Quality-DrivenResponsibleCompassionate

PridePennine

in

Issue 143 • February 2016

Pennine News

Founder of #hello my name is…. Campaignvisits Trust to inspire staff

INSIDE this issue:

• Countdown to Chief Inspector of Hospitals’ CQC visit

• New paediatric speech and language therapy service

• Celebrating high quality end of life care programme

• New front of house PALS team

In the news2 February 2016

MORE timely treatment will now be offered to children and babies at The Royal Oldham and North Manchester General Hospitals, who experience feeding, swallowing and communication problems.

The Trust has appointed its first paediatric speech and language therapist. Barbara Rossington started in her new role after spending 30 years working as a speech and language therapist with babies and children with feeding difficulties and complex needs in the Bury area.

She will provide inpatient support to the paediatric wards and neonatal units at The Royal Oldham Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital.

Barbara said: “It is an exciting challenge setting up this new service. The service was previously bought in from another Trust on a cost per case basis and so this meant that assessment, advice and review of the individual children were not always as timely as they could be. Children and babies often had to wait for the care they needed to be delivered once they had been discharged back into community services.

“Children can have communication difficulties for a range of developmental and acquired reasons. These can include difficulties understanding language or expressing themselves. Being able to communicate with others is a basic human right. How would you feel if you couldn’t communicate with your loved ones such as asking for a hug or saying I love you?”

Barbara added: “Feeding and swallowing is a really difficult skill that involves lots of muscles and nerves working in synchrony. Things can easily go wrong as I am sure we’ve all experienced food ‘going down the wrong way’. For children with feeding and swallowing problems this can happen more frequently. I therefore have to consider the risks in their skill set and work out how to assist the child and family.”

Mum Natalie Hamilton and baby Olivia from Oldham have recently experienced Barbara’s help and support when Olivia was having problems feeding. She was born at 24 weeks and Barbara is working with them to encourage oral feeding so that Olivia can suck her feeding bottle. Natalie said: “Barbara gave us some really useful tips to help with Olivia’s feeding technique and she is now a lot happier feeding from her bottle.”

New paediatric speech and language therapy service

Barbara Rossington is pictured with Natalie Hamilton and baby Olivia

Diary dates 12 Feb - Love your heart cardiology talk. 2pm to 3pm, D3, education centre, Rochdale Infirmary

23 to 26 Feb - CQC visit to Trust’s hospitals

1 to 3 March - CQC visit to Trust’s community services

Inside NewsTHE Trust has several communication tools to help keep staff up to date:

Team Talk is sent round monthly, for use in all team briefings.

The chief executive’s Monday Message is emailed on Mondays and contains Trust, local and national key issues.

Weekly bulletins are emailed on Mondays and contain a range of operational and site information.

Online copies of all the bulletins and Team Talk, plus more, can be found on the Trust intranet at nww.pat.nhs.uk/communications

You can send your stories for either Pennine News or for local media to Trust communications at trust.communications@pat.nhs.uk or call Nicola Berry on 44284.

If you have any ideas, views or suggestions regarding communications across the Trust, please email staff.views@pat.nhs.uk

ContentsCountdown to the CQCvisit to the Trust ................................Pg 4/5

Staff podiatry service launched .......Pg 6

Celebrating high qualityend of life care programme ............Pg 6

Aiding retention of staffwith apprentices ................................Pg 7

Accessing patient records .................Pg 7

Macmillan acute oncologyservice ..................................................Pg 7

Team Talk ...........................................Pg 8

Team focus on ESR andworkforce information .....................Pg 9

Managing information risk -what is a SIRO? ..................................Pg 10

Your chance to improvediabetes health via research ............Pg 10

Trust charity round-up ......................Pg 11

Thought for the month ....................Pg 12

Counter fraud and securityawareness roadshows .......................Pg 12

Retirement Fellowshipcelebrates 35 years ............................Pg 12

New front of house PALS .................Pg 13

Trust overseas visitors’ teamhelping with health tourism ............Pg 13

Misba conquers Kilimanjaro ............Pg 14

Staff support networks .....................Pg 14

Festive cheer at Trust ........................Pg 15

Staff notice board .............................Pg 16

Please recycle this magazine

3In the news

THE doctor and terminally ill cancer patient from Leeds, famous for setting up the Hello My Name Is campaign has visited Fairfield General Hospital to speak to healthcare cadets.

Dr Kate Granger, MBE, spoke movingly about her life and experiences as a doctor and cancer patient and described how after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2011, and her subsequent sessions of chemotherapy, she has not always been introduced to the healthcare staff that are treating her.

She said: “The introduction by a healthcare worker of saying Hello, my name is…, is about a connection between a person who is suffering and a person who is trying to help them. It’s vitally important that we get that first impression right.

“I got the idea of the Hello, my name is campaign after an experience in an emergency department where I was treated by three different staff, none of whom introduced themselves to me, either by their name or job title. The first person to introduce himself to me was a porter and by him telling me his name, I immediately felt at ease.”

Dr Granger addressed an audience of multi professional healthcare cadets who are all training and working on a number of wards within Pennine Acute.

Representatives from the Trust’s education and research team were also there, alongside

staff from Skills for Health, who provide workforce solutions designed to improve healthcare.

It is hoped that Kate’s personal appearance will inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals at the Trust to embrace the ethos of the Hello My Name Is campaign and adhere to it throughout their future careers.

Ursula Caldwell, clinical educator at the Trust said: “The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Skills for Health Academy were delighted to welcome Dr Kate Granger to speak to approximately 90 multi-professional healthcare cadets. It was a wonderful and unique experience for the young cadets who are aged between 16 and 18 years ready to embark on their careers within the National Health Service. The Academy team discuss the #hellomynameis campaign with the cadets during their induction, however it is an extra boost to have the person who began this campaign speaking to them. It brings the whole campaign to life.”

Kate added: “I was keen to speak to the cadets so that they could hear about the values behind the campaign. I enjoy speaking to younger people as they are the future of our profession and if we get it right at the start with them, they will carry it on throughout their careers.”

Molly Fitzpatrick, a first year cadet from Blackley was particularly impressed with Dr

Granger’s presentation. She said: “I think it is amazing what Kate has achieved with her Hello My Name Is campaign. It has inspired me to be confident and speak up. I always introduce myself to patients as it makes them more comfortable and it is easier to strike up a conversation with them.”

Gill Harris, chief nurse at the Trust, said: “The Pennine Acute Trust signed up to the Hello My Name is campaign last year as we believe a confident introduction by healthcare workers is the first step to providing compassionate care to our patients. Patients deserve to know who is speaking to them and it is often all it takes to put patients at ease and make them feel relaxed whilst in our care.”

The Hello My Name Is campaign encourages nurses and other frontline NHS staff to tell their patients their name.

You can support Dr Granger’s campaign on Twitter by sending her a message at @GrangerKate, including your name and the phrase #hellomynameis

Pictured left to right: Ursula Caldwell, clinical educator at Pennine Acute Trust; Molly Fitzpatrick; Dr Kate Granger, MBE and Gill Harris, chief nurse at Pennine Acute Trust.

