Monthly archives: September 2019

Reporting sickness during Unity go-live

Many colleagues across the Trust will be working irregular shift patterns during Unity go-live (Saturday 21 September – Tuesday 8 October).

With this mind, a dedicated sickness reporting number has been set up. Should you need to call in a sick between 6am – 10pm please call 07890 525 271.

This line will be staffed between these hours however should you need to call in sick outside of this time period, please send a text message reporting your sickness to this number. If a text message is sent, you will be then called back from 6am when the staffed telephone service returns.

Note: Colleagues should call in at least 3 hours before their shift is about to start (for morning shifts, the night before if possible) should they have to call in sick in order to give the manager sufficient notice so they can still cover the shift.

Line managers will still be responsible for recording sickness absence, carrying out return to work interviews and any onward referrals to occupational health.

Pathology bags for blood specimens

Blood samples should continue to be packaged in the existing blood specimen bags on the wards and in departments as we go live with Unity. The paper form attached to the bag is now not necessary and should not be used as the samples in the bag will be appropriately labelled.

Results endorsement will be crucial in Unity

It is important that all colleagues are familiar with their responsibilities for endorsing results, both for laboratory and imaging reports.

Medical Director David Carruthers has issued clear standards for clinicians to ensure results are endorsed on board and ward rounds, and in each clinic. We will be a safer Trust if we endorse results at the right time. Endorsing results in Unity takes seconds and there are the following Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) on Connect you can refer to for help:

• MC03 – Endorsing results in message centre
• RT07 – Reviewing results
• RT08 – Viewing and forwarding results
• RT10 – Endorsing results

Heartbeat: Energy pods recharging clinical colleagues at City Hospital

Being tired, weary and worn out is a recipe for disaster and more so when the decisions you make can be the difference between life and death.

However thanks to the installation of some innovative energy pods, colleagues now have the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge in a calm and comfortable environment.

The energy pods, which can only be described as space age cocoons, are designed to support colleagues to take a 20 minute rest and recharge sessions where they can recline in comfort, surrounded by soothing lights and the option of calming music.

The innovative energy pods which are on loan as part of the three month trial were installed earlier this week at City Hospital have already proven popular with colleagues keen to gather their thoughts and recuperate during breaks and before they return home.

To find out more about the novel new pods, Heartbeat caught up with Dr Sarb Clare, Consultant in Acute Medicine and Deputy Medical Director to find out more.

She said, “Colleagues have for a long time balanced the need for rest with that of caring for their patients, more often than not putting the welfare of their patients before themselves. Time and time again, we learn of colleagues nationally who after a long shift, and a mind still focussed on their patients set out on their journey home and inevitably are injured in accidents.

These pods are a welcome solution to a long standing problem, colleagues can now find a quiet relaxing corner to gather their thoughts, rest and recuperate before they head home or return to work after their break.

“Research has proven that short periods of rest can help staff perform better and leading sleep scientists say a “power nap” of 10 to 20 minutes of rest during the workday can significantly improve alertness cognitive functioning.”

Dr Eoin Dore, CT1 has been leading on work to tackle ‘burn out’ in colleagues and welcomed the new pods, which are currently available in the acute medical unit and anaesthetics at City Hospital.

Sharing his thoughts, he said, ”We’ll be carrying out a tiredness survey amongst our colleagues and looking at welfare and burnout. We’re keen to ensure colleagues are well rested and able to tackle the challenges of their role and these pods go some way to providing that. Alongside the Energy pods, colleagues will find a renewed plan promoting self-care and rest protocols outlining how staff can take time away from their duties whilst ensuring that patients are kept safe. ”

Tracy Morrod to retire after 27 illustrious years

Tracy Morrod, lead TB clinical nurse specialist, will be retiring after 27 successful years.

Tracy started as a newly qualified nurse back in 1993 on Priory where spent just under 10 years. She then left the ward in late 2002 becoming a lead TB clinical nurse specialist which is her current role.

As a TB nurse there are many challenges including raising the profile of TB as a major health issue for the local population as well as tackling the stigma attached to TB and  continuing to ensure patients get the best care possible.

Tracy always wanted to be a nurse from ever since she can remember.

She said: “Nursing was in my blood it was always the job I wanted to do. Whatever career path I chose, it would have certainly involved patient care. ”

Tracy has a host of plans for her retirement including spending more time with her husband and daughter.

Congratulations on your retirement Tracy – good luck in the future!

Vegan menu: 27 September

Hallam restaurant, Arches, Boaters and Rowley Coffee Pot will be offering a vegan theme menu on 27 September so be sure to drop by for a bite to eat.

Missing out on Unity? Do you want to be part of our go live efforts this weekend and beyond?

If you’re not involved in the roll-out of Unity but would still like to contribute while we go live then you can join our Trust volunteers who will be supporting the hubs and patient areas while we go live. The role includes informing patients about the new system and explaining why they may need to wait longer than usual to be seen, as well as providing refreshments to support staff. If you would like to volunteer for a short shift alongside the Trust’s volunteer service over the next fortnight please join the team by contacting by email lizagill@nhs.net or calling 07989 421487.

Heartbeat: Payments recovered from over 150 overseas visitors

Our organisation has recovered payment from over150 patients who were overseas visitors since August 2018 when the overseas visitors team was formed, alongside significant savings from deterring health tourists from using our services.

The team assess patients’ chargeable status and identifies patients who are ineligible for free NHS care. Upon receiving referrals from self-check-in kiosks, A&E or wards the team meet with patients to ensure they are eligible for free NHS healthcare.

“Prior to August 2018, our legal team were inundated with queries regarding overseas visitors and charging visitors where possible,” explained Kiran Virk, Overseas Visitors Officer. “However since our team was formed 12 months ago, there has been a significant improvement in identification and charging as this is what we solely specialise in and focus on.”

The overseas visitor team use thorough and precise techniques to identify potential health tourists.

Saleem Mohammed, Overseas Visitors Manager said: “Since our team was introduced, the Trust has recovered payment for treatment from over 150 overseas visitors in just under a year. In addition to this, when our team identifies patients who should be paying for their healthcare, it means we’re able to free up appointments for patients who are entitled to free care thus reducing outpatient waiting lists.

“On a daily basis the overseas visitor’s team run reports that show each patient who has checked in for their appointment or attended ED. These reports help identify possible overseas visitors and we then set up an individual case for the patient.

Following this we call the patient and ask for the relevant evidence to assess their eligibility for free care. The same process is also used for patients who use ED and become in-patients.

“The focus for our team is not only to invoice patients who are ineligible for free NHS care, but we also help and assist colleagues in their understanding and interpretation of the often confusing regulations on charging policies, to make sure that eligible patients are receiving the care they deserve in timely manner.”

Getting ready for go-live – cardiology

Unity will help us with the care of our patients. In this video, Laura Taylor, professional development sister for cardiology, explains how her team have been preparing for Unity.

For more information about Unity, and what to expect during go-live, please visit Connect or email swbh.unity.queries@nhs.net.

Halifax first time home buyer event for colleagues: 1 October

Halifax West Bromwich are hosting special event for colleagues looking to get on the property ladder and purchase their first home. The event will be taking place at the West Bromwich branch, 235 High Street on Tuesday 1 October from 6pm – 7.30pm.

If you wish to attend or would like further information about the event, please call 07384535080.

For more information regarding staff benefits, please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net.