Monthly archives: September 2021
Heartbeat: The Mason family team up to provide voluntary support at the Trust
We have a strong team of over 100 volunteers here at SWB, but it’s not every day we hear of a whole family dedicated to supporting the Trust. Simon, Cheryl and Rachel Mason do just that. Father, mother and daughter trio have been active volunteers over the past year following Simon’s furlough and redundancy in 2020. We caught up with Simon to find out more.
Not one to sit around, Simon decided he wanted to ‘give back’ to the community by applying for a role as a Trust volunteer.
“Visiting was not allowed at the time but I was kept extremely busy transporting packages from friends and relatives to patients. Whilst it was extremely busy, it was very rewarding.
“My wife and daughter soon became interested in my voluntary work and they too wanted to join the team alongside work commitments. Cheryl had volunteered previously across a number of schools, and had enjoyed the experience; and my daughter Rachel decided to join the volunteer team in February 2021 – they were delighted to start their roles.
“As the needs of the NHS changes, our roles are more towards wayfinding and showing visitors to the relevant departments. I am now registered on the NHS staff bank and I’m notified when roles become available. My daughter Rachel is also looking to register at the staff bank. A few members of the PPE team have adopted her too! They know she is fond of drawing, and often very kindly bring notepads for her to use.
“The people we have worked with have been fantastic and I would highly recommend volunteering, in whatever capacity, as it gives you a sense that you are doing something good for someone else. Even if it is just taking a package or a bag to a relative or helping someone find their way. It’s certainly brought our daughter Rachel out of her shell.”
Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager praised the Mason family for their support: “We are so thankful for our family of volunteers Simon, Cheryl and Rachel, we receive help on a regular basis from the Mason family and the support we gain in serving both the community, and the Trust, is beyond measure, and priceless. Words are not enough to express or describe the humility of the Mason household as they consistently take part in events and ensure the volunteer service upholds great provision, and reputation.”
Important message: Precautionary measure – Posiflush pre-filled syringes
It has been bought to our attention that a pre-filled syringe of Atropine has been located in a box of Posiflush pre-filled saline syringes (lot number 1132340).
As a precautionary measure, whilst we undertake an investigation please can colleagues ensure they are vigilant when they use Posiflush syringes making sure they have a white label and are saline.
For more information please call ext. 4938. Please see images below for further details:
Anaphylaxis guidelines have changed
Guidelines for the treatment of anaphylaxis have now changed.
Anaphylaxis is a severe life threatening condition which can occur very rapidly and lifesaving treatment need to be initiated as soon as it has been identified, the treatment algorithm has altered please read the key documents below issued by the Resuscitation Council:
Managers are urged to ensure their teams are aware of the changes.
Note: Your local pharmacist will be changing over the current packs the week beginning Monday 27 September. There will be 3 ampules of adrenaline 1:1000 in each pack in line with the new guidance as per algorithm. If an incident occurs out of area the EMRT will bring the drug bag which will contain a pack.
For more information you can visit the deteriorating patient and resuscitation teams Anaphylaxis Connect page by clicking here or you can call the team on ext. 5908.
IPM PAS/ORMIS update postponed until further notice
The IPM Patient Administration System and ORMIS upgrade that was due to take place this week from Friday 17 September through to Saturday 18 September has been postponed until further notice.
Colleagues can stand down any preparations that were made for this change.
If you would like further information on the upgrade contact Yasmin Khan, Service Planning and Delivery Manager on yasmin.khan@nhs.net.
Drug safety notice: Rosuvastatin tablets
We have been informed by manufacturers that an error with the patient information leaflets that have been packaged in some Rosuvastatin products where they do not include the most up to date safety information.
Due to supply and shortage considerations, the product is not currently subject to recall.
Please see Rosuvastatin information sheet for further details including batches which may be affected.
We ask that colleagues be mindful that patients may bring in affected batches from home and should be advised appropriately and have an updated patient information leaflet which can be found by clicking here.
For more information please contact the pharmacy department on ext. 5263/3783.
Support Subodh in raising funds for Your Trust Charity
Subodh Deshmukh, Consultant – T&O will be running the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday 3 October to raise funds for Your Trust Charity.
If you would like to support Subodh, please click here to visit his Just Giving fundraising page.
If you have an idea and would like to raise money for Your Trust Charity, please email amanda.winwood@nhs.net.
Heartbeat: Shaun Johns up for top imaging accolade
Getting nominated for a top accolade via one of the most highly respected bodies within your industry is quite an achievement. Well, Shaun Johns, a clinical scientist, knows a thing or two about exactly that as he was recently nominated for the Young Investigator’s Award by the British Nuclear Medicine Society.
