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Monthly archives: March 2021

Book your place on the first regional LGBTQ+ History Month Conference

 

SWB is working in partnership with healthcare providers across the West Midlands to bring you a regional LGBTQ+ History Month conference. The event will take place online on Thursday 25 March, 12pm – 3pm. You will hear from renowned guest speakers such as:

  • Michael Brady, NHSE and NHSI LGBT Health Advisor – speaking about LGBTQ+ health inequalities and the impact of COVID-19
  • Simon Blake OBE, Stonewall Trustee and CEO of Mental Health First Aid England – speaking about LGBTQ+ and mental health
  • Rikki Arundel, Diversity Consultant and Gender Coach – speaking about significant events and people in LGBTQ+ history and their impact on perceptions today.

This event welcomes all colleagues and offers an opportunity to improve your understand of how to support LGBTQ+ colleagues and better care for LGBTQ+ patients.

You can book your place by clicking here.

LGBTQ+ survey – help shape our network: To further develop our network, we’d appreciate a few minutes of your time to answer our questionnaire.

22 March is the last date to request sell back of annual leave

 

Colleagues have been actively encouraged to plan and take their annual leave, during the leave year, as part of maintaining their health, safety and well-being, particularly during this difficult time.

Getting adequate rest and recuperation is vitally important for the physical and mental wellbeing of all our colleagues. There is an expectation, therefore, that staff will have been able to take at least their statutory minimum leave entitlement (28 days for full-time employees).

However, given the current situation, we are aware that some permanent colleagues may have some outstanding annual leave, i.e. above their statutory minimum entitlement, which they have been unable to take due to severe service and capacity pressures during the year 2020/21.

Therefore, in these situations, and as an exception to the Trust’s existing policy, colleagues have two options:

  • Colleagues will be allowed to carry over leave to the next leave year (1 April 2021 – 1 April 2022). The maximum leave that can be carried over will be the number of days above and beyond the employees statutory minimum, this being 5.6 working weeks per year inclusive of statutory holidays (equivalent to 28 days), plus any leave carried forward from 2019/20.
  • Colleagues will be able to sell back to the Trust their annual leave on the same basis, i.e. the number of days above and beyond the employee’s statutory minimum. For example if you receive 27 days leave plus 8 bank holidays, you could opt to sell up to 7 days leave, plus any leave carried forward from 2019/20.

As above statutory leave provisions still apply, so you will still need to take at least 28 days of annual leave during 2020/21. This is important for supporting the health and well-being of staff at this challenging time. Let’s work together to make sure that all of our staff take the rest that they need. This arrangement also applies to colleagues whose leave year is different to the Trust’s financial year. Full details are in the guidance.

For further information or to apply for this scheme please click here. The request form is included at the end of the guidance.

The scheme is now open and closes on Monday 22 March. Send your completed forms to swbh.albuyback@nhs.net if you would like to make this request.

Trust scoops environmental prize in HSJ Awards

 

The Trust’s Sustainability team has scooped a top award in a prestigious ceremony billed as the Oscars of the healthcare industry.

Winning the Environmental Sustainability Award in the HSJ Awards, which took place virtually on 17 March, Fran Silcocks, Sustainability Programme Lead said: “Receiving this award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment of the Trust to forming a greener and more sustainable workplace and world.”

Meanwhile, our organisation’s Alcohol Care Team were Highly Commended in the Acute Sector Innovation of the Year category, as was Dr Sarb Clare, acute medical consultant, in the Clinical Leader of the Year section.

The event was hosted by Dudley comedian Lenny Henry and news presenter Victoria Derbyshire and included a special message from Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England.

Fran added: “It’s so important that the work of the organisation has been recognised by leading figures within the healthcare industry.

“We are driving forwards with sustainable practices and have implemented a number of projects to achieve this, including installing solar panels, making our systems and buildings much more energy efficient, rolling out our ‘Green Impact’ staff engagement programme, putting in place sustainable waste processes, reducing reliance on single-use plastics, and many more.

“The organisation is working collaboratively with organisations to contribute to the clean air agenda across the West Midlands. We have introduced electric car charging points, a car sharing scheme and cycle lanes across sites and we are working with local public transport providers to offer discounted travel for our workforce.

“We have ambitious plans to become net carbon zero through major infrastructure changes and by engaging with colleagues across our sites, which includes the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which is due to open in 2022.

“As a health care provider, we have a duty of care to advocate improvements in sustainability and public health and are committed to positively contributing towards this. We are honoured to receive this award and will continue our work to excel.”

The judges were impressed with the public engagement of the entry and the ambition of the Public Health Plan and its incorporation of sustainability.

They also felt it went beyond the Trust’s own metrics, but more importantly talked to the health outcomes of the local population and not just the current patients.

Speaking of the Highly Commended nod to the Alcohol Care Team, Arlene Copland, nurse consultant for the service, added: “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the work we have done, which has continued throughout the pandemic – caring for people who need crucial support for alcohol misuse.”

