JULY 2012

IMH OPENS DEAF AWARENESS TRUST TOP FOR QUALITY JUBILEE JOY BLOOMING MARVELLOUS 15 STEP CHALLENGE

The Lodges opens its doorsOffi cial opening for new step down facility at Wathwood Hospital – see page 4

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MESSAGEFROM THE BOARDThere has been much to celebrate within Forensic Services recently. Our two medium secure units were rated highly in a national peer review of quality, placed fi rst and eighth out of all 69 units in the country. I wish to congratulate everyone involved in this achievement which refl ects the high standards of care provided at Wathwood Hospital and Arnold Lodge. You can read more about this success on page 12.

I was also delighted to attend the offi cial opening of The Lodges at Wathwood. This was a great event which showcased not only the new facility, but the wider care pathway at the Hospital and the way in which patients are supported along each step of their recovery journey.

This month we are looking forward to one of the main events to celebrate Rampton Hospital’s centenary year. The Old Fashioned Sports Day and Fete on 14 July will give staff, their families and the local community the chance to take part in games, be entertained by musicians and artists and fi nd out more about the history of the Hospital. The day will fi nish with a special concert for staff.

24 July sees the Trust’s Annual General Meeting and Annual Members’ Meeting, ‘Growth Through Partnership’. The event will showcase stories of excellence and

good practice across all Divisions of the Trust, focusing on partnership working and its many benefi ts. If you have not already registered to attend you can fi nd out how to do so on the back page of this newsletter.

The Audit Committee was recently pleased to sign off the Trust accounts for the year 2011/12 along with some very positive comments from our auditors, PwC. The Board would like to extend its thanks to the whole fi nance team who worked so hard to bring in our accounts in such good order.

Finally, events continue to run across the Trust in honour of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Many teams have worked hard to ensure that patients, service users, and their carers, families and friends have the opportunity to participate, offering a variety of activities and levels suitable for everyone. Well done to you all for your efforts.

Dr Mike Harris, Executive Director, Forensic Services

Free maths and English courses are available for Trust colleagues to help them gain an up-to-date qualifi cation. Colleagues who sign up to the courses can study in a number of ways to suit their needs and preferences:• Study alone using an

on-line learning tool.• Attend three-day

workshops in Mansfi eld and Nottingham

(various dates are available in September and December 2012).

• Attend college sessions during the day or evenings and get support from a tutor.

The Trust works in partnership with New College Nottingham to provide tutor support and courses are available up to Level 2 (equivalent to A-C GCSE).

For more information or an application form, please contact:

• Sue Stronach on 01623 673 588 or email susan.stronach@nottshc-chp.nhs.uk (for Health Partnerships’ colleagues)

• Heather Porter on 0115 969 1300 ext 11269 or email heather.porter@nottshc.nhs.uk (for all other colleagues)

Maths and English training for Trust staff

3Positive July 2012

Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Chief Medical Offi cer and Chief Scientifi c Adviser at the Department of Health, performed the opening ceremony and gave an address to assembled guests confi rming the importance of research in service innovation. She was joined in making speeches by Professor Mike Cooke CBE, Trust Chief Executive, Professor Nick Manning, Director of the Institute, and Professor David Greenaway, University of Nottingham Vice Chancellor. The Institute of Mental Health is a partnership between The University of Nottingham and the Trust. It seeks to help transform the understanding and treatment of mental illness through innovative research and pioneering educational activities.

“This partnership has proved a successful one,” said Mike Cooke. “As the Institute develops and matures we are seeing the outcomes of our research activity making a real impact on patient services.

Research to improve patient experience and outcome is becoming ever more important within the integrated healthcare pathway we are now providing. I look forward to seeing more improved outcomes for our patients and service users in the future as the Institute continues to prosper in its new home.”

The new £7million four-storey building is located off Triumph Road at The University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus. The opening ceremony took place a year to the day after the offi cial ground-breaking ceremony.

Professor Nick Manning said: “The Institute was only formed in 2006 and we can now be considered the UK’s prime location for inter-disciplinary research in the mental health fi eld. This move into purpose-built accommodation demonstrates the huge achievements we have made during that time and these excellent new facilities should provide the springboard for greater success.”

Left to right: Professor Nick Manning, Professor Mike Cooke, Professor Dame Sally C. Davies and Professor David Greenaway with the offi cial plaque.

Ceremony marks Institute’s new buildingThe Institute of Mental Health offi cially opened its new £7million building in Nottingham on Friday 25 May.

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The Lodges is declared open A new unit designed to support patients preparing to move on from Wathwood Hospital has been offi cially opened.

The Lodges provides a step-down facility for patients moving from the rehabilitation wards in the Hospital towards discharge. It gives patients the opportunity to continue their recovery in a more independent environment whilst still benefi ting from the support network offered at the Hospital. The building offers fl exible accommodation over two storeys incorporating communal areas, ensuite bedrooms and shared kitchen areas.

Patients past and present, staff and invited guests from the Trust and partner organisations packed into the building

to hear the story of The Lodges and how it fi ts into the care pathway at the Hospital. This was presented in a special fi lm featuring patients’ perspectives of Wathwood and the way in which they are supported in their recovery journeys. Above: The Lodges – l-r Mike Cooke, Steve Ball and

Dr Eric Mendelson, Clinical Director at the Hospital. Right: The Lodges’ name plaque was designed and created by patients at the Hospital

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Wathwood has had a number of improvements made recently. The three bedded facility delivers care and treatment to patients assessed to be at highest risk. This care environment with a low stimulus facility and two

spacious, en-suite seclusion rooms has a high nursing staff ratio to provide intensive therapeutic care. The changes to the Unit were also highlighted at The Lodges’ opening and a small group visited the ICU where Lisa Sutton, Ward Manager

explained more about the specialist facility and care provided. The group was also shown round the garden area which features a bench and other artwork created by patients. The garden also now has it’s own fruit trees which were given to the ICU as a gift from Mike Cooke to commemorate the efforts made by everyone to enhance the care environment.

Intensive Care Unit

The group are shown the bench in the garden area

Steve Ball, General Manager (left) and Dr Eric Mendelson (right), Clinical Director show Trust Chair Professor Dean Fathers around the Unit

5Positive July 2012

One patient who introduced the fi lm, told his own story, explaining how he has progressed and is now looking forward to moving into The Lodges. Many people commented on what a powerful and honest account it was and how it highlighted the real difference services can make to people’s lives.

The Lodges continues the ethos of rehabilitation and recovery at Wathwood and patients have been involved throughout the planning process.

