gazette

August 2012 issue 29

the

Nurse named clinical lead for major trauma

proudly supported by

Trust news

Trust chairman Christopher Smallwood swapped his jacket and tie for scrubs and gloves as he spent the day with Susan Hutchinson and Renate Wendler, consultant anaesthetists, learning about an anaesthetists role in surgery. Christopher said:

Susan Hutchinson, Christopher Smallwood and Renate Wendler

Its impossible not to be impressed by the knowledge, technical skill and complete concentration our anaesthetists have to demonstrate during each procedure every day.

CONTENTS
3 A word from... Miles Scott, chief executive 3 Trust news 5 Patient perspective Peter Cranham, patient advocate for people with learning disabilities 6 Membership matters Focus on breast cancer Nominate your NHS Heroes 7 Living our values awards 8 Spotlight on The Acute Medicine Unit (AMU) 9 Patient feedback Past and present 10 Patient safety 11 Top tips 12 Charity news
Front cover shows Heather Jarman, consultant nurse in emergency medicine. With thanks to Yusuf Ozkizil, Colin Wren and Emma Durnford for their photography services. the gazette is written and published by the communications unit. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust. If you have a story for the gazette, please email: communications@ stgeorges.nhs.uk

St Georges breast cancer service wins national improvement award

The breast cancer service team has won an NHS Improvement award for reducing the amount of time that patients spend in hospital following surgery. In January 2011 the team introduced a new 23-hour discharge model for breast cancer patients. As a result there has been a remarkable improvement in the length-ofstay figures for breast patients with 83 per cent discharged in two days or less. Patients previously needed to stay up to five days in hospital. Mr Dibyesh Banerjee, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon said: Most of our patients now stay in hospital for just a single night, with some being safely discharged on the same day as their surgery. When we introduced the model we had initially aimed for a target of 70 per cent of discharges within two days. However, we have achieved a far better result by streamlining care pathways and introducing a nurse-led discharge service. This means that patients can now be discharged efficiently and safely seven days a week.

Sue (left) with Ann Vieira, manager of Eloise Lingerie

Breast care nurse wins patient award

A St Georges Healthcare nurse has been voted Breast Care Nurse of the Year 2011 by patients and customers of a specialist womens clothing company. Sue Lowndes, an advanced nurse practitioner at the trust, was given the award after patients and members of the public voted online and through the Eloise catalogue for the nurse they felt to be most deserving of the prize. Sue said: It was a lovely surprise to be given this award. It was wonderful to be nominated, and even more amazing to actually win. The award means even more to me because it was voted for by patients. I would like to thank the patients who took the time to vote, and Eloise for giving me this award. Nurses are selected for nomination by patients who are also customers of Eloise, who specialise in clothing for female cancer patients who have had various forms of breast surgery. The award scheme has been running since 2009.

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Trust news

A word from...

Curtain rises on theatre central store project

The theatre central store project has been a success so far in its roll-out across the trust. The aim of the project is to centralise the storage and ordering of all theatre consumables through a central store which is based in Lanesborough Wing. By pushing a button when taking or putting back any stock the system knows what item theatre staff have used and informs the central store team what needs to be replenished. Leila Razavi, assistant general manager for theatres, said: The project will bring about significant benefits for clinical staff who will no longer need to be involved

MILES SCOTT
chief executive Many of you will have read the media coverage on the inquest of Kane Gorny, a patient at St Georges in 2009. Kane was admitted to the hospital for an operation and had complex medical needs. We failed to care for him as we should have, and he sadly died as a result. We have expressed our deepest apologies to the family. I would like to reassure readers of the gazette that since 2009, we have made changes to senior leadership and put a number of measures in place to protect our patients. Patients, members and staff should have confidence in us as an organisation, and these measures are a sign of the trusts commitment to patient safety and high quality healthcare. You can read more about our patient safety initiatives on page 11. This issue of the gazette also celebrates the hard work and dedication of our staff, and recognises achievements they have made. International Nurses Day in May was widely publicised throughout the trust, with various events being held across our sites to mark the day. Another nurse was voted national winner of the Breast care nurse of the year award, signifying the high regard in which our staff are held. Readers will also have the opportunity to vote in the trusts Living our Values awards. These are awarded throughout the year to individuals and teams who are nominated for symbolising one of the trusts four values of excellent, kind, responsible and respectful. I would encourage you to cast your vote for the staff member and team you feel should be the overall winner. While all our staff members and teams are committed to their roles, it is important to acknowledge those whose work is worthy of praise. I hope all our staff and members will take the opportunity to vote. This issue also looks in closer detail at the work of the acute medicine unit (AMU) at St Georges Hospital and learns about the history of St Johns Therapy Centre. I hope you enjoy reading the gazette and would welcome feedback you have via email to communications@stgeorges. nhs.uk Miles Scott, chief executive

in day-to-day ordering of stock and can therefore concentrate on patient care. The project has also improved the environment of the theatres it has been implemented in, helping the trust comply with health and safety regulations. Longterm, we will also see a reduction in stock levels and waste which will bring about a financial saving for the trust.

