A day for doctors stepping up - Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals
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stepping up
The monthly newsletter for Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals - Issue 59 - April 2018
A day for doctors
Inside:
New tech to track capacity 2
Bright idea on Burstead ward 3
Supporting role for medical
examiners 3
Doctors Day 4
GP referrals go paperless 4
Critical learning for exchange
students 5
Nutrition and hydration week 5
2017 NHS staff survey 6
Working life 7
News in brief 8
Welcome
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the are facing, 91% of you feel your role makes a
STP consultation. I know you are all busy and difference to patients. Bullying and harassment
it can be difficult to take time out of work, but is a serious concern and you can read more
it was good to have so many people attending inside about our plan to address this.
the recent staff briefings and asking This trust had a high response rate to the
questions about our future plans. survey, and again, thank you for taking the
You can find a full report of the time to give your views. There are always
Q&A session under the msb group improvements to be made in the NHS, for
section on the Hub. patients and staff, and good communication in
In this issue there is a report on all directions is a vital part of this process.
some of the key findings from
the 2017 NHS staff survey.
It contains many positives,
including the fact that
despite the pressure we Clare Panniker Chief executive
- real-time technology to free up beds
Our group of hospitals has been chosen as a pilot TeleTracking will launch at Southend Hospital first,
site for a new technology system that will speed before being extended to Basildon and Mid Essex
patient flow, increase bed capacity and allow later this year.
clinical staff more time to care for patients.
Noemi Supina, TeleTracking project manager at
TeleTracking will pull information from existing BTUH, said: “The system will help us identify any
systems such as Medway (EPR), and add data from delays in the system, manage capacity and make
new technology to give site managers a real time sure the patient is in the right place. This will give staff
view of bed availability and what is happening with more time to spend on patient care.
patients, and where. The system will highlight issues
It presents a real opportunity for all our trusts to work
causing delays in treatment and discharge of patients,
together to have a positive impact on both staff and
such as waits for transport or medicines to take away
patients.”
(TTAs).
As well as saving time for clinical staff and the site In the week beginning 23 April, design
team, TeleTracking will help make best use of the time sessions will be held at this trust where
and skills of our housekeeping and portering teams. staff can find out more and help determine
For example, it will alert the housekeeping team how the system will work across the msb
that a bed is ready to be cleaned when patients are group.
discharged from a ward.
Noemi adds: “It’s really important with a
At Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, since transformational project like this that we
TeleTracking was introduced in 2015: involve key staff at the right stages along
zzcancelled operations due to bed unavailability have the way.
been reduced by 60% “The only way we can do that is to draw
zzmedical patients length of stay has reduced by on their experience so I would encourage
11% anyone who has been invited to please
zzbed days for ‘outliers’ (patients with medical attend and share their expertise.”
condition placed in surgical beds) reduced by 30%
Doctor of the Year winners (clockwise from top): Dr Justin Edwards, Dr Tom Chan, Dr Sohail Omar, Dr Marina
Barron, Dr Maria Abbatuan, Dr Aarani Mahalingam. See full story on page 4.
2
Associate practitioners get on board
But because associate practitioner is a new
role, Sarah and Andy realised that many of their
colleagues were not sure what they could or would
do, and felt uncomfortable coming forward and
asking them to do things.
They solved the problem by creating a ‘job board’
where senior nurses can delegate tasks for them
to do. At the same time the board provides a clear
indicator to other ward staff what tasks the APs can
carry out.
Claire Calder, senior sister, said: “Because Andy and
Sarah were the first APs there was some uncertainty
about how they would fit in. The board means that
Andy Dodkin and Sarah Wool everyone can see what they do and makes people
more confident about asking them to do things. It is a
visible way to define their role.
