December 2015 – Issue 23

On Wednesday 21st October staff, patients, friends and colleagues came together to mark Black History Month – Celebrating as One. The event a wonderfully warm and engaging get-together set against the bright backdrop of our showcase venue, The Lighthouse, Edward Street.

Joyce Fletcher, Deputy Director of Nursing welcomed everyone commenting, 'The event this evening is about celebration and being

proud of our diverse workforce and the work we are undertaking to unite staff working in the Trust ‘as one’. We want staff to overcome barriers and embrace differences to unify people so that we really do work as one to improve patient experience.’

The event saw a rich mix of cultural diversity demonstrated through: singing, thanks to the beautiful voice of Martha Campbell and her two young children, poetry, an open mic

session and launch of the Trust’s ‘Celebrating as One’ posters rejoicing the cultures and contributions of our diverse workforce.

The open mic session proved to be one of the most inspiring elements of the celebration with contributions from various staff and invited guests. Amongst the speakers was Paul Grey, a multi-award winning, wellbeing consultant and also Pastor for the New Testament Church of God in Low Hill Wolverhampton. Pastor Grey described his own experiences of accessing mental health services and he encouraged everyone to work together, to hold onto the positives and to view things differently in order to bring about change.

It was a privilege to have Bishop Dr Joe Aldred who gave a short but powerful speech about Black History Month and reminded everyone to take a few short minutes to discover something new about black history and the important contribution black people have made to society. We were also delighted to be joined by Councillor Jackie Taylor the first black female to be elected onto Sandwell Council, who gave her own inspiring thoughts about remembering to focus on the successes of black people and friendships.

The celebrations were brought to a close by Jeremy Grant, a friend and Expert by Experience of the Trust who eloquently narrated his 6C’s poem commissioned by Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England, and this really sealed the tone of what was an inspiring evening.

Black History Month – Celebrating as One!

l-r: Emma Louis; Rudi Page; Bishop Dr. Joe Aldred; Pastor Paul Grey and Joyce Fletcher Our poster staff

Gathered friends and colleagues enjoying refreshments

In this issue.. .CQC Outcome Headlines ..................... P3Chief Executive Christmas Message ..... P5Introducing TARU .................................. P9The Benefits of Walking ......................P10If you have a story contact the Communications Team on 0121 612 8032

All About Me

Are you ready?

Name: Tabetha Darmon Job Title: Associate Director for Safeguarding I joined the Trust in June 2014 as the Interim Strategic Lead for Safeguarding and my role included: high level review of the safeguarding policies and procedures; Trust compliance with statutory requirements; engagement with the adults and children safeguarding boards and their sub-groups; Serious Case and Domestic Homicide Case Reviews assurance framework and monitoring; CQC/Ofsted action plans; developing a safeguarding dashboard and reviewing training compliance. The role also involved provision of strategic leadership responsibilities for the safeguarding children and adults teams and developing a more integrated safeguarding model that supports the transition of children into adults and also engenders the ‘Think Family’ ideology. On 5th May I became substantive as the Associate Director for Safeguarding, and am looking forward to ensuring safeguarding in the Trust is on everyone’s agenda.

What do you enjoy most about your job? Making a difference by ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of what we do and that, to the best of our abilities, we are safeguarding vulnerable children and children at risk and improving their health and wellbeing as they grow into adulthood; being part of safeguarding vulnerable adults through involvement and engagement with teams.

What do you consider your best achievements?

• Strategic review/safeguarding gap analysis• Integration of the safeguarding teams• Effective engagement with external safeguarding Boards and

most of their sub-groups• Development of a safeguarding training plan• Establishment of a joint safeguarding committee to enhance

communication with groups• Introduction of a new structure supported by specific posts• Being Chair of the Quality and Performance sub-group for

Wolverhampton

What is your favourite TV programme(s)?Any wildlife programmes by David Attenborough

Which people do you most admire? Barack Obama

What do you do to relax? Read, walk and visit pubs

What book changed your life? The Bible

What traits do you dislike in other people?Dishonesty, discrimination and lack of respect for others

What is your best feature?I'll let you decide!

