Monthly archives: August 2018

Heartbeat: Advances in technology improving service in imaging

The spotlight was turned onto our imaging department at the annual general meeting where colleagues were able to showcase their achievements this year.

Group Director of Imaging, Dr Sarah Yusuf, along with Dr Bill Thomson, Head of Physics and Nuclear Medicine, demonstrated to guests at the AGM how they had been able to excel thanks to advances in technology over the years.

During their presentation, a film was shown demonstrating how the cardiac CT imaging service benefits patients through a non-invasive procedure which produces results within minutes of the scan.

Consultant Radiologist, Anthony D’Sa spoke to Heartbeat about the treatment, and also revealed how we will be one of the first in the UK to use specialist diagnostic technology which will transform the way heart diseases are managed.

The company HeartFlow has produced the Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) CT Analysis and it is the first non-invasive technology to track coronary artery disease.

It offers an in depth look inside the narrowing of an artery and whether it is impacting blood flow, and provides this information, based on a standard CT scan.

Anthony said: “Our cardiac CT service continues to grow in term of patient numbers and we are about to implement HeartFlow technology.

“We are one of the first in the UK to do this. It will enable us to do something different that is essential in making pressure measurements within the coronary vessels.”

From the CT images, Heartflow creates a complete geometric and physiological model of a patient’s unique coronary anatomy. It also analyses the fluid flow closely. The end result is a colour-coded map of the coronary arteries showing the extent of any “narrowings” which are disrupting blood flow. The doctor can use this to plan treatment.

Previously, to determine blood flow, an invasive procedure called an angiogram had to be carried out.

The Cardiac CT Service has grown rapidly since it first started, and now sees around 1,500 patients a year.

Bariatric equipment notice

We have a limited supply of bariatric equipment (chairs and commodes). This equipment is held centrally for the wards to call on as and when required.

With this in mind, once equipment is no longer required by a bariatric patient, can wards please notify the PLACE team that they’ve finished with it so it can be collected, cleaned and placed in store for readiness for the next patient.

To request bariatric equipment or for more information please call ext. 4128

Children’s safeguarding update: Looked after children

The looked after children (LAC) service, previously based within the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), joined the Trust’s safeguarding children’s team in October 2017.

Since November 2017 there has been a significant increase in the number of children who became looked after. Current figures are 812 LAC in Sandwell compared to the previous year of 493. All LAC require statutory review health assessments; 6 monthly for under 5 years of age, children 5 years and over is yearly. 93% had their statutory review health assessment (RHA) in 2017-2018, above the national target of 85%.

The RHAs are completed by school nursing service/health visiting/named nurse or specialist LAC nurses dependant on where the child lives or school attended.

You can contact the service on 0121 507 2844.

For Sandwell Children’s Social Care referral please call 0121 569 3100 and for Birmingham Children’s Social Care referral please call 0121 303 1888.

Rick Dubidat Blackbelt Academy: 10 percent discount

Rick Dubidat Blackbelt Academy are offering Trust members 10 percent off training as well as further discounted membership and a week’s free taster session for them or a family member. The academy are also offering free uniform with child membership.

For more information, please call 0800 612 9325 or visit www.rdbba.co.uk.

Falls prevention initiative – grab bags

As part of our falls prevention strategy, we’re introducing a new initiative. Within our Trust a high number of falls are in ward bathrooms so, we’re introducing grab bags, aiming to improve patient safety. These grab bags will be located on the outside of each bathroom. You will need to contact estates to install hooks.

Grab bag contents:

• Continence pad
• Knitted knickers (to accommodate the continence pad)
• Gloves
• Apron
• Dry wipes
• Soil bags (yellow zebra bags only)
• Soap

 Note: heavily soiled linen should be placed into red alginate bags and then into laundry. Do not dispose of in orange clinical waste bags.

A sample will be delivered to your wards and each ward is then responsible for their own supplies.

Guidance on grab bags

For more information please contact shila.patel@nhs.net.