Governors2Members Autumn 2021

As the leaves begin to fall and turn to shades of orange and red, it’s time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of our staff and put winter planning into action.

Preparing for winter

Our hospitals are offering vaccinations to both staff and the local community to protect them against the dreaded ‘flu. We’re also offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations to staff and eligible members of the public. If you’re contacted and offered either of these jabs, I strongly urge you to have them as they will help to keep everyone safe this winter.

Values

After speaking with our staff to see what matters most to them, we have launched our new organisational values and behaviours. Each of the three values - excellent, compassionate and respectful - are brought to life each day across our hospitals and will continue to guide how staff, patients, volunteers and governors work together. You can read more on page five.

Patient Experience

Our Patient Experience and Patient Advice and Liaison Service teams are working to drive change and improve practice in response to feedback from patients. In this edition of Governors2Members, we look at the ways in which the two teams have collaborated and highlight some of the initiatives that have been put in place to improve the experience of those in our care. Turn to page seven to read more.

Annual Members’ Meeting

In September, we held our Annual Members’ Meeting. This meeting provided our valued members an opportunity to learn about the different work that is going on across our hospitals, plus, everyone who attended had the chance to speak to their local governors and ask any questions they had. All Governors thoroughly enjoy these meetings as an occasion to connect with local residents.

Shine Awards 2021, Tuesday 30 November, 7pm

In the first of its kind for our Trust, the Shine Awards recognise and celebrate the amazing work of our staff. Shining individuals and devoted teams were nominated across seven award categories, and this event will see us announce the winners.

Be sure to dress your best and join us for a night full of sparkle and celebration.

The awards will be livestreamed from 7pm on Tuesday 30 November via the Trust’s Facebook page, found at @MSEHospitals.

The awards are kindly supported by Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity and sponsored by Electrical Solutions Group.

Staff and Governors have welcomed Charlotte Williams into her new role of Chief Strategy and Improvement Officer. Charlotte said: “It’s so lovely to be part of the Trust Board to continue to help make our services better, safer and fairer for our patients, and all residents of mid and south Essex.”

Charlotte has a wealth of experience in healthcare policy and management, beginning her career on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme before joining East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, and then Ashford & St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In 2006, she then moved into the role of Assistant Director of Operations at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust.

In 2010, Charlotte then joined UCLPartners Academic Health Science Partnership as Director of Integrated Cancer and Executive Director for the London Cancer Integrated Cancer System before being promoted to the r Chief of Staff. In 2017, Charlotte joined our Trust as Group Director of Strategy and New Care Models and was Director of Strategy for just over a year before joining the Trust Board.

Having worked across our Trust and system for some time, Charlotte has plenty of experience in delivering improvement and innovation across all of our hospitals. Charlotte said: “I feel proud to have played a part in the consultations which led to the creation of our established Trust and our clinical services strategy. I have also been responsible for seeking opportunities for development within the community we serve, such as the Anchor Programme. Pioneering initiatives such as this are hugely important to me as they allow our organisation to create greater employment and voluntary opportunities for local residents.”

By working with the Trust’s Council of Governors and fellow Board members, Charlotte will help to ensure that hospital services reflect the needs of patients and the local community. Charlotte said: “I have been so proud to work across the Trust in developing our organisational strategy. I will work to make our goals of high quality, integrated and equitable care a reality, and help us to become a learning organisation. I‘m committed to supporting our staff to develop, improve and innovate in order to provide excellent patient care.”

As someone who has built a career in the financial sector, I’ve found my first year as public governor incredibly eye-opening. During every discussion, meeting and event I’m learning more and more about the NHS and its services. Whilst it’s been a steep learning curve.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far.

Since restrictions have eased, I’ve taken great pleasure in attending face-to-face meetings with my local community. During this time, it’s become apparent that many people don’t necessarily have a full understanding of my responsibilities as Public Governor. As a result, I believe it’s important to regularly connect with local residents to better my awareness of community needs and demonstrate the value of my role as the intermediary between members of the public and Trust executives.

