Monthly archives: May 2023

Unison autism awareness event: 1 June

Your local Unison branch has organised an autism awareness event which will be open to all colleagues working at the Trust from 10am – 2pm on 1 June. The event will include guest speakers, stalls and activities, as well as host of freebies and will be hosted at the Sandwell Education Centre.

Lunch will also be provided for attendees.

For those who cannot attend person, please click here to access the meeting via Microsoft Teams.

For more information please email jenny.wright9@nhs.net.

Stories of the Windrush Generation in Sandwell

Sandwell Council would like to launch stories of the Windrush Generation in Sandwell and wants to hear the voices of those who travelled to the UK from the Commonwealth and settled in Sandwell (before and after 1948).

Through these stories, Sandwell Council will celebrate the contributions and the invaluable legacy of the Windrush generation to all aspects of British life.

If you would like to share stories and experiences please email marketing_Publicity@sandwell.gov.uk by Monday 12 June.

Pay increase briefing

The NHS staff council recommended a pay deal for implementation on Tuesday 2 May 2023, and the government has subsequently confirmed that the deal will be implemented for all staff directly employed on the NHS terms and conditions of service.

Payroll have confirmed that payment will be made in June’s pay run.

NHS Employers have produced some information to help explain the Agenda for Change pay deal and to provide some clarification on queries that have been raised about the eligibility and implementation of the new deal.

For further details, please see pay increase briefing information sheet.

MMUH Clinical Change Manager: Secondment Opportunities

The MMUH Programme team are funding 2.0 FTE Clinical Change Mangers to support the transition  to our new hospital site. This exciting secondment opportunity is open to experienced registered nurses, allied health professionals or health care scientists, who have a clinical background and are currently a professional registrant.

The successful applicants will work closely with wards, departments, and services to support the implementation of the 12 standardisation projects aligned to the year 1 Fundamentals of Care delivery workstream and support the MMUH communications team in roll out of the staff facing communication strategy – supporting the development of MMUH Corners, establishing staff MMUH huddles to disseminate key messages and report back on staff feedback.

Postholders will need to demonstrate that they have successfully led clinical improvement initiatives in their current role and have excellent communication skills and leadership attributes.

Duration of the secondment is 12 months.

Staff interested in applying for this secondment are asked to submit the Expression of Interest (attached) by Wednesday 7 June. Interviews will be scheduled for the week commencing 19 June.

This opportunity is open to staff looking for a full time/ part-time secondment (work plans and division of work will be established with the successful applicants). Applicants should have agreement with their line manager prior to submitting an expression of interest

• MMUH Clinical Change Manager – Role specification
• MMUH Clinical Change Manager – Expression of Interest

If you require any further information, please contact Diane Eltringham (MMUH Deputy Chief Nurse: email diane.eltringham@nhs.net) or Ann Marie Bogle (MMUH: PA) on 07812 771140.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 26 May

This week I want to talk about why our new ARC Leadership Programme will ensure all colleagues are able to flourish and thrive within our organisation.

The last 13 years have seen the NHS face demand pressures and funding constrictions which were exacerbated by the global pandemic leading to severe pressure on services.

We are facing higher levels of sickness than ever with more colleagues suffering a degree of psychological burn out and national and local vacancy rates are at an all-time high.

This landscape we find ourselves in means there has never been a better time for us to develop our leaders in a different type of leadership that will benefit the organisation, our staff and patients in the future.

Our people plan recognises the three fundamental contributors to staff engagement and morale – inclusive leadership, improved digital experience and a comfortable physical environment. It’s very simple to me – happy staff means happy patients and carers.

The new ARC leadership programme has three core modules:

1. Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership
2. Restorative People Management Practice
3. Leading and Inspiring Safety and Service Innovation

This year we are focusing compassionate and inclusive leadership. And I just want to make it clear, compassionate does not mean soft, fluffy or ineffective – it is essentially a way of leading a team, so they feel respected and valued so they are able to contribute in their own way, to our strategic objectives.

