Monthly archives: November 2019

Want to join our exciting ‘green’ programme to help make a difference?

We know many of you are already doing your bit for the environment. We want you and your team to join us in our movement to go green with our environmental sustainability programme – Green Impact. All you have to do is work with your teams to take simple actions that can collectively make a big difference.

We make it achievable, fun and informative with rewards, recognition and an awards ceremony lunch.

If you want to know more, contact Fran Silcocks (Sustainability Officer) on Francesca.silcocks@nhs.net.

Free eye tests at Heath Lane and Sandwell Hospital

You can now get free, comprehensive eye tests at Heath Lane Hospital, Heath Lane, West Bromwich B71 2BG  and at Sandwell Hospital (near the main entrance, behind Hallam Restaurant).

You will be eligible for significant savings and exclusive offers on prescription glasses and sunglasses ranging from a basic pair at £25 to the designer brands, all discounted by up to 50 per cent exclusively for colleagues. If you have recently had an eye test elsewhere you will still be eligible to offers from The Service Eyecare glasses range. The free eye tests and all associated savings are available to your friends and family too!

Click here to book an appointment at Heath Lane Hospital

Click Here to book and appointment at Sandwell General Hospital

The Service Eyecare stocks over 800 frames from a wide range of budget and designer brands. The basic range starts from only £25. There are exclusive offers available to everyone at SWB, such as:

• Buy Now Pay Later over 6 or 12 months. 0 per cent finance available
• Buy one Get one FREE starting at £69, including prescription sunglasses
• FREE anti-glare, scratch resistance and anti-static coatings
• FREE single Vision lenses on all prescription glasses
• 30 per cent discount on existing prescriptions
• £25 discount if you are a VDU user

You can email customer@theserviceuk.com or Call 03302233907 between 9.30am – 5pm if you would like further information or advice. Please note that appointment slots are limited and there is normally huge demand so do not miss your appointment.

Note: We need to be advised by phone or email at least 36 hours in advance if there is a change in your circumstances.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 22 November

It has definitely been a week of thank yous. I hope it has been where you work. Earlier this week it was national kindness day, and the simplest of all forms of kindness is usually acknowledging someone’s success, effort or the learning from something that did not go quite right. Last night we tried to say thank you to the team in IT, and in operational leadership, among our clinical leaders and elsewhere who worked so hard two months ago to put in Unity. It was fantastic to hear from individuals in the backbone corporate functions talk about how inspired they were by working alongside clinical staff, and from some of our clinicians talking about the difference Unity is already making. Apparently only six critical care units in England are paperless, and our clinical team of the year is one of those.

By now each Clinical Group’s digital committee has started meeting. It is here, as you will know from last month’s Heartbeat special features, that ideas get prioritised to improve Unity further. By bringing together our super users into local action forums we can understand what is and is not working well about the product. Belatedly, but nonetheless, we have in place now our top 20 optimisation indicators – and Group teams have data on who is managing to use the product best. It is really important that the competing distractions of Christmas and of ‘winter’ do not stop a focus on using the product well. Cascade training for Capman is rolling out across our wards.

On Wednesday our new respiratory configuration went into place. It is no small task to not only relocate wards but an NIV unit, recreate staffing rotas and rosters and get ready for different clinical pathways in our AMUs, and with ambulance colleagues. The Board agreed a dataset of impact – the positive benefits we seek and the negative risks we need to watch – and that will be tracked and responded to over the coming weeks. Shout out to Guy Hagan, Jacqui Moore, Helen McGivney, Dawn Hall and Jodie Stubbs for their hard work making this happen!

For much of the last few months, my own time has been dominated by either our IT or Midland Met.  This week has certainly had plenty of the later in it, with politician briefings, and financial modelling being worked through. We are down to the real detail of the build programme now with Balfour Beatty. I was pleased to be able to co-present the project with Balfour this week to a session of institutional and business leaders across Birmingham. The debates there brought home to me again how huge a project this is, even in a city with the Commonwealth Games and perhaps HS2. The scale of engagement for the wider regeneration agenda we have in mind between City and the new hospital is significant, and whilst we are finishing off bus route practicalities, and car park planning applications, we are also engaged in area changing propositions like road widening for Dudley Road, new schools for the houses being built, and university facilities nearby. In 2020 we should be able to start to “roadshow” some of that around our organisation, and I hope by the spring that our Virtual Reality technology would allow any of you to literally imagine walking the corridors of the new hospital, with robots moving things beside you, the enormous inspiring art gallery and signage that talks to you in multiple languages.