Clinical lead appointed for childrens hospital project

on site. Bruce will lead on ensuring full clinical engagement and will work closely with Neil Deans, director of estates and facilities, to ensure that the project is delivered successfully. He said: I am absolutely delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project. St Georges Healthcare, in partnership with our network partners in south west London and beyond, provides a first class, cutting-edge service for children and young people. Our young patients deserve a state-ofMore the-art, modern hospital details about that reflects their needs the project will be available in future and provides sustainable editions of the specialist care. gazette

Mr Bruce Okoye, consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon, has been appointed as the clinical lead for the childrens hospital project at St Georges Hospital. The childrens hospital project is part of the trusts long-term plans to develop its specialist childrens and womens services

New finance lead for St Georges

St Georges Healthcare has appointed Steven Bolam to the position of director of finance, performance and informatics. Steven, who is currently director of finance and performance at Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth PCTs, will take up his new post in September. Miles Scott, chief executive, said: Steven has an excellent track record and a wealth of NHS experience. His knowledge and understanding gained from working in one of the most significant commissioning jobs in the country and for an established foundation trust will be crucial in helping us to achieve our long-term goals.

Innovative project named finalist in 2012 HSJ Efficiency Awards

St Georges Healthcare has been listed as a finalist in the 2012 HSJ Efficiency Awards for a heat recovery project that aims to reduce the trusts carbon footprint and save money. The innovative project, led by the estates and facilities team at the trust, uses the wasted heat gases that are emitted from the boilers at St Georges Hospitals energy centre to provide heating and hot water for the whole of Lanesborough Wing. This is achieved through fitting a piece of technology known as a Flu Gas Economiser to the boiler and combined heat and power exhausts which recovers the wasted heat gases to provide usable energy within the hospital. Hugh Gostling, deputy director for estates and facilities, said: This project builds on the trusts commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and will enable the trust to reduce its gas usage by eight per cent. The scheme will also significantly reduce the trusts spend on gas for heating, which was 1.7m in 2011/12. The system has been fully operational since March 2012 and has proven so successful that a phase two has been developed which will extend the distribution of the heat reclaimed to other engineering plants within the hospital.

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Trust news

Butterfly Scheme launched in trust

Over 200 trust staff attended an event in May to mark the launch of the Butterfly Scheme, a new initiative aimed at helping raise awareness of dementia in hospitals. The scheme works by affixing a blue butterfly sticker to the notes and name boards of patients with dementia. This allows staff to identify those patients who require extra support. Staff who have learnt more about the scheme also wear a blue butterfly badge to identify themselves to colleagues, patients and their families. The launch event was also attended by Miles Scott, chief executive, and a presentation was given by the founder of the scheme, Barbara Hodkinson. Jen Tulloch, clinical nurse specialist for dementia, said: The Butterfly Scheme enables staff to offer the most appropriate care to patients with dementia. Everyone who meets a patient has an effect on their safety, and educating staff will allow them to offer considerate and suitable support to patients with memory impairment. The scheme is recommended by staff at hospitals that have used it for some time, which indicates that staff find it an extremely useful tool in patient care.

Jen Tulloch with the butterfly sticker

St Georges surgeon helps give puppy a new leash on life

Chris Anderson (left) with vet Ian Stroud and puppy Jess

Chris Anderson, consultant urologist, used his expert surgical skills to advise a vet in saving a 12-week-old puppy named Jess. Jess, a Welsh springer spaniel, was born with severe kidney and urinary tract abnormalities. Ian Stroud, the puppys vet and a friend of Chris Anderson, said that Chris, who has specific experience in minimally invasive surgery, was the only person he knew who had the experience to advise him in carrying out the keyhole procedure. Chris said: This situation arose when Ian discussed this puppys rather complex urological problem with me.

I actually have the whole clinical lead St Georges uro-radiology for trauma (cover story) team to thank, as I discussed the puppys St Georges Healthcare has condition with appointed Heather Jarman, consultant colleagues. There was nurse in emergency medicine, as its hearty debate about new clinical director for major trauma. the condition with some Heather is the first nurse in the excellent contributions from the team. As a result country to be the clinical lead this puppy has actually for a major trauma been lucky enough to have centre. the expertise we provide to our patients on a daily basis! The procedure, which took place on 28th July, was Quality Account successful and Jess has made a full recovery. shows high

Nurse named

standards at St Georges Healthcare

(Left to right) Nurse of the Year winner Stephanie Sweeney, Midwife of the Year winner Dianna Fairman-Campbell, Healthcare Assistant of the Year runner-up Sarah Brown and Mentor of the Year winner Lamis Korimbocus.

Paulina Trunk wa Assistant of th lter, Healthcare e Year

St Georges Nurse of the Year awards celebrate staff dedication

International Nurses Day was celebrated at St Georges Healthcare on Friday 11th May with the trusts annual 4

Nurse of the Year awards. Awards presented include Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year, Healthcare Assistant of the Year and Mentor of the Year. All award nominations were put forward by fellow trust colleagues for their outstanding contribution over

the last year. The Auntie Lucy award was also presented at this ceremony. This nursing education award of up to 1,000 is named in memory of former trust employee Lucy Kpobie, and presented to an individual or team at the trust.

