Monthly archives: June 2021

Heartbeat: Transitioning team move towards a smoother process

Ensuring that our young patients are ready for the transition to adult services is a vital step in their care to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Transition Key Worker, Kelly Edie-Fisher, is tasked to do just this and works with services to improve the process for young people.

Working with NHS England/ Improvement, the team has taken part in a national collaborative to improve the transition in healthcare.

Using a programme called Ready Steady Go, helps the child and their parents to gain the knowledge and skills to manage their condition. It improves long-term outcomes and helps them gain the confidence and skills to move into adult services.

The team focused on 14-year-olds with diabetes with the aim of 79 per cent completing the “Ready” transition stage and have a corresponding plan by the end of March.

Improvements included identifying the dedicated time in the nurses’ very busy diaries to complete the transition appointments, as well as feedback questions being incorporated into an app already used by the paediatric diabetes team.

This will help identify areas for future improvement and development. So far, the young people and parents who have completed feedback have all indicated they found the appointment helpful. A parent commented: “The appointment was great. All relevant areas were covered.”

“It’s been a successful project,” said Kelly. “One of our key learning points was that our initial SMART aim was too large, so we revised it. We then worked on our project charter and the process map, and we continue to complete our Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles as we learn. We will do further work to plan how we can sustain the improvement changes.”

A mid-project session took place with Angela Horsley, Head of Children and Young People at NHS EI and Nathan Samuels, Transition Regional Nurse Advisor, to assess the work done to improve the process.

Speaking of the work at the Trust, Angela said: “I had a positive virtual visit to the Trust and was pleased to be accompanied by Nathan Samuels and Giselle Padmore Payne from the steering group.

I am pleased that the team have taken part in the national collaborative to Improve Healthcare Transition.

It was evident at the visit that the team are passionate to get the transition right for the young people within their population. I feel sure that their improvement project can only benefit these young people, improving their health outcomes.”

Kelly added: “They were very complimentary on what we had achieved. It’s been a real team effort, with great support from others within the Trust.

Cardiology specialist referrals available directly through Unity

The introduction of Unity has brought about a sea of change in how we do our work. With recording patient data, careplans, ordering tests and medication and communicating with community health providers – the concept of a single source of truth is slowly becoming embedded.

One of the benefits of Unity is tracking and following up on inpatient referrals made between specialties, departments and teams within our Trust. This reduces our reliance on paper referrals, faxes and forms that can easily get lost in the system. Keeping all referrals in the patient’s record thereby reduces issues of miscommunication at handover.

Unity now has functionality that allows referrals to be viewed and actioned with a full auditable trail. This is called multi-practitioner task list (MPTL).

Today (Monday 28 June) Cardiology will begin trialling referrals to the Cardiology team using the ‘referral to’ order within Requests and Care plans. This will take you to a guidance page highlighting contact details for emergency referrals and other instructions related to specialised referrals. The next page will be a generic form to confirm the priority and free text boxes for the question being asked, relevant clinical details, name of referrer and consultant in charge. Duplicating items of medical information is no longer necessary as these are all freely available from any Unity system by any relevant clinician. However, the problem list and medication history will be pulled through automatically into the referral document.

In order to make best use of the referral system it is important to ensure all past medical history is documented in the Problem List and that medicines reconciliation is completed accurately to ensure all home and active medication is correctly displayed on the drug chart.

To find out how you can refer patients to Cardiology using the new Unity integrated referral system, please refer to the following QRG:

CD92 – Clinical Documentation – Inpatient Referral to Specialist Service

Are you making the most of our library services?

Our library services offer a variety of information skills training including searching for evidence, critical appraisal and writing patient leaflets.

For further details please visit the dedicated library services Connect page by clicking here.

To book a place on a session or for more information please email swbh.library@nhs.net or call 0121 507 3587.

Join our level 3 team leader/supervisor standard today!

Are you a new team leader or maybe someone aspiring for a future promotion but need further first line management skills before applying? If so, why not join our level 3 team leader/supervisor standard?

Who is this award aimed at? The team leader or supervisor is a first-line management role with operational/project responsibilities or the responsibility for managing a team to deliver a clearly defined outcome. The key responsibilities of your job would include supporting, managing and developing team members, managing projects, planning and monitoring workloads and resources, delivering operational plans, resolving problems and building relationships internally and externally.  However if you do not cover all of these responsibilities right now but there is a plan so that your developmental gaps are structured so that you can, then we will manage this within your programme of learning with you and your manager. For more information about level 3 team leader/supervisor click here.

For full details of this Apprenticeship Standards plus others we have to offer please click here.

Once you have discussed this with your line manager please return your expressions of interest form to  swbh.apprenticeship@nhs.net.