The judging panel were impressed by the data presented by the team, showing the impact of the service. Their passion for making a difference to a client cohort with clear outcomes was clearly demonstrated. It was easy to see how this service could be sustainable in a diffused manner by ensuring the patients themselves are the Chief Co-ordinators of their care.

Meanwhile Dr Clare said of her acknowledgement: “I am really honoured to be Highly Commended and recognised by the HSJ for the work that I have led in. This includes the Women Empowering Work as well as the energy pods which were both key pre-pandemic but have been critical during this time and as we move out into recovery period.

“Clinical Leaders cannot deliver their vision without the great people who follow, support, advise and share the same passion. I thank all the amazing people I work with, who together make up the brilliant teams within the Trust and ask they celebrate this recognition with me.”

Feedback from the judges stated they felt that Dr Clare showed inspirational clinical leadership which facilitated the challenge of traditional boundaries in clinical and organisational groups across a range of change projects. She demonstrated she is putting real energy and engagement into the inclusion agenda.

The Communications team campaign to promote the Trust going smoke free was also shortlisted in the event for NHS Communications Initiative of the Year Award.

Richard Beeken, Interim Chief Executive, added: “This year has been extremely challenging due to the pandemic yet this award and the commendations demonstrates the Trust’s continued ability to lead by example beyond the traditional boundaries of hospital and community services provision.  We are very proud of their achievements”

Are you joining the next Engie user group?

 

Earlier this month, we highlighted that the first Engie user group had taken place on 24 February. It was a great virtual session, which allowed colleagues to interact with Engie, understand the contract in a bit more detail and ask any questions.

The team will be holding the next session on Wednesday, 24 March between 3-4pm. The following topics will be covered among others:

  • Life cycle
  • Small works/project works
  • How to log a job on the portal
  • Time for questions and discussions

The team would very much like every department represented within the user group. If you have a burning question or would just like to know a little bit more, please do get involved.

To join the next user group, please contact Suzie Gray, Contract Performance Manager at Suzanne.gray9@nhs.net.

Essential upgrade affecting door access system across the Trust this Saturday, 9am – 5pm

 

Please be aware that an essential upgrade is taking place on Saturday 20 March to the supporting infrastructure and software for the door fob access security system to improve stability and ensure the Trust are compliant with the latest release.

The upgrade has been scheduled on a Saturday to try to minimise impact. Works will begin at 9am and should be completed by 5pm.

Please be assured the activity will be closely monitored at all times by colleagues in security and informatics.

Please do call the 24 hour IT service desk if you experience any issues with the door access system after the upgrade has taken place on ext. 4050 or 0121 507 4050.

Sandwell chiller replacement today in ED

 

The chiller unit on the top of Sandwell ED roof is scheduled to be replaced today meaning there will be a crane on site to undertake the lift.

In order to facilitate this replacement, the ambulance bay will temporarily blocked off leaving only ambulance access to the current red stream into ED. The barrier in the bay will be unlocked to allow ambulance conveyance to the main doors and our estates team will be in place to direct any traffic. 

Colleagues are reminded to be vigilant when passing through this area of the Sandwell site and only access this area if absolutely necessary.

Funeral arrangements for Ameta Rooplal

 

Following the sad death of valued colleague Ameta Rooplal, we have been advised that the funeral is taking place on Thursday 18 March. The funeral procession will drive onto City Hospital site at around 10.45am, entering from Dudley Road it will pass in front of the BTC and exit onto Western Road. Colleagues are welcome to line the route to pay their respects to Ameta and her family.

The funeral will take place at 11.30am and can be viewed remotely. Please contact swbh.comms@nhs.net for the login details. It will also be shown in the Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Postgraduate Centre, City Hospital where provision has been made for Ameta’s team to be together.

We understand that this will be a difficult time for all who knew and loved Ameta. Please ensure you keep socially distant out of respect for Ameta and her loved ones

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 16 March

 

1. New: Sandwell vaccination hub re-opening on 23 March

Time flies, and we’re now at the point where the Sandwell vaccination hub is gearing up once again (for six weeks only) to see colleagues and administer jabs – in this case our second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing not just additional protection but no doubt a great peace of mind to a great many of us.

Colleagues will already have an appointment for when to attend. You are encouraged to keep your original appointment or rearrange via the vaccination call centre (on 0121 507 4112), but you are advised not to go beyond 12 weeks after your first jab. It is essential that you attend as there will be no further appointments beyond 26 April for you to receive your Pfizer second dose. The Sandwell vaccination hub will also be open on Bank Holidays so please attend if you are booked on those days.

 It’s not too late to have your first jab

If you are yet to get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, you can still book in to get your jab at either Walsall Hospital or at the newly opened at Tipton Sports Academy vaccination centre. Alternatively colleagues can also book their jab through the Your Health Partnership Primary Care Network at Whiteheath Medical Centre in Oldbury. Walk-in appointment slots are also available from the Primary Care Network vaccine hub at City Hospital, Sheldon Block until the end of March.

To book your jab online use one of the following links:

Find out more from Consultant Haematologist Dr Farooq Wandroo about the vaccination and why you should get it.

