Monthly archives: December 2019
Heartbeat: Support worker becomes star super user for imaging
Unity has put different demands on colleagues as established ways of working have had to change. Some have adapted more quickly than others, becoming the first port of call for any issues that arise.
Imaging support worker Adrian Reynolds has emerged as the department’s star super user. Confident at using computers and different IT systems, he was already being asked to help out before Unity came along. Over the last few weeks his skills have been in even higher demand.
“We do have other super users in the department but I seem to be the main one,” laughed Adrian. “I don’t mind helping anybody, no matter what it is. That’s what I’m here for as a support worker. I’ve been helping members of staff. Even those from different departments have been asking for me. I’ve really been enjoying it.”
Having devoted a lot of time to exploring the e-learning modules at home and on his phone, Adrian’s knowledge of Unity has become an invaluable resource for others to tap into. There’s more to do but there’s been some encouraging progress.
“Everyone’s getting used to Unity now – slowly but surely. There are still bits that people don’t understand but I’m here to learn and then I can pass that knowledge on. I’m still learning now. It’s a challenge but I like challenges,” he said.
As well as his technical knowledge, Adrian has also been able to provide emotional support in difficult situations. “Go-live was a bit nerve-wracking. Some people were panicking if things went wrong but as a super user I was trying to keep everyone cool and calm. It went ok. It’s something that’s new to everybody but we’re getting used to it.”
As colleagues become more accustomed to Unity, and more comfortable at using it, the system’s benefits are gradually being realised. This will only improve over time with optimisation but Adrian has already noticed a few key points.
“You get more information about the patient in PowerChart, especially inpatients when we’re doing ultrasound, MRI or CT. The information’s much clearer as well, especially the notes. Sometimes when the notes came down you couldn’t read the doctor’s writing but it’s much clearer on the screen.”
Adrian has been part of the imaging department, working across City and Sandwell sites for 15 years. Although he’s still got a way to go to match the 41 years his mum spent with the Trust, his impact is clear to see. Louise Thomson, Imaging Support Team Leader, is full of praise for what he’s done with Unity.
“He’s been amazing. He’s been a real go-to person and he’s used up a lot of his own time as well, going around imaging as a whole,” she said. “He’s been covering everything from nuclear medicine to maternity, inpatients and outpatients, and he’s been a massive support to everybody. His knowledge and time has been invaluable.”
Heartbeat: Slimming World class on site helps improve health and wellbeing
She’s helped overweight men and women shed a whopping 896 stone in two years. Now Slimming World consultant Mandy Hill working her magic in our workplace.
The mum of two holds weekly early morning sessions at Sandwell Hospital. Mandy hopes to inspire colleagues and residents to follow in the footsteps of her previous clients. “The total amount of weight lost by my members is phenomenal and I am so proud of every one of them,” she said.
“I have two groups on a Tuesday and members support and encourage each other. No matter what the reason for them walking through the doors, we will help enable them to achieve their dreams.
“The diet lifestyle change is very flexible. It means there are a lot of things you can still eat – like bread, pasta and rice. But it’s also about healthy eating which I know is very high on the agenda at the Trust.”
The sessions also mean a return back to her roots. Mandy used to work at the hospital as a dental nurse and an oral health educator before she was medically retired. Diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis it left her with reduced mobility and sparked her own weight loss journey.
Mandy ballooned to a size 22 and became desperately unhappy. But after joining Slimming World she was able to lose 3.5 stone despite being reluctant to go along.
“I had been really miserable at the time of joining the group,” she explained. “I had put on lots of weight because of my condition and then my husband Tim had to also medically retire as a paramedic when he was involved in an accident at work.
“Tim suggested Slimming World to me. When I went along to my first session I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to lose weight on that diet. But as the weeks went on the pounds kept on slipping off and I started to feel like myself again.”
In October 2017, Mandy was a size 14 and became a Slimming World consultant running groups around West Bromwich. Members were overjoyed with their weight loss results.
“Every week in my sessions there are inspirational stories that people share about their journeys” she said. “Sharing your own story helps to encourage others to realise that they too can achieve. The greatest thing that stops us is a lack of belief in ourselves, but the other members show us that we can.”
The sessions are on every Saturday, starting at 7.30am for colleagues and 8am for members of the public. They take place on the first floor of the Palliative Care Hub, situated behind the antenatal building on Hallam Street.
Updated alcohol withdrawal guidelines
The alcohol withdrawal guidelines have now been updated and are available by clicking here.
The CIWA has changed to a hospital CIWA and it is vital that you use this CIWA and follow the alcohol withdrawal pathway in the updated guidelines (as the scoring is different from the traditional CIWA).
For more information please contact the alcohol team on ext. 5074.
