Autumn - Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

insightISSUE 16 AUTUMN 2012Election SpecialGiving the gift of lifeFacing Africa

2insight Autumn 2012

WelcomeDr Liz Brown (centre) and team matescelebrating the 200m finalAfter enjoying the feverpitch of the Olympics, youwill get a glimpse of what itwas like behind the sceneswhen you read about theexperiences of two ofthe six hospital staff whovolunteered their services atthe 2012 London Games,on page 11.The excitement is building as we take the next step towardsbecoming an NHS Foundation Trust. The Secretary of State hasgiven his approval for the Trust’s application to be passed to theindependent regulator, Monitor, to assess our readiness to becomean NHS Foundation Trust over the coming months.We have begun the election process for our Council of Governorsand you can find out more about putting yourself forward to standfor election on page 4. All nominations need to be submitted by18 September.Read Mistekima’s story on page 12. A warning that the picturesdon’t make easy viewing, but the story is a hopeful one, when youread how teams of anaesthetists (including one of our own), facialsurgeons, and nurses are giving their time voluntarily to improve thequality of life to severely disabled children and young adults in Africa.Anita HouldingEditor / Senior Communications OfficerEditorial dates 2012You can send your articles for insight via email toanita.houlding@nhs.net or RUHcommunications@nhs.net or you cansend a paper copy via the internal mail. Deadline for copy for nextissue is 1 November for publication early in December.inside this issueinsafehandsElection special.........................................................4Come and join us.....................................................6Caring for you: Living with diabetes..........................7Giving the gift of life................................................8Yours sincerely..........................................................9A hatful of awards for Anaesthesia.........................10inviewStaff volunteer at Olympic Games...........................11Facing Africa..........................................................12Welcome to the workplace.....................................13Passport to Care ....................................................14NHS Heroes – who’s yours?....................................14Home from hospital service....................................15Florian’s fundraiser..................................................16We will survive.......................................................16inadditionForever Friends.......................................................17Art.........................................................................18Friends of the RUH.................................................20inyourowntimeTake a break...........................................................24ContributorsRoxy PoultneyMembership and Governance ManagerElection special p4Sarah BealeSpecialist Nurse in Organ DonationGiving the gift of life p8Dr Michael CoupeConsultant in AnaesthesiaFacing Africa p12www.ruh.nhs.uk 3

insafehandsElection SpecialOur hospital is just one step away from becoming anNHS Foundation Trust (FT).Monitor, who will assess our readiness to become an NHSFoundation Trust over the forthcoming months.The Secretary of State has given his approval for the Trust’sapplication to be passed to the independent regulator,A step closer to the podiumWe’ve already begun theelection process for our Councilof Governors.If you are already an FT member,you should have received a Noticeof Election, which was your firstopportunity to put yourself forward tostand for election. All nominations needto be submitted by 18 September2012, so if you are reading this aroundthe first week of September, you’llneed to get your skates on if you’reinterested in becoming a Governor. It’snot too late to be a member, and thenstand for Governor.You don’t need any qualifications,just life-experience and enthusiasm,a willingness to ask questions, opento ideas, and a desire to make adifference by getting involved inyour local hospital. It’s this publicinvolvement that will help to ensureour services best reflect the needs ofthe local community.If you don’t wish to stand for Governoryourself, you are of course entitled tovote for a candidate to represent yourviews at Council of Governor meetings.All elected Governors will receiveinduction and training depending ontheir desired level of involvement.They will be supported inYou can keep up to date with the latest news via the hospital’swebsite www.ruh.nhs.ukcommunicating and meeting regularlywith their constituents, and feedingback at the quarterly Council ofGovernor meetings.Governor duties include appointingand removing the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors of the hospital,and holding the Board of Directors toaccount for the Trust’s performance,strategic plan delivery, and meetingcore purpose and values.There has been considerable interest inour Governor Information Sessions andmore than a 100 people came along tofind out more about the role.We are still signing up members:you need to be a member tostand for election as a Governor.4insight Autumn 2012

Talk to usIf you would like to talk to someoneto find out more about the roleof Governor, then Roxy Poultney,our Membership and GovernanceManager, would be only to happy tohear from you.Roxy says: “We have 11 vacancies forpublic Governors and so we want dozenscompeting for election; it will be betterfor our members to have a wide field ofcandidates to choose from. Please do callme if you are interested in applying, I’ll bedelighted to talk to you.”If you don’t wish to stand for election,do ensure you vote for your preferredcandidate. Voting will open fromWednesday 10 October and ballot paperswill be sent directly to your home address.If you have recently moved, pleaseremember to let the Membership Officeknow your new address.The Election timetableIf you want to stand for election, youcan request a nomination form from ourReturning Officer, Caroline Hinchcliffe,on 0208 889 9203. A reminder that thedeadline for returning nomination formsto ERS (returning officer) is Tuesday 18September 2012.Please note that you cannot vote in theelection if you are not registered as anNHS Foundation Trust member.If you want to vote, you must take upmembership before the 21 September2012. We’ll be waiting.Monday 20 AugustNotice of Election issued; nomination forms areavailable upon request from Electoral ReformServices (ERS).ERS act as returning officer, and they are runningthe election independently from the RUHTuesday 18 September - 5pm Deadline for receipt of all nominationsFriday 21 SeptemberLast date for candidate withdrawalTuesday 9 OctoberNotice of Poll published by ERSWednesday 10 October Voting packs despatched to all members homeaddresses (ensure we have your up-to-datecontact details)**Members vote**Friday 2 NovemberClosing date for electionMonday 5 November Results announcedDates for the diaryTake a look at what’s coming up…Date Topic Time Venue20 September Caring for you: Surgeryand pain management26 September Annual MembersMeeting29 November Caring for you: Men’shealth – urology andcardiologyRemember, the Caring for Youevents are exclusively for NHSFoundation Trust members, soif you are keen to understandmore about the work of yourhospital, please sign up as amember. You can contact theMembership Office on any ofthe contacts listed on page 6,at any time during the workingday, and we’ll be delighted tohelp you.18:00 – 19:30 RUH, DepartmentB2018:00 – 19:30 Assembly Rooms,Bath18:00 – 19:30 RUH, DepartmentB20You don’t need anyqualifications tobecome a Governor,just life experienceand enthusiasm.left: Roxy Poultney,Membershipand GovernanceManager withEric Sanders, TrustBoard Secretarywww.ruh.nhs.uk5