“Andy and Sarah are really effective in everything
Two members of the team on Burstead ward they do. Recently we have developed their role so
have come up with a simple and effective way to they can do advanced oxygen therapy to help with
encourage colleagues to make the most of the management of deteriorating adult patients and they
support they can provide with patient care. are due to undertake a cannulation training course
Andy Dodkin and Sarah Wool have both completed – a really important development because this is
an associate practitioner (AP) course and can help something only a registered nurse could do before.
with duties including dressings, advanced wound “They also work on Medworxx, the red to green
therapy, taking blood, discharges and admissions. software to track which patients are experiencing
Andy was a clinical support worker for 24 years and delays in their care. This supports nurses and helps
has been with the trust since 2012. He said: “We get patients home sooner, so it’s vital. And they take
have a ‘floating’ role to help out qualified staff. This some afternoons to do ‘housekeeping’ tasks such
frees them up to concentrate on the highly acute side as renewing patient boards; really the role is still
of the job, which is a key element of care on Burstead developing and I am sure there is scope for our APs
ward.” to add even more value to the ward.”
Medical examiners support
bereavement process
A new initiative has been introduced at Basildon
University Hospital to speed up the process of
collecting a loved one’s death certificate.
The trust has introduced the role of medical examiner
to sit within the bereavement office and scrutinise
patient notes. They ensure the correct cause of death
is recorded and support junior doctors to complete
the required forms.
Most importantly, the medical examiner is on hand to Bereavement team and medical examiners
answer any questions family members may have.
Dr Godwin Simon, consultant physician and trust immediate explanation, which avoids confusion. All
lead for mortality review, said: “We have a dedicated in all, it means a more streamlined process with less
bereavement nurse who is the first point of contact delay.”
for support for the family, but the medical examiner is Seven consultants from different specialities have
better placed to explain the medical terminology used been appointed to the role of medical examiner, in
on the death certificates. The family are able to get an addition to their consultant duties.
3
rs Day Red carnations to celebrate our doctors
o Clinical staff showed their
Doct
zzDoctor of the Year 2018 and lifetime achievement
2018
thanks and respect for the award: Dr Tom Chan
work our doctors do by Dr Sami Khan, consultant radiologist, speaking about
wearing a red carnation to his colleague Dr Chan, said: “You have heard the
celebrate Doctors Day. saying a jack of all trades, well in Tom’s case he is
ch a master of all trades. Very few people are lucky
2 9 M a r events
It was part of a series of
to mark the annual enough to meet someone who is such an expert in all
international celebration on areas of radiology. We are very lucky to work with him
Thursday 29 March, which gives everyone a chance and to have him here at BTUH.”
to reflect on the wonderful work done by our doctors. Mr Jay Menon, consultant vascular surgeon, said:
At the Stepping Up morning meeting Miss Bryony “It am glad our colleagues from across the trust
Lovett, clinical director for surgery, presented readings appreciate doctors and the crucial role they carry out.”
from junior doctors and Linda Peall, lead chaplain,
gave a multi-denominational blessing.
Celebrations included a drop-in social session and
buffet lunch and the presentation of certificates to
exceptional doctors. The winners were:
zzFY1 Doctor of the year: Dr Thomas McLay
zzFY2 Doctor of the year: Dr Marina Barron
zzCore trainee of the year: Dr Sohail Omar
zzRegistrar of the year: Dr Aarani Mahalingam
zzSAS Doctor of the year: Dr Maria Abbatuan
Paediatric matron Suzanne Reynolds
zzMost helpful doctor of the year (voted by the junior
and paediatric consultant Dr Shahida Ahmed
doctors): Dr Justin Edwards
Paper switch-off for GP referrals
From 1 October 2018, all first
outpatient referrals from GPs to
consultant-led acute outpatient
clinics (with a few exceptions)
e-Referral Service
must be made through the NHS
e-Referral Service (eRS), with
Paper switch off
1 June 2018
no more paper referrals. This
is known nationally as ‘paper
switch off’.
Hospital trusts will no longer be paid
for activity resulting from referrals not made through
colleagues to ensure the smooth implementation of
eRS.
eRS locally. There are a few challenges such as the
Across msb group, we are implementing paper switch need for further training on how to use the system and
off from 1 June 2018. To make this possible, a lot ensuring adequate capacity is available, but we aim to
of work has had to take place behind the scenes to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
Patients
ensure that clinics have enough appointment slots for
Once Safety
in place, eRS should Operational
help cut down GP
GPs to access, and to introduce newChoice
waysandof control
working Clear referral/ Easier referral tracking,
paperwork and reduce thereducing
numberpatient
of patients who go
internally to streamline the appointmentsover care
process. audit trail and
back to them to find out whatclinician
is happening
inquiries with their
Laura Tomsett, acting general manager for RTT hospital appointment. It also means doctors will be
and cancer performance, said: “Over the next few able to track patient referrals better.
weeks we will be working with our specialty services,
From a Trust perspective, we should see a reduction
consultants and POD staff, to provide further
in cancellations, as the patients will be choosing
information and training on the new process.
their appointment date and time, and a reduction in
“Alongside this we are working closely with CCG administration.
4
Praise from Dutch exchange students
applied for an internship on the Erasmus exchange
course.
They were placed at Basildon Hospital and have spent
the past ten weeks on CCU gaining experience of
providing high dependency care.
Lieke said: “The biggest difference between here and
the Netherlands is the amount of paperwork – our
systems are all digital. I was really nervous when we
were told we would be placed on CCU, but after the
first few days I enjoyed it and have learnt so much
L to R: Vincent Wenning, Raj Murugesan, about life support. I think critical care is something I
Carmel Georgiev, Sarah Batin and Lieke Blonk. want to pursue.”
Vincent added: “We don’t get the option for a
Critical care (CCU) nurses have been passing placement on CCU in the Netherlands so this was a
on their knowledge and expertise to two Dutch great opportunity. I want to become a paramedic so
nursing students. this has been a great experience for me. I think the
Lieke Blonk, 22 and Vincent Wenning, 20, are both thing I’ve really noticed is how much the team work
students on the same nursing course at Nova College together on CCU. If someone asks for help, there is
in Haarlem, the Netherlands. They successfully always someone else ready to give it, it’s great.”
Raising a cup to nutrition and hydration
Good nourishment is a fundamental element
of healthcare. During Nutrition and Hydration
week (12-18 March), nutrition nurse specialists
and speech therapists at Basildon University
Hospital ran events and activities to highlight this
important message to patients, visitors and staff.
Andrea Cartwright, consultant nurse, nutrition
support, said: “In hospital a team of professionals,
including doctors, nurses, dietitians, speech
therapists and caterers, work together to ensure
we provide good, safe nutrition and hydration for
our patients. For many people who are ill, good
nutrition is not about eating five portions of fruit and Winning spread in Lionel Cosin ward tea room
vegetables a day as it may be for a healthy person.
Particularly if they are frail and elderly, they may
judged the best decorated ward, with Bulphan and
struggle to take in sufficient nutrition, and will benefit
Kingswood joint second and AMU East in third place.
from high calorie foods.
The speech and language therapy team took a turn
“Everyone admitted to Basildon Hospital is screened
on the stand to raise awareness of good mouth care.
for possible nutritional risks. This includes assessing
if there is weight loss, or difficulty with swallowing or Caroline Waszkiewicz, speech and language
absorbing food. If risks are identified, the patient is therapist, explained: “Difficulty swallowing can be
referred to the nutrition and dietetics team. due to many conditions including stroke, dementia,
cancers of the head and neck and normal ageing.
“On average about one third of hospital inpatients
Patients who are nil by mouth or rely on others for
across the country have a nutritional risk and need to
mouth care are at greater risk from poor oral hygiene
be referred to the dietetics team. Among this number,
and build-up of bacteria in the mouth. If this bacteria
about 90% will be able to eat and drink normally; the
is aspirated (goes down the wrong way) it raises the
others may be fed intravenously or by tube.”
risk from infection.
Special events included an information stand in main
“Good oral care helps reduce the amount of
reception and afternoon tea parties on the wards, with
potentially dangerous bacteria in the mouth, as well
scones and jam donated by Unison. Lionel Cosin was
as feeling more pleasant for our patients.”
5
...about
Survey results
...about your
What did leadership? fulfilling your
potential?
you have ...about
working
to say... ...about
conditions? patient
care?
NHS Staff Survey 2017
Our top five and Bullying and
bottom five key scores harassment at work
The areas where staff responses indicate Feedback received through the NHS
our trust scores most favourably staff survey during 2017 highlighted
compared to other trusts are: Trust National that 27% of trust staff said they
Staff agreeing their role makes experienced bullying at work by
a difference to patients: 91% 90% another member of staff (national
Staff satisfaction with the average 25%). A local bullying and
quality of work and care they harassment pulse survey in the
are able to deliver: 3.96/5 3.91/5 autumn supported this finding, and
Support from immediate it is an area being addressed as a
managers: 3.79/5 3.74/5 priority across the msb group.
Staff satisfied with flexible Actions being taken over the next
working patterns: 54% 51% year will include developing a better
Staff reporting errors, near understanding of the ‘speak up guardian’
misses or incidents witnessed role; introducing a development
in last month: 91% 90% programme for managers and for staff
The areas where staff responses indicate around identifying and tackling bullying;
our trust scores least favourably reviewing HR policies and procedures
compared to other trusts are: Trust National across msb group to ensure that there
are clear and consistent channels for
Staff experiencing physical violence reporting bullying and harassment and for
from staff in last 12 months 3% 2% subsequent investigations.
Staff believing trust promotes equal
opportunities for career Evan Flockhart, interim head of
progression or promotion 81% 85% leadership and talent development
Staff experiencing harassment, bullying msb group said: “Staff have told us that
or abuse from patients, relatives worries about reprisal was one of the
or the public in last 12 months 31% 28% main reasons for not reporting bullying at
work, and considering the vast majority of
Staff experiencing physical bullying is by managers and colleagues
violence from patients, relatives
this is not surprising. Staff also reported
or the public in last 12 months 17% 15%
that they didn’t think allegations would be
Staff feeling unwell due to work- taken seriously.
related stress in last 12 months 39% 36%
Mary Foulkes, chief HR director,
adds,“We are determined to address
this in a number of ways over the
Staff engagement* Response rate coming months. Establishing a way to
BTUH
2017 3.79 48% anonymously report bullying behaviour
and ensuring staff know about ‘speak up
guardians’ will be key. We also recognise
National
average 3.79 44% that we need to build confidence and trust
that if somebody does report bullying
BTUH
2016 3.84 42% it will be taken seriously and dealt with
appropriately.”
* Our rating for overall staff engagement (feeling motivated,
would recommend the Trust as a place to be treated or work,
are able to make improvements at work).
6
working life
Chris Warner
catering assistant
After working at BTUH The biggest change was when Wing in 2003. She was nice,
for 28 years as a catering the restaurant was renovated just very normal really. There
a few years ago. That was hard was a marquee set up and I
assistant, Christine says
because we had to work in the served her a cup of tea. I enjoy
one thing never changes midst of building work going on. doing events and they crop up
about the hospital – how It was worth it though, it looks sometimes, but not as often as
lovely the people are. much better and it means we they used to.
can offer more choice.
I’m Basildon born and bred People are really kind and
and I started working at the trust I like talking to people and sometimes buy us biscuits
when I left school at the age this job is perfect for that. and chocolates. Although I do
of 16. My mum worked here in I build up a rapport with the sometimes wish some people
catering. I started on bank and staff and relatives of long-term could be more polite when
after a couple of years I took patients. There are some people ordering their food. My real
a permanent role as catering I see for breakfast, lunch and bugbear is when people talk
assistant. dinner and there have been on their mobile phone – it’s so
times when I have got so rude. And a simple please and
There was a time when we
involved with the relatives that thank you goes a long way.
would visit the wards to serve
I’ve sat and cried with them
lunch and dinner and I enjoyed When I’m not at work I’m
when the patient has died.
chatting to the elderly about how either at the gym or watching
People are lovely and it is the
they were and their ailments. my 14-year-old son play rugby.
best bit of my job.
And I used to love working on He’s really good and I love
the wards on Christmas Day I’ve even served royalty when watching him play.
and bringing some festive cheer Princess Anne came to visit
to the patients. for the opening of the Jubilee
Time to notice your boards
Clinical staff may have noticed small changes to Here are some of the notices that make our boards
the noticeboards in their staff rooms. look tired and out of date:
Organograms of the trust’s leadership team have zzAnything bearing the name of previous leadership
been added and in some cases a general tidy up of team members or chief executives.
the boards to remove old, and out-of-date information zzAnything with the ‘Being Better By Far’ pink and
has taken place. green logos on.
Please, if you see a poster or notice that is out-of- zz‘Care and compassion is at the heart of what we
date, take it down. Aside from looking overloaded and do’ poster.
messy, it doesn’t look professional to have outdated zzOld senior management contact lists.
information displayed when external organisations
zzPast social events, old quiz nights, lottery numbers
visit.
from 2017, etc.
There are up-to-date poster templates on the Hub. Just go to Workspaces > Communications >
Projects, leaflets and posters. If in doubt, contact communications on ext 2995.
7
News in brief
news in brief
Beating records When the
going gets
tough...
Training for a first
marathon is a huge
SATURDAY 9TH JUNE
challenge at the best
of times, and the thick
An attempt to create a new Guinness World snow, heavy rain and
Record for the largest gathering of cardiac freezing temperatures
arrest survivors in one place is taking place this of recent weeks could
summer. be enough to put off
some novices.
The event, being organised by Sudden Cardiac Arrest
UK in conjunction with SADS UK, will be taking place But Simon Hicks, a nurse on Lionel Cosin ward, has
in the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre on Saturday 9 been training hard to achieve his goal of completing the
June 2018. 26.2 mile London course and raising money to enhance
As well as the world record attempt there will be an care for patients on his ward.
educational seminar and exhibition. In the evening Simon got the running bug two years ago after
there will be a ‘celebration of life’ party, with a hog completing a 10k event. He said: “I entered the London
roast and live music. marathon on a whim, but I knew ballot places were very
If you are a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and would limited, so there wouldn’t be much chance of me having
like to find out more about being part of the new world to run.
record attempt, see www.suddencardiacarrestuk. “When the information pack arrived it was a surprise, but
org or search out their facebook page. I thought ‘I’m 27, I’m lucky to be fit and healthy, and the
Registration deadline is Friday 27 April 2018. only excuse not to do it is laziness.’”
The weather has affected Simon’s training plan but he
Our ‘art-felt’ thanks hopes to go as far as 20 miles before the big day on 22
April.
Simon has been a nurse at the trust for eight months,
and says he always wanted to work with older people.
He added: “I will just be happy to get round and raise
money for the ward. Many of our patients are living with
dementia and I want the money to go on things that will
make their hospital more comfortable. That’s a huge
motivation for me to do it.”
Cathy Bituin, ward manager on Lionel Cosin, said: “We
A painting signed by local artists was presented by are all really proud of Simon and will be cheering him on.
Vin Harrop, local arts champion and co-founder of He is a very caring nurse and this shows in his work and
Basildon Eastgate Art Gallery to Brian Hurrell to also in this extra effort he is making for our patients.”
say thank you for his hard work in maintaining the If you would like to sponsor Simon, please go to:
artwork in the corridor by pharmacy. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lionel-cosin-marathon
Tell us your news
If you have a news story, or an idea for an article for a future issue of Stepping up, please contact the
communications department on ext 2994, or email communications@btuh.nhs.uk
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