Monthly archives: June 2021

Ward palliative care champion training

In order to support the nominated palliative care champions in each ward area, educational opportunities are now on offer.

The palliative care team have organised drop in sessions for colleagues who are the nominated ward champions. Sessions will be held from 12pm – 2pm on the below dates:

• Tuesday 20 July, Postgraduate Centre
• Wednesday 21 July, Sandwell Education Centre
• Tuesday 14 September, Postgraduate Centre
• Wednesday 15 September, Sandwell Education Centre
• Tuesday 12 October, Sandwell Education Centre
• Wednesday 13 October, Postgraduate Centre

For more information please email cmorris11@nhs.net.

Heartbeat: Self-assessment tool provides helicopter view of care

Ensuring that Care Quality Commission (CQC) domains are embedded into the ethos of all teams to give assurance that care is safe, effective and of a high standard every day not just when an inspection is due is an ambition of the senior leaders within iCares.

When thinking about how they could better embed the CQC domains, the iCares leadership team felt they needed to have a helicopter view of how care was being delivered within the directorate.

Denise Owen, Deputy Clinical Directorate Lead told us: “It was important that all teams were involved and owned the whole process of the CQC self-assessment, action plans and shared learning.”

Along with Mike Lewis, iCares Business Support, Denise developed an electronic self-assessment tool. The tool has tabs with definitions, each domain (safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led), summary sheets with pie charts and an evidence page. Each domain tab has questions which the CQC lead selects the rating from a drop down list. The ratings are colour coded and automatically populate the pie chart which makes the tool very visual for teams to map progress going forward. Colleagues can also use the tool to identify three examples of good practice and three examples of actions they will take to improve their rating at the next audit.

Denise added: “Following a successful pilot with the continence team, the decision was made to roll out the tool to all teams within the directorate. An audit project plan was developed including identifying CQC leads from each team, training on the use of the tool, ongoing support, timescales to complete the audit, collation of data and quality assurance by the senior leadership team.

“Even throughout this pandemic, I feel that we have been able to maintain the momentum of the CQC assessments by identifying the CQC leads in each team who have agreed to be responsible for this audit for 12 months. They will receive a certificate after each self-assessment which they can use as evidence when registering with professional bodies.”

The leads are responsible for:

• Completing the tool on behalf of their team
• Gathering evidence to support the tool
• Presenting results to iCares directorate and their own teams
• Developing action plans with teams support and keep updated
• Doing an audit every three months

The self-assessment tool has been well received by colleagues who have commented:

“Thanks so much for creating something so easy to use, and genuinely useful to help recognise where we are brilliant, and where perhaps we need to tighten up some processes.”

“I have enjoyed working on this with the team and it definitely gives us actions.”

Audit results have been shared at the directorate quality and safety meetings. And overall summary sheets have been printed and displayed in prominent areas. Initially there were plans for quality assurance to take place in January and for the CQC leads to re-audit in February but due to the pandemic, this has been paused with a plan to restart in April.

“The tool has really given us a helicopter view of the CQC compliance for the whole directorate – which we have never had before,” added Denise.

The audit has given the teams an opportunity to:

• Have assurance around patient safety and quality
• Help improve patient care
• Plan 2021-2022 training to address some of the gaps identified
• Plan 2021-2022 QIHDs around service needs
• Provide leadership support around areas that require improvement
• Work with teams where gaps are identified
• Share good practice within the directorate and group

The tool has now been rolled out across PCCT.

The shared care record is coming soon

Black Country and West Birmingham STP will be hosting sessions where colleagues can find out more about the shared care record. Developing a shared care record has been part of the STP digital plan and NHS long term plan but the need has been accelerated due to COVID meaning funding has now been allocated to support implementation.

A shared care record can be defined as a system which provides access to the information held within the local systems via a single user interface. Access to the shared care record will be integrated into the user system where possible, appearing as an additional source of information. This has many benefits for patients and healthcare staff including information being available at the point of care regardless of where the patient is registered in our STP.

To find out more, join in the sessions on the dates below.

• Tuesday 6 July, 7.55am (Click here to join the meeting)
• Wednesday 7 July, 12,55pm (Click here to join the meeting)

For further details, please see shared care record overview document.

Don’t worry if you can’t make the above sessions – we will be looking to host more in the future. Once dates and times are confirmed they will be added to Connect and staff communications. 

