Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 3 September
September 3, 2021
The Trust Board public meeting took place yesterday which as always provided a useful opportunity to discuss Trust’s performance and consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our current and future plans. The Chairman expressed on behalf of the Board his gratitude to all staff for everything you continue to do in the face of COVID-19. Adapting to different ways of working and changing how we do things, sometimes at short notice, is a challenge. And it remains a challenge to keep going despite all that you have been through. Your actions and commitment are recognised and valued and you are continuing to provide vital services to patients and families, in the most trying of circumstances – thank you.
The highlight of the Board meeting for me was the presentation from midwives Afrah Muflihi and Sylvia Owusu-Nepaul who are leading the way in our maternity services on equality, diversity and inclusion. They talked about how they are engaging with different communities across Sandwell and West Birmingham and the importance of ensuring that maternity services feel safe and welcoming for any woman no matter their background, culture, race or country of origin. We can make a demonstrable difference to the health of babies and mothers if people know how to access our services and present at the right times for appointments, scans and tests. Our services need to recognise the barriers that we, perhaps unknowingly, put in the way. They also talked about new ways to hear from families about their experiences throughout their pregnancy and birth journeys understanding that many people are reluctant to complain or voice concerns if they feel something hasn’t been done as well as it could have been. Afrah described how they are thinking through ways to ask women about the one thing that could have made their experience better. This is a great way of engaging with people to better understand what more we could be doing to improve care, and also uncover if there are any more serious concerns that they haven’t felt comfortable in raising. Is this something you could consider doing in your service? Why not try it and see what happens as a result?
I hope some of you were able to join in to hear Dr Phil Hammond’s light-hearted show last night that was broadcast from City Hospital. Do take the opportunity to listen to your colleagues sharing their thoughts on humour in the NHS and some of the funny experiences they have had throughout their careers. You will even have an opportunity to listen to the musical talents of our very own Tony, from the coffee shop on the main spine at City, a true local legend! You can catch up on the show on BBC Sounds – search for “Dr Phil’s Bedside Manner”.
Congratulations to Syria Munhuweyi who is this week’s Star of the Week. Nurse Syria was nominated by a medical colleague for her professional, caring approach and the compassionate way she supports family members. Her care of a patient at end of life was praised by the family who felt that Syria deserved a medal for her considerate care, keeping the family informed and ensuring that their loved one was comfortable. This is a fantastic example of outstanding care. Thank you, Syria.
Next week is the first ever national Pride in the NHS Week, hosted by NHS England with a virtual pride event taking place between 6 and 10 September. The event takes place in the online People Promise festival arena, combining a range of insights to create a truly accessible and engaging experience. All are welcome to take part at whatever time during the week that you can make it and I hope many of you can join in. For more information and to access your free entry passes go to the dedicated information site – https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/pride-in-the-nhs-week-and-nhs-virtual-pride
Finally, a plea from me to you all. Unsurprisingly, given the loosening of social distancing and mask wearing restrictions in shops, hospitality and wider society, I am starting to observe a significant move away from our own adherence to these measures which continue to be required of us in healthcare settings. Let me be blunt – your nose is connected to your lungs. Please wear your masks at all times when in rooms or corridors with other colleagues or other people and please wear those masks properly.