Monthly archives: May 2022

Heartbeat: Pharmacy team get green

Our pharmacy team have been enjoying the outdoors since the start of the year as part of our Green Impact programme. Green Impact is our colleague environmental engagement programme aimed at staff taking small sustainability actions that collectively make a big impact.

The Sandwell and City based pharmacy teams started getting outside and enjoying greener spaces as part of Green Impact.

“Some of the actions in the Green Impact toolkit suggested we make an effort to enjoy the outdoors more so that is what collectively as a team we decided to do,” said Amy Challinor, Lead Pharmacy Technician – Quality Assurance.

“With this in mind, at the start of 2022, following on from our Green Impact meeting we made a little departmental competition out of it to encourage us all to get moving.

“Our wellbeing team came up with the idea to go for walks on lunchtimes, so to help support this, members of the Green Impact team found safe routes from each site that could be walked in an hour or less.”

Positive mental health and wellbeing is paramount to all especially during the pandemic which is why the pharmacy team decided to embrace this particular part of the toolkit within Green Impact.

The team, made up of 12 colleagues including Emily Maye, Jon Darbyshire, Emma Graham Clarke, Kate Sambrook, Connor Welch, Dannielle Stanley, Leanne Betham, Shanelle Savarimuthu, Nav Gill, Stephanie Parkes, Mike Harrison and Amy herself have visited an array of outdoor and scenic locations including Lickey Hiils, Sutton Park, Kelston Round Hill, Sandwell Valley, Saltwells Woods, Clent hills and even Breacon Beacons!

Amy believes there have been many benefits to enjoying greener spaces across the region.

She said: “As our jobs are inside a lot of the time, we are limited to the amount of daylight we see especially in the winter months so knew it was imperative that we get outside.

“Having spoken to the team, many of them have said just being outside has improved their mental health and general mood.”

To encourage everyone to maintain going outdoors on a regular basis the pharmacy team also implemented a greenest selfie competition as well as a competition for the most steps with Kate Sambrook, Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician completing a massive 371,470 steps for the month individually and the team amassing a total of 3,425,398 steps collectively for the month.

If you would like to find out more about Green Impact and how you and your team can become more sustainable, please email Francesca.silcocks@nhs.net.

Heartbeat: Commitment and collaboration drives Midland Met

We have ambitious plans for Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH). Every detail of our new flagship hospital will ensure we offer the best healthcare to the many people that rely on our services.

There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach to healthcare, and our plans reflect that. We are working closely with stakeholders, community representatives, and the public, plus third sector organisations, to ensure we offer personalised care that meets the needs of those we will care for at MMUH.

With so much happening as part of a project of this scale, we must have the right people and processes in place. It allows us to deliver on our promise to open a modern healthcare facility that caters for our local population whilst being forward-looking, innovative and flexible enough to grow with our communities and demand.

We are currently in phase one of our six step change programme. This stage focuses on transformation planning, and one of the areas we are working on is how we can harness the power of Midland Met to create positive social change. Long-term plans include opening a learning campus onsite to develop future healthcare professionals.

The project involves collaboration between SWB, Aston University, Sandwell College, the University of Wolverhampton, Sandwell Department for Work and Pensions and Sandwell Council. This collaborative approach reflects our commitment to work with local organisations who are experts in their areas so that we shape this educational facility to reflect the needs of those that will ultimately benefit from it.

Internally, we have robust governance processes and groups to challenge, debate and effectively prepare for Midland Met. A dedicated Midland Met programme office is set up and governs activities. Several working groups comprising of clinical and operational representatives ensure we make the most informed decisions.

Our governance structure includes regular workstream meetings across our Groups, a dedicated MMUH Steering Group and an MMUH Programme Board led by our executive team. Ultimately everything feeds into our Trust Board and several other assurance and decision-making committees.

Midland Met does not stand alone as a project and benefits from external guidance and partnership working too. Richard Beeken, Chief Executive, explained: “The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is significant for our population, but it also plays a vital role in the new arrangements for the NHS.

“Changes are being implemented across the country to formalise partnership working so that patients can experience better care through organisations working collaboratively together, rather than in competition. Our Trust is hosted by the Black Country Integrated Care System and is also part of the Birmingham & Solihull system, bringing together health and social care providers and commissioners to make decisions focused on improving care for all, not just within our own boundaries.

“The Black Country Integrated Care Board is being appointed and will formally take up its role on 1 July 2022. At the heart of the plans to improve care for people across the Black Country and West Birmingham is our new hospital because of the benefits in terms of enhanced facilities to provide care and bringing acute clinical teams together rather than separated on different sites

“Partnership working is also being formalised on a more local basis. Our Trust is leading the Sandwell place based partnership – called the Sandwell Health and Care Partnership. Several different members are within this virtual organisation, including local GPs, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council adult and children’s services, voluntary services and patient representatives.