High standards in a number of clinical areas at St Georges Healthcare, including mortality and infection rates, are demonstrated through the trusts 2011/12 Quality Account, which published at the end of June. The Quality Account is published annually and looks at information relating to quality at the trust to see where the organisation performs well and where improvements could be made. The document is hosted on the trusts website www.stgeorges.nhs.uk and is also optimised to view on mobile devices, such as iPhones and tablets. To request a hard copy please contact the communications team on 020 8725 5151.or at communications@stgeorges. nhs.uk

Patient perspective

Peter Cranham,

PATIENT ADVOCATE
FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

Peter (centred) with Karen Barratt and Jim Blair

Peter Cranham lives in Battersea and has been a patient of the trust for a number of years. As a patient with learning disabilities, Peter knows first hand what it is like to not be understood in hospital and now dedicates his time to help raise awareness among staff about people with learning disabilities.

Peter said: One time I came into hospital with a chest infection and had to stay in overnight. I wasnt sure what medicine they were giving me so I refused to take it. I asked to see Jim [Blair, consultant nurse in learning disabilities] and he explained everything to me and made me feel better. Thats when I told him that I wanted to be on the patient group because I wanted to tell them what to do! The learning disability group within the hospital has been key in implementing various projects across the trust which have improved the hospital experience for patients with learning disabilities. One of the most significant projects is the hospital passport. The hospital passport is designed to provide vital information to staff about patients with learning disabilities in the event that a patient is unable to communicate their needs effectively. The passport is retained by the patient, and he or she controls what information is included in it carers can also contribute to the passport contents and assist in

completing it. The passport was designed with the Wandsworth Community Learning Disability Team in partnership with staff from the hospital and won a Foundation of Nursing Award in 2009. In addition to being on the patient group for the hospital, Peter is also part of the LD Our Health Our Hospital panel. Set up in March 2010, the panel is made up of people with a learning disability as well as parents and people from local learning disability services and serves to hold the consultant nurse to account. The panel meets every six to eight weeks to discuss what has been happening within the hospital and how to make improvements. They share comments about experiences that have gone well or not, talk about what staff need to know and have influence to make changes happen. Peter said: I like being on the panel and enjoy helping the hospital make important changes to make the patient experience better.

He was also involved in the recent appointment of Karen Barrett, clinical nurse specialist, learning disabilities. Peter and another patient with a learning disability, together with Jim Blair and David Flood, lead for safeguarding, were on the panel for the interview. 60 per cent of the interview was led by the patients demonstrating the value that the trust is placing in changing services. Karen said: They were very good when I came in I had no idea whether Id got the job or not! Karens role as clinical nurse specialist is to support Jim in the delivery of services to people with learning disabilities; ensuring that people with learning disabilities are safe when using the hospital services, that adult safeguarding procedures are followed. Peter also helps Jim out with teaching health professionals. Jim gives regular teaching sessions to clinicians to explain the importance of understanding and communicating with a person with learning disabilities and Peter talks about his experiences at St Georges. St Georges Healthcare is committed to improving patient experience for people with learning disabilities and in addition to the work of the patient groups; the trust has introduced learning disability leads in various departments. The members of staff act as a link resource for their service area, provide awareness training for staff in their settings and ensure trust learning disability guidance is adhered to in practice. They also meet regularly with and make appropriate referrals to the learning disability team. There are currently 22 link leads around the trust who meet every six to eight weeks to explore how things are progressing and to discuss concerns and solutions. Jim said: It is no use in saying you are doing your best, you have to succeed in doing what is required for a patient every time. If we get it right for people with learning disabilities it will be very much better for everyone else.

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Membership matters
Save the date!

Focus on breast cancer

Dr Alexander Ney, senior house officer (core trainee) in general surgery, and Mr Dibyesh Banerjee, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, write about the importance of checking for the signs of breast cancer, and services offered by St Georges Healthcare. Being diagnosed with breast cancer would be devastating for anyone. However, before starting to think the worst, it is important to remember that nine out of ten breast lumps are benign, which means they are non-cancerous. Most patients are easily reassured after a visit to the breast clinic. It is therefore vital to check your breasts regularly. There is no right or wrong way of doing this. Simply look and feel both breasts, ideally once a month and report any changes you find to your GP. Early detection and treatment is essential, particularly when any lumps are found to be cancerous. It is also important for women between the ages of 50 and 70 to have a screening mammogram every three years, as part of the NHS Breast Screening programme. If the changes in your breast need further investigation, or if an abnormality is detected through routine screening, you will be referred to the nearest breast clinic. Most breast clinics are able to offer an appointment within two weeks of being referred.

St Georges community open day

St Georges community open day will be held on Saturday 13th October 2012 from 10.00-15.00hrs.

Co-hosted by St Georges Healthcare and St Georges, University of London, the event will be an opportunity for visitors to see the wide range of services offered by the trust, as well as the research and study that staff and students are involved in. Building on the success of the first community open day in 2011, there will also be a chance for visitors to be taken on tours of the trusts most important, and some less well-known, departments.

Would you like to make a difference for people affected by cancer?