What would you change about yourself? Maybe worrying about what other people think

What is your favourite holiday destination and why? Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe because it’s my home

What ambitions do you have?Work for myself one day

Three words people use to describe you: From 360 degree assessments:SupportiveEffective communicatorSensitive

What makes you angry? Poor outcomesBullying and harassment

In October the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) formally confirmed their decision to introduce revalidation for all nurses and midwives in the UK: the most significant change to regulation in the way nurses renew their pin number in a generation.

The Trust has been encouraging all of our qualified nursing staff to engage in the revalidation process for some months, because for the first group of staff affected

by the new revalidation process, April 2016 when the changes come into effect, is not that far away.

Revalidation means that everyone on the nursing and midwifery register will have to demonstrate, byway of the collection of evidence, that they are able to deliver care in a safe, effective and professional way. All qualified nurses and midwives will have to show they are staying up to date in their practice and living the values

of their Code of conduct by reflecting on their practice and engaging in discussions with colleagues. For the first time, qualified nurses and midwives will also have to obtain confirmation that they have met all the requirements before they apply to renew their place on the register every three years.

If you are a qualified nurse who isn’t sure what your revalidation date is please ensure you visit NMC on-line and check out your date today!

02

03

Week beginning 16th November saw 82 CQC inspectors descend on the Trust in order undertake our first inspection under CQC’s new regulations. Breaking into smaller groups, over the week inspectors visited all areas of the Trust.

It goes without saying that the week was a hectic one, which saw more inspectors visiting Orchard Hills in Walsall than there were staff and patients; large numbers of inspectors visiting clinical areas wanting the time of staff whilst they were trying to run services and see patients; and the Governance Department being asked, and providing, over 514 items of information to the team of investigators.

So before the headlines from the verbal feedback provided by inspectors at the end of the visit, I must extend a huge thank you to every single member of staff because I know getting through our CQC inspection has been a massive team effort by everyone.

Headlines

• Without exception all staff are incredibly caring - At the end of the day this is what we are here for and to be told this, irrespective of the outcome of the other domains, makes all of us feel incredibly proud

• Health Care Support Worker on Dale Ward, Tony: Fantastic service around dental and optical provision

• Older Adults Community Team/Memory Services: fantastic innovative service with the local football team

• The See Saw Team excellent care, good collaboration and MDT working. Very passionate at what they do

• Health Visitor Inclusion Team go above and beyond their roles with very challenging families

• LD Community Teams showed innovation, collaboration and inclusion

• The A&E liaison team is fantastic and the acute A&E staff complimented them on their responsiveness to patient issues

Areas to follow up include:

• Some estate and environment issues were raised – all of which we are aware of

• Archiving of records; some areas good some not so good, and issue with duplication of records

• Reports of physiotherapy equipment loaned to children for use in their own homes that has not been maintained

Well done everyone, the final report will be available in the New Year.

CQC Outcome HeadlinesKaren Dowman, Chief Executive

“The Board of Directors and leadership is in transition, but it is obvious they have a good grip on what is going on in the Trust. This was demonstrated from the presentation on the Monday and through to talking to staff on the floor.”

“Thank you for the welcome

from all your staff who were very

open, honest and transparent and

demonstrated true passion about

what they do.”

“They were very open,

honest and transparent

from the Board of Directors

to the staff on the floor

and even the CCGs

commented on how open,

honest and transparent

the Trust is.”

No one wants to be ill over the festive season, so to help avoid contracting flu you need to protect yourself and your family by having a flu jab. Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s

sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infection disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat.

A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked

up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed. You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands

frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus. But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season really starts.

It’s not too late, you know the facts so why not get your flu jab today - go on what’s stopping you!

Have you had your flu jab this year?

04

The sixth Leadership for Quality event took place on Tuesday 8th September when staff from across the Trust came together to focus on the Trust’s clinical strategy.

The day began with introductions from Sheila Lloyd, Executive Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), and Governance, Dr Stephen Edwards and Dr Jas Lidher, Medical Directors, who in turn highlighted the importance of having a clinical strategy and encouraged those in attendance to use the day to listen, ask questions and have an open debate about what the strategy should look like.

