Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 5 November

November 5, 2021

I have a few pieces of good news to report this week, which are very welcome.

Firstly, but for a few caveats, I am expecting that we will receive a report from NHSE/I following their recent infection prevention and control (IPC)  inspection that moves our Trust out of the “red” category and into “amber”. This is a significant shift so thank you to everyone who worked hard to ensure that our areas were demonstrably cleaner than during the previous inspection, and thank you to the colleagues who were seen to be correctly following our Trust’s IPC policies to keep colleagues and patients safe. We must not be complacent – I’m sure you would all agree that “amber” is far from where we would want to be, and not yet a rating to be completely proud of. Nevertheless there is solid progress and a great first step on the journey to consistently delivering the fundamentals of care.

Our pop-up vaccination hub, that we run in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, was successful in winning the Public Health award in the Local Government Council national award scheme. The ceremony was last night and our whole team deserve your wholehearted congratulations. We cannot underestimate the importance of our population being vaccinated against COVID-19. For our communities, with high levels of deprivation, long term health conditions, with significant employment in factory and food production where COVID-19 can spread rapidly, getting the vaccine out to people within their own communities has been vital. Continuing to ensure people are protected will save lives and also protect the NHS this winter. This team can be proud that they have saved many lives this year.

Protecting our communities also means that we all need to do the right thing and ensure we ourselves are protected from flu and COVID-19. We will have more vaccinators out shortly in clinical areas to make it easier for you to get your flu jab whilst at work on a shift but I would urge you not to delay. Just like the message about doing the right thing in terms of cleanliness and infection prevention and control measures, it is important for you to do the right thing in getting vaccinated. Follow the example of AMU sister Keeley Hopcraft as seen in the photo above and pop along to the vaccine hubs at your earliest opportunity.

Lastly, I am happy to report a milestone on the MMUH construction. We now have power directly into the hospital with the lights being switched on overnight. We continue to work closely with Balfour Beatty and are getting ever closer to confirming our opening date. The construction progress continues and many of you are working hard on the work needed to clarify our clinical pathways and the workforce and financial resources required so that we can be truly proud of the improved patient experience when MMUH opens in 2023.

Happy Diwali, to all who celebrate this important festival.

Richard