It will be important as we develop all of those exciting ideas for #morethanahospital to stay in touch and grounded with the ideas of people who have lived and worked around the Windmill estate for many years. Building on the USE-IT collaboration, on our own Learning Works champions, and other partnerships we are trying to hear those voices. This week I walked the streets with groups of local residents to better understand the parking, littering, traffic, and pollution issues, as well as the ideas that they want to see us bring to bear. Whether it is connecting the canals, or getting the 11 bus route to work with us and for us, we will make sure that the real details of the move are worked out with those who know the patch: Above all we want to be a decent neighbour to the community we serve. In NHS management speak – an anchor institution.

Surrounded as we are by the deficits of the NHS, it is not uncommon for staff to ask why we bother to try so hard to make the finances work for us. Two examples might suffice as an ongoing reminder that we have plenty of money but choices to make. Last week a significant decontamination failure was identified in one of our services. More than 20 additional scopes have been funded this week while we get on top of the issue. No business case, no delay, no committee – just rapid reaction to risk; possible because we have cash in the bank and a cogent budget. Then last night we were able to agree in principle a determination to start next year undertaking more complex orthopaedic operations at the Trust, which historically have sometimes been transferred into the ROH in Birmingham. Having developed our own expertise, and back now on surgical income budget, we want to offer local residents better services and let the talents of the people we employ be more fulfilled.

Finally, thank you for filling out the NHS-wide anonymous staff survey. Almost 2500 colleagues have.  There are still voucher and cash prizes for the next five hundred respondents as we strive to get past 3,000 responses before the survey closes this time next week. I need to reiterate, no one here will know your replies. But the rich picture the survey will paint will allow us to compare ourselves to neighbours, peers, and most importantly our own ambitions.

#hellomynameisToby

Optimistic about Unity optimisation

Please print this bulletin out and display in a prominent position in your ward/area and draw attention to it for all colleagues to read.

To help you get the best out of Unity we will continue to share top tips. Please take note of these helpful reminders as they may resolve an issue you have experienced.

Requesting a change to Unity

There are two types of issues that can arise when using Unity:

1. In most cases we need to help a user and their colleagues to develop expert knowledge of the product. As we all know there is a right way to use Unity. If we use the system in the right way then it works well, not just for us and our patients, but for the next user. That’s what we call optimisation.

Process flow – ‘I have a problem with Unity’

2. There is a second scenario, where we may need to change how Unity is set up or configured. There is a process to consider whether a change like that is required. Here’s how that process works.

Service change request form

A change request can be made to the weekly service change request meeting chaired by Martin Sadler and Liam Kennedy. If the request is less urgent, which most are, then your clinical group digital committee will consider the level of priority it needs.

In doing so, they will be particularly interested in whether your team is already performing optimally on Unity. Priority will be given to high performing teams’ requests. If your request is considered urgent then it will go direct to the weekly service change request meeting.

If you need help talk to your IT Business Relationship Manager (IT-BRM), whose names and details are below. BRMs are not an alternative to 4050 but they will help you to navigate the ways to improve your digital performance.

Documenting samples when collecting bloods

We are still having issues with people not following the correct process for collecting bloods, which means that the result cannot be endorsed when it is returned to the hospital from the laboratory.

Please remember that when you are collecting bloods you must collect samples first, mark them as collected in Unity and then print out labels. For more information, please see QRG RT06.

Recording patients’ dietary requirements

To record (order) your patients’ dietary requirements in Unity you have to first add the dietary order, then complete the dietary and beverage modifications using the options in the drop down boxes, before signing the order form.

In the drop down boxes you will find dietary options such as diabetic and gluten free, and beverages options such as red cup and fluid restrictions. Below are screenshots of the order form showing some of the options.

Any modifications will appear in Unity and print out on the meal plan to ensure your patients’ dietary requirements are met. They can also be viewed from Care Compass.

If you require more information, please speak to a super user, use e-coach or refer to QRG CD51.