Presentations on the journey taken to date to develop clinical structures were provided from: Dr Joe Vella and Scott Humphries (learning disabilities strategy); Nicky Davies and Mandy Jackson (CYPF strategy); Dr Madhava Rao (CAMHS strategy); Dr Sami El-Hilu and Wendy Aston (mental health younger adults); Dr Andrew Griffiths (mental health older adults).

The presentations were well received, informative and provoked much interest and discussion. Work is now continuing on further development of the clinical strategies to bring them together.

After lunch participants had a packed afternoon including presentations from Professor Morton from University Hospitals Birmingham, who provided a presentation about the Genomes Project. This is the study of the whole genome and how it works, but has also come to have a broader meaning to include the way that the genome is interpreted and the technologies that have been developed because of it.

Rudi Page, currently working with the Trust on the Every Voice Heard programme, part of the Trust’s organisational development plan, took to the stage to introduce himself and the work he will be undertaking over the coming weeks around staff inclusion.

The next session about Freedom to Speak Up (F2SU) and Whistleblowing, was led by Joyce Fletcher, Deputy Director of Nursing and Kathy McAteer, Non-Executive Director,

who updated the audience about the work being done around the important issue of raising concerns.

The last session of the day was led by Gill Murphy, Associate Director of Nursing, who focused on the CQC visit. Gill provided an update on progress to date, talked about the CQC guidance that has been developed for all staff, and the ongoing work to prepare for the visit.

Clinical Strategy takes shape at Quality Summit

05

Christmas message from the Chief ExecutiveChristmas and the New Year are the times that we look back at what has happened over the last twelve months and give some thought to the future, and I do that with great anticipation.

Although the year has had its many challenges; money, the increased acuity of our patients and clients, bed pressures and significant reorganisations particularly with “call to action” and the Learning Disability 16 week pathway, there have been some great things as well. New services, new and much improved premises and some excellent innovation and awards for staff who have been acknowledged both regionally and nationally.

At Board level we have seen many changes, including the departure of two of our Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Paul Riley, our senior NED who left at the end of September, and Pauline Werhun CBE who will be leaving at the end of December to spend more time with her new grandson. John Campbell, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy, is also leaving the Trust after eight years to become a Director of Turning Point. All of these colleagues will be greatly missed and I wish them well, and as we say goodbye to those leaving it’s always good to welcome on board new colleagues David Stenson and Paula Lloyd Knight, Associate Non-Executive Directors, and Tracey Cotterill who joined the Trust in April as Director of Finance.

The Trust is in the midst of exciting times that present opportunities for 2016 and beyond, and I highlight below just three of the most important things that we have been working on this year.

• Sustainability: For sometime now The Trust has been working to ensure the future sustainability of services. This has involved a tremendous amount of work and I was pleased that staff, governors, commissioners, service users and carers participated in the evaluation of prospective partners. The information provided is being evaluated and we hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks as to who the successful partner is and how we will work together.

• The Merit Vanguard: At the end of September the Trust, in partnership with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, were successful in a joint bid to be part of the latest wave of NHS England’s New Care Models Vanguard programme. This will focus on acute care, 7 day working, rehabilitation and recovery for adult mental health across our Trusts.

• CQC Inspection: At the end of November we had a visit from the Care Quality Commission who undertook our first inspection under their new regulations.

Early verbal feedback was very positive and how incredibly “caring all of our staff”, without exception, are. To have this recognised by the inspectors makes me extremely proud to be the Chief Executive of this Trust.

With all the pressure in the modern health system, you continue to deliver frontline care to the most vulnerable people in our communities and all Board members and myself want to thank and commend your dedication. I know it is not always easy.

On a personal note, I have been reflecting on the fact that this will be my last Christmas message. I have seen many changes in my 25 years as Chief Executive and 37 years in the NHS, and the one certain thing is that although change will always will be with us, the values and commitment of the NHS staff I saw all those years ago, are still there and seen by the people we serve every day.

So finally, on behalf of myself and your directors, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year, whatever it brings.

