Monthly archives: April 2021

Sad passing of Marie Kenna

On Friday 26 March, Marie Kenna, Clinical Nurse Specialist sadly lost her brave fight with cancer.

Marie worked for the Trust for over 25 years, firstly as a staff nurse on Lyndon 4, before moving to haematology where she progressed to ward sister and then clinical nurse specialist. Marie was an exceptional nurse, caring and compassionate, and despite her diagnosis she continued to use her experiences to be the most empathetic support to her patients without burdening them with her story. Marie was a person we all aspired to be like. She was the perfect nurse, colleague and friend. Everyone who met her was touched by her. She was loved and respected by everyone at the Trust and she will be missed.

Funeral arrangements: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Marie’s funeral will be a private affair on Monday 26 April, but will be live streamed from 9.55am at www.obitus.com. Please see login details below:

• Username: heru8232
• Password: 243160

Fundraising page: Fundraising page: Marie would have liked to have seen some good to come out of what is ultimately a terrible disease. This is why a fundraising page has been set up. If you would like to donate to Marie’s fundraising appeal please click here.

Champneys health spa – discounted offers

Treat yourself to a relaxing and pampering spa day at one of Champneys luxurious resorts or hotels at a discounted price through SWBH staff benefits.

Champneys corporate discounts

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, spa days and residential stays will start from 17 May and spa evenings from 22 June. All bookings are payable at reservations stage and subject to availability.

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

Heartbeat: Midland Met – our future built by us

In less than 300 days, we’ll be welcoming 2022 – a new year and not just any new year. It’s a year set to boast exciting change for the region, including the Commonwealth Games but perhaps more importantly for us, the opening of our new flagship hospital, Midland Met.

The Midland Met will provide clinical teams with modern purpose-built facilities and be our single-site acute hospital. It will see the consolidation of acute emergency and inpatient services and bring together our two emergency departments to operate as one.

It will also be home to several new facilities, including two trauma theatres, two emergency theatres, two maternity theatres and 15 delivery suites. Our new hospital will offer a new level of care in many respects. For example, our design includes 50 per cent single rooms in generic inpatient wards – a major positive in our favour when it comes to infection prevention and control.

One of the main benefits of operating in this way will be that patients will receive excellence in clinical care at all points throughout their care pathways. It is a new way of offering clinical care to our local communities, but it will be so much more than that. Our landmark hospital will bring together specialties, help to regenerate the immediate local area and create jobs. It will also see the launch of our new learning campus, which we have recently secured over £12 million to invest in it. Our organisation has its sights set firmly on building a better future, and we all have a part to play in bringing this vision to life.

Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated areas within our new hospital is our winter garden. It will provide a light, airy focal point for visitors and a space for staff to meet and relax away from their clinical areas.

Not only will our new hospital bring with it new opportunities for the people that work within our Trust and the communities, but it will also help to breathe life into the heart of what was once the industrial West Midlands. Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Council are working with West Midlands Combined Authority, Homes England, the Canal & River Trust and our organisation to regenerate the Smethwick to Birmingham corridor. The new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital provides a major opportunity to revive the area, supporting a healthy community for those who already live here and those who will choose to live, work and visit.

It may only be the beginning of this journey, but our flagship hospital will be integral in these plans and see the Grove Lane area redeveloped. The building of the Midland Met will provide the catalyst for growth in the immediate surrounding areas – that is hugely exciting.

Rachel Barlow, Director of System Transformation, said: “We are entering an exciting phase of the build. Work is starting to pick up pace, and we have over 800 people on site every single day helping to bring our vision to life.”

Rachel added: “There is lots of work going on with colleagues, partners and stakeholder groups in preparation for when we open our doors in 2022. There is a still lot to do, but we have the right people and teams in place to make our move to Midland Met a success.”

So, how is the build progressing? We bring you some of the key highlights to keep you up to date:

• Our build is progressing well. Some rooms in the ED and ward areas are getting their first coat of paint and, the clinical wash hand basins are being fitted.
• The electrical, mechanical and plumbing works above the ceilings and within walls are in full flow (no pun intended!).
• Over 800 people are working on site daily, which indicates the scope of this project.
• The high voltage power will go on in the next few weeks. Watch this space to find out more!