insafehandsCome and join us - our first assemblyThe delightfulAssembly Rooms,Bath will be thesetting for our AGMagain this year.Our first Annual Members Meeting,combined with the AGM, will take placeon Wednesday 26 September 2012 at6pm in the Assembly Rooms, Bath.Two of our top consultants, RespiratoryPhysician Dr Vidan Masani and DrAlastair Kerr, Elderly Care Consultant,will be talking about Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease (COPD), as well as howthe Trust is improving care for people atthe end of their lives. COPD is the namefor a collection of lung diseases includingchronic bronchitis, emphysema andchronic obstructive airways disease.The Trust’s 2011/12 Annual Report andAccounts, Quality Accounts and a summarychronicling the quality of the work of theTrust over the year, will be available.Exhibitions will also showcase some ofthe work of the hospital and staff will beon hand to answer any questions guestsmay have.Last year’s AGM at Bath Assembly RoomsTrust Chairman Brian Stables, says: “Thisannual meeting is open to all membersof the public and offers everyone theopportunity to share their views with us,and participate in learning more aboutthe activities of the Trust. We hopeto make this the biggest membershipevent yet, so please register yourinterest today.”Contact usPlease contact us via any of the following numbers or addressesfor more information:01225 821299RUHmembership@nhs.netwww.ruh.nhs.uk/foundationtrustFREEPOST RSLZ-GHKG-UKKL, FT Membership Office, Royal UnitedHospital Bath NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG6insight Autumn 2012

Caring for you: Living with diabetesMembers of the public, who havesigned up to become membersof the NHS Foundation Trust,attended the latest Caring for Youevent, which focused on one ofthe most common, life-long healthconditions, diabetes.In the UK there are 2.9 million peoplediagnosed with diabetes, and anestimated 850,000 people who havethe condition, but don’t know it.Around 21,000 people in the hospital’scatchment area alone are living withthis condition and thousands of thoseare treated at the RUH every year.It was an educational and interactiveevent, with lots of audienceparticipation. As well as sharingknowledge of the two types ofdiabetes, and how we treat diabeticpatients here, Consultant PhysicianDr Alexandra Ward also tested theaudience’s understanding of thecondition. They used electronickey pads to ‘vote’ for what theyconsidered to be the correct answerto a series of questions put to them.It was a novel way of engaging withour members, but also an effectiveway of learning about a condition,Talking about diabeteswhich affects so many people.Guests also had an opportunity toexplore the equipment that diabeticpatients may have to use to managetheir condition; such things as insulinpens used to inject insulin, insulinpumps which determine how muchinsulin you already have in yoursystem, so you don’t accidentally giveyourself too much, and blood (sugar)glucose testing machines used tomonitor blood sugar levels.Advising on nutritionThere was some useful literature onpodiatry, nutrition and diabetes andretinal screening for guests to read ortake away.Sharon Reilly from Chippenhamthoroughly enjoyed the Caring forYou event: “As a student nurse, Ihave a fair understanding aboutdiabetes already. This session hashelped to raise awareness of thecondition and I can help with thattoo, by talking to my family membersand patients about it. I wouldrecommend the Caring for Youevents to anyone who is interestedin healthcare issues. I’m lookingforward to the next one.”At the next event our Theatres Teamwill tell you all you need to knowabout surgery at the RUH. You’llget to see some of the equipmentinvolved, hear about the preparationswe make and we’ll show you someof the ‘positions’ that are requiredfor different operations. We’llpublicise future sessions in insightand on the hospital website andthey need to be booked early toavoid disappointment.www.ruh.nhs.uk 7