Dr Kate Granger, MBE, looks to inspire next generation of healthcare workers

Breastfeeding support enhanced for new mums and babiesNEW mums who choose to breastfeed at the Trust will now be supported by a lactation consultant.

Jennifer Sager, lead midwife/infant feeding co-ordinator has passed the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants’ examination.

Studying in her own time, Jennifer undertook 120 hours of study over a 12 week period. The exam comprises 175 questions on different areas around infant feeding, looking at pre-conception through to two years and beyond. In order to sit the exam, Jennifer had to have 90 hours of breastfeeding education and 1000 hours in practice, supporting mothers to breastfeed in the last five years.

Jennifer said: “The knowledge that I acquired during the course has already been directly applied in practice as I am able to give up-to-date evidence based information and support to women at Pennine Acute Trust hospitals.

“I am also disseminating my new knowledge to the maternity staff at the Trust so that they in turn can help to support the mums and their babies to breastfeed. The course has given me the confidence to manage much more complex and difficult feeding issues in practice.

“Breastfeeding has been widely known as the best method to feed a baby due to the health benefits, not only for baby, but also for mum. If we can increase the number of breastfed babies and encourage mums to feed for six months, there will be lower neonatal hospital

admission rates and less GP appointments for stomach and ear infections for babies, and for the mothers, it can help reduce the breast cancer rate.

Midwife Maria Turner has also passed the examination. Previously managing the post natal ward at Oldham, Maria is currently working as a rotational midwife within the maternity unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital and using her lactation skills on the maternity wards.

In order to keep certified, both Jennifer and Maria will have to be re tested in five years’ time.

Cathy Trinick, head of midwifery, said: “I am absolutely delighted for both Jen and Maria. The skills they bring to our maternity units will enable our midwives and support staff to support women breast feeding ensuring a positive experience. Successful completion of the course shows their absolute dedication to the mothers and babies of the Pennine foot print.”

News - Trust stories4 February 2016

CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ...

DEAR colleague,

As everyone who works at the Trust will know, the Care Quality Commission (known as the CQC) will be coming to visit and talk with our staff and patients and carry out an inspection of all our services in February.

The CQC is the healthcare regulator for health and social care services in England. Its role is to monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety.

This inspection of our services is an important milestone for the Trust, in our quality journey, and for our future.

Over the last 12-18 months we have very much focused on living our Trust values which bind us together at all times. We are determined to be: Quality Driven, Responsible and Compassionate.

We have systematically reviewed all of our governance and quality systems and processes and have launched our Raising the Bar on Quality programme and our ten point action plan to drive up quality at pace. Through our Pride in Pennine platform we are updating our quality strategy and have recently held a quality summit where over 300 staff worked on this strategy to make it come to life. I am proud to say that staff

have embraced this quality journey with real enthusiasm.

I believe that our CQC inspection is therefore very timely and we can use it to take stock of what we have achieved and where we need to do more. We should use the opportunity for all staff to show the CQC what we are proud of here at Pennine and how much we care about our work, our ward, our services and, most importantly, our patients and their families.

But equally as the CQC teams visit all of our services, wards and departments, I want you to be honest and open with them about where we need to improve to be the very best we can. The CQC bring a wealth of experience and we must ensure we use their feedback to help us on our quality journey and to learn from them.

As both a doctor and Chief Executive of this Trust, patient safety and quality of care is very dear to my heart. The standard of care we provide for each and every one of our patients in every interaction is central to everything we do.

So I ask you to join me in welcoming the CQC to our Trust in February, and to take the opportunity to work together and with them, to show them the excellent services we

provide and the progress we’ve made, but also to learn from them so we can provide excellent care and be the best we can both for our patients and each other.

There will be lots of information being cascaded and shared directly to all staff and through team meetings in the lead up to our CQC visit. It is important everyone ensures they are fully up to speed, prepared and understand the importance of our inspection.

A new section has been created on our intranet where you can find lots of information, guidance and a film on the CQC visit. If you have any questions, views, suggestions or issues you would like to raise in advance of our CQC visit, please speak with your ward or departmental manager, email staff.views@pat.nhs.uk or complete our staff feedback form on the CQC intranet page.

Dr Gillian Fairfield, chief executive

Pride in Pennine - our CQC inspection CQC visit to Pennine Acute hospitals (23 to 26 Feb) and community services (1 to 3 March)

Remember PRIDE:P – PATIENTS and their carers/families come first. The inspecting team will know this. If you are busy with a patient, let the inspector know and that you will be with them as soon as you can. Encourage patient/carer participation in the chat with inspectors where appropriate.

R – RESPECT patient privacy and dignity. Always check with our patients first if the inspectors want to observe your interactions with them and ask if they are happy to talk with them about their care. Explain to the patients who they are and why they are visiting.

I – INFORMATION GOVERNANCE must be considered and maintained when speaking with the inspecting team about patients and staff. Be mindful to keep conversations away from public areas to avoid disruption or breaching confidentiality. Ensure patient details are protected and not in public view, on screens or in hard copy.

D – DON’T panic if you don’t understand a question or don’t have the answer. Ask for clarification from the CQC inspector or state where you will obtain the information from and ensure you will get back to them.

E – ENSURE you familiarise yourself with the Trust Values, “Ten Point Quality Plan” and how to report an incident. Also know where your ward and team’s documentation is held, e.g. staff rota access, policies, procedures & protocols, patient pathways, patient information leaflets, observation monitoring sheets.

How can you identify the CQC inspectors?THE inspectors will be wearing a new purple coloured Pride in Pennine lanyard designed specifically for the visit so that they can be easily identified.

All staff should also be wearing their ID badges at all times and make sure that they are on display. They should either be worn on the Trust corporate lanyard or if engaged in direct patient care, on a clip fastening. The wearing of ID badges maintains a corporate and public identity and maximises security on Trust premises as staff without an ID badge could be challenged when accessing departments.

Think Trust Values in every action and interaction – Quality-driven, Responsible, Compassionate

Wear your Trust Pride in Pennine lanyard/ID badge at all times

Apply professional and organisational standards

Enure your patient care/treatment plans and risk assessments are up-to-date

Introduce yourself - #Hello my name is ….’. Listen to your patients.

Ensure your uniform is worn correctly and is neat and tidy. Follow dress code policy.

Ensure your PDR appraisal and mandatory training is up to date

Know where to find Trust Policies and guidelines (intranet)

Know how to raise a concern i.e. safeguarding/whistle blowing

Know when the last incident/complaint was reported on your ward/department and what the learning outcome was

Keep work areas neat and tidy. Take ownership of your work area and de-clutter

Remove out of date posters/materials. Check notice boards and information leaflets are up to date

Make sure you know how and where to report an incident

Turn PCs away from public view

Ensure fire extinguishers are in date and in the right place

Ensure complaints/compliments leaflets are available for patients/visitors

Ensure Alcogel is full and available for staff, patients and visitors on entering the ward/department

Report broken equipment. Replace broken furniture or remove items no longer used.

