Monthly archives: July 2018

Completing supervisors educational appraisals update: 16 July

Dr Chilvers will be running his annual ‘update on completing supervisors educational appraisals’ at the Postgraduate Centre, City Hospital on 16 July, 12.30pm.

This is aimed at appraisers who complete consultant supervisors educational appraisals and will include:

• Requirements for GMC recognition of supervisors.
• The process on the prep portfolio
• Evidence required for a successful educational appraisal
• Suggestions for professional development for appraisers
• Q&A session.

All are welcome to attend as itt will provide further evidence that colleagues can use for their own educational appraisal.

Note: The session will be repeated at Sandwell Hospital later in the year on date which will be announced nearer the time.

For more information please contact louise.tomkins@nhs.net.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 13 July

It is still possible that football will come home before the Midland Met opens, but it looks like there may only be, sadly, a few weeks in it. Thanks to our catering teams and others who got into the swing of things. And good luck to staff from France or Croatia cheering on their team on Sunday afternoon.

This week the long listing took place for our Star Awards. Over 500 nominations were received and next week our shortlisting panels meet. They have a tremendously difficult job to do, and have also to keep a secret until mid October! I am fiercely proud of the excellence and service set out in the award nominations. Colleagues from every grade and profession, and every part of our Trust are represented. Over the last three months all of us have had a PDR review. I hope, among other things, that that gives rise to even more nominations next year for our awards, as we drive to improve further. This week’s Quality Improvement Half Day was all about accreditation for those improvement efforts as we strive to make sure that either for individuals with their line manager, or in local teams, we are working to make our services a little bit better tomorrow than they were yesterday.

One part of that work is training, of course. Every year I explain how we have trebled or quadrupled the training budget compared to 2013, and that, whatever the funding challenges of the NHS, it is a ringfenced budget. Today is the deadline day for Training Needs Analysis submissions. I know it’s Friday 13th. Every year someone stops me on a corridor, or pings me an email, explaining how their experience is not like that. That it is hard to get training. This week I met with lots of dedicated people within our IT team, and heard that message loud and clear. It is infuriating. Not to hear it, please speak up. But that we have not cracked this. And then I spoke with a senior sister in A&E. Her point was that to advance in a clinical nursing career it feels as if you have to go into management. That too is not our aim. The nursing escalator, and other projects, are all about creating clinical expert roles which allow people to advance their career, grade and expertise without having to lessen patient contact. Whatever the brilliance of our awards, we have work to do, and I will work with senior colleagues in groups and the executive to bridge the gap between what we want and what you get.

Of course sometimes we do get what we want. The urology team this week take delivery of the new laser. We continue to invest in equipment in imaging. And ED staff are clear that begging for dinamaps is not a good use of their time – I agree. In fact we are spending capital in large quantities to try and make our bit of the NHS succeed more often. Part of that is about technology, and I write about that below. But it is also about making sure you can bid for funds internally, and we are smart about bidding externally. The new NHS funding we hear about often comes out in blocks of money via Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs), sometimes known as Integrated Care Systems. In truth these are groups of organisations working together. As a group within the Black Country and Birmingham we have made this year’s bid for national funds for A&E expansion at Walsall and Dudley, cancer centre expansion in Wolverhampton (as we look to move some cancer surgery to New Cross), refurbishments on our sites because of the Midland Met delay, for a GP practice to move onto the Sandwell site, and top of the list, for mental health facilities located in Sandwell for the whole of the area. We will find out in the autumn if we succeed.

This week I got the first outline IT infrastructure report from our external experts. The encouraging news was that there are some clear actions to take to make changes to our networks. These should both improve pace and speed, and create resilience. These build on actions Mark Reynolds and others have recommended, and augment them. Over the next fortnight we will work through a practical plan for implementation of those recommendations during August, September and October. That does mean we have not yet made a decision over the precise date for Unity go live but it does suggest that go live will happen this year. I know training schedules have been issued and I would encourage you to find a priority for this in your busy list. Putting in Unity is a huge benefit for care but a huge change for us all. It’s success relies on many things, but one is a group of trained staff with a shared knowledge of the product, and altered processes of working to reflect that new system.

I attach the first weekly data set on our IT system. You can see from it that we have critical alerts which are unresolved, as well as your reported incidents and issues. We will continue to publish the data as we work to improve the service. A modern IT infrastructure works, with reliable Wifi, and has standard PCs and mobile devices where you work. All IT products and contracts will be held and managed through one place (no local department systems I am afraid), and Change Control means we do not alter our network without prior approval. This is a technical set of changes, but also a people and a cultural set of changes. I will continue to work closely with both the senior team in IT, and hear from frontline staff there, as we make those changes. There is every chance to go from where we are to a very good service, and that is before we get to Unity. Optimism though is not enough. As Wednesday showed. Skill and a little luck are needed too, along with teamwork.

