April 2014

4&5 / ‘Pleased to meet you Mr President’2 / Proton Beam Therapy progress6 / Patient notes: keep an eye out

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 1 10/04/2014 16:10:39

2 News

UCLH’s plans to build a centre for proton beam therapy (PBT) – the world’s most advanced form of radiotherapy – have been given the go-ahead by Camden Council. Pending approval by the Greater London Authority, building work will start next spring.

The Government has committed £250 million to fund a centre at UCLH and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Together they will see more children and teenagers with cancer and more adults with brain cancers than almost any other centre in the world.

PBT is a type of radiotherapy, which uses a precision high-energy beam of particles to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is particularly suitable for complex childhood cancers, increasing success rates and reducing side-effects, such as deafness, loss of IQ and secondary cancers. It can also be used to treat brain cancers, head and neck cancers and sarcomas. There are currently no high-energy PBT facilities in England, and patients who require the treatment have to

be sent abroad.Samuel Oliver, 12 (pictured), was referred

to UCLH for radiotherapy after undergoing 11-hour surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

UCLH consultants advised that PBT would reduce the risk of his brain tumour returning. Samuel was referred to Oklahoma in America for treatment.

The talented young sportsman has recovered well and is now back playing cricket, squash and hockey with enthusiasm and energy.

Samuel said: “It will be really helpful for patients and the rest of their families when PBT comes to London. It means they will be able to get on with their normal lives and have treatment without needing to uproot people around them.

“I was lucky – I had my treatment during the summer holidays but for most patients and their families, it would not be so easy to spend months in America.”

Meet the TeamProduced and designed by: The Communications department

Front cover photo: Senior staff nurse Pauline Conway meets the President of Ireland (see pages 4&5)

Inside Story magazine is published by UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) for our staff

Contact usIf you have any information you would like included in Inside Story, or on Insight, contact: Communications Unit, 2nd Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG. Email: communications@uclh.nhs.uk, Tel: ext 79897, Fax: ext 79401. Visit us online at: uclh.nhs.uk

Proton beam therapy moves a step closer to London

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 2 10/04/2014 16:10:41

3News

Staff survey: sound results for UCLH After a hard year for the NHS, with more patients than ever coming to UCLH, our staff survey continues to show a positive experience at work in a number of areas.

According to the survey UCLH was: > In the top 20 per cent for 11 of the 28

key findings > Better than average for six of the 28 key

findings

> Average for three key findings > Below average for three key findings > In the bottom 20 per cent for five key

findings. Overall 3,300 staff responded to the survey (48%), which is marginally lower than last year.

Go to nhsstaffsurveys.com to view the results in full. Results can be organised by board, by division and by staff group.

Word on the Tweet...

Follow us: @uclh

@Jamesnicholsfry: A fantastic trip to @uclh Eastman Dental Hospital this morning! Fantastic treatment once again. Bone graft soon (painful, feel sorry for me)

@jeremywhelan: First Schwartz round @uclh today. So different to reflect, respect and not contend. Think it has a great future. Thanks @HilaryPlant @cmoMD

@DrJoanneFarrow: Off to @uclh for the boy’s diabetes appointment- best care team in the country. #nhs #type1diabetes

@AlexHoileNHS: Fantastic pitches to the dragons as part of #uclh_wired, for funding for app development to enhance patient experience @uclh

@cmoMD: Many congratulations to all @uclh staff, but particularly those in ED for ensuring top quality care 4 pts & getting month, quarter &yr >95%

@AlexLStirling: Incredibly hard working, caring & compassionate staff working on HDU and Surgical ITU at National Hospital for Neuro Queens sq. Thnx @uclh

Statins could hold key in battle against multiple sclerosis A cheap cholesterol-lowering drug could give hope to patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study published in The Lancet.

No treatments can currently abate the advanced stage of the disease, known as secondary progressive MS (SPMS), which gradually causes patients to become more disabled.