The Macmillan Information and Support Centre is looking for volunteers to help support cancer patients and their families. This could be meeting and greeting visitors to the centre, stocking up leaflets on the wards, directing and supporting patients attending the Rose Centre or talking to patients on the chemotherapy day unit. In return, we will offer you training and the opportunity to

What happens at the breast clinic?

You will be seen by an experienced team of doctors and specialist nurses. If a lump is found, a triple assessment is performed, comprised of three diagnostic measures: Clinical history check and examination Imaging with a mammogram (a special x-ray image of both breasts) or an ultrasound scan (an image of the breast tissue using sound waves) If needed, a small needle biopsy is carried out to check for abnormal cells Using these simple assessment tests, which are usually performed in a one-stop clinic, the specialist team can diagnose and if necessary treat your symptoms effectively.

learn new skills. Those interested are encouraged to come along to the open event on Tuesday 25th September, between 15.3017.00pm in the Hyde Park Room at St Georges Hospital. It doesnt matter what your skills, experience or background are, or whether or not you have had experience of cancer. For more information, please contact Susan Taleghany, voluntary services manager, on 020 8725 1452 or susan.taleghany@ stgeorges.nhs.uk.

Nominate your NHS Heroes

NHS Heroes is a new national award scheme that recognises the efforts of staff whose expertise, passion for care, concern and everyday kindness touches the lives of patients and their families in hospital and community services, people whose day-to-day work has changed, enhanced or even saved a life dear to them. The awards are open to all

Breast cancer care at St Georges

The breast clinic at St Georges Hospital provides specialist care and advice for patients from Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, Kingston, Richmond and other areas in the region. The hospitals oncoplastic breast unit offers the full range of modern breast surgery, including using the latest techniques in breast reconstruction and oncology services, supported by highly trained and experienced Macmillan nurses. Early diagnosis leads to early reassurance and, where treatment is necessary, it is associated with better outcomes and a better chance of recovery.

staff working in the NHS and nominations can be submitted until mid-September. Anyone working for the NHS who is nominated by members of the public, patients or colleagues as going the extra mile in their work will receive a recognition certificate. Members can nominate their St Georges NHS Hero, and find out more about the awards, on the NHS Heroes website www.nhsheroes.com

MEMBERS EVENTS
Please note that booking is essential for all events. Contact 020 8266 6132 or email members@stgeorges.nhs.uk to reserve your place. All events, times and venues are subject to confirmation on booking. PATIENT SAFETY MEMBERS EVENT. Presented by Yvonne Connolly, head of patient safety, Alison Robertson, chief nurse and director of operations and Ros Given-Wilson, medical director. This event will look at the trusts key patient safety initiatives in relation to the Kane Gorny case. onday 3rd September M 14.00-15.00hrs and 18.30-19.30hrs. Venue TBC ALCOHOL AWARENESS EVENT. Presented by Adrian Brown, St Georges alcohol and drug liaison team lead. uesday 23rd October T 14.30-15.30hrs and 18.30-19.30hrs. Venue TBC

Save the date!

Annual General Meeting 2012

The trusts Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2012 will take place on Thursday, 27th September from 18.00-20.00hrs in the Hyde Park Room (next to the Ingredients Restaurant), first floor, Lanesborough Wing.
The AGM is your chance to find out more about the work of the trust and our plans for the future. The evening will include presentations looking back at 2011/12 and forward to the year ahead.

Membership matters

LIVING OUR VALUES AWARDS:

Vote for an overall individual and team winner from the trusts 2011/12 values award winners outlined below. You can either fill out the slip below and return it to us or go online to www.stgeorges.nhs.uk to vote. More information about each winner is also available on the website. Voting closes on 14th September 2012.

CHOOSE YOUR WINNER!

Individual Individual
Susie George, advanced physio practitioner. In nominating Susie, Lucy Clark, team lead for physiotherapy in outpatients, said: Susie is an incredibly kind person in so many ways to both her patients and colleagues. By treating each patient holistically rather than just the physical symptoms and always discussing their expectations, she significantly improves patients experiences and satisfaction.

2011/12 values award winners

Individual
Barbara Peters, senior mortuary technologist and perinatal lead. Robin Dobinson, mortuary manager, said: We were really lucky to get Barbara and she has made a big impact on the rest of the staff regarding viewings, talking to relatives and looking after their needs. Barbara goes beyond the call of duty to give families peace of mind in their time of need.

Individual
Samantha Ives, service delivery manager. Samantha won the individual award for her dedication and transformation of the transport service for the end-of-life care discharge home service. Samantha was nominated by Berit Moback, senior nurse for palliative care. Berit said: Samantha treats all patients and carers with utmost respect and ensures that all ambulance staff do the same. Her contribution has also reduced staff stress, as we are able to openly discuss any transport problems with her.

Annett Blochberger, neuro pharmacist. Annett was nominated by Jeremy Isaacs, consultant neurologist, for demonstrating outstanding professionalism and commitment to patient care in her role as neurosciences lead pharmacist. He said: Annett is the lynchpin of safe prescribing on our busy neurology ward, displaying initiative and teamwork in developing complex treatment protocols and enthusiastically contributing to projects for vulnerable patients.