insafehandsGiving the gift of lifeMore than 10,000 people in the UK currently needan organ transplant. Of these, three a day will diewaiting as there are not enough organs available.It’s a shocking statistic and one that might be changedif more people registered as an organ donor. In fact,the British Medical Association, and many transplantsurgeons, are keen to see an ‘opt out’ system, whichwill presume that an individual wishes to be a donorunless they opt out. They also say that relatives wouldbe relieved of the burden of making that decision atsuch a traumatic time.This is likely to cause some debate, but whichever way youlook at it, the facts don’t change; there is a serious shortageof organ donors and long waiting lists for transplants (over7,500 on the active transplant waiting list).Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievementsin modern medicine. But they depend entirely on thegenerosity of donors and their families who are willing tomake this life-saving or life-enhancing gift to others.Sarah Beale (pictured) is a SpecialistNurse in Organ Donation at the RUHand she works closely with staff in theEmergency Department and IntensiveCare Unit. When appropriate, she talksto families about organ donation, whena loved one is dying or has died.“Being a Specialist Nurse in OrganDonation is an amazing job and I workwith a very supportive team. I feel veryprivileged to be so closely involvedwith families. I often feel humbledby those I meet who are thinking ofhelping others at such a difficult timefor themselves.“A call came from the intensive caredepartment about a 53 year old manwho was critically ill. He had come intohospital after collapsingat home and a headscan showed hehad suffered alarge bleed. Therewas nothing any ofthe specialistscould do,they agreedthat furthertreatmentwasn’t anoption andthat lifesupportshould bestopped. In cases like this, it may bepossible to help other people throughorgan donation, and I talked throughthe options with his wife.“Whilst she was on the Organ Donorregister, her husband wasn’t and it wassomething they had never discussed.He had been such a kind and generousman that she felt he would havewanted to help others, and she tooksome time to discuss it with her family.“As soon as we had consent, I was ableto make the necessary arrangements,and his wife had time to say all thethings she felt she needed to beforethe life support was stopped.“This gentleman saved the lives ofthree people through organ donation,and enhanced the lives of four othersthrough donating his eye tissue andheart valves.“His wife has told me that hard as itwas at the time, she gets such comfortfrom knowing that her husband hadhelped so many people in such atremendous way. It would have beeneasier had they talked about theirwishes regarding organ donation andshe urges others to do so.As a result of patients at the RUHdonating organs, eight life savingtransplants were carried out. 25 peoplealso donated their corneas and heartvalves after their death and 41 peoplebenefited from this tissue donation.The more people pledge to donatetheir organs and tissue after theirdeath, the more people stand tobenefit. By choosing to join the NHSOrgan Donor Register, you couldhelp make sure life goes on formany others. To find out more aboutregistering as an organ donor, visitwww.organdonation.nhs.ukTHE FACTSFacts about life savingtransplants• A heart or lung transplant takesplace within four hours of retrieval• a liver and pancreas transplant takesplace within six to eight hours• a kidney transplant takes placewithin 24 hours• a small bowel transplant takesplace within six to eight hours.Facts about life-enhancingtransplants• Corneas and heart valves areclassed as tissue• Corneas are stored andtransplanted within one month• Heart valves can be stored for upto five years.8insight Autumn 2012

Yours sincerelyIt’s always pleasing to receive positive feedback from patients and their relatives for the support and carethey receive from our staff and the Trust frequently receives letters of praise and thanks. Some also appearin the local press. Here are extracts from a few.Col.N Knocker from Melkshamwrote to thank all the staff involvedfor the excellent and caring waythey managed his treatment: “Itstarted with cheerful and helpfulreception staff, and the radiologists,who could not have been moreunderstanding or sympathetic inensuring that all aspects of thetreatment were explained andthen carried out. I would be mostgrateful if my sincere thankscould be passed toall concerned.”Mr J Howarth fromMalmesbury wrote to thank usfor the care he received on theRespiratory ward and also RobinSmith ward: “On both occasionsI found the care and treatment Ireceived to be absolutely first classand I cannot praise highly enoughthe expertise and dedication ofthe nursing and support staff inyour hospital.”Mrs H Plummer fromWestbury wrote to say thankyou to staff who cared for heron Charlotte ward: “From theconsultants, nursing staff to thecleaners, all were superb. Everymember of staff was kind, caringand helpful and encouraging. Thewhole ward and all its staff are acredit to the RUH.”Mrs E Bird from Bath wroteto thank us for the care shereceived on Robin Smith ward:“I have to make known to allmedical staff, domestic staff, infact everyone involved in my care,that they could in no way havedone a better job. From receptionto discharge, the staff were allextremely efficient and caring theentire time I was there. I found noreason to grumble about anythingand I would appreciate youpassing on my comments to thestaff involved.”Ms F Welford fromGlastonbury wrote to expressher appreciation for the very highstandard of care she received:“My experience of the Cardiacward was of one that wasextremely well run with excellentcommunication between staff anda high level of professionalism anddedication amongst the nursingteam. Overall the level of care Ireceived was outstanding.”Ms M Garbett from Bradfordon Avon wrote to say thank youto all staff, “especially the nursingstaff and ancilliary workers, whoshowed me such kindness underdifficult circumstances during myrecent stay in the RUH. It was oftenwell over and above the call ofduty. It was my first stay in hospitalfor nearly forty years and I was veryimpressed by the wide range ofservices available. Thank you againfor your kindness.”Mr W Crook from Tormartonwrote to record his appreciationfor the treatment that he receivedfrom the outset: “It started withthe paramedics and continuedon reception at the hospital. Theresponse from the nurses and ladydoctor, whose name escapes me,was extremely polite, professionaland very reassuring. This receptionset the standard which continuedthroughout my time at the RUH, asI moved from one department toanother as my condition improved.I appreciated the time that NurseCatriona Glen took to explain mycondition and also the purpose ofthe various drugs I was taking. Iwas impressed by the coordinationbetween departments and theconstant teamwork that seemedto me to be the underlying basisof your success. You have asplendid teamof professionalpeople.”Mr R Gregory from Trowbridgewrote to thank staff in the EmergencyDepartment and the Acute StrokeUnit who treated his mother “ina most professional, caring andcompassionate manner. I have nodoubt that we are most fortunatein this area to have a hospital of thestanding of the RUH and I very muchthank you for all you do to bringabout the excellence of this facility.I also thank the many staff whoattended my motherwhilst she was inyour care.”www.ruh.nhs.uk 9

