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Monthly archives: June 2021

It’s library services awareness week

 

Library services awareness week aims to shine a light on the positive impact of NHS knowledge and library services. Throughout the week we are going to showcase the library skills training on offer at SWB.

Introduction to critical appraisal

This session introduces the concept of critical appraisal and the basic structure of how to complete an appraisal.

Topics covered include:

  • What is critical appraisal?
  • Why bother with critical appraisal?
  • What you need to know to appraise an article.

All sessions are being run online via WebEx on the dates below. If you would like to book a place either for yourself or as a group please contact the library. This session cannot be run on a one-to-one basis.

To find out more or book a place please contact the library at swbh.library@nhs.net or call 0121 507 3587.

  • Friday 18 June, 10am – 12pm
  • Monday 5 July, 2pm – 4pm
  • Wednesday 18 August, 9.30am – 11.30am
  • Tuesday 21 September, 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Heartbeat: Technology, Innovation and Midland Met

 

With all eyes fixed firmly on 2022 and the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH), we decided to take a closer look at what part technology will play in our new acute healthcare facility.

Innovation is at the heart of MMUH and technology will play a crucial role in almost every aspect of our new hospital. We will have everything from our existing electronic patient record to using robots to help us deliver streamlined care.

Whilst integrating such far-reaching technology into MMUH may seem like a daunting task, luckily for us, we have a team of tech experts who are taking the lead on shaping some of the new technology we’ll soon be able to use. We caught up with Mark Taylor, Informatics Associate and Richard Molloy, Construction Specialist, to find out more.

Mark told us: “Midland Met will bring both change and opportunities. It will boost regeneration in the area, and the hospital itself has been carefully designed to enhance the patient experience. For my part, I work in informatics and we’ve not undertaken a project of this size before, so it’s a big project to be involved with. We all have a role to play in bringing Midland Met to life.

“Having the right technology in place is essential for a build of this magnitude. Everyone is working together to ensure everything is joined up, from the Wi-Fi we will use to what types of technology we will install to make the patient experience smoother.

“One of the things we will be introducing is a modern nurse call system. Our new system will play an integral part in the treatment and care we deliver. One of the key features it offers is allowing for remote communication between colleagues and patients in specific rooms and areas. It means a patient can speak to a nurse at the touch of a button without leaving their room.”

Mark continued: “As you’d expect, we’ll be placing a lot of emphasis on getting the Wi-Fi spot on. People have come to expect a good Wi-Fi connection as standard and, rightly so. Communicating with your loved ones whilst you’re in a hospital setting is essential if you’re a patient. From a staff perspective, it’s equally important as we rely on good Wi-Fi for all of the systems we use across all areas.

“One of the other things we’ll be introducing is using our Wi-Fi to enable bed side medical devices to send information to clinical systems to save entering data manually. It’s all of these extra functions that will help us to work more efficiently.”

Richard shared one of the most anticipated elements of our new hospital will be our new robots or automated guided vehicles to give them their full name. He told us: “When you say you’ll be using robots, most people imagine something out of a movie like Johnny 5. As exciting a prospect as that is, we’ll be using something more practical and technologically advanced.

“Our robots will work behind the scenes, patients will never see them, but they will play a vital role in getting goods and medicines to different areas. The robots have lots of scope in terms of what we might use them for, and they can hold up to 500kg and will quietly weave their way around corridors using a combination of Wi-Fi, location tracking , GPS and location sensors, leaving staff with more time to focus on delivering patient care.”

Richard added: “MMUH is set to be one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the region, if not the UK and will provide state-of-the-art integrated care for patients. That is why so much emphasis is on the technology we will use to help us best meet patient and staff needs.

“Some of the other things you can look forward to are an updated bleep system that will work using smartphones. We will have modern CCTV throughout, plus a cutting edge building management system to monitor and manage our mechanical and electrical systems. We’ll also be introducing solar panels on the roof at level ten and non-touch sensors for access and doors.”

Yellow warning of flooding and thunderstorms affecting West Midlands

 

Some areas across the West Midlands are forecast to see thunderstorms in the later parts of Wednesday through to Friday with the potential for travel disruption and flooding.

This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the Trust’s Severe weather plan.