Take two minutes to complete our alcohol survey
Do you know how much alcohol you consume and more importantly, do you know the impact it’s having on your long term health? Why not take our short survey now to find out and we’ll share the results soon. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete.
You can complete it by clicking the link below:
3rd years team leadership activity presentations – all welcome to attend
Our 3rd years will be presenting their team Leadership activity presentations as part of their final week with us. These are short presentations that follow a patient journey and the impact of the MDT team on their clinical experience in the Trust.
Both clinical and non-clinical colleagues are welcome to attend. If you are interested in helping with the judging, please contact christine.edmunds1@nhs.net.
The presentations are going to be held on the dates listed below:
- Wednesday 11 December, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Wolfson Lecture Theatre Postgraduate Centre, City
- Thursday 12 December, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Education Centre – room 10, Sandwell
Femi is cycling to fundraise for the homeless
Press Release as featured in the Express & Star:
NHS staff will be cycling 136-miles to raise funds for the homeless in the West Midlands and are appealing for people to donate to the cause.
Project Support Officer Femi Kuforiji and his colleagues, from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, announced they will be taking on a static bike ride from West Bromwich to London on 28 October to raise money for the organisation’s Your Trust Charity and the national charity St Basils.
To read the full story click here.
Get your flu jab on site: Chief Nurse jab-a-thon continues this Friday at City
Paula Gardner, Chief Nurse will be leading a jab-a-thon this Friday 6 December at City Hospital to encourage all colleagues who haven’t already done so to get their flu vaccination.
Be sure to check out this short video featuring Paula administering flu jabs across our Sandwell site.
We will also be offering flu vaccinations on the dates listed below:
Week 10: 2 December – 5 December
- Tuesday 3 December, 10am – 2pm, ‘jab-in-the-hut’ by Hallam Restaurant
- Thursday 5 December, 9am – 12.30pm, Sandwell main reception
- Thursday 5 December, 9am – 12.30pm, breast feeding room, adjacent to D6, City
Week 11: 9 December – 12 December
- Monday 9 December, 9am – 12pm, breast feeding room, adjacent to D6, City
- Tuesday 10 December, 9am – 12pm, Sandwell main reception
- Thursday 12 December, 9am – 12pm, Sandwell main reception
- Thursday 12 December, 9am – 12pm, breast feeding room, adjacent to D6, City
Evening flu jab:
Our vaccinators will also be walking around the wards and departments across our hospital sites next week. They have bright blue and yellow tabards so cannot be missed. Please feel free to stop them and ask for your flu vaccination.
- Wednesday 4 December, Sandwell night walk around, 8pm – 11pm
- Thursday 5 December, City night walk around, 8pm – 11pm
Flu prize draw extension
The flu prize draw has been extended so there is still time to win one of these fantastic prizes if you get your vaccination:
- £200 shopping vouchers
- 7” fire tablet
- Amazon fire TV stick
- Echo dot
- Tassimo coffee maker
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.
Have you had your flu jab elsewhere?
If you have had your flu jab at your local GP or pharmacy you still count towards our overall flu vaccination total!
Simply let us know by completing this short form by following the link: http://connect2.swbh.nhs.uk/od/occupational-health-and-wellbeing-service/flu/had-your-flu-jab-elsewhere/
Note: If you have 8 or more colleagues who want their flu vaccination in your area or department you can organise a visit from our ‘Jab-in-the-hut’ by calling ext. 3803.
Help shape the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital welcome centre
Join the #HackTheHospital Community Design Studio to help shape the welcome centre in the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital.
The design studio is a day of workshops where you can exercise your creativity, tap into your own natural design abilities in order to help shape the new hospital space together with local artists, designers and creatives.
Join us for a full day, half a day or just for lunch at the Sandwell Education Centre from 9.30am onwards on Friday 6 December and help set the hospital on the right path toward making the space the best it can possibly be.
Sign up to attend at bitly.com/HHDesignStudio
Pleural clinic referrals
A new email address is now available for pleural clinic referrals.
For Sandwell Hospital: Colleagues can also bleep the Respiratory Registrar of the Week (ROW) on 6517. For more information on the changes, contact the respiratory secretaries on tel: 0121 507 3920.
For City Hospital: Colleagues can also bleep the Respiratory Registrar of the Week (ROW) on 5188. For more information on the changes, contact the respiratory secretaries on tel: 0121 507 3920.
Dr Chand retirement celebration: 6 December
Dr Chand, consultant radiologist is retiring following a four decade career in the NHS. His retirement celebration will be hosted at Sandwell Education Centre – Room 13 on Friday 6 December from 12pm. Refreshments will also be provided. All are welcome to attend.
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