I have found that being a member of the Patient Participant Group (PPG) at my local GP surgery has given me a better appreciation for the patient journeys between GP surgeries and NHS hospitals and has allowed me to influence the work being done around this. I’m also involved with a number of charity and voluntary community groups. Previously this has included being Cultural Secretary for the Thurrock Asian Association and, more recently, volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Services and helping at my local Vaccination Centre.

I have always lived by the rule that I should enjoy whatever role or activity I’m engaged in. As well as serving the community around me and being my Father’s primary carer, I have a particular passion for long distance running and hiking. Just recently, I completed my first 100k jog along the South Coast and next year I will be abseiling down Southend Hospital. As we move towards the end of this year and the beginning of next, I will continue to challenge myself through my work as public governor, my volunteering, and keeping active.

An annual general meeting (AGM) gave the Friends at Broomfield an insight into the benefits of being part of a merged Trust.

The Friends at Broomfield Hospital group (formerly called the League of Friends) currently has more than 70 volunteers whose work is vital in helping to improve the lives of patients as well staff and visitors at the hospital.

Governors representing the Chelmsford area were invited and asked to speak at the meeting and Susan Sullivan, Public Governor for Chelmsford, said: “We were absolutely delighted to accept the invitation and meet in person with the Friends’ Chairman, committee and members.”

The meeting discussed the new legal format of the Trust. This was particularly well received by the Friends as they learnt about the degree of influence the local community has over their hospital through their interactions with the governors.

The session then focused on the recent developments that have taken place at Broomfield Hospital and across the wider Trust, including the improved and expanded chemotherapy unit. Susan said:

“It was pleasing to note that the Friends have donated money for new chairs for this centre. Charitable donations are always welcomed by the hospital and we look forward to continuing to work together to seek opportunities for improvements.”

The second half of the meeting focused on the future of the NHS and included a presentation from the Chairman of the Trust, Nigel Beverley, on Integrated Care Systems and future way of working.

With plenty of opportunities to learn and ask questions, the event was enjoyed by all.

Photo: Ron Capes, Public Governor for Basildon, Caroline Beasley-Murray, Public Governor for Chelmsford, Nigel Beverley, Trust Chairman, and Susan Sullivan, Public Governor for Chelmsford.

The Trust has launched its new values which will guide staff and governors to be Excellent, Compassionate and Respectful in everything they do.  

It was hugely important that, when agreeing on and establishing these values, staff from across all sites were involved in the decision. Staff members from a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical roles were asked what is important to them, what makes them feel valued at work and what it means to them to be a part of the Trust.

Excellent – We go all-out for excellence and put delivering exceptional care at the heart of everything we do.

Compassionate – We act with care and compassion towards ourselves, patients, colleagues and our communities.

Respectful – We appreciate the value of each other and nurture positive relationships. We ensure all voices are heard and respected.

These new values reflect the beliefs and principles of our staff and will help to guide future decisions and behaviour. They will be instrumental in creating a working environment in which staff feel supported and empowered to provide the best possible care to patients.

To find out more about these values, please visit our About Us

The MP for Chelmsford, Vicky Ford, has visited Broomfield Hospital to see the improved chemotherapy unit.

The centre, which was designed with the help of local patients, was a £1.2 million project that has increased the capacity at the unit from 12 chairs to 16, so that more cancer patients can be cared for. With new windows and natural LED lighting, the new unit offers a brighter and more comforting space for patients receiving treatment.

The spacious unit also includes a staff room, staff changing area and a meeting room which can be used for training.

The MP met Lisa Villiers, a Macmillan Nurse Consultant in chemotherapy, who showed her around the unit with the hospital’s Managing Director, Jane Farrell. She was also shown the hospital’s wellbeing gardens which have provided a relaxing outdoor space during an extremely challenging year.

Mrs Ford, who is also Minister for Africa, said:

It’s great to see the new chemotherapy unit up and running with an improved environment for its patients. I would like to thank all staff across the Trust who are continuing to work hard to deliver excellent care.