Steve Ball, General Manager said: “Our aim is to equip patients with the ability to integrate into the community on discharge. The Lodges will provide them with the opportunity to review, refi ne and test out relapse prevention interventions they acquired along the hospital pathway and ensure they maintain such skills in the community. The service will also help to address delayed discharge caused by waiting lists for low secure beds and avoid the knock on effect of delayed admissions for people who are acutely unwell.”

Chief Executive Mike Cooke declared The Lodges offi cially open by unveiling a commemorative plaque before visitors took the opportunity to tour the building and enjoy afternoon tea featuring fresh produce from the Hospital’s Farm Shop.

Construction of The Lodges began in March 2011, extending and joining existing lodges on site. The new building will provide an additional 20 beds at Wathwood, but this fi rst phase sees an initial eight beds open.

Members of the team who will be working with patients in The Lodges

Bicycle User Group – Recruits WantedThe Trust has recently formed a Transport and Travel Group which reports directly to the Sustainability Committee. The main objective of the group is to support sustainable forms of transport.

As such, the Trust will like to hear from staff who have an interest in cycling and particularly those who cycle to work or might do so if facilities for cyclists at Trust sites could be improved.

Interested individuals are invited to form a Bicycle User Group (BUG), which will suggest practical measures which could be implemented to promote cycling to work.

If you wish to have your voice heard on issues affecting cyclists and want to participate in the BUG, or for more information contact Neil Alcock on 0115 9934 590 or email neil.alcock@nottshc.nhs.uk. Please confi rm your job title and work base.

Patient artwork in the garden

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Over 20 representatives from teams within the Forensic Services Division came together at Rampton Hospital recently to discuss what an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) should look like in the Division.

It follows the announcement at the Executive Leadership Council in May that a key priority is to develop an EPR system across the Trust.

Provision of high quality healthcare is dependent on a patient’s health information being organised and readily accessible at the point of contact with the patient and the healthcare provider. Paper systems fall short of these

requirements. In addition, regulators such as the Care Quality Commission and the Information Commissioner are paying increasing attention to the quality of records and compliance with information regulation. An electronic system will help meet these critical requirements.

During the morning session, staff were given demonstrations on how to use two key electronic systems that can hold patient information and forms electronically, ultimately making an EPR possible; Central Electronic Storage Area (CESA) and a Clinical Noting System (RiO 6.2).

Colleagues from Local Services, who have already made good progress in establishing what information is needed

in their EPR, also attended to share information and advice.

A presentation was also given around the Electronic Integrated Care Pathway (e-ICP) project which is currently under development at Rampton Hospital. Linked to RiO, it aims to provide an electronic version of the patients’ pathway of care; a useful early step forward in achieving a full EPR.

It will provide an integrated view of patient activity, therapy programmes and performance management with electronic links to clinical guidelines and evidence bases. The e-ICP will also have a workfl ow function that will enable notifi cations to be sent to users. It is hoped that when operational,

Work to Implement Electronic Patient Record Moves a Step Closer

Deaf Awareness Week 2012 took place from 7 to 13 May and provided an opportunity to highlight the particular health needs of deaf people.

The week was themed ‘Look at me’ and to recognise it deaf patients within Rampton Hospital created artwork which expresses how they feel about

their identity as deaf people. The art also portrays some of their experiences of being deaf in a hearing world.

The work was included in a display in the Hospital’s reception area which was produced by deaf patients, staff and members of the clinical team. It included articles about deaf people’s achievements, statistics about

prevalence and tips for communicating with people with hearing impairments. Information leafl ets were also available for visitors to take away.

For more information about Deaf Awareness Week or services for deaf people within the Trust, please contact Tracey Riding, Deaf Awareness Team Administrator, on 01777 247273.

Raising awareness of deafness

The Deaf Awareness Team. Left to right: Tracey Riding, Deaf Services Interpreter Administrator; Michelle Bertulis, Speech and Language Therapist; Jackie Biss, Senior Social Work Practitioner; Linda Davies, PA to Dr Gahir; Dr Craig MacDonald, Psychologist; Dr Manjit Gahir, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist; Les Townend, Deaf Communication Support Worker.

7Positive July 2012

consideration could be given to rolling out the system out to the wider Trust.

In the afternoon session, representatives worked together to collate everything that was in a patient’s clinical record in the Forensic Division and the fi rst steps were taken to rationalise the paper record before its conversion into electronic format.

The day was coordinated by Associate Medical Director, Dr Gopi Krishnan who said: “The day was very productive and I feel that we have taken some major steps forward in establishing an EPR system for the Division. I would like to thank everyone for their ideas and contribution and look forward to seeing our plans implemented over the coming months.”

Work to Implement Electronic Patient Record Moves a Step Closer

Mobile Technology Enhances Community Nursing Community nurses in Mansfi eld and Ashfi eld have praised a pilot project which has enabled them to spend more time with patients out in the community rather than completing paperwork in the offi ce.

The innovative project involved the rollout of 50 laptops, allowing enhanced mobile working. Without having to return to the offi ce, nurses are able to input information relating to a home visit quickly and effi ciently. They can access details relating to the patient at the touch of a button and arrange future appointments whilst still at the patient’s home. District Nurse, Georgina Rhodes explains; “Having a laptop has signifi cantly changed the way I work on a daily basis for the better. It enables me to work more productively.

“By logging on remotely I can complete visit sheets almost immediately after seeing a patient, enabling me to record more accurate and detailed information. Before I had the laptop I would visit a number of patients and on return to the offi ce need to enter information onto the clinical system, SystmOne.

“The laptop provides me with internet access and I can also access other systems such as the Integrated Community Equipment (ICES) site and Orion (Pathology) site.

“The laptop is password protected, therefore offers a more secure way of working. Information that I would normally have written down in a notebook, I now access via the laptop.

“Overall, this new way of working has been well received by patients and I feel

that it allows me to offer an even better standard of care. I would certainly not like to be without my laptop.”

In addition, in terms of emergency planning, equipping community nurses with mobile technology is very useful. For example, in times of severe weather, laptops are particularly useful to allocate work. Using their devices, nurses can continue to deliver services effectively and with minimal disruption.

It is intended to roll the pilot out to community nurses in all localities to enable them to have access to this mobile technology.

This project supports the Health Informatics Service’s aim to improve mobile/agile working across the Trust; part of the ‘Information Revolution’.

Dr Gopi Krishnan

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Kirkby Children’s Centre receiving The Employer Star Award from Dawn Gibson, Director of Access Training

Trust hosts forensic specialist interest groupCognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) clinicians from around the UK met at The Mike Harris Learning and Development Centre, Rampton Hospital to attend a forensic specialist interest group meeting in April.

The day was organised by Dr Phyllis Annesley, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women, and Dr Lindsay Jones, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from Garrow House High Support Service for Women, York.