Changes to the Board The past months have seen some significant changes to membership of the Board of Directors, and we have more to let you know about now.

Firstly, the Assembly of Governors have appointed two Associate Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), who started in the summer. David Stenson and Paula Lloyd Knight bring a wealth of NHS experience to the Board – David has held a number of senior positions within governance functions of local NHS bodies and Paula

recently worked in senior roles in public and patient engagement. Their initial appointments are for one year.

At the end of September the Board said farewell to its longest serving Non-Executive, and Senior Independent Director, Paul Riley. Paul served on the Board from October 2007, and made a significant contribution to the development of the Trust and work of the Board.Sadly, the Trust will also be losing the services of Pauline Werhun CBE, who has

been a Non-Executive since December 2010. Pauline was the first NED appointed to have senior clinical experience within the NHS and she has contributed greatly to ensure the Board’s focus on the quality and safety of patient care. We wish her all the very best for the future.

December also sees the departure of John Campbell, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy. We wish John all the best in his new role at Turning Point.

Paul Riley Pauline WerhunPaula Lloyd KnightDavid Stenson John Campbell

Shaping our future

Listening & learning

Shaping our future Listening & learning

Staff recognised at afternoon teaThe Quarterly Achievement Awards, part of the Trust’s ‘Shaping our future’ programme, have been set up in response to staff feedback. The awards form part of the Trust’s ‘Shaping our Future’ programme to improve staff recognition, engagement and wellbeing. They are seen as an enhancement to the Annual Achievement Awards to ensure that staff contributions are valued, recognised and celebrated on a regular basis and are locally owned. There has been a tremendous response to this initiative with staff nominating their teams and colleagues to receive recognition.

To further support this initiative, winners of the last quarter awards, along with those who had received nominations, were invited to attend an afternoon tea on Friday 9th October at The Lighthouse, Edward Street. The event was hosted by our chief Executive, Karen Dowman, who was supported by John Campbell, Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Wakeman Director of Workforce and Lesley Writtle, Director of Operations, all of whom were very proud to be part of recognising and supporting staff positive news and achievements.

Karen presented the winners with a framed certificate and flowers. She also extended thanks and acknowledged those staff who had been nominated, who had been sent a hand written “time to shine” recognition post card.

All winners were genuinely touched to have been nominated and thanked their colleagues and teams alike. Denise Tooth, who had previously nominated her team, was very modest about receiving her award and dedicated it to her fantastic team who were in attendance with her.

The winners are:

The Trust is on a journey to improve staff experience, culture and communications. And whilst we recognise that things will not change overnight and that there is still a long way to go to achieve our objectives, it is important that we all recognise the progress that has been made. The following therefore provides a brief update on four key areas of improvement that you identified as important in your feedback from various listening and engagement vehicles e.g. It’s all about you days, staff survey results etc.

What you said needs to improve:

• Bank Staffing• Vacancies• Engagement and Involvement• Recognition

What we have done to improve things

Bank Staffing:• increased the pay rates of bank workers in line

with Agenda for Change (AfC) rates of pay • implemented the living wage• increased the number of MAPPA (Multi-Agency

Public Protection Arrangements) trained bank staff to increase the flexibility of this resource to support clinical areas

• increased recruitment activity to the bank to increase the number of available workers

Vacancies:• Reviewed establishments in clinical areas• Speeded up the recruitment process• Held an open day to raise the profile of BCPFT as

an employer• Improved the way we engage with our student

nurses to secure them into substantive posts• Increased our number of apprentices and

improved the way we engage with them after their training to secure them into substantive posts

Engagement and Involvement: See Executive DoN speaks at BME event page 7

Recognition: See - Staff recognised at afternoon tea

Mental Health Group: Denise Tooth, Team Manager Referral Assessment Service, Penn Hospital;

Learning Disability/CYPF Group:Learning Disability - Jacqui Ennis, LD Liaison Nurse, Sandwell General Hospital; CYFP - Emma L Thompson, Admin Officer;

Corporate: Sian Rowles, Business Intelligence Manager.