Nicole Crouch, Health and wellbeing lead, said: “I’m delighted that our wellbeing gardens have been such a hit with patients and staff alike. After such a difficult time for the NHS it was good to show Mrs Ford all the work we’ve been doing to support the health and wellbeing of our brilliant staff.”

Photo: MP Vicky Ford visiting the chemotherapy unit with Managing Director, Jane Farrell and Macmillan Nurse Consultant in chemotherapy, Lisa Villiers.

Cancer is a condition that affects many people during their lifetime and, with over 200 different types, each is diagnosed and treated in a particular way. Our staff and community members continue to improve the support available for those affected by cancer, making sure that it reflects the needs and experiences of patients and their families.

Cancer care across the years

Dr Eric Watts, Public Governor for Brentwood, was diagnosed with cancer in the 1960s and felt that as a young boy, he was often overlooked and kept in the dark. He said: “For so long, my own symptoms were dismissed as an excuse for not wanting to play sport. Then, when I finally received a diagnosis, I felt as though the doctors and nurses preferred to conceal the truth about my condition, rather than be honest with me.”

Since Dr Watts’ experience, there have been major advances in healthcare services to increase the transparency of information between patients and their medical professionals. A key example of this has been through the introduction of Cancer Nurse Specialists, who work to ensure that each patient is happy with the level of support they receive during their treatment.

By using their knowledge and experience, they create and coordinate each patient’s care plan on a case-by-case basis. Dr Watts expressed his delight with the recent advancements in cancer care, “Since my experience, I’m so pleased to see the creation of this role to provide an additional level of support and a point of contact once patients return home.”

Cancer self-help groups

Whilst this is a huge step forward in patient care, cancer can impact upon the wellbeing of patients and their families in lots of different ways and this needs an expansive level of support, both in hospital and in the community.

Not only are there significant physical impacts of the illness, but it can also cause psychological trauma. When people receive the diagnosis for the first time, they are likely to experience feelings of shock or disbelief, having never thought that it might impact them. Even when surrounded by the most loving family members and friends, those who have, or have had, cancer can feel that no one else truly understands what it’s like and can end up feeling isolated, lost and misunderstood. 

Cancer self-help groups have been developed as a result of these emotional challenges, to offer a place of peace and comfort for those who have been touched by the disease. These groups act as a haven and provide a safe space in which people can speak and interact with others who themselves have also experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. At these meetings, people can talk about topics like what to expect during treatment, how to manage specific side effects and how best to communicate with healthcare providers and family members. These groups can help people to feel understood, better equipped to handle their emotions and, ultimately, create a sense of belonging.

Dr Watts, who helped establish the Brentwood Cancer Support Group which is run with the help of the Orange Line service from Saint Francis Hospice, said: “Having had cancer myself and having worked both as a GP and as a consultant haematologist, I want to use my experience and knowledge to make sure that people suffering from cancer are heard, valued and taken seriously. I know all too well that dealing with cancer can be hugely distressing but it’s important that people don’t suffer in silence and are not afraid to ask for help.”

it’s important that people don’t suffer in silence and are not afraid to ask for help.

Whatever someone’s age or experience, there are local cancer support groups for everyone. All are unique, but all aim to provide a caring and safe space for those affected by cancer. To find out more about the groups that are local to you, please visit Macmillan Cancer Support.

Photo: Dr Eric Watts, Governor for Brentwood, running the Brighton marathon

Developments in Cancer Support

Cancer is a condition that affects many people during their lifetime and, with over 200 different types, each is diagnosed and treated in a particular way. Our staff and community members continue to endeavour to improve the support available for those affected by cancer, making sure that it reflects the needs and experiences of patients and their families.

Cancer care

Having been diagnosed with cancer in the 1960s, Dr Eric Watts, Governor for Brentwood, expressed his delight with the recent advancements in cancer care and support services. “For so long, my own symptoms were dismissed as an excuse for not wanting to play sport. Then, when I finally received a diagnosis, I felt as though I was kept in the dark. It felt to me that the doctors and nurses preferred to conceal the truth about my condition, rather than be honest with me.”

