Leeds Teaching Hospitals Bulletin Spring 2012

bulletinThe Leeds Teaching Hospitals

NHS Trust

bstaff magazine | Spring 2012

Research rewards

002 www.leedsth.nhs.uk

contents

Bulletin is produced quarterly by the Communications Department

Editor: Suzanne Breen

Photography by Medical Illustration

Designed by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd

Send your ideas, suggestions or articles for the next edition of Bulletin to [email protected] or call 0113 2066494.

Copy deadline is 4 May 2012.

Front cover:In this issue we take a look at some of the vital research going on in the Trust and how it is improving patient care.

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NHS Trust


Research rewards

5 World-class cancer research potential set to be unlocked thanks to £2.1m grant

7 Diabetes workbook scoops award for hospital team

8-9 Trust helps amputee athletes realise their sporting potential

11 Comfortable new suite helps heart patients

12 LGI research set to improve heart treatment nationally

14-15 Successful Patient Safety conference

16-17 Chance look at TV show leads to money-saving innovation

19 Trust staff making the headlines for all the right reasons

23 Success after success for Trust’s “outstanding” apprentice scheme

24 Working together for a better future

www.leedsth.nhs.uk 003

The unit take referrals from GPs and any patients who present in A&E and are triaged as suitable for acute medical assessment. They receive prompt assessment and are treated accordingly. With six examination cubicles and a waiting area which seats around 20 patients, the unit is a far cry from previous accommodation which had limited space and was shared with a ward.

Jane Rothery, senior sister, said: “The doctors have commented on the working environment being so much better. It all seems much more organised and calm even

when we have a large number of patients in the unit.”

The team also offers an ambulatory anticoagulation service for patients being treated for venous thrombus and who fit the inclusion criteria. It is supported by the Acute medical consultants, Dr Ruby Roy, Dr Charles Wilkinson and locum consultants, Dr James Storey and Dr Saman Khan.

The unit is currently open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to midnight, and from 09:30 to 22:00 at weekends with plans to extend its hours in the future.

Jane added: All the comments I have received so far have been positive. The team find it much easier to give an efficient, flexible service to patients and look forward to expanding its function and contribution to further help with the demand for acute medical interventions and treatments.”

Dedicated team: (l-r) Margaret Jarrett, Staff nurse, Donna King, Ward clerk, Jane Rothery, Sister, Madeline Belle, Ward clerk, and Eileen O’Grady, Staff nurse in the new acute medical assessment unit.

Fast-track unit helps patients leave A&E more quickly

A new purpose-built acute medical assessment area, recently opened in Chancellor’s Wing, is benefiting patients by fast tracking those who might previously have had to wait in Accident & Emergency at St James’s.

“All the comments I have received so far have

been positive.”

A device pioneered in Leeds has won the ‘Best product to improve the patient pathway’ award at the Building Better Healthcare awards. The Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Trust was one of the first globally to start using ‘Thopaz’ - the world’s smallest chest drainage system. It has played a significant role in its development by providing information for improvement, safety for patients and improvement of overall postoperative management of patients with chest pathology.Thopaz combines a digital display that tracks a patient’s air leak, with a portable suction device. It provides improved patient mobility, dignity and comfort, combined with accurate data on the patient’s air leak.Consultant Thoracic surgeon, Kostas Papagiannopoulos, who first introduced the device in the Department in 2008, said that over 2500 patients have been operated and benefited from the device in Leeds in the postoperative period. It is estimated £18,000 has been saved.He added: “Following surgery on the lung, a chest drain is required to evacuate air and fluids to ensure the lung, or remaining lung remains inflated. With traditional drainage systems plastic bottles were attached to wall suction and then the patient. This confined the patient to bed and reducing mobility, dignity and comfort. “Also the degree of air leak was estimated by the presence and quantity of air bubbles inside the bottle. This was an inaccurate method that increased the length of chest drainage and duration of stay in hospital, with subsequent cost to the Trust.

Top award for chest drain

Consultant Thoracic surgeon, Kostas Papagiannopoulos.

Sincere salute: (l-r) Trainee assistant practitioner, Rebecca Cartwright, Sister Andrea Galley, Patient, Alan Fleet, Staff nurse, Sarah Hewetson and Staff nurse, Annie Lowe.


One of the Yorkshire Heart Centre’s most dedicated supporters has been thanked for putting her knitting skills to good use to raise money for LGI cardiac charity Take Heart.Mrs Lilian Phillips came into the Jubilee Wing on her 92nd birthday to receive the thanks and congratulations of Take Heart Chairman, Colin Pullan.

Mrs Philips has knitted a phenomenal 145 scarves in 18 months to help the cause, raising £1,600 for Take Heart. Her hand-made creations sell on a stall in the Jubilee Wing every Friday.

Due to failing eyesight Mrs Phillips can no longer read knitting patterns so does all her scarves from memory. Such has been the demand she has recently had to enlist a couple of friends to help out with extra needles.

Her association with the Yorkshire Heart Centre goes back to a heart bypass operation in 1996, and more recently she has needed further treatment, which inspired her to fundraise for the charity.

On her birthday visit Mrs Phillips said she was “thrilled” that her scarves were proving so popular and helping to raise cash for such a good cause. Colin Pullan praised her efforts for the charity, calling her “absolutely fantastic”.

Crafted with love: Lilian Phillips with Take Heart’s Colin Pullan celebrating her amazing dedication to knitting.

Age is no barrier for LGI’s champion knitter

There was a moving tribute to the war record of a patient on Ward 81 in the Bexley Wing at St James’s, held to coincide with Armistice Day.In his younger days Mr Alan Fleet was commended for his courage when he was a young soldier in the parachute regiment during the Korean War in the early 1950s.

Alan was even presented with one of his medals at The White House in honour of his bravery when he rescued a group of American and Australian soldiers whilst he

was being held as a prisoner-of-war in North Korea. Remarkably, he was just 16 when he was captured.

In honour of his war record, Alan’s daughter came in on Armistice Day with his cherished beret and a collection of his medals. The staff were so moved and impressed they held a two minute silence with him to remember military personnel who have died in the service of their country.

Sister Andrea Galley said: “We all wanted to make sure Alan knew how proud we all are of him and everything he did in the war - he deserves a huge thank you from us all.”

Ward tribute to a war hero

Around 300 LTHT staff have already signed up to Have Fun Feel Good - a project that was launched a year before the Olympics, to help keep NHS staff in Leeds active and healthy. The campaign is based around a website (www.havefunfeelgoodleeds.co.uk)

through which staff can learn about the latest events and activities available to them locally. They can also keep track of what they’ve been up to by entering their activity minutes and weight loss figures.

LTHT staff have already collectively logged 76,029 activity minutes and won awards for their participation, including ‘most activity minutes’ and ‘most dancing minutes’, as well as individual awards.

The campaign is currently offering staff a variety of activities, including Zumba,

Tai Chi, Pilates, the staff gyms, as well as Touch Rugby (pictured).

NHS discounts are also advertised on the website.

In support of the initiative, Ruth Holt, Chief Nurse, said: “Have Fun Feel Good is a fantastic initiative which is great for staff morale and mental well being, as well as being physically beneficial. With the Olympics just around the corner and being held in Britain this year, it is the perfect time to get motivated.”

Have fun, feel good in Leeds


The appointment has been made jointly by the Trust and the University of Leeds in conjunction with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Charitable Foundation’s Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, which has co-ordinated funding a fully-fledged academic unit including the post of Chair, senior lecturers and associated staff.Funding for setting up the Chair and new department has included a very generous £1.3 million donation from the Audrey and Stanley Burton Charitable Trust, plus a further £800,000 from the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Sebag-Montefiore said: “This is a unique opportunity to build a large research team that will focus on improving patient outcomes for different cancers with radiotherapy. We have some of the best facilities in the country here in Leeds and I am excited by the opportunities to recruit the best researchers and allow this potential to be unlocked and make a real difference to cancer patients.

