Monthly archives: December 2021

Heartbeat: Lynda goes above and beyond

Lynda Jones, Ward Services Officer has been a member of the SWB family for 19 years and has been recognised by the support services management team for showing courage, selflessness and excellent patient care in a patients’ time of need.

It was by chance Lynda came across a job advertisement for a role at SWB in ward services almost 20 years ago. She wanted to try something new and enjoyed her role so much that she stayed.

Lynda is primarily based on Lyndon 4 and her day job consists of following a schedule to make sure all areas are completed and clean. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to talk and have a bit of laugh with the patients while I’m working in bays. I think it puts them at ease as being in hospital can be a scary experience for some,” said Lynda.

For an elderly patient, Lynda was her knight in shining armour as she demonstrated quick thinking and courage to remove the patient from harm’s way.

We caught up with Lynda to find out more, she said: “I noticed an elderly female patient while I was working my way through the ward doing rubbish collection.

She was very distressed and shaking and I saw a man coming towards her, shouting and being aggressive. I could see she needed help so I started talking to her and reassured her.

“I then noticed that the male patient had picked up a chair and was coming towards us, he swung the chair and it hit the elderly patient on the neck. I acted quickly and immediately moved the patient and myself out of further harm into the kitchen.”

Colleagues commended Lynda on her courageous act and shared some kind words.

Sharon Bruce, Senior Ward Services Officer said: “Lyn went above and beyond her duties and showed courage to keep our patient from harm. Well done Lyn!”

Aner Marcelo, Head of Support Services echoed this and said: “Our department’s family is very proud of Lyn’s courage, dedication and her actions. Protecting our patient under Trust care speaks volumes about the quality of a person who went above and beyond. Her selfless act is a reminder to all NHS colleagues ‘we put our patients at the heart of everything we do’. Thank you Lyn!”

In Lynda’s spare time she takes care of the latest addition to the family, her puppy, she told us: “My new puppy takes a lot of my time up (but he is adorable). I enjoy going out for meals with my husband too.”

Alongside a letter of recognition, Lynda received a Star of the Week award. Well done Lynda!

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 31 December

In my final message of 2021, I would firstly like to start by thanking you all, once again, for your commitment, professionalism and dogged hard work during the past year. In the face of both a second wave of COVID pressures last winter and a third wave this winter, we continue to strive hard to deliver good care to our patients and this is done through no little discretionary effort from clinical and support teams, coping with unprecedented levels of staff absence.

Looking to 2022, I would love to be able to paint a rosy picture of the sunlit uplands of opportunity and hope, as is so often pedalled by our governing politicians nationally. But I can’t, at least, not just yet. Whilst we will be formally signing off our new Trust Strategy for the next five years in January, with its exciting focus on maximising the opportunity borne by the Midland Met developments, our leadership in population health improvement and investing in both the recruitment of and development of our staff, the first two or three months of the new calendar year are going to be very tough indeed. This may take a shine off the launch of that new strategy, but it won’t deviate us from that long term focus. Improving things for our people, our patients and our population is a long term responsibility and we won’t shirk from that responsibility.

With regard to the rest of this winter period, I would like to share a few thoughts with you. Urgent care demand will be peaking between 3^rd January and 16^th January 2022. This will coincide with unprecedented levels of staff absence due to the Omicron variant and, because we have yet to see the impact of Omicron from the Christmas and New Year social mixing locally, the peak of emergency admission demand in the unvaccinated population, could be even higher. Although it may not feel like it to you all, our bed demand has been tracking along the predicted numbers in the “best case” scenario thus far. We can be thankful for small mercies, I guess.

Against this backdrop, you will have also seen in the local and national media and on social media, the plans regarding hospital “super surge” capacity and the introduction of the new “Nightingale” units at key locations throughout the NHS. We have responded to these requests, yet have made it clear that whilst we have additional physical space we can open, on Sheldon Block at City Hospital for example, it does not mean that we feel we can staff that capacity. As a leadership team, my executive colleagues and I share your concerns that our staffing ratios have already been diluted too much so, if there was to be a need to create more capacity for emergency admissions, we would seek to pull down more of our elective work first, and would not consider a heroic and unsafe attempt to continue to try to do everything, in the face of staffing absence rates which could exceed 13%.

I hope this message is clear. I thank you for your continued efforts. It has been humbling to witness it this year. We have a bright and exciting future to aim for, delivered through our new strategy in 2022 and beyond, but the next few months are going to be exceptionally challenging. We will always seek to get the balance right between servicing the presenting needs of our most acute patients and protecting you, our staff.

