x130659 nuth p5 lh x130659 nuth p5 lh 13/02/2014 11:00 ... paper… · husband stan has...

Also inside...Helping people get the right

advice first timepage 2

Clean hands mean safe hands

page 2

Improving care with joined up approach

page 3

Truly patient centred carepages 4-5

Plus...Hats off to the shortlist, The Nursing Times and

Macmillan Excellence Awards

Alan Shearer breaks groundon Children’s Heart Unitfamily accommodation

Personal Touch Awards -Employee of the Year

Newcastle caresEdition 8, Spring 2014

Healthcare at its very best – with a personal touch

Newcastlewww.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk

Congratulations to our OncologyHomecare Team who won the “Qualityand Productivity” category at therecent Health Service Journal Awards

The team based at the Northern Centre for CancerCare (NCCC) was awarded in recognition of their

Oncology Homecare Programme.

Originally established in 2011, this patient-centred initiativehas been a huge success, allowing patients undergoing certainlong-term cancer treatment, to receive their treatment athome and so preventing the need for multiple hospital visits.A number of other staff were also finalists for nationalawards last year - see page 7 for more information. �

The Newcastle Hospitals was recently selected as one of only 10 specialist centres in theUK to provide advanced, life-extending treatment for patients with liver cancer that has

spread from the bowel, and bile duct, and been unresponsive to other forms of treatmentsuch as surgery and chemotherapy.

The treatment, known asSelective Internal RadiationTherapy (SIRT), is a form ofradiotherapy where millions of radioactive beads are injecteddirectly into the artery thatsupplies the tumours in the liver.

SIRT is the first treatment

funded under the new 'NHS Commissioning throughEvaluation Policy' that is hopedwill improve availability ofcutting-edge cancer treatments.Professor Derek Manas,Consultant Hepatobiliary andTransplant Surgeon says:

“We are delighted by thisannouncement. We can nowoffer SIRT to eligible patients,many of whom have no othertreatment options available. Thisrepresents a significant advancefor people affected by cancerin the Northern Region.” �

The Newcastle Hospitals was Highly Commended in the 2013 national Dr FosterHospital Guide Awards for its efforts to reduce patient readmission rates at weekends.

The award recognises our commitment to ensuring patients receive the highest standards of careand treatment no matter what time, or day of the week, and are only discharged home whenready, and with the right support.

The Trust will continue to work with its many health and social care partners to reduce readmissionsvia a number of projects, including a scheme for Specialist Nurses to work with staff in residential care homes, and focusing on specific areas of care such as Heart Failure, Palliative Care, Urinary TractInfections and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) where patients, who would normallycome into hospital regularly for treatment of ongoing symptoms, can be seen in their own homes. �

Newcastle one of only 10 specialistcancer centres to offer SIRT

Dr Foster commendation

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It is vital that we protect our patients andour own staff from influenza as far as

possible and our annual staff flu immunisationcampaign was well attended once again thisWinter. Yet it’s more than just a flu jab.Recent research indicates that this protective measure may actually prevent cardiovascular events such as heartattacks, strokes and TIAs or ‘mini-strokes’.

Dr Ian Purcell, Consultant Cardiologist, explains that newevidence suggests the vaccination could cut the chance of having a heart attack by up to 45% and is a timely

reminder that vulnerable patients should havetheir flu jab every year.

“We know that the flu can lead to seriousillness if you have, or are at risk ofdeveloping, coronary heart disease. That’s

why these patients and many othersincluding older people who often have

underlying health conditions, those withrespiratory problems and diabetics are alreadyoffered the vaccination each year.

“The results of this recent research studyon the effects of the flu vaccination aremost encouraging and we will watch withinterest to see how this develops.” �

Flu Fighters

Did you know…children in the North East are among the firstin the country to be offered the new nasal fluvaccine. �

Good hand washing is the first line of defence against the spread of manyillnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as influenza

and Norovirus – a highly infectious stomach bug which can close hospital wardsin a matter of hours. If you have sickness or diarrhoea, do not visit anyone inhospital for at least 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped.