COVID-19 Bulletin Friday 23 April

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

1. New: Massages a step closer thanks to new screens

 Supporting the health and wellbeing of colleagues across the Trust remains vital and delivering this in COVID-safe ways is one of our priorities.

Therefore we have installed “screens on wheels” at The Sanctuary which will ensure that we are following guidelines, whilst also providing extra privacy if you are using the facilities.

These new screens mean that we will be reintroducing head, neck and shoulder massages at the venue very soon.  The screens create a divide between the massage bed and the chair, as well as a partition between the office space and the area where massages take place.  Keep an eye on the daily Communications Bulletin and COVID-19 bulletin for news of when the services will be available again.

Don’t forget, a visit to The Sanctuary could be beneficial as it’s a place of calm for all colleagues. Also, it gives you the chance to de-stress and relax in a confidential safe place.

The Sanctuary has a variety of offerings including:

• Chill out downtime over a tea/coffee and a biscuit
• A chat – a listening ear to hear anything you want to talk about in confidence
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Relaxation hypnotherapy
• Music therapy

Note: Social distancing measures are in place and PPE and sanitisation is provided on site.

Please contact the wellbeing team on 0121 507 5886 to book your free session.

The Sanctuary is only a five minute drive away from City Hospital and a 10 minute drive away from Sandwell Hospital. It’s based at the Learning Works on Unett Street, Smethwick, B66 3SY with free secured parking right outside.

For further details please see daily Sanctuary information sheet by clicking here.

2. New: Revised infection control processes for patients

As the numbers of COVID positive patients are decreasing, the restoration and recovery of our services are a priority. However, it is also essential that we also maintain patient safety and uphold Infection Prevention and Control principles.

As a result we have issued updated guidance for the processes to be followed when patients are in our care.

It includes the following areas:

• Emergency Department – streaming and testing for patients
• Contact patients – the pathway for patients who have been in contact with a patient who has tested positive for COVID-19
• Green stream – the pathway for admitting patients to Green areas
• Community beds
• ICU pathway

These processes must be followed so please ensure you are familiar with them and share them you’re your colleagues. You can access the processes here. In addition to this guidance, you should also follow the Trust’s usual swabbing pathways as these are specific for certain areas. You can find this document by clicking here.

3. New: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccinations

If you are expecting and have concerns about having a COVID-19 vaccination, the most up-to-date Government guidance will give you reassurance.

It states there have been no specific safety concerns identified with any brand of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in relation to pregnancy.

Real-world data from the United States shows that around 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated, mainly with mRNA vaccines including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, without any safety concerns being raised.

However, the JCVI has updated guidance to encourage pregnant women to receive Pfizer\BioNtech.

“Pregnant women in eligible cohorts who have yet to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, should be offered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine or Moderna vaccine. All vaccination sites should implement screening procedures to ensure pregnant women are identified and offered the Pfizer BioNtech or Moderna vaccine.

“For sites that do not currently offer an alternative vaccine to the AstraZeneca vaccine, they should cancel first dose appointments if they know the patient is pregnant and direct patients to a PCN site or a vaccination centre that is administering the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Pregnant women already booked for a first dose at a community pharmacy-led site or a vaccination centre will not have their appointments automatically cancelled.”

We now have additional supplies of the Pfizer vaccine at the Sandwell Hospital Hub. If you are pregnant and have previously not taken up a COVID-19 vaccine, but would now like to have the Pfizer vaccine please contact the booking team on 0121 507 4112 for an appointment as soon as possible as this vaccination will only be available next week.

4. New: Targeted testing areas extended – variant COVID-19 strain identified

You may be aware of the discovery of a variant of COVID-19 first identified in South Africa that has been identified in the Smethwick and Cape Hill area.

Targeted testing is being carried out for people without COVID-19 symptoms living and working in those areas. This is in addition to the Ladywood, Soho and Jewellery Quarter areas.

Council teams are calling at homes in the area to deliver testing kits. Completed home tests can be returned to several community venues as well as the council’s mobile units which will be touring the area.

