Monthly archives: November 2024

Join Richard for a cuppa…

Richard Beeken, Chief Executive, is making regular trips to our catering facilities and welcomes any colleague to join him for a chat. This can be simply to say ‘hello’ or to raise any issues, whether they are good or not so good, over a cup of coffee or two.

Every week, Richard will be in one of the on-site coffee shops/canteens and is looking forward to chatting to colleagues from any team or service.

If you can’t make Richard’s breakfast time, don’t worry – just drop him a line on r.beeken@nhs.net and he would be pleased to hear from you.

Please see below for Richard’s next session:

SWB Specialty Referrals survey

SWB Specialty Referrals re-audit. A 4 year follow up investigation of the ‘ specialty referrals PDF’ among all doctors at the Trust.

If you would like to find out more information, please contact sebastian.yim3@nhs.net

To take part, please complete the survey by scanning the QR Code below or click the link here

Workshops to help shape NHS 10-year health plan

The NHS, in collaboration with local authorities and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations, is committed to improving the quality of patient care and health outcomes and building a health service fit for the future.

To achieve this, the NHS is embarking on the largest public engagement exercise in its history to develop a new 10-Year Health Plan, set to launch in 2025.

As part of this initiative, the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) is hosting a series of face to face and online workshops throughout December, providing patients, their families, and the wider public an opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and hopes for the NHS.

These panels aim to capture your diverse perspectives to inform immediate improvements and long-term changes in healthcare delivery.

Panels take place:

• Monday 9 December 10.30am -1pm St Johns Methodist Church, Victoria Avenue, Walsall, WS3 3HS – Click here to book
• Tuesday 10 December 10.30am -1pm  Priory Community Centre, Priory Road, Dudley, DY1 4DS – Click here to book
• Wednesday 11 December 10.30am -1pm Change Makers Hub, Unit 5, Railway Drive, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LE –  Click here to book
• Thursday 12 December 10.30am -1pm West Smethwick Park Pavillion, Smethwick, B67 7JJ – Click here to book
• Thursday 12 December, 6pm – 7.30pm, online for all system colleagues – click here to book

Mark Axcell, Chief Executive Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “It is your experiences—good, bad, and sometimes frustrating—that will help shape this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future. “This is your chance to be part of shaping a modern, effective, and resilient NHS. So, please take part in one of the workshops and have your say in building a health service that works for everyone.”

For more information and to register for a workshop, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website here.

Cardiac Rehabilitation are racing to Lapland

From November 19 through to December 18, the cardiac rehabilitation team are walking, cycling and rowing the distance from Sandwell to Lapland!

The team will be getting their miles in at the cardiac rehab gyms at City, Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm and at Sandwell on Monday 8am – 12pm or Wednesday 8am – 7pm.

If you would like to sponsor our patients and help the team raise money for the new departmental equipment you can do so by:

Scanning the QR Code below or clicking the link here: http://bit.ly/48T891n

FIT Testing now at MMUH

Staff are now able to make an appointment for FIT Testing via ESR.

Appointments can be made by calling:

Kristian Burgoyne: 07977 78768

Qamar Zaman: 07977 687571

Lewis Moloney: 07977 783314

FIT testing has now relocated to Level 8 at MMUH on the west side of the building.

FIT testing is not taking place at City anymore. For any enquiries please email lewis.moloney1@nhs.net

Please see the guide here

Cold weather alert: Level 2 – alert and readiness

We are currently experiencing severe cold and frosty weather and expect it to continue throughout the weekend.

This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your departmental emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

All areas should have business continuity plans agreed with their staff for cold weather. These should include:

• Working with colleagues regarding their ability to report for work if transport systems are affected
• Agreeing working arrangements for severe weather in advance, including potentially the need for staff to stay overnight

Colleagues are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

• If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
• To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
• Colleagues unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
• Colleagues who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area.  This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

The PHE cold weather plan can be accessed by clicking here. 

Do you know how to contact Security?

With us moving many parts of our services to MMUH, it is vital colleagues know how to reach out to security.

Security can be contacted on the below contact numbers should you need their support on any of our sites:

• Sandwell: 0121 507 2575
• City: 0121 507 5826
• MMUH: 0121 507 3163

Note: In an emergency you should always call the police on 999. If you are on one of our sites, then you can call the Security team on ext. 2222.

Resus vending machines now on Level 4 MMUH

The resus vending machines at MMUH are now located on level 4 in the corridor by Bed Lift West and the Children’s Assessment Unit.

Fobs are compatible for all vending machines across the Trust, however if you are still in possession of one of the deactivated black fobs, please email the resus team on swbh.resuscitationtraining@nhs.net to arrange for a replacement.

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.”