In environments such as hospitals, health centres, GPsurgeries and nursing or residential homes, it is essential thathands are kept clean at all times - whether you work there,are a patient, resident or visitor.

At the Newcastle Hospitals, we launched a new handhygiene campaign last year, to raise awareness of this simplebut effective task. The campaign, which continues withvigour into the New Year, introduces new hand hygieneproducts – new foam soap and moisturising cream – toencourage regular handwashing, especially after visiting thetoilet. Special hand gels should also be used before cominginto and leaving wards and clinic areas.

Allison Sykes, our Practice Development Lead for InfectionPrevention and Control, explains: “The emphasis of our new

campaign is that Clean hands are safe hands and includesnew posters, leaflets and other promotional materials whichyou will now see throughout all our hospitals and clinics.These were designed to encourage good hand hygiene forall our patients and visitors, as well as our own staff whoare all well aware of the importance of regular hand hygiene.”

The posters and leaflets demonstrate how to wash handswith soap and water using the correct technique – notforgetting the fingertips, webs, thumbs and wrists - as wellas the correct use of sanitising (alcohol) hand gel.

By working together, we can help stop the spread of germsleading to infections and illnesses that can affect not onlythe vulnerable, but all of us. �

Helping peopleget the rightadvice first timeNewcastle Hospitals supports the

recently-launched ‘KEEP CALMAND LOOK AFTER YOURSELF’campaign to help people understandwhere to get the best advice andtreatment for their condition.

TV and radio advertising, posters and social media focus onself-care and the main illnesses that can be looked after athome or with advice from a local pharmacist.

However, there are times when self-care isn’t enough. If youfeel you need to be seen urgently your first port of call shouldbe to see your GP. If you don’t think you can wait for anappointment with your GP, and you need urgent medicalhelp or advice for a condition which is not life-threatening,then dial 111. Calls are free from both landlines and mobiles.

You also have the option of going to a Walk in Centre. The cityand its outskirts has a choice of a Minor Injuries Unit at theRVI, or four Walk in Centres.

- Westgate Road, Fenham- Molineux NHS Centre, Byker- Battle Hill Health Centre, Wallsend- Ponteland Road Health Centre, Cowgate

These are often a better option for patients with a minorinjury or ailment. �


Although not seriously injured, Dorothy was badly shakenand it came to light that she had been tripping up before theaccident for no apparent reason. Not only that, but Dorothy’shusband Stan has Parkinson’s disease and she would need torecover before she could fully support him again.

Dorothy was referred to the specialist Falls and Syncope Serviceat the RVI for the trips and falls, and also to CRRT. Dianecame out to see Dorothy and Stan at home the following day and carried out a comprehensive assessment. Then aprogramme of rehabilitation and support began.

Dorothy says: “I was seen by a Physiotherapist, a Podiatristand other support workers. I now have a Community CareAlarm to alert someone should I have another fall, andbecause Stan takes a lot of medicines I have a Medi Pack tohelp keep on top of them. Hayley, my Occupational Therapist,has shown me the safest way to carry out day to day taskslike making a cup of tea.”

The Team involved their reablement colleagues to ensureseamless care for Stan whilst Dorothy recovered. They alsocontacted Age UK who set up a permanent care packagewhich will make a world of difference for them.

Dorothy adds: “Everyone has been absolutely fantastic. I was so worried about losing our independence but we havetremendous support around us, plus a list of contacts shouldwe need advice, which is wonderfully reassuring.” �

The Community Health and Social Care Direct team canbe contacted directly on � 0191 278 8377

Improving carewith joined upapproachThe Newcastle Hospitals’ Community Response and

Rehabilitation Team (CRRT) and Newcastle CityCouncil’s social services staff both provide exceptionallevels of care and support for people with all sorts ofhealth and social care needs – helping them to staywell and independent in their own homes.

A year ago they made their services even better by movinginto new joint accommodation at the City Council’s AllendaleRoad offices in Byker.

The teams now sit side by side and draw upon the wealth of expertise there including: Nurses, Physiotherapists, SocialWorkers, Occupational Therapists, Psychiatric Nurses,Podiatrists and Support Workers.