Presentations were given on the new British Psychological Society (BPS) guidance on working with sexual minorities and the HCR-20 (version 3) violence risk assessment tool. Dr Phyllis Annesley and Dr Lindsay Jones were also re-elected to the positions of Chair and Deputy Chair of the group.

Refl ecting on the day Dr Patsy Holly, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Psychology in Medium Secure Service Stream, Oxford Clinic, said: “I wanted to say how much I’d enjoyed the day – it was well worth the travel. In particular, I valued hearing about the use of CAT in other forensic services, and CAT in its wider sense, for example, where it sits in relation to BPS practice guidelines and risk assessments.”

Other comments included “the day felt very inclusive”, “interesting and informative” and “it was nice to be around a lot of people who use CAT and to think about risk, offence paralleling behaviour and using CAT in a broader context.”

Dr Phyllis Annesley and Dr Lindsay Jones would like to thank Dr John Wallace, Dr Sue Evershed, Dr Sue Ledwith, Ms Melissa Collingburn and Ms Kerry Reynolds for their support in organising the day.

The next meeting will take place at Rampton Hospital on 9 November 2012. The theme for the day will be ‘Integrating CAT into forensic services’. For more information please contact Phyllis Annesley on 01777 247818.

Kirby Children’s Centre Scoop The Employer Star AwardStaff at Kirkby Children’s Centre have been celebrating after scooping The Employer Star Award at a prestigious annual event coordinated by training provider, Access Training.

Held at the Albert Hall in Nottingham, over 400 people attended the event which celebrates successes in work-based learning. The event highlighted the hard work and sacrifi ce of the 700 learners who have achieved qualifi cations with the company over the last year, many overcoming personal obstacles.

The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the Access Training Star Awards to those learners and employers who had ‘gone the extra mile’. Kirkby Children’s Centre was awarded The Employer Star Award for its outstanding commitment to the training and development of staff and its work within their local community.

Tina Hancock, Kirkby Children’s Centre Coordinator said: “This award is credit to the whole team within Kirkby Children’s Centre and Sunny Days Nursery who, over the past six years, have dedicated their time, energy and commitment to supporting students at the centre to achieve their qualifi cations. Furthermore, our staff have also gained valuable qualifi cations and training that are benefi ting the local community. We are all extremely proud of this achievement and are pleased to be recognised for supporting students within Kirkby.”

9Positive July 2012

The campaign will use a series of TV, radio and print advertising to explain that if someone has had a persistent cough for three weeks or more, there is a chance it could be a sign of lung cancer and they should consult their doctor.

With some 33,000 new cases each year, lung cancer is the second most common

cancer in England. In Nottingham City there is a higher than average number of smokers in the population, and there is also a higher incidence of lung cancer.

The earlier that lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances are of survival. So, if you think you or someone you know may have any of the symptoms don’t put off seeing your doctor. The chances are it’s nothing serious but it’s best to get it checked.

Some of the symptoms of lung cancer are:• A cough for three weeks or more• A cough which has got worse or

changed• Repeated chest infections• Coughing up blood• Breathlessness• Feeling more tired than usual for

some time• Losing weight for no obvious reason• An ache or pain in your chest or

shoulder that has lasted for some time

If you have any concerns speak to your GP, or for more information visit www.nhs.uk/lung-cancer or ask for a leafl et in your GP surgery.

Be Clear on Cancer: Raising awareness of the signs of lung cancerA national Department of Health campaign is aiming to educate the public about potential signs of lung cancer and encourage them to take action if they spot any symptoms.

HELP to design HealthwatchNottingham City is getting ready for Healthwatch, the new consumer champion for health and social care.

Set to begin in April next year, Healthwatch will develop and strengthen the functions previously provided by LINks (Local Involvement Networks). Operating all over the UK, Healthwatch will give local people a real role in planning, commissioning, delivering and scrutinising health and social care services.

In readiness for the new organisation, Nottingham City has already mobilised a team of local experts to devote their skills to shaping the local Healthwatch model and devising the mechanisms for the transition from LINks to Healthwatch.

Four local voluntary sector organisations – Self Help Nottingham, AWAAZ, HLG and Independent Voices for Engagement (IVE) –

have teamed up to provide a creative partnership with a strong emphasis on citizen engagement to develop Healthwatch for Nottingham.

The partnership, with the working title ‘HELP’ (Healthwatch Engagement and Liaison Partnership), is working closely with the existing LINk Board to plan an engagement programme for local residents and partner organisations.

Now, HELP is inviting all Nottingham citizens, community groups, Third Sector and statutory organisations to sign up and register their interest in fi nding out more about Healthwatch.

Joining now will give you a say right from the start in designing your local Healthwatch. You will receive a regular newsletter with updates on progress and be invited to planning events and to take part in surveys about your health and social care priorities.

Membership forms are available to download at www.helpnottingham.com, or for a form or more information email info@helpnottingham.com or call 0115 8599511. You can also follow @helpnottingham on Twitter or join helpnottingham on Facebook.

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The ‘Information Revolution’, the ambitious programme of work the Trust has set out, was offi cially launched at the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) in May.

Peter Russell, Head of the Health Informatics Service (HIS), informed Trust leaders of the HIS strategy, which was approved by the Trust Board in 2011, and the fi ve key HIS priorities the Trust is focusing on delivering this year. These are; • an expanded Electronic Patient Record

(EPR)• an Electronic Staff Record (ESR)• the integration of key electronic

systems • the introduction of mobile technology

to allow for more fl exible working • the implementation of a new

business intelligence and information management system.

The ‘Information Revolution’ Offi cially Launched to Trust Leaders

To meet these priorities, the HIS has already implemented a number of initiatives that are working well in the Trust. These schemes were illustrated at the ELC through a series of presentations by colleagues from frontline services who have directly seen and felt the benefi ts, both for themselves and for patient care. Areas covered included:• An overview of the Central Electronic

Storage Area (CESA) project – a pilot project at Rampton Hospital, developed to enable the electronic storage and retrieval of elements of the patient record from one central area

• A demonstration on how the real-time Clinical Noting Project has made a signifi cant difference to the way staff work and deliver clinical care on three wards at Highbury Hospital

• A presentation from clinicians regarding how using of SystmOne in a

mobile environment created effi ciencies and improved the quality of care for a team in Health Partnerships

• An early look at the clinician portal on the Institute of Mental Health website.

Mike Cooke also challenged the audience to pledge how they would support the ‘Information Revolution’.

