Issue 105 • July/August 2012

Pennine NewsT O P R O V I D E T H E V E R Y B E S T C A R E F O R E A C H P A T I E N T O N E V E R Y O C C A S I O N

STAFF CONGRATULATEDAT ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT

• £3.75m investment for Oldham’s A&E

• Leaders unite on future of RI

• Needle safe review

• Flu campaign starts

ContentsGet involved with research... Pg 4

Leaders unit on future of .....

Rochdale Infirmary ................ Pg 4

Flu campaign ......................... Pg 5

Diary dates ............................. Pg 5

New Bridge School provides

colourful Jubilee banner ...... Pg 5

Let’s play, baby project ...........

inspired by the Olympics ........ Pg 6

Tasty changes at restaurants Pg 6

Linking up on infection ........ Pg 6

No more sharp edges in .......

needle safe review ................ Pg 7

Heart rhythm week .............. Pg 7

Core brief ............................... Pg 8

Team focus on community .....

falls prevention team ............. Pg 9

Staff awards 2012 ................. Pg 10/13

Charity round up ................... Pg 14

Dying matters week .............. Pg 15

Religion and faith guidance .

for staff .................................. Pg 15

Thought for the month ........ Pg 15

Staff noticeboard .................. Pg 16

Inside NewsTHE Trust has several communication tools to help keep staff up to date:

Core brief is sent round monthly, for use in all team briefings.

Weekly bulletins are emailed on Mondays and contain a range of operational and site information.

A medical director/nursing director bulletin is circulated monthly.

Online copies of all the bulletins and core brief, plus more, can be found on the Trust intranet at nww.pat.nhs.uk/communications

You can send your stories for either Pennine News or for local media to Trust communications at trust.communications@pat.nhs.uk, or call Nicola Berry on 44284.

If you have any ideas, views or suggestions regarding communications across the Trust, please email staff.views@pat.nhs.uk

Please recycle this magazine

WAKE up and smell the coffee!’ or at least smell the delicious speciality coffee which is on offer at Rochdale Infirmary’s new Aroma coffee shop.

Opened in June, the coffee bar is in the Atrium which has been refurbished to create the up market café, which rivals any high street chain.

Open Monday to Friday, from 8am until 5pm, Aroma offers a wide range of freshly produced breakfast paninis, muffins and pastries in the morning, followed by a wider selection of freshly made salads, baguettes, filled jacket potatoes, pastries, paninis, toasted sandwiches and home made cakes and scones, later in the day.

Pam Stansfield, Trust head of catering has worked closely with NHS Scotland who own the Aroma brand to develop the coffee shop at Rochdale and ensure the range of catering services will be right for the Infirmary. She said: “The new coffee shop is part of the changes and centralisation of catering facilities at Rochdale. The Heights restaurant has

closed and the existing kitchen in the Infirmary has moved next to the coffee shop to provide patient areas and Aroma with high quality food and beverages for staff, visitors and patients.”

Managed by retail manager Julie Leonard, the shop will be run by Pennine staff and all profits will be reinvested back into the service. Julie said: “Aroma is an exciting new coffee concept for Rochdale Infirmary. Patients, visitors and staff will be able to enjoy affordable good quality hot food, snacks, cakes and regional specialities especially developed for Aroma, by our own catering staff.

“Coffee is ethically sourced with 100% traceability to farms in some of the best coffee growing countries in the world.

“There will be a choice of teas including herbal, fruit and Fairtrade teas.”

“I’m sure that Aroma will be extremely popular as it will be run by local NHS staff, selling quality produce which has been prepared on site.”

News - Trust stories2 July/August 2012

Tasty addition at Rochdale

Kings and queens!CHILDREN at Fairfield’s day nursery got into the patriotic spirit when they celebrated the Queen’s diamond jubilee. Enjoying a jubilee party, the pre-school children learnt the words of the national anthem and turned their role play area into a palace by creating thrones and crowns.

3In the news

PLANS developed by doctors and nurses to expand and improve facilities at The Royal Oldham Hospital’s accident & emergency department have been given the go-ahead by the Strategic Health Authority, NHS North of England.

The huge £3.75 million capital investment will see the development of separate dedicated A&E facilities for children and young people, and the expansion of the emergency department to increase space and capacity which will improve waiting times and the patient experience.

The £3.75 million scheme will be funded from the Trust’s capital resources.

The expansion of the A&E facilities will support and accommodate the increased number of acutely ill patients now being brought by ambulance from the Rochdale borough area and support the development of obstetric, children’s and neonatal services on the site.

The A&E department currently sees on average 280 patients per day; around 94,000 patients a year. Of these, around 70 children aged under 16 are seen per day. The A&E team comprises of 11 consultants in emergency medicine and 85 nursing staff.

Dr Nick Gili, A&E consultant and clinical director at The Royal Oldham Hospital said: “This is an exciting development for the hospital and for the Trust. Our plans will enable us to accommodate and meet the needs of patients and the doctors and nursing staff who work in the emergency department. It will help create more capacity and provide improved facilities and an environment that is flexible and appropriate to better meet the changing demands on our emergency services to treat acutely ill patients.

“Once complete, our new look A&E department will help us develop and provide high standards of clinical care in a modern spacious facility. It will help us improve the way services are delivered and benefit patients, particularly children

who will have dedicated facilities. The developments will also enable us to plan and deliver better urgent care in partnership with our local GPs, GP commissioners and other providers who we have strong local partnerships with.”

A Lord Mayor who has been a regular visitor at North Manchester General Hospital has said that he would not hesitate being treated at the hospital again.

Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Harry Lyons, was visiting the hospital in May as part of his civic duties. Touring the emergency, paediatric emergency, North Manchester treatment hub, orthopaedic trauma assessment unit and paediatric unit departments, he said: “I have been a patient at North Manchester General Hospital several times in the last couple of years. During my visit I saw many of the areas where I have stayed in the hospital and so it was interesting to see things from the other side. As a local councillor, I am very pleased with the services provided at the hospital and I have been particularly impressed with the orthopaedic service and the new birth centre.

“The enthusiasm of the staff at the hospital really stands out and I would be very confident to come here again as a patient.”

