Autumn 2008 - Homerton University Hospital

VIEW FROM THE TOPA word from the chief executiveThe past few months have flown past,yet so much has been going on it’sdifficult to choose where to start.We managed to pick our way through thefew sunny days to enjoy a number ofmemorable occasions to celebrate the NHS60th birthday and I would like to thank allthose of you who took part in the variousevents and functions highlighted in thisedition of life.We have also seen real progress in ourcapital projects, with the opening of the IVFUnit above the main entrance, and the longawaited beginning of construction work onthe Perinatal Centre.Both these important schemes have beendeveloped very much with the future inmind and we are sure that they will bothplay a key role in meeting the needs ofHackney’s mothers, partners and babies formany years to come.accreditation in the new pilot CNST maternityclinical risk management standards. Anotherservice which fits this bill will be our EastLondon Obesity Service which will be takingshape – if you will pardon the pun – over thenext few months.These services, along with our rising profile asthe designated hospital for the LondonOlympics, will ensure we are kept in thepublic eye over the coming months and years.Our reputation has gained a further boostwith the publication of the annual HealthCheck from the Healthcare Commission. Weare one of an elite band of hospitals toachieve the prestigious double ‘Excellent’scores for both the quality of our services andthe strength of our financial management.These tremendous scores could not havebeen achieved without the hard work ofyou all and I would thank you again forensuring that Homerton stays ahead of thefield for performance.survey questionnaire took the time to fill it inbecause we value your comments and takethem on board when planning policies andstrategies for the future.The national patients’ survey has beendisappointing for us in previous years andwe believe that a number of factors weighagainst us and other hospitals with similarpopulations. We are working with the otherTrusts to change the format of thequestionnaires to our patients. In themeantime we have been forging ahead withother alternatives – such as the PET handheld computer – and it was gratifying thatthe Secretary of State for Health took thetime to come along recently and see howthe trackers are working on our wards.I hope you find this edition of life aninformative and entertaining read and Iwelcome any feedback on the magazine andany issues raised in it.They will also go a long way to embellishingour reputation for developing services whichare relevant to our local population as is ourrecent achievement in gaining Level 2We still have a number of challenges, notleast the results we get from nationalsurveys. I hope those of you who received a Nancy Hallett Chief ExecutiveNew dignitycode for olderpeople islaunchedA new multi-agency code, aimed atrecognising the dignity of olderpeople, has been launched with afull endorsement from key careorganisations across the City andLondon Borough of Hackney.The code has been developed by the OlderPeople’s Reference Group for City andHackney which is made up of older residentsand reflects their views and suggestionsabout what dignity means to them.The code has been endorsed by the localauthorities and the local NHS and hasalready been developed as a qualityindicator for commissioning contracts inthe Borough for this year.The reference group, which is ‘serviced’and supported by the local Age Concern,reports to the Borough Older People’sPartnership Board.Jenny Negus, the Chair of the Board andDeputy Director of Nursing for HomertonHospital, said: “The code lays down solidfoundations for what older people feel arethe key areas to ensure that they areJennie Negus withCynthia White,Chair of the OlderPeople’s ReferenceGroup addingtheir signatures tothe older people’sdignity code.treated with dignity and due respect inevery aspect of their contact withcaring organisations.“This borough wide approach ensuresthat we are all signed up and fullycommitted to addressing older people’sconcerns and meeting their aspirations.”Homertonlife 2008 3