“Jointly, we aim to make Sandwell a better place to live, work and be healthy. Midland Met will enable us to provide better health care for acutely unwell people. It also requires changes for the services in our communities so that people access care more locally, often in their own homes.

“The West Birmingham place-based partnership is following the same model. What is crucial when Midland Met opens is that we have consistent clinical pathways for patients wherever they live.”

Clinical effectiveness: NICE survey – your opinion matters!

The clinical effectiveness team are currently working on a QIP to improve the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) process at the Trust.

If you would like to provide feedback that will be used to shape this project, please click here and complete the short survey.

For more information please email swbh.auditteam-clineffec@nhs.net.

Updated policy: Independence and prevention and management of patient falls policy

The independence and prevention and management of patient falls policy has recently been updated.

The policy has been distributed to the relevant teams and departments but in case you need to familiarise yourself with the policy, please click here.

Black Country ICS stakeholder development workshop: 26 May

A workshop on how the system will take action to improve the health and care of people in the local area will be taking place on Thursday 26 May, 2pm – 3.30pm.

Workshop 3: How will the system take action to improve the health and care of local people?

• How will the Integrated Care Board governance work?
• How will we hear the voices of local people and communities?

All colleagues are welcome to attend – to find out more and to join via Eventbrite, please click here.

Heartbeat: Safety huddles – reaching major milestones

While our clinical colleagues are driving the implementation of safety huddles, we also have many unsung heroes who work alongside clinical teams, provide a bespoke supporting infrastructure on the rollout and the continuous improvement of safety huddles such as the secondary layer of safety compliance and the pilot of the safety huddles digital screens.

Secondary layer of safety compliance

Prior to the launch of safety huddles, Project and Improvement (P&I) put together a dashboard of the main safety indicators. This dashboard provides individual clinical areas a clear overview of their safety compliance and is highly accessible – just three clicks from the Connect homepage.

Sameer Farooq Mohammed, Business Partner – Corporate, P&I, who leads on the design and development of the safety huddles dashboard shared his journey with us.

“We took a phased approach on the development of the safety huddles dashboard, very much aligned with the ‘Play, Do, Study, Act Cycle’. The first phase was to extract data from the established safety plan, to ensure alignment of safety focuses with the existing Trust reporting mechanism.

“The second phase was launched a few months after. This gap gave colleagues the opportunity to be familiarised with the dashboard thus came up with plenty of new ideas to optimise the utilisation and functions of it, subsequently enhance the outcomes from the implementation of safety huddles.”

Sameer and his team had added a secondary layer of compliance of the safety indicators to the dashboard recently. This secondary layer shows the safety compliance of patients when they were admitted to wards whilst the primary layer shows the compliance when decision to admit (DTA) was made.

Mandy Green, Matron of Surgical Services who has been leading on the implementation of safety huddles in her group added: “The safety huddle dashboard has made a huge difference. The introduction of the button to filter the detail to arrival on ward from DTA is a real game changer, enabling us to focus on specific areas and become a live dashboard.” The next phase of development of the dashboard starts in May.

Safety huddles digital screen

Surgical services are one of the early adopters of safety huddles. Mandy told us: “Safety huddles have made a big difference in focusing on key safety issues within areas. One of the difficulties has been the ability to have the data readily available on a PC.”

In response to Mandy and colleagues’ feedback, the safety huddles project board came up with the idea of repurposing the big digital screens on wards to host the safety huddles dashboard and to feature the associated information with greater accessibility.

Mark Blake from informatics is the designated technical lead of this initiative. Mark carried out a full assessment of the retired eBMS screens at the nominated clinical areas, to understand the feasibility to turn those screens into safety huddles digital screens. Mark produced a comprehensive list of both software and hardware needed to be added per screen, to complete the full reconfiguration package for each clinical area and to bring those screens alive.

Additional measures are in place to ensure data protection. Mark has paired up a designated wireless keyboard and mouse to the big screen that means other keyboards and mice are not operational on the safety huddles digital screen. These designated keyboard and mouse are managed by the ward manager or nurse in charge, to ensure non-authorised individuals would not have access to confidential information.

Priory 2 is the first clinical area to trial the safety huddles digital screen. It was welcomed hugely by ward manager Danielle Graham. Danielle, with her Matrons Mandy and Angela Dudley, are fully embracing the screen to compliment the utilisation of the safety huddles dashboard. Priory 2 gathers the teams together in front of the screen to see their safety compliance directly. Danielle has also started featuring safety focuses, team’s achievements on safety and other important information on the screen. It helps engage colleagues including members from the multiple disciplinary team and the night shift.