If you are interested in degree and higher level apprenticeships, please take a look at what is available by clicking here and if something is of interest please contact  swbh.apprenticeship@nhs.net for the next steps.

Star of the Week – Pauline Mohan

Our Star of the Week is Pauline Mohan, Theatre Manager.

During the past 12 months, Pauline has supported numerous colleagues who have been redeployed into critical care in looking after our sickness patients. She has shown compassion and has always made time to talk and listen to her colleagues.

Since taking over as manager, Pauline played a pivotal role in remobilising BTC theatres to accept pre screened surgical patients for surgery. Pauline is the epitome of professionalism as she is always calm under pressure and steers the team maintaining their focus on the job ahead.

Pauline always shows resilience and compassion and is a real asset to the Trust.

Do you know someone in your team that has gone above and beyond the call of duty? Why not put them forward for Star of the Week by clicking here.

Blood gas analysers demonstration day at Sandwell: 6 July

Country Pathology Service (BCPS) will be hosting a demonstration day on Tuesday 6 July at the Sandwell Education Centre to help shape and inform the specification for a future procurement exercise for blood gas analysers.

They are inviting all colleagues who use these items on a regular basis to attend, view and try potential equipment and provide feedback.

BCPS will be running 1 hour sessions where colleagues can view the four potential analysers and see a demonstration on how they run a sample, change consumables and general operation.

To book your slot for this session please email Julie.edge3@nhs.net.

Note: Session slots are only available between 8.30am – 12.30pm.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 25 June

At TeamTalk this week I described our emerging new strategic objectives and made a clear statement about the purpose of the organisation which we need you to understand and buy in to. This month’s edition of Heartbeat features the new objectives, vision and purpose so I’d be really grateful if you could take five minutes to review the centrespread.

Our well-recognised vision, to “be the best integrated care organisation in the NHS” resonates with many of us and we want to retain that. Our purpose is to improve the life chances and health outcomes of our population.

In considering new strategic objectives, the Board chose only three, which we have termed “the three Ps”.

1. Patients – To be good or outstanding in everything we do. This goes to the heart of what we should be doing as a minimum. We are rated as “Requires Improvement” by the CQC for a reason.  We require improvement. There are pockets of excellence and good quality of care in our organisation but this is not consistent in all areas.
2. People – To cultivate and sustain happy productive and engaged staff. If the last year has taught us anything it has taught us that the NHS has taken its staff for granted for too long. The incredible pandemic response from you all needs acknowledgement and our people need meaningful investment and support in health and wellbeing services, professional development, inclusive leadership and good values which we hold each other to account on.
3. Population – To work seamlessly with our partnership to improve lives. We service some of the most ethnically diverse and most economically deprived parts of the country. Health life expectancy in the areas we serve is actually reducing. This is scandalous in the 7^th richest nation on earth and we must play our part, in partnership with others, to mitigate these issues.

The TeamTalk feedback topic this month is asking all teams whether these strategic objectives get your support. Can you align your work to one or all of these and if not, why not? We are keen to hear from you so make sure, during your next team time, you take the opportunity to discuss them and contribute your views.

In other news, just to prove that I do occasionally get out from the constant cycles of Webex meetings, this week I caught up with the Apprenticeship Team where we talked about “the three Ps”. Apprenticeships and widening participation are a great example of a programme that supports all of our three strategic objectives.

Did you know there is no upper age limit to an apprenticeship? I didn’t know that until this week.  An apprenticeship is open to all people over the age of 16 to 65 or over.  Apprenticeships are designed to enable people to improve their skills and progress in their career and range from Level 2 Intermediate to Level 7 Masters.

If you are considering an apprenticeship you may not be aware that as a member of staff your wage will not change to apprenticeship wage whilst undertaking an apprenticeship training programme.  If you join an apprenticeship programme you will be granted 20% off the job training/protected study time and your course fees will be funded by the Trust’s apprenticeship levy monies.  There is no cost to the individual or the department.

You may also be considering recruitment of an apprentice into your team. The national NHS People Plan urges engaging with our local population and community, supporting them into employment, education and training which is why the Apprenticeship Team are working closely with the Trust recruitment team to scope all Band 2-4 vacancies to assess suitability for the “Apprentice First” consideration.

The People Plan also has a thread around supporting talent management and growing our future workforce. Our Trust offers in-house training on Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship programmes and can support you to join higher level apprenticeship programmes with local Providers and Universities.

Do consider whether an apprenticeship could be for you or your team. To find out more contact the team on swbhapprenticeship@nhs.net or find out more here.

Congratulations to Pauline Mohan, Theatre Manager who is our Star of the Week. Pauline was nominated by a colleague for her support during a difficult period when the individual was struggling with a new job. Pauline demonstrated compassion and support and was always available as someone to talk to during hard times. Thank you, Pauline.