Those without symptoms can also get tested quickly and easily at the special mobile testing unit behind Smethwick Council House, High Street, which is open 8am to 3.45pm every day. You can walk in or drive in to the testing unit; there is no need to book.

To check if you live or work in the specific postcodes for targeted testing, visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/extratesting or https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/covid-19-variant where there is more information.

5. New: Walsall Manor Hospital vaccination hub moves to shopping centre

From tomorrow colleagues who were due to attend Walsall Manor Hospital for their second dose vaccination, will now have their appointments at the Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall town centre.

The vaccination hub is relocating to the venue from Saturday 24 April, so that the outpatients department can return to its normal function.

Parking is available at no cost for the first hour. The Saddlers Shopping Centre is also a 10 minute walk from the Manor Hospital. Please remember to take your staff ID and have your NHS number to hand.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact covacc.enquiries@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk.

6. New: Critical Care at City is back home

Following the completion of essential works, the critical care department at City Hospital has now returned back to their unit on the ground floor main spine. The team had temporarily moved to D16.

7. Updated: Ensure you are doing your regular LAMP test – Book your slot to collect your testing kit now

It is now essential to make sure you are completing your weekly LAMP tests. This is to ensure that any asymptomatic cases are identified quickly. LAMP is a speedy and reliable COVID-19 test which requires you to collect a saliva sample once a week in the morning before you brush your teeth or have your breakfast or an hour after eating.

When you arrive at work, you can deposit your sample into a collection box – and you’ll receive your result via text message.

We’ve produced this video guide which shows how to carry out the test. Click the picture below to watch the film:

We must remind everyone that LAMP testing is open to both clinical and non-clinical colleagues. It is vital that we continue to test despite colleagues having had the COVID vaccination and infection rates starting to drop.

Please drop off your sample into phlebotomy department Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 3:30pm in the following locations:

• OPD first floor Corridor D Sandwell Site
• Ground floor BTC
• Ground floor Rowley Regis Hospital
• First floor Neptune Health Park
• Second floor Lyng Health and Social Care Centre
• Victoria Health Centre
• Oldbury Health Centre

Alternatively you can drop off your samples in the LAMP collection bins at Sandwell outside the Bryan Knight Suite, outside pathology or A&E.

At City, the LAMP collection bins can be found outside pharmacy main spine, outside pathology and A&E.

Further information on LAMP testing can be found in the attached FAQs.

8. Updated: New phone number for access to fit testing hub

If you’re heading to the Fit Testing hub in the Strategic Control room, Management Offices at Sandwell’s Trust Headquarters, please note the extension number to obtain entry has changed.

For those of you who are unable to enter with your fob, please call ext. 2262 using the internal phone in the yellow box. The fit testing team will be able to let you in.

If you need to be fit tested, please call 0121 507 5050 to get booked in at a site, date and time that suits you. Clinics are available everyday between 8am and 4pm. Phone lines are open until 8pm.

9. Reminder: Still a chance to get your first dose of the vaccination

Colleagues who are yet to be vaccinated or who have been recommended to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccination are being encouraged to come forward and book in to the last remaining vaccination slots at Sandwell Vaccination hub before the site closes when all the vaccination slots have been booked up – which we expect will be early next week.

If you are yet to be vaccinated with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact the vaccination booking line on 0121 507 4112 to book your vaccinations as soon as possible.

The Pfizer vaccine is now being offered to all colleagues. Those who are under 30 years old, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), pregnant or who have allergies preventing them from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccination are encouraged to also book an appointment for the Pfizer vaccination.

Remember, the COVID-19 vaccination still remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

Colleagues are reminded to please ensure you remember to attend the vaccination centre on your booked date for your second vaccination dose. If you are not able to make your booked vaccination date, you can rearrange your appointment by calling the vaccination call centre on 0121 507 4112, but you are advised not to go beyond 12 weeks after your first jab. The Sandwell Hospital hub will be closing at the end of April so please act now if you need to re-arrange your appointment.

10. Reminder: Shielding guidance  

Shielding for those who are extremely clinically vulnerable from COVID-19 ended on 31 March. A letter was sent out from our Chief People Officer, Frieza Mahmood to all staff who were flagged as shielding to reassure them of the processes in place to support them back to work and asking them to complete a risk assessment to inform discussions with their manager.

