2009%20News

No 43 February 2009 Newsletter for the staff of NHS Barnsley

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

3 NEWS IN BRIEF

7 ANGIE & E-LEARNING

9 NHS GRADUATE SCHEME

Substance Misuse Unit celebrate a decade in BarnsleyAt the beginning of 2009 we marked the tenth anniversary of the Substance Misuse Unit at Kendray. The celebratory event took place during a short closure of the Unit over Christmas. It presented a unique opportunity for partners to visit and look round the Detox Unit, which delivers medically assisted treatments to substance misuse service users who are referred by specialist workers in the substance misuse field.

The event included an introduction and welcome from the Care Services’ Chief Operating Officer Sean Rayner; a historic look at the service from its inception, delivered by the original service manager Paul McNulty (who now works in BMBC); presentations and first hand accounts from service users who have been on the detox programme; a question and answer session with staff on the Unit and a special open house and tour of the facilities.

Dr Fleur Ashby, a specialist in Substance Misuse said: “The treatments are elective, by this we mean that the individual is ready to be helped with their problems. As an inpatient, they are usually dealing with multiple problems as well as their substance misuse such as physical illnesses, mental health problems and family issues. Mick Brown, Team Leader and manager at the Substance Misuse Unit added: “Our work forms just part of the work happening every day with Substance Misusers in Barnsley. It is only one element of the treatment process and we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone for Barnsley.”

The Unit is currently scoping potential opportunities to develop and expand its services as a provider to other local health care organisations.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone for Barnsley”

Message from the Chief ExecutiveHappy 2009Happy New Year to everyone in NHS Barnsley and also to our partners. Looking back, 2008 was a successful year for us, thanks to the hard work put in by staff. This resulted in our best ever Healthcare Commission score of ‘Excellent’ and ‘Good’, a result we must strive to maintain this year. 2009 promises to be a busy year and a key time for us all in terms of making the Governance arrangements that will ensure both sides of the organisation will be robust for the future.

Funding newsJust before Christmas we received news that NHS Barnsley will be getting a 15% increase in funding over the next two years. This is the highest increase in Yorkshire and the Humber. Whilst this is excellent news for Barnsley, we must also acknowledge our ongoing position of being significantly underfunded over previous years. The allocation recognises the significant health issues that Barnsley faces and we are determined to use this money to help people live longer and healthier lives. We must continue to demonstrate value for money whilst developing and delivering services.

Commissioning StrategyWe have recently published our Commissioning Strategy for the next five years, in line with local World Class Commissioning work. The Strategy provides our organisation and our local community with a road map for how we will improve the health and well being of the people of Barnsley. We expect all staff to play a part in the delivery of this strategy so do look out for the summary and posters for staff that are due to be published.

Cudworth Centre opensThe LIFT Centre at Cudworth is now officially open. We joined forces with BMBC colleagues and Barnsley Community Solutions to celebrate at the opening and were delighted to welcome local pupils from Churchfield Primary School choir. Their performance was excellent and enjoyed by all. Page 4 shows the photographs and information on the event.

Ailsa ClaireChief Executive, NHS Barnsley

The Health Foundation is seeking applications for ‘Closing the Gap’ through Clinical Communities awards. These awards aim to improve the quality of care delivered to patients by bridging the gap between known best practice and the routine delivery of care. The award will include opportunities for learning and development in quality improvement.

Improvement projects in any condition, disease or service may be proposed for which there is standard best practice, and applicants will need to show evidence of the need for improvement in which ever area. Do you know or are you part of a clinical team working to improve healthcare? Closing date is Friday 27 March 2009, 5.00pm. For more information visit: http://www.health.org.uk/current_work/open_for_applications/closing_the_gap_1.html

2

News from Care ServicesCelebrating 10 years of substance misuseOn page one, you can read about the tenth anniversary celebration of the Substance Misuse Inpatient Unit at Kendray. The Unit treats patients from as far away as Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire. The clinical team from the Unit have ongoing dialogue with representatives of the Commissioning agencies from these areas, and the service is developed to take Commissioners’ comments on board. I think the Substance Misuse Inpatient Team is paving the way for a style of clinical engagement with our Commissioners that we can all learn from and embrace.