Peter Russell said; “The ELC provided the perfect platform to showcase our goals for the coming year and highlight some of the positive things we have already achieved. The enthusiasm that our frontline colleagues showed towards the schemes and pilot projects that we have implemented was fantastic. I think it really helped demonstrate to ELC delegates how our plans will signifi cantly help working effi ciencies, help both colleagues and patients and meet critical CQC requirements.”

The Bassetlaw Rapid Response Team is supporting more people than ever thanks to a recent expansion.

The team, based at Retford Hospital, has been established for eight years as part of the development of intermediate care services to prevent avoidable admission to hospital or long term care. It has responded to urgent referrals for patients, both in the community and at Accident and Emergency, with

rehabilitation/social needs which do not require a hospital admission.

Now, building on the success of the service, the team has expanded to support adults in crisis seven days a week, with extended working hours until 9pm. It also links in with Bassetlaw Hospital to support patients who are being discharged into the community through the Integrated Discharge Team. In all cases the team’s

role is to assess and provide a solution to meet the patient’s needs at the time of assessment.

The multi disciplinary service includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, matrons, nurses and community rehabilitation assistants. Its strength comes from an emphasis on integrated working across health and social care and the sharing of skills/competencies across professions to meet the needs of patients more effi ciently.

The team prides itself on being able to respond within four hours from acceptance of referral and the service is designed with patients’ needs at its core. Its work has prevented avoidable admissions, facilitated early discharges from hospital, provided end of life care and helped people continue to live safely in their own homes.

For more information contact Heather Towndrow, Integrated Schemes Manager, or Susan Astwood, Team Coordinator, on 01777 862365.

Rapid Response extends its hours

The Rapid Response Team at Retford Hospital

11Positive July 2012

Study recruits in justsix weeksA national research study has recruited the total number of participants needed locally within just six weeks.

The project, called ‘Stigma and health outcomes in people with intellectual disabilities’, is being supported by the Mental Health Research Network and funded by the Medical Research Council. It will investigate whether there is a relationship between stigma and psychological wellbeing, service use, treatment concordance and quality of life in people with learning/intellectual disability.

Although previous research has shown that people with intellectual disability

do experience stigma and discrimination, no studies as yet have investigated whether this affects their psychological wellbeing, or acts as a barrier to take-up and adherence to services (unlike within the fi eld of mental health).

The Local Investigator for the project is Susan King, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Learning Disability in the Specialist Services Directorate. Susan was assisted by David Trevor, Clinical Studies Offi cer, to identify and recruit eligible participants to the fi rst part of the study.

Within six weeks of starting work within the Trust, the study’s recruitment target had been met. Whilst some studies are easier to recruit to than others, many can take over a year to recruit their target numbers.

Work to complete initial and follow-up interviews with participants has already begun and the research should be completed within two years.

Time limit to be assessed for fundsThe Department of Health has announced the introduction of deadlines for requests to assess eligibility for ‘NHS Continuing Healthcare’ funding. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding pays for healthcare provided for some people either in care homes or in their own home. Not everyone is eligible for the funding and each case is assessed individually. Many people receive relevant care for some time before they or their families apply for the funding. It is these backdated claims for which deadlines have now been introduced. The deadlines only apply to periods of care which have not been assessed previously and to cases which evidence suggests should have been assessed for eligibility for the funding by NHS Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County. For care carried out between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2011 the deadline is 30 September 2012; for care carried out between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 the deadline is 31 March 2013. For more information about applying for funding for care received in Nottingham City call 0115 883 9378/9457 or email noc-pct.CHCTeam@nhs.net. If the care was delivered in Nottinghamshire County call 01623 673837 or visit www.nottspct.nhs.uk.

The Information Revolution Champions at ELC

12

Trust is top for qualityAs mentioned in the Message from the Board in last month’s edition of Positive, The Trust has been celebrating top ratings in a report detailing the quality of all medium secure units in the country. Wathwood Hospital received the highest overall score for quality, with

Arnold Lodge ranked eighth out of the 69 medium secure units across England, Wales and Ireland.

The ratings are published in the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services – Cycle 6 Annual Report.

The scores were compiled through a supportive peer review process, combining self reviews and external peer reviews against a number of indicators based on Department of Health recommended specifi cations.

They include:• Safety and Security• Clinical and Cost

Effectiveness• Governance• Patient Focus• Accessible and Responsive

Care• Environment and Amenities• Public Health

Trust Chief Executive, Mike Cooke said: “This is fantastic news. To score so highly in a national league is a very strong result and one we should be rightly proud of. It refl ects the hard work of our staff

at both Wathwood Hospital and Arnold Lodge and the dedication they show to our patients, to ensure they receive the highest quality care and treatment in safe and secure surroundings.”

The report also highlights areas of good practice observed in the review process. Wathwood Hospital was praised for its patient shop which is not only well stocked, but also offers valuable work experience opportunities to patients. The patient library and e-learning facilities were noted to be

The ball was held in May at the John Fretwell Centre in Warsop to raise money for the League of Friends and Millbrook Charitable Funds. It was attended by staff from a number of departments within the Trust.

Dressed in their best frocks and suits and a wide variety of masquerade masks, colleagues

began with a glass of fi zz before sitting down for a four course meal. Friday @ Midnight, a band fronted by Lynne Frame, Matron at Millbrook, then played through a varied repertoire of classic hits with many colleagues dancing and singing along.

Funds were raised through a raffl e with donated prizes including

a case of red wine, and a silent auction of a signed Panthers’ shirt.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success. The ball is now intended to be an annual affair and, following its success, a further event is being organised for 20 December 2012. Watch this space for more details.

Masked staff at the masquerade ball

Masked staff raise charity fundsA masquerade ball for staff has raised over £250 for charity.

13Positive July 2012

Recovery work shared around the worldNews of the Trust’s recovery work is spreading far and wide across the globe, helping service users as far afi eld as Tokyo. Julie Repper, Trust Recovery Lead, has attended conferences and events in numerous countries over the past few months, each time telling interested audiences about the Trust’s pioneering work in recovery.

“Nottinghamshire Healthcare is an ImROC (Implementing Recovery – Organisational Change) demonstration site for recovery,” explains Julie, “and we are rapidly gaining status for the progress we’re making in developing recovery-focused services.

“We have developed a high profi le nationally for our work and have welcomed more than 300 visitors from 12 different countries over the past year to our recovery demonstration days or to learn about projects such as peer support workers and the Recovery Education College.”

Julie has now given invited papers or run workshops on recovery in Toronto, Tokyo, Switzerland, Italy, USA and Australia. “This all shows how the Trust’s reputation as a leading recovery demonstration site is spreading,” she continues.