Congratulations to all winners whose names will now be put forward to the next Annual Achievement Awards that are scheduled to be arranged sometime in July 2016. Watch out for information on this and about the next quarterly awards coming soon. We need your support - so keep nominating.

To find out more about the Quarterly Awards please contact Gail Parry, Events and Engagement Lead on 0121 612 8138 or email gail.parry@bcpft.nhs.uk.

Denise Jacqui

Emma Sian

Shaping our future Listening & learning

Together we can make a difference!

We are continuing to implement a range of additional actions to further respond to staff feedback and will update you in future editions of Grapevine.

Executive Director of Nursing speaks at the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) Advisory Group 7th Annual Conference

Sheila Lloyd the Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and Governance was recently invited to speak at the Chief Nursing Officer’s BME Annual Event: Valuing Diversity – Embracing Change. This high profile event, hosted by NHS England, saw Sheila joining a host of speakers including: Roger Kline, Research Fellow, Middlesex University and Director, NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard; Joan Myers OBE, Nurse Consultant for Children and Young People North East London Foundation Trust and Chair Chief Nursing Officer BME Advisory Group, NHS England, and Paul Vaughan, Regional Director at Royal College of Nursing.

Sheila’s presentation, The Black Country Experience, saw her speaking from the heart about her own journey into the nursing profession and leadership, her passion for safe clinical care and improvement of the patient experience, and the work she now leads at the Trust around quality, governance, cultural alignment and staff engagement. Sheila’s presentation was well received by the attentive audience and raised some thought provoking questions. And, if attendees didn’t know where the Black Country (Partnership NHS Foundation Trust) was at the beginning of the presentation they did by the end of it!

Sheila said: “It was a real privilege to attend the Chief Nursing Officer’s BME Annual event. There was a great energy in the room because of the shared vision from all to ensure that the right support and systems are in place to meet the challenges needed to shape the future of our BME workforce.”

Sheila continued: “One of the main actions for the Trust now is to create a robust workforce race equality standard (WRES) which shows us how we are doing against national standards. The new WRES task group will play a significant part in ensuring the Trust delivers on the expected outcomes, which the chief executive and I will take a keen interest in.”

Yassar Mohammed, Specialist Faith Chaplain, Equality/Diversity Officer and Trust lead for the workforce race equality standard (WRES) also attended the event. Yassar said: “It was a great opportunity for me to attend such a prestigious conference, and I was impressed by all the important helpful messages being relayed.”

If you want to know more about the WRES please email yassar.mohamed@bcpft.nhs.uk.

UPDATE

08

On Wednesday 28th October 2015 the co-ordination carnival took place at the New Pens Meadow post 16 unit on Tiled House Lane, Brierley Hill, Dudley, providing a host of fun activities, information and support.

The Children’s Occupational Therapy team and Paediatric Physiotherapy team, from the Sunflower Centre, Stourbridge held a fantastic event, with over 70 people coming through the doors to take part in co-ordination and craft activities. Staff were on hand to provide help and advice to children, families and professionals, in what was a relaxing and fun environment with everyone joining in the fun of being creative.

The event was a great success and staff would like to thank Geoff Hill Charitable Trust, Sainsbury’s Withymoor and Tesco Stourbridge for supporting the event.

Co-ordination fun had by all!

The Recovery College is now up and running and has moved into Quayside House in Oldbury, which is great news. This has enabled us to launch our Monday drop-in sessions, which take place every Monday between 10am – 12pm for anyone who would like to find out more about the college. You can have a tour round, get to know the college staff, and pick up useful information about the college. Drop-ins are open to everyone so please do come and see us.

If any service users or carers would like to tell their story, for example by making a video, or writing a poem, please let us know.

Taster SessionsThe college provides a collaborative, educational learning environment and aims to promote messages of hope, opportunity and choice for all.

All courses are co-produced by: experts by experience and experts by profession. So whether you want to develop new skills or increase your understanding of mental health challenges, you will find that our college is a relaxed, friendly place to learn, with lots of support on hand if you need it.