Health and Social Care AwardsOn page 8 you can read about the H&SC Awards which are now open. Please submit an entry, and gain recognition for the excellent work we do every day for the people of Barnsley. If you need help entering, we can provide support so don’t let the entry form put you off applying, just go for it!

What’s acceptable use? I’d like to draw your attention to the Acceptable Use of IT Policy which was approved at the Board towards the end of last year. In the Policy section on Connect under information services, a number of guidance documents (including frequently asked question) have been published to help staff and mangers understand the policy. I would encourage all staff to read them and work to them as it is important that fair and acceptable access to communications technology for staff at work is not only granted but that this is also honoured by all staff.

Survey results are inThe Staff Survey results have just landed and this year we achieved a 57% response rate, which was above average nationally, so thank you to everyone who filled in their forms. We will be publishing more results on the survey soon so look out for them in a future issue of the magazine.

Looking forward to 2009By the time you read this, New Year celebrations will probably already be a distant memory, and the challenges of 2009 will be real and being addressed. We have a lot to celebrate in Barnsley, but equally we are always learning and developing what we do to improve services and outcomes for patients and clients. We will succeed in this aspiration if we work successfully as a team, and teamwork is a theme that I will be talking more about in future months.

Sean RaynerChief Operating Officer, Care Services

Clinical Communities awards

Artistic contribution for NHS 60th anniversaryThe final salute to the 60th anniversary of the NHS is ‘These are the Hands’, a poem by Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen. Some of Britain’s top illustrators also provided their own visual interpretation of Rosen’s poem.

Inspired by his own experience of the NHS service, Michael Rosen not only intended to celebrate 60 years of the NHS service, but wanted to express the idea that it serves us cradle to the grave. He said ‘The NHS brought my five children into the world, saved the lives of two of them, and gently nursed my parents through to the end,’

To see all of the illustrations, listen to and view the NHS 60 poem video, visit the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/NHS60/index.htm

‘These are the Hands’These are the handsThat touch us firstFeel your headFind the pulseAnd make your bed.

These are the handsThat tap your backTest the skinHold your armWheel the binChange the bulbFix the dripPour the jugReplace your hip

These are the handsThat fill the bathMop the floorFlick the switchSoothe the soreBurn the swabsGive us a jabThrow out sharpsDesign the lab.

And these are the handsThat stop the leaksEmpty the panWipe the pipesCarry the canClamp the veinsMake the castLog the doseAnd touch us last.

News in BriefPraise for the HavenThe Haven suite in the Oakwell Building at Kendray has been praised in a Mental Health brochure as part of the King’s Fund ‘Enhancing the Healing Environment’ programme. The naturalistic theme of the room and the uniquely designed stained glass window provides a safe and peaceful place for people of all faiths to pray, relax, spend time thinking or enjoy some quiet time alone.

New name for Commissioning DirectorateDue to organisational changes, it has been agreed to alter the name of the Commissioning Directorate, which is led by Director Steve Wainwright to ‘Strategy and Contracting Directorate’. Steve’s job title will also change to become Director of Strategy and Contracting. The Commissioning function of the organisation will now be called NHS Barnsley Commissioning. This is to avoid confusion between the organisational name and the function of the department.

Register of Clinical Supervisors needs to be updatedAny staff who have attended the Trust Clinical Supervisor (CS) training need to contact [email protected] Training and Development Officer if they are not on the CS register on the Connect site. Thank you.

Single Equality Scheme Consultation What is a Single Equality Scheme?

A Single Equality Scheme (SES) is a working document that sets out our vision and commitment to equality, diversity and promotion of human rights. The scheme will also show how we will work towards achieving greater equality and good health for all people in Barnsley. Equality must be considered in everything we do as an employer, a commissioner and a provider of care services to the people of Barnsley.

Although our public equality duties focus on race, disability and gender, we recognise the importance of all the equality strands (gender, race, age, disability, religious belief and sexual orientation) therefore we have developed a Single Equality Scheme which brings our equality policies together and is in line with best practice.

Consultation: Have your say!

The consultation of the SES runs from 22 December to 13 March and we really want staff to contribute their feedback.

We welcome your views and input whether you are a member of the public, service user or employee. Tell us what you feel the equality issues are for NHS Barnsley and on the action plan for the forthcoming three years.

Your comments and input are important to ensure that the NHS Barnsley as a service provider, commissioner and employer has set its priorities and actions appropriately to drive the equality and diversity agenda. Let us know what you think now.

