MARCH 2021 - RDASH LEADING THE WAY WITH CARE - RDASH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
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March 2021 RDaSH leading the way with care
from the Chief Executive
Welcome to the March edition I am pleased to announce that The Humber,
Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership,
of Trust Matters. of which we are a member, has been selected
as one of only 10 areas in England to develop
Spring has arrived bringing a much-welcomed a pilot maternal mental health service. This
boost to our wellbeing. will bring much needed psychological support
and therapy for women experiencing mental
Although the stay-at-home rule has been lifted health difficulties arising from or related to their
in England, many restrictions remain in place. maternity experience across the Humber region.
I would urge everyone to keep on protecting
each other by washing your hands regularly, Staying connected has never been more
covering your face and keeping your distance to important. Whether you are a patient, carer,
prevent the spread of coronavirus. one of our colleagues or a member of the
public, we have several online support networks
Kathryn Singh Our Grounded Research team has ensured that which you can join and share your experiences.
Chief Executive we can play our part in the continuing challenge There is the ‘Covid and Me’ network where
of the COVID-19 pandemic and has opened a people talk about their experiences of the
If you’ve a story to tell new Vaccine Research Hub. This is where the coronavirus pandemic. We also have a network
team will carry out research trials in areas such for Carer Champions and Listen to Learn where
let our Communications as vaccine research, long COVID and the mental we listen to you views on how to improve our
Team know. health issues that will follow the pandemic. If you services – all of which you are very welcome
Email rdash. are interested in taking part, you can sign up to to join. You will find the dates and more
the NHS COVID-19 Vaccines Research Registry. information inside this edition.
rdashcommunications@ You will find more information inside this edition.
nhs.net I hope you enjoy reading Trust Matters and
or ring them on The pandemic continues to affect our mental please stay safe.
wellbeing, and this is also the case for children
01302 796204. and young people with some experiencing
eating problems as a result. Although eating
Kind regards.
disorders can affect anyone, our Community
Don’t forget you can
Eating Disorder Service has been reminding
also follow us on social
media:
parents of the support that is available as part
of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Kathryn .
@Rdash_nhs
Rdash nhs
@rdashnhs
Youtube
rdashcommunications
2
News matters
Simply one of the best
We are simply one of the best when it comes to
equality, diversity, and inclusion We are also above
average in six other categories in this year’s NHS
staff survey.
It’s also the second year running we’ve topped the bill for
equality, diversity and inclusion, for which the Trust is also
a finalist in the Health Service Journal NHS Workplace Race “I believe the Trust is a great place to work and I’m pleased
Equality Awards. colleagues have given us these fabulous results.
Colleagues who took part in the survey gave us a big thumbs “As always, I want to thank our colleagues for all that they
up and put the organisation above average when it comes to: do at RDaSH especially during the last 12 months where
• Health and Wellbeing they have all gone over and above during the Coronavirus
outbreak. The hard work they do is always appreciated,
• Morale
not only by me, the Board of Directors and the Executive
• Quality of Care Management Team but by the patients we care for, as well as
• Two categories of Safe Environment their families and carers.”
• Safety Culture.
The survey results are available at the following link:
In fact, in many of the categories the Trust was only a fraction
https://bit.ly/3spvWjb
off ranking with the best! The only category that we were
just below average in was teamworking – but was only 0.1%
lower than the average scores and is probably as a result of
a lot of colleagues working remotely due to the Coronavirus
pandemic.
Kathryn Singh, Chief Executive, said: “I want to thank all of
our colleagues who took part in the survey. It’s excellent to
see that we are ranking above average in several categories
and the best in one.
The NHS vaccination programme continues to make strong
progress. Thanks to the thousands of people involved, in just
three months the health service in England has given the vital first
vaccine dose to more than 19 million people – over a third of all
adults, opened more than 1,600 vaccination services and visited
over 10,000 care homes.
Across Doncaster, Rotherham and
North Lincolnshire, together with our
partners we have vaccinated 3,326 frontline
colleagues that’s 88%.
3
News matters
Trio’s national awards shortlisting success
Virginia Golding, Head of Equality,
Kathryn Singh, Chief Executive, for
Diversity, Inclusion and Participation, Louis Palmer, Clinical Studies Officer,
for Inspiring Diversity and Inclusion Compassionate and Inclusive Leader
for Ground-Breaking Researcher
Lead
4
News matters
New Recovery Lounge provides a tranquil
environment for mental health care
A newly opened assessment centre in a
Doncaster bungalow is providing a calm oasis
of support for people experiencing a mental
health crisis.
The Recovery Lounge offers a safe and quiet alternative
for some patients with urgent mental health problems
who may otherwise go to a busy hospital Emergency
Department.
Converted from a modern bungalow in a leafy area of the
Tickhill Road Hospital site, the stand-alone Recovery Lounge
enables patients to be assessed for longer periods of time –
up to 12 hours if necessary.
Alison Lancaster, Head of Mental Health and Learning
Disability Services at this Trust, said: “When someone is in
a mental health crisis they are at their most vulnerable. It’s
essential they receive the care and support they need in a
place where they feel safe and are supported by people
who understand their needs. The Recovery Lounge does just
that.
“Two people can be assessed at any one time, utilising
the skills of a range of health and social care professionals,
including nurses, social workers, psychologists and
occupational therapists. We work closely with colleagues
from the Rethink Mental Illness charity to deliver the crisis
service.”
The Recovery Lounge opened at the beginning of February
2021 and currently operates every Friday from 5pm to
Monday at 10am, with the intention of moving to a full
24/7 provision from 1 April this year.
The two assessment rooms each have a reclining chair for
rest and relaxation, with other facilities including a staff
office, lounge, dining room, kitchen, and shower.
Elouise Turpin, manager of our Crisis Team, said: “Having
the opportunity to assess people over a longer period
of time offers a number of benefits, including better
engagement with the patient, which in turn means we
can really get to know what type of care and support they
need.”
If you or someone you know has urgent concerns
about their mental health and you or they are
registered with one of our services in Doncaster,
please use the following contact methods to get
the help you need:
During office hours: 01302 566999
Out of office hours: Freephone 0800 804 8999.
5
News matters
Royal seal of approval
The Duke of Cambridge has given Tracey told the Duke how she started
the Royal seal of approval to all our her podiatry career in 1991 in Doncaster
after studying at Huddersfield
colleagues for the sterling work Polytechnic and how she has worked
being carried out throughout the in the NHS ever since. She also spoke
COVID-19 pandemic. about how she and her team have
adapted their service to continue
The Duke caught up with Tracey delivering excellent patient care
Wheeler, our Podiatry Foot Protection throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
Service Lead in Doncaster, on March 3, Tracey, who has helped to carry out
after he found out more about podiatry COVID-19 vaccinations, said: “Prince
in the NHS as part of Career’s Week. William was so nice, it was a privilege
His Royal Highness, a keen advocate and a honour to speak to him. I
for mental health, had a chat with explained how we work with schools
Tracey to find out about her career and to talk to young people about careers
how her work had changed during the in podiatry and he was very keen to
Coronavirus pandemic. The Duke was pass on his thanks to everyone here at
keen to acknowledge the hard work of the Trust for their hard work during the
Tracey and all Trust colleagues as well as pandemic.”
the wider NHS.
North Lincs dads – don’t miss out on important
advice, we’re here to help you
North Lincolnshire new dads are the number of sudden infant deaths
the focus of a new campaign to has fallen 79 per cent since the 1990s
when a campaign was launched to raise
reduce the risk of Sudden Infant awareness. But, nationally, around 240
Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurring babies a year still die from SIDS, so there
in young babies. is more to be done to make sure advice is
©iStock/paulaaphoto
easily accessible to all.
The area’s health visiting team used Safe
Sleep Week (March 15-21) to focus on “We need to know that key messages like
them, checking they are able to get advice ‘always place your baby on their back to
on how to let their baby sleep safely. sleep, in a clear, flat sleep space’ are being
received.
Team Leader Sarah Green, from this Trust,
“We are keen to understand what “So, dads please get in touch if you haven’t
said: “Research suggests that dads are
barriers North Lincolnshire dads may be already, we’re here to help.
not always as engaged as mums when
facing in accessing information and also Just ring the health
it comes to gathering information about
to find out the best ways to reach them. visiting team on
SIDS, so we want to make sure they know
Currently we are offering technologies like 0800 019 9951.”
how and where to find out about safe
sleep advice for babies. video consultations, online antenatal and
postnatal group sessions and social media,
“It’s important because dads often have alongside our traditional home visits. These
a key role in the care of their baby and in are all opportunities for dads to find out
some cases are the main carer. Thankfully how to reduce the risk of SIDS.
6
News matters
New Vaccine Research Hub opens doors
Our Grounded Research team,
opened the doors of a dedicated
centre for vaccine and other research
earlier this month. The team moved
into Bungalow 2 on the Tickhill Road
Hospital Site from its current base in
Almond Tree Court.
The Vaccine Research Hub will be
carrying out trials in the Doncaster
and South Humber area. Rotherham
residents are covered by the hub being
run by Barnsley Hospital which will
cover Barnsley and Rotherham.
With a formal opening later in the year,
the building has been transformed
into a dedicated research centre with a
major new investment of £80,000 from
the NIHR Clinical Research Network
Yorkshire and Humber. The new centre
includes a pharmacy, clinic rooms and
sleep over rooms for certain trials.
The Hub will deliver trials in areas
such as vaccine research, long Covid
and all the mental health issues that
will follow the pandemic. It will work that are in particular need of further
with volunteers who are drawn from vaccine research.
members of the public generally, as well
as specific groups in the community possible variants and to see if different Working from a building transformed
that are in particular need of further vaccines work better for different into a dedicated research centre on the
vaccine research. groups of people. Tickhill Road Site, Balby in Doncaster,
researchers will need people from
The COVID-19 vaccination programme “We are delighted to be opening the all communities. Anyone aged 18 or
– the largest such programme in British new research Hub so that we can play over living in the UK can sign up to
history – has made huge progress in our part locally and nationally in the be contacted about taking part in
vaccinating the most vulnerable groups continuing challenge of the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine studies. There is no
in society with the vaccines developed pandemic. The work this centre does upper age limit.
so far. Those existing vaccines have will make a real difference to people’s
been approved thanks to volunteers lives and society’s ability to respond to Some volunteers in the area have
taking part in trials. the post-pandemic world, whatever that already agreed to take part by signing
may look like.” up to the NHS COVID-19 Vaccines
Executive Medical Director, Dr Navjot Research Registry. There will be a
Ahluwalia, said: “Vaccination is a crucial Vaccine volunteers continuing need for more volunteers
tool to help stop the pandemic, but to take part. People can volunteer
even as more people are vaccinated The hub will deliver the trials with here Sign up to be contacted about
there is a need to develop vaccines, to vaccine volunteers who are drawn from coronavirus vaccine research - Be Part of
find new ways of delivery, to respond to members of the public generally, as well Research (nihr.ac.uk)
as specific groups in the community
7
News matters
New referral system benefits patients with
physical and mental health needs
Doncaster adults suffering skin conditions are
benefiting from a new referral service that focuses on
both their physical and psychological needs.
The borough’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
Long Term Conditions team, which cares for people with mild to
moderate mental health problems linked to their enduring health
condition, introduced the dermatology ‘pathway’ after research
found that up to 15 percent of patients with an anxiety disorder
had related skin issues.
Therapist Alison Lynskey, from this Trust, said: “The pandemic
has raised many people’s worry levels and anxiety can impact
on people with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema. When
people become anxious their defence system kicks in, releasing
hormones which affect different functions in the body and can
lead to skin complaints.
“To prevent Covid spreading we are sensibly advised to wash our
hands more frequently but people with an anxiety disorder can
do this so frequently that they damage their skin.
“We work with people whose emotional distress is impacting on “Patients can also self-refer direct to us if
their skin condition or their skin condition is being made worse they have already been diagnosed with
by their anxiety. The pathway was originally set up with the a skin condition by ringing 01302 566999.
Dermatology Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but we This new referral process is a good
have now widened the referral process to include Doncaster GPs example of joined-up working
and other health care professionals. So, if a doctor sees a patient between physical and mental health
with a skin problem and mental health problems are evident, teams in Doncaster.”
they can be referred to our service for advice and support.
Support 4 Change
Support 4 Change is a support group for anyone affected by
someone else’s drinking or substance abuse.
Alcohol and other substances can affect the whole family, not
just the user, and the support of family members can be crucial in
bringing about change.
©iStock/Viktoriia Hnatiuk
If you would like to know more call 07736 477812 to speak to a
member of the Support 4 Change team.
You can also email at info@support4change.org.uk or visit the
website: www.support4change.org.uk
8
News matters
Help is at hand for young people with eating problems
A specialist NHS team used Eating Disorders Awareness Week at the beginning of March to remind parents and
carers that help is available for children experiencing bulimia, binge eating disorder and anorexia.
The Community Eating Disorders Service operates across
Rotherham Doncaster and North Lincolnshire, offering
support to children and young people up to the age of 19
who struggle with disordered eating.
Wendy Green, Nurse Manager for the service, which is
run by this Trust, said: “The pandemic is affecting the
©iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz
mental health of many children and young people, with
some experiencing eating problems as a result. Families
can self-refer direct to us if they have a concern by
ringing 01302 566980 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday.
“We also take referrals from GPs, other health and social
care professionals and third sector organisations. Our
team, which includes specialist nurses, eating disorder
practitioners, a dietitian, psychologist, and psychiatrist,
provides care tailored to suit the individual needs of the Eating disorders can affect anyone. Associated behaviours
young people and families we look after. often include significantly limiting the amount of food
eaten, eating large quantities at once and compensating
“The service is incredibly busy at the moment, so it might for consumed food in unhealthy ways,such as being sick,
take a little longer than usual to be offered an assessment. misusing laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise.
However, we aim to respond to all referrals within a day
and can discuss your concerns and likely timescales for an The Beat Eating Disorders charity has an excellent website
assessment when we speak to you. If you have any worries which explains all about the different types of eating
about a young person, please ring us.” disorders and the background to them. Visit www.
beateatingdisorders.org.uk to find out more.
Doncaster Business Award
winners
Congratulations to the Planned and Unplanned
Community Nursing Team.
The team scooped an award at the Doncaster Chamber’s annual
business awards which was held online on March 12.
They won the NHS Community Hero Award for providing a 24/7
business as usual service they have given additional support and
responded to ever changing demands created by the pandemic.
The backbone of this Trust, these colleagues are protecting the most
vulnerable of society with sometimes poor prognostic indicators and
Pictured cheering after hearing
outcomes. they had won the award are staff
nurses Fern Ashton, from Planned
Well done to everyone who works in the team and to all the finalists. Care, and Louise Kirkbride, from
Unplanned Care.
9
News matters
Dene learns techniques to manage anxiety after a
heart attack
A Doncaster man whose anxiety hospital. I signed up for the cardiac course, Jane Crothers, Senior Psychological
issues increased after a heart which is run as weekly group sessions Wellbeing Practitioner in our Long-Term
online during Covid and found it really Conditions – IAPT team, said: “Being
attack is praising our educational supportive to be amongst other people diagnosed with heart problems can impact
course for teaching him relaxation who have similar health issues. on people’s mental health but being part
techniques to help manage his of this group really helps them to come to
condition. “I have learned various breathing and terms with, and manage, their condition
relaxation techniques to help me take better.
Dene Woods, 58, was treated for a heart control when I become worried and
attack just before last Christmas and as anxious and it’s really helping. “We normally meet with a group of
part of his rehabilitation his cardiac nurse eight to ten patients at Cantley Health
signposted him to a six-weeks long course “My wife works for the MIND charity, Centre, but the face-to-face sessions were
run by Doncaster’s Improving Access to she encouraged me to seek help and I suspended when the pandemic started and
Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Long Term encourage anybody in the same situation we have now relaunched online via video,
Conditions team. to do so. More people than you realise which is proving popular.
suffer from common mental health issues,
Dene, an electrician from Edenthorpe, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and help is “Referrals to the group come from the
said: “I have experienced anxiety problems freely available.” cardiac rehabilitation team and people can
for quite a while, and they became more also self-refer. For more information ring
prominent after I returned home from 01302 379563.”
Dene in the outdoor pool room
he built at home before his heart
attack.
10News matters
Research named in top 10
journal articles of 2020
A study from Dr Jaime Delgadillo and Dr Paulina
Gonzalez Salas Duyne from our Grounded Research
team was in the top 10 of most downloaded in 2020
from more than 5,000 articles.
In 2020, the American Psychological Association’s 89 journals
published more than 5,000 articles, their most ever and 25%
more than in 2019.
Dr Jaime Delgadillo Dr Paulina Gonzalez Salas
They recently published a look at the 10 most downloaded articles
Duyne
for 2020, one of which was research conducted by Dr Jaime
Delgadillo and Dr Paulina Gonzalez Salas Duhne entitled ‘Targeted A targeted prescription algorithm was developed in a training
prescription of cognitive-behavioural therapy versus person- sample, using a supervised machine learning approach, with
centred counselling for depression using a machine learning the clinical utility of the algorithm examined in a statistically
approach’. It was published in the Journal of Consulting and independent test sample.
Clinical Psychology.
Using data from a large group of patients the study found
Depression is a highly common mental disorder and a major cause evidence of differential response to treatments. Results were cross
of disability worldwide. Several psychological interventions are validated in an external test sample, strengthening the reliability of
available, but there is a lack of evidence to decide which treatment findings.
works best for whom.
The conclusion was targeted prescription of these widely available
Reviews of clinical trials often conclude that different types of and well-established psychological treatments could potentially
psychological interventions for depression work equally well. But improve clinical outcomes at no additional cost to services,
recent studies suggest that subgroups of patients with specific representing a major advance in precision mental healthcare.
characteristics respond better to specific psychotherapies, and
therefore targeted prescription could potentially improve their Executive Medical Director, Dr Navjot Ahluwalia, said: “I’d like
treatment outcomes. to congratulate Dr Delgadillo and Dr Gonzalez Salas Duhne for
this accolade. It bears testimony to the quality of the research
The study aimed to identify subgroups of patients who respond and reflects well on RDaSH, with the public health significance
differentially to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or person- that it will help to improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of
centred counselling for depression (CfD). It was a retrospective depression.”
analysis of 1,435 patients who received either CBT or CfD in
primary care. The Grounded Research team can be contacted on 01302
798456 or email rdash.groundedresearch@nhs.net.
11News matters
Magnificent seven for our website
Our public website is one of the top
10 in the NHS for quality – and that’s The website includes features like friendly colours
for people with sight problem to ensure they
official. can see the text against the background, pause
buttons on all animations.
Consultants put www.rdash.nhs.uk under the
spotlight as part of a nationwide review of all 211
A vital source of information for public and
NHS trust websites and we came a magnificent
patients across Rotherham, Doncaster and North
seventh in the league table.
Lincolnshire, statistics revealed that in the three
months from August to October 2020 alone
Specialist software company Silktide sampled
it had over 165,000 unique visitors, based on
up to 125 pages from the website of every
individual Internet Protocol addresses.
Trust, analysing a number of features, including
content, accessibility, speed and legal compliance, before giving ours
Aside from the home and policies pages, the two most visited pages
a premier league placing.
are ‘services – what to do in an emergency’ and the Trust’s contact
details.
Trust Head of Information Systems/Health Infomatics Niall Finn
said: “We’ve put a lot of effort into ensuring our website meets
Niall added: “This is great recognition, but our
Government standards, so this is national recognition for the work
work is not done yet. We are planning to
that our team – and Mark Redfearn in particular – has done.
revamp the website later this year and
training for Trust colleagues on how to
“Public sector websites like ours have to follow strict guidelines to
write structured information for the web
ensure they are accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability, and
will be part of the development process.”
this review confirms that we have set a high standard, but there is
always more to do.”
12News matters
Stop for a week and it could
last a lifetime
A week without cigarettes could be the springboard to a healthy,
smoke-free start for your baby-to-be.
That was the message from Doncaster’s Stop Smoking in Pregnancy and Beyond
health visiting team, who urged local mums-to-be to call on them for help to quit
smoking as part of this year’s No Smoking Day (Wednesday 10 March 2021).
“People who manage to stop smoking for a week are nine times more likely to
successfully quit. The chances of quitting smoking for good increase with every
©iStock/Opla
attempt. If you can make it for one week, you can make it for a lifetime, said Team Leader
Emma Dickinson from this Trust.
“We offer a non-judgemental, free of charge support service for antenatal and postnatal
women who smoke, along with family members whose smoking habits could have an
impact on the unborn child or children. To contact the service, ring
the Single Point of Contact
“The team have adapted during the pandemic, offering help and advice through video consultations, on 01302 566776 or via the
telephone support and home visiting wearing personal protective equipment. We offer a combined
service consisting of behaviour change and FREE nicotine replacement therapy to help clients stop Doncaster Health Visitors
smoking and remain smoke free.” Facebook Messenger.
Stopping smoking lowers the risks of complications during pregnancy and reduces the risk of stillbirth.
“Your baby is less likely to be born early, which reduces the risk of having adverse health issues, such as
breathing and feeding problems and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. said Health Promotion Practitioner
Louise Jowett.
“Stopping smoking now will also help your baby later in life as children whose parents smoke are far more likely
to take up smoking themselves. The earlier you stop smoking the better, but even if you stop in the last few weeks
it will still benefit both you and your baby.”
13News matters
Fundraising begins for rainbow tribute following
COVID-19 pandemic
Public and private sector organisations in ones, either in recognition of their efforts
Doncaster have launched a campaign to throughout the 12-month period, or
create a permanent memorial to honour the instead in loving memory of someone
efforts of key workers, as well as providing a sadly taken before their time.
lasting memorial of those in our communities
who have died of COVID-19 during the Created by the British Ironworks
pandemic. Centre, the memorial will have
space for 5,000 hearts. Each
The proposed statue, which will stand Heart’ can be created by a
nine feet tall, is being coordinated by Team onation of £20, with all proceeds
Doncaster and will take pride of place within from the project to be directly
the centre of the town. It is hoped that, once reinvested in patient care and
complete, it will provide a suitable monument treatment at Doncaster and Bassetlaw
to the impact of the pandemic locally so that Teaching Hospitals.
residents, as well as later generations, can
reflect upon the handwork, sacrifice and loss
experienced throughout 2020 and into 2021
as COVID-19 swept across the borough. To support the campaign and dedicate a heart to a keyworker
Local people will have the opportunity to get
or a loved one who is no longer with us, head to:
involved by donating a coloured heart which https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/hearts-for-doncaster/
will be fixed to the monument making up the
colours of the rainbow. Each will also have a
brief dedication to friends, family and loved
14News matters
Adrian’s story-telling talents boost ward funds
Former patient Adrian Slack turned his fertile Sharon said: “We can’t thank Adrian enough for his generosity.
imagination and story-telling skills into a healthy The patients loved his stories and were disappointed when he
was well enough to go home, but I think there’s more to come
donation for one of our Doncaster wards. from Cyril the Squirrel’s exploits in the future.”
Regular readers of Trust Matters will recall that Adrian was
recuperating At Tickhill Road Hospital’s Hazel Ward following
surgery on his knee when he spotted a squirrel outside the
window, which he named Cyril.
Cyril became the focus of a series of daily adventures, dreamt
up by partially sighted Adrian, which he secretly shared with the
ward’s Activity Co-ordinator, Sharon Evans, who typed them up
after dictating them to her.
Sharon read out the stories at daily activity sessions with patients
on the ward, but kept tight-lipped on who the author was. It
wasn’t until Adrian’s discharge day that he confessed to them
with a trademark grin.
Adrian was so pleased with the care he received that he decided
to pay for the daily instalments to be turned into a book –
illustrated by Trust volunteer Charlie Wright - to raise funds for
the ward.
Pictured is Adrian presenting the cheque to Sharon.
At £4 a copy, Cyril the Squirrel and Friends quickly became a
local best-seller for first time author Adrian, who is pictured at
home handing over a cheque for £700 to Sharon, who took
along gifts from ward staff.
15News matters
Doncaster women urged to look out
for the signs of ovarian cancer
Over 20 Doncaster women are dying from ovarian cancer every
year, prompting one of our colleagues to issue a timely reminder
of what to look out for.
Yasmin McMath, a Support Worker with Doncaster’s Macmillan Cancer
Information & Support Service, said: “The symptoms of ovarian cancer
can be very vague, particularly when the disease is in its early stages.
Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at a later stage when survival is at
its lowest.”
Yasmin has been using March’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to
encourage local women to see their doctor if they have any of these
signs and symptoms:
• loss of appetite
• feeling full quickly when eating
• pain / discomfort in your tummy (abdomen) or lower part of your
abdomen that doesn't go away
• discomfort in your pelvic area
• Feeling constantly bloated
Yasmin McMath
• an increase in the size of your abdomen (swollen tummy)
• needing to wee more often or more urgently than usual.
Of the 127 Doncaster women who died from ovarian cancer in the last six years, 79 were aged
over 70 and 48 were between 40 and 69 years old
Yasmin said: “We offer help to people affected by cancer, including information and emotional and practical
support. We also provide information about the signs and symptoms of a range of cancers and how to reduce the
risk of getting them. Ring us on 01302 796853 or email: rdash.macmillan-info-doncaster.nhs.net.”
16News matters
Humber, Coast and Vale this additional level of specialist care. £500k of funding has been
awarded for the pilot and a further £300k for the scoping and
research element of the work.
chosen to pilot new maternal Amina Bristow, Perinatal Mental Health Programme Lead for
mental health service Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, said:
“There has been an acknowledged gap in care for women with
medium to severe mental health issues relating to pregnancy
We are part of the Humber, Coast and Vale (HCV) and birth who do not have a baby. We are delighted that
Health and Care Partnership which has been selected Humber, Coast and Vale, working with our local specialist health
providers, will soon be able to provide this much needed mental
as one of only 10 areas in England to develop a pilot health service and to close that gap.
maternal mental health service – which will help
an estimated 300 women in the region who have “The service will integrate maternity, reproductive health and
previously not been eligible for specialist mental health psychological therapy for women experiencing mental health
support. difficulties directly arising from or related to the maternity
experience. Being awarded funding for both on-going research
The HCV Partnership has secured funding from NHS England and service provision will greatly enhance our knowledge and
and NHS Improvement worth £500,000 to develop a maternal understanding of this specialist area of mental health care
mental health service in the region by spring to help women and bring much-needed psychological support and therapy to
without children with a fear of childbirth (tokophobia), women women across the region.”
with a birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder, women who
have had a miscarriage or still-birth and women who have The Maternity and Mental Health Service will be provided by
experienced having a baby removed at birth. Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, NAViGO, Tees, Esk
and Wear Valleys Foundation NHS Trust, and this Trust. It will
Together the HCV Partnership has been awarded two separate see increased access to psychological support and therapy for
and substantial amounts of funding to support the development women experiencing mental health difficulties directly arising
of the service, alongside the necessary research to determine from, or related to, their maternity experience.
the number women who will be able to directly benefit from
17News matters
Patient Public Engagement Network meetings
We have a number of support networks which meet If you or someone you know would be interested in
regularly for anyone who is a patient, carer, or a joining, then here are the dates, times and a bit of
member of the public. information about them.
A place where you can talk about different experiences of the All sessions are from 11am to 1pm on the following dates:
coronavirus pandemic and how it continues to impact you and
your loved ones. Share and/or listen to wellbeing and coping
techniques. Discover avenues of support available and discuss
how can we support each other, what can we do together. You April 15 May 13 July 8 August 5
can discuss how you are feeling? An informal chat where we will
listen and talk about ‘Covid and me’.
Carer Champion Network
All meetings take place 11am to 1pm on:
This network is designed to support those of you who
are working as carers or working with carers. It provides a
connection with our carers through our paid colleagues. Being
a carer champion is a voluntary role and provides you with an June 17 September 23 December 15
opportunity to enrich your knowledge and skills and make a real
difference to the experiences of carers who contact our services.
A place to discuss and share information to support our quality
improvement and cultural development. Meetings are held
between 11am and 1pm on the following dates:
June 22 September 2 December 2
Interested in joining any of these networks and want more information then please email Safeena
Ali, Patient Public Engagement Lead on Safeena.ali1@nhs.net or the Equality, Diversity Inclusion and
Participation Team on rdash.equalityanddiversity@nhs.net
18Colleagues matters
Remember to keep your GEM Award
nominations coming in
We are still celebrating our fantastic GEMs, those of you who are constantly Going the Extra Mile (GEM) for our
patients, colleagues and the service we provide.
During the pandemic we are sending each of our GEMs a special thank you gift, certificate and new name badge
in the post. When you receive your GEM gift please send us a selfie photo with your certificate and gift so that we
can shout out and let everyone know that you are a GEM.
Keep your GEM nominations coming in!
Why not enter a colleague for a Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award?
If you work with a colleague who is always Going the Extra Mile, please nominate them for a GEM award here:
http://nww.intranet.rdash.nhs.uk/communications/gem-awards/
Quitting However, we don’t often talk about the
benefits of quitting to mental health, but
just as it improves your physical health,
smoking doesn’t stopping smoking also improves your
sense of wellbeing. Withdrawal can be
need to be tough, but with the right help, smokers
can come out the other side feeling
happier, healthier, and wealthier too.
stressful Thank you to everyone who joined the
Quit smoking MS Teams session on Stop
There has never been a more Smoking Day (March 10) with Adam
important time look after your Fretwell, Health Improvement Manager.
mental and physical health.
If you missed the session and want to therapy products, SmokeFree policy and
Stopping smoking has immediate find out how the Quit Team can support managing incidents/ breaches.
benefits to your physical health and you to give up smoking then email them
in the long-term will significantly on rdash.quit@nhs.net Just search Stop Smoking QUIT on our
reduce your chances of developing intranet.
many illnesses including heart disease, There is also the intranet QUIT
diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary Programme page where you can Pictured is Adam Fretwell, Health
disease, stroke, and cancer. find useful information and guidance Improvement Manager in the Quit
about smoking, nicotine replacement Smoking Team.
19Colleagues matters
New award launched for our colleagues who shine
We launched a new ‘award’
called The RDaSHWay Diamond
and it will be the little sister to
our current GEM awards.
Our GEM – or Going the Extra Mile
– awards are for just that, colleagues
who go over and above in their job
roles. gesture or even telling a joke to lift The nominee will get a shout out
spirits, which made you all laugh in the Daily Briefing, a special email
However, we know many of you do and feel better? Has a colleague signature strip to say they are a
little acts of kindness, make your done a good deed to help the team RDaSHWay Diamond and a mug
colleagues smile to boost morale and or to make you smile? If so, you can containing goodies.
so much more. Therefore, we have nominate them for our new award.
launched the ‘little sister’ award The Remember to send us your photos
RDaSHWay Diamond. To make a nomination you simply with your new mug and we will
complete the form at this link: include them on social media and in
Do you know a colleague who has https://bit.ly/3w8Zc0c future editions of Trust Matters.
cheered up the team, a patient, or
their family by carrying out a kind Start entering your colleagues now!
New Starter Network –
run by new starters for
new starters
This network has been created after a suggestion
on the Improvement Hub from a new colleague. To help us shape the way in which our new starters are
The suggestion was to provide a place for all new ‘onboarded’ into the Trust, please share your individual
employees to discuss their experiences of joining experience(s) so we can learn from them and identify any
the Trust. support that you and future new starters would benefit
from. Please complete our questionnaire by following this
The New Starter Network is a forum which is ‘Run by New link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G2H6XT9. The
Starters – For Starters. It is a ‘design’ group created from survey closes on April 18. If you would prefer to share your
new starters whose experiences, both good and bad, were experiences in a confidential conversation with a member of
used to shape the group framework. Although a structured the team, please email us at rdash.improvement@nhs.net by
meeting, it is a place for new starters to get together for a April 18.
chat, share likeminded thoughts and experiences with each
other and to spot improvement opportunities. We also arranged an ‘Ask me Anything’ event early in
March especially for new starters as another portal to ask,
The group meets every month and invitation to the in real time, questions and get answers from Kathryn Singh,
network group meetings are automatic and for as long Chief Executive; Nicola Hartley, Executive Director of People
as our new starters want to attend. But if you no longer and Organisational Development; Lisa Earnshaw, Head of
consider yourself to be a new starter or would like to HR Workforce and Andrew Parker, Head
opt out of future emails on this topic please email rdash. of Learning and Development.
improvement@nhs.net
You have your own ‘New Starter’ page on the Improvement
Hub and also on the Intranet where you can find out
more about this network, what it does and how you can
contribute.
20Colleagues matters
Talent Management
coming soon
Next month we will be launching our Talent
Management programme with the key aim of
valuing and maximising everyone’s contribution to for the benefit of patients and my colleagues. This maintained
my focus and retained my drive within our Rotherham service for
the success of our organisation.
around five years, until I achieved a Band 7 role. Having had the
opportunity to evidence my abilities within a management role, I
Traditionally, talent management has focused on spotting and
was successful in obtaining an interim/ secondment’ as a Modern
developing high potential colleagues and we will continue to
Matron and I have since been successful in obtaining the position
do this in a more structured way. What is new is that we will
on a permanent basis.”
have a much greater focus on valuing career stable colleagues
and supporting everyone to achieve their career aspirations.
Our Talent Management programme will build on what we do
well already. We want RDaSH to be a great place to work for
The experience of Chris Pym, Modern Matron shows that we
everyone, a place where everyone is appreciated and able to be
already have some good practice in place.
all they can and want to be.
Chris, pictured, said: “I have
It is a major programme of work, especially through COVID, so
been very fortunate to have
we are going to start with a focus on a few areas linked to key
progressed through nursing roles
requirements and strategies.
and been able to develop with
support from my managers. I
• Succession planning for sub board colleagues – this is Care
initially started as a Staff Nurse
Quality Commission requirement
and moved to become a Band 6
• Career development for our black Asian and minority ethnic
Nurse Practitioner. I attended the
colleagues as part of our Workplace Race Equality Standard
NHS Leadership Academy and
(WRES) – a requirement for all NHS healthcare providers
was able to move around services
• Talent management for Band 5 nurses, psychological
gaining experience and applying
professionals, and medics – to support recruitment and
my learning. All this supported
retention hotspots.
my development and enabled me
to make improvements
Watch this space.
Congratulations
Following a successful
interview, we are delighted
that Dr Claire Klein has been
appointed as the Lead
Psychological Professional
for the North Lincolnshire.
Claire will officially start in
her new post
on April 12.
21Colleagues matters
Reverse Mentoring are invited to attend our online information session on April 20 from
1 to 2pm.
Programme – second Reverse mentoring comprises a colleague (the mentor) mentoring
a more senior colleague (the mentee) about Equality, Diversity
cohort online session – and Inclusion. The mentor shares their lived experience with the
mentee through 1:1 meetings, shadowing, observations, and
other opportunities as they arise. The programme is called Reverse
April 20 Mentoring because the typical hierarchal power dynamic is reversed
in this model. The less senior employee takes on the role of mentor
As part of the Trust’s commitment to develop an inclusive culture, and is considered the expert, with the senior employee learning
we have developed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Reverse from them and their experiences. Both mentors and mentees receive
Mentoring Programme. training and support throughout the programme.
Reverse mentoring aims to educate leaders in diversity issues Time commitment would be a day of training, six months mentoring
and expose them to challenging dialogue which they might not with a meeting at least once a month, attendance at two mentor
otherwise encounter. It also provides the opportunity to learn about peer support sessions for half a day, and a celebration event after
other people’s experiences through a different lens which influences the mentoring is complete with an opportunity for reflective
organisational change. The purpose of the programme is to promote practice. During the pandemic this will likely all take place online until
understanding of EDI issues, provide opportunities for those in guidelines change.
protected groups to challenge and influence the Trust based on their
lived experiences. Please email phil.uduoise@nhs.net or
amanda.ambler@nhs.net for an expression
The first cohort focused on colleagues with a black Asian minority of interest form or for more information or
ethnic background. The second cohort will be for disabled support in talking to your manager, please
colleagues. If you identify as disabled or have a long-term health contact virginia.golding@nhs.net
condition and are interested in taking part, you and your manager
Retirements
Happy retirement Kay
After 29 years of service in the NHS
Karen Hay, Continence Nurse retired. All
Marilyn retires your colleagues and friends wish you a
very happy retirement.
After 19 years’ service in the Laundry Team, Marilyn
Cooper, Acting Supervisor, retired on March 19. You
will be greatly missed by all your work colleagues
and customers who have become friends over the
years. Enjoy your retirement.
22Colleagues matters
Spotlight on our …
…admin teams
In this regular feature we are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the unsung heroes
of our Trust, who have done a tremendous job during the pandemic – our admin colleagues. We couldn’t
manage without you, so a big thank you to you all. Here are some of their faces and stories:
Sophie Trewick, Call was absolutely terrified but
Handler/ Administrator, welcomed with open arms into
an amazing team who helped me
Single Point of Access (SPA) not only to learn the job role as
Team, Tickhill Road Hospital an administrator but also gave
me the support needed to get
“I work in a team of 27 and we
through this trying time. The SPA
take an average 500 calls a day,
team work 24/7, so it often means
along with emails and electronic
early morning starts for me, but
referrals, which come from 16
I love my job. Putting a smile on
different services which we are
people's faces at the other end of
always looking to expand.
the phone, especially if they have
been shielding and I'm the only
“I started in April 2020, which
one who they've spoken to in a
was shortly after the national
while, makes it so worthwhile.”
lockdown was announced. I
Georgia Peterson, Admin “My role includes liaising
Lead for All Age Adult between the service manager,
Matron and admin team to keep
Mental Health Services and everything running smoothly
(temporary) Admin Lead for what is a busy service. I
for the Adult Mental Health thoroughly enjoy the work and
Unit, Doncaster helping to keep everyone’s
head up during Covid has been
“I joined the Trust in 2007 and I’m a challenge, but one that I have
based at Windermere Lodge on relished. Taking the time to
the Tickhill Road Hospital site. I support staff when they are
manage a great admin team of feeling low is both important and
nine who work across a number personally rewarding.”
of buildings, including Blossom
Lodge.
Keep your G.A.M.E on
It is important that all colleagues who provide direct care out of hospital wear their
personal protection equipment (PPE) in all situations. Please watch the video below
which talks about PPE and what to wear. The information is based on guidance
published by Public Health England.
https://vimeo.com/505608976/3e39e046b8
23Colleagues matters
Freedom to Speak Up #SpeakUpToMe
We want everyone to feel able to speak up if they have a concern about a risk,
malpractice, or incivility at work.
If you feel that you cannot raise a concern in your team or with your line manager then
please use the contact form on the intranet or contact Noma Makhanda, our Freedom
to Speak up Guardian, or one of your FTSU champions.
Noma Makhanda
You can find a list of all the champions at the following link:
https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/about-us/freedom-to-speak-up/
To help us to better understand your experiences when speakingup, please take a minute to
give us Freedom To Speak Up feedback at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JTFVXBB
or use the QR Code right
Like to find out more about Freedom To Speak Up?
Then watch Noma’s podcast for the Occupational Therapy Black Asian Minority Ethnic
conversation video. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKMoCTZwWso
CHALLENGE
Have you tried our new health and wellbeing challenge yet? Remember to send us your photos of
you doing the challenge and we’ll
Each month we will bring you a new health and wellbeing include them in this newsletter.
challenge to take part in. Check out the March’s challenge by
watching the video at the link below:
https://youtu.be/BoH7NS3u_Rc
Armed Forces Community Support
North Lincolnshire Council has a dedicated service to support the members of our Armed Forces Community.
Look at the links below for more information:
Search the Council's website on www.northlincs.gov.uk for more information.
24Colleagues matters
Working hard to foundations - capturing data, getting feedback from you on
the issues and how we can resolve them.
improve our patient The four workstreams are now set up with the following
Director leads. They are:
care Risk assessment care planning and record keeping –
led by Michelle Veitch, Chief Operating Officer
As you are may be aware, the Care Quality
Right people, right skills – led by Nicola Hartley, Director
Commission inspected us a while ago and gave us for People and Organisational Development
a rating of ‘requires improvement.’
Governance – led by Phil Gowland, Director of Corporate
Work was underway to plan changes and improvements, Assurance
but then COVID-19 struck. Whilst this critical work Safe and clinically effective – led by Tracey Wrench,
hasn’t stopped, patient care was prioritised in the tough Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals
circumstances we were all working in and in recognition the
pressure everyone was under. Now we want ALL of our staff to be aware of this work and
to get involved. We can’t make improvements without YOU!
But now, as we work towards slowly unlocking the country
and with the vaccination programme rolling out at pace, we Over the coming weeks we will be letting you have more
can look at picking up the pace of our plan to improve our information about our workstreams and how YOU can get
services, and ultimately our patient care. involved to help us continue to strive to deliver the best
patient care.
We’ve set up an Improvement Board to oversee this
critical work, and have been busy taking steps solidify the We look forward to hearing your views!
25Colleagues matters
Wellness Tracking made easier with new PAM Life app
Your PAM Life app has a fresh look and a simplified user interface, increased loading speeds, better interactivity with audio
and optimisation to your unique device. There are also some new features. Keep track of your weight loss/gain progress
with a weight tracker.
Download the latest version of PAM Life today, following the links below.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pamlifelimited.pamlife
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/pam-life/id1521498969
Not yet registered for PAM Life?
Step 1: Go to www.pamlife.co.uk/rdash
Step 2: Click the ‘create account’ button
Step 3: Insert your organisational code: rdashstaff
Step 4: Create your login account details using your preferred email address (we recommend you use your personal
email address) and create a secure password
Step 5: Validate your account via the notification email
26Their opinion counts
It boosts our morale when we get a thank you from colleagues, managers but
especially patients and service users.
Here, in ‘Their opinion counts’, is a selection of comments and compliments from the
Your Opinion Counts forms.
s Team, Aspire Drug and Alcohol
Community Acces Service, Doncaster
re
North Lincolnshi
“All in all, the staff and service
ed in all areas
“I found I was help were brilliant. Everything was
King
fishe
h care was Roth r Ward,
very well and muc really positive.” erha
e to. It is very
taken by all I spok “Tha
m
appreciated.” nk yo
t M e ntal patie
n t
u all s
ta
s c e n , u n derst ff. X was
d A d ole e x a
n es cellen n
Child a ealth Servic t to t ding and
a
H l k to.”
e r y w ell,
as v
it h X and it w y explained
w he
“It was ed the way t amples. Also,
li k x
I really e a n d gave e
to m .”
atry, things d li steners
Community Podi g o o
Doncaster Brambles Ward,
Rotherham
ve encoun-
“All the staff we ha
cellent. Very “Talking to pharmacist who
tered have been ex
making sure brought my tablets was good
professional while .”
se and
the patient is at ea
fully informed.”
Neuro Rehab r
u tre a ch Te a m, Doncaste Health Visitors North
O
Lincolnshire
ived when
“Punctual, arr
was given,
arranged time “Feeling reassured about
t the situation
explained wha was support for myself, partner and
Tri-Healt was and advice baby. Happy with the service
h Serv very good.”
Children ice, we received.”
’s
“I was ve
ry appreh
and shar ensive Learning Disability Team
ed my co
with them n cerns Occupational Therapy St John’s Counselling
, t h e y put my
mind stra Rotherham Doncaster
ight at ea
professio se. Very
nal, than “Everything from start to “My counsellor was am
azing.
kyou
once aga
in.” finish was great. X is a very They listened and helpe
d me a
knowledgeable OT and the lot during a really diffic
ult time.
advice/help that was given to Thank you.”
us as a family was invaluable.”
27Colleagues matters
Welcome to the Employment Network
for Equality and Inclusion (enei)
We are a member of enei, a network which promotes and covers all aspects of equality and
inclusion in the workplace.
To get started:
1. Register for access to the Members Area of the enei • FREE access to research material, helping you to
website: https://www.enei.org.uk/register/ become a thought leader in diversity and inclusion
2. Share this link with colleagues that you also wish to • FREE access to a number of events, including some
have access as long as they register from RDaSH they virtual eg webinars
will be accepted.
• Discounts on all chargeable events, training
3. Sign up the newsletter to access the latest Diversity and
• Priority access to talks, seminars and networking
Inclusion news at this link:
events.
https://www.enei.org.uk/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
• Member Resources can be found here: https://
You can access the benefits of enei membership which www.enei.org.uk/members-area/ (You will need to
include: register and then use your login details to access this
information)
• Access to enei’s website Member only area containing
Employer Guides, Case Studies, Infographics and other • There are a wide range of events: http://www.enei.
information org.uk/events including our Annual Conference,
Parliamentary Reception and enei’s prestigious Annual
Awards
Thank you to everyone who entered our ‘Spot the difference’ competition as a fun way to remind
colleagues about our dress code.
The five lucky winners who each win a box of Thornton’s chocolates are:
Martin Andrews, Marie Nash, SMI Laura Powell, Pam Thomson, Elaine Evans, Clinical
Reducing Restrictive Physical Health and Compliance Officer Neuro Rehabilitation Systems Team.
Interventions Wellbeing Team Hub
Facilitator
Your chocolates are waiting at Woodfield House, just email rdash.rdashcommunications@nhs.net to arrange collection.
Hands Face Space Fresh air
28You can also read