He was also thrilled to meet new born baby Lanie Lord, who was only one hour and 40 minutes old when she had her first official photoshoot.

Parents Nicola Joynson and Lee Lord from Heywood came to North Manchester to give birth in the Blue Bell Birth Centre.

Community midwifery matron Denise Woods, said: “We were pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor to the unit. We are proud of the service which we offer to pregnant ladies and we have had positive feedback from the new mums saying that they feel an increased sense of achievement in giving birth naturally. The unit is much more relaxing and calming than a traditional delivery unit. Women and midwives build strong relationships and work together to achieve the best possible outcome.”

Louise Hartley and baby Jordan Shufflebottom from Lower Broughton also came back to the hospital to meet the Mayor. Jordan was born on the unit three days earlier.

THE new Mayor of Oldham has been treated to an early sighting of the plans for the £3.75M expansion to the hospital’s accident and emergency department.

During her first official visit to The Royal Oldham Hospital, Mayor Councillor Olwen Chadderton, toured the A&E department where clinical matron Julie Winterbottom showed her the plans for the internal layout on how the new department will look once the expansion has been completed.

The Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton (pictured), said: “I have great admiration for all the staff at the hospital as they carry out a difficult job in treating so many patients. I am the hospital’s number one fan as I have previously undergone treatment at The Royal Oldham and honestly can’t find a single fault with the hospital. During all my years as a local councillor, no one has ever complained to me about the hospital.

“The people of Oldham are fortunate to have such an excellent hospital and with the extra investment for the A&E department and the women and children’s development, it will be one of the finest in the North West.”

Other departments visited on the Mayor’s tour included radiology, F3 children’s ward and the hospital’s new Trauma Assessment Stabilisation Unit (TASU) on ward T7 for serious orthopaedic injuries.

Trust invests £3.75m to expand A&E at Oldham

Praise from Lord Mayor for NMGH

Leaders unite on future of Rochdale services

In the news4 July/August 2012

STAFF at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust encouraged members of the public to get involved in clinical research trials as part of an international celebration day.

ON Tuesday 22nd May 2012, health and council leaders from across the Rochdale borough gathered together at Rochdale Infirmary to sign a commitment to the future of the hospital and how to transform and enhance health and social care services.

The joint statement of intent agreement was signed by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale shadow Clinical Commissioning Group chair, Dr Chris Duffy and interim accountable officer, Lesley Mort; the Trust’s chair, John Jesky, and chief executive, John Saxby; Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust chief executive, John Archer, and the Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert.

The agreement acknowledges the important heritage of Rochdale Infirmary and some of the concerns that local people have about the services that have moved out of the hospital. Going forward, plans are focussed on the services that could be provided at the hospital and in the community and local people are being asked to get involved.

Local GPs as commissioners are already involved in re-designing health care to shift care closer to home and improve access to hospital-based services. This signed agreement paves the way to continue these changes and a multi-agency Rochdale borough Board is due to be established, which will include Rochdale Council, The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which provides community and mental health services in the borough.

The type of services that could be provided at the Infirmary or in the community could include multi-agency teams to deliver:

• A single point of contact, so that people are directed quickly to the services they need.

• Mental health and well being services, bringing together physical health, mental health and social care.

• Elderly and frail patient services, providing more specialist care.

• Services for people with long-term conditions, using technology and equipment to support patient care.

• A range of healthy lifestyle and well being services.

Monday 21 May saw International Clinical Trials’ Day which commemorates James Lind beginning a controlled trial comparing different treatments for scurvy in 1753.

The Trust marked the day with information on clinical research trial displays at North Manchester and The Royal Oldham Hospitals.

Richard Jones, senior oncology research nurse, who organised the information day at the hospitals, said: “The aim of the day was to highlight the research activity across the Trust to both patients and staff and provide the opportunity for those interested in taking part to make contact with the research teams, who were represented on the stands during the day.

“Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is actively involved in clinical trials across many disease groups including cancer, cardiology, diabetes, rheumatology and the paediatric field. We hope that by showing the diversity of clinical research happening within the Trust and highlighting the work of the clinical research networks, that we will be able to increase the participation of patients in clinical trials.”

Dr Steve Woby, head of research and development at the Trust, said: “The Trust is actively involved in clinical research and this participation is essential to the continual quest for improvement in treatments and therapies for patients.”

Get involved with research

John Jesky, PAT Chairman; Lesley Mort, interim accountable officer, HMR Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG); Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council; John Archer, chief executive, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust; Dr Chris Duffy, Clinical Chair, HMR CCG (signing the statement) and John Saxby, chief executive.

5People

Diary dates

30th July - Trust’s Foundation Trust 3 month consultation begins

13th August – Transfer of planned cardiology from Rochdale Infirmary to Fairfield General Hospital

22nd August – Tour of new rheumatology unit at Rochdale Infirmary 2-4pm

27th August – Bank holiday

31st August – Majax table-top exercise at the Education Centre, Rochdale Infirmary, 1pm.

Flu campaign 2012FOLLOWING on from last year’s successful campaign, planning for this season is well under way. The increased success was down to the great job that the flu link nurses did and the occupational health department (OH) would like to say ‘a big thank you’ to those nurses involved. Particular thanks go to Kathryn Barrett, who as a link nurse managed to vaccinate the most staff. In recognition of this, the department gave Kathryn a small token of appreciation.

To continue to achieve increased levels of vaccine uptake, even more link nurses will need to be recruited.

Training will be across three sites:

North Manchester General Hospital

11 September 2012, room 237, Trust Headquarters, 1-2pm, 25 places max.

14 September 2012, room 219, Trust Headquarters, 1-2pm, 30 places max.

The Royal Oldham Hospital

11 September 2012, room G19, Education Centre, 10-11am, 45 places max.

Fairfield General Hospital

5 September 2012, room 121, Education Centre, 10-11am, 30 places max.

14 September 2012, room 121, Education Centre, 10-11am, 30 places max.

How to apply: -

Contact the occupational health department between 8.30am and 3.30pm (Monday – Friday) on ext 42727 and choose option 5. Ask to be put on the register for the flu link workers’ training session and book your place and site of your choice (first come, first served basis). Last year’s link workers need to reapply in order to update their training requirements if they wish to continue as a link worker for this year.