You can view the Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan for consultation on the NHS Barnsley intranet site Connect (Staff Zone). There is a lnk to a feedback form in this article. You can fill in the feedback form or contact either Katy Jarvis-Morgan ext 4298 or Helen Claughton ext 3793 for more information on the SES.

3

Back in November, the children’s choir from Churchfield Primary School helped launch the opening of their new local health centre in Cudworth with a medley of songs.

Following the musical treat, Councillor Stephen Houghton C.B.E., Leader of BMBC and Tom Sheard, Chairman of NHS Barnsley jointly opened the centre pulling a curtain to reveal a commemorative plaque which marked the opening event.

Developed under the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) initiative, the centre will contribute significantly to the health, social and economic well-being of the area. The Cudworth Centre is the latest health facility to have been built under the LIFT initiative following the successful opening of the Grimethorpe Centre on Monday 7 April 2008.

The Cudworth LIFT Centre provides a range of amenities covering general medical, community health and social services. In addition to four GP branch practices, visitors have access to local government services through the on site Barnsley Connects reception desk. Specialist services such

District Nurses were treated to a presentation recently of TPP SystmOne, the integrated Primary Care and Community system that is being deployed across the PCT.

The NPfIT team used the occasion to introduce themselves and also gave a presentation which outlined plans for the system and the local implementation approach.

Mount Vernon Ward 6 Manager Carol Bishop and Senior Physiotherapist Katie Procter were also invited to the presentation to give feedback on how the system has worked for them on the wards. The discussions around this helped staff to understand the real implications of changing a system whilst continuing to deliver services.

Following the presentation, staff had a question and answer session. “It was great to really get some engagement with the nursing staff,” said Steve Barton, Project Manager. “One of the greatest challenges is working with services that are

as drug and alcohol, psychiatric, British Heart Foundation nurses, family planning, speech and language, dietetics and paediatrics are all also available.

Tom Sheard said: “The Cudworth health centre is a great community based resource, providing numerous primary care services. Improvements in service delivery through this facility will ultimately help people receive a wider range of health services without having to travel further for additional care.”

Stephen Houghton, BMBC Leader commented: “The Cudworth building brings together BMBC and local NHS services in a modern facility, which is fantastic for the community. I am delighted with its development and our presence will help provide people with a broader range of services.”

Pictured l-r: The Mayor of Barnsley Ken Sanderson, Councillor Houghton, Tom Sheard, Charles Wraith and the Mayoress of Barnsley, Beryl Sanderson.

geographically wide-spread, but getting everyone together for this event really worked well.”

A post event feedback form was circulated to the district nurses and lead district Nurse Ruth Donoghue said: “Turnout for this event was excellent, we had over 90 staff there. Our nursing staff have embraced the concept of the new TPP SystmOne software.”

Steve continued: “It felt really positive and a lot of interest was generated in the new system. The key part of this process was early engagement. We wanted to give as many district nurses an early overview of the system and use that opportunity to outline all the ways the new system can help them in their jobs.”

Detailed plans are being produced to rollout TPP SystmOne to this service in the coming months. Further updates to follow.

District Nursing gets a taster for electronic records

Children help launch Cudworth Lift

4

A FAST approach to remembering stroke signalsImproving stroke services is a priority for the NHS. A year on, since the Department of Health launched its stroke strategy, services are already improving. However, more can be done, and spotting the signs of stroke early can significantly reduce the risk of death and disability. A campaign launched this month will teach people to act FAST.

The awareness campaign will teach the public and NHS staff to remember FAST, which stands for Face Arm Speech and Time to call 999 – to help them recognise the symptoms of stroke and understand that prompt emergency treatment can reduce the risk of death and disability.

Having a stroke means that there is a loss of brain function due to a blood clot or bleed in the brain. Did you know that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of adult disability in England? Information DVDs are now available on loan from the Stroke Unit at Mount Vernon Hospital.

You can read more about the campaign on the Stroke Association’s website http://www.stroke.org.uk/ and look out for more information in next month’s NHS Barnsley News when we will be updating you with news on access to stroke services here in Barnsley.

Wound Care Policy LaunchThe Tissue Viability Team launched the updated Wound Care Policy 2008/10 at the end of November. The BHNFT launch took place at the Education Centre on the acute site on 19 November and the NHS Barnsley launch took place at Priory Campus on 26 November.