Richard Beeken
Interim Chief Executive

COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 25 June

As you may have heard community rates within Sandwell are rising sharply – it has doubled in the space of a few days.

So we ask you now more than ever to remain vigilant and follow the rules – think hands, face, space, whether you are at work or at home, or simply out shopping. It’s important that we play our part in avoiding a third wave, so that life can return to normal as soon as possible – because after all, isn’t that what we all want?

In today’s bulletin we talk about ways in which we can do this. The importance of the vaccination and LAMP testing. By ensuring you are vaccinated and regularly tested, you will not only protect yourself, but your loved ones and our patients.

And lastly everyone should continue to follow the latest infection control and prevention guidance. Whether you are working in a clinical or non-clinical area.

Remember Every Action Counts. Thank you for looking out for one another.

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

1. New: Colleagues should not sign up to rapid testing study

Colleagues may have heard of a Public Health England pilot study which removes the need for self-isolation if you are undertaking lateral flow tests (rapid testing).

However NHS staff should not be taking part in this trial. Those taking part in the study will be asked to avoid visiting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, in care homes or in hospitals. Therefore this would mean that healthcare staff are not eligible to be included in this work.

Lateral flow tests cannot be used to keep you in work, you must not be at work if you are known contacts of positive cases.

2. New: City gym to reopen next 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 as of 29 June following a refurbishment to make the premises 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 Monday 29 June 2021.

For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon on 0121 507 5586/3854 to complete your registration.

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

https://player.vimeo.com/video/504479711

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.

3. New: Praying safely with restrictions in place

In case you missed it, social distancing and infection control measures have been put into place which will ensure that colleagues who wish to use the chapel and prayer rooms can do so safely.

Jummah (Friday) Prayers have resumed in the chapel at Sandwell and Millers old restaurant in City. Prayer times are staggered so that there are only a maximum number of people using the spaces at any one time on both sites.

Christian services have also resumed in the chapels at both sites, which also remain open for individual worship. Both spaces are set out to reflect social distancing measures.

The chaplaincy has continued to provide a service throughout the pandemic and every Sunday they light candles for colleagues and patients. If you would like a candle lit for a loved one who has passed away or is sick, please email  mary.causer@nhs.net or call ext. 3552.

• Friday prayer – Khutbah, 1.15pm (Jamat, 1.13pm)
• Sunday communion services – City Chapel, 11am and Sandwell Chapel, 2.30pm
• City Hospital catholic mass – 12pm, first Wednesday of every month
• Sandwell Hospital catholic mass – 11.30am, first Friday of every month.

4. Updated: It’s walk-in weekend – vaccination hubs ready for action

As you know, the vaccination battle against COVID-19 continues and we’re thrilled to have helped deliver 11.5 million vaccines in the Midlands.

You may have seen that we reopened the vaccination hub at Sheldon Block, City Hospital on 21 June to administer first and second doses to colleagues and patients. The Sandwell Hub at the Education Centre is also open this weekend for second doses for colleagues.

If you can’t make it to either of our sites, then head on over to other venues across the Black Country which will also be offering walk-in sessions over the weekend (see right).

The Sheldon Block hub is open seven days a week for walk-ins from 8am – 6pm. Bookings can also be made from next week via the national booking website. Meanwhile, the Sandwell hub will be open 8am – 7pm on Saturday and Sunday for colleagues who are booked in for their second dose appointment only.

Second jabs will only be administered to people if it is eight to 12 weeks since their first. The hub will be administering both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, with Pfizer administered to under 40s and over 40s receiving AstraZeneca as per the current JCVI guidelines.

5. Updated: New infection control guidance for ICU and Endoscopy

As you know our clinical teams are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating our current guidance when it comes to COVID-19.

The latest version of the IPAC flowchart for ICU at both Sandwell and City is now in effect, with classifications for each site across the four risk categories from High Risk down to Low Risk.

Click here to view the updated version.

An updated Standard Operating Procedure document detailing the IPC requirements for Endoscopy as services start to resume is also available by clicking here.

6. Updated: Register and find out more about LAMP testing at pop-up sessions

Special pop-up sessions where colleagues can sign up to the Trust’s saliva testing programme (LAMP – Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) are being held next week.

 The sessions mean those of you who haven’t yet signed up to this new speedier and more accurate way of testing for COVID-19 can register – you will then be given a booked slot to collect your kit from phlebotomy.

 The weekly saliva test is an easy way to help us all ensure we are remaining safe and playing our part in the battle against COVID-19.

 We all want to protect ourselves, friends and family members from COVID-19 and what better way than completing a weekly LAMP test. Even if you are vaccinated it is vital that you register and carry out the weekly tests as they will help identify if you’re asymptomatic.  