Next week the clinical informatics team will be running a number of short 30-minute sessions for qualified nurses and ward service officers on how to order and modify dietary requirements, and create a ward meal plan in Unity. Details of the sessions are below:

To book a place at any of these sessions, please email swbh.unity.queries@nhs.net

Printing the meal plan on one page

The meal plan needs to be verified and printed prior to each mealtime and before giving it to the ward service officer. This is the responsibility of the nurse in charge.

To print the meal plan on one page, go to the top left hand corner – click file, task, print and then print. Following this route will ensure that the meal plan is printed on one page with all relevant dietary information.

Managing your activities in Care Compass

Activities are ordered and appear in Care Compass to support nurses to document care delivered and help plan workload for their shifts.

Activities are time-specific and those in black are still within the best practice timeframe for completion. Activities in red are overdue and should be completed as soon as possible.

As an example, on admission the safety assessment is triggered and should be completed within six hours. After this time the activity will go red. Even if the activity is red it will still require completion.

The safety assessment contains the following assessments.

1. Waterlow
2. MUST
3. Falls
4. Vulnerable person
5. Infection control
6. Skin assessment
7. Oral assessment
8. Measurements

To document and complete assessments, and document or record care provided, please ensure you access via Care Compass using the activities column. Do not go via the tasks or table of contents as the activities on Care Compass won’t drop off the activities outstanding list.

Below is a screenshot of how to access activities in Care Compass.

Ordering printer labels and printable ID bracelets

Please see below the details needed to order printer labels and printable ID bracelets via NHSSC.

All materially managed wards and departments will automatically start receiving the required items listed above, following discussions with the procurement team member that undertakes your weekly ordering.

If you have any queries concerning the above, please contact Lisa Southall, NHS supply chain and procurement supervisor, on ext. 4938.

You can also get in touch with any of the following members of the procurement team – Mark Shervington (ext. 4937), Earl Ebanks (ext. 4699), Jackie Graham (ext. 4939), Gurprit Galsinh (ext. 2824), Debbie Chetwynd (ext. 2823) or Becky Vanes (ext. 2689).

Help with CapMan

The quick reference guides (QRGs) to Unity, including how best to use CapMan, can be found on Connect or through eCoach.

All users are encouraged to use eCoach to access QRGs and support. Your activity on eCoach helps give the administration team much-needed knowledge so you can be better supported within Unity.

If you make an error in CapMan when transferring a patient from ED or any other ward, don’t panic, you don’t need to register the patient in IPM.

If you have transferred a patient to an incorrect ward or bed, please follow QRG CM40. If your patient isn’t on the transfer list, please follow QRG CM41.

Meet super user Jacqueline Slater

Senior sister Jacqueline Slater is a super user in the medical infusion suite. She was very engaged with the project from the start, working hard to ensure that Unity met the needs of her team.

“There was a lot of planning that needed to be done because we’re a day case unit where people come for IV therapy, treatment or minor procedures. We know who’s coming in so normally the prescriptions are done in advance to meet the appointment,” says Jacqueline.

“This meant that we needed to be able to future prescribe in Unity. That involved a lot of trial and error, working closely with the Unity team. Taru Simbi was really good and supportive.”

Although their full dress rehearsal didn’t go to plan, and revealed a few issues, the team remained positive and continued to test potential solutions. Eventually they were able to get the necessary changes in place ready for go-live. It was a testing experience, but they made it through.

“There’s been some tension, some tears and some laughter. We’ve worked on our relationships, which have become stronger because of Unity.

“We’re doing a lot of teaching and coaching with the doctors. Even though we don’t do any prescribing ourselves we were involved in the planning so we know how it works,” she says.

Remember – you can contact your super users for help and advice or call ext. 4050 if you have issues with your device or use of Unity.

Heartbeat: A trip down memory lane for Maureen and Monica

It was a trip down memory lane for two former nurses who returned to City Hospital 60 years after they completed their training.

Maureen Jones and Monica Beirne, aged 81, visited the site to mark their anniversary and were greeted by Research Nurse, Jenny Porter, who has a keen interest in the history of the site.

She took them on a tour which ended with a small tea party in the chapel, where they all shared their favourite memories.

Monica said: “It all seems different now. The corridors were so plain before and there was the smell of Lysol everywhere.

“And of course the nurses’ home is now derelict, but it’s where we spent our three years. My husband Tom would visit and he’d always miss the last bus home so had to walk the nine miles back to Dudley.