Both venues were supported and sponsored by the wound care companies who have products on the formulary. These companies held stands at the event to demonstrate products, create awareness, hand out information and answer any questions concerning the issue of wound care. New pocket guides and posters were also distributed on the days.

There was an excellent attendance at the drop in launch on both days, including nurses, medical staff, supplies staff, pharmacists, podiatrists to name a few. Everyone was keen to take the opportunity to meet representatives and learn about the new dressings and products on the formulary of the updated wound care policy.

The team were pleased with the success of the launch and would like to remind all wards and departments to destroy old posters and pocket guides dated 2006, and to use and display the new updated versions.

Further InformationIf you require any pocket guides or posters for your department, please contact the Tissue Viability Team Secretary, Carmen Kilner at the Tissue Viability Office at Mount Vernon Hospital on 01226 433215 or extension 3215.

5

Got a story to share -see the contact details

on page 12

Adult Branch Assessor Updates & L.E.M. Meetings 2009 Date Session Time Venue Facilitator

11.02.09 assessor update 10-1130 Committee Room MVH TBC

11.02.09 L.E.M. meeting 1130-12 Committee Room MVH Angela Glover

24.04.09 assessor update 10-1130 Large Training Room Ward 1 MVH TBC

24.04.09 L.E.M. meeting 1130-12 Large Training Room Ward 1 MVH Angela Glover

15.06.09 assessor update 10-1130 Committee Room TBC

15.06.09 L.E.M.meeting 1130-12 Committee Room Angela Glover

14.09.09 assessor update 10-1130 Committee Room TBC

14.09.09 L.E.M.meeting 1130-12 Committee Room Angela Glover

20.11.09 assessor update 10-1130 Large Training Room ward 1 MVH TBC

20.11.09 L.E.M. meeting 1130-12 Large Training Room ward 1 MVH Angela Glover

All assessors must be updated annually. Please send your study leave form to Rebecca Parden, Coordinator/Administration, Centre for Learning and Development, House 20/21 Keresforth Centre.

Assessor Updates for Learning Disability Branch 2009 Date Time Venue Facilitated by

22.4.09 1430-1600 Birk House A member of the Sheffield Hallam Clinical Link Team of Tutors

13.7.09 1430-1600 Training Room 2, as above Centre for Leaning and Development, House 20/21 Keresforth, Barnsley,S70 6RS

2.11.09 1430-1600 as above as above

It is a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standard that all assessors should be updated annually. To book a place please send a study leave form (or for privately owned placements, a letter of intent to attend) to Rebecca Parden, Centre for Learning and Development, House 20/21,Keresforth Centre.

E-Learning Breastfeeding Quiz

6

RetractionIn the October edition of the magazine we ran an article ‘We’re……..Going for Gold’ with reference to the National Procurement and the ‘GP Led Walk In Health Centre and 3 new GP Practices (LIFT buildings)’. The information is not correct as the PCT have not mandated premises for the Procurement. At this stage of the procurement we are evaluating bidders ‘Invitation to Tender’ and are looking to choose our preferred bidder.

For more information on the Equitable Access project and to see milestones and timetables for the procurement please refer to http://www.barnsley.nhs.uk/equitable-access.html.

Angie takes on E-LearningThis month we explore the move to online learning with E-Learning Coordinator Angela Wilde, who began in her new role in November. “I’d already had a taster of the training session prior to applying for the job,” said Angie, “I enjoyed the training with the editing, building courses etc and although it was challenging, I felt that it would be an interesting job.”

Part of the initial work for Angie is liaising with companies who produce the e-learning packages and checking their content against the learning objectives of NHS Barnsley.

“My ongoing work is ensuring that staff have the right access to our current online courses, and providing passwords for staff who are choosing to use e-learning for some of their training, particularly mandatory subjects.”

At the moment, staff can access fire safety awareness, conflict resolution, 18 week pathway, manual handling and DSE e-learning packages but there will be plenty of new courses available soon.

“I will be working with various teams, departments and professionials to work out whether we can incorporate e-learning into their training mechanisms.”

