the Lion’s Den
Royal Marie Jason Tooley, from Lympstone Commando Training Centre,
raised money over £145 for the refurbishment of Bramble’s outdoor play
area by selling mince pies and mulled wine.
• Toys galore from Dawlish Sainsbury’s
Dawlish Sainsbury’s Store Manager Steve Roberts and Charity
Coordinator Toni Smith popped in to handover boxes of toys that have
kindly been donated by staff and customers. The Dawlish store chose
Bramble as their charity this Christmas as it was a cause close to their
hearts.
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 TRIP
Community Transport Association…
Situated in Honiton, TRIP is a provider of transport for the rurally isolated
or disabled of all ages and for older people living in rural or urban areas. A
fleet of eight accessible vehicles together with over 40 voluntary cars help
to convey people to almost every type of medical appointment, day care
centres, shopping in local shops or to other places for more serious retail
therapy. One can also enjoy locations further afield at weekends with coast
and country visits, trips to places of interest, pub lunches and holidays to
far off destinations including Jersey and the Isle of Wight. All journeys are
a door to door service. There is no waiting in the rain for your transport to
arrive.
TRIP is the Exeter and East Devon ‘Single Point of Contact’ for information
and advice on patient transport to hospital appointments.
TRIP also has a disability shop selling things that can improve one’s life,
from walking sticks to mobility scooters, bathroom attachments to stair
lifts, walking frames to lap trays. The office and shop are open from 9.00 to
5.00 Monday to Friday.
Also under the TRIP umbrella is the Acorn Befriending Service. This is for
anyone who might benefit from regular visits for a chat or to help someone
get more out of life.
For more information on all services contact TRIP on 01404 46529
WEEU Team raise funds for new medical
equipment
A group of staff from the West of England Eye Unit (WEEU) have raised
£1500 to help purchase new equipment for the unit by completing the
Great West Run.
Jane Kingett, Brian Kingett, Grace Ortanez, and Freddie Kivuva completed
the 13.1 mile route to help fund a new Optical Coherence Tomographer
(OCT) machine, which they have now been able to purchase thanks to their
efforts and some additional funding from the Trust.
“Our motivation was that were working towards buying something really
useful for the unit” said Jane Kingett. “We have had amazing support from
patients and staff, and would like to thank everyone who donated.”
Waitrose Community Matters support RD&E
comfort packs
RD&E ‘comfort packs’, which help the relatives of terminally ill patients,
have been given a £294 boost thanks to Waitrose’s Community Matters
appeal.
The comfort packs are made up for families and carers of patients who are
approaching the last days of their life. Relatives are not always prepared
for an extended stay in hospital but the packs, which contain essentials
such as toiletries and refreshments, allow them to remain near the bedside
for as long as possible.
Shoppers in the Heavitree Waitrose store chose to support the cause by
placing their tokens in the Community Matters box at the end of their shop.
End of Life Educational Facilitator Sue Bignell recently collected the
cheque from Waitrose with Yarty staff nurse Beth Twitchell. Sue said:
“Thanks to Waitrose we have been able to raise £294, which will ensure the
continued success of the comfort packs provided to relatives at this very
distressing time.”
Passing of Dr Gordon Francis Mayall
It is with sadness that we report the death former RD&E Consultant of
Radiology, Dr Gordon Francis Mayall. Dr Mayall was 85 years old when he
passed away on 2nd November 2014, leaving a wife and four sons. He has
been remembered fondly by Radiology colleagues as an inveterate
eccentric with a well-honed work ethic and a heart of gold too.
Maintenance man turned charity bookseller
publishes first novel
Graeme Smith, a Maintenance Assistant from the Estates Department who
is well known around Heavitree Hospital for his successful charity book
stall in the foyer, has just published his very first novel – a Second World
War drama entitled ‘The Awakening of Abraham Brown’.
Over the past five years Graeme has raised over £10,000 for charity
through his charity stall, which supports two main charities, the Devon Air
Ambulance and Children’s Hospice South West.
Graeme said: “I cannot thank the staff enough at Heavitree for their
support and generous donations to the stall over the years and I am
delighted to have had my novel published as well.”
‘The Awakening of Abraham Brown’ can be purchased from Amazon or instore at W H Smith or Waterstones.
Dean’s Prize for Hazel!
Congratulations to Antimicrobial Pharmacist Hazel Parker who has been
awarded the Dean’s Prize from Imperial College London for attaining the
highest scoring MSc mark in the Faculty of Medicine in 2013/14. The prize
is a testament to Hazel’s hard work whilst studying for her MSc in Infection
Management for Pharmacists.
RD&E junior doctors to help prevent the spread of
Ebola
A group of RD&E junior doctors helped support the worldwide effort to
stop the spread of Ebola with a charity stand in the Oasis restaurant. They
were joined by representatives from Oxfam and collected over £340 for the
Oxfam Ebola Crisis Appeal.
Junior Doctor Sarah Merson said: “Nearly 5000 people have died, 10,000
have been infected. We must help stop the spread. This is now a major
international crisis, as hospital staff we can only imagine the struggle our
fellow colleagues are facing in the countries affected, lets support them in
whatever way we are able to - be it financially or with our time.”
Please consider donating at the Oasis stand or online via
https://donate.oxfam.org.uk/emergency/ebola
Leg party raises £210 for RD&E
Patient Debbie Northway has raised over £200 as a thank-you for the care
she received at the RD&E. Last year Debbie lost her leg above the knee
and has since been attending the Exeter Mobility Centre for prosthetic and
physiotherapy appointments. She recently celebrated having her
prosthetic leg by throwing a ‘Leg Party’ for friends and family where she
raised £105 for Exeter Mobility Centre and £105 for Otter Ward to say thank
you to the staff who cared for her.
£200 raised for Breast Cancer Campaign
The Executive Support Office took part in ‘Wear it pink day’ in aid of the
Breast Cancer Campaign in November. They raised a fantastic £200 by
selling cakes and wearing pink for the day. Nice work!
Clinical Measurements Cake Sale
The Clinical Measurements Department raised over £240 in aid of local
charity the Exeter Ethiopia Link by holding a cake sale in November. The
department’s delicious selection of homemade cakes was made in memory
of their colleague Dr Jonathon Whybrow, a Senior Clinical Scientist who
sadly passed away in December 2013.
Let the Lions do the leg work!
Don’t forget you can return your crutches or walking aids your local Exeter
GP when you no longer need them. The RD&E have teamed up with the
Exeter Lions Club, whose volunteers will collect walking aids from GP
practices in the Exeter area and return them to the hospital – saving you a
trip back to Wonford and helping our Physiotherapy Department to
maintain their supply of crutches.