Monthly archives: January 2020
Heartbeat: Trailblazing use of artificial intelligence: First for the NHS
We have become the first Trust in the UK to incorporate artificial intelligence in the patient workflow within radiology, that will enhance the quality of our reports.
The Trust is working with IBM to introduce the software, called Clinical Review 3, which will support our radiologists who analyse X-ray and CT imaging results.
Fresh from presenting the programme to several hundred delegates at the prestigious 2019 Radiological Society of North America 105th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago, Dr Sarah Yusuf, Group Director for Imaging at the Trust, explained: “This is an exciting time for us, to work on an AI project, and the beginning of an exciting collaboration to work on other future projects, which aim to release expert clinician time to focus on reports which need specialist expertise.
“Our radiologists analyse around 350,000 imaging studies every year, and this figure is growing. Radiological diagnoses are not straightforward and are subject to legitimate differences of expert opinion. We think CR 3 will aid the quality of those reports, improve patient experience and safety.”
“The clinical conditions we expect the system to identify across both X-ray and CT scans are in the chest and abdomen, including rib fractures, pneumothorax, emphysema, abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, pulmonary embolisms and pulmonary nodules.
“The technology uses AI algorithms to identify potential differences between what they would expect (based on data from similar tests) and what the radiologist actually reports. This is then reviewed by the radiologist who decides whether a second look is needed.
“If the radiologist feels an addendum is appropriate, the report will be amended. Any clinical decisions are then made more promptly which will help minimise potential patient harm. Data identifying patients will not be shared with IBM or leave the U.K.
“The main benefits of the trial will be to drive comprehensive reporting, help clinical teams support the quality of reporting and support informed care decisions.”
Trust Chief Executive, Toby Lewis added: “This should be a game-changer for us. We are already in talks with suppliers to progress further developments in AI throughout next year including for prostate imaging, fracture detection in our emergency departments, and neuroradiology. These changes do not replace our expert clinicians, they help them to do their work, and release time to focus on the most complex patient needs.
“We have an established relationship with IBM Watson, and whilst we are not tied in to one single supplier, that partnership is key to taking forward this project at pace. Meanwhile, we are talking to our neighbours in the region who have been researching this technology for some time and have expertise in it, such as colleagues at our nearby universities, and local primary care partners as well.”
Heartbeat: We make the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list
Our Trust is proud to be recognised in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list.
We’re featured in the coveted list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment.
We ranked 26th, recognised for our continuous dedication to diversity, equality and inclusion. As well as addressing areas of improvement, we have developed and delivered high impact initiatives to actively implement solutions.
Donna Mighty, Assistant Primary Care Liaison Manager said: “It is good to receive recognition once again for the work that is being undertaken within our organisation.
We must continue to strive and do what is right in the pursuit of equity for all.”
The list is compiled by a dedicated panel of judges. Organisations featured have provided sufficient evidence on a range of topics including recruitment procedures, training and a host of diversity-related initiatives.
Demonstrating the promotion of all strands of diversity including age, disability, gender, LGBT, race, faith and religion; the list focuses on representation at management, senior, executive and board level.
Heartbeat: Keep on running – Angela and Tony take on Birmingham Half Marathon
A health conscious husband and wife duo have delighted the paediatric diabetes team with their fundraising efforts by running in the Simplyhealth Birmingham Half Marathon all for charity.
Angela Ruiz Morales who is a medical secretary at our Trust recently joined a local running club with her husband Tony. It wasn’t long before the pair were swapping their desks and tool belts for their running shoes. They enjoyed it so much that they set themselves a challenge to complete a half marathon.
Sharing her experience, Angela spoke to Heartbeat: “We decided to dedicate our effort to the paediatric diabetes team. The money raised will help them to continue organising activities for children with diabetes.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with these lovely people for the past two years. I have seen how passionate they are about the care they provide to their young patients and their families. They organise activities such as Christmas parties, bowling and education sessions. They are good opportunities for families to meet other children with diabetes.”
Tony’s company, T.S Plumbing and Heating, also decided to pledge funds to the cause. They donated a whopping £515 towards their goal.
Racing across the finish line Angela completed the 13-mile course taking in the sites of Birmingham in 2 hours and 3 minutes. Tony dashed across the finish line in 1 hour 27 minutes, together raising a total of £1,200 in donations.
Well done Angela and Tony!
Free parking for colleagues at New Square Shopping Centre
Colleagues who are tired of driving round in circles desperately searching for a parking spot at Sandwell Hospital can now take advantage of a brand new offer of free parking at New Square Shopping Centre.
Our Trust has recently purchased more parking spaces at New Square (Tesco Multi-storey) car parking in West Bromwich and are now available to colleagues to park at no cost.
The new offer comes just in time, as the Trust will be losing an additional 180 parking spaces in April 2020 as work begins on site to build the multi-storey car park. Colleagues in Trinity House have already been using the free parking at New Square since the Summer and the offer now extends to all colleagues across the Trust.