2. New: Free webinar: COVID vaccination and pregnancy

Elly Charity and the WHO collaborating Centre for Women’s Health at the University of Birmingham have announced a free one hour webinar on ‘COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women and the Health Professionals Caring for them’ this Saturday (20 March).

This webinar is the opportunity to learn and ask questions about the vaccination from international expert Prof Paul T. Heath and understand how it relates to women wanting to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding. They will share experiences of the vaccination amongst women’s health professionals in the UK with Dr Gloria Rowland MBE including low vaccine uptake in certain groups and the range of beliefs from health professionals.

 

Dr Rehan Khan will explore health inequalities in access to the vaccine and share what resources are currently available to help the obstetric community and women themselves. This is also an opportunity to ask questions from experts with first-hand experience. For more information click here.

 

3. Updated: Drop off points for LAMP testing samples added

The roll out continues for all colleagues to switch to LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) testing and as a result we are increasing the number of collection boxes across our sites and in the community.

Drop off points are now available at the following community venues:

  • Neptune Health Park, first floor, Sedgley Road West, Tipton.
  • The Lyng Centre for Health and Social Care, second floor clinical suite, Frank Fisher Way, West Bromwich.
  • Oldbury Health Centre, ground floor, Albert Street, Oldbury.
  • Victoria Health Centre, ground floor, Suffrage Street, Smethwick.
  • Rowley Regis Hospital, outpatients.

 

We have also increased the number of collection boxes at our acute sites:

Sandwell Hospital:

  • Phlebotomy, Corridor D, first floor outpatients

City Hospital:

  • Phlebotomy ground floor, Birmingham Treatment Centre

Additional drop offs will be rolled out across both Sandwell and City over the rest of the month.

LAMP testing is a speedy and reliable COVID-19 test which requires you to collect a saliva sample in the morning before you brush your teeth or have your breakfast.  When you arrive at work, you can deposit your sample into a collection box – and you’ll receive your result within 24 hours.

If you haven’t already, you can now book a kit collection slot by calling 0121 507 2664 and selecting option 6.

4. Reminder: 22 March is last date to request sell back of annual leave

Speaking of the march of time, the time (of March) is already half way done and we’re rapidly approaching the end of this financial year. Staff have been actively encouraged to plan and take their annual leave, during the leave year, as part of maintaining their health, safety and well-being, particularly during this difficult time.

Getting adequate rest and recuperation is vitally important for the physical and mental well-being of all our staff. There is an expectation, therefore, that staff will have been able to take at least their statutory minimum leave entitlement (28 days for full-time employees which is 20 days plus 8 bank holidays).

However, given the current situation, we are aware that some permanent staff may have some outstanding annual leave, i.e. above their statutory minimum entitlement, which they have been unable to take due to severe service and capacity pressures during the year 2020/21.

Therefore, in these situations, and as an exception to the Trust’s existing policy, staff have two options:

  • Staff will be allowed to carry over leave to the next leave year (1 April 2021 – 1 April 2022). The maximum leave that can be carried over will be the number of days above and beyond the employees statutory minimum, this being 5.6 working weeks per year inclusive of statutory holidays (equivalent to 28 days), plus any leave carried forward from 2019/20.
  • Staff will be able to sell back to the Trust their annual leave on the same basis, i.e. the number of days above and beyond the employee’s statutory minimum. For example if you receive 27 days leave plus 8 bank holidays, you could opt to sell up to 7 days leave, plus any leave carried forward from 2019/20.

As above statutory leave provisions still apply, so you will still need to take at least 28 days of annual leave during 2020/21. This is important for supporting the health and well-being of staff at this challenging time. Let’s work together to make sure that all of our staff take the rest that they need. This arrangement also applies to colleagues whose leave year is different to the Trust’s financial year. Full details are in the guidance.

For further information or to apply for this scheme please click here. The request form is included at the end of the guidance.

The scheme closes on 22 March 2021. Send your completed forms to swbh.albuyback@nhs.net if you would like to make this request.

Sharing the sad news of the death of valued colleague Michael Moore

 

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of our beloved colleague, Michael Moore, from the EPR/Unity training team, who passed away on Monday 8 March.

Michael will be well known to many staff latterly for his work on the Unity project, where he trained a lot of our colleagues, particularly on the Capacity Management (CAPMAN) element of Unity, and previously in the informatics department where Michael had worked since 2009, helping so many colleagues with their IT issues, always going the extra mile and always so happy to help.

Michael was such a positive, warm presence and will be hugely missed by all who worked with or knew him.

A fund has been set up to help Michael’s family at this difficult time and to allow friends and colleagues to contribute and share their thoughts of Michael.  If you would like to contribute, please click here

Birmingham Bears free tickets

 

Birmingham Bears have kindly offered Trust employees free tickets for the Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire Vikings on Wednesday 30 June.

For further information and to claim your free tickets please click here.

Note: Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.

For information about all our staff benefits, please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net or call ext. 6148.

 

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