Team
The Wandsworth community neuro team (WCNT). Nominated by clinical team leader Rachel Sibson who said: I am proud to describe them as exemplary. Every individual in the team demonstrates the core trust values on a daily basis. I regularly hear comments from patients, relatives, carers and other services commenting on how the WCNT have shown genuine kindness towards their patients.

Team
The trauma and orthopaedics therapy team. Nominated for their commitment to constantly improve their service as well as their communications with each other, the ward staff and patients. Susan Menzies, principal occupational therapist, said: Even with the ever changing line up of people the general approach of this team has never changed. It is continually patient-centred while still taking into account the well-being of the team members.

Team
The back office team in Central Booking Service, outpatients - Alexis Powell and Alex Stamp. They were nominated by their manager, Doug Treanor. Doug said: They are an outstanding example of a team fully committed, they never take short-cuts or shy away from a challenge and they are forever staying late or coming in at the weekend, not because they are being paid but because they have a remarkable sense of responsibility.

Team
The team award went to the sewing room team. The team were nominated for demonstrating respect in their attitude everyday. The team were nominated by Catherine Leak, assistant facilities manager. Catherine said: this team provide a discreet, understated service. Their hard work and dedication makes sure that the staff of St Georges present as professional individuals with clean, suitable and correct uniforms. the

"

My living our values award winners are (please tick one box for your individual winner and one box for your team winner): INDIVIDUAL: Annett Blochberger Back office team Susie George Wandsworth community neuro team Barbara Peters Trauma and orthopaedics team Samantha Ives Sewing room

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TEAM:

Please pop this slip in an envelope and return it to our freepost address (no stamp required): Freepost RSGZ UJJH THEB, FT membership office, St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT.

Spotlight on...

THE ACUTE MEDICINE UNIT (AMU)

The Acute Medicine Unit (AMU) provides patients with immediate access to the specialist emergency care they need. The service has undergone several changes in recent years; the most recent being a re-build that completed in January 2012 to create a purposebuilt unit, known as Richmond AMU. Jane Evans, lead consultant for acute medicine, said: The aim of the AMU is to ensure that patients have access to the right person in the right environment from the start. We aim to provide a high-quality service to patients with acute medical problems and work hard to ensure that they are managed in the correct setting and in doing so minimise unnecessary admissions to hospital. The service is led and delivered by a team of consultants who work closely with the nursing, therapies and pharmacy teams on the unit. Patients are assessed on their arrival to the unit and are given a treatment plan (known as a STAT - senior triage, assessment and treatment plan) which outlines their care. Consultants visit patients twice daily and the ward rounds are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of staff including a senior nurse, senior pharmacist, therapies representative and the medical team. This ensures that patients receive a holistic assessment when they are seen which reduces waiting times for diagnostics (i.e. scans and blood tests), treatment and therapies. This multi-disciplinary approach ultimately reduces length-of-stay in hospital and has shown an improvement in patient safety and satisfaction across the NHS. Since January 2012 the unit has seen the average length-of-stay reduce by more than 30 per cent. Jane says that the key to providing an efficient service is through effective teamwork. She said: The success of our unit is down to the excellent team who work here. We adopt a truly multi-professional approach to all our patients. The unit also runs both undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes for all healthcare professionals. It is a favoured unit on which to work and train, with many students requesting secondments to the AMU. The unit was also one of the first areas to introduce simulation-based training for a multi-disciplinary team in the management of medical emergencies. The AMU consists of 58 beds divided across the four zones. Each zone has a consultant-led service: Main ward The main ward consists of fifty beds divided into bays of five to seven, seventeen of which are single rooms with en-suite facilities. Each bay has closed doors which improves patient privacy and dignity. Acute Dependency Unit The acute dependency unit

The ambulatory care team

THE TEAM
Nursing leadership (l-r): Emer Cronin, senior sister, Kelly Davies, matron and Kyleigh Shields, senior sister

contains eight beds that provide enhanced monitoring and treatments for patients who are very unwell. Ambulatory Assessment Area The ambulatory assessment area provides an alternative to admission to hospital for patients who are stable enough to be managed as an outpatient. Patients have fast access to diagnostics and specialist clinics from this area. Acute Medicine Clinic The acute medicine clinic is part of the ambulatory assessment area and focuses on discharging patients early if it is appropriate so they do not have to be admitted into hospital. Patients from both primary care and accident and emergency can access appointments for this clinic within 24 hours. The consultants who lead this service are from a variety of specialist backgrounds including respiratory medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, infectious diseases, renal medicine, clinical pharmacology and senior health. This allows fast access to specialist opinions if they are needed in addition to general medicine. The virtual clinic also forms part of this service and allows the team to ensure that GPs are fully informed of any outstanding investigations which need to take place following discharge, without the patient returning to hospital.