“I will be expanding the scope of my own research into the best ways of using radiotherapy to treat cancers in different parts

of the gut, including gullet and bowel cancer. It’s particularly important to improve the long term benefits to the patient and ensure we reduce any long term side effects of treatment.

“Here in Leeds we have also developed expertise in the use of highly targeted radiotherapy for certain tumours. This is known as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). The Leeds team has the largest experience of this technique in the UK for patients with early stage lung cancer. We are planning to study the benefits of this SBRT technique to target other types of cancer, and believe there are real possibilities for improving outcomes for our patients.”

Welcoming the appointment, Cllr Bernard Atha, who chairs the Leeds Charitable Foundation and the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, added:

“The first stage of our Appeal was to buy two highly advanced research linear accelerators, which were installed in the Bexley Wing at St James’s three years ago, as well as funding environmental enhancements to improve the experience of patients in the new wing. Since then our efforts have been focused on the appointment of a Professor and team to co-ordinate the research potential, and this has now been achieved.

“It will now be possible to conduct national trials, award fellowships, and make possible foreign exchanges to ensure that knowledge is gleaned and shared with world partners in radiotherapy research.

“We are particularly grateful to the Audrey and Stanley Burton Charitable Trust for their very generous support. This initiative will make a real difference to the lives of patients here in Yorkshire as well as significantly enhancing the quality and reputation of research here in Leeds nationally and internationally.”

“I hope this generosity will trigger similar support for the charity, which can make such a difference to the lives of future patients.”

Leeds is in a unique position to make the most of this opportunity, thanks to the availability of new radiotherapy technologies, a vibrant NHS research capability and potential, proximity to the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, pathology, academic medical oncology and very high-level imaging and physics research.

The academic team to be headed up by Professor Sebag-Montefiore will work closely with colleagues elsewhere in the University of Leeds to develop an ambitious portfolio of clinical and applied health research.

Leading the way: David Sebag-Montefiore (foreground) with Bernard Atha and Roger Cannon from the LTHT Charitable Foundation, Jeremy Burton of the Burton Trust and Professor Peter Selby from the University of Leeds.

World-class cancer research potential set to be unlocked thanks to £2.1m grant

The scope and potential of cancer research in Leeds has taken a huge step forward with the appointment of Professor David Sebag-Montefiore as the first ever academic Chair for Clinical Oncology and Health Research in the city.


Congratulations to the Facilities team who were commended for the second year running at the 5th annual Health Business Awards in London for their work to improve standards of cleanliness across the Trust. Their submission called ‘Raising quality in times of austerity’ caught the judges’ attention for its practical and cost effective approach to making improvements. The team spent in excess of £1.5 million on initiatives that were implemented at no extra cost to the Trust, primarily by modernising the workforce.

Examples include changing the way the lunch time meal service is delivered, making it less resource dependant and introducing a second clean. The introduction of a ‘touch point’ cleaning team which uses a risk based approach that supports the Trust’s healthcare acquired infections agenda.

They also recruited a dedicated Estates and Facilities infection prevention and control nurse, Gary Thirkill, to strengthen the links between Facilities and the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team.

The introduction of a ‘discharge response team’ means that source isolation rooms can be turned round in a 30 time frame out-of-hours.

Gary Thirkill, senior IPC nurse, Claire Ashby, IPC Matron, Craige Richardson, Head of Facilities, and Andrew Matthews, Deputy Head of Facilities (Patient Environment) represented the Trust at the awards ceremony held at the Emirates Stadium in London.

The team narrowly missed out to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the Hospital Cleaning category.

Craige Richardson, Head of Facilities, said: “It was a real honour to be commended for the second year running. In my view it is well deserved and a credit to everyone involved in raising the standards of cleanliness across our organisation.

“We already benchmark extremely well against our peers in this area, being one of the cheapest per square metre in the country, but it’s important that we continue to drive out any inefficiencies and push boundaries on performance.

“We have seen a consistent improvement in cleaning standards over the past three years with slightly fewer staff and reduced budget. The acceptance for change amongst staff and the Facilities Management team has been a key factor in achieving these accolades nationally.”

“Austere” approach wins praise for Facilities team

Traders from Germany who brought a festive flavour to Millennium Square in Leeds in December left a special seasonal present for Leeds Children’s Hospital when they departed - a £5000 donation.Once the stalls were packed away just before the traders headed back to Germany to celebrate with their families, Aki Lowenthal, owner of the Frankfurter-Scheune meeting hall - visited the new Children’s Outpatients Department to hand over the money on behalf of all the traders.

Jacquie Cross, fundraising development manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation said “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of all the traders from the Christkindelmarkt. They are our neighbours for a short time each

Danke schön: The cheque is handed over to representatives of Leeds Children’s Hospital.

German generosity boosts Children’s Hospital Appeal

year and we always look forward to them coming to Leeds. £5,000 will make such a difference for our young patients.

“It was also great to show them our new

Children’s Outpatients Department as we had just started creating it when the traders came last year. They can see first hand just what a difference they have made.”

The Trust is leading the way in providing opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research studies, delivering 322 studies in 2010/11. Highlighted in a league table published for the first time by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, Leeds Teaching Hospitals not only conducted the most studies, but also recruited the fourth highest number of patients (11660) onto medical trials of all the NHS trusts in England.

Praising the achievement of researchers at the Trust, Dr Jonathan Sheffield, Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, said: “This is fantastic news and illustrates that our partners in Leeds are truly placing research at the core of NHS business. Their recruitment of 11,660 patients indicates a strong commitment to research and innovation as well as their drive to improve clinical outcomes for patients.

“We are keen to see other Trusts follow their example and truly embed research as a standard option within their care culture.”

Trust is top of the league for research activity

“It’s important that we continue to drive out any inefficiencies and push

boundaries on performance.”

Proud moment: The team pick up their award for improving quality and patient care.


The award has been made by Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes, which aims to highlight good healthcare practice in key therapy areas in the UK, and the Leeds award recognised good practice in the priority area of children and young people.The workbook is suitable for use by hospital staff, parents and older children/teenagers and will be used in diabetes units across the Yorkshire region to fulfil the NICE guidelines for the introduction of insulin pumps for children. It is intended to make the introduction of this new technology easier and ensure everyone involved in this form

of therapy has sufficient information to make pump therapy successful.

Dr Fiona Campbell, Lead Clinician for Paediatrics said: “The Diabetes Team are delighted to have won this award. We started our Insulin Pump Programme ten years ago and we wanted to use all our experience gathered over this time to help other diabetes teams in the Yorkshire and Humber region introduce this therapy to the children and families that they care for and felt that writing this workbook would be the best way to achieve this.”

Diabetes was chosen as the first therapy area to

be covered by QiC due to the increasing need to find the best way to tackle the social and economic burden of the condition, which now affects 2.8 million people in the UK. Simon O’Neill, Director of Care, Information and Advocacy at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re very excited about the QiC Diabetes programme. This is a crucial project and one through which we can celebrate those who really make a difference to the lives of people with diabetes. There is a great deal of progress being made out there by many clinicians through various initiatives and it is really important this good work is highlighted and shared.”

Diabetes workbook scoops awardThe Children’s Diabetes Team have won a prestigious award for their work - in conjunction with the University of York - to develop a workbook designed to help NHS staff, youngsters and their families cope with the demands of using an insulin pump to control their blood glucose levels when they have diabetes.

The Brandon Braveheart Trust made a very generous donation of recreational equipment to the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit recently. The Trust was set up by the parents of cystic fibrosis patient, Brandon, following the devastating loss of their son to the disease. Their fundraising activities now help other cystic fibrosis patients to have a better quality of life. The donation to the Unit included a Wii fit plus, an X-Box Kinect plus games, a £200 gaming voucher and a cheque for £1557. Rachel Metcalfe, Senior sister, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for this special donation which will give our patients many hours of pleasure and help promote exercise. We appreciate all the hard work put into these fundraising events to support this project.”