Heartbeat: Seeking your views about LGBT equality in our workplace

Colleagues are being urged to take a few minutes to complete a survey to gain a snap shot of how we all feel about LGBT equality and help our organisation make changes to improve our inclusive culture.

The Trust became a member of Stonewall (an organisation that campaigns for the equality of LGBT people) almost two years ago. As part of our membership we take part in the Workplace Equality Index.

Heartbeat caught up with Stuart Young, Head of Equality and Inclusion and Chair of the LGBT Staff Network who explained more.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in this survey as it reflects the views of all colleagues regardless of whether they identify as LGBT or not. As members of Stonewall, our aim is to rank highly on the Stonewall Equality Index and the survey responses will go to our overall score.

“We joined Stonewall to demonstrate our commitment to LGBT issues. It provides a platform to benchmark ourselves against other organisations. We want to become the employer of choice for people who want to work and thrive in an inclusive organisation.

“It is really important to the Board that all colleagues are able to bring their whole selves to work and feel comfortable and confident to speak up and raise concerns.”

So what have been the benefits of being a member of Stonewall?

“There have been many,” says Stuart. “We have access to a dedicated advisor who has helped us develop a transsexual policy for colleagues and patients. We have also had support to review the equal opportunities policy.

“And some LGBT colleagues have benefitted from role model training which encourages them to be empowered and put themselves forward as champions for LGBT issues.”

The survey is completely anonymous and is available online until Friday 2 November. Please take a few minutes to give your feedback www.stonewall.org.uk/index-survey-2019  our unique four digit code for survey is 2089.

Upcoming training dates: PDR and managers conference

The upcoming training dates are now available for accredited managers conference and aspiring to excellence PDR training.

For more information please contact posedaperkins@nhs.net.

Accredited managers conference training:

Aspiring to excellence PDR training:

Heartbeat: Sickle cell team are first to recruit to ground breaking study

One of our patients has become one of the first in the world to take part in ground breaking research into a new wonder drug to treat sickle cell.

Marie-Claire Ngeumshe, aged 37, from Walsall, is taking part in an international study that looks into using the new drug IMR-687 to help prevent sickle cell crises with no side effects.

Currently, many patients take Hydroxycarbamide, and can experience a number of side effects, including discolouring of the nails and neutropenia which means they are more vulnerable to infections.

Liz Green, Sickle Cell and Thalassemia (SCAT) Manager said: “This is the first time that we have taken part in a research project and we are extremely proud to have become the first centre to recruit to this worldwide study.

“We held an engagement event to speak to our patients about the trial and the feedback from this was very positive with around 40 people attending.

“Our first recruit came forward in January, with Marie-Claire coming forward soon afterwards. We are one of only four centres involved in the UK, and the only outside of London.

“Research trials into sickle cell are quite uncommon, so its fantastic news for our patients that research is now being done into this condition which is looking at alternative treatment.”

Marie-Claire, who was born with the condition but diagnosed when she was aged 10, said: “I’m extremely proud to be the second person in the world to take part in this research and I would encourage more people to be involved in clinical trials as they make such a difference.

“Sickle cell is a chronic condition which affects your day-to-day life. I feel tired most of the time and having a social life can sometimes be challenging.

“Over the years there have been various treatments for patients like me, but nothing really works effectively. That’s why when the sickle cell team at City Hospital asked me if I would like to take part in this study; I didn’t hesitate in saying yes. Fortunately, I met the criteria and was able to start it this year.”

Marie-Claire added: “My condition affects many different aspects of my life and sometimes even the people you live with. My husband Cly Kofi is my strength and support from the moment we met.

“One of the most difficult decisions we had to make was whether we should have a baby. We decided to go ahead and I was closely monitored at City Hospital throughout. I was able to deliver my baby safely even though I had several health complications following his birth. My son, Jayson, is nearly two years old now and brings so much joy to my life.”

Marie-Clare has always been a strong advocator for clinical trials and providing support to patients who have similar conditions like her. She explained: “Sickle cell is a very common condition among the Black and Asian communities. The condition itself prevents the body from producing enough oxygen for the red blood cells and people can develop crises, which can sometimes be life threatening.”

