Monthly archives: November 2024

New referral process for Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at MMUH

All referral’s for the Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at MMUH are only being accepted via Unity.

The bleep numbers 5740 and 6344 will no longer be in service so staff will be unable to refer via this method from Sunday 1 December.

You can find the Unity referral in requests and ‘Care Plans tab’ on the menu bar on the left hand side, then click add and type in Referral to Respiratory Nursing , once selected please complete the form and sign.

The team will still be contactable for IP queries on the Respiratory CNS Mobile 07817 870 198.

The team have an office at Sandwell and can be contacted via telephone, 0121 507 3981. Please note that this telephone line won’t be manned daily.

The team are working between Monday – Sunday 8am-4pm (except Christmas Day).

Saying goodbye to City with Stephanie Coates

For over 130 years, City Hospital has served Birmingham and its residents. Over the years, countless individuals have started their careers there, dedicating their lives to helping others. One such person is Stephanie Coates, a Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist.

“When I first qualified as a nurse in 1993, I never could have imagined how my career would develop. I joined City Hospital in 1999, where I joined as a Senior Staff Nurse in Critical Care. Those early years in the critical care unit were some of the happiest. The camaraderie we shared, the dedication, and the intensity of the work forged bonds with my colleagues that remain until today.

“Over the next 15 years, I progressed to Sister and then to Professional Development Sister, roles that allowed me to mentor others while continuing to grow alongside my team. In 2014, I became a Cardiology Matron, a new challenge that spanned eight years. The initial phase involved working across sites, but in 2015, I played a key role in centralising cardiology services in preparation for the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. It was an ambitious undertaking, but I was fortunate to collaborate with an exceptional multi-disciplinary team. In the same year we won Cardiology Team of the Year.”

Like so many in the NHS, Stephanie found everything changed in 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic tested every aspect of healthcare and every one of us in it. Based on my experience, I led the respiratory hub, later extending my responsibilities to the gastroenterology ward at Sandwell. It was, without a doubt, the most challenging period of my career.

“The team and I faced an extraordinary task: expanding care capabilities for critically ill patients. We introduced CPAP, and high-flow nasal oxygen therapies – interventions that stretched us technically and emotionally. Leading the team involved supporting their clinical skills and being present during the most challenging moments, including decisions regarding end-of-life care. Palliative care specialists became invaluable partners during this time, offering both expertise and empathy.

“Those days tested my resilience, compassion, and leadership like nothing else. Our respiratory team received a nomination for Clinical Team of the Year at the SWB Star Awards, recognising the strength and dedication of every team member.”

In 2023, Stephanie decided to make a career change. “After much soul searching, I chose to follow my heart into palliative care. Now, as a Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist, I work in both acute and community settings, providing care that is as rewarding as it is challenging. Supporting patients and their families at such a vulnerable time is a privilege. Each day reminds me why I chose nursing: to make a difference.

“Reflecting on over 25 years at City Hospital, I feel nothing but gratitude. I will remember the remarkable colleagues, experiences, and lifelong friendships I have made. I have worked with some amazing, caring and compassionate people and I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to start my career again.”

City Gym permanently closing: 29 November

We would like to inform all colleagues that City Gym will be permanently closed from Friday 29 November. As part of our transition to the MMUH, we appreciate that this may affect your fitness routine and want to reassure you that the Sandwell Gym remains fully operational for your use.

In addition, we are actively working on alternative fitness options to continue supporting your health and wellbeing.

If you wish to join Sandwell Gym, you can do so here.

Please stay tuned for further updates through our staff communications. We will share new arrangements and opportunities as soon as they become available.

Double your defence, get vaccinated!

Every year, rates of respiratory conditions such as flu increase across the winter season, putting people across our communities at risk. To protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients, we offer vaccinations over a number of months, offering all colleagues the opportunity to stay safe and protected this winter. Vaccinations are drop-in only, you do not need to book. You will be able to have either or both of the vaccines, administered in two separate injections, on the same day.

Please see vaccination timetable below:

Note: Due to patient and staff move dates for MMUH, vaccination clinic locations may change, so please refer to the updated communications posted throughout the month.

For more information, please call Occupational Health between Monday to Friday 8.30am – 1pm on 0121 507 3306 to speak directly to a member of the vaccination team.

Do you want to car share and priority park?

We have partnered with KINTO Join and the Integrated Care System (ICS) so that colleagues can buddy up and car share to get to/from work. The app also allows for cycling and walking in groups and is free to use. Car sharing, walking and cycling via the app allows colleagues to share journeys to.

There will be car sharing priority bays at MMUH. To use these, you must register with Kinto.

If you would like to know more and join a quick demonstration, please register for the event this week (Monday 18 November – Friday 22 November) for a 30-minute demo session.

The demo will be held on Monday 25 November at 12pm via teams.

To download the car sharing app click here.

Saying farewell to City with Pun Sharma

Saying farewell to City with Pun Sharma, Chief Pharmacist.

To hear Pun talk about his City experience, click here.

Simon Plant says goodbye to City Hospital

Simon Plant, Associate Head of Pharmacy, says goodbye to City Hospital.

Click here to watch his video from our final move day at City.

Update: New bleeps for Clinical Nurse Practitioner teams

Following the move to MMUH, the Clinical Nurse Practitioner teams have gone from 4 bleeps to 3.

The previous deputy manager bleeps were:

• Sandwell 6126
• City 5401

From now on the duty manager beep will be on 6126 only.

The clinical bleeps have also been divided into Alpha and Bravo, those located on levels 2 and below will be on bleep Alpha 6014 and those located on levels 3 and above will be on Bravo bleep 5046.

Hallam Restaurant opening hours

Hallam Restaurant at Sandwell Health Campus will now be open Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 4pm where they will continue to serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon hot and cold food.

Note: Hallam Restaurant will be closed on the weekend.

International Fraud Awareness Week

This week is International Fraud Awareness Week, colleagues from our fraud team (RSM) have provided a week of events to help highlight fraud and how it can effect people in their every day lives.

To read about Fraud and the events taking place, click here.