Helping others: (l-r) Sue Buckley, Rachel Metcalf, Jo Regan, fundraisers, Jacqueline, Michael, Pamela and Emily May, Dr Steven Conway, Jane Fitzgerald, and patient, Keelham Dodsworth.

Generous donation


Running blades made internationally famous by South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius are now available at Seacroft Hospital.The high-tech devices can be prescribed on the NHS for patients who have lost a limb but have a high level of mobility and fitness and enjoy competitive sports activities.

Adrian Howden, 54, is a teacher from Leeds who had his right leg amputated below the knee in 2006 after suffering a severe injury in a road traffic accident the previous year.

A keen sportsman before his accident, Adrian was anxious to regain as much of his former mobility as possible after being fitted with a prosthetic limb, and particularly to pursue competitive cycling and running.

Thanks to the availability of his running

blade, Adrian is now an elite paratriathlete who has competed in numerous sporting events in the UK and abroad, most recently in a duathlon (run-bike-run) at the ITU World Championships in Gijon, Spain, where he finished 5th overall.

Adrian commented: “There’s quite a knack to using the blade and it isn’t right for everyone, so amputees who want to do everyday running or jogging will find a high-activity foot is often better. Where it comes into its own is for sprinting as it is brilliant for speed because of the spring forward. Having it means I can hold my own with other top athletes in the sport.”

Phil Sheridan, 47, who works in children’s services for Leeds City Council lives in Worth Village, Keighley. He had his right leg amputated below the knee after a horrific

accident in 2002 when he narrowly escaped death after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a 25-tonne lorry. Since then he has undergone nine operations.

Phil is a keen martial arts practitioner and since last year when screws and a plate were removed from his right femur he began to run again and has been developing an interest in extreme sports and particularly trail-running. He has recently been provided with his distance running blade by his prosthetist at Seacroft Hospital and is delighted at how it has helped improve his running, and at the amazed reaction he has had from fellow trail-runners.

“To get this blade through the NHS is fantastic and I feel very privileged that the hard work I have put into improving my fitness meant I met the criteria,” he said.

Trust helps amputee athletes realise their sporting potential

The prosthetics service based at Seacroft Hospital is helping two promising Yorkshire athletes achieve their ambitions with the help of special blades which transform their ability to compete in running events.

Adjusting the blade: Phil Sheridan with Steve Carter from RSL Steeper.


Team effort: With Phil and Adrian are Prosthetist Lynn Hirst, Carl Elliott, Clinical prosthetic manager, RSL Steeper branch manager Steve Carter and Elizabeth Stoppard, Consultant in rehabilitation medicine.

Fast pace: Phil Sheridan and Adrian Howden in the grounds of Seacroft Hospital.

“The difference it makes to my running is unbelievable and it has certainly enabled me to widen my horizons and access activities I’d never imagined would be possible.”

Nancy Rhodes, Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager for the Trust, said: “Our service is geared towards ensuring all the patients we work with have the rehabilitation, support and prosthetic limbs which meet their individual clinical needs.

“As much as possible we want them to have the same mobility they enjoyed before their amputation. This means that for keen sportsmen like Adrian and Phil who have reached a high level of fitness and are progressing well in their rehabilitation we will prescribe these blades which are quite

incredible in terms of the turn of speed they give the wearer.”

Steve Carter, branch manager of prosthetic provider RSL Steeper, which works in partnership with the Trust at the Seacroft facility added: “It’s really inspiring to work with Adrian and Phil, who are living proof that athletic ability isn’t constrained by losing a limb.

“While these types of blades are highly specialised and used by top athletes, people are often surprised to hear they can be made available on the NHS, in addition to their regular prosthetic limb, based on individual clinical need. We are really proud that patients from our centre are able to compete in top international events and it is a privilege to work with them.”

The Trust’s security team are working with the Police to widen awareness of an initiative that will help the fight against crime by making sure Trust property is more easily identifiable.The secret weapon in their arsenal is SmartWater - an invisible liquid that cannot be seen by the naked eye but shows green under ultra-violet light.

It contains a unique forensic DNA fingerprint which means that the police can link the stolen property to its owner and criminals to a crime scene.

Police forces throughout the UK are already using SmartWater on anything from lead roofing to a wedding ring.

Nigel Emery from Operational Security said: “The liquid is impossible to remove and police can analyse SmartWater to prove where any item of property came from so it is an extremely effective way of recovering valuable items if a criminal tries to sell them on.

“We also obviously want to prevent thefts happening in the first place, so as well as securing property and locking doors, putting up signs warning would-be thieves that property is marked in this way is a useful extra deterrent to crime.”

If you want help getting your portable departmental items marked with SmartWater please contact Nigel on ext 64053.

Theft deterrent: Nigel Emery, Operational Security, marking Trust property with SmartWater.

Smart way to keep property safe


Congratulations to Consultant clinical oncologist, Dr Catherine Coyle, who won the Royal College of Radiologists national award for Trainer of the Year as voted by trainees. The award is presented annually to a UK-based consultant clincial oncologist who has made an outstanding contribution to clinical oncology teaching and training at a local, regional or national level.The Trust also received one of the highest satisfaction scores from the General Medical Council trainees survey in the country and scored highly with the national clinical oncology trainee survey run by the Royal College of Radiologists.Dr Nicholas MacLeod, Chair of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum (ORF), said: “There are many consultant clinical oncologists who dedicate their time and effort to deliver high quality teaching and training of clinical oncology trainees and the Oncology Registrars’ Forum Trainer Award has been established to recognise those trainers whose hard work often goes unrecognised.”Dr Coyle was presented with an engraved trophy at an awards ceremony at the ORF conference in Birmingham.She said: “While I am personally delighted to be honoured in this way, the award is really for the department rather than for an individual. All of

my colleagues in clinical oncology contribute to registrar training. The medical physics department, therapy radiographers and nurses have also created a positive learning environment.

“Feedback from visiting trainees at last year’s

Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques training course held in Bexley Wing praised the “can do” attitude from our multi-professional teaching faculty. My sincere thanks to the trainees who voted for me.”

Training accolades for Radiotherapy

National recognition: Consultant clinical oncologist, Dr Catherine Coyle.

Well done to the men and women who raised over £2,600 for prostate and testicular cancer by growing a moustache as a ‘Mo Bro’ or lending their support as a Mo Sista’ for 30 days in November.

The ‘FanTacheSticals’ as they were known came from all parts of the Trust and joined a wider NHS group who in total raised over £9,000.

Deputy Estates & Facilities IT Manager, and founder of the ‘FanTacheSticals’,

Lawrence Todkill, said: “Movember has grown in popularity over the last few years and we are delighted that so many of our colleagues want to get involved to raise money for such a good cause. Roll on November 2012!”

Hairy lips: Jeremy Robson, Wyn Jones, Stephen Haran, Chris Plumstead, Matthew O’Neill, Lawrence Todkill, Adam Collins, Michael Dean, and Joe Dunning.

Clean shaven: Back row: Wyn Jones, Stephen Haran, Chris Plumstead. Front row: Lawrence Todkill, Adam Collins, Michael Dean, Joe Dunning.

Growing support for Movember


Research work by Trust consultants has been putting Leeds Teaching Hospitals on the map internationally.St James’s Institute of Oncology was one of three organisations leading a large-scale clinical trial known as ICON7which is hoped will slow down the spread of advanced ovarian cancer and may improve survival rates in women with a risk of the disease recurring.The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, with Consultant oncologist Dr Tim Perren one of the key authors of the paper.The research into the drug Avastin showed

it halted the development of ovarian cancer for, on average, six months longer than using chemotherapy alone.Dr Perren said: “Avastin is the first new drug that has been shown to improve outcomes for women with advanced ovarian cancer for the past 15 years. I am delighted that it has now been licensed and is therefore now potentially available to suitable women who are diagnosed with this devastating disease.“The final results of the trial will be available in 2013 and at this point we will be able to fully judge the efficacy of Avastin in improving the survival rate from ovarian cancer, which currently has the worst outcomes of all

gynaecological cancers.”