We’d like to remind you, that there is no automatic expectation for staff who are shielding to return to full duties from when restrictions were lifted. Managers will continue to work with affected colleagues to support a safe and steady return as they may have concerns or be anxious around returning to the workplace.

A flow chart outlining the management process to support staff is available on Connect here.

For more information please see the updated national guidance from NHS Employers by clicking here.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 23 April

We hear a great deal in the news and on social media about public service. Very rarely does the concept of what public service is, get explained. Therefore we all have our own interpretation of what it means and what a public servant is. I am going to venture some of my own thoughts about this, given next week is the last week in the Trust for our Chair, Richard Samuda. Richard is retiring after 9 years as our Chair. Richard is a public servant and I want to pay testament to that through my exploration of the role of a Trust Chair:

Firstly, there is a big difference between a Trust Chair and a Chief Executive. Put simply, the CEO runs the organisation. The Chair leads the Board. The Board is the body which sets the strategy of the organisation and is accountable for assuring itself that the populations we serve, are getting the best possible service from the resources we secure. So the roles are distinct and the Chair has to hold the CEO to account, but not try to run the organisation him/herself. This is a difficult balance to achieve and not everyone gets it right.

In leading the Board, our Chair has to sponsor a culture of openness and honesty and be the conscience of the people of Sandwell, Ladywood & Perry Barr, representing their interests in every conversation and in every decision. The Chair must also uphold the NHS Constitution principles and also uphold the Nolan principles of standards in public life and public service:

• Selflessness – working only in the public interest, not self interest
• Integrity – never to be influenced by personal gain from any decision and to declare conflicts of interest openly when they occur
• Objectivity – to make decisions based on evidence and not emotion or bias
• Accountability – to be prepared to have any decision scrutinised openly and publicly
• Honesty – be truthful and not deceitful
• Leadership – promote the above principles in others

Richard has upheld these principles diligently in a part time role, which he has discharged for a nearly unprecedented three, 3 year terms of office. He had a successful career as a chartered accountant and partner at KPMG before stepping forward to be a public servant, first as a non-executive director at Heart of England NHS FT and then as Chair with our organisation. I have not worked with him long but have observed him from a distance and met him many times over the years, often in forums in which he and Toby Lewis formed a formidable partnership, always pushing boundaries, always in the just cause of doing what was right for the people we serve.  Not for them was keeping their head down and toeing the party line.  Richard’s keen professional interest in economic regeneration and social responsibility, helped the Trust develop a unique approach to this locally, when compared to other Trusts.

Richard is clearly valued by the staff of this organisation. He has been a visible and approachable Chair, working tirelessly on behalf of the staff, patients and public of our patch. He can now enjoy a well deserved retirement. This is public service. We would be lost as an NHS without it.

Thank you to all who marked Stephen Lawrence Day yesterday, remembering the legacy following Stephen’s tragic, unprovoked attack and untimely death, and the steps that Stephen’s family have taken to campaign for justice and equality within our country and its institutions. I, along with others, are committed to ensuring that our organisation embraces change, stamping out racism so that we can provide equal opportunities for all.

Congratulations to our Star of the Week, Claire Jones. Claire is an infection prevention nurse who joined us in March 2019. During the pandemic Claire has been working with Sandwell’s public health tem to support care homes in management coronavirus outbreaks. She has developed training on specific infection prevention and control precautions for care homes and has been instrumental in developing a care plan for residents with COVID-19. Thank you, Claire for your efforts which undoubtedly have saved lives and given valuable help and support for those looking after some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

This week I began my weekly morning coffee slots where I will pop along to a different coffee shop on our sites each Wednesday at 8am. This is an opportunity for colleagues to come and talk to me informally about any issues / ideas / highlights or simply to say ‘hello’. You can see where I’m going to be in the daily Communications bulletin.

Have a good weekend.

Richard

Earth Day today!

Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on 22 April, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation.

As a Trust we have a duty of care to take action. By taking part in activities like turning off lights and equipment when not required, travel by walking, cycling and public transport, eating less meat, and wasting less, we can all make a difference.

For more information please visit https://www.earthday.org/.