Ensure health records are stored safely and securely.

Ensure all medication is stored safely and securely, and medicine cupboards are locked at all times.

Ensure ward boards and corporate posters are displayed and up-to-date.

5News - Trust stories

CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ... CQC countdown ...

Pride in YOUR... Workplace

Pride in YOUR... Profession

Ward environment standardisation continuesTHE exciting work continues to standardise and improve the Trust’s ward environment as part of the Trust’s new Ten Point Quality Plan (‘Raising the bar on quality’).

A large part of the improvement work is to de-clutter and organise ward environments with ward staff, who have enthusiastically taken on this rewarding task. Studies have found that if you placed an object in the corner of an office, after 2/3 days the regular office staff won’t notice it, so a “fresh pair of eyes” is essential.

The Trust’s quality champions and the service improvement team are providing that ‘fresh pair of eyes’ conducting ‘walk abouts’ with ward managers, matrons and lead nurses to identify areas for improvement, aligning with the corporately agreed Ward Standard Guide. Feedback suggests this has been really useful as the fresh eyes often pick up areas overlooked during the de-cluttering process.

The hard working estates team continue to install dementia friendly signage around the wards with pictorial signs on bathrooms (pictured below), bays and side rooms, and ward managers have been keen to select their preferred colours and flowers/trees from the 18 available, with Poppy being the most popular choice!

Using the 5s/lean principle of “a place for everything and everything in its place” docking bay signs for electronic prescribing (EPMA) and resuscitation trolleys have also been installed to clearly mark the bays where they should be located.

Whilst there is still much work to do, we are making progress and we can do this, together!

Pride in YOUR... Colleagues and YOUR achievements Demonstrate and champion the Trust’s Values

Tell the inspectors what you are proud of at Pennine

Take the opportunity to share aspects of your work/service you are proud of

Routinely read and keep up-to-date with Trust news and staff achievements in the Chief Executive’s Monday Message, Pennine News and stories on the intranet

Support and understand other teams, departments and individuals in your own work

Tell the inspectors how we gain feedback from staff, patients and families about the care and services we provide

Take the opportunity to explain recent important service changes and developments

Explain to the inspectors how we learn and share lessons to make positive changes to improve care. Name examples where possible

Challenge each other and challenge poor staff attitudes

People6 February 2016

PENNINE Acute Trust registered with the NHS England ‘Transforming end of life care in acute hospitals’ programme in April 2014.

The aim of the programme was to empower clinicians to deliver excellent quality care at the end of life based on education, development and implementation of the following five ‘key enablers’ which informed the course content:

EPaCCS (Electronic palliative care coordination systems)

Advance Care Planning AMBER Care Bundle (Assessment,

Management, Best Practice, Engagement of patients and carers for patients whose Recovery is uncertain)

Individualised plans of care for each patient at end of life

Rapid palliative transfer

The programme was adapted for use in the Trust by the end of life care team and two wards from each of Pennine Acute’s four hospital sites were chosen to be end of life care transform wards - Wards 6 and 21 at Fairfield; F7 and F10 at Oldham; J6 and H4 at North Manchester and the Oasis Unit and CAU at Rochdale Infirmary.

Each transform ward identified at least four representatives to be end of life care ‘champions’ and they attended an end of life care course that consisted of three ‘classroom’ days with an exciting range of key note speakers and a two day Hospice placement working in partnership with St Ann’s, Springhill, Dr Kershaw’s and Bury Hospice which gave PAHT staff the opportunity to work within a specialist palliative care environment.

Following the classroom days and Hospice placement a ward based teaching programme was introduced where

information was given and training delivered to staff on:

Individualised end of life care plan Spiritual care Pain and symptom control

Now that the ‘Transforming end of life care in acute hospitals’ programme has been completed, we have audited and an implementation plan is currently being produced to roll out to another cohort of wards within the Trust for 2016.

The end of life care team would like to thank staff on the transform wards for taking part in the programme and would also like to thank the specialist palliative care teams and the spiritual care team for their support with the programme.

A Celebration Day (pictured above) was held at the Norton Grange Hotel in November 2015 to acknowledge the high quality end of life care, compassion and dignity that has been shown to patients and their families by the end of life care champions.

For more information on the National Transform Programme please visit nhsiq.nhs.uk. For more information on the PAHT transform programme please email: endoflife.care@pat.nhs.uk

Pictured above, left to right: Jenny Curran, Wolstenholme Unit RI ; Angela Hulse, specialist palliative care team NMGH; Louise McMahon, matron NMGH; Sandra Tauson, spiritual care team; Gill Hamdan, ward 6 FGH; Lindsey McGowan, J6 NMGH; Tony Bonser, Trustee National Council for Palliative Care; Pauline Abraham, F10 FGH; Sarah Mullen, end of life care team; Eduard Sieg-Hogg, F7 TROH; Christine Taylor, end of life care team; Wendy Markham, F10 TROH and Rebecca Taylor, end of life care team.

Staff podiatry service launchedTHE Trust has introduced a new staff podiatry service following a request via the Chief Executive’s Challenge of April to July 2015, focusing on Healthy, Happy, Here.

The service is initially on the North Manchester site and will be rolled out across the remaining three main hospital sites over the early part of 2016, with the aim of one session per month on each site. Sessions comprise of six 30 minute appointments which can be booked via the Trust’s Mediscreen occupational health and wellbeing service.

According to the Society for Chiropodists and Podiatrists our feet bear the brunt of our daily working life. Prolonged standing, walking, operating machinery, high heels, falling objects and slippery surfaces are just some of the dangers we expose our feet to in the workplace.

Every year, 2 million sick days are lost due to lower limb disorders, and many of these sick days could be prevented by simply:

wearing the right shoe for the job;

following an appropriate daily foot care routine

Standing for long periods may cause pain or discomfort to the feet, ankles, knees and hips, as well as to the back and neck. Also, standing for long periods in unsuitable footwear may exacerbate any underlying problem employees may have with their joints, increasing the rate at which arthritic changes take place.

By introducing a staff podiatry service staff will be able to obtain advice, support and basic foot treatments for a nominal fee of £5 per appointment.

The Trust podiatrists are highly skilled professionals trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections. General treatments, following full consultation, include skin, such as corn and callus removal, nail-care, soft tissue and connective tissue problems, and advice on footwear.

For further information visit the Trust health and wellbeing pages of the intranet (search: foot health)

Celebrating high quality end of life care programme

7News - Trust stories

A SHORTAGE of applicants for support secretary roles has led to a Trust department taking an innovative stance and trying to ‘grow their own’ secretaries!

The elective access team were struggling to recruit to the band three support secretary role and so decided to look at other ways to bring this level of knowledge and skill into the clinical administration service.

Approaching the learning and organisational development team with their idea to bring apprentices into the service, the clinical administration manager, Diane Whetham, was involved in interviewing the prospective candidates, and two of the apprentices, Katie Robertson and Sara Adrees, commenced in post last September.

They are both supported by mentors and site supervisors and work alongside medical PAs and medical secretaries in providing typing and administrative support.

Katie said: “From the first day I started everyone has been extremely friendly towards me and has taken the time to show me the different elements of the job. I have watched how the secretaries work with their consultants, answer queries on the phone and complete their daily work.”

Practising touch typing and audio typing, Katie and Sara were soon up and running and learning all the different systems at the Trust. Katie continued: “I am really enjoying my time working here and taking part in what I believe is a really great opportunity which is allowing me to gain experience and knowledge, whilst actually completing the role at the Trust.

I am enthusiastic to continue to work here and to learn more aspects of my role and progress further.”

Sara is also enjoying the opportunity that the Trust has given her. She said: “This is an amazing experience and I am really enjoying it here. Everyone has been so welcoming and I cannot wait to see where this opportunity takes me in the future.

Janet Hardman, clinical administration supervisor has been helping the apprentices settle into their new roles. She said: “Katie and Sara have progressed really well with their training. They are now typing ‘live’ letters under the guidance of a PA and I feel that this is a massive credit to them as we did not expect them to be able to undertake this level of work for another couple of months. We try to give them as much variety as possible within the work they undertake and we give them a list of medical terminology words to learn every week, which they are very enthusiastic about.”

Dawn Robinson, elective access manager, said: “I have been particularly impressed with the volunteers within the secretarial team becoming mentors to the apprentices. Without this support from the PAs within the service we would not be in a position to progress the introduction and development of the apprentice role within the team.”

The apprentices will be in post for 18 months with the opportunity to apply for a band three position following the successful completion of their apprenticeship. They are currently studying for an apprenticeship qualification with The Manchester College and attend classes once a week.

Macmillan acute oncology serviceTHE Macmillan acute oncology service at Pennine Acute has got a new webpage on the Trust’s intranet. The team of health care professionals (nurses, consultant oncologists/ doctors), managers and administrators are involved in the management and care of oncology patients admitted to the Trust.

The pages detail who is who within the team, give clinical guidelines and patient information leaflets along with referral and contact numbers. They can be found under the clinical departments section.

Launch of the Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP) assessment service and MDT

The Pennine CUP assessment service is delivered by the acute oncology team and provides specialist inpatient oncology support and advice to clinical teams, patients and carers. Where a Malignancy of Unknown Origin (MUO) or CUP is suspected, the team welcomes contact from teams to discuss appropriate investigation and management. The ‘Guidelines for Investigation and Management of Malignancy of Unknown Origin (MUO) / Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)’ are under the clinical documents section of the Intranet.

Health record access requestsDOCTORS, nurses and the team of healthcare professionals caring for our patients keep records of their treatment and care both on paper and electronically. These include personal details including name, address, date of birth, ethnicity and religion, NHS number and next of kin, test results etc.

All personal information is safeguarded by the Data Protection Act 1998 and the sensitivity of patient information is well understood within the NHS. Patients must be asked for explicit consent for identifiable information to be shared with non-care organisations which will be subject to strict agreement about how it will be used, for example, housing departments, education services, chaplains, voluntary services, government departments, police and regulatory bodies.

Any requests for access to a patient’s health record must be forwarded immediately to the patient health records access service, level D, Rochdale Infirmary. If you receive any requests in error, please could you let the department know on 0161 656 1750 or healthrecordsaccess@pat.nhs.uk

Department ‘grows its own staff’ to aid retention

Team talk8 February 2016

Have you been briefed?Team Talk takes place once a month and is a way of updating you about the latest news from the Trust.

JAN TEAM TALK Team Talk

Open and honest ward boards AS part of the Trust’s commitment to be open and honest with our patients and their families, and to drive up quality, daily information is recorded and displayed on new ward boards. These are being installed on all wards and bring a standardised approach to important ward information. Guidance for staff has been circulated to ward managers and matrons and is also available on the intranet under the Nursing & Midwifery section. It is important this guidance is followed. New patient bed boards are also being introduced across all wards.

A&E pressures and Trust winter resilience plansSERVICES across the NHS are under a huge amount of pressure. Our Trust, along with other Acute Trusts nationally, are seeing extremely high numbers of patients presenting at our A&E departments. Many of these patients require hospital admission and need medical care and treatment. This is compounded by our severe inpatient bed pressures on our wards, with very high numbers of patients occupying beds both due to clinical care and delayed discharges. Many patients are staying in hospital for longer than they need to.

In an effort to help alleviate the pressures on our services and to support staff, and to ensure we focus on giving our patients the safest and very best care and experience we can, the Trust has implemented a number of measures to proactively manage patients. This will help create capacity on our wards and improve the flow of patients in and out of our hospitals.

We need to ensure that our patients are in the right place at the right time, and that priority is given to our acutely ill patients and those who require specialist treatment.

We all need to be as proactive as possible and manage every patient.

We need to work together across all departments and specialties to focus on discharging patients who are medically fit.

We need to ensure every patient has a clear management plan and any patient still requiring a test needs to be flagged up.

Consultants will be required to review all management plans for their patients who have the potential to discharge.

Emergency departments must ensure 4 times daily consultant ward rounds in each department to review each patient and the management plan.

We are planning to scale back on some elective surgery to free up beds and staffing for medical patients.

High standards of care and patient safety remain our top Trust priority and this will not be compromised. This includes the ability for us to create capacity for those who need to be admitted and stay in hospital and to staff our wards safely with the required number of staff and to continue to deliver high standards of care.

Staff flu vaccinationTHIS year’s Influenza (Flu) vaccine includes protection against H1N1 and is available from our occupational health and link nurses. It is now even more important that those staff who have not yet had the flu vaccination have it now to protect themselves, their patients and their families, before the influenza season develops further.

The Trust’s acting medical director and chief nurse are keen to ensure all staff in clinical areas, particularly in urgent care, MAUs, theatres and critical care have received their flu vaccination. It is important to note that staff sickness from flu could put additional pressure on our already stretched services and departments.

So far over 4,400 staff have had their flu jab. We all have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure our patients and our colleagues are safe. Influenza is a deadly disease but one that we can prevent its spread.

To receive your flu vaccination you can visit occupational health Mediscreen at NMGH or Oldham. If five or more staff on a ward or department want the vaccination then our occupational health teams can come to your area. You can ring 51537 to arrange a time for them to come to you. More details about the staff flu vaccination programme including link nurse contacts can be found on the intranet.

A typical day

A typical day would involve :

checking ESR for notifications regarding professional registrations – we have an interface with both the NMC and GMC websites – ESR alerts us if there is an expired/issue with a registration;

running any ad-hoc reports as requested;

assisting the payroll services team with issues around inputting onto ESR;

updating information received from the management accounts system and data quality checks;

providing 1-2-1 training for ESR self service so visit all of our sites/community health centres.

What are the highlights of your job/service?

What would make your job/service better?

What word best describes your job/service?

What is the current biggest challenge in your

job/to your team?

How do you see your role developing?

What aspect of your job/service is the most

rewarding?

How has your job/service changed in the last 12

months?

Team focus - a day in the life of

Over the last year, and following the corporate restructure, ESR inputting has moved to payroll services. Whilst this has taken lots of work away from the team, it is more challenging to keep on top of the quality of our data.

The most rewarding part of the job is when we help employees access the system. It sounds like such a small thing, but it really makes a difference (especially having a nosy at their pension statement!). I also enjoy 1 to 1 training for supervisors/managers, showing them how to use the ESR Self Service side.

Future development for ESR includes ESR Enhance. This is due to be rolled out nationally in late 2016 and will include additional content such as Dashboard reports for managers. This will be a big challenge for the team to assist all users with the biggest update to the system since its introduction in 2007.

Our biggest challenge is keeping track of all 9000 + employees’ data, making sure everyone is paid correctly, has access to their record and is in the right place on the system to ensure budgets are correctly recharged.

Information.

ESR is a national system used across the NHS linking recruitment, HR, learning and payroll services.

It is our job to ensure all employee records are accurate, liaising with finance to ensure our work structures and establishment information is correct, enabling accurate reporting for the Trust Board and regional/national NHS organisations.

ESR also has functionality to allow employees and managers access to their own/their employee’s data via ESR self service.

Giving people access to their own information gives ownership and accountability for their data, learning and development.

9

As this is a national system, we are ranked on the quality of our data. Over the last six months we have significantly improved our ranking, but would like to encourage managers and employees to have a look at their details and let us know if they see any anomalies.

Team focus on electronic staff records (ESR) and workforce information

The 60 second interview

Angelia Morley is the ESR system manager based in Trust HQ at North Manchester. Pictured left to right: Tammy Hathaway, ESR administrator; Angelina Morley, ESR system manager; Melanie Keating, HR analyst and Jackie Livesey, strategic workforce planning manager.

News - Trust stories10 February 2016

INFORMATION is a valuable resource. Its loss can damage reputations and services, its misuse can damage organisations and individuals. The ease of data sharing and the speed at which it can be done means we all have a heightened duty to protect data and maintain patient confidentiality.

To help protect patient and staff information and systems the Trust has a new senior information risk owner or SIRO – Damien Finn, director of finance (pictured).

The senior information risk owner takes ownership of the organisation’s information risk policy and information risk management strategy. The aim of information risk management is not to eliminate all risk but to provide a framework in which it can be reliably identified, prioritised and managed, so that the NHS is protected from its potentially adverse consequences.

The SIRO’s key responsibilities are to:

Oversee the development of an information risk policy, and a strategy for implementing the policy within the existing information governance framework.

Take ownership of the risk assessment process for information and cyber security risk, including review of an annual information risk assessment to support and inform the Statement of Internal Control.

Review and agree action in respect of identified information risks.

Ensure that the organisation’s approach to information risk is effective in terms of resource, commitment and execution and that this is communicated to all staff.

Provide a focal point for the resolution and/or discussion of information risk issues.

Ensure the Board is adequately briefed on information risk issues.

Staff training and awareness is a critical

issue for the effective management of information risk.

All staff and contractors who have access to personal data must undergo annual information governance training including information risk awareness.

The SIRO verifies that a process exists to ensure staff and contractors receive this training on induction and annually thereafter. It is important for all staff to complete their IG mandatory training on an annual basis.

Staff training is available in the following ways:-

The education and training department run regular mandatory training sessions for staff. Please see weekly bulletin or the intranet for further details.

By e-learning via the link on the intranet homepage, A – Z listings section, select ‘Information governance mandatory training’. Just read the slides and answer the quiz (takes approx 20 mins).

Training banners/ learning boards can also be set up in your wards or departments by arrangement with learning and organisational development at Trust HQ Tel: 0161 720 2955, internal: 42955.

Managing information risk - What is a SIRO?

FESTIVE cakes were sold at North Manchester General Hospital in a bid to raise awareness around clinical trials currently available to patients receiving treatment for cancer.

The cancer team linked up with the Macmillan Information Centre, who now have information on clinical trials which are available to patients in the Trust.

Pennine Acute has recently opened the Add Aspirin trial with lead principle investigator Mr Absar. This trial assesses the anti-cancer effects of aspirin after primary cancer therapy, in all cancer disease groups.

For further information, contact the cancer research teams at North Manchester on 0161 918 4227 or at Oldham on 0161 627 8165.

Cakes for cancer clinical trials

Your chance to improve diabetes healthPATIENTS and members of the public are regularly asked if they would like to get involved in clinical research studies and now it is the turn of staff.

The diabetes centres at North Manchester and The Royal Oldham Hospital are recruiting to two studies for people who have diabetes.

DARE – Diabetes Alliance for Research in England.

The purpose of this study is to understand the cause of diabetes and its complications such as heart disease, diabetic eye disease and diabetes related kidney disease. To improve treatment and prevention of these important illnesses, we need to find both the genes and also non-inherited factors that make some people more likely to get diabetes and the medical problems related to diabetes.

TRIALNET – Screening for Families of People with Type 1 Diabetes

This study is open to family members of those already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Parents, children, brothers and sisters are eligible to be screened and cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren may also be eligible. Through a blood test, doctors can determine if an individual may be at risk for diabetes, years before symptoms appear.

Deborah Hall, senior research nurse at the diabetes centre at North Manchester General Hospital, said: “The diabetes research units have actively and successfully been involved in research for over 20 years and with support from the Trust they enable our staff and the wider NHS, nationally and regionally to improve the current and future health of the people we serve.”

If you would like to get involved in the research, contact Deborah Hall, senior research nurse on 0161 720 2090 or Simon Kaye, senior research nurse on 0161 627 8702.

Running in the dark for charityNOVICE runner Carla Johnson from Alderley Edge decided to take on the Manchester 5k Run in the Dark to show her appreciation for the hard working staff at the Trust.

Receiving fantastic support from her friends and colleagues, Carla raised £210 in the process.

The night-time challenge took place at Salford Quays attracting hundreds of runners of varying ability. On a route which started at Media City, runners passed attractions such as the Imperial War Museum and Lowry Theatre.

After crossing the finish line Carla said, “I don’t normally take part in activities like this, but I thought running in the dark through the streets of Manchester would be a fun way to support the hospital. 5k was a challenge for me, so you won’t see me signing up for any marathons anytime soon. It was great fun, I am so happy that I finished the course and proud to have raised money to help the hospitals continue their excellent work.”

11News - Trust stories

THE children’s daycase ward 4 at Fairfield General Hospital was delighted to accept a donation from the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity.

Joshua Wilson was 3½ when he was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour. Life-saving surgery to remove the tumour left Josh with serious post-operative complications. On his 13th birthday Josh and him mum, Dawn, launched the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity with an aim to help families living with childhood brain tumours and post-operative complications.

Josh defied all odds and turned 14 in August 2014, but sadly died the following November. Now that Josh has gone, Dawn, their family and all the charity supporters have continued the work of the charity in his legacy. This year the charity has received support from The Rock in Bury, raising funds to buy entertainment and distraction items for young patients at Fairfield General Hospital.