By working together, they ensure that patients can receivetreatment at home to prevent unnecessary emergencyadmissions to hospital, as well as early intervention to avoidproblems arising in the future. They also organise rehabilitationand specialist equipment or adaptations in the home, sopatients can stay in familiar surroundings.

Dorothy Pattison, who lives with her husband Stan in Gosforth,recently benefited from the newly integrated team. Lastyear, Dorothy fell down stairs and went to the EmergencyDepartment at the RVI. After being seen by clinical staff,she saw a nurse called Diane Dunn whose role is to identifypatients in casualty, who may benefit from additionalsupport at home.

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We will continue to identify areas where we can helpto develop a reassuring environment for the mostvulnerable in our care. �

One in three people over the age of 65 will developsome form of dementia – an illness associated with

old age involving a gradual decline of how the brainfunctions. It is estimated that around 670,000 peopleare living with dementia today in the UK – only half ofthese having been formally diagnosed - and this figureis expected to double in the next 30 years.

Dementia is currently incurable, and affects memory,communication and perception, as well as slowly interferingwith a person's ability to carry out normal daily tasks such aseating and drinking. The Department of Health has highlightedDementia as an area where improvements need to be made.

Dr Clare Abley, Nurse Consultant for Vulnerable Older Adultsexplains: “At any one time, up to a quarter of our hospitalbeds will be occupied by someone affected by dementia.Hospitals can be particularly challenging for people withmemory and communication problems. We have implementeda range of changes to the way we interact with our vulnerablepatients, as well as the ward environment and signage to ensurethey are sensitive to their needs."

Good examples are the use of contrasting colour, as it helpsthem to see clearly and promotes independence. This approachhas been taken in a number of areas:

• Patient meals are now served on plates with a deepblue border. If a patient can see their plate clearly, theycan feed themselves more easily and independently

• Toilet seats, in wards where we have higher numbers ofpatients with dementia, have been changed to a darkercolour so the toilet can be identified more easily

• Clocks with dark rims which can be spotted much moreclearly against lightly coloured walls have replacedlighter rims

Another good example is the Forget me not scheme. Thisinvolves a family member or carer providing information on aspecial card to help reduce anxiety for patients with dementia.This includes details such as their likes and dislikes, familiartopics of conversation and the best ways of communicating.The card is kept next to the patient so that every member ofstaff involved in the patient's care can refer to it.

Dorothy at home withOccupational Therapist,

Hayley Rutherford


An overriding principle for the Newcastle Hospitals is to place each and every patient we see, first andforemost in everything that we do.

We continually review all clinical practices to ensure they are of the highest calibre, and as safe as possible. Our priority areasare very much in line with the national NHS Safety Thermometer - a quick and simple method for ward staff to monitorspecific aspects of patient care to ensure ‘harm free care’ where possible.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)VTE is one of the most common, life-threatening complications that can affect patients who come into

hospital. In fact, more people die each year as a result of VTE than the combined total number of deathsfrom breast cancer, AIDS and traffic accidents.

Yet, the majority of cases are preventable through a combinationof risk assessment on admission to hospital and provision of the most appropriate thromboprophylaxis treatment forthose identified as at high risk of developing a VTE.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that includesboth deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism(PE). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms deep inside a vein- usually in the leg – often causing pain and swelling. Themost serious complication of a DVT is if the clot breaks off(embolises) and travel to the lungs. This PE can give rise to

shortness of breath, chest pain, and very occasionally, death.

National standards seek to try and reduce the occurrence ofVTEs in hospital patients by ensuring that at least 95% ofall adult in-patients are assessed for risk of VTE and receiveappropriate means of preventing blood clots.

The Newcastle Hospitals is tackling this life-threateningissue with vigour through the leadership of a speciallyestablished Thrombosis Committee; its remit includesidentifying all episodes of Hospital Acquired Thrombosisand implementing NICE guidelines on VTE prevention. �

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Reducing falls in hospitalPatient falls are the most frequently reported patient safety incident in hospitals accounting for 40%

of all incidents. Not only that, it is estimated that around 14% of patients will have been admittedfollowing a fall. These patients are more likely to fall again.