Please note your saliva sample is ONLY used to test for COVID and is disposed of after testing.

 Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England has below message for all NHS Colleagues when it comes to testing:

The pop-up sessions will take place in Sandwell main reception from Tuesday 29 June – Friday 2 July 7.15am – 10.15am. City drop-ins will be available the following week.

Note: Colleagues will only be able to register for LAMP testing at the pop-up sessions meaning they will still need to attend phlebotomy to collect the testing kit but a time can be arranged at your point of registration.

Alternative, you can ring 0121 507 2664 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm)  and select option 6, to register and book a kit collection slot. On weekends (Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm) please call  07816 992873 or 07970 428995. For more information please email kulwinder.johal@nhs.net.   

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to register and continue with the testing programme.

The latest data by group is below:

7. Reminder: Are you compliant with your FIT Testing?

We have recently made changes to how you arrange to get FIT tested. Previously colleagues have been asked to call ext. 5050 to arrange an appointment. It has now changed and colleagues can now access FIT testing in the following ways:

• Log onto ESR and search for ‘fit testing’ under ‘my learning’ and book an appointment to be fit tested
• FIT testing is a mandatory role specific requirement
• FIT Testing is held in the Old Security Bungalow, City Hospital

Note: If you book an appointment for FIT Testing via ESR you will only become compliant on your mandatory training if you attend the appointment.

For any urgent requests or more information please contact the infection, prevention and control team on ext. 5195.

8. Reminder: Every Action Counts

As services begin to be restored across our sites and visiting is introduced, it’s important that you all recognise that each action you take has a big impact. We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

People with COVID-19 can have very mild or no symptoms at all. This means they can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.

Many of you have had your first and second dose of your COVID-19 vaccinations, but that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down.

We all need to continue to be careful and do things differently to what we would normally do for a little while longer.

So please make sure you do the following:

• You should always follow the rules, even when with colleagues, family, or friends
• You can still spread the virus to others, even if you have been vaccinated
• Observing Infection Prevention and Control measures helps keep your colleagues, patients, family and friends safe from coronavirus
• Make sure you do you weekly COVID-19 saliva test (LAMP) – see above for details
• There is no such thing as a ‘work bubble’. The virus can still spread between colleagues, so it is important to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing when on breaks and outside of work
• If you see something, say something – it is ok to gently remind colleagues, patients, and visitors to make space, fix or change their PPE, or observe other measures

We’re all in this together – it has been a challenging year and taking care of each other is important. If you need help, ask for it.

Watch this video for more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nZG_oOHp7M

9. Reminder: Join the community swabbing reserves

Being able to test, track and tackle community outbreak of COVID-19 is critical in our fight to prevent the virus taking hold in our communities. Our community swabbing service has led the way in responding to local community outbreaks since the very first surge, playing a vital role in our ability to understand the spread of infections and to support the community to protect itself.

This vital work can only be done with support from our staff, calling on the colleagues who have been able to be redeployed or those who are willing to offer their time on the Trust bank. This role is not restricted to clinical staff as full training is provided.

To ensure this critical work can be carried on and to support our ability to respond to outbreaks at short notice we’re calling on colleagues to take the time to put their names forward to become Community Swabbing Reservists.

To join the reserves contact Jo Tonks on email: joanne.tonks@nhs.net.

Sexual assault and abuse needs assessment survey

Sandwell Council have launched a survey to help them gain a better understanding of the prevalence of sexual assault and abuse in Sandwell, and the communities’ perceptions, thoughts and feelings on how we can improve services and preventative measures in Sandwell to tackle this issue.

Any responses that you provide will remain anonymous and you do not have to provide any personal information from which you can be identified.

Click here to complete the survey

Note: As the survey is anonymous the council is unable to respond directly to answers that may be submitted.

This survey closes on Monday 5 July.

Visionable is being upgraded this weekend

Visionable – the virtual consultation system we have been using across our Trust is being upgraded this weekend delivering on improvements to quality and stability.

The upgrade is due to take place on Saturday 26 June from 10pm and will involve an outage to Visionable lasting approximately 15 minutes. This upgrade window has been chosen specifically to occur out of hours to limit impact to clinics.

Improvements to Visionable following the upgrade will include:

• Improvements to the user interface to make the system easier to use for both clinicians and patients.
• Ability for patients to toggle between high resolution and standard definition video to support users in area with poor network coverage.
• Improved mobile device support
• Improvements to the clinic invitation emails
• Improvements to screen sharing user interface
• Improved audio performance and webcam stability

To find out more about these upgrades and how they might improve your virtual consultation, contact Kate Binnell-Rankin on email: Kate.b-rankin@nhs.net