I hope you do get some time off over the coming weekend. See you in 2022.

Free lateral flow test kits for Trust colleagues from Birmingham City Council’s Woodcock Street site

Colleagues who are not symptomatic and are not isolating, can now collect free lateral flow (LFD) home testing kits from Birmingham City Council’s Woodcock Street site reception, 8am – 4pm.

This is to support access for daily LFD for contacts of cases and for regular testing of frontline colleagues.

Colleagues requiring LFD to release from isolation should order this for postal delivery through the national website, as they should not leave home while isolating following a positive test. If they are unable to access kits through this route then a family member can attend to collect from Woodcock Street with the staff member’s ID badge as well as their own personal ID.

The service will be closed over the weekend and bank holiday but open again for the same hours from Tuesday 4 January.

Booking is not necessary.
Staff will need to show their workplace ID
Please don’t visit the site if you have symptoms – book a PCR test here instead.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 23 December

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

Colleagues who have received COVID-19 1^st Vac.	Colleagues who have received COVID-19 2^nd Vac.	Colleagues who have received COVID-19 booster Vac.	Current number of confirmed COVID-19 inpatients	COVID-19 inpatients not vaccinated against COVID-19	Total number of our patients who have died from COVID-19
84.67% (84.49%)	80.07% (79.96%)	39.22% (38.59%)	81 (81)	53.09% (72.84%)	1,394 (1,378)

Note: Percentages may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers).

1. New: Closing to visiting from midnight on Christmas Day

Due to the rising levels of COVID-19 infection in the community and the increased risk this poses to our patients we have had to make the difficult decision to close general visiting at all wards and departments across our Trust from midnight on Christmas Day.

Visiting arrangements however will remain in place as they have done throughout the pandemic for our most vulnerable patients, those patients who are at the end of life, those with limited mental capacity, parent/guardian supporting their children and birthing partners in maternity.

Vulnerable patients attending our emergency or outpatient departments can be accompanied by one person.

Where visiting is allowed in exceptional circumstances, please ensure that this is agreed with the ward, is limited to one visitor and crucially that they are able to evidence a negative lateral flow test from that day and do not have any COVID-19 related symptoms.

Please can all colleagues ensure that patients on their wards and departments are supported to be able to contact their loved ones, there are iPads and mobile phones available to support this.

2. New: Update to self-isolation guidance

As we see COVID-19 cases on the rise once again with the fast spread of the Omicron variant, an all too familiar feeling for many of us, the protocol for self-isolation guidance for colleagues has been updated.

National self-isolation guidance changed on 15 December to allow fully vaccinated NHS colleagues who are identified as a contact of a positive COVID-19 case to no longer be expected to self-isolate, and to return to work.

Colleagues who are fully vaccinated (have received two doses of an approved vaccine) and are identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 can return to work providing they comply with the following:

Have received the first two COVID-19 vaccinations more than 14 days prior
Proof of a negative PCR test
Conduct daily lateral flow tests for 10 days prior to attending work – evidence is required and PCR test results can be uploaded to the government website here, where a text message will be received as proof
Strict compliance with PPE including hand hygiene and social distancing

PCR tests can be obtained from your nearest testing station and can be booked online or by calling 119.

This change is effective immediately. For the protocol and guidance, click here.

3. New: Sandwell celebrates record booster vaccine numbers

Sandwell is celebrating two record-breaking days of giving vaccine boosters – and urging anyone who hasn’t yet had one to grab a jab.

On Friday 17^th December, 3,601 Sandwell residents had their booster – 22% up on the previous record, and 3,892 had theirs on Saturday – another increase of 8%.

Last week across the Black Country and West Birmingham, a total of more than 100,000 vaccine doses were given at pharmacies, GP surgeries, pop-up clinics and walk-in centres.

Sandwell’s Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “The new omicron variant is a significant threat. It is spreading much faster than any coronavirus variant we’ve seen before is already causing serious illness and death.

“The best way to protect ourselves is get fully vaccinated. Whether it’s your first jab or your booster, the teams at our vaccine clinics will be really pleased to see you.

“On Friday 17 December, Sandwell’s residents got a record 3,601 boosters in just one day. On Saturday 18 December that record was broken again, with 3,892 boosters jabs given.

“The Sandwell community has always responded positively to the threat coronavirus poses. Clearly, nothing has changed in that respect.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adults, social care and health Councillor Suzanne Hartwell said: “I’d urge everyone who hasn’t had their booster, or their first or second dose, yet to get it as soon as they can.