“Perhaps more importantly, as a result of these visits, people who experience mental health problems are seeing the potential for their own recovery. One delegate in Tokyo is coming over for a three-week sabbatical to fi nd out how she can use her personal experience of mental health problems to support others. Another person from Tokyo spoke to me in impressive English and after working with our recovery pack she now wants to realise her dreams of completing her PhD at Edinburgh University.

“Although we are still learning how to develop recovery-focused services, I’m delighted that we are able to inspire those services which are several steps behind, and we also learn from their ideas and observations.”

Demonstrating recovery in practiceA one-day conference held in May marked the end of the Trust’s current series of inspirational recovery demonstration days. The session took place at Highbury Hospital and provided an opportunity to discuss and share the Trust’s range of successful recovery initiatives.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare is one of only four trusts selected as a national demonstration site for recovery, in recognition of its work to support people with mental health challenges on their journey to recovery. The series of events attracted national and international interest with visitors attending from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark and Uganda.

Topics addressed in the sessions included the innovative peer support worker initiative, which provides vital support and practical advice to people using the Trust’s services. The Recovery Education College, which offers a wide range of diverse courses for people accessing services, was also highlighted. Attendees also found out more about how the Trust involves service users and carers in all that it does and how it has successfully embedded the principles of recovery throughout its services.

Dr Julie Repper said: “We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to our series of recovery demonstration days. The purpose is to share our knowledge and experiences with others to help them achieve and maintain recovery focused services. The principles of recovery are fundamental to ensuring we provide the best services we can to support people on their journeys towards recovery.”

excellent and to rival that of a community library.

Arnold Lodge’s patient salon was highlighted as an excellent facility, bringing great benefi ts to patient wellbeing. The unit was also noted for encouraging service users to visit other services they may be transferred to and facilitating home visits to help ensure the individual is fully prepared for transfer and or discharge.

The review process used by the Quality Network is cyclic, beginning with a set

of standards being developed in consultation with member units. Members then engage in a detailed team/service evaluation during the self review phase. This is followed by a period of peer review visits to validate the data provided during the self review. When all member units have completed the peer review phase an annual report of the aggregated fi ndings is written to enable benchmarking with other services.

For further information visit www.rpsych.ac.uk

Dr Julie Repper

14

Football match nets funds for Air Ambulance Rampton Hospital nursing staff played a football match in aid of the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance in May raising an impressive £101 in donations from the players.

Pete Shaw, Nursing Assistant on Kempton Ward organised the game and has managed the Hospital staff team for six years. He said: “I would like to thank everybody who participated, helped with and supported the event. This proved to be a great team building opportunity and something we would like to continue to build on for the future.”

Rampton footballers shoot for successAn under 18s football club supported by colleagues at Rampton Hospital has successfully completed its fi rst full season.

The Woodbeck Diagonals team practices at the Hospital after Kay Mulcahay, Facilities Manager, secured their use of a pitch on the site. Kay also provided some funding to purchase much-needed equipment and a kit displaying the Positive logo.

Formed only in May 2011, the team fi nished its fi rst season in seventh position in the Notts youth league after progressing to the semi-fi nals of the Notts cup and the fi nals of the Notts youth shield. The players hail from the local Woodbeck estate, surrounding villages and East Retford.

Scotia Wakelynn, a Driver at Rampton, put the team together after

talking to a group of young people who were denied an opportunity to carry on as a football team and had nowhere to go. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the people who have helped to establish the club,” said Scotia, “and to MITIE for converting storage outbuilding into showers and changing rooms and the small but dedicated team which has kept the pitch at an exceptional standard during the course of the season.”

The team will now progress into the Adult Midland Amateur Alliance League and is looking for more players to join its ranks. If you are interested in joining, or for any more information, please contact Scotia Wakelynn, Transport Department, Rampton on 07722 389 238. Woodbeck Diagonals football team

Pete (striped shirt) and some of the players. Not everyone involved in the charity match was able to be part of this photo.

15Positive July 2012

The Epilepsy and Learning Disability Specialist team ran a successful conference in May at The Gateway Hotel, Nottingham.

130 people attended the conference entitled: ‘Meeting the needs of people with epilepsy and learning disabilities’, including Trust staff, community carers and representatives from partner organisations. The informative and interactive event addressed the practical issues of management and support for patients with learning disabilities and epilepsy.

The conference was opened by Paul Theed, Matron at the Trust, and included a presentation from keynote speaker Dr Michael O’Donoghue, Consultant Neurologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). Dr O’Donoghue is part of the integrated epilepsy service for

people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire and discussed epilepsy in the learning disability population and medical management.

The conference also included presentations about dementia and epilepsy, managing health risks, and the mental capacity act. Dr Sumeet Singhal, Consultant Neurologist at NUH, presented a thought-provoking session on non-epileptic attacks.

The conference was organised by Sarah Pashley, Consultant Nurse, Lisa Flinton, Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, and Emma Lewington, Epilepsy Nurse Training and Development, from the Trust’s Specialist Epilepsy Service. Working in partnership with colleagues at NUH, the service provides integrated and holistic care to adults with a learning disability and complex epilepsy.

“Our aim is to improve the quality of life for people using our service,”

said Sarah Pashley. “The conference was a great success and provided an important and exciting opportunity to meet with other professionals and carers with similar interests for a day of learning and exchange of ideas. We have received some excellent feedback and will use this to inform practice as well as any future events.”

For more information contact Sarah Pashley on 0115 842 2248 or email sarah.pashley@nottshc.nhs.uk.

Meeting the needs of people with epilepsy and learning disabilities

Executive Mentoring – Project informakeyMembers of Team Unity on the Trust’s Executive Mentoring scheme are delighted that the Executive Leadership Team has decided to select theirs as one of the projects to successfully receive funding.

The group would like to express its gratitude for the opportunity to develop a project from scratch with the backing of the Trust and a Board that supports innovative ideas and promotes development from within.

Peer Support Worker Sean Murphy who is a member of Team Unity explains more about the project. “informakey is firstly a communication tool. The tool comes in the form of a key ring that contains different pieces of information specifically tailored to the individuals needs.

“We are targeting working age dementia service users first, but the team feels that there is a possibility to develop it into other areas within the Trust. We are all very excited to be part of this project and hope that we can go a little way to making life easier for people with early onset dementia.”

The group would like to invite any suggestions or ideas from staff or service users linked to working age dementia services. Please email: sean.murphy@nottshc.nhs.uk with your thoughts.

MHSOP brings ‘wacky Olympics’ to NottinghamPhysiotherapists from Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) are encouraging people to get active at a fun event on 12 July. The team is organising the ‘MHSOP Olympic Wacky races’ at Nottingham City Hospital recreation ground. The event will open at midday and races begin at 12.30pm.

To take part in the challenge, patients, carers and staff will need to get together in teams of four and register their place. Fancy dress is welcome for those who would like to dress up.