insafehandsAWARDSThe Royal College ofAnaesthetists presented theMaurice P Hudson Award to DrFiona Kelly.Dr Maurice Hudson was aconsultant anaesthetist in Londonin the early 1900s, who hada particular interest in dentalanaesthesia. Dr Hudson’s daughtergenerously donated money to theRoyal College of Anaesthetists inmemory of her father for an annualprize for the best paper on hisfavourite subject; resuscitation.Dr Tim Cook was awardedthe Humphry Davy Medalby the Royal College, andalso the Henry FeatherstoneAward by the Association ofAnaesthetists. Dr Carol Pedenwas also awarded the HumphryDavy Medal.The Humphry Davy Medal isa national award given to anindividual or an organisation forsustained contribution to the RoyalCollege of Anaesthetists for aspecific area of activity.The Henry Featherstone Awardwas instituted in 2001 in memoryof Dr Henry Featherstone, founderof the Association of Anaesthetistsof Great Britain and Ireland, and ismade to practicing anaesthetistsin acknowledgement of theirsubstantial contribution to thepractice of anaesthesia.The Dudley Buxton Prize wasawarded to Professor MarkTooley, Director of Research& Development.The Dudley Buxton Prize is an awardfor ‘meritorious work in anaesthesiaor in a science contributing to theprogress of anaesthesia’. The prizeconsists of a bronze medal.A hatful of awardsfor AnaesthesiaThe hospital’s Anaesthesia andIntensive Care department hasrecently been recognised as oneof the strongest in the country,and its members honoured forexceptional contributions in thefield of anaesthesia.Anaesthetic practice has always beenbased on improving patient safety andpatient experience. Judging from thenumber of accolades received by thedoctors within the department in the last18 months (see left), combined with theinternationally recognised research ourconsultants have carried out, and thepraise for our medical student training,our patients should feel that they are invery safe hands indeed.It is quite exceptional for these awardsto have been given to doctors from adistrict general hospital as these aremore traditionally awarded to doctors inuniversity hospitals.The research performed in thedepartment is central to the highquality of patient care and patientsafety we provide. Individualconsultants have an exceptional andwide-ranging involvement in nationalbodies and projects, which is good newsfor our patients who can be reassured bythe calibre of the staff looking after them.Dr Jerry Nolan and Dr Andrew Lim arecouncil members of the Royal Collegeof Anaesthetists, the organisation thatoversees standards and training inanaesthesia and intensive care.Dr Alex Goodwin is Clinical Co-ordinatorof the National Confidential Enquiryinto Patient Outcome and Death, whichreports on the quality of care in hospitals.Dr Carol Peden is a leader of a nationalaudit of emergency abdominal surgery,working to identify best practice. Shealso leads the Patient Safety and QualityProgramme for Intensive Care for theSouth West of England.Dr Tim Cook has led two NationalAudit Projects examining rare and majorcomplications of anaesthesia. Eachof these projects, which has involvedevery NHS hospital in the UK, has ledto changes in anaesthetic practice,improving patient safety and experience.The department undertakes researchwhich focuses on evaluating newequipment and has been at theforefront of introducing new devicesthat improve both safety and patientexperience for those undergoinganaesthesia and surgery.Medical student training withinAnaesthesia and Intensive Care has beenjudged as the best in the region forseveral years, with the department beingrated as providing the best overall trainingof any district general hospital in the UKby the General Medical Council’s nationaltrainee survey.The department comprises 25consultants and a total of 53 doctors,making it the largest department inthe RUH. Our anaesthetists care forpatients undergoing around 18,000operations each year, as well as thosein intensive care, in obstetrics, andthe pain clinic.10insight Autumn 2012

inview6Staff at the Olympics1Six staff from ourhospital were given afantastic opportunityto be involved in theOlympic Games.OrthopaedicPhysiotherapy SpecialistGenevieve Simpson (4),Dr Liz Brown (2), SisterCaroline Jolley (3), SisterLors Allford (5), EmergencyDepartment AssistantJeff Sawyer (6) and StaffNurse Laura George (1),all volunteered at 2012London (pictured opposite).2345The 100m relayThe staff, who gave uptheir own time to take part,were all very excited to havebeen chosen for such anenormous event.Emergency Department DoctorLiz Brown, was on the Field ofPlay Recovery Team, based in thebasketball arena in the OlympicPark. She looked after the athletespitch side. We caught up with Lizon day 14 of the games to find outhow she had been enjoying herOlympic experience.“It’s been brilliant. I’ve covered moregames of basketball than I can count,including games with the men’s andwomen’s USA teams. I found myselfsitting a few metres away fromMichelle Obama, and we had ourphoto taken with Kobe Bryant - he’svery tall!“I’m covering the women’s handballsemi-final and will cover the men’shandball gold medal match and seethe medal ceremony.“It’s a massive privilege to be involved;watching the games and lookingafter the athletes, what an amazingthing to do.”The closing ceremonyGenevieve Simpson was one of threehundred physiotherapists recruitedto look after some of the world’s topathletes. She shared each shift with25 other physiotherapists and 15massage therapists. Facilities includedtwo MRI scanners, a CT scanner,dentists, podiatrists, musculoskeletalradiologists, anti-gravity treadmills,hydrotherapy pool and a pharmacy.We spoke to Gen on the phone to findout what it had been like for her overthe Olympic fortnight: “It has beenfantastic being in the Olympic villagewith the athletes.“The polyclinic is like a mini hospitaland it’s been busy up until 11pm everynight, I’ve been getting home around1am most mornings. My patientshave ranged from African marathonrunners weighing 40 kilos, to EasternEuropean weightlifters, who are huge!I’ve treated a few medal winners,most recently the silver medal winnerin the Judo. It is quite nerve wrackingtreating athletes and then watchingthem compete, you just hope they willbe OK. We can keep an eye on theaction from the TV in the clinic, butI’ve been lucky to see some events likethe synchronised swimming, which isfascinating to watch.“The athletes always give you anOlympic pin when you treat them; ithas their country’s flag and London2012 on it, I’ve got loads. Peoplehave been collecting them, andswapping, we’ve all been sucked intothe fun of it.“It has been a fascinating glimpsebehind the scenes of an athlete’s life,and an experience I wouldn’t havemissed. I’ve met physiotherapistsfrom all over the world, and workedalongside osteopaths and chiropractorstreating patients together. I havelearned so much and it has beenwonderful. It has been a huge amountof work, and time and effort, but I amso glad I did it.”Our cover photo shows Dr Liz Brownstanding on the field of play with theUSA Basketball team behind.www.ruh.nhs.uk 11