On a personal reflection – 20 years ago after being appointed in my first executive role as chief operating officer, I took part in a 360 appraisal which asked my immediate team what they thought of me. The feedback essentially said I was efficient and good at driving the team for outputs but didn’t listen enough or consider their own views or opinions about how a target could be achieved or indeed question for whom the target was to be achieved.

This feedback had a profound effect on me and prompted me to go and work in the world of mental health and learning disabilities. I knew that environment was one which was less certain, and less target driven and would not respond to the managerial transactional style that I had developed. I honestly think if I hadn’t moved to that role, I would not have become a chief executive.

A chief executive’s primary task to serve their organisation by listening and being aware of what is going on – listen, analyse and work with others. That is what compassionate leadership is about.

I am delighted that many of our leaders have already made the commitment to attend this training which starts in June. Please do share your feedback about your experience on the programme.

Star Awards 2023: Learner of the Year

you know an individual who can demonstrate the impact training has had on them, their team, and their service? This could be any colleague and could include, for example, completing an apprenticeship, a computer course or a postgraduate/leadership programme or university module.

Why not nominate them for the Learner of the Year at this year’s upcoming Star Awards?

Please complete the nomination form by clicking here with as much detail as possible about your nominee. The closing date for all nominations is Friday 23 June, 5pm.

Last year’s winner was Grace Hughes, Medical Secretary, Trauma and Orthopaedics. Grace had her hard work recognised by higher management who then arranged for her banding to be increased, prior to completion of her apprenticeship. Grace joined the Trust in November 2021, she had previously worked at Your Health Partnership. She joined SWB as an apprentice in level 3 business administration. Grace took on new responsibility early in her journey at SWB as when a new consultant joined the team, a dedicated secretary was required, and Grace took on this role alongside her existing work.

If you have any questions regarding the Star Awards, please contact the communications team on 0121 507 5303 or email swbh.comms@nhs.net.

Drug safety notice: Ketamine (unlicensed) injection

There is a current shortage of Ketamine (licensed) 200mg in 20ml injection. There are also limited supplies of unlicensed Ketalar (Ketamine) 200mg in 20ml available in the supply chain.

We ask clinical colleagues familiarise themselves with the differences between the unlicensed and licensed products and where stock is to be used

Please see Ketamine drug safety notice for further details.

For more information please contact the pharmacy department on ext. 5263/3783.

welearn Wednesday: learning from national reports

Each month as part of welearn Wednesdays we present a new learning pack identified as a key learning topic from local serious incidents, investigations, complaints, litigation, or coroner cases. The learning may not have a direct link to your area of work; however, the learning provides an opportunity to reflect on some of the wider issues that could be useful for you to consider.

This month we are taking learning from national reports with a focus on clinical audit, specifically end of life care as this touches every clinician across our organisation. Other reports presented highlight where we will be required to follow national guidance and recommendations such as NHS England’s report on learning from the death of Oliver McGowan and the introduction of mandatory training on learning disability and autism.  The CQC Report highlights its own failings when clinicians raise concerns and how they will manage this in the future.

For more information please see welearn May newsletter.

If you would like to be involved in the welearn user reference group, please email marsha.jones3@nhs.net

Black Country Provider Collaborative Newsletter: May 2023

In case you missed it, the May 2023 issue of the Black Country Provider Collaborative Newsletter is now available.

You can access the latest newsletter by clicking here.

More than Awards: Nominate someone today

Are you ready to recognise the incredible achievements and commitment of our colleagues at Midland Met? We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new More Than awards!

Our colleagues have worked tirelessly to make our new hospital a reality and we want to recognise their hard work with these awards. We’re on the lookout for exceptional individuals who are going above and beyond to make Midland Met more than a hospital.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to our organisation? Nominate them for a More Than Award! It’s the perfect way to recognise their efforts and achievements.

And the best part? Nominations are open to all colleagues who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Midland Met, whether they work directly for the Midland Met Programme Company or the wider Trust.

So don’t hesitate – make your nomination today by clicking here or visit the Midland Met pages on Connect.

Let’s celebrate the incredible individuals who are making Midland Met #morethanahospital!