“He had to make sure he left before curfew though at 10pm as the matron would come round with her little dog trying to sniff out anyone who wasn’t supposed to be there.

“She also used to let the dog onto the wards – there certainly wasn’t any infection control procedures back then!”

Both Maureen and Monica carried out their training between 1956 and 1959 before they both left to work at other NHS trusts.

Jenny added: “It was wonderful to meet Maureen and Monica for the first time and hear about their time here. It may have been brief but it certainly made a lasting impression on them. They were keen to return and take a look around some of their ‘old haunts’ and it was a pleasure to be able to do this.”

NHSSC code changes: 22 November

We have been advised by NHS supply chain that there are number of order code changes.

With this in mind, please see list of items below which will change with immediate effect.

Blood culture packs

Blood culture packs have previously been ordered direct from the supplier Rochelle through the Oracle system. However, the procurement team have been working with infection control and NHSSC to develop a bespoke pack which is now available to order from NHSSC:

• EHC3456 – Blood Culture pack (issued in boxes of 50 packs)

Note: Please allow up to three working days for delivery as this item is blue diamond so has a longer delivery time.

For more information please contact the procurement team on ext. 4938.

Scheduled maintenance on network H Drive taking place tonight

Scheduled maintenance is due to take place on the server hosting the H Drive this evening(21/11/2019) from 10pm for approximately 30mins.

During this maintenance, users will be unable to access their H drive, however as soon as the work is complete, access will be restored.

Please can all colleagues ensure that any documents opened from the H Drive are saved before 9:45pm to ensure there is no risk of loss of data.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Heartbeat: Hello my name is… Diane Halliley

Welcome to Interim Associate Director of Quality and Assurance, Diane Halliley.

Diane has had a varied career to date. Having held various roles across NHS Trusts, she brings a wealth of experience into her new role as interim associate director of quality and assurance.

Diane began her career working at South Birmingham Health Authority. From there she’s held various roles all with one thing in common – a strong patient focus. Moving on from being head of customer services and patient safety at NHS Leicester City, Diane held positions at The Wirral Teaching Foundation NHS Trust, London Ambulance Service, and Heart of Birmingham NHS Trust among others.

Over her career, Diane has gained extensive experience within operations management, governance, compliance and risk management in the NHS. Diane has worked both in cities and rural locations. This has allowed her to explore similar issues across trusts whilst devising bespoke solutions for each. It’s these skills that she’ll be using to place a strong emphasis on achieving the best possible quality standards. As always, patient safety will be a key area of interest for Diane.

New to the organisation, Diane is keen to get out and meet staff across our Trust. If you see her about be sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome to Sandwell and West Birmingham.

Outside of work Diane enjoys going to the gym and spending quality time with her family. A mum of three, she recently got married and is yet to set off on her honeymoon. That’s set to take place in 2020 with a trip of a lifetime to Cambodia. A keen traveller, Diane’s favourite holiday destination to date is Hawaii.

Your Trust Charity carol concert: 4 December

Join Your Trust Charity at All Saints Church, West Bromwich on Wednesday 4 December for the inaugural charity carol concert and evening of festivities, all in an effort to raise funds for the charities ‘sing it better’ appeal and chaplaincy service.

We will also be joined by local school choirs to welcome in the festive season.

Doors will open at 5.30pm with the concert running from 6pm – 8pm. Tickets will cost just £8 for adults and are free for anybody under the age of 16.  Light refreshments including non alcoholic mulled wine, mince pies and soft drinks will be available on the evening.

Tickets are available online by visiting https://ytccarolconcert2019.eventbrite.co.uk.

Note: Tickets for under 16s are free but still need to be booked online.

For more information please email trustcharity@nhs.net or call 0121 507 4847.

International Stop the Pressure Day roadshow at Sandwell today

The tissue viability team will be marking International Stop the Pressure Day today (Thursday 21 November) by holding a roadshow in the Sandwell main reception foyer (by the lifts) from 10.30am – 2pm.

They will be covering a variety of topics including:

• A refresher on the new pressure ulcers categories
• How to refer and complete wound assessments using Unity
• Latest on our pressure relieving equipment at the Trust

If you do visit the roadshow, be sure to complete one of the pressure ulcer themed word searches to be entered in to their prize draw. 

For more information please contact tissueviability2@nhs.net.