“There are so many places you can get your jab, we have pop-up clinics, walk-in centres and pharmacies all ready to give you your vaccines.

“Please get yours as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

For details on pop-up clinics in Sandwell – where you can get your booster, first or second doses without an appointment – go to https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site

Upcoming pop-up clinics offering first and second doses and boosters (Pfizer) without an appointment include:

Thursday 23 December 10am – 3pm

Tipton Muslim Community Centre, Wellington Rd, Tipton, DY4 8RS

Wednesday 29 December 10am – 3m

YMCA – West Bromwich, Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG

With more than 100 vaccination sites available across the Black Country and West Birmingham, including shopping centres, sports centres and town centres, as well as local pharmacies and GP surgeries, it’s never been easier to get your jab.

To find another walk-in centre where you can get your jab without an appointment, or to book an appointment at a time to suit you, go to https://www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination If you’re not online, call 119.

4. New: Do your bit, get your jabs – get boosted now

If you have watched the news, heard via the media and read our daily communications bulletins, you will know how important it is we help support the national ‘Get Boosted Now’ campaign at this crucial time in the battle against COVID-19. The Omicron variant is spreading fast and we are seeing a rise in cases throughout the country, in our community and within our hospitals – so it’s really important we do our bit to get maximum protection for ourselves and for our patients as we fight COVID-19 together.

Our vaccination hubs on site have been very busy in supporting the administration of the COVID-19 booster vaccination to colleagues and to the general public, but there are still many colleagues who are yet to receive their vaccinations. The good news is, it’s not too late.

Missing out on that protection will leave you much more vulnerable to severe illness. Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster jab if you’re eligible.

When and where to get vaccinated of the festive period

	Tipton Sports Academy Vaccination Centre (*walk-ins)	City, Sheldon Block (*walk-ins)	Sandwell, Berridge Suite (*walk-ins)
23 December	8am – 9pm (*8pm)	8am – 8pm (*7pm)	8am – 7pm (*6pm)
24 December	8am – 4.30pm (*3.30pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)
25 December	Closed	Closed	Closed
27 December – 30 December	8am – 9pm (*8pm)	8am – 8pm(*7pm)	8am – 7pm (*6pm)
31 December	8am – 4.30pm (*3.30pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)
1 January	Closed	Closed	Closed
2 January – 7 January	8am – 9pm (*8pm)	8am – 8pm(*7pm)	8am – 7pm (*6pm)

Are you yet to receive your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination? You can get these at our vaccination hubs too. You can also get the flu jab which is safe to have alongside the COVID boosters. Please get your vaccinations as soon as possible. Get boosted now.

5. New: Delivering nMABS – COVID-19 treatment for non-hospitalised patients

Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs) are a new type of COVID-19 treatment which are usually administered intravenously.

Access to monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19 has now been extended to non-hospitalised patients who are PCR positive, aged 12 and above and who are considered at highest risk of progression to severe disease, hospital admission or death. Eligible patients may receive antiviral therapy if an nMAB is contraindicated.

What are Neutralising Monoclonal Antibodies (nMABs)

nMABS are synthetic monoclonal antibodies that bind to the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus, which prevents entry into the host cell and replication.

Eligibility Criteria

PCR positive covid test result received within last 72 hours.
AND onset of symptoms within last 7 days.
AND a member of a highest risk group
aged >12 years and >40kg

The high-risk group include patients with downs syndrome, sickle cell disease, solid cancer, haematological malignancy, severe renal and liver disease, decompensated liver disease, those on significant immunosuppression, primary immune deficiencies.

Eligible patients will be contacted directly by the newly formed COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU) triage nurse and receive their treatment in the new unit in the Sheldon Building at City Hospital.

If however, you come across suitable patients who have been missed, please ask them to contact 111 or phone their GP.

Further details about the new treatment can be found in the following guidance document: COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (Word)

Please continue to use the pathways in place for hospitalised patients as described here: Neutralising Monoclonal Antibody (nMAB) (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) Ronapreve in Hospitalised Patients

6. Updated: COVID-19 testing at Christmas

Anyone in Sandwell with symptoms of COVID-19 over Christmas and New Year is urged to get tested.

All local COVID-19 testing sites and the regional testing site in Sandwell will operate as normal throughout the Christmas period, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, when they will be open for a shorter length of time.

Getting tested is one of the main ways to keep you, your family and friends safe from spreading COVID-19 if you have symptoms. You may also need to get tested if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace.