Dawn and Josh’s granddad John, accompanied by The Rock’s Marketing Manager Linzi Atkinson visited the ward to present their very generous donation.

Play specialist Angela O’Neil, said: “It is fantastic to have all these new items which I am sure will be put to good use by our young patients. Ward 4 cares for patients aged three years up to 16 years, so it is important to offer something

for all age groups. With books, toys, a television, headphones and lots of DVDs there is definitely something that will appeal to all our patients, making their time in hospital more pleasant.”

Linzi Atkinson, marketing and tennant liaison office at The Rock said: “We are delighted to be able to donate this much needed entertainment package to the children’s ward at Fairfield Hospital.

“It means a lot to us here at The Rock to be able to help people in the local community through our partnership with this charity and we would like to say a huge thank you to our customers and The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity for making this happen.”

Pictured left to right: Dawn Fidler (Joshua’s Mum); Angela O’Neil, play specialist; Linzi Atkinson, The Rock; Shelley Owen, charitable fundraising coordinator and John Fidler (Joshua’s granddad).

Children’s ward benefits from Joshua

Pennine Acute Hospitals CharityTo donate or register your fundraising email shelley.owen@pat.nhs.uk or ring 0161 908 4497 or text PAHC00 to 70070 eg PAHC00 £5

Life and comfort through Evie and NoahFOUR month old twins Evie and Noah have got a busy 12 months ahead on their hands as they will be the focus of a new fundraising campaign to buy an incubator for The Royal Oldham Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Born in August 2015 to Leanne and David Royal, the twins were 12 weeks premature and so required neonatal intensive care treatment. Noah was transferred to The Royal Oldham Hospital NICU for the treatment as there wasn’t a spare incubator at the hospital they were born in, and his sister followed him to The Royal Oldham the following day.

Dad David said: “Since 6 August 2015 Evie and Noah have both received incredible support and care from all the staff in The Royal Oldham Hospital’s NICU. We would like to help more babies like Evie and Noah by trying to raise enough money to buy another incubator so that hospital staff can continue with the amazing work that the NICU do each and every day.

“With the support of family, friends and the wider community, our aim is to complete a variety of different fundraising events over the next 12 months to try and raise our extremely challenging target of £15,000 which is the cost of just one incubator for The Royal Oldham’s NICU.

“We have set up the Life and Comfort fundraising campaign to help raise the money needed. The origin of Life and Comfort is simple; the meaning of the name Evie is life and the meaning of the name Noah is comfort.

“We are planning to complete at least one event per month so please try and support us by visiting our justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/David-Royle3 We have raised £1,453 so far.”

Running for LucyWHEN a friend’s daughter received care at The Royal Oldham Hospital, James Richards decided to show his appreciation for the hard working staff and give something back. James signed up to the Cheltenham Half Marathon with an aim to raise as much as possible to help the unit continue their amazing work.

Baby Lucy was taken onto the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital when she was born due to breathing problems. James said “The staff at Oldham Neonatal Unit have been looking after Lucy 24/7 and I’m delighted to announce after a lot of care and attention she is now out of intensive care and is progressing well.”

James completed his running challenge and with the generous support of family and friends he has raised an incredible £972.50 for the NICU.

NOVEMBER was counter fraud and security awareness month within the Trust.

Glynis Jones and Mandy Webster, the Trust’s local security management specialists joined Alun Gordon, the Trust’s lead local counter fraud specialist and the community police officers to visit each hospital site with a display stand, which was supported by the first edition of the new Fraud & Security Watch staff information leaflet, a raffle for prizes of chocolates and fraud awareness clocks.

During the events the specialists engaged with staff about protecting themselves from security and fraud risks as well as advice on how to safeguard NHS resources from health tourism. Staff were also given national and local examples of general crimes and frauds against the NHS which included arson and criminal damage to NHS premises, assaults on NHS staff and NHS frauds valued at over a million pounds.

The awareness events were well received and 366 multi-disciplinary staff from over 50

different wards and departments across our four hospitals entered the raffle, while over 900 staff received the Security and Counter Fraud Watch newsletter.

Pictured top, left to right: Alun Gordon, local counter fraud; Angela Greenhalgh, catering (our chocolate winner); Glynis Jones, security management; Nicola Diggle, support services; Mandy Webster, security; Val Howarth, catering and Gill Larkin, support services.

Pictured below - Roz Lawson from L&OD receiving her fraud awareness clock from Alun Gordon.

News - Trust stories12 February 2016

Counter fraud and security awareness roadshows

Thought for the month by Rev John Hall

AS the year seems to already be racing on it’s hard to think we are just about to begin the period of time for Christians known as Lent.

Most of us know and take part in Shrove Tuesday happily eating pancakes. The association with pancakes can be linked to using up rich foods before beginning a time of fasting to remember the days that Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Lent is a time when even non-Christians think about giving something up for Lent. After some of the indulgencies of the Christmas season, many people may have already begun to give up some unhealthy foods or habits and to adopt healthier foods or take up exercise. This can feel very sacrificial and sometimes we don’t last very long before regressing back into unhealthy ways.

I tend to think of taking something on during Lent as opposed to giving something up, an act of kindness, a thoughtful comment.

In our Trust we have the new weekly walks at North Manchester and there is a new commitment to the Rock Choir to which anyone can turn up.

As our inspection looms maybe it is a challenge to all of us to take something on in order to be as prepared as we can, to show that we can work well together to give the very best care to all who we encounter. Some of that is challenging, some of it will be hard.

As a team dedicated to spiritual care we are also challenged into how we can make sure we are doing the very best we can whether that is giving up one practice whilst taking on a new one.

Retirement fellowship’s 35th birthdayMEMBERS of the North Manchester branch of the NHS Fellowship celebrated their 35th anniversary last year.

Formed in 1980, the first meeting took place in the nurses’ home at North Manchester General Hospital, with the hospital catering department providing refreshments and the district offices providing clerical, postage and printing work.

Branch president and founder member, Bob Townsend, said: “From the start the Fellowship attracted a good mix of staff covering various disciplines. We were able to appoint officers for the branch who were dedicated to see it flourish and attract more members. With a programme of activities planned we were able to see our membership grow steadily each month.”

Hylda Whitehead, branch secretary said: “We meet at the Methodist Church near to North Manchester General Hospital and we look forward to many more years to enable the branch to provide a means of establishing friendships, a welfare service for those members too ill or handicapped to leave their home, and to enable former health service staff, regardless of grade or discipline, to meet in a social and friendly atmosphere.”

Chief executive Dr Gillian Fairfield and chief nurse Gill Harris joined the branch members to celebrate their 35th birthday.

For more information on the North Manchester branch of the NHS Fellowship contact Hylda on 0161 682 0014.

13People

PAT overseas team help combat health tourismTHE NHS provides free hospital treatment for people who live in the United Kingdom. Patients who do not usually live in the UK or if they have spent time living outside the UK may have to pay for their treatment.