What to expect:

  • There is a small chance that some homes could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

Colleagues are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

  • If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
  • To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
  • Colleagues unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
  • Colleagues who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area. This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

Please ensure that all staff contact details are up to date and that you have a plan in place so that you are aware of any issues at departmental level.

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone: Charges have now started

 

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges have now started meaning you will not be notified prior to being charged. This means, if you enter the Clean Air Zone driving a non-compliant vehicle, you will be charged. Clean Air Zone payments can be either be pre-paid or paid within six days of entering the Clean Air Zone.

Please make sure you are aware whether your vehicle is compliant by checking here – https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

There are a number of short-term exemptions to be aware of and you can find out information on the exemptions here – https://www.brumbreathes.co.uk/

You are advised to be aware of the charges whilst travelling through the Clean Air Zone if your vehicle is not currently compliant. Consider alternative routes of travel or use of public transport, cycling and e- scooters.

The Trust has confirmed that colleagues who are required to visit a facility or property within the Clean Air Zone for the purpose of their work will be allowed to claim reimbursement via the Trust’s expenses scheme (Easy Expenses).

Guidance for colleagues is available here.

Air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of up to 1,000 people in Birmingham each year through conditions such as cancer, heart and lung disease. To improve air quality within the city, Birmingham have introduced a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) which includes all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road. Charges will apply to owners of the most high-polluting vehicles. The daily charge for all other vehicles (cars, taxis and LGV) will be £8 per day.

Job of the week: Directorate General Manager for Maternity and Perinatal Medicine

 

We are currently seeking an experienced operational manager to join the Women and Child Health clinic group. This exciting opportunity will be for Directorate General Manager (8b) within Maternity and Perinatal Medicine directorate for a 6 month secondment to start as soon as possible.

This is an exciting time to join the maternity team as we continue on a journey of transformation and improvement following internal feedback, national drivers in the maternity arena (Ockenden) and the recent CQC visit. We are keen to support someone internally into this role who knows the organisation, stakeholders, patients and processes. The candidate must understand the challenges of delivering high quality, patient focussed care in this challenging and increasingly fast-paced environment whilst ensuring that colleagues are well cared for and appreciated.

Please see the job description and person specification below for more details. The role is band 8b and plays a key part in our group senior leadership team as well as across the organisation.

Please discuss your release from your substantive post with your line manager first to ensure that this would be feasible.

Applications should be sent in the form of an expression of interest letter as well as a CV detailing your experience and suitability for the role to Shinade.coughlan@nhs.net

The closing date for all applications in Friday 18 June, 5pm. For further information please call 07527389875.

Nutrition and hydration week: Are you drinking enough?

 

This week is Nutrition and Hydration Week which aims to highlight and educate people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing in health and social care.

With summer in full swing and baking temperatures on top of PPE it’s important to keep an eye on your hydration. Dehydration can set in incredibly quickly so it important to understand the key symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry mouth/lips
  • Tiredness
  • Cold hands
  • Dark/smelly urine
  • Peeing fewer than 4 times a day

Remember to keep a steady supply of water nearby and to try to drink 1.5litres of fluid per day.

Spotlight on Men’s Health Week

 

The spotlight is on our male colleagues as it’s men’s health week. We want to encourage you to talk about your personal wellbeing, “it’s strength!”

Many male colleagues have used the services at the wellbeing hub and some feel it’s like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. The wellbeing hub is free and provides a safe space for a confidential chat, you can book a meditation or unwind with a massage, enjoy  walking therapy – your choice – just call 0121 507 5886 to book. These are complimentary services available from our Trust because we care about you.

https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/five-ways-wellbeing  

 

Men’s health – useful links:

Are you concerned about something? There is support for you daily. Here are some useful numbers:

  • Counsellors: The NHS direct counselling service:  0800 06 96 22 (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 swbh.wellbeinghub@nhs.net  to 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.

It’s Diabetes Week

 

Diabetes Week is an annual UK-wide initiative which aims to raise awareness of diabetes as well as raise vital funds to help research the condition.

Did you know poor insulin management can cause harm?