Other Trust doctors featuring recently as co-authors in the same prestigious journal are Dr Daniel Peckham, Consultant in cystic fibrosis and respiratory medicine, for a study linked to pleural infection, and Consultant haematologist Professor David Bowen relating to a paper on mutation in blood disorders.

Congratulations also to Mr Ram Subramaniam, Consultant in paediatric surgery and his colleagues whose paper, published in the leading journal European Urology, has been awarded the accolade of best fundamental research paper for 2011.

Research raises profile of Leeds doctors

A new Angio Suite has been opened close to ward 11 to cater for patients who attend the catheter labs but can be seen without the need to stay overnight. This applies to about a fifth of the patients visiting the interventional unit, including those needing Pacemaker box changes, reveal implants or explants and radial angiograms.

What was previously a two-bedded room has been transformed into a dedicated waiting area for these patients, with five comfortable recliner chairs and an in-room TV to help pass the time. The room also has its own small private consulting room attached, to allow tests or discussions to be undertaken confidentially.

Take Heart, the charity which supports the Yorkshire Heart Centre at LGI generously paid for the improvements, together with some money from the Ward 11 amenities fund.

As well as making the wait more comfortable for the day patients, having a dedicated area means that they no longer need to use the ward beds in the department. Patients coming in to undergo more invasive procedures therefore have less time to wait for a bed to become available.

Alison Romaniw, Senior Sister on Ward 11, said: “We’re really pleased with the new room and it is already making a difference to improving patient flows in the department and therefore make a better experience for everyone who comes here.

“We are a busy unit and having a dedicated area which can accommodate up to ten patients a day is better for those patients and really does help in freeing up our beds.

“It shows that a relatively simple change can make a real difference to the patient experience, and we’re so grateful to Take Heart for their help in making this a reality.”

Comfortable new suite helps heart patientsDay patients visiting cardiology at the LGI for angiograms and other relatively straightforward procedures now have a more comfortable environment to relax in during their visit.

Comfortable surroundings: (l-r back) Gina McGawley, Take Heart Secretary, Colin Pullan, Take Heart Chairman, Bill Stevenson, Take Heart Trustee. (L-r front) Helen Reed, Sister Ward 11, Allison Romaniw, Senior Sister Ward 11/cath labs.


The findings follow a major trial involving over 750 heart patients and could change the way that people with suspected heart disease are assessed, potentially avoiding the need for tests that are invasive or expose patients to radiation.The study was funded by a £1.3 million grant from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and published in The Lancet medical journal.

LGI consultant cardiologist Dr John Greenwood, who led the University study, said: “We have shown convincingly that of the options available to doctors in diagnosing coronary heart disease, MRI is better than the

more commonly-used SPECT imaging test. As well as being more accurate, it has the advantage of not using any ionising radiation, sparing patients and health professionals from unnecessary exposure.”

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death and disability. In the UK, an estimated 2.6 million people are living with the condition, costing the NHS £9 billion per year.

CHD is caused when vital arteries serving the heart become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fatty substances. This can lead to severe chest pain, known as angina, and if the condition worsens and remains untreated, patients may have a heart attack.

Patients with chest pain who are suspected of having angina will typically be sent to hospital for further tests. These tests will confirm the diagnosis of CHD and help doctors decide on the best course of treatment, which may involve drug therapy, a balloon ‘stretch and stent’ procedure to open-up narrowings in the heart’s blood vessels - or a heart bypass operation.

This is the first time that MRI has been compared head-to-head against the ‘gold standard’ tests for CHD in such a large group of patients. The results may now lead healthcare policy-makers to re-think guidance on the tests that patients with suspected CHD should be offered.

Research breakthrough: Dr John Greenwood in the MRI suite in Jubilee Wing.

LGI research set to improve heart treatment nationally

Research conducted at Leeds General Infirmary has concluded that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for coronary heart disease is better than the most commonly-used alternative.


SBRT is a technique which benefits patients with potentially curable lung cancer for whom conventional surgery is too risky. Thanks to the facilities in Bexley Wing Leeds does by far the largest proportion of SBRT treatments in the UK. It is now seeing patients from as far afield as Northern Ireland and Devon, who stay at the patient hotel during their treatment.

Frances D’Ambrosio, from Leeds, was the 200th patient to be treated using the SBRT technique since the programme started at St James’s in late 2009. Staff presented her with flowers and chocolates to celebrate the milestone at the end of her treatment.

Frances, 76, is full of praise for the hospital and the technique, which offers a new way of tackling a tumour that would have previously been inoperable. “I’ve been keeping cheerful through my treatment and haven’t felt poorly at all she said. “I expected it to be uncomfortable but I haven’t felt a thing and you can’t fault the care and attention of the staff.”

The success of the Leeds SBRT programme has been in large part thanks to the equipment available at the hospital. The team use one of two highly advanced research linear accelerators funded through the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal which can deliver more targeted treatment in fewer sessions.

Dr Kevin Franks, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, said: “Lung cancer is responsible for one in seven new cases of cancer and is responsible for more than one in five of all cancer deaths.

Using this technique we can deliver the same radiation dose in 3-8 compared with 20-30 treatments. This more than doubles the cancer control rates to over 90% with the advantage of fewer visits to hospital and less side effects.”

Important milestone: Pictured with Frances D’Ambrosio are Lisa Pass, Therapeutic radiographer, John White, Lung cancer nurse specialist, Kevin Franks, Consultant oncologist and Amanda Mullarkey, Therapeutic radiographer.

Pioneering high-tech lung cancer treatment reaches out across UK

The St James’s Institute of Oncology has recently treated its 200th patient using highly advanced Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), reinforcing its position as the leading centre providing this advanced technique in the UK.

“I expected it to be uncomfortable but I haven’t

felt a thing and you can’t fault the care and attention

of the staff.”


The purpose of the day was to show delegates how delivering improvements in safety also contributes to improving the experience of patients. The event, chaired by Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt, boasted a number of eminent national and international speakers from both patient safety and Infection Prevention and Control arenas.

One of the highlights of the day was a session by ex-patient, Claire Jinn, who shared a thought provoking insight into her experience of being a patient. Claire developed a serious and debilitating pressure ulcer following surgery. She described how this occurred and the long term consequences on her health and lifestyle.

Presentations were also delivered by Rachel Gidman, Clinical Leadership Facilitator at Cardiff and Vale University who described how patient stories have been used to improve safety and experience in hospitals.

Dr Alison Cracknall, from the British Geriatric Society (Patient Safety Lead) and Gerry Armitage, a senior lecturer at Bradford University, described how training and education programmes have been used to make improvements in patient safety. Some

teams from LTHT who have been on a programme described the improvements they have made as a result.

Dr Debra Adams, Lead Infection Prevention

and Control Nurse from Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust provided a very interesting insight into the Houdini initiative and the reduction of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

Conference chair: Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt.

Maintaining quality in changing times is theme of successful Patient Safety conference

Around 130 healthcare professionals from across the region attended the Trust’s second Patient Safety conference, held at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Learning lessons: Delegates at the patient safety conference.


Maintaining quality in changing times is theme of successful Patient Safety conference

Around 130 healthcare professionals from across the region attended the Trust’s second Patient Safety conference, held at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Sharing knowledge: Senior lecturer, Gerry Armitage.

Keynote speaker: Hilary Chapman, with Director of Quality, Craig Brigg, Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt, and Lead nurse for patient safety, Juliette Cosgrove.

This was followed by Dr Richard Hobson, Consultant Microbiologist and Lead Infection Control Doctor at LTHT with Jo Caldicott, Lead Nurse for Medicines Management at LTHT who both fed back on the outcomes of their investigation of a serious incident - Preventing an Outbreak of Clostridium difficile.