Please make a note of the time and place you have booked, as reminders will not be sent. Closing dates for application is 31 August 2012.

 

STUDENTS from New Bridge School designed a special commemorative banner to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

The banner was displayed on C1 ward at The Royal Oldham Hospital and incorporated the students’ faces within the artwork.

Ward manager Susan Howard was delighted with the finished product as she had asked the students, who are currently on a Bridging the Gap project, to come up with some decorations for the ward.

Bridging the Gap is an innovative joint partnership between New Bridge Learning Centre and The Royal Oldham Hospital.The project is a unique opportunity giving students aged 18/19 with additional needs, the opportunity to experience three full time work placements over an academic year.

Margaret Taylor, lead teacher for Bridging the Gap, said: “Sue Howard and all the staff on C1 have fully supported the project from the very beginning and have always welcomed the students.

“Two of the students who were supported on the ward have now gained employment. Blake Logan, (seen on the photograph) works as a bank porter at the hospital and Corrine Widdowson is close to completing an apprenticeship in business and admin at New Bridge School. Corrine has become a first meet and greet person at reception, showing confidence and using the skills she gained at the hospital.”

Colourful artwork to celebrate diamond jubilee

Cytology open dayFOLLOWING the department’s success in winning the tender to provide services for the whole of Greater Manchester, and to celebrate the National Year of Pathology, the cytology department, part of the pathology directorate, welcomed primary care representatives from across Greater Manchester on 21 March to view the facilities at The Royal Oldham Hospital and to discuss, over lunch, the service and new innovations and developments which are being introduced.

During the event the first edition of the department’s quarterly newsletter was launched.

The meeting was well attended and feedback was extremely positive. The comments and suggestions put forward will all be considered as we look to further develop and improve the service.

TASTE buds at the Trust are soon to be tickled as the catering department introduce a number of new menus.

Devised in response to feedback from a restaurant survey, Pam Stansfield, head of catering, is keen to take positive action on the comments received. She said: “We have developed new menus which will be implemented in July 2012, which will incorporate more variety and choice for customers. These menus will include:- healthier food choices; more Slimming World recipes; fresh, home made foods; locally sourced products; seasonal salad bars at North Manchester and Oldham; meal deals; a new range of salads and more snack items such as omelettes.

“We are also trialling a new sandwich concept at North Manchester which offers the customer more choice at a reasonable cost. These will use local breads and will be freshly made to order and will match anything purchased externally for quality and value for money. If this proves successful it will be rolled out across other sites.”

Staff will also benefit from a reduction in prices. From 1 June there will be no charge for take away boxes but staff will be encouraged to use re-useable containers in line with the Trust’s sustainability policy. Buttered toast will reduce from 32p to 20p. Buttered muffins will reduce from 53p to 36p. Mushrooms will reduce from 73p to 40p. Soup will be sold either, on its own, with a roll, or as a meal deal with a Band A-C sandwich. Soup will cost £1.00, a roll 25p and soup and a sandwich (Band A-C) £2.65.

Pam continued: “We hope our customers will notice an improvement in our service as a result of these initial measures and we will try to improve the service on an ongoing basis.

“All our staff will have attended customer service courses by the end of 2012 and food quality will be monitored throughout the service period by the catering team with all food tasted prior to service.”

News - Trust stories6 July/August 2012

Changes taste good at hospital Changes taste good at hospital Changes taste good at hospital restaurantsrestaurantsrestaurants

A study afternoon at The Royal Oldham Hospital gave infection prevention link nurses chance to network, test new products and update their knowledge on infection control.

Organised by the infection prevention team based at Oldham, the event included presentations on Clostridium Difficile and the current Trust targets; surgical site surveillance and ward accreditation in infection prevention.

A health fair was hosted by representatives from companies which the Trust uses and they demonstrated their new products including how to sufficiently clean commodes.

Lorraine Durham, senior infection prevention specialist nurse, said: “The

day was completed with an award ceremony which received great feedback. The winners were the porters, the neonatal unit and x-ray departments. This was just a small way for the team to recognise some of the massive efforts our wards and departments take in order to ensure cross infection is prevented.”

The next study afternoon will be held on 19 September, in the education centre at Oldham, from 12.30pm until 4.00pm. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Link workers are asked to try to attend this informative event which gives them the opportunity to take part in question and answer sessions with the infection prevention team.

Linking up to prevent infection

NEW mum Keleigh Hudson from Lower Broughton, Salford, and her baby Maddison were presented with a certificate to mark the launch of a new project by GreaterSport in Greater Manchester, to inspire activities to promote physical development of children from the earliest age.

Baby Maddison was born at North Manchester General Hospital on Wednesday 16th May, weighing 7lb 3oz. She was presented with a certificate for being the first baby to be born on National Inspire Day.

National Inspire Day recognises the exceptional projects that have been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, which means they are making history as an official part of the Games in a way that no previous Olympic or Paralympic Games have made possible.

Research into the Inspire programme has shown that people are more likely to take part in sports and the arts, at least once a week, after going on the programme. More than 67 per cent felt healthier and fitter and over 65 per cent said they were more likely to get involved in their local community. 74 per cent made friends while being involved in the programme and over 64 per cent said they were more self-confident.

For information about the Let’s Play Baby project go to www.greatersport.co.uk/letsplay

Pictured: Keleigh Hudson and baby Maddison with midwives Michelle Ashworth and Julie McManus on the postnatal ward at North Manchester General Hospital.

Let’s play, baby project inspired by Olympics

7News - Trust stories

No more sharp edges in

needle safe reviewGetting in the rhythm for heart weekCORONARY care unit nurses at Fairfield held a belated awareness event on 1 June inline with this year’s Heart Rhythm Week (21-27 May), to raise awareness and promote better understanding of heart rhythm disorders.

The event celebrated Heart Rhythm Week and promoted this year’s theme ‘Your Heart in Your Hands’.

The national campaign - organised by Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A), The Heart Rhythm Charity, focused on empowering patients, highlighting the signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disorders with the ‘Your Heart in Your Hands’ checklist.