The event will be loosely based on Olympic sports and will include relay races and other activities. The aim is to get people moving and raise funds; a sense of humour is necessary, but fitness is not.

The races will take on a knock-out format with prizes for the winning team and for the best dressed team. There is a suggested donation of £1 per person to enter the event and all funds raised will go to Crossroads Care East Midlands.

Anyone who is not taking part in the team events is also welcome to attend the afternoon. Physical healthcare checks will be available along with a range of other stalls and a raffle with prizes including a signed photo of Kelly Holmes.

For more information or to enter your team please contact alex.johnson@nottshc.nhs.uk or tracey.elvin@nottshc.nhs.uk or call 07827 832347 or 07917 751356. Any donations of raffle prizes or cakes for the cake stall would also be much appreciated.

16

Jubilee JoyService users at The Assessment and Treatment Unit at Highbury Hospital had had a wonderful time celebrating the recent Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Unit event was a great success with lots of food and drink and music going on until dark. It brought together service users and staff to celebrate what may be a once in a lifetime experience. Fun and laughter was had by all making their stay a more memorable one. Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion dressing in red, white and blue. A big thank you to all the staff that worked hard to make this event happen.

The I.T. Training team is now part of the Learning and Development Department. The decision was taken to move the team from the Health Informatics Service to the Learning and Development Department as it will enable them to focus more on staff development.

Going forward, it is business as usual for the team as they continue to train staff on how to use electronic clinical systems. In addition, the team will also be carrying out an audit to fi nd out what the basic I.T. skills requirements are across the Trust. Following this, a new, fuller and more relevant I.T. training syllabus will be

created and published in the Therapeutic Skills Prospectus in September.

Paul O’Neill, Head of Learning and Development said; “We are delighted to welcome the I.T. Training team to the department. This is an exciting time and I am looking forward to working with them

over the coming months and developing the service they provide.”

I.T. Training Manager, Joy Bolam said; “I speak for both myself and the team when I say we are looking forward to the challenges ahead and a bright future within the Learning and Development Department.”

If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact Joy Bolam on 0115 969 1300 ext: 11192 or email joy.bolam@nottshc.nhs.uk

Paul O’Neill welcomes the IT Training Team to Learning and Development

Paul O’Neill (centre) with the IT Training team

Congratulations to service users Tom Exton and Jordan Brookes on completing the Prince’s Trust’s ‘Team’ programme.

Tom and Jordan both access services within the Trust and found out about the course through the peer support service. ‘Team’ is a 12-week personal development course which offers work experience, qualifi cations, practical skills, community projects and a residential week. It aims to give young people:

• An opportunity to use their existing skills and develop new ones• Information about job hunting and CV writing• The means to gain a nationally recognised qualifi cation• A better chance of moving on into a job, training, or education

Tom and Jordan worked as part of a team for 12 weeks to tackle a community-based project of their choice and carried out two weeks’ work experience in fi elds they are interested in.

Tom’s placement was with a landscaping and gardening company, work he really enjoys. Having completed the placement he is now working on the Prince’s Trust’s four-week construction project. At the end of the project he will receive his CIS card, which will enable him to work in construction.

Jordan’s placement was at the Nottingham Forest Football Club shop, where he gained retail experience. He is now booked on two courses at the Trust’s Recovery Education College.

Both men said that going on the course improved their confi dence and gave them a real sense of achievement.

Caldicott GuardianFollowing Janet Sheard’s retirement last month, Dean Howells, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience is now the Caldicott Guardian for the Trust.

There are also three Associate Caldicott Guardians, Michelle Bateman for Health Partnerships, Dr Chris Packham for Local Services and Dr Gopi Krishnan for Forensic Services.

The Caldicott Guardian oversees the processing of person and patient identifi able data and ensures the Trust is compliant with the Caldicott Principles governing the use of patient identifi able information; acting in an advisory capacity and championing confi dentiality and security of information requirements at Board level.

17Positive July 2012

Above: Tom on his work placement Below: Tom Exton (back row, forth from left) and Jordan Brookes (back row, third from right) pictured with their team mates at the certifi cate ceremony to celebrate completing the course

Service users on course for success

18

Driver training improves understanding

Members of Ace-ABC Cars with Jim Louth and Angela Pemberton, from Learning and Development.

New mental health awareness training is helping Mansfi eld’s taxi drivers provide a better service for their passengers.

The training was developed by the Trust’s Involvement Centre and has now been delivered to 82 people working for Ace-ABC Cars of Mansfi eld.

Jim Louth, Service User and Involvement Volunteer, helped put the training together. “The training was informative and benefi cial for both parties,” he said. “We shared how important communication is in understanding and dealing with service users, carers and staff and there was a mutual understanding about the role of taxi drivers in improving the experience of all who use their service.”

Nick Shaw, of Ace-ABC Cars of Mansfi eld, was also impressed with the sessions. “The training was clear, accessible and informative,” said Nick. “I learned a lot about mental health and it has prompted me to pay greater attention to people’s actions. It is all too easy to label people who appear different to ‘normal’, and courses like this are a great way to break down barriers.”

The Involvement Centre worked with the Learning and Development and Procurement departments to put the course together and Procurement is linking into the work by adding two new questions to contracts. Tendering organisations will now be asked whether they provide mental health awareness training to their employees and whether they would

be willing for their employees to attend a course provided by the Trust. Any organisations which would not be willing will automatically fail the tender process.

John Williams, Head of Procurement, said: “We hope that over time this requirement will be rolled out across other NHS trusts and will be used as a unique selling point for those organisations which do have the accreditation in place. The training package used with Ace-ABC Cars can now be adapted to use with other companies which supply or work with the Trust.”

Nick Shaw (left) and Jim Louth (right) with one of the trained drivers.

19Positive July 2012

Six patients attending the Horticulture Unit at Rampton Hospital and three technical instructors have all completed the British Safety Council Level 1 Award in Health and Safety.

The course is a new initiative within Forensic Services. It covers many aspects of health and safety within the workplace such as fi re safety, use of personal protective equipment, risk management and manual handling. It also highlights the need for safety whilst accessing vocational activities.

The qualifi cation will help the patients with the fi rst unit of the City and

Nottinghamshire Healthcare is backing a new campaign to raise awareness of mental health. Rethink Your Mind is a creative venture which will raise awareness through entries into a prize competition.

Entrants will be invited to submit pieces of original artwork and poetry and the winning entries will be included in a book and on two CD singles.

Two poems will make lyrics for the singles; two

pieces of artwork will be developed into front covers for the iTunes releases; two poems will feature on the singles; 20 further pieces of artwork and 20 pieces of poetry will be published in the book.