A number of taster sessions took place in August 2015 and we had some great feedback including:

• “I found the course really good and stimulating”• “I felt very engaged”• “We learnt from each other, the group sessions

were very informative”

Our full prospectus is due to be launched in April 2016, but we look forward to providing a full range of courses from January 2016 onwards. We will publish details in the coming weeks, but if you would like further information please contact us using one of the methods below.

Keep in touch You can now keep up with the latest news and views from the college by:

Telephoning: 0121 543 4061 or 07800 534162Email: recovery.college@bcpft.nhs.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/therecoverycollegeBCPFT Twitter: www.twitter.comsandwellrc@sandwellrc College website: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk

Betty’s Christmas PoemA SatsumaAnd half a crownSnow sprinklesLightly blown aroundWhite snowman standing tallWith friendly childrenComing to callBringing many memoriesFor one and allChristmas is hereLet’s have a ball!

By Betty Paskin

09

Introducing the Therapy and Recovery Unit (TARU)The TARU offers activities, groups and psychological interventions for patients who suffer with mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis or dementia. Interventions are provided on a group or individual basis, and are designed to help people recover from their illness by teaching them about relapse prevention and/or helping them to live as full a life as possible with their illness.

The unit, which is totally patient focused, works with patients who may have anxiety and depression on Monday and Friday, and with patients who live with varying degrees of dementia on the other three days of the week.

Working with patients with anxiety and depression involves the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and teaching about anxiety and depression. With the use of MyRAP – My Recovery and Action Planning – staff support patients to identify their own wellbeing toolkit which helps them to: identify strengths and build on them; manage unhelpful thoughts maintain wellbeing and recognise and manage relapse signs.

Tuesday sees staff specifically looking at wellbeing issues with patients who have moderate to advanced dementia, which might include sensory stimulation; using music and sounds; visual and tactile work; creative arts and reminiscence. Wednesday is primarily the unit’s ‘information provision’ day which sees groups being provided for patients and carers in order for them to gain information and knowledge about dementia, and how to manage and live with dementia. Thursday is for patients with mild to moderate dementia when staff are able to support them

with practical coping skills around managing memory problems. Totally integrated into the daily activities of the unit, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is also used very successfully with patients. Specialist CST groups have been developed including a Punjabi CST group and the football memories group, which won an award at this year’s staff achievement awards.

Clinical activities at the until are reviewed and redesigned in the light of research and patient need on a regular basis

The staff team at TARU consists of:

Deputy Manager, Surinder Jandu whose role it is to co-ordinate all the work, activities, and processes taking place in the unit. Surinder ensures the smooth running of the unit by managing the allocation of patients; scheduling of groups, and generally managing her dynamic and experienced group of staff.

These include four staff nurses: Lianne Gadsby, Tim Glover, David Hipgrave and Oliveth Lawrence whose role it is to manage a clinical case load, to develop programmes and facilitate groups. Staff nurses also oversee the smooth running of the unit and support other team members and student nurses.

This includes the unit’s four health care support workers (HCSW) – Elaine Ashby; Dawn Fallon; Gurdave Kumar and Janet Liddell. HCSWs co-facilitate groups and their role is vital in supporting patients and encouraging them to be open and feel comfortable. The unit’s HCSW are keen to develop their own skills and improve the services for the patients they work with.

And last but not least, Margaret Hunt our administrative support who helps ensure the smooth running of the unit.

If you would like further information about the work of our TARU please email surinder.jandu@bcpft.nhs.uk.

l-r Surinder Jandu, Tim Glover, Lianne Gadsby and Elaine AshbySitting: David Hipgrave and Jan Liddell

10

Derrick Eubank, who has practiced as a sports therapist since 1996, has worked part time as a clinical exercise therapist at Hallam Street Hospital since September 2009. During this time he started and completed his part time degree (BSc (Hons) Rehabilitation Studies) focusing his honours project research on evaluating the effectiveness, strength and weakness of the Hallam Street walk programs.

What he set out to do? To evaluate and provide an estimate of the effectiveness of the Hallam Street walk programs. These estimates are examined in light of current research and statistics.

Why?Studies have shown patients in mental healthcare are more physically inactive with a greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies also show that even small increases in physical activity appear to be associated with significant reductions in mortality.