inviewFacing AfricaAt the age of 10, her face washorrifically disfigured and she wasabandoned by her family and thosewho live around her. Shunned andconsigned to the life of an outcast,uneducated and unwanted.Why? Because Mistekima is one ofhundreds of children in sub-SaharanAfrica with Noma; an infection caused byextreme poverty, malnutrition and poorhealthcare. It kills many children within amonth of them becoming infected. TheWorld Health Organisation estimates thatof the 140,000 cases each year, 90% diewithin a few weeks.For others who survive, Noma goeson to destroy facial tissue, leaving thesufferer severely disfigured with gapingholes in the sides of their faces. Until2010 Mistekima lived with the right sideof her face barely recognisable until aWiltshire based charity gave her a newface and hope for a new life. Withthe help of British, Dutch and Germanmedics, Facing Africa funds surgery toreconstruct the faces of Noma victimsand to provide aftercare.Each year a teamof anaesthetists,facial surgeons andnurses travels to ahospital in AddisAbaba, Ethiopia’scapital city. All themedics give theirtime voluntarily. Amongst those on themost recent visit was Dr Mike Coupe, aConsultant Anaesthetist from the RUH.For Mike this was his first experienceof treating Noma and of working inan environment so utterly alien towhat many British doctors are used to.Mike describes the effects of the facialdestruction. “The children were livingwith and coping with such appallingdisfigurement, often in isolation, shutaway from family and friends. As aclinician, the challenges these childrenand young people posed were significant.Firstly of all there was the very obviouslanguage barrier. The children spokesuch a range of dialects that having aninterpreter wasn’t a realistic proposition- somehow we muddled through. Theother difficulty was to manage theirexpectations. Many of the childrenrequired a number of operations to maketheir faces functional again and gettingthem to understand that their facesweren’t going to be rebuilt after just oneoperation was very difficult.”Over a two-week period, the medicstreated more than 50 patients – somefor the first time, some coming backfor further reconstructive work to theirfaces. Two operating theatres ran sideby side and for Mike the days were longbut rewarding. “We had to cope withfrequent power cuts which made thingsquite interesting at times! For me as ananaesthetist, Noma presented some veryspecific challenges.“Because the facial structures are sodeformed, the standard anaestheticprocess of intubation – where we puta tube into the windpipe or trachea- isn’t an option and you have to useadvanced airway techniques. Often thismeans using a fibreoptic intubatingbronchoscope, a piece of equipment thatis not available in Ethiopia – we haveto take our own. I would expect to doonly a handful of fibreoptic intubations12insight Autumn 2012

each year in the UK, so being requiredto do so many in Ethiopia means I bringimproved skills back to my patients here.However the real point of going was toimprove the quality of life to severelydisabled children and young adults, and Iknow we did that.”Mistekima has so far had threeprocedures – the most recent being donein January of this year. She starts schoolin September, at last able to face life withsome hope and confidence.Mistekima’s final operation is in Februaryof next year and it’s more than likely thatMike will be her anaesthetist. He sayshe is very keen to return to Ethiopia andhelp in the process of reconstructing thefaces of more children, which in turnhelps rebuild their lives.If you would like more information aboutFacing Africa, go to their websitewww.facingafrica.orgWelcome to theworkplaceAnother six teenagers withlearning difficulties havegraduated from a year’sinternship at our hospital,significantly increasing theirprospects of full employment.The RUH was one of the firsthospitals in the South West towelcome teenagers with learningdifficulties into the workplace aspart of Project SEARCH, working inpartnership with Fosse Way Schooland B&NES Adult Services. This isthe third year that students havebeen taking part in the school-toworkinternship here.The project provides an opportunityfor real-life work, focused on bothgeneral and task-specific job skills.We are committed to creating anenvironment in which everyonefeels valued and able to give theirbest, and believe that a diverseworkforce can have a positiveimpact on both the everydayrunning of the hospital and thequality of patient care.Chairman Brian Stables says:“We’re delighted with the successof the Project Search initiative atthe RUH. The students learn sucha lot during their internship andwe know that those who go onto achieve employment becomevaluable members of the team.“Six out of the nine students whoundertook Project SEARCH in thefirst year are now in employment,and four of last year’s studentsnow have paid jobs. We are proudof our staff for embracing theconcept and creating such greatopportunities for the interns.”FACTSThere are only 10 plastic surgeonsin Ethiopia.There are more anaesthetistsemployed at the RUH than work inthe whole of Ethiopia.There are only 143 hospitals and2,000 doctors in the country for apopulation of 80 million, comparedto 515 doctors at the RUH for acatchment population of 450,000.There are only about 45 qualifieddentists in Ethiopia. There are threetimes that in the Bath area alone.Our six graduates with the Project SEARCH teamwww.ruh.nhs.uk 13

inviewNHS Heroes –who’s yours?The RUH is supporting anationwide NHS staff recognitioncampaign as part of the 64thbirthday celebrations of the NHS.NHS Heroes is a new recognitionscheme to honour individuals andteams who go the extra mile toimprove life for patients in hospitals,clinics and community care.Patients, their families and the NHScommunity have an opportunity tonominate and celebrate the staffmembers and teams who showexceptional compassion, kindnessand skill above and beyond the call ofeveryday duty – giving healthcare at itsvery best.Passport to CareA clever idea from Nurse RobynByrne, which recognises theimportant role carers play, is beingtested out at the RUH.A Carer’s Passport is enabling carers tobe more involved in the care of a lovedone; they can accompany relativesfor x-rays, radiotherapy and othertreatments, have discussions around carewith clinical staff and be unrestricted bynormal visiting hours.This is particularly good news forcarers of people with Alzheimer’sdisease, since these patients don’talways understand what is happeningto them, they can be confused andforgetful, and this sometimes makes itdifficult to communicate.Robyn, who works on the Respiratoryward, said: “My grandmother hadAlzheimers and my family experiencedsome difficulty in her care, which had abig affect on them. During my trainingI met a carer who was experiencingsimilar difficulties, and it struck a chordwith me. I realised that something assimple as the passport could solve somany of the problems carers face. Theyknow and understand their loved onesso well that they can have a helpful andpositive influence on patient care.”The Carers’ Centre has a team memberbased at the hospital, who got involvedin the development of Robyn’s idea.Now carer’s wearing a Carers’ Passportknow that the importance of their role isbeing recognised.“It is early days, and we need to getsome feedback, but it would be amazingto get the idea rolled out across thewhole hospital.”Nominees will be recognised atevents across England over thesummer and autumn.Chief Executive James Scott says: “RUHstaff are dedicated, compassionateprofessionals who save lives and guidepeople through illness and injury everyday. A large proportion of them goabove and beyond the call of duty tomake the hospital experience a positiveone for patients and their families,ensuring the quality and safety of carethey provide is the best that it can be.“I hope that you will nominate anNHS Hero, to give staff the recognitionthey deserve.”The campaign was launched on 5July and will run until mid-September.Nominations can be made online atwww.nhsheroes.comNurse Robyn Byrne with Carers’ Officer Neil Drinkwater from the Carers’ Centre.14insight Autumn 2012

Home from hospital serviceDid you know that there arededicated volunteers from Age UK,who are available to assist anyonepreparing to return home fromhospital? That they are ableto provide practical support topeople once at home, which maypotentially avoid readmissionto hospital?Members of the local Age UK teamare present on the RUH hospital sitefor much of the week, based in theDischarge and Therapeutic Evaluation(DATE) office. They run a free Homefrom Hospital service, which offerstransport home from hospital andprovides other practical support topeople who may be recovering fromillness, injury or an operation. Theservice is funded jointed by NHS BANESand the Local Authority.Homes services coordinator Karen Johnsays: “We take an active part in thedischarge process, working in partnershipwith colleagues across the RUH.l to r: Helen Pearson and Karen JohnHospital for Rheumatic Diseases, andwho could be at risk of re-admissionto hospital.Contact Karen John, Home Teamcoordinator or Helen Pearson on01225 825321. They are based in theRUH every Monday afternoon, Wednesdaymorning and Thursday afternoon.Alternatively, contact the Kingsmead Squareoffice on 01225 462641 or 466135.“Patients are referred to us for variousreasons. We’ll visit them on the wardand make whatever arrangementsare required to get them home. Oncethey are there, we can offer themreassurance, and do all that we can tohelp them recover their independence.We know from the feedback wereceive, that together, we are making adifference to people’s lives.”The Home from Hospital team workalongside agencies such as Care andRepair, the Carers Centre, Sirona,Community Health and Access Team,the Stroke Association, the Red Cross,GP’s, housing associations and othervoluntary organisations.This free service is available seven daysa week, from 9am until 6pm and isavailable to anyone over the age of 18who is discharged from the RUH, theEmergency Department, Paulton,St Martin’s and the Royal NationalONE PATIENT’S STORYAn occupational therapist recently referred an 82-year male patient – we’ll callhim Bob* - to the Home from Hospital Service.They had concerns that Bob was self-neglecting, and his home was in a poorstate of repair.The support worker who took Bob home found that he had no food in thefridge, bugs in his mattress and the heating didn’t work. There was also anopen coal fire that was difficult for Bob to manage.He had very little money and was very vulnerable.With his consent, they contacted social housing to supply a mattress, andCommunity Meals to arrange for food to be delivered the next day.They also requested a Community Care Assessment and arranged for amember of the Care and Repair team to carry out a Home Safety Check.A housing officer now carries out regular visits to keep an eye out for Bob.All the services pulled together to help Bob regain his dignity andindependence in his home. Age UK are still providing support.*Not the patient’s real namewww.ruh.nhs.uk 15

inviewWe will surviveFlorian’sfundraiserBarbara Madigan, who is aStroke Research Nurse at theRUH, is hoping to donatemore than £500 to the StrokeAssociation, thanks to her nineyear old son, Florian.Florian has just undertaken a160-mile cycle ride from Bath toLondon to raise money for strokeresearch. Florian cycled with hisdad Brian, along the Sustrans No.4 route to London, leaving Bathon Sunday 22 July and arriving inTrafalgar Square on Friday 27 July.Florian is pretty laid back about hisachievement: “Cycling is my hobbyand I wanted to do a long ride, soI thought I’d do it for charity. Mumdoes stroke research at the RUH,so I did it for the Stroke charity.”The Stroke Association iscelebrating its 20th Anniversarythis year. As part of thiscelebration, they challengedstroke units across the country toraise over £2,000 to help fund itsvital work.The RUH hosted the NationalForum of Gynaecology OncologyNurses (NFGON) Annual Conferencerecently. The event attracteda wide range of speakers andwas attended by over 50 of themost highly skilled gynaecologyoncology nurse specialists.The conference programme entitled‘We will survive’, looked at survivorshipfor the cancer patient, an issue whichis high on the political agenda. Areport by the National CancerSurvivorship Initiative* (NCSI) suggeststhat, nationally, current followuparrangements – which usuallyinvolves outpatient appointmentsat cancer centres – are not meetingall cancer survivors’ needs followingtreatment and do not provide valuefor money. These ‘unmet needs’ ofcancer survivors include medical,psychological, social, spiritual, financialand information needs.Delegates at the conference discussedthe creation of new models of carethat will demonstrate the opportunityto improve quality and efficiency ofservices for cancer patients.Tracie Miles, our own gynaecologyoncology specialist nurse and alsopresident of NFGON, was delightedto be hosting such a prestigiousconference: “It was a fabulousopportunity to raise the profile of thegood work that is going on at the RUH- and we were very encouraged by thefeedback we received - as well as toshare knowledge and expertise withour colleagues.”The event was also supported bysponsors from the pharma-medicalequipment industry and some of themajor gynaecological charities.*The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative(NCSI) aims to ensure that those living withand beyond cancer get the care and supportthey need to lead as healthy and active alife as possible, for as long as possible. Theinitiative is co-chaired by Professor MikeRichards CBE, who is the National ClinicalDirector for Cancer, and Chief Executive ofMacmillan, Ciaran Devane.If anyone is interested in making adonation, they can visitwww.justgiving.com/Florian-Bike-RideThe NFGON Committee with Stephen Parsons, Director of National Cancer Action Team andProfessor Annie Young, University of Warwick. Tracie Miles is the lady in red.16insight Autumn 2012