With at least one in four Britons developing a potentially fatal arrhythmia, the awareness week sought to highlight the devastating effects of heart rhythm disorders - such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia and tachycardia.

Arrhythmia Alliance is calling for anyone experiencing palpitations, shortness of breath or feeling faint to download the checklist on The Heart Rhythm Charity’s website www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk

Angeline Price, staff nurse, supported this year’s campaign and said: “As coronary care nurses we see day in day out, the effects of heart disease on individuals. We are passionate about improving the heart health of local people, and encourage members of the public to look after their heart. As part of the event we demonstrated how to check your pulse to detect any abnormalities.”

Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance, said: “Arrhythmia Alliance would like to thank CCU staff for supporting Heart Rhythm Week and highlighting the signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disorders. Finding out about arrhythmias early, could improve a patient’s chance of finding a successful treatment and could save their life.”

For more information on Heart Rhythm Week, visit www.heartrhythmweek.org

STAFF across the Trust have been taking part in bench top exercises to assess safer alternatives to sharp devices.

The exercises are part of a review and replacement of many types of device which have the potential to injure staff if used or disposed of incorrectly.

Formed last year, the Needle Safe Devices Group has the remit to look at how sharp devices can be made safer which will put the Trust one step ahead of an European directive which will be implemented in May 2013.

Leading the group is Cathy Trinick, divisional director for women and children’s. She said: “There are clear indications that needle safe devices provide safer systems of working for health-care personnel in all settings. Hundreds of these devices are used each week so it is important that we get everyone’s opinion.”

“This has been a hugely collaborative project and group members from the health and safety team have been scrutinising needle stick injury reports to identify devices that will have the highest positive impact for staff when safer products are adopted.”

The group has already evaluated and recommended safer systems for blood culture collection and cannulation and the bench top exercises are to assess hypodermic needles.

Planned, organised and facilitated by the medical device and infection prevention teams, the exercises are intended to identify needle safe products which are

suitable for full evaluation. Liz Wilson, infection prevention nurse said: “This is the first time the Trust has used a systematic desk top exercise to eliminate and select models suitable for full evaluation. We are hopeful that this will form the basis of a template for all such future evaluations.”

Marie Law, medical device governance manager added: “The supplies department have been invaluable in this process. They have worked really hard in sourcing products and samples and ensuring the devices were in plentiful supply, in the right place at the right time.”

Staff from hospitals and the community attended the exercises. Dr Chris Wood, consultant in emergency medicine at NMGH and member of the Needle Safe Device Group said: “This was an excellent opportunity for people that are actually using these devices to have their say and input into the selection of a safer product. It’s good to see Pennine actively working to protect staff at risk and achieve the safest possible working environment. I would really encourage staff to get involved.”

Jeanette Milner from the department of nuclear medicine, said: “When it became obvious that my department would probably have specific needs and that the devices on trial may not be compatible with some of our other equipment, a member of the group arranged to come to the department, discuss the products available and look for alternative safer devices that suit our needs.”

tAny staff interested in taking part in one of these events, or that feel they have distinct needs from a needle safe hypodermic can contact Marie Law on 71535.

Core brief - team talk8 September 2011

Have you been briefed?Core brief takes place once a month and is a way of updating you about the latest news from the Trust.

Quality Accounts Report 2011/12ALL Trusts are required to publish an annual report called a Quality Account to the public and external stakeholders on the quality of the health care services they provide. The Trust’s Quality Accounts Report 2011-12 has been published and focuses on the performance and work undertaken in the Trust to improve patient safety, clinical effectiveness and the patient experience. The report can be found on the Trust intranet and our public website.

More information: Tom Wilders, director of strategic planning, ext. 45467.

New clinical director for general and specialist surgeryMR David Sherlock, consultant general surgeon with an interest in HpB surgery, has been appointed as clinical director for the general and specialist surgery directorate at the Trust.

Decommissioning updateTHE consultation process to reduce by up to 160 posts as a result of decommissioning of services, which was announced in March 2012, has now moved into the individual phase with the exception of medical staff within general surgery where further discussions are ongoing.

A number of staff have come forward for voluntary redundancy and the first 50 of these staff have already left or will be leaving the Trust over the coming weeks. We understand that even though these staff have volunteered to leave, this will still be an emotional time both for those going and those remaining. We expect that further staff will be identified and will leave the Trust during July. The majority of staff leaving will be doing so voluntarily, although where there have not been volunteers and redeployment opportunities are not available, compulsory redundancies may be unavoidable. When volunteers from affected areas are confirmed, all of the staff in that area will receive a letter withdrawing their ‘at risk’ status.

In the meantime, the process to reduce and stop a number of clinics and theatre has started. In terms of overall activity the Trust is currently on target this year against the contracts with our commissioners. This means that the planned reduction in activity through decommissioning has taken place.

More information: visit the decommissioning section on the Trust intranet via the homepage. For more information or queries, contact your line manager in the first instance. More general questions about the impact of PCT decommissioning can be sent to staff.views@pat.nhs.uk

Planned cardiology movesTHE transfer of planned cardiology services between RI and FGH will take place at the beginning of August. The new Integrated Cardiology Unit (Silver Heart Unit at Fairfield) will comprise the Interventional Cardiac Unit and the Acute Coronary Unit. This service move will complete the reconfiguration of cardiology services delivered across the Trust. Cardiology out-patients will remain at RI.

Listening into Action eventsCHIEF executive, John Saxby, is inviting staff to attend a ‘Listening into Action’ staff conversation event that he will be hosting during July and August. Each event will have a mix of staff from across all levels and roles. You will have the chance to get together and talk openly about what really matters to you, what gets in your way, and what we should prioritise changing together for the benefit of our patients and ourselves. The staff events are as follows:

Mon 23rd July 10am – 12noon Fairfield General Education Centre

Wed 1st August 10am - 12noon Rochdale Infirmary Education Centre

Wed 8th August 10am – 12noon Royal Oldham Education Centre

Tues 14th August 2pm – 4pm North Manchester Postgrad Centre

Mon 23rd July 5pm - 7pm Rochdale Infirmary Education Centre

Mon 30th July 5pm – 7pm Royal Oldham Education Centre

Wed 1st August 5pm – 7pm Fairfield Education Centre

Wed 15th August 5pm – 7pm North Manchester Postgrad Centre

To book email either Maxine.monksfield@pat.nhs.uk or sally.taylor2@pat.nhs.uk stating: your name, role, ward/dept, and which session you would like to attend.

