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Monthly archives: June 2021

Urgent advisory: Clinicians using BCPS histopathology/cytopathology services

 

There has been an unprecedented high volume of histopathology/cytology case throughput during the last month. Both the complexity and numbers of histopathology/cytology requests being made are relatively high and will likely remain so for a period of time.

Pathology colleagues shall continue to endeavour to triage and report all cases (urgent and routine) in as timely a manner as is possible. A number of additional strategies are also now in place to try to mitigate the impact of this surge in workload and thereby reduce delays in processing/reporting of specimens.

With the above overall context in mind, we would like to ask clinical colleagues to assist us – as follows – with our efforts in maintaining a streamlined and effective reporting service:

Please continue to help our consultant team to report cases as efficiently as possible. We are always available through direct contact for clinically urgent/relevant discussions; however, simple chasing of both urgent and routine results should be directed via the below channels:

  • Main lab telephone number: ext. 5371.
  • General email enquiry account: swb-tr.swbh-gm-histopathology@nhs.net  (this is checked by our administrative team every 2-3 hours and all enquiries are responded to directly or escalated to the lab/consultants if necessary)

Please state all relevant clinical details on printed/handwritten request forms and double check label/form accuracy before despatching specimens to the department – both to assist us with triaging cases and also to enable timely reporting of cases without the need to chase up additional clinical information or clarify details ourselves.

The SWB histopathology/cytopathology service is now part of an amalgamated network across multiple Trust sites in the Black Country region, with central management services being based at the New Cross Hospital site. We are actively and proactively working with colleagues elsewhere within the network on a daily basis to address and mitigate any ongoing clinical concerns regarding turnaround times.

Be further assured local heads of departments and wider consultant team will escalate any of your concerns to central management on your behalf if deemed necessary. However, if it is felt that more urgent or direct patient safety related issues warrant discussion, our the central team is available for direct contact via email:

Note: Remember the importance of requesting histology/cytology through Unity and then printing out a form to accompany the specimen

Heartbeat: Marvel-lous support from MediCinema brings joy

 

Our young patients were recently delighted with an invitation to explore their creativity in the form of activity packs donated by caring charity MediCinema.

Fundraising Manager, Amanda Winwood explained: “We’ve been delighted with the support of MediCinema for some time, as their objective is to create meaningful resources for kids in hospital and reduce potential isolation through the medium of cinema experiences.

“Most recently they have donated 100 Marvel activity packs, which are packed full of inspirational and exciting content such as a kit to make Iron Man’s mask, quizzes, stickers and a comic book strip to create, all of which helps to transport our young patients to fantastic and exciting universes

“We appreciate all donations which can bring a smile to a patient, and especially in these uncertain times, a little escapism is just the ticket to cheer up the kids.”

Wellbeing Wednesday: Healthy eating

 

With healthy eating week upon the horizon the British Nutrition Foundation are encouraging al to ‘find your healthier you.’

This is a great opportunity for you to consider your lifestyle, make some improvements and take time to de-stress and enhance your health and wellbeing.

Know the facts – information, advice and myth busting.

  • Make a healthier choice – tips and tools to make better choices;
  • Plan for success – ways to plan healthier meals and menus;
  • Be the chef – how to cook healthier options, with links to recipes and ideas.
  • Keep moving – promoting the importance of being active for health

If you want inspiration click here to access to videos and activity packs.

To destress the wellbeing sanctuary services are available to you. Call 0121 507 5886 to book or click here for more information.

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.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Walking-talking therapy

 

Over the last year, COVID-19 has affected us all in a number of different ways. For some of us we may have experienced feelings of anxiety and uncertainty for the first time. These feelings coupled with “life” can be overwhelming and it’s important to know it’s okay not to be okay.

What is walking-talking therapy?

Walking talking therapy is exactly what it says it is – the member of staff goes out walking with their wellbeing coach, taking the session from the meditation room to the great outdoors.

Some of us can find the idea of traditional meditation sessions very intense, sitting opposite a wellbeing coach can often seem very daunting and the idea of “opening up & talking” can seem like a scary one. Walking with someone by their side feels much more appealing and far less intimidating. Changing the dynamic of a meditation session can be very worthwhile we would encourage everyone to give it a try.

What are the benefits of walking talking therapy?

Walking talking therapy is not intended to be viewed as a replacement to anyone’s fitness regime however aside the obvious benefits of physical activity, walking-talking therapy can change a person’s thinking and helps them let go of stresses. It encourages new approaches, ideas and outlooks. Walking therapy is proven to help to reduce depression and anxiety; it will obviously benefit your physical wellbeing as any exercise does.