The consultants Nine consultants provide acute and specialist services across extended hours on the AMU. Specialist areas include: respiratory medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, infectious diseases, clinical pharmacology, nephrology and senior health. The nursing team 120 nurses work on the unit including two housekeepers. They work incredibly hard under pressure to ensure that patients acute care needs are met and that they have a positive experience on Richmond AMU. They are currently working to improve quality by launching intentional rounding; this will improve patient experience and build trust, as well as ensure care is safe and reliable. Therapies team The Social and Therapy Assessment and Rehabilitation (STAR) team comprise of a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a social worker. They ensure that any rehabilitation or social care needs are identified, planned and met prior to patients being discharged. Management team The unit benefits from a general manager, assistant general manager and assistant service manager who are based within the unit and are therefore closely involved with the day-to-day running of the unit. The admin team The unit have a team of ward clerks who support the clinical teams in ensuring the smooth running of the AMU. The team is lead by secretary Sarah Goodby. For any enquiries regarding the unit or the services we provide please contact Sarah Goodby: Sarah.Goodby@ stgeorges.nhs.uk or 020 8266 6092.

The AMU team

Patient feedback...
Every year the trust cares for more than a million patients and many of those patients take the time to write and express their thanks. In every edition of the gazette we publish a selection of those letters. FAO hand clinic and physiotherapy
I wanted to congratulate the wonderful staff you have who were fantastic, especially Darren Ng, the doctor who performed my operation as well as the nurses. They have been supportive and given great advice throughout the initial phase of my rehabilitation. I would also like to thank Alex and Joelle in the physiotherapy department for enabling me to get the full range of movement back into my hand. All of the staff I have come across at St Georges have been amazing. at arrivals to Oliver, the doctor who helped me. Staff coming around every few minutes asking if I was OK was a real comfort.

Page 9 Patient feedback

Past and Present

St Johns Therapy Centre

Past and present The sleek,

FAO Vernon Ward

I am so grateful for the care and attention received from everyone at both visits Ive had to Vernon Ward by all the staff and nurses, particularly Mr Nick Watkin who operated on me. I would also like to thank Kate, Abbi, Rebecca, Sarah, Rey and Jonathan for their kindness. Karen Traetto and Mrs Devine should also be thanked for enabling me to get away on time.

award-winning St Johns Therapy Centre located on St Johns Hill is a far cry from the original sprawling infirmary that opened on the site in 1840 to complement a new workhouse on the same site.
Over 40 years after opening, four new three-storey buildings were added to the infirmary. By the turn of the century the workhouse had moved to a new site on nearby Garratt Lane and St Johns Infirmary had a new nurses home, 32 general wards and 10 isolation wards for patients with infectious diseases. St Johns was succeeded as the local general hospital by St James Hospital in Balham when it opened in 1911 and the infirmary then The new St Johns Therapy Centre (top) and became a centre for St Johns infirmary (photo courtesy of Wandsworth the chronically ill. The Heritage Service). infirmary was renamed St Johns Hospital by the start of World War II, and during the war the hospital opened the Battersea Chest Clinic following the bombing of the Borough of Wandsworths original TB dispensary. On joining the NHS in 1948, St Johns Hospital had 480 beds for chronically sick men and women, TB patients and mental observation. However, during the 1970s the hospital was downgraded and by 1985 all inpatient services had been transferred to other hospitals, with just the St Johns Day Hospital and Chest Clinic remaining operational and providing therapy services to people from across Wandsworth. The old ward blocks were converted into apartments and the John Morris House Community Centre, which opened in 2000. In 2005 services at the centre were temporarily relocated to Garratt Lane for 18 months as work began on developing the existing St Johns Therapy Centre, a significant step towards the provision of 21st century healthcare within modern state-of-theart settings. The new St Johns Therapy Centre is a much larger and more flexible building allowing patients to access a variety of services under one roof. The centre is now home to additional therapy services, two GP practices and services previously based at Bolingbroke Hospital, including the day hospital, outpatient services, x-ray and ultrasound. In 2007 Wandsworth Council decorated St Johns Therapy Centre with a Wandsworth Design Award in recognition of the positive contribution to the local environment.

FAO James Hope Ward

I would like to thank you for the care Ive received to treat my coronary heart disease. Everyone was so fantastic. I was always kept well informed and kindly treated from the moment I was diagnosed to the CT scan, angiogram and angioplasty.

FAO Atkinson Morley Wing staff

I wish to compliment all staff involved in my sisters care. She had learning difficulties, and for the few days she survived, staff were gentle and considerate. Her condition was explained clearly and in detail by the doctor on a number of occasions. When she passed away the nurse in charge was enormously helpful. The quiet efficiency of everybody who worked on the ward was impressive.

FAO bereavement services and chaplaincy

I have recently had dealings due to the death of my sister with two of your excellent staff. I cannot thank Teresa Allison and Rob Wall enough. Their kindness and compassion during this sad time were impeccable and the support they gave me and my family was second to none. I do hope there is some sort of recognition that goes to staff as they both deserve a mention.

FAO accident and emergency

I was taken by ambulance to St Georges after collapsing at work. During my stay I received excellent treatment, from the nurse

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Patient safety...