Core Brief

A typical dayWe don’t have many typical days, but jobs are generally split between our home visits and office based tasks.

Our home visit assessments generally take two hours to complete, as we cover all aspects of an older person’s health and function which could be impacting on their ability to remain independent and healthy at home. Other (shorter!) home visits include carrying out physiotherapy assessments and treatment plans.

Back at the health centre, all the issues identified at assessment need to be actioned, with referrals organised within the team or to other health, social services or third sector organisations, depending on that individual’s needs.

We also run an exercise class at the health centre once a week and of course, there are always meetings, training and stats to complete!

What are the highlights of your job/service?

What don’t you like about your job/service?

What would make your job/service better?

What word best describes your job/service?

What is the one thing you would change about your job/service?

What is the current biggest challenge in your job/to your team?

How do you see your role developing?

What aspect of your job/service is the most rewarding?

How has your job/ service changed in the last 12 months?

Since the service began six years ago we have added more staff and certainty see more patients!

We are constantly updating our assessments and interventions to reflect the latest guidelines and research.

Seeing patients improve and maintain an independent and healthy lifestyle at home.

One of the most important things for all of us to do to reduce our risk of falls is more exercise. But the provision of classes in the community for older people is often limited. We are looking at ways to work with other services, public health and social services to help fill this gap.

Our service is highly valued in the community and over the last year we have had a 25% increase in referrals.

We spend a lot of time travelling to patients’ homes, with the service spanning Bury and Middleton, all the way to Gorton and Castlefield. Making the community services locality based would help improve efficiency.

Patient-focussed.

Like many public services we are seeing a greater number of referrals, with less staff to see these people in a timely manner. However, we are rising to the challenge of managing our resources as efficiently as possible.

Working in the community with older people and their families to improve their independence and quality of life - we all get such a lift when our patients, after taking part in their programme, are able to return confidently to activities they enjoy.

Catherine Thomson is a physiotherapist within the North Manchester community falls prevention service. This is a small multi-disciplinary service based at Clayton Health Centre. Catherine works with a range of other health professionals, including a nurse, occupational therapist, physician, pharmacist, assistant practitioners and two other physios. She visits older people in their homes who have become unsteady on their feet and are falling or at risk of falling, jeopardising their safety.

9

We are exploring ways of working more effectively all the time and since we joined Pennine Acute, we have been looking at streamlining assessments and paperwork, as our patients move between the hospital and home.

Team focus - a day in the life of

The 60 second interview

Team focus on community falls prevention team

People10 July/August 2012

Congratulations to our superb staffOVER 300 staff attended the third annual staff awards event which recognised the very best of patient care, dedication and innovation across the Trust’s hospitals.

Divisional winners of the awards were invited to the final awards ceremony which was held on 20 June at the Manchester City FC Etihad Stadium.

TV presenter, journalist and Alzheimer’s campaigner, Fiona Philips, hosted the event and announced the final winners.

There was also a special award this year for the Patients’ Choice award. This was where a member of the public or a patient nominated a member of staff who had shown exceptional patient care; this could be great kindness, professional expertise or expert patient care.

Staff who had worked at the Trust for over 40 years were also acknowledged.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to attend the Pennine Acute Hospital Staff Awards where I met scores of inspirational NHS workers. I felt really proud to be presenting the awards and to be among so many dedicated and fantastic people. I was really impressed with the level of commitment and hard work of many individuals and teams including doctors, nurses, support workers and managers. There were some brilliant winners, brilliant stories and examples of excellent patient care, new projects and ideas. I believe everyone who was nominated for an award are all winners. All the award winners truly deserve recognition and should be congratulated.

“NHS staff do a brilliant job caring for people. I love the NHS!”

Frontline team of the year - Ward 6 at Fairfield

The team had worked closely with the pharmacy and information management and technology departments to successfully pilot a typed (rather than handwritten) discharge prescription. This is linked to a computer programme for discharge summary letters and has ensured that GPs receive patient discharge summaries electronically as soon as the patient is discharged from the ward.

Improving communication and care, the roll out of this pilot project to other wards has now significantly improved safety and reduced financial penalties as the discharge letter compliance rate has shot up from 40% to over 90%.

Fiona Philips, said:

Publicity artwork designed by Corporate Design Company (CDC) Limited

John Saxby, chief executive, said: “It is important to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary efforts and good work of teams and individuals across the Trust over the past year. Our annual staff awards provide the opportunity to thank staff formally with the recognition and applaud they deserve.

“We have a large, highly trained and committed workforce. Some of our successes are publicised. But many are not. Not because they are not worthy of recognition, but because we just don’t hear about them. By their nature NHS staff, including our own, are humble and modest about what they do even when what they do is extraordinary. Most of our staff deliver high standards of care day in day out. This care, and the commitment and compassion that goes with it, is something we should

be proud of.“

Award sponsored by Vinci Construction UK

For more information on the award winners, go to the July press releases page under communications on the intranet.

NHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes SchemeNHS Heroes is an exciting new NHS Heroes is an exciting new NHS Heroes is an exciting new recognition scheme designed to recognition scheme designed to recognition scheme designed to celebrate the extraordinary work that celebrate the extraordinary work that celebrate the extraordinary work that staff in the NHS carry out every day. staff in the NHS carry out every day. staff in the NHS carry out every day. The scheme gives patients, relatives, The scheme gives patients, relatives, The scheme gives patients, relatives, work colleagues and professional work colleagues and professional work colleagues and professional peers the chance to nominate their peers the chance to nominate their peers the chance to nominate their personal NHS heroes and celebrate personal NHS heroes and celebrate personal NHS heroes and celebrate their achievements on a national their achievements on a national their achievements on a national stage. It is not an award scheme, but stage. It is not an award scheme, but stage. It is not an award scheme, but a scheme to formally recognise all a scheme to formally recognise all a scheme to formally recognise all those who make a difference to their those who make a difference to their those who make a difference to their patients, communities and colleagues. patients, communities and colleagues. patients, communities and colleagues. It will run until mid September 2012. It will run until mid September 2012. It will run until mid September 2012. Click on www.nhsheroes.com to Click on www.nhsheroes.com to Click on www.nhsheroes.com to nominate your hero.nominate your hero.nominate your hero.