Juliette Cosgrove, Lead Nurse for Patient Safety at LTHT, and Gillian Hodgson, Nurse Consultant Infection Prevention and Control, described to delegates the achievements made in patient safety over the past three years in Leeds, including recent participation in the national Safety Express programme.

Finally the event’s keynote speech - Maintaining safety and quality through change - the national picture, was delivered by Hilary Chapman, Director of Nursing at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust. This left delegates with clarity of the challenges still ahead.

As the day proved to be such a huge success, plans are already underway to host another event in September this year. Information regarding this will be released very shortly.

Presentations form this year’s event can be found on the Infection Prevention pages of the intranet.


One viewer who tuned in by chance was David Pearson, the Equipment Pool manager in Medical Physics, whose attention was quickly focused on one detail of the show - the way women needing pain relief during delivery were given access to analgesic gases.David quickly spotted that a less-than-ideal solution was being deployed with an over-long tube being connected to the wall-mounted demand valve. This meant that women using the equipment had to breathe in several times before getting any benefit.

The next day David emailed the Matron for the unit and a meeting was soon arranged with Gail Wright, Team Leader in Maternity, who was delighted to be told that a better solution could be designed for the whole of the LGI facility.

“I could see they were using along with a sterile mouthpiece a long length of tubing which didn’t really need to be there and was actually hindering the ability of the ladies giving birth to get the gas they needed easily, David said.

Innovation in action: David Pearson with Julie Scarfe, Head of Midwifery, and Gail Wright, Team leader.

Promotional montage: A Channel 4 publicity picture for the programme.

Chance look at TV show leads to money-saving innovation

Channel 4’s maternity documentary One Born Every Minute has been causing a lot of interest since screening of the new series shot entirely at Leeds General Infirmary got underway in January. Around 5 million people are tuning in to every episode of the BAFTA award winning show.


Promotional montage: A Channel 4 publicity picture for the programme.

Chance look at TV show leads to money-saving innovation

Channel 4’s maternity documentary One Born Every Minute has been causing a lot of interest since screening of the new series shot entirely at Leeds General Infirmary got underway in January. Around 5 million people are tuning in to every episode of the BAFTA award winning show.

Campaign to boost Black and Asian donorsEngland international and Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Jamie Jones-Buchanan and a woman from Leeds who donated her kidney to her son came back to St James’s to show their support for a campaign to urge Black and Asian Communities to sign the organ donor register. Tina Suryavansi donated her kidney to her son Akash in 2004 as previous attempts to find a donor had been unsuccessful. She said: “Akash’s transplant has made a massive difference to our lives. Before, we would struggle to go out for the day and couldn’t even go on holiday, now we can do all of these things. Akash is a happy active 13-year-old boy who leads his life like any other normal healthy teenager.

“Bearing in mind there is a serious shortage of donors from Black and Asian communities and the impact this has had on my family, I would strongly urge people to sign up to the organ donation register.”

Black and Asian people are three times more likely to need an organ transplant but less than 2% have signed the register (1.4 % of the people on the register are Asian, and only 0.4% are Black). More than 30% of the people waiting for an organ transplant are from these communities.

Jayne Fisher, Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation, NHS Blood and Transplant said: “The message is simple - if the organs come from a person with the same ethnic group there is a greater chance of success so it’s vitally important that people come forward and register.

“People are dying unnecessarily due to the shortage of donors and in the case of the Suryavansi family, Tina ended up donating one of her own kidneys to save her son’s life. You could help prevent this happening to others by signing up to the register today.”

Offering his support to the campaign, Jamie said: “I was shocked to hear Black and Asian people are three times more likely to need an organ transplant but less than 2% have joined the organ donation register. Across Yorkshire and the Humber there are more than 100 people from these communities who are on the waiting list. To help reduce this number sign the organ donation register today.”

Consultant surgeon, Mr Niaz Ahmad, was also present to show support on the day.

To add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register, please ring 0300 123 0000, text ORGAN to 64118 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or www.facebook.com/organdonationuk

Raising the profile: Leeds Rhinos rugby player, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Akash Suryavansi and his mother Tina Suryavansi, Consultant surgeon, Niaz Ahmad, Staff nurse, Debra Faulkner.

“This had happened because the tube attached to the wall-mounted valve didn’t stretch far enough, but I explained a simple modification could be made to each unit which does away with the need for the disposable tube.

“As well as improving the patient experience there are also financial benefits from the change, as the tubes cost over £3 each. We’re expecting the modifications mean that the Trust will save over £11,000 every year.

“Obviously this all came about purely by chance as if I hadn’t happened to tune into the programme on that night I would never have spotted the problem. In Medical Physics we have a range of experts on hand to advise wards and departments on the use of medical gases and all other medical equipment, so it is always worth staff giving us a call to see if we can help solve a problem.”

Gail Wright added: “We were absolutely delighted to hear from David - it just shows the simplest solutions are often the best for improving patient care, and the fact that it is going to save us money as well is a real boost!”


Congratulations to the Prosthetics Rehabilitation team at Seacroft Hospital who beat off fierce competition to win a national award for their cost-effective, high quality approach to improving patient care.They picked up the Sharing Best Practice Award at the Lean Healthcare Academy’s 2012 awards ceremony, held in London in February, after a tense wait to find out where they had finished in the final three.

The Leeds entry focused on how the team have researched, developed and produced evidence-based practice deadlines for prosthetic prescription and supported this with data collection and analysis of trends to help identify areas of improvement.

From this they developed a service improvement plan based of life-costing of products to improve prescription, reduce patient visits and introduce additional cost efficiencies.

Trust staff worked closely with RSL Steeper, our prosthetic service partner, who have

extensive experience working with NHS trusts around the country which helped immensely in developing evidence-based information and data in a field which has previously been little-researched.

One of the biggest achievements of the project has been the publication of the generic evidence-based guidelines as a book during 2011. This has been supplied to all UK prosthetic centres, to ensure the lessons are widely shared, and the publication can also be bought by international centres, so potentially the work has global significance.

Nancy Rhodes, Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager, commented: “We were up against some very credible projects from right across the NHS, so we were absolutely delighted when they announced our entry was the overall winner.

“The team here have a really strong focus on using the best practice available to provide services to our patients which are both as effective as possible and good value for money, and it is pleasing to see this being recognised at national level.”

Award winners: Left to right, Vicky Jarvis, Lead Prosthetist with Steve Carter and Mark Davies from RSL Steeper and Nancy Rhodes, Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager.

Prosthetics team win national “lean” award for cost-effective quality

Event Medical Services (EMS), the Skipton-based ambulance company who hold the contract to provide on day discharge and transfer patient transport services for the Trust, have taken delivery of the first of a new generation of ambulances. EMS operate a fleet of five vehicles Monday to Friday with three operating on weekends. They transport on average over 700 patients per month out of our two Emergency Departments and around 500 patients per month from other wards and departments.

EMS Director Tony Howsen said: “As part of our fleet replacement programme we are investing in new vehicles that have been designed to both improve the patient experience and deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions”

EMS have also purchased a new A&E vehicle with four-wheel-drive capability to provide additional support and ensure continuity of service through periods of adverse weather such as snow and ice.

Brian Young, LTHT Head of Facilities (Contract Management) added: “We are delighted with the investment EMS are making in the new ambulances. It can only benefit the service and enhance the journey our patients make.”

New ambulances smooth the patient journey

Winter capability: EMS’s new 4X4 Mercedes ambulance.

Smarter transport: One of the new fleet of Vauxhall Movano vehicles.


Trust staff making the headlines for all the right reasons

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is consistently by far the most prominent Trust in the Yorkshire and Humber region in terms of our profile in the media.

Media stories about good care, new technology and staff working hard to make improvements are extremely important in reassuring patients that they can expect the best of care when they come to us.It is also good for staff morale - reading a positive story about your colleagues and the area you work in, and having good practice recognised, is rewarding for everyone concerned.Here are a few examples of coverage in December and January:

Got a story to tell?While lots of outstanding work goes on in the Trust on a daily basis, only a small fraction is shared with patients and the general public.To make a news story there needs to be an “angle” - new investment or new ways of working, doing

things differently to improve patient care, research underway or being published, and so on.If you have an idea for a new story, please get in touch with Andrew Bannister, Head of Media Relations, on 0113 2066244.