Health tourism has become a huge financial burden on the NHS and the Department of Health has introduced strict rules which Trusts must adhere to.

Hospitals are responsible for checking who should pay for NHS hospital treatment and the law requires every NHS Trust to check all patients to determine whether they are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment.

The overseas visitors’ team at Pennine Acute have been implementing the Department of Health’s cost recovery support team’s recommended improvements, including working with colleagues to raise awareness and the profile of the team.

The Trust’s frontline staff ask every patient at every visit to one of our hospitals a residency based question as NHS hospital treatment is only free to people classed as ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK. To be considered ordinarily resident in the UK, patients must be living in the UK on a lawful and properly settled basis.

Staff should refer patients for assessment by the overseas visitors’ team who will arrange to see patients and assess if they are eligible for free NHS hospital treatment plus explain the relevant charging criteria.

Some NHS services are free at the point of use to everyone including: A&E services provided in an A&E department; family planning services (not including termination of pregnancy); diagnosis and treatment of specified infectious diseases.

Treatment which is classed as immediately necessary by the treating clinician will not be delayed whilst establishing whether a patient is liable for the cost of their treatment. Patients will still be charged for immediately necessary treatment.

Patients visiting from one of the 28 European Economic Area countries are asked to show their valid EHIC cards to hospital staff to receive free treatment.

Contacting the overseas visitors

The team is available between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Please contact:

Isobel Al Bourini and Thasleam Shahzad at North Manchester General Hospital on 0161 918 4233.

Nicola Delves and Lauren Kenyon at The Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital on 0161 656 1752

Beverley Brearley at Rochdale Infirmary on 01706 517027

Outside these hours messages can be left on an answerphone and the team can also be contacted by email: overseas.visitors@pat.nhs.uk

New front of house PALSPATIENTS and relatives at Pennine Acute hospitals now have improved access to advice and information following the re-launch of a vital service at the end of January 2016.

Originally the Patient Advice And Liaison Service (PALS) was only accessed by visiting the office at the IM&T building at North Manchester General Hospital or by using the dedicated telephone number of 0161 604 5897. While it is still possible to contact PALS via the telephone number, the service has now been greatly expanded to enable patients to air issues and concerns at dedicated PALS offices based front of house at each one of our four sites.

The new PALS offices will be located in the following venues;

North Manchester General Hospital PALS office will be located in the main reception area, to the right of the reception desk.

Fairfield Hospital Bury PALS office will be located in the main reception area, to the right of the reception desk.

The Royal Oldham Hospital PALS office will be located in the main reception area, to the rear of the main reception desk.

Rochdale Infirmary PALS office will be located in the main reception area, to the left of the main reception desk.

As part of the re-launch the PALS service has also increased the number of PALS officers in post. The current PALS officers are Julia Grant and Sue Hill, they welcome Gill Armstrong and Fiona Szelesi to their team.

The three main functions of PALS are:

to resolve the concerns of patients/visitors quickly without the need to go through the formal complaints process

to provide information about local health services and to signpost people to other appropriate services eg social services, NHS direct, relevant voluntary sector organisations, patient groups, etc.

to use the feedback from patients to support changes that will lead to service improvements and a better experience for patients and their families.

John Culshaw, head of complaints, PALS and legal services said: “The enhanced PALS service will help facilitate a more patient centred approach to resolving concerns raised by patients and relatives. The re-launch will also support the Trust’s pursuit to raising the bar on quality.”

Festive jumpersTHE admin girls in theatres at Oldham ramped up the festive spirit when they dressed in their Christmas jumpers for Christmas jumper day.

Christine Scholes and Jackie Avison are pictured looking full of the Christmas spirit.

People14 February 2016

Staff support networksTHERE are a number of staff support networks available to access.

Staff forums for Black Minority Ethnic (BME), disabled and lesbian gay bi and transgender.

The Trust is relaunching the above staff networks which will meet regularly and are forums for staff from the three equality groups to share experiences and provide mutual support and discuss issues affecting them with key decision makers.

The networks play a key role in promoting the equality and inclusion agenda within the Trust and are looking for new members. For more information, contact 0161 604 5893 or e-mail equality@pat.nhs.uk.

Occupational Health

Staff counselling

A counselling service is offered by the Trust’s Mediscreen occupational health and wellbeing service. Strictly confidential and offered to all employees, free of charge, the counselling usually lasts for six sessions and covers issues including: stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bereavement, coping with crisis and improving relationships (please note that this list is not exhaustive). To arrange sessions call 0161 778 5687 or email occupational.health@pat.nhs.uk

Other psychological support services

Access to an additional three psychological support services (cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotherapy and psychiatry) is available via occupational health, following a Mediscreen appointment / assessment or via a GP referral. For further information visit the Trust health & wellbeing intranet pages.

Fast track physiotherapy

All staff can access a free fast track in-house physiotherapy service with initial assessments available on all four main hospital sites. The service offers assessment and treatment for a wide range of injuries such as: pulled muscles, sports injuries, back and neck pain and accidents at work. To self refer call 0161 720 2727 (internal: 42727) or email occupational.health@pat.nhs.uk

Health and wellbeing champions’ support meetings and workplace mediators’ support meetings

These meeting takes place quarterly and provide an opportunity to share ideas/experiences and learn from each other, confidentially and anonymously. For further information e-mail:- michelle.waite@pat.nhs.uk or telephone:- 0161 919 70901.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a nationally recognised model of good practice in mental health crisis support, which provides accessible 24 hour support in the community for those experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts, and who are in crisis. For details:- www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/sanctuary, or telephone 0161 637 0808.

Northwest AHP network

This network is open to all AHPs from across the region and is particularly keen to welcome new members. For more information visit the website:- www.ahpnw.nhs.uk.

Raising concerns with patient safety – BMA

The BMA is launching a six month pilot in the North West offering a new service to members. A dedicated local advisor will be available to provide support to members who want to raise concerns about patient safety. To contact the dedicated adviser phone 0300 123 1233 or e-mail raisingconcerns@bma.org.uk.

UNISON

Unison provides a number of benefits to members including advice, support and help, a helpline that is open until midnight during the week and 4pm on Saturdays, legal help, financial assistance and compensation for accidents and injuries at work, education and training advice and courses plus a number of exclusive member discounts. See website:- www.unison.org.uk

There are a number of unions recognised by the Trust. A list is available in the Trade Union Policy.

Misba conquers Kilimanjaro AN employee at the Trust has conquered the highest mountain in Africa to help raise money for equipment for poorly children.

Misba Khan, who works in the finance department at North Manchester General Hospital, spent nine gruelling days tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. On Christmas Eve, Misba reached the summit of Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 5,895m.

As a keen walker, Misba has completed many treks including the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

The Khan Kili Klimb as it has been dubbed by Misba’s family is raising money to support the children’s unit at North Manchester General Hospital. The unit cares for patients aged 3 – 16 years with a wide variety of needs. Funds raised by Misba will be used towards the purchase of portable sensory equipment.