In a two-year clinical trial involving 140 patients with secondary progressive MS, researchers from UCLH and UCL found that the drug simvastatin slowed brain shrinkage, which is thought to contribute to patients’ impairments.

Supporting this finding, patients on simvastatin – a cholesterol-lowering drug – achieved better scores on movement tests and questionnaires that assess disability than patients taking a placebo.

This research is an exciting breakthrough, as up until now successful clinical trials have mainly focused on treatments for the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Dr Jeremy Chataway (pictured), consultant neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery was lead author on the paper. His work is supported by the National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre.

He said: “In the progressive stage of MS the brain shrinks by about 0.6 per cent a year. Our main measure of success was to reduce the rate of brain atrophy.

“Caution should be taken regarding over-

interpretation of our brain imaging findings, because these might not necessarily translate into clinical benefit.

“However, our promising results warrant further investigation in larger phase 3 disability-driven trials.”

There are approximately 100,000 people in the UK with MS. At about 10-15 years into the disease, at least half will become secondary progressive, characterized by greater disability, and gradual worsening of the condition.

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 3 10/04/2014 16:10:43

4 Spotlight

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, visited UCLH as part of the first official visit to the UK by an Irish head of state.

The President and his wife visited University College Hospital to pay tribute to the work of the Irish in the NHS. The visit came less than 24 hours after the couple were welcomed to Windsor Castle by the Queen.

Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Sabina Higgins, the President was met by The Earl Howe, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health, and Sir Robert Naylor, UCLH chief executive and Richard Murley, UCLH chairman.

Alongside other Irish dignitaries they were given a tour of the hospital’s Elderly Medicine Ward and the Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit as part of their three-day visit to the UK. The President then met around 20 Irish members of staff from UCLH, including doctors, nurses, consultants and senior managers to thank them for their work.

Sir Robert said: “It was a huge honour for UCLH to be chosen for this visit by the President of Ireland – and even more so when you consider that this was the first ever Irish state visit to the UK.

On the elderly medicine unit the President was shown around by matron Josie Gladney, originally from St Mullins, County Carlow, and ward sister Sharon Lynagh, from Athboy, County Meath.

Sharon said: “It’s massive recognition for the Irish people who work at UCLH and the NHS as a whole. It’s a real honour for the health service and for nurses.”

UCLH welcomes the President of Ireland

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 4 10/04/2014 16:10:51

UCLH welcomes the President of Ireland

Meet some of our Irish staff…Paula O’Brien, matron for surgery. From Murvey“I don’t think I have been so excited since Ireland won the Six Nations! I work with many Irish nurses who are such an asset.”

Pat O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. Born in CorkPat was the consultant who delivered Cork woman Angie Benhaffaf’s conjoined twins, Hassan and Hussein, at University College Hospital four years ago.

“I was the obstetrician. The neonatal nurse, Mary Dinan, was from Cork; Mae Nugent, the practice development nurse, was from Armagh and the surgeon, Edward Kiely, who separated the twins at Great Ormond Street was from Cork so it made everybody feel at home.”

Josie Gladney, matron on the elderly medicine unit. Originally from St Mullins, County Carlow“People love the Irish accent and they instantly feel it’s somebody who cares for them, is compassionate and will listen to them. They feel instantly reassured.”

Elizabeth McBrinn, senior paediatric and adolescent physiotherapist. Born in Co. DublinElizabeth’s mum was also a physiotherapist in London before moving back to Ireland. She said: “When my mum knew I was coming to a hospital with such a high level of expertise she said: ‘Take full advantage, go to every single course on offer and enjoy London as well!”

Kieran McDaid, director of estates. From Strabane“Meeting President Higgins is a great honour that signifies the enormous ties between our two countries.”

Bernadette Porter, consultant nurse multiple sclerosis. Originally from Donegal “At one stage there were over 30 Irish nurses from both the North and the Republic working in the Neurology & Neurosurgery division, I have enjoyed some great training opportunities and have made many friends from all walks of life over the years.”