The airing of the new series of award-winning TV documentary One Born Every Minute, filmed in the maternity unit at LGI, caused considerable excitement in the national and regional press with overwhelmingly positive coverage.

In its preview, The Times wrote: “No wonder all politicians are terrified of messing with the NHS. When you see the kindness and the professionalism of the staff here it is impossible not to feel intensely proud of the NHS and immeasurably grateful for it.”

The kindness of staff on Ward 88 in the Bexley Wing made the front-page of the Yorkshire Evening Post, which reported on the gratitude of the bride of a terminally-ill man whose wedding was arranged by the hospital at just 24 hours notice.

Mick Richardson married his partner on Mandy in the last days of his life, and she described the joy of the occasion:

“It meant the world to us. All he wanted to do was get married… The staff did all the ward up and the day room. If it wasn’t for them we would have just got married by his bed.

“The staff were absolutely fantastic. They went the extra mile to make his wishes and our last week happy.”

The Genomic Services Laboratory at St James’s featured on Channel 4 News with Professor Colin Johnson explaining the unit’s long track record of diagnosing entirely new genetic diseases.The facility was chosen as an example of the best practice in genetic technology in the NHS, with the Government’s adviser on genetics warning that many parts of the NHS risk missing out on advances in genetic technology in recent times.

LGI microbiologist Professor Mark Wilcox made headlines in the Daily Mail and many other papers with research about how the simple act of closing the toilet lid before flushing can make a significant difference to the risk of spreading C.diff and other infectious bugs.

“It is very clear from our work that the lid is there for a reason,” he told the paper, adding that leaving the lid up can allow a cloud of bacteria to explode into the air, settling on nearby surfaces.

Nursing Standard featured trauma sister Alex Warner on its cover and inside did a two-page spread on how electronic stock control at the Trust is saving nurses’ time and NHS funds and, most crucially, improving patient safety.

The secret weapon in this fight is the humble bar code similar to that used by high street retailers and now being introduced by the Department of Health, with LTHT leading the way.

The article reveals 94% of stock orders are now made electronically, saving more than £500,000 in the first year of the scheme.

The Trust Supplies Department has been at the forefront of introducing the new technology, but it has made a big impact on front-line care too, with Alex Ward explaining how it has reduced the administrative burden on nurses, while Patient safety lead nurse Juliette Cosgrove explained how the system ensures the right equipment is in the right place, bringing added reassurance for safer patient care.

State-of-the-art keyhole surgery by surgeons at LTHT has transformed the life Steve Stones, from Dewsbury, giving him his mobility back, he told the Yorkshire Post.

Steve, who is fighting a rare from of cancer, still does not know what the future holds but he is delighted at the outcome of the surgery, which eased the pain from a tumour pressing on his spinal cord, virtually paralysing him.

The paper reported: “He is full of praise for the outstanding care of staff at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital which has given him precious extra time in his battle with the soft tissue sarcoma.”

The article added that surgeons in Leeds are planning to carry out the world’s first study to evaluate the success of keyhole techniques for spinal patients.


Leeds Rugby support Yorkshire Cancer Centre with games dealLeeds Rugby and Leeds Teaching Hospitals have pledged to work together for a healthier Leeds with initiatives to benefit sports fans, LTHT staff, patients, hospital charities and the public. The agreement comes from a strategic partnership that has been developed by the Trust with Leeds Rugby, parent company of current Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos

and professional Rugby Union outfit Leeds Carnegie RUFC. The team recently visited patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

In one of the first projects in this ground-breaking partnership Leeds Rhinos have made

a number of tickets available for LTHT staff at a special discount rate. More importantly for each of these tickets sold Leeds Rhinos will donate £5 to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre in Bexley Wing at St James’s.

The aim is to help raise £30,000 to update radiotherapy equipment and help ensure the Yorkshire Cancer Centre continues to offer the most effective and up to date equipment to treat patients from throughout Yorkshire.

The tickets are available to watch the champions play at Headingley Carnegie for the following games:

Leeds Rhinos Vs Huddersfield Giants - Friday 30th March, 8pm

Leeds Rhinos Vs Castleford Tigers - Sunday 24th June, 3pm

LTHT staff can benefit from a reduced ticket price of £15 for adults (usually £20) and £10 for children and concessions and 5 from every ticket purchased by Trust staff will be donated by Leeds Rugby to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Charitable Trust.

If you would like to purchase a ticket you buy direct from Leeds Rhinos ticket sales office on 0871 423 1315* or online at www.therhinos.co.uk by quoting the code LRLTH12.

Friendly faces: As part of the partnership Leeds Rhinos recently came to visit young patients on the wards at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Proud partners: Leeds rugby stars visiting the Trust.


Players from Leeds Rhinos greeted staff and patients at Gledhow Wing, St James’s, as part of the Leeds Let’s Change campaign to encourage health professionals and the wider public to make lifestyle changes. Leeds Let’s Change aims to make it easier to gain access to information on healthy living services in Leeds. The new website www.leedsletschange.co.uk gives contact details so that staff can signpost and refer patients to services that are appropriate for them.

The website provides a one stop shop for anyone wanting support to eat healthier, be more active, lose weight, drink more responsibly, or quit smoking.

To help raise awareness of the launch the Gledhow dining area developed a promotional menu for the day, which offered free fruit for any customer purchasing a salad.

Staff, including the Chairman, also took part

in a challenge to cycle the distance of the Leeds Country Way in under four hours and managed to exceed the 62 mile target by clocking up over 83 miles - with help from the Leeds Rhinos!

Dr Greg Reynolds, Clinical Director for Cardiology said: “A large number of the patients we see could have taken simple steps which would have prevented them from developing serious health problems. Leeds Let’s Change helps people to access simple but effective advice and support which I hope will help them stay healthy for longer. I’m delighted to show my support for Leeds Let’s Change and look forward to continuing to promote the campaign to staff and patients at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.”

Leeds Let’s Change has been developed by NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds with the support of LTHT, plus Leeds City Council, Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust and voluntary and community groups from across the city.

Staff can give their views by completing an online survey on the NHS Leeds website. There is an opportunity to be entered into a free prize draw to win a bike, a signed rugby ball, a signed Leeds Rhinos shirt, or a family ticket to a Leeds Rhinos game.

For more information on Leeds Let’s Change please contact Charlotte Orton, Public Health Specialist Programme Manager on 20 64995 or email [email protected]

Health kick: Rebecca Riffel, Project support officer NHS Leeds, Alison Munro, Development co-ordinator, Charlotte Orton, Public health specialist programme manager, Nigel Emery, Operational security, and Trust Chairman, Mike Collier.

Rhinos back campaign to get Leeds healthier


Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer related deaths in the world and its frequency has tripled in Great Britain over the last three decades. The study being led by Professor Phil Quirke and Dr Fateen focuses on liver cancer that occurs due to Hepatitis C, which is the most common cause of this type of cancer. Dr Fateen said: “My passion towards hepatitis C and liver cancer started 10 years ago as a medical student in Egypt, which has one the highest number of cases in the world. After working in Cairo at specialist liver centres for three years, I had many unanswered scientific questions and developed a great enthusiasm to research.

“I purposely approached Leeds, which combines one of the biggest liver units in the UK along with spectacular facilities for researchers and world-class mentors.”

Dr Fateen explained that the growth of different types of cancer is associated with

unique changes that occur in the genes. New medications have been specially designed to target these changes and are readily available to treat tumours. However, things are not that simple with liver cancer due to the complexity of factors that lead to its occurrence.

“In our study we analyse the effect of four most common types of Hepatitis C virus on liver cancer genetics using next generation sequencing (NGS), which is the most advanced technique currently available for reading the genetic code and detecting changes in it,” he said.