For more information please contact mark.taylor38@nhs.net

Wellbeing Wednesday: Tips for working from home

If you are working from home your personal wellbeing remains important. Consider how we can support you with your personal wellbeing, physical health and mental health.

• Plan a routine: It’s good to have a plan, so try to stick to the same routine each day as this helps you to have a start and finish to your day and balance your home/work life.
• Your workspace: Consider a clear plan to make it easy to separate work from home life. Have a system for ending your day; so hide or cover your laptop and pack away your equipment rather than looking at it in your leisure time.
• Don’t forget to take a break and stay connected: Connect with your colleagues. You could consider a 10 min WebEx coffee break together or do similar at lunchtime and have a lunch break together. Some teams plan a mindful Monday, or a fun Friday zoom, plan a short WebEx with your team to have a laugh, share your thoughts and start and end your week positively.
• Are you sitting well? Improve your ergonomics – stretch your body, improve your posture: It is great for your physical and mental health if you are able to stand up and stretch once an hour. If you are unable to do this move away from your keyboard and stretch from your chair or sitting position. Check your computer is at eye level not flat on your table, this supports your neck and body. And every 20 mins look away from your screen to stretch and improve your eye muscles.
• Be kind to yourself: Don’t forget to switch off mentally and turn off your computer at the end of your day. Whether you are working from home or in the office you are working hard and contributing, so be kind to yourself and if no one else is there to do it say well done to yourself.
• After work – re-energise: Exercise and chat with a friend or try some online exercise, walk and talk, connect with people and take in the beautiful scenery and nature around, plan a nice meal.

Additional support, if you need to talk to someone in confidence:

• Counsellors: The NHS direct counselling service: 0800 06 96 222 (7am – 11pm, 7 days a week)
• Bereavement support:0300 303 4434 (8am – 8pm)
• Trouble sleeping:Click here for help and guidance
• Just need a confidence conversation?  Book a one to one at the wellbeing sanctuary by calling 0121 507 5886
• REACT practitioners: Talk to colleagues who have been trained to have a confidential conversation with you near to where you work. Email wellbeinghub@nhs.netto find out who is your nearest REACT practitioner
• SHOUT service: Text SHOUT to 85258 confidential TEXT support
• Chaplaincy team: All our chaplaincy team are trained listeners and people who care for you. You can email mary.causer@nhs.net or call either 0121 507 3552/4055 or 07972 572854 to get in touch with the team

Trust vehicles up for sale – discounts available for colleagues

There are a number of Trust vehicles up for sale and colleagues have an opportunity to buy them at a discounted price. Viewings are available by appointment only today (Wednesday 30 June).

If you are interested in purchasing one of the vehicles or you would like more information such service history and number of previous owners, please contact email trish.kehoe@nhs.net, j.akbar@nhs.net, or pamela.towers@nhs.net to book a viewing. Please also ensure you bring your Trust ID to the viewing.

Bids on the vehicles must be emailed to theresa.hickey@nhs.net by tomorrow (Thursday 1 July) no later than 4pm.

Note: There is a guide price set against each vehicle. There will be a 20 per cent reduction against the guide price for colleagues. However bids below the minimum colleague discount price will not be considered.

City gym to reopen this week

It’s been some time since we’ve been able to feel the burn and utilise our on-site gyms. However we are delighted to confirm that the City Hospital gym based at Ellis House is set to open again tomorrow (Tuesday 29 June) following a refurbishment making it COVID-19 safe and compliant with Infection Control Guidance.

Being physically and mentally fit has never been more important and we’re committed to providing our staff with a safe place to get a great workout. For this to happen there are a number of instructions that have to be carried out and you must adhere to them at all times, including reduced numbers and social distancing. Because of this, and the relative size difference, it is not possible to open the Sandwell gym at this time due to the restrictions but this will be reviewed again next month.

In the meantime you can still take advantage of a 20 per cent discount per month at Sandwell Leisure Trust via their one card membership.

Guidance for using City gym under COVID-19 restrictions:

• The QR code must be scanned for track and trace upon arrival. While we ask you do NOT scan the other QR codes in the hospital the gym is a different case.
• Social distancing of two metres remains in effect: We’ve created the space you need to work out while keeping a safe distance. The gym has also been rearranged and clearly marked out for you to use safely, so it is easy for everyone to follow.
• The maximum number of users is five at any one time; this will remain in place in line with the government recommendations. Please note: The maximum gym time usage is one hour per visit, in order to allow other staff the opportunity to use the facility.
• We’ve placed more hand sanitiser dispensers  and wipes around the gym so it’s easy to regularly clean your hands and equipment during your visit. We ask that you also sanitise your hands before entering the gym to keep yourself and others safe.