Angie is a firm supporter of e-learning: “It’s a new way of learning for us but there are a number of benefits. Firstly, it’s very efficient and can deliver lean learning, for example, basic awareness training can be delivered in less than 45 minutes in some cases. You don’t have to travel to get to it and access to the training is flexible, as it is hosted online, people can even undertake training at home where they have their manager’s consent and there is a possibility that they could claim there time back (subject to manager’s approval).

The framework behind e-learning enables comprehensive reporting and this is tied in with each staff member’s personal record. This helps to flag up when training has expired or is due for renewal.

There are a number of support mechanisms in place for staff who are not as confident using computers. Angela runs a Basic IT course that is also being tailored to support e-learning. “It’s called First Steps in IT and is targeted at complete beginners, so if you think you can’t do e-learning, think again and come and join the course!”

So what’s next for e-learning? “We’re due to look at some new packages and have a few issues to iron out regarding the certificates people are issued with at the end of each course. We will be adding more and more courses to e-learning and we will work with all areas to develop the right packages for staff.”

Top tips for e-learning• Give yourself time and don’t rush through it• Allocate space in your diary to focus on the training• Take notes if it helps• Don’t be daunted by it, just have a go!

A Breastfeeding Assessment Quiz has been launched this month by the Public Health team, via the e-learning facilities. The quiz is aimed at Midwives, Health Visitors and any others who have completed the ‘Infant Feeding in the 21st Century’ training day.

Although the quiz will be a refresher for the majority of staff who have attended the training day, it is also part of the training programme for the ‘Baby Friendly Accreditation Programme,’ and is therefore a mandatory requirement.

The Breastfeeding Assessment Quiz is now ready to complete online on the e-learning website which can be accessed through NHS Barnsley’s intranet Connect site at http://nww.barnsleypct.nhs.uk/training/elearning/.

7

On this page are easy to follow instructions about how to gain a password to access the quiz.

You can complete the quiz in your own time either online, or by printing it off and filling in manually and returning to Kim Kennedy, Infant Feeding Facilitator, Public Health at Hilder House. When the quiz has been completed and passed, a certificate will be provided to you via internal mail. This can then be used towards your KSF requirements.

If you have any difficulties accessing the quiz at the address given above, please contact Angela Wilde on extension 5765.

Queen’s speech sets agenda for employmentA controversial bill to tackle worklessness and increase the responsibility of those on benefits to help themselves back to work has been included in the Queen’s speech.

The Government plans to legislate to introduce a new “single” rule for benefit cheats and require lone parents whose youngest child is aged seven or over to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). Those claiming JSA for more than six months will be required to take part in a ‘demanding programme to improve their employability’ under the reforms. The Queen’s speech said: “A bill will be brought forward to reform the welfare system, to improve incentives for people to move from benefits into sustained employment and to provide greater support, choice and control for disabled people.” A Children, Skills and Learning Bill was included in the speech, which promises an apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified young person by 2013.

Andrea Richards, Employability Manager said: “As one of the largest employers in Barnsley, this latest announcement has huge implications for us in terms of providing apprenticeships and opportunities for everyone including young people and people with disabilities. The only way we can support these reforms is with the help and co-operation of all our directorates and departments within their respective work areas.”

If you feel you are able to offer opportunities and apprenticeship places, or for more information, contact the Employability team on ext 4250.

Practice Based Commissioning Practice Based Commissioning (PBC) is an opportunity for service redesign to provide improved care for patients. Within Barnsley, PBC continues to support and help deliver local and national priorities and targets, as determined in the NHS Barnsley Strategic Plan: a five year commissioning Strategy 2008/09-2012/13.

The five newly reformed consortia of PBC in Barnsley and their respective Chairs are:

Consortium Chair

Barnsley Association Dr P Lane: 0845 1257247 of Commissioning & Training Surgeries

Barnsley South Dr Wood: 01226 743208 Commissioning Consortium

Central Consortium Dr Ali: 01226 282535

North West Consortium Dr Eko: 0845 1226788

Dearne Consortium Dr D Shepherd: 01709 886354

NHS Barnsley supports the Consortia by providing Commissioning Management, Assistant Commissioning Management, Information Analyst, Principle Information Analyst, Public Health (including information) and Senior Finance Management.