Manager of the year - Yvonne Tunstall, divisional nurse manager women and children’s at Rochdale

In the past year Yvonne has cultivated her team by developing skills in the group, and has improved the external view of the service by enriching communication and relationships.

She took a lead role in the movement of maternity and paediatric services from Fairfield General Hospital to North Manchester General Hospital, as part of the Greater Manchester wide ‘Making It Better’ programme and ensured that patient care wasn’t comprised during a period of unprecedented change.

Yvonne has also prepared the Oldham neonatal unit so that it can successfully develop into and become a level 3 unit which will greatly benefit babies born in the Pennine area.

Described as having a positive and happy approach, Yvonne’s mantra is that “we do it better when we do it together.” Using this positive methodology, she developed a series of workshops and meetings with team members to keep the communication channels fully open

during periods of change.

Award sponsored by Weightmans

Nurse or midwife of the year - Gillian Fogarty, cardiology ward manager at Fairfield and Silver Heart Unit at Rochdale

Gillian had maintained and boosted staff morale during a year of change as half of the cardiac service was transferred from Rochdale Infirmary to Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, under the Healthy Futures programme. She is now working on the full transfer of the remainder of the Silver Heart Unit to Fairfield in August.

Described as being cheerful and approachable, Gill successfully organised the smooth transfer of an established group of nurses and patients who sometimes needed to complete their treatment at another hospital site. With her support and guidance, this was carried out with the minimum disruption to the service and her successful management strategy resulted in many thank you cards and letters from patients being received on the cardiology ward.

She achieved this excellent feat by ensuring that patient care is paramount in everything which her staff undertake.

Award sponsored by Vinci Construction UK Ltd

Award for innovation - Dr Pradeep Sethi, consultant in elderly care at Fairfield

In response to a high number of elderly care admissions from local nursing homes into the hospital, Dr Sethi worked with primary care commissioners to pilot and secure recurrent support for a nursing home outreach service.

Originally targeting four nursing homes in Bury, the pilot reduced admission rates by 50% in the first six months and more recently has been recognised as saving the local health economy in excess of £300,000 through admission avoidance and reduced length of stay. The initiative has now been expanded to other health localities as a beacon service development and Dr. Sethi’s project has been described as demonstrating a clear commitment to an outward looking secondary care model through clinical leadership.

Nursing home residents now receive a specialist review and support to obtain a tailored care plan. Significant assistance is also given to nursing home staff and GPs around improved medical management of patients in the community setting and end of life issues, thus avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions, which can be distressing for patients and their families.

11People

Skills award - Information governance team and Christine Tennant

An innovative and flexible approach to training, developed by Helen Walker and Trish Noon in information governance, and Christine Tennant and her colleagues in the learning and organisational development department, has ensured that staff at the Trust now have easier access to mandatory information governance training.

Developing a training pack so that staff can access the course on the intranet, and so complete their learning in the

workplace or at home, has resulted in achieving a highly successful 95% take up of the training. This has enabled the Trust to meet an important compliance target and achieve CQUINS.

Award sponsored by NG Bailey

Patients’ choice award - Julie Archibald, inflammatory bowel disease nurse at North Manchester

Patients said of Julie: “She came across as someone easy to talk to and very caring. She went out of her way and will do everything in her power to get you the right treatment. She is always at the end of the phone with a listening ear to offer advice. Fantastic

and invaluable.”

Award sponsored by Philips

Adminsitrative or secretarial worker of the year - Cath Norbury, PA at North Manchester

As a conscientious, reliable, trustworthy and loyal member of staff, Cath always goes the extra mile in her work as personal assistant to three associate directors of nursing.

She is passionate about the care of people with learning disabilities and is, often in her own time, an active member of the Trust Learning Disability group. Cath works flexibly to meet the demands of her role and strives to maintain high standards of work in supporting the corporate nursing team to meet a number of performance areas and deadlines.

Support function team of the year - pharmacy discharge team at North Manchester

The pharmacy department at North Manchester has rolled out a discharge team service to medical and surgical wards.

Using computers on wheels and organising stock storage on wards, 70% more pharmacy discharge prescriptions are now dispensed at ward level. This has benefitted the Trust by reducing the time taken to discharge a patient from an average of 5 hours to 40 minutes. It has also saved money on the amount of medication dispensed, as the pharmacy staff can check with patients as to what medication they already have at home and give counselling about their medication.

Hospital doctor of the year - Dr Narayanasamy Jeyagopal, consultant radiologist at Oldham

Working at The Royal Oldham Hospital for the last 21 years, Dr Jeyagopal has been described as having good clinical acumen with excellent leadership qualities for his team. Contributing hugely to the development of the radiology department over the last two decades, Dr Jeyagopal is held in high regard by his peers as he is seen as an excellent team player and dedicated professional who motivates his colleagues.

Instrumental in developing new services, Dr Jeyagopal has also raised the profile of the Trust by being an external examiner to Salford and Canterbury Universities and he is also on the national cancer peer review group. His team praise his hard work, which they say is inspirational.

Medical educator of the year

- Dr Suranjan Ghoshal and Mr Mehdi Motamed

Outstanding achievement in medical education 2012 -

Dr Hussain Ahmad

Awards sponsored by Mitie

Award sponsored by NG Bailey

Award sponsored by G2 Speech

Support worker of the year - Anthony Douglas, porter at North Manchester

Anthony has been recognised as having 100% attendance during his five years of loyal service in the outpatient department and a positive ‘can do’ attitude to all work requests.

He undertakes a range of tasks in addition to portering, and has excellent customer service skills, which are acknowledged in the positive feedback which is received on him on a daily basis, from both members of the public and other

Trust colleagues.