“We believe that there are distinct genetic changes in liver cancer unique to each of the four main Hepatitis C virus types, which was demonstrated in our pilot data. New drugs developed to cure the disease may be able to target these specific genetic changes in liver cancer caused by specific strains of Hepatitis C.

“Our pilot data has shown very promising results on a small number of patients and we now need to expand the number so that we can help to make progress in this horrible

disease. We aim to complete our study on hundreds of liver cancers and present our results within the next two years. “

LTHT is one of the first few centres in Europe to utilise NGS for diagnostic purposes. Leeds is the third largest tertiary referral liver centre in the UK and hundreds of liver cancer patients are treated here every year.

Dr Fateen added: “Our vital pathology department resources were pivotal in providing outstanding pilot data for this study. The LTHT Charitable Foundation also played an essential role in enabling this research to be carried out by funding this award. Every year it supports research in Leeds by funding researchers whose studies go on to make a significant impact on clinical practice and the well being of patients.”

The Foundation started providing awards in 2005. Every year there is a call for proposals, which undergo peer review by a scientific committee, and a panel that includes an external examiner interviews the candidates before reaching a decision.

Major achievement: Waleed Fateen, research fellow and Professor Phil Quirke in the laboratory.

Major liver research project underway at LTHT

Congratulations to Dr Waleed Fateen, Clinical Research Fellow in Hepatology, who has been awarded the £110,000 Sir Donald Kaberry fellowship for research into liver cancer.


Sadie Crossley, who now works as a Clinical support worker at the Trust, won the ‘Against All Odds’ apprentice award, and the Trust itself picked up the ‘Most outstanding contribution to apprenticeships’ award’. The Leeds Apprenticeship Awards were judged by an independent panel made up of representatives from the private sector, the National Apprenticeship Service and Councillors.

Initially Sadie committed to a 7 week pre-employment Employability Clinical Support Worker programme, which was on a voluntary basis. On successfully completing the programme, she then went on to apply for the Apprentice Clinical Support Worker scheme and was successful in securing a place. She achieved this and is now a fully qualified Band 2 Clinical Support Worker.

Connie Oldham, Lead nurse in the Nursing Directorate, said: “Sadie is a true inspiration and I am delighted she has been recognised.”

Harjit Tanda, Head of HR for the Trust’s Recruitment Service, said: “We should all be very proud of our Apprenticeship Programme and it’s great to get external recognition as one of the best schemes anywhere in the country.

“For an apprentice it’s not just about training

but also real experience and the first step towards a long-term career in the health care sector. Over the years the Trust has worked with hundreds of apprentices, all who have benefited from the training and work experience we have provided.”

The apprentice programme the Trust delivers is focused on a job and not just individual skills. Apprentices learn through on and off-the job education and training. They are trained by a team of experienced staff to

maintain high standards. Harjit added: “It is about helping our patients get the best possible care and by using innovative practices we recruit, develop and retain the best people.

“At the end of the programme, successful apprentices are recruited into substantive Band 2 Clinical Support Worker roles through the undertaking of a six month apprenticeship. The apprentice programme recruits up to 20 places bi-monthly with a 75% success rate since it started in 2010.”

Success after success for Trust’s “outstanding” apprentice scheme

Leeds Teaching Hospitals picked up two awards at a special event to celebrate apprenticeships across the city and recognise employers who are committed to supporting and training them.

Against all odds: Clinical support worker, Sadie Crossley.

Proud moment: Back - Debbie Sadjadi, Employability programme co-ordinator, Lindsay Foster, Recruitment assistant. Front - Sue Davidson, Vocational Skills Development Leader, Connie Oldham, Lead Nurse, Nursing Directorate.

Outstanding contribution: Harjit Tanda, Head of HR for the Recruitment Service, receives award on behalf of the Trust.

LTHT Neurologist, Michael Johnson and neurophysiotherapist, Moira Keith have been sharing their knowledge and expertise with healthcare workers in Madagascar on a visit organised by Leeds charity Optin. The ethos of Optin is to use the skills and motivation of NHS staff to deliver projects that make a permanent difference to healthcare in developing countries.

Links between the Trust and the African island were formed back in 2008 when a memorandum of understanding was signed, and a three year project of work started. This encompassed the areas of ophthalmology, rehabilitation, and nursing.

Michael and Moira’s trip to the capital Antanananarivo - known locally as Tana - was part of a programme of teaching for rehabilitation. The idea is that doctors and physiotherapists are trained to an appropriate level for the needs of the population and then go on to become leaders and trainers for the diploma programme at the University of Tana.

On a previous trip, physiotherapist Gemma

Plowright, with paediatric expertise, taught the Malagasy doctors and physiotherapists the latest techniques for treating children with cerebral palsy and other conditions.

The emphasis for this latest trip was on adult conditions such as stroke and neuropathy. Michael revised the principles of diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders while Moira taught hands-on treatment methods with the willing participation of patients attending the rehab unit at one of the local teaching hospitals.

Michael said, “We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the doctors and physios, most of whom had travelled long distances to attend the course.

“They had little money for meals and

necessities while they were away from their homes. Despite that, they were happy to take part in exercises and demonstrations, and to work in the evenings preparing projects to develop services in their units.

“It was really satisfying to be teaching good, old-fashioned clinical skills to people who have to work without scanners and other tests that we take for granted”.

Moira also commented: “This trip was an amazing and humbling experience. The physios were hungry to learn new techniques, but needed help to see the relevance of clinical reasoning in determining which techniques were suitable for which patients. The effects of extreme poverty were blatantly evident and I had to shut off to this to some extent in order to be effective in trying to change the things that were possible in just two weeks. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Director of Optin, Professor Anne Chamberlain, met with officials in the Department of Health, the University and executives from some of the NGOs and charities to ensure the success of the linked programmes for the future. She said: “Leeds is the first teaching hospital in the UK to make a link with a non-English speaking country and while this presents challenges, it is important to continue to develop contacts for the future of the programme.”

Reflecting on the trip, Michael said: “Seeing the awful conditions on the neurosurgery wards helped me to appreciate the clean and smart wards we have in Leeds and emphasised how vital the nursing and cleaning staff are to ensure that our high standards are maintained.”

For further information and to support Optin, look at www.optin.uk.net or contact Sharon Packer on 0113 3925873 or at [email protected]

Working together for a better future

Sharing knowledge: Neurologist, Michael Johnson, teaching a class of doctors and physios.

Hands-on: Neurophysiotherapist, Moira Keith, sharing new techniques with physios in a hospital in Tana, capital of Madagascar.

024 www.leedsth.nhs.uk024 www.leedsth.nhs.uk

“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the doctors and physios, most of whom had travelled long distances to

attend the course.”


Congratulations to the team at the Mosaic Centre, one of the Trust’s three childcare nurseries, who achieved the top level grade in a national quality assessment at their first attempt.The assessment from e-Quality Counts, run by the National Day Nurseries association, commended Mosaic Nursery for its “very strong and positive leadership” and praised the team as “a committed confident, enthusiastic, skilled and motivated workforce.”

It commended the nursery for “providing a very beautiful environment inside and out”, singling out the outdoor play space as particularly valuable for encouraging fitness and more lively activities, and was full of praise for the standards of care for all age groups.

Mosaic Nursery is just off-site, on Leopold Street close to St James’s, and looks after 67 children of Trust staff members ranging from

babies of three months right up to school age, and is open 7am - 6pm with the aim to be as flexible as possible to the needs of parents and children.

It employs 25 staff, mainly early years practitioners and assistant nursery practitioners, who work in an inter-connected series of rooms to cater for the needs of the various ages of children the team look after. They provide a happy, stimulating environment where children can develop through play and stimulation, focusing very much on the needs of each youngster.

The nursery offers a wide range of play options, special events and outings, but encourages the children to choose their own rather than being too directive. It also has an important role in getting older children ready for the challenge of school, with a room set out more like a classroom.