Shaun explained: “As a trainee undertaking the scientist training programme, I am required to undertake and complete a Master’s project. I ordinarily work behind the scenes in the cleanroom, manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals for imaging. I had an interest in radioiodine therapy and was keen to work more closely with patients. After discussions with our heads of departments, we noted that the radioiodine therapy service had never received a formal service evaluation; and this became the focus of my project.”
The service evaluation took place over 12 months and assessed the clinical outcome and patient experience. Shaun continued: “I retrospectively assessed 300 patient follow up appointments to calculate the relative likelihood of failing treatment, as well as the likelihood of becoming euthyroid or hypothyroid. I also determined some useful links between disease type and the likelihood of the outcome.
“I used patient questionnaires to assess the experience of our patients. It included their full pathway before, during and after treatment. Through this questionnaire, I highlighted different ways to improve the patient’s experience and reduce pre-treatment anxiety. For example, clearer instructions and more detailed information about side-effects and what will happen on the day.
“As a result, I am unifying patient information for better clarity. I have rewritten patient information leaflets to include more detailed information.
I have included details about the likely outcome of their treatment and what they need to do after treatment. I am also looking to introduce a system whereby patients call us ahead of their therapy to discuss any special measures they may require. The aim is to improve patient awareness, improve compliance, reduce anxiety and maximise patient satisfaction.”
So what does Shaun think about being a finalist in the Young Investigator’s Award by the British Nuclear Medicine Society? “It was unexpected but very welcome. I didn’t take the award home, but being recognised for something you are passionate about is rewarding. It has encouraged me to continue to develop in this area.”
Jilly Croasdale, Head of Radiopharmacy Services, remarked: “Shaun has worked incredibly hard on this project and deserves all the recognition he receives. The work he has done has directly impacted upon and improved the patient experience. It is something Shaun should be incredibly proud of – we certainly are.”
This week is Sexual Health Week
This week is sexual health week which aims to raise awareness and understanding around all things sexual health.
This includes:
- Education around sexual health
- Sexual consent
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Contraception
Did you know patients can now request infection testing online by simply visiting www.freetest.me.
Our sexual health department is based on the 3rd floor of the Lyng Centre and can be contacted on 0121 612 2323.
For more information please email swbh.ishus@nhs.net.
Heartbeat: BMEC eyes non-medical workforce development
In 2019, the government and Health Education England (HEE) announced a £1,000 personal development budget for individual frontline nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to be spent over three years.
The Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre has capitalised on this opportunity to support the development of its non-medical workforce with a series of CPD events delivered by M&K Update Ltd and funded by HEE.
On 14 and 15 May, 20 ophthalmic nurses attended a two-day event entitled developing practice in ophthalmology at the postgraduate education centre at City Hospital. The course shared a great breadth of knowledge across a range of subspecialties within ophthalmology. It covered anatomical and physiological concepts of ophthalmic disease processes, principles of clinical tests procedures and an overview of treatment strategies in ophthalmic care. The course also incorporated opportunities to hone practical skills.
There has been encouraging feedback from delegates reporting that the event was engaging and relevant. 100 per cent of those who provided feedback said that the course will benefit their clinical practice directly.
Whilst HEE funding is limited to the ophthalmic nurses and orthoptists working within the ophthalmology, further CPD opportunities have been secured for the multidisciplinary team.
Charitable funds have helped to run the ophthalmology for HCAs course, which took place in June. Again, M&K Update Ltd delivered the training and it will support the future career development of our valued HCA colleagues.
There are plans for further HEE funded CPD opportunities over the remainder of this financial year. James F. Flint, Advanced Ophthalmic Practitioner, commented: “The funding budget delivered by HEE provides an excellent opportunity to promote the sustained development of the non-medical workforce. It will ultimately impact positively on the delivery of patient care within our hospitals.”
Star of the Week: Dr Catherine McGrath
Our Star of the Week this week is Dr Catherine McGrath, Consultant Rheumatologist.
Dr McGrath was nominated for the weekly accolade for the unwavering support she offers patients and colleagues alike, always going the extra mile.
Submitting the nomination, Shenaz Mohammed MIS & OPAT Manager wrote, “The amount of hard work that Dr McGrath puts in is incredible, she follows up patient care, progresses where needed and also checks on the Medical Infusion Suite team to make sure we are managing, offering her support whenever it is needed. She goes the extra mile for her patients and colleagues and works above and beyond. She is true definition of a caring physician.”
Well done Dr McGrath.
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.
← Older items Newer items →