Green Impact: 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 team to complete the simple actions in the toolkit (for example, switching off lights and equipment when not required, wasting less and using the correct bins, driving less, reducing paper use, etc.) These simple actions collectively make a big difference and help us move towards a more sustainable and healthier place to work.

For more information please contact Francesca.silcocks@nhs.net.

Heartbeat: COVID no obstacle to committed nursing associates

Despite the challenges thrown up by a worldwide pandemic Jenny Hoult and Oneka Berry were determined to complete their training to become nursing associates.

Speaking to Heartbeat, Ward Manager, Avnash Nanra detailed their achievements and said: “Jenny and Oneka have both worked extremely hard from the onset of starting their course and completing it with positive mindsets and an eye to future goals once qualified. I know they are very much looking forward to supporting their nursing colleagues on the wards in their new role. Jenny is based on Priory Ground, and Oneka on Lyndon Ground.

“The training process took over two years, and although COVID-19 interrupted their training, nevertheless they both worked through the pandemic to complete practical sessions on their base wards alongside their external placement sessions, whilst attending university (virtually) and completing their assignments.

“Both have utilised new skills on the wards and have also been teaching their nursing colleagues good practice to benefit their clinical areas. During COVID-19, they were redeployed to adult wards, with Jenny moving to Lyndon 2 and Oneka to ITU.

“They both exemplify what we look for in nursing associates, being committed, hardworking, with good communication skills and team work. They have excelled in demonstrating their compassionate and caring natures, with the drive to succeed and ability to easily share their own knowledge and skills.”

Jenny added: “I have worked for the Trust for 19 years, starting in the children’s outpatients department at City. I always wanted a career with children. After a year I moved to D9 paediatric surgical ward, where I enjoyed working as an auxiliary nurse.

“After being a HCA (with NVQ level 3) for 16-17 years, I felt I needed to progress further. I was always asking questions about why things were done certain ways, as I felt I needed to understand every clinical duty. Having worked with some amazing nurses over the years, I have seen what makes a great nurse. So to make a good nurse associate, I believe you need to be confident in your practice, but never afraid to ask for help. Be a good team player, support other staff of all grades, and be able to raise concerns. Most importantly, you need to put the patient needs first and provide an excellent service.

Cheryl Newton, Group Director of Nursing – Women and Child Health, remarked: “I am extremely proud of both Jenny and Oneka’s achievements, particularly during the last 12 months during the pandemic. The team are looking forward to them starting their roles as nursing associates within the paediatric wards.”

Remembering Stephen Lawrence

Today as we mark Stephen Lawrence Day, we are committed to change and urge all colleagues to join us in thoughts, aspirations and reflections about how to value diversity.

Head over to Twitter @SWBHnhs or our other social media channels to add your thoughts and share our commitment to making our Trust more inclusive.

We’ve produced a short video of comments from our #SWBfamily

Can the homeless team support your patients?

Does your patient require a food hamper or clothing on discharge? The homeless team can offer support with discharges where delays may occur due to the patient not having appropriate clothing or sufficient food due to isolation. The team will be supporting wards with additional discharges for the vulnerable and elderly that may not necessarily be homeless.

They can assist with discharges for the vulnerable or elderly patients that may live alone and are unable to get out shopping due to the current pandemic or due to having to self-isolate. These patients do not need to be homeless or have social housing issues to be referred to the homeless team.

Please refer any patients that you feel would benefit from the service and the team will assist in coordinating a safe discharge and attempt to for fill their requirements.

Referrals can be made to any member of the team by using the contact details listed below:

• Helen Taylor: 07580 677913 – helen.taylor54@nhs.net
• Louise Edwards: 07580 677884 – louise.edwards@nhs.net
• Sara Zurakowski: 07890 525689 – sara.zurakowski-lucas@nhs.net
• Dot Burgoyne: 07866 007538 – dot.burgoyne@nhs.net

Workplace fire safety training for new starters

We are hosting fire safety training for new starters on the below dates across both Sandwell and City sites. You can book your place via ESR self-bookings. For more information please email swb-tr.SWBH-Team-FireSafetyTrainers@nhs.net.

Sandwell Education Centre, 10am – 11am:

City Postgraduate Centre, 10am – 11am: