Cascade Summer/Autumn 2012 - Plymouth Hospitals

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cascade_summer_2012_1.5:Cascade_Winter_2011 23/10/2012 13:47 Page 10 10 Exercise Bolivian Venture by LNN P McColgan I have recently returned from a three week Defence Medical Services (DMS) mountaineering expedition to Bolivia. The purpose of the expedition was to carry out research into changes in natriuretic hormones at high altitude, specifically how B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), copeptin, vasopressin, catecholamines, aldosterone, Cortisol and Total Body Water at High Altitude relate to, and potentially predict, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The research was conducted by two groups of approximately 25 DMS personnel climbing peaks up to and over 6000m in the Cordillera Real range of the Bolivian Andes. Data including basic observations, blood, urine, saliva, weight and echocardiograms were taken at 3400, 4500 and 5200m. In total 2500 blood, 300 urine and 600 saliva samples were taken and are back in the freezer at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. While over 200 echocardiograms were gathered at various altitudes. 49 out of the 50 participants made it to the top of Pata Patani (5500m), via a new route, while 26 made it to the top of Chacochamani (6040m) probably the first 26 non Bolivian ascents from the west side of the mountain. We climbed two unclimbed rocky summits around 5200m closer to base camp, explored to high on an unclimbed peak further up the valley and a couple of the more experienced climbers made the first ascents of the east and west peaks of Jackosire a previously unclimbed peak. The final climb on Pata Patani News from around the Trust To gather the research and conduct the climbing we spent twelve days in the mountains setting up camps at various altitudes. The main camp at 4800m came with a group of inquisitive Lama’s and its very own glacial stream/outdoor bathing facilities. With the sun setting at approximately 1900 and the night time temperature of -5 to -20 little was done after dark apart from sleep. The days always brought a new route to explore and breathtaking scenery to be seen. On a daily basis we were reminded that it was not a holiday. The majority of the time this was by Surgeon Commander Mellor (research lead), but the altitude and local food also took their toll with the majority suffering from AMS with varying degrees of severity. One of the group developed pulmonary oedema however this was treated and he continued on with the expedition. I myself had a two day period of illness and can assure you that O2 sats of 81% and a resting HR of 140bpm was not particularly enjoyable. However it was not all doom and gloom. During the acclimatisation phase we managed to see the sights of La Paz and visit Lake Titicaca. While the R&R period at the end of the trip allowed the majority to take part in the “Death Road” cycle. This consisted of a 65km stretch of road that drops from a height of 4500m to a finish at 1200m. All in all it was an amazing experience and one that I would thoroughly recommend to all. Research at 4200m! The sumit of Pata Patani Those who have further interested in this area can follow the link below to the DMS Expedition website. http://dmsexpeds.org.uk/
cascade_summer_2012_1.5:Cascade_Winter_2011 23/10/2012 13:47 Page 11 Artwork Enhancements in Hound Ward Hound Ward is looking a much cheerier place nowadays thanks to 12 new pieces of artwork adorning the ward walls. The artwork was funded from donations given by the ‘South West Liver Trust’ organised by Professor Matthew Cramp and the ‘Friends of Liver Lifeline’, who are a volunteer group within ‘The British Liver Trust’. Each group kindly donated money to Hound Ward for improving the environment and consequently the overall patient experience. 11 Junior Sister Carole Stevens and Di Brimacombe Support Manager from the Planning Department met and discussed various options on how to enhance the environment with the use of artwork. After consultation with other Hound Ward staff, the choices for the walls were agreed as seven landscape scenes of local places of natural beauty such as Burgh Island, St. Ives and Porth Curno. With five portrait flower scenes, including foxgloves and lavender covering the shower and toilet doors. The artwork was an instant success with many patients, some saying they would like the artwork for their own homes! The majority of the images were donated to the Trust by Di Brimacombe, with one of the scenes being donated by Barry Jones from Nuclear Medicine. The artwork has been such a success, that staff on Hound Ward have now asked Di to get involved in producing more artwork for a phase two. This will see more landscape artwork being installed in the five single rooms on Hound Ward. In this top photo, from L to R are Junior Sister Carole Stevens, Shelia Connolly from ‘Friends of liver lifeline’, Professor Matthew Cramp and Di Brimacombe. Shelia Connolly herself received a liver transplant 4 years ago and has been raising money for the cause ever since. When speaking to Di Brimacombe after the unveiling, Shelia told Di: “Someone died, which allowed me to stay alive – I had to give something back.” If you would like to read more regarding these two charities along with Shelia’s story the links are: http://www.friendsofliverlifeline.co.uk/ http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/home.aspx Smoking Cessation Champion Katy Lea has been doing a fantastic job as smoking cessation link nurse on Fal ward. Since Derriford went smokefree on 14th March she has been co-ordinating and ensuring that the ward has all it needs in place to deliver nicotine replacement therapy to all patients admitted to the ward. “I’ve noticed a real difference for patients. They seem much less agitated and more comfortable whilst they are with us on the ward. They don’t seem to need to leave the ward to go off for a smoke as the patches are giving them the relief they need.” If you would like to arrange Nicotine Replacement Therapy Protocol training for your ward to help your patients manage their nicotine withdrawal please contact Mel Edwards at the Stop Smoking Service on 314040 (int 41040). News from around the Trust
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Cascade Summer/Autumn 2012 - Plymouth Hospitals

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