The assessor from e-Quality Counts was particular impressed by the ability of the

staff to encourage the play and creativity of youngsters, keeping a watchful eye on them without over-interference to help the children have an experience as close as possible to being at home.

Nursery Manager, Lisa Wightman, said: “To get the top grading has been a real boost all the members of our team and provides independent reassurance that we are doing the best job possible, which in turn allows working parents at the Trust to get on with their jobs knowing their children are in safe hands.

“Feedback and support from the parents has always been very positive and they were all so proud of us when we told them. Completing the assessment really made us look hard at the policies and procedures we had in place to make sure they were all helping us provide the best possible care and service, and we’re delighted this has been recognised.”

Glowing assessment for Mosaic nursery

Quality service: (l-r) Helen Fraser, Lisa Wightman, Alex Hill, Lisa Barber; (Back row) - Kathy Wood, Michelle Goodall, and Jody Lee at the Mosaic Nursery.


One of the biggest fixtures in the city’s sporting and fundraising calendar is the Leeds 10k Run for All event, which attracted dozens of our staff last year, many of whom were running to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Appeal. Among the entrants were a quartet of paediatric medical secretaries, who scooped the Best Dressed Team award from the organisers.

Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal has already secured guaranteed places so all you need to do is contact them as an individual or a team and then get training!

If running isn’t your thing, thrill seekers are being sought for The Big Jump 2012 at Bridlington Airfield.

Imagine the adrenaline rush as you leave the plane at 10,000 feet, heading towards the earth at 120 miles per hour for 5,000 feet of freefall.

Brave volunteers wanting to fulfil their

Family affair: Some of the acute theatre team and supporters who will be taking part in the Transylvania Trek. Shown are Periopertive assistant, Keeley Russell, Theatre Sister Siobhan Stubbs and Perioperative Assistant Rebekah Hellam-Brook, flanked by Siobhan’s nieces Sarah Weaver (left of picture) and Emily Weaver (right of picture).

Sharp dressers: With their award from the Leeds 10K are (l-r) Medical secretaries Pam Jajuha, Maria Blackburn, Christine Bottom and Marie Stoves.

Fundraisers issue a challenge to get active in 2012

Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal is challenging staff to get active, have fun and raise money for the cause by taking part in a run, skydive or trek - just three of the great events they have coming up during 2012.

lifetime’s ambition of a parachute jump over Yorkshire can jump for the Children’s Hospital or if you prefer you can donate to the fund or ward of your choice.

No experience is necessary, as it will be a tandem skydive, attached to a professional instructor.

Finally, the Appeal is also setting its sights beyond our shores with its first ever Trek through Transylvania, a challenging walk taking place in September.

Those taking part will trek across part of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, in some of the most stunning scenery in Europe, and experience the dark and mysterious landscape which inspired the story of legendary vampire Count Dracula.

A team from Acute Theatres at Leeds General Infirmary have already secured their places and have planned a cycle ride and a Yorkshire Three Peaks event as part of their training for the Trek.

For details on all the events email [email protected] or call 0113 39(26803) or 39(25140).


Stephanie Allen works in the Trust’s VAT Services Department as a Higher

Level VAT Assistant at LGI. She and her colleagues play an important role in helping the Trust to

recover money owed to us, boosting overall budgets.

60 seconds

In the office…

Q.What does your typical day at work involve?

A typical day for me is reading my emails in the morning and then VAT checking the post and stamping it for VAT recovery where appropriate.

In the afternoon I spend time resolving queries. This can involve reading through contracts and meeting with members of staff to discuss projects and purchases they may be undertaking in order to maximise their VAT savings.

We also undertake VAT work for several other NHS Trusts in the Yorkshire area so I am always very busy! The Trust makes substantial VAT savings throughout the financial year and it is the VAT Services Department’s job to make sure this is undertaken in the correct manner and in accordance with HM Revenue & Customs guidelines

Q.How did you get to be a Higher Level VAT

Assistant at LTHT?After leaving school I worked in the Finance Department at a solicitor’s in Leeds where I became interested in taxation and decided I wanted to move into that field of accountancy. I than obtained the job of VAT Assistant here at the Trust

Q.What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is seeing how so much money can be saved from making suggestions and changing procedures.

Q.And there must be something about your

work that really frustrates you…Not getting the results I want!

Q.What’s your best advice to a new starter at

the Trust?Work hard, show willing and you will go far.

Q.What are the behaviours that are most important

to you?Honesty, reliability and integrity.

And out of hours…

Q.What do you do to wind down and relax after a

hard day at work?I love going shopping, to the cinema and going out with friends.

Q.If you could go anywhere this weekend, where

would you go?I would go shopping in New York.

Q.You’re sitting down to your favourite meal,

what’s on the menu?My favourite meal would be a bruschetta for starters, followed by a nice pasta dish and then tarte au citron for dessert!

Q.If you won the national lottery, what would you do?

I would make sure my family and close friends were well looked after, buy a BMW and also a holiday home in Barbados!

Q.What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A teacher or an air hostess.

Q.What is your favourite film?The Lion King.

Q.Tell us something we don’t know about you…

My mum’s cousin played Peter Barlow’s Alcoholics Anonymous counsellor in Coronation Street.

If you have an interesting news story for Bulletin, or if you or one of your colleagues would like to feature in a future 60 Seconds, please contact Suzanne Breen in the Communications team on ext 66494 or email [email protected].


NHS Trust


Research rewards


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Are you interested in improving health and social care services for you and your family?

Would you like to have your say and influence the services that affect you? Such as:

• Hospitals • Doctors• Home Care • Residential Care• After Care Services • Mental Health

If so, join the Leeds Local Involvement Network (LINk), an independent organisation made up of volunteers from all over Leeds and have your say!

The LINk is currently working on issues relating to hospital food, stroke services, residential care homes, young people’s services

and much more.

If you would like to be involved in anyway or to find out more about the work of the LINk please visit our website at

www.leedslink.org.uk call 0113 388 5099 or follow us on Twitter (@LeedsLINk) or Facebook.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the LINk please visit our website at www.leedslink.org.uk or call 0113 388 5099

or follow us on Twitter (@LeedsLINk) and Facebook.

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn

of any errors, they cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written

consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2012 Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822

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To advertise in this publication please call the sales team on 01909 478822

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Dukeries Health CareResidential care homes catering for the differing requirements of the Elderly, Dementia Sufferers, and those with Alcohol Related Brain Injuries such as Korsakoffs and Wernickes.

Kirkstall court is a 30 bedded care home providing residential care to people suffering from alcohol related brain injuries, including Korsakoff's Syndrome and Wernickes Encephalopathy.

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Clients are offered a full range of rehabilitative care at the home including supported

employment, college access and cooking.

The Champion Crescent care pathway ensures that we provide regular assessments in a number of areas.

These include Cognitive testing, Kitchen skills, Self care skills, and also General Safety.

The home is situated near the M62, the M1 and the A1, near Kirkstall Abbey.


Rosa Homes are offering a fantastic range of brand new affordable homes available on a Shared Ownership basis. The properties are situated in the thriving area of Beeston in Leeds.

The homes will appeal to first time buyers and families as we have homes to suit all needs with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. The properties are very spacious and will be ready to move in to from April 2012!

The properties are Government funded and made available to all who meet the qualifying criteria. Shared Ownership allows you to purchase a share of the property, from as little as 25% up to 75%.

For more information and to apply please contact:

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Advertorial

Need a little help in, or getting to, hospital ?

If you need a little help or know of someone who does anywhere in Britain, simply contact WRVS on 0845 600 6553 or visit wrvs.org.uk

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• attend medical appointments

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• in their own home after a stay in hospital

WRVS, the older people’s charity, has a hospital support service to help older people


Evenings

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does The Leeds

Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust endorse any of the products or services.

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Leeds Teaching Hospitals Bulletin Spring 2012

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Transcript of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Bulletin Spring 2012