For existing members: Your pass will be activated ready for use on Tuesday 29 June.

For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon on 0121 507 5886/3854 to complete your registration.

The video below is the gym induction film that colleagues should watch before they use the facility.

Other options:

There remain a wide range of wellbeing options available to colleagues. These are just some of the ways you can support your personal wellbeing:

• Try something new such as mindful yoga with Chris
• Try out our relaxation pod. Call 0121 507 5886 to book.
• Book a chat or massage at the Sanctuary by calling 0121 507 5886. The ‘Daily Sanctuary Session’ flyer explains the different therapeutic sessions offered.
• Call our counselling service on 0800 06 96 222 between 7am – 11pm or book via occupational health on 0121 507 3306.
• Have a conversation with one of our REACT Practitioners by calling 0121 507 5886.

Sign up for a Blue Light Card to access exclusive discounts for NHS staff.

Please be aware: Pre-registered nurses payment scam

We have recently been informed of a scam targeting pre-registered nurses and payment to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The scam sees pre-registered nurses receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the NMC requesting a card payment, passport and bank details as part of the application process.

If you are contacted please do not give any of your personal details or payment and report it to the NMC by calling 020 7333 6666 or emailing nhsi.workforce@nhs.net.

Sad passing of Wendy Harrison

On Tuesday 25 May, Wendy Harrison sadly lost her brave fight with oesophageal cancer.

Wendy Harrison worked at Dudley Road Hospital since the 1980s. She had worked in a variety of areas throughout the Trust and for the past 20 years has worked in critical care. Wendy has been an amazing colleague and friend to many. She was kind to a fault and cared for her patients deeply, often going above and beyond, always bringing a smile and laughter to her patients and colleagues. Wendy will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

Tribute from Laura Harman, Senior Sister (Wendy’s line manager): “There is not a single person who had the pleasure of meeting Wendy, that does not hold warm and wonderful memories of her. There is a huge hole in our work family now, left by the tremendous impact she had on us all. I had the privilege of maintaining close contact with Wendy while she was unwell and her unwavering positivity and constant consideration for others will always stay with me. Wendy’s energy, kind heartedness and diligence will be what she is remembered for, and I will not forget all of the times she brought us all laughter. Although we have shed many tears for her, the smiles and laughter we have shared remembering the best times have been a great comfort for us all. We have all lost a colleague, but so many of us have lost a friend – who had a heart of gold and will be forever in our memories.”

Funeral arrangements: Wendy’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 29 June at 1pm at Sandwell crematorium. Due to COVID-19 restrictions only those who have been directly invited to the funeral should attend. However the funeral procession will travel past City Hospital between 12pm – 12.15pm along Western Road and all that wish to are invited to pay their respects. There will also be light refreshments available in the City chapel. Colleagues are invited to write in the memorial book or write a card to place on the tree at the chapel.

Note: Colleagues are reminded to stay socially distanced whilst paying their respects on Western Road at City Hospital and to wear face coverings and follow social distancing rules at City chapel.

Fundraising page: Wendy 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 Wendy’s fundraising appeal please click here.

Essential IT upgrade to NHS Smartcards: 9 July – 12 July

NHS Digital are upgrading the supporting infrastructure for the National Smartcard system to help improve its stability from Friday 9 July, 6.30pm – Monday 12 July, 8pm.

During the upgrade works we will not be able to reset passwords on NHS Smartcards or issue new ones but they will still be usable.

The work is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm on Friday 9 July and should be completed by 8pm on Monday 12 July.

Should you have any queries on this please contact the IT helpdesk on ext. 4050 or 0121 507 4050 for home workers.

Essential IT upgrade to NHS Smartcards: Friday 9 July 2021 6:30pm to Monday 12 July 2021 8:00pm

NHS Digital are upgrading the supporting infrastructure for the National Smartcard system to help improve its stability from Friday 9 July 2021 6:30pm to Monday 12 July 2021 8:00pm

During the upgrade works we will not be able to reset passwords on NHS Smartcards or issue new ones but they will still be usable.

The work is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm on Friday 9 July and should be completed by 8pm on Monday 12 July.

Should you have any queries on this please contact the IT helpdesk on ext 4050 or 0121 507 4050 for home workers.