Award sponsored by APS Group

Dr Ghoshal and Tina Kenny who was collecting the certifcate on behalf of Mr Motamed

People12 July/August 2012

Award sponsored by iSOFT

Professional or technical worker of the year - Emma Riley, oral health practitioner at North ManchesterWorking in the oral and maxillofacial unit at North Manchester General Hospital, oral health practitioner Emma Riley champions the importance of oral health and the impact that this has on the quality of life for patients.

Her role is the first of its kind in the UK and data has been collected which demonstrates that it is preventing hospital admissions, enabling early discharges and preventing GP appointments. This has improved both costs and the patient experience.

As a member of an expert panel of professionals producing guidelines for oral muscostis (a painful inflammation and ulceration that occurs in the mouth as a debilitating complication of cancer treatment), Emma provides educational presentations both nationally and internationally, promoting oral health and the Trust.

Award for outstanding contribution to patient care/safety - Debbie Ruff, vascular nurse specialist at Oldham

Debbie established a group of healthcare professionals to develop a policy to support VTE (venous thromboembolism) prevention within the Trust. This was in response to the Trust’s decision to standardise anti-embolitic stockings, which patients wear to speed up the circulation of blood in the veins, making blood clots less likely. Debbie recognised the risks to patients associated with this change being implemented, without the appropriate training and education.

The group also developed a standardised VTE risk assessment in surgical patients and organised Trust-wide training in the measurement and application of the new stockings and use of the VTE assessment tool. Improving patient safety within the Trust, Debbie led, supported and worked collaboratively on venous thromboembolism education, awareness, policy development, implementation and

audit.

Rising star - Jackie Heatley, clinical matron in unscheduled care at North Manchester

Described as being the epitome of excellence in nursing and a role model to which all nurses should aspire to, Jackie has dedicated her time to raising the standard of nursing care on the North Manchester site.

She is committed to improving the patient experience and both leads and supports a number of initiatives to achieve this. She chairs a number of groups which seek to improve patient care such as pressure area care, falls, dementia and infection control, and also undertakes regular audits to determine the impact of Trust strategies.

As a strong patient advocate and a voice of nursing, Jackie’s positive personality and ‘can do’ approach have been of paramount importance in instigating changes

to benefit patients.

13People

Award sponsored by Weightmans

Award sponsored by G2 Speech

Patients’ choice award - Dr Martin Rowlands, consultant haematologist and the programmed investigation unit team at North Manchester

Patients commented on Dr Rowlands’ “unfailing professionalism and calm positive manner.” They said: “He gives his time freely over and above the call of duty to all those in his care, his willingness to go the extra mile deserves recognition.”

They also commented that staff on ward J5 always did everything to make them feel cared for.

Award sponsored by APS Group.

Award sponsored by iSOFT

Charity round up

Small change BIG difference

Fundraising14 September 2011

‘Court’ in the act of kindness

Nathan’s bid to help raise moneyA six year old stole the show in terms of raising money for the In Your Hands Appeal during the Manchester 10K run.

Nathan Pollitt is the son of staff nurse Amanda Kerrigan, who works on children’s ward F3 at The Royal Oldham Hospital. Encouraged by his parents, whom he had heard talking about the appeal, Nathan decided to run the bupa mini run on 20 May to fundraise for the worthwhile cause.

Running 1.5km, Nathan has so far managed to raise £160 in sponsorship money. Mum Amanda said: “He wanted to run the race as his dad, Mark, has recently run the Manchester, Edinburgh

and Chester marathons for the appeal and this inspired Nathan to also play his part. I was so proud of him and he even ran on his own without an accompanying adult.”

The money Nathan has raised will go towards buying equipment for the new purpose built women and children’s ‘super centre’ at The Royal Oldham Hospital, which will open in December and include a new level three neonatal intensive care unit.

To find out more about The Royal Oldham Hospital’s In Your Hands Appeal or to donate go to www.pat.nhs.uk/inyourhands, text hand12 to 70070 or ring 0161 918 4497.

A trusty team of volunteers have seen the transformation of a patients’ courtyard at Birch Hill Hospital.

The courtyard outside the Floyd Unit was desperately in need of an upgrade and so thanks to the generosity, in both money and time of numerous groups, the department has now got a courtyard to be proud of.

Karen Gaunt, Floyd Unit manager, said: “The Floyd Unit provides medium to longer term neurological rehabilitation so it is important that patients and relatives have a safe outside environment for clients, carers and visitors.

“Previously we have had money spent on a new safety surface and the original brown brickwork refurbished. This came via the Think Floyd Appeal which was set up by Gordon Desser in memory of his wife Jill, who was able to receive end of life care on the unit in 2008. The charity also paid for a pergoda to be installed.

“We thought that the courtyard looked good then with the improvements, but now that the old shrubs have been replaced with new plants and terracotta pots, it looks fantastic.”

Many thanks to the following people and staff: Falinge Park Volunteers led by John Morrison; Val and John Archibald; Rachel and Ted Archibald; Roger, Andrea and Ruth Wild; Sharon, Brian and Toby Gaunt; Arthur Genesis, Pennine Acute grounds and gardens supervisor; Sean McFadden, PAT gardener; Paul O’Callaghan, senior estates officer and project manager; Mike Wroe, estates manager Rochdale; Stuart, joiner - for his patience and hard work; Mr and Mrs Llewellyn for the kind donation of plants; Mrs Veronica Pierce for the kind donation of terracotta pots; Mr and Mrs Higginson for the kind donation of plants and also for their gardening skills and to all the staff on the Floyd Unit who have supported the courtyard upgrade and associated appeals.

Sweet successPATIENTS enjoyed a creative afternoon when they got involved in baking and decorating cupcakes for a special diamond jubilee afternoon tea.

Organised by healthcare assistant Michelle Lent, the event took place on the Floyd rehabilitation unit at Birch Hill.

Michelle is currently spending time on secondment in a rehabilitation support worker role, and she decided to combine a patient group activity with raising funds for the unit.

Hailed a huge success, £199 was raised by staff, patients and relatives buying the delicious treats.

Thanks to everyone involved.

15News - Trust stories

STAFF from the end of life care team took part in Dying Matters awareness week in May.

The annual event is a national campaign to raise awareness of death and dying in society. The theme of this year’s campaign was ‘Small actions, Big difference.’