Testing sites in Sandwell will be open:

Tuesday 21 December: 8am-6pm
Wednesday 22 December: 8am-6pm
Thursday 23 December: 8am-6pm
Friday Christmas Eve: 8am-6pm
Saturday Christmas Day: 10am-2pm
Sunday Boxing Day: 10am-2pm
Monday 27 December: 8am-6pm
Tuesday 28 December: 8am-6pm
Wednesday 29 December: 8am-6pm
Thursday 30 December: 8am-6pm
Friday New Year’s Eve: 8am-6pm
Saturday New Year’s Day: 10am-2pm.

Tests at local COVID-19 testing sites and the regional testing site are by appointment only. To book a test visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/ or call 119.

7. Reminder: Keeping us safe is between you, me and the LAMP post

With the growing concern about numbers as well as the Omicron variant. We are, of course, reminding you once again of the importance and ease of the LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) test.

The saliva test is a speedy and less invasive way of detecting COVID-19. You can book a kit collection slot for the weekly test, which requires you to spit into a tube in the morning before you brush your teeth or an hour after you have eaten.

When you arrive at work, you can deposit your sample into a red collection box. Many of these are positioned around our acute and community sites.

You can find drop off points and more information by clicking here.

Changes to LAMP sample collection times and processing over the Christmas and New Year period

Friday 24 December: Samples must be in collection bins by 8:30 am
Monday 27 Dec and Tuesday 28 Dec: Reduced service, please use bins outside Pathology
Wednesday 29 and 30 December 2021: Normal service with last collection of samples from the bins at 4:30pm
Friday 31 December: Samples must be in collection bin by 8:30am
Monday 3rd January: Reduced service, please use bins outside Pathology

Normal service will resume on Tuesday 4th January 2022

If you are still unsure how to complete your LAMP test, be sure to check out the step-by-step guide in the video below.

https://youtu.be/QYJDudZXF7w

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. Your saliva sample is ONLY used to test for COVID and is disposed of after testing.

Uptake of the weekly saliva test is monitored to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our patients, the public and each other.

The latest data by group is below:

	% Registered	% Kits Collected	% Tested	% Tested more than once
381 Corporate	39%	37%	31%	29%
381 Imaging	62%	60%	45%	44%
381 Medicine & Emergency Care	50%	48%	36%	31%
381 Primary Care Community and Therapies	79%	76%	68%	65%
381 Surgical Services	68%	66%	54%	50%
381 Women & Child Health	39%	38%	31%	28%

8. Reminder: Looking after your mental health

It’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves, stay connected, and keep the conversation going about how we are feeling and how these circumstances are affecting us.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) has set up a Black Country and West Birmingham Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, to provide an entry point into mental health talking therapies and support for colleagues across the Black Country and West Birmingham Integrated Care System (ICS).

Qualified mental health professionals offer priority pathways to confidential telephone, video, or face-to-face support tailored to individual needs, provided by local mental health teams and support services close to home.

Don’t suffer in silence: If you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. If you feel that you would benefit from this support, you can self-refer by visiting the BCHFT website. Alternatively, you can email bchft.hub@nhs.net or call 0121 8031444.

Note: This is not a crisis service. If you require urgent mental health support, please call Rethink’s 24/7 mental health helpline on 0800 0086516 or visit BCHFT’s help in a crisis page for a range of options. You can find out more about the 24/7 mental health helpline here.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 24 December

1. New: PCR testing for symptomatic staff or contact tracing requirements

Over the bank holiday period if you are patient facing staff member and require a negative PCR test to work over the following 24 – 48 hours then please discuss your needs with the on-call site team.

The on-call site team will determine the appropriate approach for you for PCR testing using the resources we have available to allow the result to be returned in as timely fashion as possible.

Please escalate any requests via your line manager.

2. Updated: Closing to visiting from midnight on Christmas Day – Rowley visiting closed today

Due to the rising levels of COVID-19 infection in the community and the increased risk this poses to our patients we have had to make the difficult decision to close general visiting at wards at Sandwell and City Hospitals from midnight on Christmas Day. However, due to outbreaks on two wards at Rowley Hospital, we have had to close visiting on McCarthy Ward and Westwood Ward with immediate effect this morning.

Vulnerable patients attending our emergency or outpatient departments can be accompanied by one person.

Please can all colleagues ensure that patients on their wards and departments are supported to be able to contact their loved ones, there are iPads and mobile phones available to support this.