What was evaluated?The data collected about the 122 patients who participated in the walk program – one hour walking session, three days per week, over 18 months between July 2013 and December 2014. Miles, steps and calories were recorded and a short questionnaire was also completed by the patients.

The results• There was a steady increase in attendance throughout the 18

months. This may be due to the person centred approach and promotional strategy employed by the clinical exercise therapists.

• The results indicate a significant increase in miles walked at a relatively low to moderate speed between 2-3 miles per hour. This intensity level was appropriate for patients making a gradual transition to becoming more active.

• The average steps walked per session was 3100 which is associated with increased health benefits such as reductions and prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• The average calories burnt was 216 per participant per session. Research suggests that a calorific expenditure of approximately 1000 calories per week amounts to an average reduction of 20% to 30% in mortality risk.

• The majority of patients reported a positive experience. A combination of social interaction, natural environment and the effect of exercise may have contributed to the high degree of positive experience.

RecommendationsFuture service development could extend the three days per week walk to five days per week, offering a variety of walking programs, more choice and creating more opportunities for positive experiences amongst participants.

If you would like further information about the walks or research undertaken please email derrick.eubank@bcpft.nhs.uk.

The benefits of walking

The Trust wishes to acknowledge Anthony Longbone’s significant contribution as a Trust Care Maker for his work to embed the 6C's. Anthony, a Senior Healthcare Assistant on Dale Ward, has been instrumental in taking forward the ‘Physical You’ programme at Penn Hospital, enabling patients to access on site dental care and optical services, highlighted by the CQC as good work. We also want to congratulate him on successfully completing the NHS Improving Quality ‘Certified Change Agent Programme’.

Anthony will shortly be working more closely with commissioners in embedding the 6C’s programme and we will report further on this work as it progresses.

We also wish to acknowledge our other Care Makers who are doing some great work. They are: Daniel Nash, Dale Ward; Karen Baines, Meadow Ward; Claire Pool, Dudley CYPF and Jodie Kirby, PCLT Wolverhampton. Jodie and Anthony were invited to attend the Chief Nursing Officer Summit this year, which is always a huge honour – so congratulations both for this too!

If anyone is interested in becoming a Care Maker please contact any of our care makers for more information, and your Head of Nursing/Matron or Anthony, who will provide support in making your application.

A big thank you to our Care Makers

11

A second wellbeing workshop facilitated by Samina Allie (Psychologist) and Hayley Flowers (Assistant Psychologist) was held on Abbey Ward on Tuesday 3rd November which was much appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended.

The workshop linked in to the Safewards initiative of discharge messages. Many patients are admitted in a state of depression and hopelessness about their state, even if it’s sometimes masked with anger and resentment towards the staff and the hospital. This intervention provides a further method to imbue hope and convey messages about the purpose and benefit of an admission.

The workshop was attended by a number of staff and patients and had a real community atmosphere, whereby discussions were held about what people had gained from hospital admission and their hopes for discharge. Staff members and patients wrote messages of hope on leaves for our tree; for example; ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’ and ‘don’t give up’. We practiced some mindfulness principles as a means to draw the workshop to an end.

It was evident from comments that both staff and patients enjoyed coming together and talking about what is helpful in one’s recovery. One of our patients stated; “positively the most kindest bunch of people. Very smiley. Very helpful. Very cute too A grateful for you guys coming. It was nice”.

IntroductionThe implementation of a Care Certificate was recommended for all clinical support staff, up to a band 4, following the Francis Inquiry as a tool to support consistent, high quality staff induction and development. It describes the fundamental knowledge and skills expected of all staff in clinical support roles, and has been designed to develop and enable you to demonstrate that you are skilled and confident to deliver compassionate, safe and high quality care. Once you have been signed off against all of these standards, you will be awarded the Care Certificate.

What are the standards?The Care Certificate has 15 standards including

1. Understanding your role2. Your personal development3. Duty of care4. Equality & diversity5. Work in a person centred way6. Communication7. Privacy & dignity

And takes up to 12 weeks to complete.

How will the Care Certificate benefit you?By completing the Care Certificate, you will be able to:

• Develop and refresh your knowledge and skills in areas you might not use every day

• Evidence your ability to deliver high quality and compassionate care • Share your Care Certificate with future employers • Identify areas to help you develop further

What does it involve?You will work with an assessor from your department to:

• Review your care qualifications • Complete a self-assessment questionnaire• Complete the Care Certificate workbooks• Be observed doing your role

What is happening in the Trust?A Care Certificate pilot is underway. All clinical new starters, up to Band 4, starting after 1st October 2015 are being supported to complete it.

You told us that as existing staff, you would also like the opportunity to complete the Care Certificate. So look out for more news in early 2016 on how this will happen. Further information can also be found on the intranet.

Abbey Ward Safewards

‘Tree of Encouragement’

ProjectThe Care Certificate is here

Staff and patients from Abbey Ward

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communications.team@bcpft.nhs.uk by Friday 29th January 2016

On Friday 25th September 2015 the Research and Innovation team launched the Trust’s new clinical trials facility, which is based at Penn Hospital. Members of staff, external stakeholders and patients were invited to attend the half day launch event where the new facility was showcased alongside some of the research work that is currently being carried out across the Trust. Karen Dowman opened the event, and welcomed attendees to the launch. Speakers included the Trust’s Research Chair, Dr. Qassem and Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Farooq plus external guest speakers Professor George Tadros, Heartlands Hospital and Rapid Assessment, Interface and Discharge (RAID) lead, BSMHFT, and Julie Edwards, Cannock Chase Hospital.

Attendees were invited to have a guided tour of the waiting area and new trials room. The new facility is now being used to accommodate patients who are recruited to the Trust’s very first clinical trial, the MADE study. This study is looking into the whether a certain type of antibiotic, minocycline, is effective at slowing the rate of decline in mild-moderate Alzheimer’s Dementia. By being involved in this trial, patients have the opportunity to try the medication as an alternative to current treatment.

The launch event was well received and the Research and Innovation team hopes to be involved in more clinical trials as a result of the new facility. Because by being involved in

more trials across the region, Trust patients will have more opportunities to access new innovative treatments for a range of mental health conditions.

Research and Innovation launch new clinical trials facility

Congratulations to …… Samina Allie a psychologist at Hallam Hospital, who was recently invited to present on the webinar series for the Patient Experience National Network. The Patient Experience Network celebrates those that deliver outstanding patient experience across health and social care. The digital story telling project; an inpatient project, was a shortlisted finalist at this year’s awards ceremony. Samina was invited to present this project for the webinar series. If you would like to catch up with the webinar series please log in to www.nhsiq.nhs.uk/news-events/events/pen-awards-webinar-series.aspx

Back in October our health visitors joined forces with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) as the responsibility for their services and budgets transferred from NHS England to the local authority. This was part of a national programme of work to transfer all 0 to 5 years children services from NHS England to local councils. It means that our health visitors are still employed by the Trust, but rather than NHS England, Dudley MBC will now have a say over how their services are run.

This is a great opportunity for our health visitors to work more closely with wider agencies such as housing, children’s services and education providers to create a more joined up service built around individual need. The transfer will create a number of opportunities and benefits to the local community as Dudley MBC are in the best position to understand local needs.

The process of transferring over has taken a number of months and included a lot of work. Our health visitors are looking forward

to working closely with the council and partner services. Joyce Fletcher, Deputy Director of Nursing, said: “We are looking forward to working with Dudley MBC to continue to provide a high quality health visiting service across the borough. Our award winning health visitors do a tremendous job delivering high quality care to families and children aged 0 to 5 years, and this transfer will undoubtedly strengthen the team and the support they provide even further.”

Joyce continued: “A big thank you must go to all our health visitors and managers for their hard work and positivity over the last few months, and a special thank you to our corporate colleagues Jamie Woodall; Sian Rowles; Kerry Watson; Anita Khela, and Katie Sparrow, who have all gone out of their way to ensure our systems and procedures were set up and ready to go for a seamless transfer.”

Well done everyone!

Health Visitors join forces with local authority

l-r Laura Lord, Karen Dowman and Jo Tomkins