There will always be a risk of falls in hospital given the natureof many patients’ conditions:

• older patients who are often confused and unsteady;

• people with disabilities, or long term, chronic conditions(ie. heart disease, dementia, low blood pressure);

• those admitted with a sudden (acute) and disorientatingillness affecting balance;

• people with reduced mobility following surgery;

• those affected by alcohol.

Falls are distressing for the patient, their relatives and the staffcaring for them. They affect confidence and independence,and often result in pain and injury, such as fractures, leading tolong hospital stays. In a very small number of serious cases,they can be fatal.

The Department of Health has tasked the NHS with reducing therisk of falls and minimising the harm they cause, whilst allowingpatients the freedom to move around whilst in hospital.

NICE guidance, published in June 2013, recommends a riskassessment should be carried out for those at risk of fallingwhilst in hospital to identify each patient’s risk factors andinstigate falls prevention measures. Risk factors include:

• cognitive impairment(e.g. dementia)

• side effects ofmedication

• mobility/balanceproblems

• a history of falls

• visual impairment

The NewcastleHospitals has graspedthis challenge andappointed a dedicatedFalls PreventionCoordinator whocontinuously monitorsthe number of fallsacross the organisation.We have developed a‘Falls Care Bundle’ –an assessment tool used at the point of all adult admissions(apart from in Critical Care and Maternity Services), andwill soon be introducing a new campaign called “Calldon’t Fall”.

Helen Lamont, Nursing and Patient Services Directorexplains: “Many of our patients feel they are troubling ourward staff when they need help to carry out simple taskssuch as getting a drink of water, or going to the bathroom.Yet by trying to do these things independently, they areplacing themselves at greater risk of injury from falling andas a consequence, staying in hospital for longer. We hopeour new campaign - “Call don’t Fall” - reassures patientsthat our staff are here to help them, no matter how trivialtheir needs may seem.”

By working closely with all staff, we hope to see areduction in the number of falls and associated injuries. �

.

d at the point of all adult admissions

Truly patient centred care


5

• Falls

• Pressure Ulcers

Time2Turn

Reducing Catheter Associated Urinary TractInfections (CAUTI) in Hospital Urinary tract infections (UTI) affect the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder and kidneys. UTIs are the

most common type of Health Care Associated Infection, accounting for 19%, with between 43% and 56% ofUTIs associated with a urethral catheter - a hollow tube inserted into the urethra and retained in the bladder forurine drainage, instillation of treatments or monitoring urine output.

Jackie Rees, Nurse Consultant for Continence Care explains: “Itis estimated that around 15-25% of inpatients will have a urinary catheter inserted during their hospital stay and weknow that the risk of infection is associated with the insertiontechnique and duration that the catheter is in place, the qualityof catheter care and patient susceptibility. This is becausecatheters bypass many of the bladder’s natural defences andprovides a direct connection from the colonised (with micro-organisms) perineum to the usually sterile (germ-free) bladder.Entry of micro-organisms potentially causing a CAUTI gainsaccess to the urinary tract either at initial catheterisation orlater, via the catheter tube. The length of time that a catheter isin place is the dominant risk factor for CAUTI and is associatedwith longer stays in hospital, re-admission and increasedmortality. These infections are potentially very dangerous andso it is extremely important that we do all we can to preventthem from developing in the first place.”Jackie and her colleagues are wholly committed to reducingCAUTIs as far as possible, not only in our hospitals andhealth centres, but throughout the community, includingResidential/Nursing Care Homes. Our Nurse Specialists forContinence have developed detailed action plans working

alongside their Infection Prevention and Control nursecolleagues to ensure that CAUTIs are kept to an absoluteminimum, and we are already seeing reductions in the casesreported due to a range of factors:

• Urinary catheters only ever being used when absolutelynecessary and removed as soon as they are no longerrequired

• Only specially trained and skilled staff being allowed toinsert catheters following a special technique known asthe ANTT principles, and in the most sterile or ‘clean’environment possible, no matter where the patient isbeing cared for

• Implementing evidence based practice, for example,use of a closed sterile system