3. Updated: Update to self-isolation guidance – Isolation period reduced to seven days with additional testing

Staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 may now be able to end their self-isolation period after seven days (the requirement has been 10 days), following two negative lateral flow device (LFD) tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the sixth day.

If both these test results are negative, they may return to work after the second (day 7) negative LFD under the following conditions:

The staff member should not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
The staff member should continue to perform LFD tests every day for the remainder of the 10-day isolation period to increase the sensitivity for any residual transmission risk.
If any LFD test result is positive the staff member should continue to isolate and should wait 24 hours before taking the next LFD test.
On days the staff member is working, the LFD test should be taken at home prior to beginning their shift, as close as possible to their start time.
All staff must comply with all recommended infection control precautions.
If the staff member works with patients or residents who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, a risk assessment should be undertaken, and consideration given to redeployment for the remainder of the 10-day isolation period.

If any of the above cannot be met, the staff member should not come to work and should follow the stay at home guidance for the full 10-day period.

Whilst colleagues are encouraged to use lateral flow devices sourced from community locations in their locality, we are aware some areas do have limited supply. In cases where colleagues are unable to source their own lateral flow test kits, they can collect these from the testing hub at Little Lane at Sandwell between 9am-3pm. These test kits are only for the use of staff members to test themselves as part of their recovery and not to be used as part of a household supply.

4. Reminder: Do your bit, get your jabs – get boosted now

Our vaccination hubs at City and Sandwell hospitals are open to 3pm today for walk-ins, and to 3.30pm at Tipton Sports Academy, so you have still time to get protected before the big day. The COVID-19 booster jab delivers peace of mind with only minor side effects, so give yourself a present this Christmas. Our opening times for next week are below. City Hospital emergency department matron Michael Brennan has had his booster so he can spend precious Christmas time with his family safely.

https://youtu.be/I3g1FvXUuxo

Missing out on that protection will leave you much more vulnerable to severe illness. Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster jab if you’re eligible.

When and where to get vaccinated of the festive period

	Tipton Sports Academy Vaccination Centre (*walk-ins)	City, Sheldon Block (*walk-ins)	Sandwell, Berridge Suite (*walk-ins)
24 December	8am – 4.30pm (*3.30pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)
25 December	Closed	Closed	Closed
27 December – 30 December	8am – 9pm (*8pm)	8am – 8pm(*7pm)	8am – 7pm (*6pm)
31 December	8am – 4.30pm (*3.30pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)	8am – 4pm (*3pm)
1 January	Closed	Closed	Closed
2 January – 7 January	8am – 9pm (*8pm)	8am – 8pm(*7pm)	8am – 7pm (*6pm)

*Walk-ins finish an hour earlier than booked appointments.

General visiting stopped across Trust

Vulnerable patients attending our emergency or outpatient departments can be accompanied by one person.

Please can all colleagues ensure that patients on their wards and departments are supported to be able to contact their loved ones, there are iPads and mobile phones available to support this.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 24 December

As we come to the end of another calendar year, the challenges we face seem eerily similar to those faced at this time last year, during the second, major wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to make a few, unequivocal points about this which I ask you all to consider as we enter the Christmas and New Year period:

The Omicron variant may well cause 40-50% fewer hospital admissions, yet it is twice as virulent as the delta variant, meaning that, in effect, the impact on our health services and our staff, will be exactly the same as that we witnessed last winter. The maths are simple.
We have agreed our winter plan and holiday period surge plans regarding bed capacity and staffing resilience. However, staff absences with Omicron variant related illness or contact issues is already causing us to agree to dilute staffing ratios on the wards. This will be extremely difficult for those of you who will be on shift during those times. I am sorry about this, but there is no alternative and we will not hesitate to reduce our bed capacity if we drop below unsafe staffing thresholds over the next few days and weeks.
In order to minimise the disruption to your colleagues and our patients caused by COVID related absences, please can you ensure you are exercising the right caution in your home and social lives, practicing social distancing and minimising your exposure to this new, virulent strain?
Please can colleagues be more strict in their compliance with our PPE requirements? Areas like ITU have shown that there is little staff to staff transmission when masks are worn correctly and social distancing practiced at break times etc. Masks are not chin warmers. Your nose is connected to your lungs. Please remember this.

The vaccination programme has been making waves. Last week across the Black Country and West Birmingham, a total of more than 100,000 vaccine doses were given at pharmacies, GP surgeries, pop-up clinics and walk-in centres. Over 10,000 of those were administered at our hubs at City and Sandwell. As of this week, 20 million jabs have been delivered in the Midlands since the start of the vaccination programme. A remarkable achievement.