Within this support, NHS Barnsley intends to:

• Continue to revise clinical pathways with service redesign where appropriate.• Continue to use the information department to highlight the need for relevant training in relation to access of the Fast Radar system.• Support Public Health links with PBC Consortia.• Identify specific information and other support needs for PBC.• Assist in the production of commissioning plans.• Monitor and performance manage via the performance report, and along with other colleagues, assist in the maintenance of financial balance within indicative budget and delivery of Commissioning Plans.

More InformationYou can access further information regarding PBC in Barnsley via NHS Barnsley’s intranet site Connect at http://nww.barnsleypct.nhs.uk/pbc. The PCB Commissioning Manager is Gillian Sealey Tel: 01226 433668.

8

Health and Social Care Awards 2009The Health and Social Care Awards provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate innovation and excellence in frontline health and social care. It’s also a chance to recognise and encourage working together across organisations and professions, with service users and local populations.

The Awards are open to any team from across the health and social care system in England, including the NHS, Social Services, local government, charities, the voluntary sector, patient and carer organisations, care homes and other independent care providers. Involved in these sectors are people who are passionate about finding new ways to provide the best possible care to their local population.

Do you know a team that deserves to be recognised for their innovation and improvement work? Applications to be in by 6th March 2009! To apply for the Health and Social Care Awards or to nominate another team (and to read all of the Award categories) visit: http://www.institute.nhs.uk/HSCA/yorksandhumber/option,com_comprofiler/task,registers/Itemid,35/nomination,1.html )

Meet Caroline Brindley, she’s an NHS Graduate Management Trainee for Care Services within NHS Barnsley. Currently working within the Mental Health Management Team, Caroline shares her journey to where she is today.

“I read Chemistry at University and then took two years out. My mum is a theatre nurse so I had already gathered a bit of interest as I grew up and I think that contributed towards me joining the scheme. I noticed the NHS Graduate scheme featured in the top ten of The Times’ top 100 graduate schemes, and was one of the most popular schemes for women. It also appealed to me as it offered a wide learning base and opportunity to learn about how the NHS works.” Said Caroline.

When choosing which NHS Graduate scheme to join, Caroline’s options were between the strategic health groups and she chose Yorkshire and Humber. “I was allocated a placement and then moved to Leeds.” The two year scheme includes two placements and graduates can state their preferences.

“My first placement began in NHS Barnsley on 1 September with a 40 day orientation. I spent half my time at NHS Barnsley and the other half at BHNFT. My initial placements included a day in the dining room, district nurses and health visitors in Wombwell, observing a total knee replacement operation at BHNFT, the porters at Mount Vernon Hospital, and a day with Estates.” Caroline’s first 20 days were organised by Jeremy Robbins and Rebecca Parden from the Centre for Learning and Development. Caroline added: “Working across both organisations was a good way to learn about the NHS. My favourite placement was the theatre work and dining room at Kendray.”

So far, Caroline’s found everyone to be really supportive and interested in helping to start her NHS career. “My approach was to be ready to ask questions, be proactive and pitch in when needed. I’d like to thank everyone who I’ve met so far, including my placement hosts who have all been extremely friendly, helpful and open to feedback, listening to my observations and suggestions.”

NHS Graduate Scheme’s the choice for CarolineThe second set of 20 orientation days were organised by Caroline herself: “Having to direct my own induction was extremely helpful as it enabled me to pursue areas of interest and explore the NHS myself.”

Next in the graduate scheme is a nine month placement. Caroline is currently in the middle of this, working in the Mental Health Management Team. “The work here is really interesting. We’ve been working on new strategies, developing services and managing the day to day workload.”

Following this is a two month flexi-placement which usually takes place outside of the NHS. “I might go to the local authority for this placement but I haven’t decided yet.”

The final placement will take place at NHS Yorkshire and Humber. “They try to make sure people have operational experience, then strategic experience.” Explained Caroline.

At the same time, Caroline is completing a post graduate diploma in Health and Public Leadership which is delivered jointly between Manchester and Birmingham universities and helps to bridge the gap between qualifications.

“I can honestly say I am enjoying the programme so far and really like Barnsley. I was really pleased to get my first placement here as there is a real family feel in Barnsley. I’d never been here before but am glad to have had the chance now.”

Are you interested in joining the Graduate scheme? Caroline’s advice is: “Just go for it!” The scheme provides an opportunity to find out more about health care and may unearth new career paths for people. “To me the NHS scheme stood out from other graduate schemes and I feel privileged to get on to it.” Ended Caroline.

There are a number of programmes within the scheme including HR, Finance, Informatics and General Management. If you already work in the NHS pay and holidays are also largely protected. Find out more about the scheme at: http://www.nhsleadtheway.co.uk/graduate/ To speak to Caroline about her experience you can email her or call ext 4173.

9

Special day for CarersCarers and local partners were welcomed to Brooklands Hotel during December to celebrate Carers’ Rights Day under Partnership in Action. The day began with an introduction from Councillor David Bostwick and presentations on the Carers Emergency Respite Service in Barnsley and a first hand account on working carers from event organiser Lilian Lettin from BMBC. A workshop also gave carers the opportunity to feed into the local carers’ strategy review.

Barnsley MPs Jeff Ennis and Eric Illsley also attended the event to discuss opportunities where carers could contribute suggestions to the national caring agenda.

Telehealthcare WorkshopA Telehealthcare Workshop was held in December at Barnsley Hospice. The event was intended to establish best practice in the use of both Telecare and Telehealth applications currently being utilised by NHS Barnsley and Locality Authorities.

The workshop reviewed the existing process and protocols in relation to Telehealthcare to establish best practice across both Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Coronary Heart Failure (CHF) Telehealth applications. This included identifying the benefits for complementary Telecare such as Lifelines and Smokes Detectors.

Sessions of the workshop held on the day covered such topics as the Referrals/Recruitment of Patients, Monitoring, System Maintenance and more. As well as the different workshops, there was a chance to discuss the current question sets that are being used with clients suffering from COPD & CHF who are using NHS Barnsley’s Telehealth technology (Doc@Home Health Hubs). Attendees included GPs and clinicians along with Care Services Direct Operational Managers and NHS Barnsley Commissioners. There was also a representative from the Sheffield University Research Team in respect of the CLARCH Funding. Everyone’s input in the workshop and sessions was vital and valuable in order to review current Telehealthcare practices.

The day was facilitated by Sue Wing, Assistant Director of Operations NHS Barnsley, and Paul Higginbottom, Business Manager Home Care & Central Call and Mike Breeze from Docobo who sponsored the day.

10

An event held in the style of the TV programme ‘Dragons Den’ invited nursing staff from Care Services to submit their proposals to improve service delivery. The role of the Dragons was played by Sean Rayner, Chief Operating Officer; Karen Taylor, Director of Operations; Margaret Kitching, Director of Professions and Andy Altoft, Deputy Director of Finance.

Organised by Every Adult Matters project team member Jeremy Pease, the event followed on from a number of business unit development sessions held during 2008. “We thought that having a panel of ‘dragons’ would help the staff to focus their presentation in a business-like manner.

“One of the main things we were looking for was to see where we could identify barriers to services and make better use of resources.”

Staff grasped the challenge and presented the following initiatives: o District Nurses’ Mobile kits for treating leg ulcerso Access project for information on children’s serviceso End of life care: the perfect dischargeo Changes to day care for older adults mental healtho Removing the barriers for professional referrals

Feedback following the event was excellent. Chief Operating Officer Sean Rayner said: “We took time to ask further questions of each group then retreated for a discussion on future actions. It was agreed that all the projects would be supported.”

Sean added: “The commitment and contribution that everyone made was excellent. This will enable us to provide support via further development work within a business context. I learnt a lot that afternoon by listening to the staff who work in our services. Services are clearly embracing the principles of self-directed care and personalisation. I was very impressed by the high quality bids to the Dragons, whilst a fun approach, the bids were excellent – I’m in!”.

Super Reds Support Stop Smoking Service A health initiative is being delivered in partnership with the Barnsley Football Club’s Community Sports & Education Trust Community Programme, NHS Stop Smoking Service and the official Football League sponsor Nicotinell.

Since January, the drop in support sessions have been available on a Thursday evening between 5pm and 7pm and take place in the Disabled Stand (main car park) at Oakwell Stadium and are available to anyone interested in quitting. The service offers those in the community a ‘different’ setting in order to give up smoking.

Research suggests that smokers who give up with the Stop Smoking Service are more likely to be successful than those who quit on their own. In addition the club is giving those who quit through these sessions the opportunity to win prizes including a 2009-10 season ticket and the chance to enter a promotion and win a share of 100k towards the Red’s Community Programme.

For further information please call the NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01226 737077 or the Red’s Community Team on 01226 211333.

Pictured left to right: Wayne Bullimore (BFC Community,) Martin Devaney, Zoe Styring (Stop Smoking), Rob Kozluk, Laura Dixon (Stop Smoking), Diego Leon, Ian Mathers (Novartis Consumer Health UK).

Nursing staff meet the Dragons

11

Free Fruit FridayStaff were treated to free fruit from the dining rooms recently, an event designed by IWL to help people make a dent in their ‘5 a day’ target of fruit and veg. Feedback from staff proved positive with a view to a possible repeat soon. It was suggested that further areas were targeted to help staff not based at a hospital site join in with the event too. Look out for posters advertising the next fruity event. We’ll be running the next event on a different day (so it won’t be called free fruit Friday!) to enable other staff to participate.

What’s your New Years Resolution?Everyone hopes a New Year will bring good things, whether it be a promotion at work, fulfilling an ambition, good health or just to be happy. We asked a few members of NHS Barnsley staff what they would like to achieve throughout 2009:

“To save up for my dream wedding! Manage my finances better, learn a new language and work towards my CPP qualification in HR.” Amrit Punia, Assistant Personnel Officer, Personnel.

“I’m going to do regular exercise such as walking and cycling and my target is to lose one stone.”Paul Smith, Staff Side facilitator.

“I’ll be giving up alcohol for a month to detox. The national campaigns have really highlighted the importance of being self-aware. I won’t stop drinking completely though! Just for January.” John Barley, Payroll Officer, Payroll.

“Lose weight and get fitter, I’m aiming for a healthy year this year.” Lorraine Whitworth, Worklife Balance Advisor, HR.

“Grow my nails and start work on my degree.” Rebecca Andrews Employability Adviser, Personnel.

“Give blood for the first time.” Katy Jarvis-Morgan, Internal Communications Manager.

NHS Barnsley Oscars promise evening of celebrationIn April, NHS Barnsley will celebrate award wining initiatives and individual achievements at its new Staff Awards Ceremony. There are three categories: • Individual achievement • Team initiative• Bright spark idea

Individual winners can be nominated by line managers or colleagues, and each winner will receive extra annual leave. We just want to know how they go the extra mile at work, even if they are ‘just doing their jobs’.

We are also looking for any projects, initiatives or new ways of working that have been of benefit to the organisation. The winning team initiatives will get a bonus cash prize to spend in their work areas.

The team award categories are: • Improving job satisfaction (IWL)• Engagement: working with patients, service users, families and carers • Communications: examples of good communication initiatives• Use of Technology to improve service delivery• Better ways of working: new systems and service redesigns • Improving safety: patient safety, training, complaints and lessons learnt

In addition to this, we’re also looking for individual suggestions towards the ‘Bright Spark’ award where you suggest your ideas to the organisation.

The simple to use form is now on Connect, so click on the pink banner on the homepage to download the forms. All shortlisted entries will receive an invitation to our glitzy evening ‘oscar’ style award ceremony at the end of April where there will be a chance to meet other nominees and winning initiatives ending with a disco. Contact Katy Jarvis-Morgan for more information, details below. Deadline for entries is 28 February so hurry up and get your entries in!

Thanks to this month’s contributors:Fleur Ashby Nathan AtkinsonMick Brown Cecilia CrumpJames Delaney Angela GloverLynne Hepworth Paul HughesTracy Short Zoe StyringJody White Angie WildeAmy Wright

Got News? Send all contributions to [email protected] or call 01226 43 ext 4298 to suggest an article you’d like to see in a future issue!

DeadlinesThe short deadline for March is 13 February or you can submit your articles for the April issue by 13 March. The May issue deadline is 10 April.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about what you would like to achieve this year. Why not set yourself a target? It can be as ambitious as you like from doing a parachute jump to reading a book. If there is something that you have always wanted to do, but never had the time or motivation, why not make 2009 the year to do it.

Good luck to all the staff who shared their New Year resolutions and good luck to you, what ever your resolution will be!

If quitting smoking is your New Years resolution feel free to contact the Stop Smoking Services at 12 – 14 Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JB on 01226 737077.

www.rabbitdesign.co.uk12