The importance of patient safety:

Modern healthcare is increasingly complex and, even with a strong commitment to patient safety, things do still sometimes go wrong. Investigating mistakes is a vital part of understanding where systems and processes can be improved and the findings of reports have helped the trust to improve patient safety. Here, the gazette explores some key patient safety initiatives that have come out of our work to make improvements: Safety dashboard In 2011 a safety dashboard was launched to coordinate projects with the greatest potential to make our patients safer. The dashboard helps staff identify safety projects across the trust, what plans are in place to improve patient safety and how they can be applied in their areas. It also outlines the lead member of staff for each project and identifies where issues have been reported. Better observation charts To help our staff clearly record their observations of each patient, a new chart, based on the national system, is in use on our wards. Routine observations, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, are recorded on the chart using colour coding and a scoring system. Clearly recording the patients score, known as the Early Warning Score, following each observation allows staff to identify more easily when a patients condition is deteriorating, so they can request a review of the patient or further support at the earliest opportunity. The charts also include a communication tool known as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). The SBAR tool provides a step by step guide to ensure that staff gather all the essential information about a patient, 10

some of our key initiatives

Sir Liam Donaldson (right) with poster presentation winner Daniel Weegmann

Oral presentation winners Emma Evans (middle) and Polly Hughes with Sir Liam Donaldson

Patient safety week

A patient safety members event will be held on Monday 3rd September at 14.00-15.00hrs and 18.30-19.30hrs.
The sessions will look at the trusts key patient safety initiatives in relation to the Kane Gorny case. Venue TBC. For more information and to book a place, contact the membership office on 020 8266 6132 or email: members@stgeorges.nhs.uk including the Early Warning Score, so that they can communicate clearly to each other about the patients health needs. The SBAR tool also helps staff to consider and anticipate important information that may be needed by colleagues in an emergency situation. The chart has been in use across our wards since January 2012 and is now being rolled out to departments such as recovery, day surgery and HMP Wandsworth to help improve patient care and safety. Deborah Dawson, consultant nurse in critical care, has led on the implementation of the new chart. She said: This new chart has been well received by all staff; they particularly like the colour coding. It works best in wards where they have really made this process part of their daily culture, with regular review of frequency, quality of observations and ensuring the warning signals are responded to. Medication safety awareness The pharmacy team have implemented a number of initiatives to improve medication safety and are working to increase awareness among clinical staff. A team of pharmacists known as the medication safety champions have visited each ward in the hospital to disseminate key medication safety messages, such as checking patient IDs and ensuring important medicines are not delayed or missed. Importantly, our pharmacy team are also focusing efforts to ensure that patients understand their medicines and feel empowered to ask questions. Patients can expect to be told about the medication they are taking home with them by a member of staff before they leave hospital. This includes explaining the purpose of the medicine they are taking and the possible side effects they need to watch out for. Patients may also receive written information in the form of a patient information leaflet, medication reminder card or medicines information card.

During patient safety week in June 2012, a conference was held in which Sir Liam Donaldson, chair of the World Alliance for Patient Safety and former chief medical officer for England, gave a key note presentation. Over 35 projects were presented or on display during the conference, showcasing the breadth of patient safety initiatives currently underway across the trust. The winning poster showed how staff nurse Daniel Weegmann had incorporated patient safety checks on his ward and demonstrated how staff at any level can take the initiative and help make systems safer. The winning oral presentation was given by Polly Hughes, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant, and Emma Evans, consultant anaesthetist, who showed how simulation techniques can be used to identify areas to reduce risk in critical clinical situations. Sir Liam also toured the simulation centre, where staff and students can expand their knowledge and apply clinical skills in a realistic but safe, simulated clinical environment. Yvonne Connolly, head of patient safety, said: We can never be complacent that we have done enough to keep our patients safe so it is really important to continue to learn from things that go wrong and support staff to make things better.

Top tips

Travelling to St Georges Hospital?

A trouble free journey can help reduce stress and ensure that you get to your appointment on time. The gazette takes a look at the best ways to get to St Georges Hospital in Tooting... Bus Bus routes 493 and G1 enter the grounds of the hospital. Several other bus routes serve roads within a short walk. Routes 44, 77, 270 and N44 stop on Garratt Lane, routes 57, 131, 219 and N155 stop on Tooting high street, and routes 155, 264 and 280 stop on Blackshaw road. Low-floor, wheelchair accessible buses run on all routes. from Blackshaw Road, off the A24 Tooting High Street, or Fountain Road, off the A217 Garrett Lane. Car parking is pay upon exit and starts from 2 per hour, but is free between 22.00hrs and 06.00hrs. Concessionary car parking charges and special permits are available under certain circumstances for instance, bereaved relatives and some renal and cancer patients. For more information please call the number on your appointment letter. Disabled badge holders Blue badge holders can park for free in any of the reserved disabled spaces and any other painted bay in our main public car park or on the hospitals perimeter road please remember to display your

By tube or rail Tooting Broadway underground station on the Northern Line is a five to ten minute walk from the hospitals main pedestrian entrance on Effort Street, or a By car short ride on bus routes 493 or G1. Try to avoid driving National Rail if you can like TOP TIP: services from Its always a good idea many London Tooting station hospitals we to check the latest are linked to the have limited public transport hospital by bus parking space! news on routes 44, 77, If you do choose www.tfl.gov.uk 264, 270, 280 to drive, access before you leave! and N44. to parking on site can be found

badge! For more information visit www.stgeorges.nhs.uk. Cycles If you are able to, cycling is a great way to keep fit and we have free cycle parking facilities at a number of locations at the hospital. The hospital appears in Local Cycling Guides 10 and 14. You can order a free copy of these guides online at tfl.gov. uk/cycling or by calling 0843 222 1234.