Mark and Zurvad Hussain, 2nd Line Manager, Informatics, are currently planning on the rollout of the safety huddles digital screen. The second safety huddles digital screen just became operational on Lyndon Ground and there are more to come. Mark said: “It is really good to see what difference has been made by utilising digital elements effectively on patient safety and staff experience.”

The secondary layer of safety compliance and the safety huddles digital screen are transformational changes yet complimenting each other most effectively.

Her Majesty’s calling…

As the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee fastly approaches we are looking to speak to colleagues who have met the Queen and might have quite a tale to tell.

If you would like to share your story of rubbing shoulders with royalty then please email anuji.evans@nhs.net.

Reset week – the challenge continues

Whilst Reset Week might be drawing to an end, the challenge to continue providing safe and effective care for our patients will remain a long-standing mission.

This week we have seen high levels of demand across the organisation, and whilst patients continue to flow in to the hospitals through the emergency departments, we can report that our Emergency Access Standard, otherwise known as our 4 hour target has seen an improvement. That means that despite the throughput, we’re still managing to see and treat our patients in a timely manner.

Increased activity through our Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) has supported our streaming from the emergency departments, allowing more patients to be seen in the right place at the right time.

At City, the total number of patients has increased from 21 to 27 per day, with patients from SPA/ED increasing from 14 to 17 per day. Likewise, the improvements at Sandwell have seen SDEC patients increase from 17 to 26 per day and SPA/ED from 11 to 19 per day. To maintain throughput, teams have been working hard to proactively identify and stream patients in to SDEC from the front door.

Ward huddles supported by imaging, pharmacy and site teams have helped to support and expedite discharges where possible through streamlined pathways, good communications and a commitment to make a change.

Most importantly, as the week has progressed, discharges have been happening earlier in the day ensuring that patients are able to return home at a reasonable time, rest, relax and recuperate in their own home – where we know they stand the best possible chance to make a full recovery

COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 12 May

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

Note: Vaccination uptake figures may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers). Other figures may change as data is processed and cleansed. 

1. New: Lateral flow testing is a necessity to keep colleagues and patients safe in our hospitals

Lateral flow testing is not simply a nicety that colleagues can ignore unless they are symptomatic, it’s an absolute necessity to keep people safe in our hospitals. Colleagues must complete two tests a week at home before arriving at work.

We all know how important testing is and as restrictions have eased, we must remember that as healthcare colleagues, there is still a chance that we will come in to contact with those suffering with COVID-19 and vulnerable patients – so it’s critically important that we continue to test and report.

Lateral flow testing kits can be ordered online by clicking here. Colleagues can either have them delivered directly to their home address or alternatively arrange to collect from community locations.

Order your lateral flow kit online here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

All completed lateral flow tests must be reported on the Trust Lateral Flow Test reporting form which can be found by clicking here.

Note: To submit results, colleagues will be required to login with their NHSmail email and password.

2. Reminder: Changes to viral transport media (VTM)

There has been a change in the allocation of viral transport media (VTM) to the Black Country and we have received the following update from Black Country Pathology Service:

Due to a change in supply, colleagues will find they now receive new green topped Sigma-Virocult Viral Transport Medium (VTM) 3ml containers in place of the previously  used red-topped Remel MicroTest M4RT Transport tubes or clear/white topped Viral Transport Medium (VTM) 3ml containers for viral tests (including RSV and COVID-19).

The testing procedure remains the same as previously used with Red-topped Remel or clear/white topped VTM. The new green topped VTM containers have been validated to ensure that the results are the same. Please continue to order in the same way.

BCPS change in VTM container May

For any queries relating to the change in VTM please contact Microbiology.

 3. Reminder: Scam alert – fake NHS PCR text message

It has been recently reported that fake text messages are being sent encouraging people to order a COVID-19 PCR test kit. If you receive a text message similar to the image here, please delete the message and do not click the link.

Need a lateral flow test? Lateral flow tests are free for NHS colleagues. You can order your lateral flow kit by visiting https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests. You will be prompted to set up an account using your NHS email address. Once set up please select “Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust” from the list and continue to place your order.

All suspicions of fraud or bribery should be reported to the Local Counter Fraud Specialist Sophie Coster (Tel: 07436 268747), Chief Finance Officer Dinah McLannahan; or NHSCFA via 0800 028 40 60.

4. Reminder: Violence and aggression from visitors

Regrettably there have been incidents of verbal aggression from visitors towards staff when asked to comply with our restricted visiting arrangements. We understand that relatives and other visitors may be distressed when they visit, however, it is not acceptable for staff to experience verbal or physical aggression when asking people to following our visiting guidance. Please escalate any cases immediately. Security can be contacted for support if you feel unsafe.

We would request that as visits are booked, staff are clear with visitors about our visiting restrictions so that they are prepared and fully informed before they reach our sites. Managing these expectations will help visitors to understand our arrangements ahead of their visit rather than be surprised and upset if informed on the day. Thank you for your support with this.