The book will also include information pages listing local mental health organisations and charities.

Competition entries will be accepted from World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2012 until 10 January 2013. The competition will be judged by a panel of acclaimed artists, photographers and poets and prizes awarded at the House of Lords on 1 May 2013.

For more information visit www.rethinkyourmind.co.uk.

Guilds Level 1 Award in Work Based Horticulture which they are all working towards. It also supports their journey towards recovery by helping to give them a positive identity that is separate from mental illness.

The ten-week course was delivered by Alison Thornton, Health and Safety Advisor, Kevin Porter, Fire Safety Offi cer, and Joanne Clark, Manual Handling Trainer, who all found it a pleasure to teach in the Hospital’s beautiful horticulture department.

Diana Brennan, Head of Therapy and Education Department, presented the students with their certifi cates in May.

The patients were thrilled when they learned that they had passed the exam. They commented that “the sessions were enjoyable and informative and delivered in a stimulating, fun way” and “I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve enjoyed participating.”

A second course is currently underway with more planned throughout the year.

Fatiguefi ghter website is fi ghting fi tA website set up three years ago by a Trust colleague is now receiving several hundred visits each month.

The ‘fatiguefi ghter’ site was developed by Philip Kinsella, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, psychological medicine, and Anne Childs, Physiotherapist, to help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a self-help site which can be used alone or in conjunction with a clinician.

The site was fi rst set up with an ‘Invest to Innovate’ grant and now has 329 people registered and receives 300-400 visits each month. It includes news and various resources about CFS and is completely free to use.

To fi nd out more visit www.fatiguefi ghter.org.uk.

Back row l-r Joanne Clark, Jenny Kay, Alison ThorntonFront row l-r Mark Garner, Norman Buttery, Andrew Gibson (the three instructors who achieved the qualifi cation)

A blooming marvellous achievement

Trust signs up to awareness campaign

20

A new way of assessing NHS care is being rolled out in inpatient areas in the Trust. The programme stems from a mother saying: “I can tell what kind of care my daughter is going to get within 15 steps of walking on to a ward.” This quote sparked the ‘15 Step Challenge’, an assessment model being developed by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.

In May Steve Williamson, Senior Nurse Professional Projects, led a session at the Involvement Centre, Duncan Macmillan House, to share his thoughts and co-design the way the model will work across the Trust’s mental health services.

John Chambers, a service user in the Involvement Team, attended the day. He said: “I think it’s a good tool if it’s taken seriously and developed to its full potential. First impressions count no matter where we are or what we do in life. The 15 Step Challenge relates to hospital wards, outpatients and all things health-related.”

The day consisted of presentations and discussion on how the 15 Step Challenge can be incorporated onto wards within mental health services. In considering how the 15 Steps will work in practice, the group looked at issues including admission, who would be part of the auditing teams, how to avoid multiple visitors on wards and how and when information is presented.

“15 Steps offers a unique opportunity to bring together service user, carer and professional views about inpatient services,” said Steve Williamson. “Spending time at the Involvement Centre in Nottingham was really useful to make sure the 15 Steps tool is developed in the right way to help improve mental health services.”

Pilots for assessment are due later in the year.

For more information contact Steve Williamson on 0115 9529491 or email steve.williamson@nottshc.nhs.uk.

15 Step Challenge to launch in Notts

q What is your job title and what does your role entail?a Outpatients Clerk for the Learning Disabilities Department at Highbury Hospital. I provide support to the medical secretaries and meet and greet service users.

q How long have you been with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust?a All of four months, a newcomer to the Trust.

q What do you see as your priorities for Nottinghamshire Healthcare?a To learn as much as I can as quickly as possible so I can be a more valuable employee. I am particularly interested in the carer/service user experience and what services are offered in relation to supporting them.

q What is your employment background?a I am from a Sales background. Predominantly media, but I have also worked in the food industry and logistics. I worked my way up to management but decided last year it was time to change this for a career in the NHS. So I have ditched the company car and good salary for now to start again in, what I hope, will be a far more rewarding career to take me to retirement.

q What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?a Memento Mori (Latin for you will die, morbid but true, live each day).

Improving Mental Health Services at HMP Wakefi eldThe Offender Health Directorate obtained the contract to provide mental health services in to the Close Supervision Centre (CSC) at HMP Wakefi eld, from April of this year.

The team at HMP Wakefi eld, who currently provide Integrated Mental Healthcare to prisoners, joined with the

15 Step Challenge – Steve Williamson (standing second from left) with some of the attendees

21Positive July 2012

q&aqProfessionally, to be able to work with carers and service users to improve their support though diffi cult times and offer help through my experiences.

q What single thing would improve your working life at Nottinghamshire Healthcare?a Lots and lots of training to improve my skills.

q What is your favourite hobby?a Doing sports with Iain (my fi ancé). Although we are both very competitive and he has been known to avoid the odd fl ying squash racquet.

q What keeps you awake at night?a Iain’s snoring.

q What is your favourite fi lm?a I love lots of fi lms as I am a bit of a fi lm buff but I think Bridget Jones might be the favourite. I have some friends who think I have a lot of Bridget Jones’ traits.

q What is your idea of bliss?a Being on holiday with Iain. I love to be somewhere hot by the pool with a glass of wine. He runs his own company so I enjoy seeing him relax and not always being on the end of a phone or laptop.

q What three words would you use to describe yourself?a Kind, loyal and fun.

q What is your favourite holiday destination?a I love Nerja in Spain. It’s a very traditional Spanish town with cobbled streets and Tapas runs. They also do the best ice cream I have ever tasted. We are going in September for our honeymoon.

q Who would you take to a desert island?a Would have to be Iain, although Patrick Dempsey would be a very adequate Plan B if Iain wasn’t available!

q Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?a Happily married, looking amazing for 50 and in Mike Cooke’s chair!

q Do you have a ‘claim to fame’?a My only claim to fame is that I have sat on a lot of famous laps. These include Duncan Goodhew, Des O’Conner and Roy Wood.

q How would you like to be remembered?a She laughed often, lived well and made a difference.

q What was the last CD you bought?a Queen Platinum Collection

q What is your greatest achievement?a My ex partner had a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in 2007 and this left him severely disabled. I spent the best part of four years helping with his care. I suppose my achievement is keeping myself strong through a very diffi cult time in order to support him. I learnt a lot and would go as far as to say that he may not have pulled through without my tenacity in getting him the best care I could.

q What makes you angry?a Hypocrites and ignorance.

q What are you most passionate about?a Personally it’s my relationship with my fi ancé and leading a good life. I need to be able to look in the mirror and like the sort of person I have become. I know what it is like to face real hardship and how quickly your life can change.

qqOur interviewee this month is Outpatients Clerk Rachael Roddy

prison governors in charge of both the CSC and the Segregation Unit to identify the needs of the service users, the prison staff and the prison regimes. It was agreed that in order to integrate the service provided for both the Segregation Unit and the CSC, and the best way to utilise the funding allocated by the Primary Care Trust, would be to identify an individual to lead on the task. Leonie Belk, Senior Mental Health Practitioner accepted this challenge whole heartedly, despite being relatively new in post.

Following some excellent negotiations with the CSC and Segregation Unit managers, Leonie has put in place a robust, effi cient service. This role not only encompasses delivering mental health services to the individuals on these units,

but also in collaboration with prison staff, helps inform the daily management plans and risk assessments for some of the most challenging individuals in the whole prison system. The role also provides mental health awareness, support and a ‘debriefi ng’ element for the prison staff on these units striving to deliver a caring and supportive regime in often very challenging circumstances. Leonie also acts as a link with other members of the team, should an individual on another member of staff’s caseload be located in the Segregation Unit. Therefore, improving and speeding-up the response provided, during what is often a disturbing time for the service users.

Simon Walker, Team Manager said: “I would like to highlight the support,

help and time given to allow Leonie to develop this new service, by all the other members of the Integrated Mental Health Team who have shown great team spirit and a drive to continue to improve the service we are delivering here within HMP Wakefi eld.

“I am really proud that the Prison Management Team has stated that they are very pleased with the service we are now delivering. Also, following a recent HMIP inspection, the identifi ed improvements in the service we provide overall and especially the improvements we have put in place on the Segregation Unit and CSC, were praised very highly directly to the Number 1 Governor Susan Howard and her Senior Management Team.”

22

Rampton Hospital’s Centenary celebrations continued in June with a History Day which gave staff a chance to look back on the past 100 years.

The open day gave an insight into the life of the Hospital through nostalgic pictures and artefacts. An old fashioned lunch menu was available in the staff restaurant and on the wards for patients. Staff and

patients sampled food from the decades including Queen of Puddings from 1912, Corned Beef Pie from the 1940s and Spam Fritters from the 60s to name a few.

As the celebrations continue into the second half of the year there are many more events and activities to look forward to. Planned events

for July include the unveiling of two commemorative fl owerbeds, one outside the visitors’ entrance and one inside the secure area and a family Sports Day and Fete on Saturday 14 July including a historical display of photos and artefacts.

Centenary celebrations

Top: Imogen with her paintingBelow: Charlie, holding her piece of art with Dr Lucy Allsopp (right)

‘Operation Decoration’ aims to revive public spaces and offi ces on the Unit with colour and warmth, using art to change the environment where young people live and staff work.

Imogen created an inspiring piece of work which is now displayed in the entrance of the Unit. Having been discharged, she recently returned to visit the Unit to see her work on the

wall. Imogen stated that the painting “represents making dreams a reality”. She worked on this painting whilst as an inpatient and enjoyed returning to see the fruits of her labour.

Another painting completed was by Charlie who decided to use an inspiring quote to brighten the Ward Consultants’ offi ce. Charlie chose the quote and then planned the design of her painting carefully with bright

merging colours to inspire those that see it. Charlie worked hard on the piece and feels very proud to have this up in a staff offi ce.

No doubt further art pieces will continue to fl ourish as the next project is a mosaic for the Unit garden. Well done to the young people of Thorneywood for changing the environment for all through their individual creativity.

Young people at Thorneywood Adolescent Unit have been taking part in a special project to create artwork for the Unit.

Operation Decoration

23

WE NEED YOU!

You may have picked up this copy of the newsletter not knowing what Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is. We provide integrated healthcare services including mental health, learning disability and community health services. We also manage medium-secure units in Leicester and Rotherham, and the high-secure Rampton Hospital near Retford and provide healthcare in 12 prisons across the East Midlands and Yorkshire.

WHO WE ARE...

Printed on Cocoon · 100% recycled paper

If you have any ideas or suggestions for the newsletter, please contact Suzanne Aitken in the Trust Communications Team on 0115 955 5403 or via email at suzanne.aitken@nottshc.nhs.uk. We are always pleased to receive articles for possible publication, but ask that they do not exceed 300 words.

Wherever possible when naming individuals, please include details of their job titles/roles and the organisation they are from. If any individuals other than yourself are mentioned in what you write or featured in accompanying photographs, please make sure you check with them that they are happy to be potentially featured. It is your responsibility to ensure this consent is given. Please send photos as separate image fi les and not in Word documents.

Please note that the Communications Team has full editorial control and may have to edit articles appropriately. Therefore, if you want to see the fi nal version please ensure you send your article in with plenty of time before the deadline and state clearly what you require.

If you would like copies of any past editions of Positive, or if you are having any ‘distribution issues’ with the newsletter – whether you’re receiving too many copies, too few, or none at all – then please contact us.

If you would like your story in the September issue of Positive, please contact us by 3 August 2012. However, due to space constraints we cannot guarantee the publication of all articles received by the deadline.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The Resource, Duncan Macmillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6AA tel 0115 9691300www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk

Positive July 2012

Trust and prison partnership pilots national programme

Dr Adarsh Kaul, Clinical Director Offender Health who has been leading the Trust’s involvement in the programme

The Trust recently featured in some national news coverage relating to a programme of treatment being piloted at HMP Whatton.

Pharmacological treatment has been provided to nearly fi fty high risk sex offenders at the prison in recent years through a collaboration between HMP Whatton and Nottinghamshire Healthcare as part of a national Department of Health pilot programme.

Most of these prisoners have completed the appropriate Sex Offender Treatment Programmes which are aimed at addressing distorted attitudes, beliefs, sexual interests and self-management. Unfortunately despite undertaking these accredited programmes their risk is not considered to have been adequately reduced.

Treatment is entirely voluntary and these offenders are willing to take this treatment as they recognise their own level of risk as being high. Appropriate monitoring of physical health as well as psychiatric examination is undertaken before medication is started and they are free to stop the treatment at any stage if they so wish.

Medication is considered to be appropriate for two groups of offenders who have not adequately responded to the standard psychological treatment

programmes. Firstly those who have a high level of sexual preoccupation and in whom sexual fantasies have a compulsive and intrusive quality. These prisoners are usually offered drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (also used in community as antidepressants and for those with obsessive compulsive disorders.) The second group of offenders offered treatment are those with a very high level of sexual arousal and drive and they are offered anti – androgen drugs. The effects of both these groups of drugs is reversible when they are stopped.

The effectiveness of these treatments is being evaluated by qualitative and quantitative research studies in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University.