Eamonn Sullivan, deputy chief nurse. Originally from Waterford“You will find hundreds of people from Ireland at UCLH – from the chief executive’s PA right through to consultants, nurses, therapists and matrons.”

Mike Patterson, intensive care consultant. Originally from BelfastWhen one of Mike’s patients recently awoke after an operation he was seen by a Dublin-born registrar and two of his consultants were Irish, as were two nurses who helped him.

“When I came to see him in the evening – he asked me if had he been kidnapped and transferred to Ireland!”

5

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 5 10/04/2014 16:10:59

In a UCLH Dragons’ Den-style competition, three staff finalists made an impassioned pitch to convince the panel to back their technological innovation with hard cash.

Deputy chief nurse Eamonn Sullivan outlined his idea for an electronic ‘welcome pack’ for patients and visitors containing a wide range of useful and important information about UCLH. Supt radiographer Celia O’Meara came next with her ‘checklist’ app to ensure patients fit the criteria for specific diagnostic imaging tests. This would reduce last minute cancellations.

Lastly, Wanda Aleksy outlined her idea for a mobile gaming app to help children with cochlear implants practise their listening skills – when and where it was most convenient. It could save around 100 hospital appointments a year, bring patient benefits and have commercial possibilities.

Following a quick confer the winner was announced ….. Wanda Aleksy, a medical technical officer at the RNTNEH. The Dragons pledged £15,000 to help fund the design and development of her app.

The dragons’ were: Kevin Fong, consultant anaesthetist; Richard Murley, UCLH chairman; Bernie Porter, nurse consultant; Daniel Marks, specialist registrar and Sharon Constancon, chief executive of Genius Methods.

Into the dragons’ den

Wanda Aleksy pitches her idea to the ‘dragons’

It’s easy to forget what hospital life was like not that many moons ago. No web, no emails, no smart phones, no electronic records. What will the next decade bring?

“Life moves so fast now… and struggling with that pace of time is like space travel. It is difficult to see the future but we must prepare for it nonetheless…and there is plenty to hope for,” said consultant anaesthetist Dr Kevin Fong, one of the guest speakers at the recent UCLH Wired Event, hosted by the Quality, Efficiency and Productivity team.

The theme? Change is inevitable if UCLH is to continue to provide high quality services that are more efficient and safer and that will require bold ideas, dramatic results and lasting change, supported by technology

From video clinics, to phone apps and patient portals, teleconference diagnostics and electronic patient health records: UCLH is already looking to the future.James Thomas, director of ICT, said: “Health care is 80% information and by putting that at the heart of everything we do, it will generate improvements in quality and provide

efficiency gains. In terms of clinical informatics, we have only scratched the surface.” He introduced Shona Campbell, a radiologist and UCLH’s first chief clinical information officer who will provide a link between technology teams and clinicians to ensure high quality patient care is at the heart of any changes we make.

The event was all about learning from others and sharing knowledge.

Cue Dr Gary Kaplan, a physician and chief executive of Virginia Mason Health System which won international recognition for deploying lean techniques to transform health care. Speaking from Seattle via Skype, he outlined how new ways of working have delivered better, faster, more affordable healthcare and increased patient satisfaction.

He said: “Technology is a huge asset and potentially a game – changer” but added “don’t automate bad processes – or you are just moving garbage at the speed of light!”

As Albert Einstein once said: “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.”

Here’s to the future!

Hardwired for the future

6 In the know

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 6 10/04/2014 16:11:06

7In the know

The launch of the new National Early Warning Score (NEWS) hit the headlines at University College Hospital this month. The new system for recording patient’s vital signs is being rolled out across UCLH and will help save lives. Evidence shows that, used correctly, NEWS accurately identifies 90 per cent of those patients at risk of deterioration and triggers rapid intervention.