Just being outside in the fresh air, seeing and being in nature can  be a very therapeutic experience in itself. Walking and talking can feel very liberating and offer a sense of freedom while working through your individual  difficulties. The individual and the therapist establish a relaxed pace during the session, the rhythm of the walking pace establishes a talking pace and develops a comfortable relationship between patient and therapist.

Being in the fresh-air, will help:

  • Make you feel happier
  • Lift your spirit
  • Better control depression and reduce anxiety
  • Improve your memory
  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Fight colds and flu
  • Speed up your recovery after sickness.

Individuals can book a ‘Walk talk Session’ through the wellbeing sanctuary or alternatively Tuesday/Thursday from City or Sandwell sites by calling 0121 507 5886.

Note: Appointments can also be arranged where we can meet at one of the local parks or reservoir.

For more information please email christine.rickards@nhs.net

Message from Trust Chair, Sir David Nicholson CBE KBE

 

Dear Colleagues

As you are aware, the Trust Chief Executive, Toby Lewis, has been off work unwell since summer 2020. He had planned to return after that. However, he has now decided to start work with the King’s Fund in London undertaking research and policy work on health inequalities and poverty. This means that he has, with regret, tendered his resignation as our Chief Executive and I will be sharing this announcement at our public Trust Board meeting later today.

Richard Beeken remains the Trust’s Interim Chief Executive and the Trust will begin a recruitment process for a substantive Chief Executive in due course.

We wish Toby well for the future and thank him for his service to our Trust, our colleagues and the communities of Sandwell and West Birmingham.

Best wishes

Sir David Nicholson CBE KBE, Trust Chair

Job of the week: Secondment opportunity – vascular CNS, band 6

 

We are currently seeking a band 6 registered nurse to join the vascular team. The post is suitable for experienced band 6 nurses and band 5 nurses who are looking to become clinical curse specialists (CNS). You must have a minimum of 3 years post registration experience and be committed to high standards of care delivery, clinical quality and continuous improvement.

You will be working alongside experienced vascular colleagues who will guide and support you to manage a caseload of patients, throughout their journey.

Note: Experience within complex wound care management would be desirable, but not essential.

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 lmallett@nhs.net.

The closing date for all applications in Friday 18 June, 12pm. For further information please call 07816 082994.

Are you using the correct entrance when entering and leaving Sandwell?

 

With the Trust having now opened its new Urgent Treatment Centre we must ensure all colleagues are using the correct entrance when entering and leaving Sandwell Hospital.

The main A&E entrance is strictly for patients only and should not be used routinely by clinical or non-clinical colleagues unless absolutely necessary.  This is to prevent long queues forming in and around A&E and its main entrance. Colleagues should instead be using the entrance by main reception.

Note: Our security team have now been instructed to not allow colleagues to use the main A&E entrance unless absolutely necessary and no alternative is available.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Limited microbiology service – Lab closing at 5pm

 

There will be no microbiology laboratory service available at Sandwell or City Hospital after 5pm for today.

This will primarily affect COVID testing after 5pm – the team will be unable to process urgent COVID swabs after 5pm. Due to the 2 hour processing time all urgent COVID swabs must arrive in the lab before 3pm. After this time it is likely the swab will be processed on the next day.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

COVID-19 antibody research study looking for colleagues to take part

 

A new research study – COPE-WM The contribution of occupational exposures to risk of COVID-19 and approaches to control among healthcare workers – is underway at the Trust, supported by our R&D team. Principal Investigator, Dr Masood Aga and Lead Nurse, Irene Echaveznaguicnic are keen to invite colleagues to find out how to participate by clicking this link: www.birmingham.ac.uk/COPE-study. Recruitment is underway and will end on 31 July.

Participation will involve colleagues being given a home antibody test kit to test for previous COVID-19 infection, and the results will help to find out how best to maximise safety for all staff. There is even an opportunity to win an iPad or £200 prize draw. To take part you will need to complete a questionnaire at the start of the study (online or on paper) and a follow up questionnaire after 4 months. You will also have to do a finger-prick dried blood spot test which will be used to check for COVID-19 antibodies. The test will be mailed to your house.

To be eligible to take part you need to have had a test (PCR or lateral flow) for COVID-19 or relevant symptoms in March/April last year when testing was not available. The research aims to find out why workers in healthcare settings are at higher risk of catching COVID-19 and how best to maximise safety for all staff. To take part: https://is.gd/copewmret  Or contact the COPE-WM team by emailing cope-wm@contacts.bham.ac.uk or calling 0121 414 3151.

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