By being more open about dying and taking small actions such as writing a will, signing up to become an organ donor or looking out for those who have been recently bereaved, we can all help make a big difference to ensuring people can live well and die well.

Christine Taylor, Macmillan end of life care facilitator, and Sarah Mullen, Macmillan associate specialist palliative care nurse, are pictured with a dying matters stand in the Café Royal at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

Christine said: “It was successful in creating interest and discussion. If all staff make a small change in their area of

work it can make a big difference.

“Thank you to the ward staff for their excellent work in palliative and end of life care. If ward staff wish to make a palliative care referral, on any site, they can do this by using the online referral system.”

Eve Richardson, chief executive of the Dying Matters Coalition and the National Council for Palliative Care, said: “Every minute someone in England dies, but many people still feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues.

“Talking about dying, death and bereavement is in everyone’s interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.

“Through being more confident in talking about dying and taking small actions to plan for the future and support each other, together we can make a difference.”

Dying matters week

Religion and faith requirements relevant to hospital admissions: Guidance for staff

A new and often requested service is now available.

The nine major world religions, Christian denominations and some others each have information about their Faith and both lifestyle and medical issues.

It is easy to use; choose religion and the issue, you will then get a number of bullet points giving the information and relevant contacts.

Birth to End of Life, including many issues relevant to patient care, are addressed for individual religions.

Go to the intranet home page and click on documents, then click on clinical documents. Scroll down on the left until you reach nursing and then click on that and then scroll down on the right in alphabetical order until you reach ‘R’ for ‘Religion’ and then open.

Explore it for yourself!

Thought for the month by Rev John HallTHIS summer it is probably harder than ever to avoid all the emphasis upon sport. Whether it is the Euro disappointment, the agony of watching Andy Murray or the constant build up to the Olympics.

When our sporting heroes fail we often hear about the ‘mistakes’ that took place.

I went to the Olympic trials for team GB’s athletes and one of the biggest stories concentrated upon the sprinter Dwain Chambers. Now the rules have changed and he could represent the country at the Olympics whereas before those changes he was banned from competing in the Olympics.

Dwain admitted to taking drugs to help his performance back in 2003 and has lived through a ban from all competitions and has come back to athletics where he is still one of our best sprinters. Some say he should never be allowed back into the team, others take the view he has admitted his past mistakes, paid for it and should be allowed a second chance.

Should Dwain Chambers be forgiven or should he pay a lifetime price? We all make mistakes in our lives, some seemingly insignificant and others with much bigger consequences.

As a spiritual care team we listen to patients who often want to talk about ‘difficult mistakes’ that have happened in their lives. Some people are convinced that their illness may have happened because of their past mistakes. For those looking for forgiveness whether that is rooted in faith or just a desire for someone to listen intently without passing judgement then that is available. Some of those past mistakes go back many years whilst others are very current, yet the healing that can take place once those mistakes have been talked through is very apparent.

I think Dwain does deserve another chance. He might not win a medal but he should be able to show that he has changed and that he has grown and learnt from his past mistakes as hopefully we can all do with integrity and humility.

Staff room - noticeboard16 July/August 2012

Wedding bellsHappy birthday CarolEVERYONE in the recruitment team wishes Carol Kelly a very happy 50th birthday.

Staff noticeboardHappy 60th Margaret

FRIENDS and colleagues in the children’s outpatient department at Fairfield wish Sr Margaret Larner, a very happy birthday. Margaret celebrated her 60th on 17 June.

Farewell to Jean JEAN Binks retired at the end of July after a long journey in nursing, lasting over half her life!

She left ward 7 at Fairfield after 10 years of hard work as clinical nurse manager, and the staff say she will be a hard act to follow.

Starting her nursing career in Salford, she took time out to become a mum before a role in nursing beckoned at Birch Hill. Progressing to become night sister, she then moved to Fairfield and became ward manager on ward 21, before her current position.

Wealth, health and happiness in your retirement Jean from all your friends and colleagues.

WARD J3/J4 at North Manchester wishes Louise Clucas, ward sister, all the best for her wedding to Dean on 4 August. They will marry at St Leonard’s Parish Church in Middleton, followed by a reception at the Old Grammar School. Lots of love and happiness for your future together.

Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Riley! Helen, a staff nurse on ward J3/4 at NMGH, married Daniel at St Peter’s Church in Middleton, followed by a reception at Smokies Hotel in Ashton on 9 June. Lots of love and happiness from your friends for your future together.

Baby girlCONGRATULATIONS to Stuart Dures, supervisor in health records, and Rebecca Dures, clerical officer, on the birth of their baby girl Tilly-Rae Melody Dures on 30 April. Well done to both of you, from everyone in health records at Fairfield xxx

Well doneWELL done to Sr Tina McDonnell and staff nurses Clare Whitehead and Marriella Pancaro who all work on the neo natal unit at NMGH. All three ladies have passed their nursing degree dissertation and have graduated from Manchester University, whilst also working full time!

Congratulations and well done to Sr Suzanne Wiggans on completing the final two modules for her degree. Dave can have his wife back now! Love from all your friends in outpatients at Fairfield.

In memoryTHE Pennine Acute dietitians have lost a highly respected colleague and valued friend Tara Dietrich.

Tara died at home on Saturday 5th May 2012 at the age of 42 after a long battle with illness.

Working at NMGH since 1997 on wards throughout the hospital and eventually specialising as the infectious disease medicine and hepatobiliary surgery dietitian, Tara was well known to many staff and truly appreciated by the patients that came into contact with her.

An avid reader and with a memory second to none, Tara was the person to go to with any question on any subject. Her strength of character, disciplined approach to work, down to earth attitude and sense of fun were a real asset to the team and made working with her such a pleasure.

Tara will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace brave Tara.

Everybody in HSDU at The Royal Oldham was shocked and saddened at the death of Pauline Mills who passed away on 7 June.

Pauline experienced renal problems for over 20 years, requiring more than one kidney transplant. Her health was not wonderful for the last couple of years, but she always showed a cheerful, fighting spirit which was genuinely inspirational. She will be greatly missed.

Our deepest sympathy goes to her husband Hughie; to her mother and all other members of Pauline’s family.