inadditionForever Friends latestHat trick for our hospital choirThey say things tend to come inthrees and this has proved to be thecase for the RUH Choir recently.First was their excellent performance atthe Fred Wedlock Memorial Concert. TheRUH choir shared the billing with AckerBilk, and the event raised £6,000.Thenthere was the Summer Spectacular at StMichael’s Church in Bath. Bath Spa Bandand the choir raised a further £500. Andfinally, last is lucky, the choir spent anexciting and fabulous day at the worldrenownedReal World Studios, owned byinternational singer and former GenesisWe have embarked on our next majorfundraising challenge, to raise £5mtowards a new Cancer Centre at the RUH.Oncology staff, patients, invited guests andthe appeal team gathered outside WilliamBudd ward to officially launch the secondphase of our Cancer Care Campaign, tohelp build a new cancer centre over the nextfour years. The cutting of a giant ribbon, therelease of dozens of balloons and a massivecheer from everyone heralded the launch.We are already off to a wonderful start with a£1m pledge from the Medlock Trust.We hope you will all join in Ted’s Big Day Outfor ‘Flourescent Friday’ on Friday 19 October.Ted’s Big Day Out is one of our biggest fun,fundraisers, and taking part will help us raisemoney towards our £5m target.member Peter Gabriel. In a setting whichhas witnessed the making of countlessglobal successes and which continues toplay host to the most talented musiciansaround, our hospital choir recorded theirvery own CD, how amazing is that.It’s due to go on sale in October, soperfect timing to add this to yourChristmas shopping list. We hopetheir CD will be a chart topper withsupporters of the RUH.All proceeds will go to the RUHCancer Centre.Fundraising for a new Cancer CentreLifetimeAchievementSue Tucker, who is development officerfor the hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal,has been presented with a LifetimeAchievement Award from the BathRugby Foundation. Jimmy Deane, theBath Rugby Foundation Manager, says:“Sue is an admired and respectedindividual who has worked closelywith Bath Rugby for a long time. Shehas dedicated her time to deliveringtremendous work within the localcommunity for many years, and we feelshe is well deserving of the award for allthe monies she has raised for the RUH.”Sue Tucker and Matt Perry, FoundationTrustee and former Bath, England and BritishLion rugby playerwww.ruh.nhs.uk 17

inadditionLucy SimmondsArt at the Heart has an exciting newline up of exhibitions for autumn2012, which coincides with theannual Bath Art Affair.The art affair was launched by BathGalleries group in July 2010. They broughttogether 30 galleries across the city incelebration of Bath’s burgeoning art scene.We will be involved in the SculptureTrail that will run through the city. Visitwww.bathgalleriesgroup.com‘The Nature of Things’, a vibrant andvaried show of paintings and prints byBath Area Network for Artists, celebratesnot only the beauty, atmosphere andcolour of the natural world, but alsoshowcases a diversity of forms, featuresand elements experienced on land andsea, and observed on large and smallscale. The Bath Area Network for ArtistsArtat the Heart of the RUHis a network of established and emergingartists who work together to supporteach other.The ‘Faces of Bath’ project explores thefaces of the people who live and work inthe city of Bath, and who give it life. Thecentral corridors will be filled with thefaces of its people.More musical performances andinteractive music workshops will betaking place at the hospital. Youngprofessional musicians from LiveMusic Now will be performing as partof the Soundbite 2012 programme.Performances include song and dancefrom Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Millerwith fiddle and piano on Tuesday 11September, then Lucy Simmonds withher cello on Thursday 27 September.There’ll be piano and song fromInterlude on Tuesday 23 October, andthe Smith Gilligan Duo on Thursday 1November with saxophone and piano.If you are a musician and would like toperform at the RUH, email Rosie Mead,Music Coordinator, r.mead1@nhs.netSummer exhibitions coming toa closeWe proudly supported the Olympicschools and community arts project,created by Loraine Morgan-BrinkhurstMBE and artist Kevin Whitney, whichgenerated a lot of interest and madeour visitors smile. The children’s imagesof the Olympics will be on display untilthe end of September.The wonderful coastal photographs byLinda Wevill and Susan Brown have alsobeen a joy to see.18insight Autumn 2012