The sensory voyager is a portable sensory studio solution which brings sensory equipment to a child who is unable to access a sensory room. Many children are immobile in bed and the sensory voyager brings to life their single room and allows the children to completely relax, giving them complete control of the surroundings about them.

After finally reaching the summit, an exhausted but excited Misba said: “The mountain really tested me in many ways. Aside from the striking natural beauty, the breathtaking sunset and sunrise, you need willpower, a sense of humour, a healthy body and luck. I really struggled with the last summit as everyone was tired and we were walking like zombies! The teamwork pulled everyone through though and I am lucky to have had such a great experience.”

So far Misba has raised £1,416 for the new equipment. To support Misba, you can donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/KhanKiliKlimb

15People

STAFF, friends and family from the integrated & community services division decided to give something back at Christmas and organised two events at Rochdale Infirmary.

The first was for the homeless people of Rochdale with an idea brought forward by Sister Karen Archibald and organised by Matron Louisa Harkness-Hudson, clinical matron Rochdale acute services and Katie Foster, directorate manager – out of hospital services. It took place in Café Aroma where invited guests were treated to meat and potato pie made by Howard Cartledge and Julie Leonard from the catering department and home-made mince pies made by the Cooks at Tudor Court. Staff from the division were asked to donate warm clothing – hats, socks, gloves and any other items that may be useful for the homeless during the cold winter months.

Over 40 homeless people attended the event and were kitted out with warm winter clothing whilst enjoying the hot supper. Thanks to everyone who supported the event - there will be another one at Easter.

In another event, staff from the Clinical Assessment Unit, Oasis Unit and the Wolstenholme Intermediate Care Unit treated their patients to a festive lunch after a suggestion by Julie Leonard in the catering department.

The lunches were served in communal areas with crackers and hats and gifts for all, delivered by Santa and his elves. Santa (otherwise known as Anthony Szylak) and the Elves (Katie Foster, Jackie Heatley and Louisa Harkness-Hudson) dished out presents and joined in with Christmas carols.

Rochdale puts on the festive cheer

UNITE makes Christmas special for poorly childrenFATHER Christmas made a special appearance to hand out presents to children at The Royal Oldham Hospital, which were donated by UNITE’s Pennine branch to help bring some festive cheer in the run up to Christmas.

The union also laid on Christmas party food and drink for the kids to enjoy. Donating £1,500 towards the presents and food, the remainder was used to purchase educational toys and games for the children’s department. The newly purchased items will be put in the play area which will help staff treat the poorly children and keep them entertained while in hospital all year round.

Nigel Pollitt, UNITE rep and branch secretary at Pennine Acute Trust branch said: “This was an idea that branch chair Gareth Griffiths and I had during the year. We brought it up at the branch meeting and our members voted unanimously in favour. We wanted to show that unions have a personal side and are not just there for industrial issues. We at UNITE care about our community and care even more about the children, who after all are our future.”

Pictured left to right: Ava and dad Stuart Holmes with Nigel Pollitt (dressed as Santa), UNITE rep and branch secretary at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust branch

Putting smiles on children’s faces at ChristmasTRUST staff embraced local radio station’s Key 103 ‘Mission Christmas Appeal’ when they collected and donated Christmas presents, which were then given out to disadvantaged children on Christmas Day.

Staff on the maternity unit at North Manchester, finance staff in HQ and pathology staff at Oldham acted as collection points for anyone wanting to donate a present. In addition, pathology staff held a Christmas bake-off and finance staff dressed up in Christmas jumpers which raised additional money to buy presents for the appeal.

Pictured - the pathology department at Oldham received a visit from Key103 radio presenter Debbie Mac to collect all the toys and gifts donated in aid of Mission Christmas from their department, the mortuary and the Shop@the Royal. Diane Dean, microbiology service manager and support secretary Carla Tierney handed over the gifts. Finance and maternity staff are pictured with some of the presents which were collected during the appeal.

Best wishes for new jobCOLLEAGUES and friends from the eye theatres at Rochdale Infirmary have said a sad farewell to Dale Sturgess.

Mr Sturgess started with the Trust in March 1995 and originally worked in day surgery in D block at Oldham.

He has now gone to pastures new at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

He will be missed by all his friends and colleagues, who wish him all the best.

Why not join the Pennine branch of the NHS Retirement Group?ARE you a retired member of NHS staff having worked in the Greater Manchester region? Would you like to join our retirement group and join in our social activities?

We meet once a month and have a very varied programme of events which includes speakers on a number of chosen subjects, lunches, afternoon tea and some cultural visits and activities. If we are just holding a meeting we meet at Rochdale Infirmary, Education Centre, located on Level D at 1.30/3.30 pm. If we are having an outing members are emailed with all times and places to meet etc.

If you wish to have more information on joining this group please e mail Ann Rhodes, Chair – avrhodes@hotmail.com

Help to healthcare abroadTHE pharmacy department at Oldham ran cake sales, raffles and a Christmas jumper day to raise funds to post out of date BNFs to London so that they could be sent out to doctors, nurses and pharmacists working in the developing world. They raised enough funds to send 154 books, with £70 spare which went to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Thanks to everyone who donated time, money and books.

FY1s support new nutrition trainingA NEW multi-disciplinary nutrition training session for all FY1 doctors has been launched.

The acute dietitians, nurses, pharmacists and speech and language therapists developed succinct interactive training stations covering key aspects of oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition, tube care and dysphagia. They were joined by the Trust’s safeguarding and learning disability nurses who discussed capacity and safeguarding issues with regard to nutrition and by a gastroenterologist who explored refeeding syndrome.

Doctors described the afternoon as “fun and educational” and found it a useful opportunity to ask questions of each of the specialists. One hundred per cent of trainees reported they felt more confident on the subject after receiving this teaching.

This new training method replaced the usual lecture-style format from a dietitian and pharmacist.

Staff noticeboardStaff room - noticeboard16 February 2016

Farewell to KathTHE physiotherapy staff at Oldham said farewell to Kath Spencer at the end of last year.

Kath worked for the Trust for 30 years and specialised in working in A&E and the orthopaedic clinic.

She will be greatly missed by her friends in physio. All the best in your new job Kath.

Helping patients in EthiopiaIF you would like to join Project Harar, a British charity which flies out clinical staff to help the severely facially disfigured, please contact anne@projectharar.org

Anne is due to fly out to Ethiopia in June 2016 and is looking for experienced maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons, along with nurses.

She can be contacted on 01706 640349 or 01706 651077.

Hawaii 5-0 MarkHAPPY Hawaii 5-0 birthday to Mark Livingstone, head of pharmacy services at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

Mark spent his big birthday in Germany exploring the Christmas markets.

Best wishes from all your friends and colleagues.

In memory of PennyPenny Yates, clinical matron at Fairfield A&E, sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve after battling terminal cancer for some time. Penny will be remembered for her commitment to nursing, her sense of humour and her determination to carry on working despite the immense difficulties she faced during her illness. She gave many years of service to the Trust and to Bury and Fairfield General. She will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and condolences are with Penny’s husband and family.