• Completing catheter documentation to assist withpatient safety

• Encourage patient/carer involvement in catheter care• Ensure effective continuing care for patients discharged

with a urinary catheterWe have also standardised all items of equipment to supportstaff in their endeavours to prevent conditions whichencourage infection. �

People at higher risk tend to have a medicalcondition that confines them to their bed or chair – in hospitalor at home - limiting ability to change position.Pressure ulcers are easier to prevent than treat but even withthe highest standards of preventative care, they still occur.Our staff take this issue extremely seriously, as pressure ulcersare not only painful and distressing, they can be limb or evenlife threatening. In 2012, the Trust set up a Pressure Ulcer Task Force. Anew campaign called Time2Turn was conceived calling onstaff to ensure that patients at risk are helped to repositionthemselves, as frequently as every hour, if necessary. ATime2Turn disc was developed so that care can be tailoredto individual patients’ needs, and prompting staff to turnpatients in a timely fashion.

Fania Pagnamenta, Nurse Consultant for Tissue Viabilityexplains: “The Trust has a zero tolerance approach to pressureulcers developing whilst patients are in our care, and rightly so as they can be extremely distressing and debilitating.Changing a patient’s position is key to alleviating pressure,protecting vulnerable skin from damage.”

Pressure ulcers also affect people with limited mobility livingat home or in nursing homes. Our community nurses providesupport and encouragement so that where appropriate,they can reposition themselves.

The campaign has been very successful and we aredelighted to see national audits such as the NHS SafetyThermometer showing Newcastle Hospitals at the forefrontof delivering effective and ‘harm free’ care. �

Pressure ulcers – also known as pressure or bed sores – appear during long periods ofimmobility which places pressure on the skin and restricts healthy circulation of blood.

This can cause the skin and underlying tissues to develop sores, often on bony areas of thebody, such as the hips, buttocks, heels and ankles.

People atditi th t fi th

Thbod

Here follows a spotlight on some of thefantastic work led by our specialist staff:

These focus on reducing:

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

• Catheter related and Urinary Tract Infections(CAUTIs)


To find out more, watch a film presentedby Ant and Dec on www.chuf.org.uk orvisit www.sickchildrenstrust.org

Local sporting hero, Alan Shearer, officially markedthe beginning of construction of the new family

accommodation when he broke ground on the site atNewcastle’s Freeman Hospital in November last year.

The Sick Children’s Trust and Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF)are working together to fund the ‘home-from-home’ toprovide free, high-quality accommodation for families ofchildren at the Children’s Heart Unit.

Alan Shearer said: “It's difficult enough having sick children,but when you are also hundreds of miles from home, oftenwith other kids to care for, what you need most is somewhereto stay close to the hospital, with a direct line to the ward,that feels a little bit like home. This is what we are starting tobuild here and it is just such a special and important cause”.

The accommodation will include 18 en-suite bedrooms and a transplant flat. There will also be large communal livingareas, including a kitchen, dining rooms, lounges, playroomsand laundry facility. Each private family bedroom will have adirect telephone line to the ward that their child is on.

CHUF is donating £1m towards the project and North Eastbusinessman Graham Wylie is working with both CHUF andThe Sick Children’s Trust to raise the additional £900,000. �

Alan Shearer breaksground on Children’sHeart Unit familyaccommodation

Barbara Kidd was crowned Employee of the Year at ourvery first annual “Personal Touch Awards” ceremony

which took place on Thursday 30th January 2014.

6

Barbara, who works as a Domestic Assistant on Ward 23 -the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital – waspresented with the very first ‘Employee of the Year’Award by Kingsley Smith, the Trust’s Chairman.

Barbara has worked on the Children’s Heart Unit for over25 years, and the numerous nominations received by thejudging panel from colleagues including doctors and nursingstaff as well as many parents, outlined exactly why she is amuch cherished member of the team.

Carol Olley, mother of Kaylee Davidson who was the firstinfant in the UK to undergo a successful heart transplant in1987, said: “Barbara is one of life’s gems and shines everyday in the life of the staff and families at the Children’s HeartUnit. She is always there to chat, help, offer support and mostof all, to be a friendly and kind face at all times. It is a signof the love families feel for her when they all remember herso fondly. My heart baby Kaylee is now 26 years old and asa vulnerable young mum, I simply will never forget Barbara’skindness and compassion, every day, the kind words andthe support.”