InterludeTwilight JazzFollow usWe have a brand new arts map, makingit easy and fun for you to follow the artand music programme within the hospital.Pick up a map from boxes in the corridors,as well as other information andevaluation cards.If you would like to keepupdated about our currentactivities, be sure tocheck out our websitewww.ruh.nhs.uk/art andsign up to receive oure-newsletter. You can alsofollow Art at the Heart onTwitter@artatruhfrom ‘The Faces of Bath’ projectArt at the Heart is a charitably fundedarts programme and donations arean important part of our fundraising.If you would like to donate money tohelp us maintain and develop thearts programme please visitwww.ruh.nhs.uk/artor fill in a donations card located in thehospital corridors.Much of the art is for sale, withcommission to Art at the Heart of theRUH. For all enquires contact 01225824987 or ruh-tr.aath@nhs.netwww.ruh.nhs.uk 19

inadditionGiving a helping handFriends of the RUH updateSummer FeteThe Friends’ summer fete was a successagain this year, raising a whopping £5,000.Visitors browsed the stalls and TheTrish Brown Jazz Band created a greatatmosphere. Children’s entertainer JohnGriffin and his funky puppet show addedto the entertainment. The whole eventwas broadcast by Bath Hospital Radio.Photo Bath ChronicleFriend’s volunteer guide George Hardingofficially opened the fete. George is wellknown for his inspiring fundraising featsfor Macmillan, and for bearing the Olympictorch through Bath recently (see below).We say a big ‘thank you’ to everyonewho contributed to the success of thefete. Without your support, we would nothave raised the funds to provide ‘pressurerelieving’ seats for our patients.New deliveryThe patients and staff on ForresterBrown and Philip Yeoman wardstook delivery of 54 new chairs,thanks to the Friends of the RUH.The chairs are of different heightsand have removable seat cushions,(stored beneath), which can bereplaced by an air cushion forpatients at risk when sitting.Charge Nurse Simon Andrews(bottom centre) said: “The chairsare essential in helping our patients’recovery from their orthopaedicsurgery. We are so grateful tothe Friends for their generousdonation.” Jim, a patient onForrester Brown, said: “The newchair is really comfortable and I canrest my head back with this one. Inthe old chair I was too high as theextra cushion sat on top of the seat,which meant my feet were dangling,and it was hard to stand up.”We needvolunteersVolunteers are required to supportpatients and staff on our hospitalwards. If you feel you can spare anhour or so of your time, please callus on 01225 824046 and speakto Samantha or Vicki, or use ournew email address:ruh-tr.volunteers@nhs.netA patient using the chair withintwo hours of delivery20insight Autumn 2012

www.ruh.nhs.uk 21

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inyourowntimeTake a breakSettle down with a cup of coffee and a biscuit, grab a pen andponder over the answers in this travel/geographical themedcrossword. The answers will appear in the next issue of insight.1 2 3 4 5 6 79 1011 1214 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 2627 28 2930 31Across1 Indian city, centre of Hindi filmindustry (6)4 As spoken in most S. Americancountries (7)9 Old town of southern France, or riverof S.Africa (6)10 See 13 down11 Its main river is the Murray (9)12 What the ‘bei’ of Beijing means (5)14 The Prado museum is in this Europeancapital (6)16 Points gained towards planetravel (3,5)18 Exclusive resort of Switzerland (2,6)22 Nepalese soldier in British Army (6)25 Soft white cheese from a district of N.France (4)26 German city on the River Main (9)27 Resort of New Jersey, USA, _ City (8)29 One of many to be seen in the PersianGulf? (3-3)30 Canada’s second largest province (7)31 Central London district with aflourishing Chinese community (4)813Down1 British colony in NW Atlantic: touristattraction and tax haven (7)2 Type of lizard including the Komododragon (7)3 The chief port of Egypt (10)5 Tuscan town with famousbell-tower (4)6 An East African capital (7)7 US city, largest in the PacificNorthwest (7)8 Once called the ‘Dark Continent’ (6)13/10 Water races at e.g. Hong Kong in June/July in honour of dead poet (10,8)15 E.g. the Hoover, Pergau or theKariba (3)17 Albanian currency (inside temple,Kowloon) (3)19 Inhabitant of autonomous,mountainous region of SW China (7)20 Japanese island and its city (7)21 Swiss city and finance centre (6)23 Founder of Singapore (7)24 Essex port and ferry terminal (7)28 The language of Thailand (3)Guess who?I was born in Manhattan, New York in1928, I have a younger sister and myfather was a prominent doctor.As a child, I was ‘bookish’ and at the ageof 12, my father taught me to play chess.The game remained a lifelong obsession.For my 13th birthday, my father bought mea camera which triggered my fascinationwith still photography. I was also interestedin jazz, and briefly attempted a career asa drummer. My father was disappointedin my failure to achieve excellence inschool, and encouraged me to read fromhis library at home while at the same timeallowing me to take up photography as aserious hobby.My attendance record at Taft High schoolwas poor and I often skipped school to goto the cinema. I graduated in 1945, but mypoor grades, combined with the demandfor college admissions from soldiersreturning from the Second World War,eliminated hope of higher education. I wassent to live with relatives in Los Angeles fora year in the hopes that it would help myacademic growth.Eventually I sought jobs as a freelancephotographer and sold a photographicseries to Look magazine and Isupplemented my income by playingchess ‘for quarters’ in WashingtonSquare Park. Then in 1946 I becamean apprentice photographer for Lookand later a full-time staff photographer.During those years I began frequentingfilm screenings at the cinemas of NewYork City and I was inspired by thecomplex, fluid camerawork.I rented a camera and produced a16-minute black and white documentarycalled Day of the Fight, notable for usingreverse tracking shot, later to become oneof my characteristic camera movements.The rest, as they say, is history.Take a breakAnswers to last issue’s puzzlesCrossword2 Sean, 4 Cobb, 8 Olivier, 9 Caine, 10 Allen, 11 Clint,12 Rita, 14, Doug, 17 Mario, 18 Field, 19 Nimoy, 20Karloff, 21 York, 22 Joey 1 Apocalypse now, 2 Stiller,3 Alien, 6 The Wizard of Oz, 7 Bruce, 9 Chico, 13Terry, 15 Gregory, 16 Rocky, 17 Mummy, 18 FargoGuess who?Clara BartonDesigned by: Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd, Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts S80 1PH. Tel: 01909 47882224insight Autumn 2012