It’s encouraging to see so many of our communities responding to the call to protect themselves and their families. If you are still not jabbed, this call is for you too. You will already be aware that vaccination will be a requirement of employment for frontline healthcare workers from 1 April next year. This means you will need to ensure you have your first vaccination by 3 February 2022. There will be consequences for your ongoing employment if you do not. This is not an SWBH decision, it is enshrined in national law, whether we like it or not.

Colleagues at our vaccination hub will be delighted to see you. The opening times are available on Connect. If you are concerned in anyway, then please speak to colleagues in occupational health or reach out to me or any one of my executive colleagues. You are a valuable member of the SWB team and we’d like to ensure that you continue to be part of our organisation, delivering the best care to our communities. Further information on mandatory vaccination will follow in the new year.

This week we opened our COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU) at City Hospital – the first in our ICS. The unit is delivering ground-breaking treatment to immunosuppressed non-hospitalised PCR positive patients who are receiving neutralising monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19. On Thursday Deputy Medical Director, Chizo Agwu joined a virtual event hosted by Birmingham Live to talk about the treatment. Also taking part in the discussion were Sarah-Jane Marsh (chief executive, Women’s and Children’s) and Ruth Tennant (public health director, Solihull). You can view it here.

In clinical trials, 85 per cent of patients who received the monoclonal antibody treatment did not have to be hospitalised. This treatment is great news for our patients and ensures they can remain at home with their loved ones.

Finally, can I bookend this week’s blog with two thank you’s. Firstly, if you are working during the festive period – thank you. Don’t forget to take advantage of offers such as a free meal from our restaurants on Christmas Day. Secondly, to all of you who have contributed to providing and supporting safe patient care this last year – thank you. Please do cash in your £10 voucher through the SWBH benefits scheme, which is a small token of our appreciation for everything you do.

As we look to 2022, let’s reflect on the last year and recognise the kindness you have demonstrated to our patients, relatives and each other.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Richard

Latest edition of the volunteer newsletter

The latest edition of the volunteer newsletter is now available online. Stories covered in this issue include Rachel Mason going from volunteer to a HCA apprenticeship and the winners and runners up from the 2021 Star Awards.

For more information please contact swbh.volunteer@nhs.net.

Christmas service moves online this year

Due to COVID-19, the chaplaincy team have decided to move their Christmas service online to ensure we are able to continue with a service whilst keeping colleagues safe. The online service will take place on Christmas morning (Saturday 25 December) and will be accessible by clicking here.

For further details about this service, please call 07972 572854 or email mary.causer@nhs.net.

Need to contact the service during the festive period? The chaplaincy team are on call 24 hours a day so please ring the switchboard who will put you through to the service. Please don’t forget to ask your patients if they would like a chaplain as this time of the year can be difficult for many.

Heartbeat: Hello my name is… Syed Altaf

This month we welcome new consultant haematologist, Dr Syed Yasir Altaf who has recently joined the Haemato-oncology team.

Dr Altaf brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the Trust with just under two decades worth of knowledge in his field of work.

Syed completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2002 (MBBS) in Pakistan and then headed to UK for further medical training where he worked across a variety of hospitals in the country.

“After gaining an array of experience I went on to complete my clinical haematology training from Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust in 2015 and my fellowship in bone marrow transplantation from Hammersmith Hospital London in 2016,” said Syed.

Upon completion of his fellowship, in 2016 Dr Altaf decided to move across the globe to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to work as consultant in haematology and bone marrow transplant in King Fahad Medical City.

“I gained a wealth of experience in my time in the Medical City and was able to help a lot of patients which is truly gratifying.”

After his five years in Saudi Arabia, Syed wanted to move back to the UK which is when he joined SWB to work as a consultant haematologist.

When asked about why he decided to join our Trust Dr Altaf said: “Although SWB is a district level hospital, the variety of patients who come here is no less than a tertiary care level hospital. There are plenty of opportunities to further excel my knowledge and skills and I’m also enthusiastic about the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and all the modern facilities it will have.”

Dr Farooq A Wandroo, Consultant Haematologist is looking forward to working alongside Syed and believes he will be a great addition to haematology and the Trust as a whole. He said: “Syed will be a great asset to the team and I very much look forward to working with him.”

“Dr Altaf has a special interest in myeloid disorders including acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative diseases all of which will only improve the patient care we offer at the Trust.”

If you do see Syed in and around the Trust, be sure to give him a wave and say hello!

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Monthly archives: December 2021

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

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