How the trial will work:

• The trial is split into two groups.
• Group A will be made up of patients who do not take Hydroxycarbamide.
• Half will be given the new drug to take whilst the others will take a dummy medication, known as a placebo.
• Group B will involve patients who take Hydroxycarbamide.
• Again half will be given the new drug which they will take alongside Hydroxycarbamide. The other half will take a placebo.
• The aim will be to find out how safe the study drug is for treating patients and whether it has any unwanted effects.
• It will also look at how long it takes IMR-687 to get into the patient’s bloodstream, the length of time it stays there and how it is broken down and processed by the body.
• They will be monitored on a regular basis to check any adverse reactions they may have. Both SWBH patients are included in this group.

Holiday play schemes available in Sandwell during school holidays

There are a variety of holiday play scheme available for children across the borough of Sandwell, particularly for those of school age 5 or above.

To find out more about any of the holiday play schemes in the area in readiness for the school holidays, please visit the website below.

https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk

Once on the website, using the search engine at the top of the page, click on the category button and under the sub category of ‘Childcare & Early Learning’ click ‘Holiday Schemes’ and click the blue search button. This will then take you to the search results. Using the filter tool on the left hand side on the page of search results, tick the ’Summer Holidays’ checkbox and the search results should filter to show summer holiday schemes.

ENEI Award Ceremony 2018

Members of the LGBT Staff Network including allies attended the ENEI (Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion) Awards on July 10th 2018 at the Law Society in London.

The LGBT Staff Network were shortlisted for the Employee Network Group of the Year, unfortunately we did not win (beaten by The Department of Transport).

Dave Powell a Senior Charge Nurse working in the Emergency Department and member of the LGBT Staff Network said “It was interesting to hear innovative ideas that other organisations are implementing at the moment … only to realise that SWBH are also doing the same in formative stages!  I felt very Proud to represent the Trust and the LGBT Staff Network on a national stage and hear about the good work that we have accomplished being praised alongside such giants as IBM, AXA and The Department of Transport.”

In the Award Brochure it said “SWBH LGBT Staff Network has work tirelessly to help the Trust to create a culture where it is safe to be “out” as a staff member or patient, and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for Trans staff and patients, thus allowing wider access to healthcare for a section of the population who historically do not always access healthcare provision at the point of need”

The culture of our organisation we believe has been changed by the work of the LGBT Staff Network in partnership with our other Staff Networks, this was clearly demonstrated to all of us recently on Social Media when a Doctor posted an image of their Trust ID badge and a Rainbow LGBT NHS badge and said “A pin badge I would not have had the courage to wear a year ago, thanks SWBH”.

We are #Proud to be a part of such an #Inclusive Trust and look forward to growing as a network and as an Diversity and Inclusion Team helping our organisation to be the Employer of Choice and promoting true Equality and Diversity of Thought.

Written by Stuart Young RN
Chair SWBH LGBT Staff Network & Head of Diversity and Inclusion

Heartbeat: Siten Roy appointed as new group director

Orthopaedic Consultant, Siten Roy has been appointed as the new group director of surgical services. Heartbeat caught up with Siten to find out more about his new role.

“My role as group director is to deliver our clinical and strategic aims, objectives, obligations and the long-term vision in a timely manner,” said Siten.

“I will be supporting frontline colleagues and management teams to fully utilise their expertise, experiences and enthusiasm to further improve patient safety, quality of care, productivity and resource management.”

Siten has been part of surgical services for 16 years after joining as an orthopaedic consultant in 2002. He completed a masters in healthcare leadership at Birmingham University and has been theatres clinical director since 2015, whilst he is also a board member the West Midland Leadership Academy.

After working with surgery staff and managers for a few years in his role as orthopaedic clinical director and then theatres clinical director, Siten feels privileged to now work with the executive team. He said: “I consider this an excellent opportunity to develop a feeling of camaraderie and teamwork within surgical services and also to work closely with other divisions to support each other in delivering safe and timely patient care.

“I would also like to put extra emphasis on training and research and clinical trials.

“Externally I would like to work with Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group and the primary care sector to increase collaborative working.

“I will also do my best to encourage, facilitate and talent manage leadership qualities of all the team, both internally through the established leadership programme and externally through the national and West Midlands Leadership Academy.”

Pressure ulcer prevention update sessions at City

Tissue viability nurses are hosting a drop in session at our City site open to all colleagues which aim to help prevent pressure ulcers.

• 18 July, 10.30am-3pm: D18, City Hospital

For more information please contact the Tissue viability nurses on ext. 3278.

Drayton Manor – discounted tickets

Drayton Manor have kindly offered Trust employees discounted tickets for Drayton Manor theme park between 20 July – 9 August, with all tickets for people aged 4 and above for just £15.

Note: this is a limited offer and after 9 August, ticket prices will revert back to original prices.

To access this offer, please click here.

For more information please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net