  • The timing of insulin is crucial to how effective it is.
  • Insulin must always be given just before or at the start of a meal.
  • The only insulin given at bedtime is long acting insulin.
  • Do not omit insulin. Reduce the dose and refer to Think Glucose if required.
  • Insulin can safely be reduced or increased by 10 per cent when managing hypo or hyperglycaemia.
  • Early contact with Think Glucose can reduce length of stay

Do you know how to contact Think Glucose? 

We must remind all wards and departments that if they wish to contact Think Glucose they should go via the switchboard. If using an internal phone please dial 0 and ask the operator for Think Glucose.

Do you live with diabetes and want support?

Would you like to be empowered and learn more the about support available to better manage your diabetes? Would you like to learn up to date information and guidance about your diabetes as well as alternative diabetes education platforms available to you?

If so please email anitakaur@nhs.net who can help you access education or support with your diabetes.

 

Heartbeat: Simple test which will reduce the risk of stroke

 

Cardiologists at our Trust have discovered a simple blood test which identifies patients with a life threatening heart condition which could lead to a stroke.

The new test will detect whether the patient has Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate – but the discovery also means it will reduce the risk of stroke by 60 per cent.

More than 1,600 patients took part in a research study carried out by medics at our Trust between 2014 and 2018.

Dr Yanish Purmah, Consultant Cardiologist, explained: “This important research was focused on identifying blood-based biomarkers (proteins) for the identification of AF which is the most common cardiac rhythm abnormality.

“Patients with AF have a fivefold increased risk of having a stroke. Many of these patients do not know that they have this underlying illness and present with a stroke before the heart condition is diagnosed.

“If AF is diagnosed earlier, patients could be started on medicines to reduce the risk of a stroke by around 60 per cent. The current challenge is trying to identify which patients would benefit from screening for AF, in order to detect the heart condition before complications happen.”

A research paper was published recently in the PLOS Medicine Journal about the study.

Dr Purmah added: “The research is based on the Birmingham and Black Country Atrial Fibrillation Registry (BBC-AF Registry) – a large registry study carried out exclusively at the Trust.

“Previous work from the BBC-AF Registry published in 2019 showed that two proteins (BNP and FGF-23) were very effective at identifying patients with underlying AF. The levels of these proteins have now been adequately quantified by working in close in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics.

“We have shown that using a simple blood test consisting of NT-proBNP and FGF-23 proteins, along with simple information, such as the patient’s age, gender and body mass index, we were able to identify patients who were most at risk of having AF, and therefore screening efforts could be streamlined to focus on the high-risk groups. These results of our study have potential important clinical implications for screening for AF in the future.

“Overall, it highlights the ongoing commitment of our Trust to encourage active involvement in research studies, in order to provide the best care for our patients, both locally and beyond.”

Dr Derek Connolly, Director of Research and Development, added: “This study, done in our Trust in combination with the University of Birmingham, is a big advance in looking for AF, the commonest rhythm disturbance we see.

“AF can affect one and four of us over the age of 40 and increases the risk of stroke five-fold. This shows that research in our Trust can change practice.”

New £6m health centre opens to patients

 

We’ve exciting news – Lyndon Primary Care Centre, the new £6 million facility based at our Sandwell Hospital has opened today.

The building will be home to the practices that were  previously based at Carters Green Medical Centre and Lyndon Health Centre, which are operated by the Trust through Your Health Partnership (YHP). The GP practice joined our organisation last year as an additional directorate in the primary care communities and therapies group.

Colleagues from Carters Green and Lyndon Health Centre will be moving in over three phases. Today has seen staff moving in from Carters Green, occupying the ground floor as part of phase one.

Around six to seven consultation rooms are being used, but the practice will continue with virtual consultations so not every patient will attend the site.

Once fully opened, the centre will serve more than 15,000 patients.

It has 24 modern clinical rooms offering consultation and treatment space across two floors.

After several years of planning, discussion, and consultation, the centre represents a significant investment to improve the facilities available to our local community.

GP Dr Simon Mitchell, from YHP, said: “We’re delighted to announce that we are moving into our fantastic new facility. Services will be building up over the coming weeks as we emerge from COVID-19. I would like to thank all the staff and contractors who have enabled us to build and open the facility during the pandemic.”

Carters Green Medical Centre was previously situated on the High Street, in West Bromwich, whilst Lyndon Health Centre was based in Parsonage Street.

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