Since Dr Watts’ experience, there have been major advances in healthcare services to increase the transparency of information between patients and their medical professionals. A key example of this has been through the introduction of Cancer Nurse Specialists, who work to ensure that each patient is happy with the level of support they receive during their treatment.

By using their knowledge and experience, they create and coordinate each patient’s care plan on a case-by-case basis. Dr Watts said: “Since my experience, I’m so pleased to see the creation of this role to provide an additional level of support and a point of contact once patients return home.”

Community groups

Whilst this is a huge step forward in patient care, cancer can impact upon the wellbeing of patients and their families in lots of different ways and this needs an expansive level of support, both in hospital and in the community.

Not only are there significant physical impacts of the illness, but it can also cause psychological trauma. When people receive the diagnosis for the first time, they are likely to experience feelings of shock or disbelief, having never thought that it might impact them. Even when surrounded by the most loving family members and friends, those who have, or have had, cancer can feel that no one else truly understands what it’s like and can end up feeling isolated, lost and misunderstood. 

Cancer self-help groups have been developed as a result of these emotional challenges, to offer a place of peace and comfort for those who have been touched by the disease. These groups act as a haven and provide a safe space in which people can speak and interact with others who themselves have also experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. At these meetings, people can talk about topics like what to expect during treatment, how to manage specific side effects and how best to communicate with healthcare providers and family members. These groups can help people to feel understood, better equipped to handle their emotions and, ultimately, create a sense of belonging.

Dr Watts, who helped establish of the Brentwood Cancer Support Group which is run with the help of the Orange Line service from Saint Francis Hospice, said:  “Having had cancer myself and having worked both as a GP and as a consultant haematologist, I want to use my experience and knowledge to make sure that people suffering from cancer are heard, valued and taken seriously. I know all too well that dealing with cancer can be hugely distressing but it’s important that people don’t suffer in silence and are not afraid to ask for help.”

It's important that people don’t suffer in silence.

Whatever someone’s age or experience, there are local cancer support groups for everyone. All are unique, but all aim to provide a caring and safe space for those affected by cancer. To find out more about the groups that are local to you, please visit Macmillan Cancer Support.

Photo: Saint Francis Hospice hosting Tea and Talk at Toby's, a monthly social gathering for anyone who has been affected by cancer.

Across our hospitals, there are dedicated teams whose responsibility it is to listen, understand and learn from patient experiences to improve the quality of care and support offered.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service, also known as PALS, provides confidential advice, support and information about queries or concerns that any patient or family may have. Head of PALS, Nadine Lipscombe, said: “Often PALS is the first point of contact and so we deal with a huge variety of patient queries. Sometimes we might not necessarily know the answer or have the solution straight away, but we always try our best to help.”

Working alongside PALS is the Patient Experience team, who regularly interact with hospital departments as well as external organisations to design and deliver improvement plans. By working together, the two teams are able to share important information and resources to ensure that incoming questions and comments are handled and resolved in the best possible way.

Sarah Haines, Head of Patient Experience, explained the importance of this collaboration, saying: “By working closely with the PALS team, we have been able to understand the nature of the calls received and have been able to use our own knowledge to help in answering enquiries and resolving concerns as quickly as possible. Understanding the sorts of feedback PALS received has also helped inform some of our proactive work to improve patient experience.”

Overcoming challenges

In order to keep staff, patients and visitors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were put in place to limit the number of people allowed on to hospital sites. Unfortunately, this meant that it wasn’t always possible for patients to see their friends and family, which, for many, was incredibly difficult. Nor was it possible to invite Trust volunteers, who always offered comfort and a friendly face to patients on wards.

By working together, the PALS and Patient Experience team have been putting measures in place to improve communication between patients and their loved ones.  To support and encourage this contact, the teams have installed iPads on hospital wards to enable virtual visiting and set up a scheme called ‘Letters to Loved Ones’. This gives friends and family the opportunity to send letters, cards and messages to their nearest and dearest being treated in hospital.

