Monthly archives: October 2019

Connect downtime this evening from 6pm

Connect will be offline and unavailable for approximately 30 minutes this evening from 6pm whilst updates are applied to the system.

A desktop alert will be issued before the system is taken offline.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration which aims to raise awareness and recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the world over many generations.

Today we are showcasing Dame Kelly Holmes who is a retired British middle distance athlete.  Holmes specialised in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events and won a gold medal for both distances at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. She set British records in numerous events and still holds the records over the 600, 800 and 1000 metre distances.

Don’t forget: To celebrate Black History Month, the BME Staff Network will be hosting a desert island discs show on Sandwell Hospital Radio on Thursday 7 November, 12pm – 2pm.

Speak Up Month

Colleagues can sometimes find it difficult to speak up about issues. They may not know who to speak up to. They may feel that anything they do raise will not be taken seriously and nothing will be done as a result.

It is important to break down barriers and remove obstacles that prevent or dissuade colleagues from speaking up. By speaking up, you can help our organisation affect change and embed learning.

To mark national Speak up Month, our Freedom to Speak up Guardians will be holding sessions to allow you the opportunity to have your say. If you have a concern and would like to contact one of your Trust Freedom to Speak up Guardians please see the table below for contact details and times when the guardian will be available.

BRICKLIVE discounted tickets: 31 October – 3 November

The NEC group have kindly offered colleagues discounted tickets for BRICKLIVE between 31 October – 3 November.

BRICKLIVE is the perfect interactive family experience for families that love to create build and play together.

Book using the code promo code “50BRICK19” before Sunday 27 October and you’ll save up to 50 per cent. To book your tickets please visit https://bricklive.co.uk/.

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

Black History Month – Desert island discs show: 7 November

Black History Month is an annual celebration which aims to raise awareness and recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the world over many generations.

To celebrate Black History Month, the BME Network will be hosting a desert island discs show on Sandwell Hospital Radio on Thursday 7 November, 12pm – 2pm.

Note: The network are happy for colleagues to request a record that evokes a special memory. Please send your requests to swbh.bme@nhs.net by Wednesday 23 October, 12pm.

Heartbeat: Mum-of-four reveals how sight-saving transplant has changed her life

A mum-of-four is urging people to join the donor register – after two corneal transplants have given her the gift of sight.

Joanna Garvey, of Sutton Coldfield, has been able to see her children graduate and watch her son get married since she had her operation at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC). She also praised the care she has received from colleagues at the unit.

The head of sixth form was speaking during Organ Donation Week (2-8 September) to raise awareness around the subject.

Alison Morris and David Cumpston, both specialist nurses for organ donation also held roadshows at both Sandwell and City Hospitals during the campaign week.

Joanna, 48, was suffering from a condition called Keratoconus, a corneal disorder which can result in blurry and double vision, and eventually lead to blindness before she underwent two transplants – the first in her left eye, and the second in her right.

She said: “After the first transplant when I was aged 29, I had a number of issues with my left eye because I had a squint as a child. My right eye was also deteriorating because of the condition and I was relying solely on it.

“By December 2012 my vision became worse and I was registered blind. I couldn’t drive and things became increasingly difficult. In April 2013 I had my second corneal transplant in my right eye.

“The care at BMEC was brilliant and they looked after me really well. Without my corneal transplant I would be registered blind and wouldn’t be able to drive and do my job. But more importantly, I wouldn’t have been able to see my children grow up, graduate and get married.

“All four of them play hockey up to a regional and county level, and without the generosity of my corneal transplant I wouldn’t have been able to see that. I can’t thank my donors enough.

Because I’ve been a recipient of a transplant we have been really open about organ donation in our house. All of my children have signed up the register and we’ve had the difficult conversation that should the worst happen, they can still benefit somebody after their death.

“Ultimately you are giving the gift of life, and whilst my gift isn’t life-saving, it is life changing and without the generosity of the donors I wouldn’t have been able to experience all the things I have.”

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Anil Aralikatti, said: “Corneal transplant surgery (also called corneal graft or keratoplasty) involves replacing the damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donated corneal tissue.

“This surgery provides a precious gift of sight, and is life changing for patients with visual impairment. Following surgery, people are delighted to be able to see their loved ones, while many others are happy to be able to get back to work and live an independent life.

“At BMEC, we undertake around 60 to100 corneal transplant operations per year. Unfortunately there is currently a shortage of donor corneal tissue in the UK. If more people joined the organ donation register, a lot more could benefit from this sight restoring surgery. There are no age restrictions for eye donation, and no need for tissue matching of the donor cornea with the recipient. Many people who are unable to donate their organs can still become cornea donors. With more donors, we can change more lives.”

West Midlands Fire Service exercise drills: 26-27 October

West Midlands fire service are holding an exercise over the upcoming weekend (26-27 October) so you may see an increase in fire engines on site. Please do not panic or worry, this has been planned with our fire safety team and security are aware of what is happening.

If you have any concerns or queries please contact Sarah Ludlow on ext. 4339.

Gynaecology ward to move from D17 to D21 with immediate effect

Our gynaecology ward at City Hospital will be moving from D17 to D21 with immediate effect. There are no changes in regards to patient pathways other than the location of the ward itself.

Note: Specific departments who would need direct communication with the ward (i.e porters, pharmacy security postroom have already been informed) and our informatics department are carrying out all the necessary changes today.

Job of the week: Acting Senior Capacity Manager

We have an exciting and challenging opening from 1 November for an acting senior capacity manger role.

The role of acting senior capacity manager requires applicants to have experience of several years of managing  patient flow in the acute setting, to be able to work alongside senior management to deliver safe solutions for our patients and demonstrate leadership for the Trust. This senior role includes undertaking other projects to enhance and establish patient flow pathways and to support our quality agenda.

The post holder will also undertake the role of tactical commander at the outset of an incident playing a pivotal role in co-ordinating and communicating actions.

If you feel this is a role you are enthusiastic about and have the right skills please send you expression of interest to Caroline Rennalls (caroline.rennalls@nhs.net)

Closing date for expressions of interest is 23 October.

There’s still time to get your flu vaccination

The annual flu drop in clinics will continue until 8 November.

Last week, we presented Simerjit Rai, Nurse Consultant with our 2018 Flu Peer Vaccinator of the Year Award. During the 2018 flu campaign Simerjit vaccinated the highest number of clinical and non-clinical colleagues. Well done Simerjit! 

If you would like to get your jab this week, drop in to one of the clinics and make time to get yourself protected.

Week 3 – 6: 14 October – 8 November 

• Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am – 12pm, main reception, Sandwell Hospital
• Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am – 12pm, breast feeding room, adjacent to D6, City Hospital
• Friday, 1pm – 4pm, occupational health, courtyard gardens, Sandwell Hospital
• Friday, 1pm – 4pm, breast feeding room, adjacent to D6, City Hospital

Are you refusing your flu vaccination due to personal or religious beliefs associated with pork? If so please be aware that there are no porcine products contained within the adult flu vaccination on offer at our Trust.