Latest figures released show UCLH has already reduced the number of cardiac arrests by more than 50 per cent since 2010. The PERRT team aims to eliminate all avoidable cardiac arrests on wards by December 2015. UCLH has the second lowest mortality rate in England. See Insight for more information.

NEWS was developed by a Royal College of Physicians working party including UCLH Professor Bryan Williams and critical care consultant nurse John Welch (pictured).

Following its recent inspection, the CQC recommended that it be implemented as soon as possible.

NEWS – read all about it!

Keeping an eye on patient notes

Sir Robert Naylor plants a tree in the courtyard at Maple House to support NHS Sustainability Day.

UCLH offered tips to staff and patients on how to save energy, best ways to recycle and preserve water. An energy bike demonstration in the University College Hospital atrium, revealed the differing amounts of energy needed to power hospital equipment. Led by the NHS Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) the aim was to promote sustainable action in the NHS and across the health sector.

Sustainability Day

A new campaign is underway to remind staff about the importance of putting patient notes away. The security of patient notes was identified as a compliance action in the CQC report.

The campaign features a watching ‘eye’ and was the brainchild of Dr Charlie Fry who said: “I got the idea after reading about how posters featuring ‘watching eyes’ placed near areas of natural beauty deterred people from dumping their rubbish.”

The result is a bold, bright graphic that challenges staff to think about who else can see patient notes if they can. Posters, pop up banners and desk stickers will be placed in ward and clinic areas.

The project team are working on identifying areas that require storage and are undertaking regular audits.

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 7 10/04/2014 16:11:14

8 Inside out

Quilts.To a growing number of people these lovingly hand-stitched creations represent much more than just a wall hanging or a fancy bedspread. They contain valuable lessons for life.

“Quilting requires creativity, concentration and a long-sighted vision of where you are going. It teaches patience, focused relaxation and, when you are part of a quilting group, helps you work together. It’s a good way of teaching people all sorts of skills. There are even successful quilting groups in men’s prisons,” says Janet Appleton, a senior occupational therapist who supports teenage cancer patients at University College Hospital.

And as well as a thing of beauty, a crafted quilt is jolly useful too.

“I must have made about 60 over the years… some were created as special, personalised wedding and birthday gifts. It’s such a thrill giving a present that wasn’t

bought in a shop!”The saying ‘what I made

with my hands, I give with my heart,’ was made for the likes of Janet. It is a sentiment shared by a growing number of people – young and old – who are hooked on traditional crafts: a movement reflected by the prime time BBC TV series the Great British Sewing Bee.

One of Janet’s pride and joy hangs on the walls of a village hall, the focus of the area where she lives. She led the design and assembly as it was made by 80 villagers to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee. It is embellished with crowns, music, a coat of arms and the school motto to illustrate the history of the parish, as well as Her Majesty’s reign.

Janet, who is a member of The National Quilters Guild, said: “We organised the motifs, then we all did a section. The quilt was moved from house to house so that it could be stitched together,

bit by bit. It was a real community effort.”

Through her Quilt Group, friends and regional contacts, about 600 quilts have been gifted to UCLH. Some were designed to cover incubator covers for premature babies; some for young patients when they are waiting for radiotherapy, many for the teenagers on the unit. All of them represent care and generosity.

The blue quilt in the photo reflects Janet’s earlier days as a global traveller. “Borneo,

France, America, Belgium, Holland, the Channel Islands… I joined quilting groups wherever I went. It has always been a great way to get to know people!”

African fabrics jostle with Egyptian cotton and Canadian maple leaf designs. “I stencilled, embroidered, dyed and shaded the fabric… it must have taken at least 450 hours of work.”

But I think you’ll agree a labour of love is worth every minute.

Secret lives

Twice a year staff and students from The Middlesex Hospital underwent mass TB screening. This image shows the TB van that was used in 1954 (shortly after the image was taken The Middlesex acquired its own equipment so the van was no longer required).

Archive

Inside Story_April_2014.indd 8 10/04/2014 16:11:17