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Monthly archives: October 2021

In case you missed it: Notice Fraud – July 2021

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic fraudsters have been looking to take advantage of us. Here’s what to watch out for:

Coronavirus vaccine fraud: Criminals are using the coronavirus vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.

People are warned to be alert to these scams.

The NHS will:

  • Never ask for payment – the vaccine is free
  • Never ask for your bank details
  • Never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
  • Never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport
  • Phishing emails: If you receive any email which looks suspicious in any way, please report this to your IT department before taking any action. Do not open any attachments you are unsure of or click on any links contained within suspicious emails.

Mandate fraud: This is such a common occurrence currently. Fraudsters will attempt various methods to divert payment for either genuine invoices or create false invoices for work. Please ensure appropriate processes are followed in all instances and if you have any reason for suspicion, please report your concerns and validate all details prior to sending any payments.

Phishing emails: If you receive any email which looks suspicious in any way, please report this to your IT department before taking any action. Do not open any attachments you are unsure of or click on any links contained within suspicious emails.

Be sure to check out the July 2021 fraud notice by clicking here.

Your local counter fraud specialist team can be contacted using the details below:

Sophie Coster, Senior Consultant, Lead Local Counter Fraud Specialist:

Bradley Vaughan, Managing Consultant, Counter Fraud Client Manager:

Pharmacy Technicians Day: 19 October

 

Did you know today (Tuesday 19 October) is National Pharmacy Technicians Day? The special day aims to raise awareness of fantastic work pharmacy technicians do on a on a daily basis. Pharmacy technicians are registered professionals and are governed by the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain, having the responsibility to submit continuous professional  development annually to be assessed, to maintain validation.  They work in a wide variety of key roles here at SWB including ward services, accuracy checking dispensed items, IT, EPMA, and operational management.

At SWB we currently recruit approximately 40 pharmacy technicians.

We hope you will all join in to celebrate the great work pharmacy technicians deliver across our Trust – thank you pharmacy technicians.

Congratulations to all our winners at this year’s Star Awards!

 

Last Friday we held our 2021 Star Awards where a total of 20 awards were handed out to both clinical and non-clinical colleagues across SWB.

Our awards ceremony, which was held at Aston Villa Football Club, aims to recognise the hard work and dedication of our colleagues and volunteers, both on the frontlines and our supporting services.

Throughout this week, we will be celebrating all our award winners from the annual awards.

Today we feature:

Congratulations to all our winners as well as everyone who was nominated.

Library survey 2021 – your library, your say, your survey

 

The library and knowledge services team would be grateful if you would take the time to complete their short survey. The results will help inform their strategy and improve the service they provide for you. You can also enter our prize draw to win a £20 book voucher.

To complete the survey please click here and have your views heard.

Note: The deadline for completion is Friday 3 December.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Throughout the month of October a variety of breast cancer related institutions and organisations aim to raise awareness of breast cancer with the aim being to focus on accelerating research into prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ultimately curing of the disease.

Our breast unit at the BTC have put together small display unit outside their unit should you want to find out more information about Breast Cancer. Should you wish to speak to a nurse from the service, please call ext. 4976.

Note: In an emergency situation you should always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.

Heartbeat: Dr Sarb Clare honoured by Chamber president

 

Described as a leading medic, whose efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic earned widespread praise, Dr Sarb Clare, Deputy Medical Director is the recipient of this year’s Birmingham Chamber of Commerce President’s Award.

Sarb was presented with the award by Chamber of Commerce president Steve Allen during the recent Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2021 annual awards.

Already the recipient of numerous accolades for her work – including an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the NHS during the pandemic – Sarb was recognised for her work to rewrite rotas overnight, create clinical pathways and deliver educational resources to redeploy staff, as well as supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues.

Mr Allen said: “This year I wanted to honour an individual who represents the very best qualities in the fight against coronavirus but someone who also had at the heart of their work innovation which is the theme of my term as president.

“Dr Sarb Clare is a frontline doctor who has treated hundreds of coronavirus patients and who was responsible for setting up the acute medicine department at City Hospital.

“In addition to all of this, Dr Clare was pivotal in introducing an award-winning wellbeing initiative – bringing in energy pods for staff during the pandemic which led to a significant improvement in the psychological, physical health, as well as the ability to manage stress for doctors working round the clock in the most adverse of conditions.”

Richard Beeken, Interim Chief Executive commented: “It is always a pleasure to see colleagues’ hard work and dedication recognised outside of our organisation. In the case of Sarb I am delighted that her efforts to continually maintain high standards of care whilst doing the right thing for her team has been acknowledged, and I am sure she is delighted with this award.”

Trust Chair Sir David Nicholson added: “Sarb is a role model and represents everything that is good about Sandwell and West Birmingham.”

Sarb said: “I am honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our NHS and social care colleagues who day in and day out wake up every day and do what they are trained to do – providing care and compassion for the sick.

“My nursing team are my true inspiration. I would also like to dedicate this award to those who sadly lost their lives selflessly in the fight of this dreadful illness.”

Homeless patient pathway Christmas appeal 2021 – we need your help!

 

Help feed or gift a homeless person this Christmas by donating towards our homeless hampers! The homeless patient pathway team are collecting non-perishable foods such as tins, packets, pot noodles, rice, pasta, jar sauces, soups, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, long life milk, juices, biscuits, crisps, nuts, cereals, protein bars, gift sets, selection boxes, advent calendars, washing/laundry products and playing cards/games.

Please check the back of your food cupboards for any unwanted items or maybe even consider buying an extra item in your shopping and help feed/gift a homeless person this Christmas.

Note: Please do not donate out of date food.

The team can arrange collection from your area or department when convenient for you. For more information and to donate please email helen.taylor54@nhs.net or call 07580 677913.

Sandwell’s Safer 6 – promoting safety, crime prevention and healthy living across Sandwell

 

Sandwell’s annual autumn Safer 6 campaign has a special focus this year with the campaign promoting a wide range of safety, crime prevention and healthy living advice. The Safer 6 campaign will run until Sunday 7 November with the remaining weeks having a variety of themes:

  • Week 4 (18 – 24 October) – exploitation
  • Week 5 (25 – 31 October): anti-social behaviour and crime
  • Week 6 (1 – 7 November): violence against women and girls

The campaign is led by Sandwell Council for the Safer Sandwell Partnership, which brings together the council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and many other partner organisations. If you want to get involved and find out what activities are going on near you please click here.

Congratulations to all our winners at this year’s Star Awards!

 

Last Friday we held our 2021 Star Awards where a total of 20 awards were handed out to both clinical and non-clinical colleagues across SWB.

Our awards ceremony, which was held at Aston Villa Football Club, aims to recognise the hard work and dedication of our colleagues and volunteers, both on the frontlines and our supporting services.

Throughout this week, we will be celebrating all our award winners from the annual awards.

Today we feature:

Congratulations to all our winners as well as everyone who was nominated.

Heartbeat: Valued volunteer says goodbye as she heads for the Isle of Wight

 

Recently, Heartbeat had the pleasure of meeting with Janet Summers as she bid a fond farewell to the volunteering team to embark on a move to the Isle of Wight to be closer to her family.

Janet, who celebrated her 80th birthday in January this year has been with the Trust longer than she can remember and has dedicated many hours of her time volunteering. She told Heartbeat: “I’ve been with the Trust right from the beginning, and have taken part in pretty much all areas of volunteering here. I’ve always had an interest in caring for others and since the passing of my husband eight years ago I wanted to fill my time by giving back in any way that I can.”

Janet explains how she has seen lots of changes over time, in the way things are done, how technology has progressed and how processes have become more efficient.

Janet has undoubtedly always had a caring nature and an interest in caring for others right from the very start of her career. She has worked as an auxiliary nurse, a care assistant in a residential home, a social worker and a volunteer – Janet has always wanted to give back to those in need.

From offering drinks to patients, sitting and chatting to them and lending a listening ear, Janet has loved her time working and volunteering at the Trust. She added: “It’s not just the patients I’ve enjoyed spending time with, it’s the staff too. Everyone is so hardworking and the staff really are just excellent.

“It has been a little daunting to pack up and move from Wednesbury but after being alone for so long and turning 80 in January, it’s time to be closer to my children. If I wasn’t moving to the Isle of Wight, I’d love to stay and continue volunteering – but I think it would be quite a commute from there!”

Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager said: “Janet has been a true gem in supporting the clinics and the various volunteering placements that she has supported in, always full of cheer, love, kindness and ready to help where needed.”

Thank you Janet for you hard work and dedication to the NHS and to the Trust, we wish you all the best in your move to the Isle of Wight.

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