On presenting Barbara with her award, Mr Smith said:“Barbara’s nomination was chosen from the eight individualand four team award winners since the Personal Touch AwardScheme began last year. These winners were all of thehighest calibre and so I know it was not an easy decision tomake. Yet Barbara’s unwavering commitment to her jobunderpinned by a caring approach to everyone she met,demonstrates the very essence of what these awards are allabout – providing healthcare at its very best with apersonal touch. She is indeed one of our unsung heroes.”

Barbara was surprised but delighted to receive the awardand said: “I’ve been working on the Children’s Heart Unitfor nearly 30 years now and I still love it. Throughout theday I get to talk to everyone from the surgeons, doctors andnursing team, but most importantly the families so I get toknow them all really well. I’m very proud to be seen as animportant part of the team”. �

Domestic AssistantCrowned Employeeof the Year

Is there someone you would like to nominate?Nominations for the year ahead are now being received and the closing date for the next awards is Friday 21st March 2014.Visit www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk where you will find an online nomination form via the homepage.

x130659_NuTH_p4_sw_x130659_NuTH_p4_sw 10/02/2014 15:20

We are delightedthat a number of

our brilliant nurseswere shortlisted forthe Nursing TimesAwards during 2013.These were:

Julie Guest -Nurse of the Year

Julie is a Children and Young People's Stem Cell TransplantNurse Practitioner at the Great North Children’s Hospital,working with children and teenagers with blood or cancerrelated conditions requiring highly specialised treatmentsuch as stem cell transplantation.

Recently, Julie responded to the need to commence twobrand new services never carried out in Newcastle before:Extra-Corporeal Photopheresis (ECP) and Leukodepletion.

Julie led on these new Nurse-led services from the very startand is now regarded as the expert in treating very smallchildren with ECP, presenting her findings at conferences. By doing so, very young and profoundly ill patients wereable to receive extremely specialist treatment here inNewcastle which was literally life-saving. �

Nursing Times Awards Finalists

Breast milk offers a rangeof benefits for babies who

are born prematurely orunwell. However, motherswho are understandably veryanxious about their newborn,often experience problemsproducing breast milk andneed some extra help.

Helen Smith, our Infant Feeding Lead Nurse on the NeonatalUnit, designed a new scheme to help support mums to expressmilk, right the way through until the point of discharge fromthe Neonatal Unit. The program has seen dramatic improvementswithin a relatively short period of time, with many more mumsnow able to feed their baby, or babies, with their own breastmilk, and thus reap the many associated maternal and healthbenefits. �

The project was funded by Tiny Lives Charity www.tinylives.org.uk

Child and Adolescent Services- Improving expressed breastmilk (EBM) provision

Julie Guest

Helen Smith

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Our Specialist Palliative Care Allied Health Professional Teamwere also shortlisted for 2013’s "The Macmillan Excellence

Awards", which recognise the highest standards of servicedevelopment, improvement and delivery in cancer care acrossthe UK.

The Team Excellence Award category, focuses on high-performing teams that havedeveloped their roles, relationships and processes to create exceptionally integrated,high-quality and efficient service delivery for the benefit of people affected by cancer.

Jane Beveridge, Lead Cancer Nurse nominated Michelle Muir, Lead Nurse for Palliative Care and the Specialist Palliative CareAHP Team, which was established in 2011, and provided by Occupational Therapists Sarah Rice and Jill McCord, PhysiotherapistsKirsti Loughran and Julia Johnson, and Rehabilitation Assistant Anna Peace. They should all be very proud of their efforts. �

We are committed to improving the experience andoutcomes of people with learning disabilities

whichever clinical setting they attend. This is especiallythe case in our Emergency Department (ED) where theenvironment can be particularly unsettling.

Alison Forsyth, our Learning Disability Nurse, worked withcolleagues Leanne Cromwell and Amanda Baverstock in theED to develop a bespoke Learning Disability Care Pathway.This helps staff identify and reassure patients with learningdisabilities by referring to the specially designed care guide.