Listen, understand and learn from patient experience.

The two teams continue to work in partnership to understand better how they can support patients and improve their experiences in our hospitals. If you would like to learn more about the support offered by the Trust PALS team, please our PALS page for more.

If you would like to send a letter to someone currently in our hospitals, please email mse.letterstolovedones@nhs.net.

Photo: The Patient Experience team delivering letters to loved ones.

Throughout the year, Council of Governors’ meetings are held to provide valuable updates on the improvements and key projects taking place across our Trust. As they are held in public, they offer a unique opportunity for our members to see our governors in action and put questions to senior staff.

We warmly welcome and encourage our members to join and take part in these important discussions. If you would like to attend in the public gallery, please contact the Membership Office to reserve your seat.

• 8 December 2021 at 5pm (Microsoft Teams)
• 2 March 2022 at 5pm (venue to be confirmed)

*you do not need to have MS Teams application, just click the link provided*

Calling all members - We need your emails or you may miss out

We have found that email is the best way to keep you up to date with hospital events, changes to services and dates for your diary. To update your contact details to ensure you never miss out on Trust news, please email your new or updated details to our Membership Office on mse.members@nhs.net

Watch out for your monthly newsletter!

As a valued member, each month you receive an email newsletter from the Trust called ‘An update from your hospitals’. This provides the most recent news and hospital updates.

*Please can this feature in a pop up box*

Upcoming charity events

6 March 2022 – Fire Walk

Take part in the ultimate challenge and walk over hot coals to raise money for a ward or department of your choice.

Registration fee: £40

Minimum sponsorship commitment: £100

21 to 23 March 2022 – Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

For only £26 per person, you can enjoy your favourite treats at Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea.  

21 March, 3pm-5pm: Waltham Barns, Little Channels, Chelmsford, CM3 3PR

22nd March, 3pm-5pm: Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue Orsett, Grays RM16 3HS

23 March, 3pm-5pm:  Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 3BG

For further enquiries, please contact the Charity Office on mse.charity@nhs.net

Over a whopping 150 fundraisers woke early on a Sunday morning to take part in Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity Walk for Wards.

The sun was shining as friends, families and work colleagues walked 7km along the seafront to raise money for a department or ward of their choice.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it wasn’t possible to carry out the walk last year, but this year local residents came out in full force and fancy dress to show their appreciation and raise money.

Elise Fleetwood, Business Development and Marketing Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “Once again, our local community have shown us how much they support their local hospitals and the staff that have helped them or a loved one. Some are first timers and others are regulars on the walk, and our thanks go out to each and every one of them. Their response never fails to amaze us.”

It’s expected that as a result of this community walk, more than £10,000 will be raised and will help to support over 30 areas of the Trust.

The walk will be taking place again next year on Sunday 18 September. If you would like to join in the fun, make sure to keep a note in your diary.

Photo: Community members at the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity Walk for Wards.

Basildon Hospital’s critical care unit receive a generous donation

Steven Brown, from Basildon, has generously donated two digital tablets after spending 14 weeks in hospital with COVID-19. After being treated for four weeks in Basildon Hospital’s critical care unit, Steven wanted to help other patients on ventilators communicate with staff and family members.

He said: “Giving these tablets to staff on the unit is a huge thank you to the whole team, from the consultant to critical care nurses and physiotherapists. They were just all fantastic. I was on the ventilator and couldn’t talk, so I know what a difference these tablets will make, helping patients communicate with their families and staff. I just wanted to give something back.”

Amanda Fife, a critical care nurse on the unit, said: “It’s so nice to see Steve; he has made a fantastic recovery. It’s great to see how much stronger he is getting and his kind donation will make such a difference.”

Steve, who works as ward security at the Trust, is continuing to receive regular physiotherapy to strengthen his legs following his long stay in hospital.

Photo: Stephen Brown photographed with critical care nurse, Amanda Fife and Respiratory Physiotherapist, Danielle Bragg