All you need to know about... the effects of alcohol

It is estimated that treating alcohol related harm costs the NHS 2.7 billion every year, and 40 per cent of all admissions to accident and emergency (A&E) departments in England are alcohol-related.
What is being done by the trust to tackle the overconsumption of alcohol? Adrian Brown, St Georges alcohol and drug liaison team lead, explains:
According to research statistics, alcohol consumption appears to be an increasingly major factor in the admission of patients to hospital. In 2010/11 there were over 1.1 million admissions related to alcohol consumption where an alcohol-related disease, injury or condition was the primary reason for admission. This is a figure that has more than doubled since 2003. St Georges Healthcare has a team of three alcohol nurse specialists working six days a week to visit and review patients and educate staff. Staff in A&E can use a screening tool, which helps identify people whose drinking may be putting them at risk of health problems so that they can be given brief advice on healthier lifestyle options. This also helps predict treatment needs for people with alcoholrelated problems coming to the hospital for reasons that are directly related to their drinking. Should a patient not wish to speak to a member of the team, they are given a leaflet which describes the benefit of reducing excessive alcohol intake on the body, and also explains units of alcohol. The leaflet also has contact details for the alcohol liaison team should a patient change their mind.

KNOW YOUR ALCOHOL GUIDELINES

Government recommendations on the consumption of alcohol are as follows:

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Adult men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day

Adult women should not regularly drink more than two to three units a day

After an episode of heavy drinking, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol for 48 hours to allow the body to recover the

gazette

Adrian will be running a members event on alcohol awareness on Tuesday 23rd October. The sessions will take place at 14.30-15.30hrs and 18.30-19.30hrs. Venue TBC. For more information and to book a place, contact the membership office on 020 8266 6132 or email: members@stgeorges.nhs.uk

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Fundraising

St Georges baby charity receives 30,000 boost from Martine McCutcheon and Jack McManus
St Georges Hospital welcomed actress Martine McCutcheon and her fianc Jack McManus on Wednesday 23rd May as they presented a 30,000 cheque to the hospitals neonatal charity, First Touch. As patrons of First Touch, Martine and Jack visited the neonatal unit and spent time talking with parents and staff. The money was won by Martine and Jack as part of their appearance on ITV game show All Star Family Fortunes. For more information about First Touch, visit www.first-touch.org.uk.

Martine and Jack with new mum Rebecca Williams and her son Jamie

(Left to right): Sarah Collins, charity manager, Laura De Rooy, neo natal consultant, Martine and Jack

Generous surgery gift will help St Georges babies

St Georges Hospital, London, has received two neonatal laparoscopic instrument sets, which will be the first to be used in the UK. The sets, which cost over 20,000, were bought by the Baby Isaac Fund, founded by Ian and Cristina Villiers in 2010 as a legacy for their son Isaac, who was cared for at St Georges in 2009. The innovative sets are 30 per cent smaller than standard laparoscopy sets, allowing minimally invasive surgery to be carried out on newborn patients with abdominal and chest problems. Eric Nicholls, senior consultant paediatric surgeon, said: St Georges is home to one of the busiest paediatric general surgical teams in London. As a result of this generous donation, we will be able to operate on increasing numbers of newborn babies. The smaller size of these instruments makes them stronger and more durable than standard laparoscopy kits, which will help improve patient care.

Give as you live

Theres a new easy way to raise money for St Georges Hospital Charity online shopping! Everyclick.com has launched a new way to donate its been christened Give as you Live. It means you can search the web, shop online from your favourite retailers, trade on eBay and raise money for St Georges Hospital Charity. You get great search results from Yahoo!, content from leading shopping providers and access to all eBay auctions. Every search you make creates a donation for charity. Our special address is www.everyclick.com/giving-to-georges, all searches, shopping and eBay activity made from here will raise money for us. Make sure you sign up so you can track your giving it updates every three minutes, youll be amazed how quickly it adds up! Discover the new way to give to St Georges Hospital Charity. Give as you Live.

Deelicious!
Deelicious Nazishs Kitchen, a new bakery / caf on Tooting Bec Road, has chosen St Georges Hospital Charity as their Charity of the Year. They sell a range of tasty cupcakes, beautifully decorated cakes and also offer Halal, eggless and gluten free cakes. As a new business owner in the area, Nazish wanted to give something back to the community by supporting her local Charity.

Dance workshops
John McFall, Paralympian and former patient, returned to Queen Marys Roehampton in July to celebrate a series of movement and music classes led by Rambert Dance Company for amputee patients. These workshops are part of the nationwide Big Dance 2012, a legacy project inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with funding from the St Georges Hospital Charity arts programme.
Ian Villiers (far left) with wife Cristina and their son Barney, alongside consultant paediatric surgeons Zahid Mukhtar, Bruce Okoye and Eric Nicholls with the new laparoscopy kits

Big Dance workshops led by Rambert Dance Company continue through August at Queen Marys.

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