Our aim to deliver ‘high quality patient care with apersonal touch’ is central to all that we do, and thisfantastic initiative ensures that people with limitedintellectual abilities who come into an unfamiliar, urgent careenvironment, can also receive truly person centred care. �

Learning Disabilities Nursing– Learning Disability Care Pathway in the Emergency Department

L-R: Leanne Cromwell, Alison Forsyth and Amanda Baverstock

The Macmillan Excellence Awards


The Chief Executive’s Office, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, FREEPOST NAT 18163, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7BR Freephone (0800) 0150136

www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk

Who are the Governors?

The Council of Governors has a major role in influencing the futuredevelopment of our health services. They act as ‘the voice’ for allour members and local communities to ensure their views are fullyconsidered during any strategic decision-making. Both Public andStaff Governors hold office for three years and can then stand forre-election for up to a total of nine years.

Details of all our governors can be found on our website – just goto “About Us” and click on “Governor Information”.

Members’ Events

Membership Events are one of the ways that we want to involveyou - our members - in us, as a Trust. We hold three every year anduse them to both hear from you as well as show some of the manyexciting developments and cutting edge services within the Trust.

In October we focussed on our up-to-the-minute Cancer Servicesand heard two presentations on some of the amazing newdevelopments now happening at the Freeman Hospital's NorthernCentre for Cancer Care.

To ensure that none of our members misses out, we endeavour tosend out to you all a short summary of each of the presentationswhen we invite you to the next event. Further copies of any of thesummaries of previous events are available by request from theCorporate Services Office, on Freephone � (0800) 0150136.

I am delighted that these events are as popular as ever, but thisdoes mean that places are always in high demand. Early bookingin advance is therefore essential when you receive your invitation.

It is always a pleasure to get to know some of our members andsee other familiar faces, so I hope to see you at the next event.

Sandy Harvey, Public Governor

Choosing yourhealthcareThe national NHS Choices website tells us that research conducted both in the UK

and overseas shows that treatments are more effective if patients understand, andhave control of their own care. As such, giving people more choice is a key priority forthe NHS in the 21st century, and is, in fact, a legal right for the majority of healthcareservices.

Yet many people do not realise they can choose where theyreceive their care and treatment and rely on others to makewhat can often be one of the most important decisions intheir lives.

You can choose which hospital or clinic to go to for consultationson a wide range of medical issues which means it is moreimportant than ever to understand exactly what your localhospitals offer. This way, you can feel well informed to tellyour GP where you want to go when you’re being referred to see a specialist and why.

If you live in the North East or Cumbria, you can feelreassured that you have access to some of the nation’s

leading authorities in healthcare, who offer their expertise instate of the art facilities in Newcastle. Home to the region’slargest Maternity Unit, the Great North Children’s Hospital,the North East’s Major Trauma Centre, Northern Centre forCancer Care, and the region’s flagship Cardiothoracic Centre,the Newcastle Hospitals offer access to the full spectrum ofexperts able to treat just about any kind of illness, conditionor injury you can think of.

To find out more about your right to choose, visitwww.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS where you will find The ChoiceFramework 2013/14. This explains your legal rights whenchoosing treatment and care in the NHS. �

Governors & Members

Help our membership drive!

As a valued member of the Trust, you can help us by getting justone additional person to sign up to become a member. We are keento ensure our membership is reflective of the community we serveand need more people from the local communities to join us.

Membership is free and anyone aged 18 or over can apply – nomatter what their background or interest. Your family, friends andcolleagues can register on line at: www.nhs-membership.co.uk/nutt

Send us your email address

We are always looking at ways to improve how we keep in touchwith our members. Please send us your email address so that wecan send future communications - including this newsletter – to youelectronically.

Email [email protected] with your name andaddress and tell us if you are a member of the public or staff.

Alternatively you may write to us at the freepost addressshown below:

Date for your Diary31st March 2014 – Public Event The Trust is interested in public views on the potential for facetransplants. An open meeting will be held in the Institute ofTransplantation, Freeman Hospital. Registered Members willreceive further details shortly.


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