If you would like to take up the offer, all you have to do is work standard daytime hours, be based at Sandwell Hospital and currently hold a parking permit allowing you to park at Sandwell Hospital.
If you take up the offer and join colleagues who are already parking at New Square you will also benefit from:
- Charges for your current SWB pass will be suspended but will still allow parking at City and Rowley at all times, and for Sandwell at weekends only (this will not affect those who are currently on the salary sacrifice scheme, whose membership will be retained). This is a monthly saving of up to £22
- A guaranteed parking space in a secure, well-lit car park that is patrolled by three parking officers with additional CCTV coverage.
- No more driving around searching for that elusive space.
- Daily exercise. The car park is a short walk (10 minutes) from Sandwell Hospital so doing this will help you get your daily steps in.
When you join, you will obviously have to change your daily parking arrangements and regularly use the New Square car park and you will be able to use this until the multi storey car park at Sandwell Hospital is built in the summer of 2021.
If you are interested in taking up the offer of free parking, or for additional information please email diane.alford@nhs.net by Friday 17 January.
Free will writing services – Dunham McCarthy
We’re now offering free will writing services for all colleagues including Junior Doctors courtesy of Dunham McCarthy Estate Planning and Will Specialists.
For more information please see Will Writing – NHS Offers
To find out more about employee benefits at SWBH please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net.
BME Staff Network meeting: 14 January
Our first BME Staff Network meeting of the new decade takes place on Tuesday 14 January, 12pm – 2pm, Postgraduate dining room, City Hospital.
For more information please contact d.mighty@nhs.net.
BME dates for your diaries:
- 16 April – Education Centre, conference room, Sandwell Hospital, 12pm – 2pm
- 15 July – Postgraduate dining room, City Hospital, 2pm – 2pm
19 October – Education Centre, conference room, Sandwell Hospital, 12pm – 2pm
Dry January – look out for our alcohol team in your area
Our alcohol team in conjunction with health and wellbeing will be attending wards and offices on various dates throughout January providing everyone with information on the positive health and financial benefits to reducing your alcohol intake. They will also have information on apps, forums and support services that can support you. There is an also non-alcoholic version of popular beverages for you to try.
The dates and times for dry January are listed below:
City:
- 9 January, 10am – 12.30pm
- 14 January, 12pm – 3pm
- 24 January, 12pm – 3pm
- 27 January, 12.30pm – 3pm
Sandwell:
- 10 January, 12pm – 3pm
- 15 January, 12pm – 3pm
For more information about Dry January itself, please visit https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/dry-january/about-dry-january/what-is-dry-january.
For further details please contact jenny.wright9@nhs.net.
BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show (18-21 June, NEC Birmingham) – save 25 per cent
Celebrate as the BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show heads back to Birmingham’s NEC 18–21 June.
Pick up top tips and seasonal inspiration from a line-up of the UK’s top chefs and sample and shop your way around hundreds of the finest foods and drink. Don’t miss the chance join Mary Berry, Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux Jr, and Nadiya Hussain as they cook up a summer feast in The Big Kitchen.
To save 25 per cent* on tickets -quote ‘NEC25’ when booking.
Buy your tickets by clicking the links below.
Note: This offer ends 31 January.
For more information please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net.
Heartbeat: Diabetes team scoop top accolade at Quality in Care Awards
Judges at the awards praised the team for their innovative approach to redeveloping a treatment protocol for Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), reducing a lengthy protocol from ten pages down to two and showing how this simple change had brought about a significant improvement in the care of patients with DKA.
Awarding the team, judges said: “Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have produced a very simple but very impressive project. The step by step protocol allows underlying causes, as well as treatment of DKA, to be identified, which will help practitioners improve care. The project generated compelling positive feedback from users, suggesting that its clinical impact could be significant. Already in routine practice, the sustainability of the programme is clear, with evidence of its adoption in other localities.”
Sharing his thoughts on the award, Consultant Physician Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dr Parijat De said: “I’m proud to see our Trust recognised as innovators at a national level – more so given the hard work and contributions from Junior Doctor, Margaret Adu-Baah and a 4th Year medical student, Nicholas Hewetson.
“Diabetic Ketoacidosis has for a long time been a critical clinical condition that requires quick and effective diagnosis and treatment. Without this, there remains a significant chance of mortality and increased stays in hospital for treatment. We recognised that our colleagues were finding the Joint British Diabetes Society guidelines on DKA too lengthy and complicated and this resulted in poor adherence to the protocol. To tackle this, we developed a significantly shortened document and this simple change over the preceding years has shown clear improvements across the board, from reduced length of stays for patients, better outcomes and satisfied colleagues. Needless to say, this revised protocol is now standard across our workplace.”
Crumbles sandwich bar extended opening at Sandwell
From Monday 13 January, our Crumbles Sandwich bar which is located in Hallam restaurant will now be open on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 11am – 2pm.
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