5. Reminder: Infection control needs everyone to play their part

It is really important that all staff continue to wear masks in all shared areas (including non-clinical areas). Transmission of COVID-19 is still high and we need to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones and our patients and minimise risk of passing on or catching COVID-19. Our IPC arrangements continue to be reviewed weekly based on community case rates, hospital outbreaks, inpatient numbers and staff absence due to COVID-19.

For the present time, please continue to follow our existing IPC guidance which includes:

Social distancing:

Please continue to abide by social distancing measures to keep a minimum of 1 metre between you and those around you at all times, including when you go for breaks and lunch.

Face masks:

Colleagues and patients are also required to ensure they wear masks in communal areas in our hospital buildings and in rest areas. Colleagues are reminded to ensure they follow the correct PPE guidance when in direct contact with patients. You must also follow your individual risk assessment for PPE. Occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

Audits of mask compliance are currently taking place. If you see someone not wearing a mask where they should be, please respectfully challenge them.

Hand washing:

This is an essential part of infection, prevention and control. All colleagues must wash their hands and or use hand sanitiser frequently and always on entering and exiting clinical areas.

Bare below the elbow:

Please ensure that you are bare below the elbow whilst in clinical areas. This means your sleeves must be rolled up and any wrist jewellery should be removed, prior to entering the area.

Coats and bags:

Outdoor coats should be removed prior to entering a clinical area and should be placed, along with bags in lockers. They should not be taken into the main ward area. Handbags should not to be taken on ward rounds.

 If you need further advice you can contact the infection control team on ext. 5900 or email  swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

5. Reminder: Long term effects of COVID-19

NHS Black Country and West Birmingham CCG have put together a short video featuring Dr Mohit Mandiratta around the post-COVID-19 syndrome known to many as long COVID as for some people, COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone.

Check out the short video below for more information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-lcajWKF2k

6. Reminder: Wellbeing Hubs at Sandwell, City and the Sanctuary

Focusing on ensuring that colleagues have a good day every day, the hubs aim to help improve mental health, relieve stress, build resilience and restore balance for colleagues closer to their work base.

Services in the wellbeing hubs include:

• Confidential chat – an opportunity for colleagues to offload and talk about anything which is troubling them
• Meditation
• Relaxation POD (massage chair)
• Back, hips, leg massager
• Seated acupressure massage
• Hypnotherapy (sanctuary only)

The wellbeing hubs are completely confidential. All services and treatments are free of charge for Trust colleagues and delivered by trained wellbeing coaches and holistic therapist.

The wellbeing hubs are a regular weekly service across all sites which are listed below, 8am – 4pm and the Sanctuary, 10am – 5pm.

• Monday – Friday, Jayne Wright Therapy Room, Trinity House, Sandwell
• Monday – Friday, Wellbeing Hub, Arches, 1^st Floor, Corridor A (old physiotherapy corridor) Room B002/F/049 situated to the right of the corridor, City Hospital
• Monday – Friday, The Sanctuary, Unett Street, Smethwick B66 3SY

Wellbeing events are available to book for group bookings of 16 staff +. Our wellbeing events programme will help you to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Please submit your interest to christine.rickards@nhs.net.

If you would like to register your interest and book on to one of our sessions please contact the wellbeing team on 0121 507 5886 or 0121 507 3854. Alternatively you can email Jatinder.sekhon@nhs.net.

Recap: International Nurses Day 2022

Today (Thursday 12 May) sees us celebrate International Nurses Day 2022. The awareness day is an annual celebration of the nursing profession, held on Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

As part of celebrations we will be recognising and highlighting some of our colleagues throughout the week.

Be sure to check out this short video featuring Simon Lines, Matron – Community Nursing Services and Shazia Ladha, Resuscitation Officer talking giving a brief insight into their roles at SWB.

Missed our videos throughout week? You can check them all out below:

Richard Beeken, Chief Executive, Mel Roberts, Chief Nurse and Medical Director, David Carruthers wishing everyone a happy International Nurses Day and thanking our nurses for their hard work:

A number of our patients thanking nurses at the Trust for their care, compassion and dedication as we celebrate International Nurses Day:

Diane Eltringham, Deputy Chief Nurse, Mary Causer, Lead Chaplain, Chloe Richards, Nursing Associate and Paul Lilly, Digital Lead Nurse:

Jamie Emery, Patient Involvement and Insight Lead talking about the fundamentals of care and Kulwant Khehra, Staff Nurse talking about being a nurse for 25 years:

Shajahan Yamin, Patient Flow Coordinator talking about the fantastic work our nurses do on ward D15 and D17 and Charlotte Moore, Paediatric Sister talking about how she enjoys being a nurse at SWB: