Issue 16June 2008

www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk

News and views from Kirklees Primary Care Trust

Community Nurses – right at the “heart” of Marsden

Left to right: Rosemary Robinson and Wendy Dyson with actress Lesley Dunlop, Sister Beverley Greenbank and Community Nurse Jodie Mayo

Continued on page 2.

NHS 60 in Kirklees Roll up, roll up, come and be amazed! See a sight you’ve never seen before! Take part in history in the making! Have your involvement recorded for posterity!

What on earth are we talking about?Why, it’s the fabulous photograph being taken on Thursday June 26 at St Luke’s House to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NHS of course!

Seriously folks, please come along for 12 noon to the grass at the front of the building and share in this fun way of marking the occasion.

We’re hoping staff, patients and carers will join in – and we’re also hoping for fine weather!

Our photographer has organised a “cherry picker” (for those of you not in the know, it’s a mobile platform such as those used for street lighting maintenance) so he can go up high to get some good shots for the promotional picture.

If you could wear something blue or white (NHS colours) on your upper body, it would be helpful. If those colours don’t feature in your wardrobe don’t worry, come as you are – the more the merrier. Flat shoes would be a good idea because of the grass.

Originally we were asking for about 200 people to take part but we may need more…

Your reward, apart from the honour and glory outlined above, will be a refreshing soft drink.

See you there!

60

Community Nurses in Marsden will be on the box later this year. We don’t know when yet but will keep everyone posted … The important thing then is not to blink, or else you’ll miss them!

Many people will know that the district nurse based television series, “Where the heart is” was filmed in Marsden, and in particular, at the Health Centre there. Our nurses were involved then, as their office became a film set out of hours and they acted as advisors to the programme.

What fans of the gentle ITV soap won’t know is that actress Lesley Dunlop, who played the new Sister in the later episodes, returned to Marsden last month to chat on camera about those “old times” with the Community Nurses.

The programme will be just six minutes long (hence the advice not to blink!) and is part of a series of 70 in which various actors and actresses return to “their” programme’s location and reminisce with the locals who were involved at the time of filming.

Community Nurses Rosemary Robinson and Wendy Dyson were filmed with Lesley this time at the Victoria Street Health Centre.

Rosemary said:”It was really good to see Lesley again. She’s such a nice

lady. When they were filming it was winter, so she was pleased to see Marsden in the sunshine!”

insi

de

New Baby Café is a winner - 3... Want to be a bone marrow donor? - 5... Cleanyourhands in the community - 6... Emergency? Call for James! - 6... Healthy ambitions for Kirklees - 7... John's impressive NHS innings - 8... Provider Services update - 10...

See page 2 for more NHS 60

activities

22

When the crew was shooting the series they would bring a replacement name board saying Skelthwaite Health Centre but apart from that things look much the same now as they did then. The locals somehow got to know what was going on this time - before it happened - as they used to back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

And one thing from the series that is still true to life is that the nurses are very much part of and appreciated by the local community.

As Wendy said:“Local people don’t miss a trick. If you change

your hair style someone will spot it and pass comment as soon as you walk out of the building! But that’s just how they are; they’re interested in each other and they look out for one another.”

Marsden is popular with film crews. Local people are used to cast and crew from “Last of the Summer Wine” being around and someone said they spotted Russ Abbott the other week……..!

Before the crew could begin filming, the PCT and the production company agreed and signed a contract, which was designed to protect everyone’s interests. This took some time to sort out to the satisfaction of both parties’ legal eagles but is a necessary step. Please remember this and if a film crew approaches you about filming in your building please contact the PCT Communications Team.

Community Nurses – right at the “heart” of MarsdenContinued from front page What else is

happening? As the actual anniversary is July 5, a Saturday, the PCT is organising for staff to have some extra time and food at lunchtime the day before – where possible. It will depend on where you work and what you do as to the detail of this. Please see your manager for details.

There will be five “parties”, Cleckheaton Health Centre, Princess Royal Community Health Centre, Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, Beckside Court and St Luke’s House. Organisers will receive a “party pack” to help with the festivities.

NHS 60 in Kirklees will be running throughout the summer taking in a number of events and activities, rounding off with the staff long service awards at Berties, Elland on October 9

In the meantime, the PCT is also teaming up with The Pulse radio station to stage two celebratory roadshows. These will happen on Wednesday, August 6 in

Dewsbury town centre and on Saturday, September 13 at The Piazza, Huddersfield.

These events will combine fun with a look back at the NHS since its inception and an opportunity to promote our key health messages. Our working group is gearing up the planning now, so watch this space!

We are also working with local primary schools asking children to enter a drawing competition showing what the NHS means to them.

Getting back to staff you have the chance to shadow an Executive Director of your choice for a day to get another perspective on the work of the PCT and this year’s annual general meeting will also have an NHS 60 theme.

For further information about any of the above please contact communications@kirkleespct.nhs.uk

NHS 60 in Kirklees

More Expert Patient courses There are more and more Expert Patient and Looking After Me courses being run all the time as part of our team’s successful training programme for people with long term conditions and carers.

Some courses are running now and the next to start are:• LookingAfterMeCourseforCarers:

Friday mornings 10am – 12.30pm at Kirklees PCT Offices, Beckside Court, Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PW, starting Friday July 4.

For details contact Farah Haq, Carers Support Worker at Carers Gateway: Tel: 01484 226050 or Carers.gateway@kirklees.gov.uk

• DaytimeExpertPatientsProgrammeCourse:

Monday mornings 10am – 12.30pm at Kirklees PCT Offices, Beckside Court, Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PW, starting Monday 20 October (pre-course meeting)

For details contact Susan Bateman, Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator at Kirklees PCT. Tel: 01924 351431 or susan.bateman@kirkleespct.nhs.uk

By taking part in the programme, I have learned

such a lot and now I have the skills and confidence to talk to my GP about my condition and make plans for the future.

Since doing the Looking after me

course I am more content with my life and know how to cope better

KPCT – a healthy place to work As a health organisation with a lead role in promoting health, the PCT Board recognises its role and responsibility as an employer to take measures in line with current guidance and good practice to prevent and manage obesity in its workforce and to be a role model to other employers.

A new Healthy Workplace document is now available on the Kirklees PCT website. If any member of staff wishes to comment about this policy statement please respond to the communications team communications@kirkleespct.nhs.uk who will collate your responses.

33

Right to left: Caroline Booth, Joan Booth and Councillor Peter O’Neill

A new Baby Café in Batley where Mums can take their little ones for breastfeeding, share their hopes and fears and have a hot drink in comfort has been voted a resounding success.

The Baby Café was officially opened at Staincliffe and Healey Children’s Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Batley last month with a huge crowd present to welcome this new service.

Timed to take place during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the launch event highlighted the partnership between the PCT and Kirklees Council, which makes the service possible.

An extra special aspect of the Baby Café is that Breastfeeding Volunteers will always be there to offer support to new Mums. They are Mums themselves who have been or still are breastfeeding successfully and can help people if anyone is struggling to persevere with feeding.

Councillor Jim Dodds, Lead Councillor for Children’s Services in Kirklees, said: “The Baby Café is a fantastic

example of partnership working between the Council and the PCT. This is such an imaginative idea that is taking off really well. It will of course contribute to tackling the issues of Infant Mortality and help to improve child health in North Kirklees.

Councillor Peter O’Neill, Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Adults and Healthier Communities attended the event along with Joan Booth, PCT Head of Localities, who cut a ribbon to mark the opening.

Other eventsThere was a host of other activities across Kirklees to celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW) May 11-17 including the fourth birthday celebrations at the Huddersfield Baby Café at Woodhouse Children’s Centre, Chestnut Street, Deighton, Huddersfield.

Staff from Kirklees PCT including Health Trainers and Health Improvement Practitioners were also promoting breastfeeding at Tesco Huddersfield, ASDA Dewsbury and Mothercare, Huddersfield.

The Batley Baby Café is open every Thursday 11.30 am-1.30pm

The Huddersfield Baby Cafe is open every Monday 1-3pm

I would like to thank everyone who helped make the promotional events throughout Kirklees during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week such a fantastic success.The Baby Café launch in Batley and birthday celebrations in Huddersfield were organised professionally and all credit must go to both Baby Café teams at the children’s centres and facilitators Claire and Caroline respectively.The supermarket events in Huddersfield and Dewsbury and Mothercare in Huddersfield were also made a great success thanks to staff raising awareness, being accessible to the public and having such a positive attitude to the breastfeeding agenda.The production of the breastfeeding posters, literature and leaflets was meticulous and they were designed and ready for the campaign – very much appreciated.The Public Health Resource Centre assisted greatly in making sure we had the right resources for our campaign and were extremely helpful.Lastly, but by no means least, the media coverage was excellent and I could not have asked for anything more. The communications team were approachable, friendly and focused and I look forward to working with them and everyone else again in the future.

Jayne HeleyHealth Improvement Practitioner Specialist

New Baby Café is a winner Telling it as it isInformation about local health services provided by the PCT is sent to households throughout Batley, Dewsbury, Spen, Huddersfield and the Valleys.

‘Your Guide to local health services 2008/09’ provides a wide range of information about local NHS services, tips on healthy living and useful telephone numbers.

Rob Napier, PCT Chairman, said: “The six-page guide gives local people information about the organisation and the services we provide in Kirklees. We want people to know about their local NHS services and hope they will find it interesting, informative and easy to read.”

The guide can also be downloaded from the PCT website.

Welcome to ‘Your guide to local health services' in Kirklees.This guide has been produced by Kirklees Primary Care Trust (PCT). It aims to provide you with information about your local NHS in Kirklees as well as advice about staying healthy and getting the best from the services we provide.

Your guide to localhealth services

2008/09

Dewsbury

Kirkburton

Huddersfield

Holmfirth

Marsden

Cleckheaton

Batley

Mirfield

Meltham

Slaithwaite

Honley

Denby Dale

Ravensthorpe

Working together to achieve the best health and well-being for all the people of Kirklees.

4

Mike’s column 2008 marks the 60th Anniversary of the NHS and is a time for reflection, celebration and looking to the future. I am sure that many of you, like me, will have many memories of life in the NHS and how it has changed over the years since its inception in 1948.

We asked you how we should celebrate this anniversary here in Kirklees and there have been some excellent suggestions forwarded to the Communications Team. If you have any more ideas the Communications Team want to hear from you.

I am sure that you are also aware that Lord Darzi will publish his NHS Next Stage Review to also mark the 60th Anniversary which will provide a vision for the service over the next decade. The publication of this review will be the culmination of work led by front line clinicians up and down the country to move the NHS from good to great.

The report on the work across Yorkshire and the Humber, “Healthy Ambitions”, was published last month and is the culmination of extensive work undertaken by the eight clinical care pathway groups

led by doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals along with key partners. The report sets out clear ambitions for improving health outcomes, increasing life expectancy and shaping local services that match the best in the world.

The Yorkshire and Humber report has received very positive feedback and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in this work for their contribution and look forward to working with you in the future to turn this vision into reality.

We are now two months into the new financial year and we are busy completing end of year accounts and assessing end of year performance on meeting key targets. The PCT remains in a strong financial position achieving a £4.4m surplus (subject to audit) and achieving most of the key targets. This has been a fantastic turnaround from the position we inherited as a new organisation in October 2006 and is due to everyone’s hard work over the last 18 months. This puts us in a strong position to be able to implement the changes in the NHS Next Stage Review.

Work continues on addressing the issues that came out of the last staff survey. A

series of focus groups and meetings will be run across all directorates at the beginning of June. The aim of these groups is to listen to your views on what it is like to work for the PCT currently and to find out how you would tackle some of the issues highlighted in the staff survey report. The focus groups will be facilitated by members of the Investors in People Action Group and any views expressed will be confidential. Please take the opportunity to engage in these discussions and have your views heard.

Over the coming months the PCT will go through a further assessment of its capability to become a Word Class Commissioning organisation and meet the competencies expected of PCTs set by the Department of Health. This will be an important piece of work that will shape our future development to be able to manage the local NHS in Kirklees and to be effective commissioners for health improvement. Further information will be available in the coming weeks.

As we approach the holiday season, I hope you all enjoy a well deserved break and as always, your ongoing support is much appreciated.

MikePotts,ChiefExecutive

Help yourself to better health...at the library!Yes that's right at the library. The local library might not be the first place people think off when it comes to improving their health, but thanks to an investment by the PCT, library and information centres across Kirklees are now fully stocked with over 15,000 brand new health related books available for loan.

These books are also available on the mobile libraries and to people who receive their books at home due to health and mobility problems.

Children can find books on food, sport, play, as well as topics such as keeping safe.

Teenagers can find out more about keeping fit, dealing with stress, growing up, as well as tips on hair and make up or healthy eating.

Adults can access a wide range of books on topics including parenting, keeping themselves and their families healthy, developing different life skills, keeping active in retirement or coping with emotional problems, various long term conditions and illness.

“Getting the right information at the right time is crucial for us all. We have supplied the libraries with a range of information that is accurate and in different formats. So what better way

than to use the libraries across Kirklees to find out reliable information about a very broad range of queries you may have relating to your specific health issues," commented, Judith Hooper Director of Public Health.

“Providing valuable information on a wide range of health related

issues, these books can provide the first step to better health," commented Cabinet Member for Leisure and Neighbourhood Services Cllr Liz Smaje.

Moreinformation: www.kirklees.gov.uk/betterhealth.

5

Want to be a

It’s been possible to be a bone marrow donor for many years now and many staff will no doubt have pledged their support for the Anthony Nolan Trust which maintains the national donor register. Huddersfield Examiner readers have been reminded recently of the value of this commitment.

Examiner journalist Adrian Sudbury has been told he is losing his battle with leukaemia and has just weeks to live. The 26-year old is raising awareness of the need for more people to sign up as bone marrow donors.

Adrian received a bone marrow transplant during his 18-month battle with the disease, and although the transplant eventually failed he is grateful to his donor - a 30-year-old woman from Germany - for giving him an extra year of life.

There are 12 million people registered as donors worldwide - 700,000 in the UK. But the odds of being a perfect match are one in several thousand. Many people don’t know what’s involved and mistakenly fear it involves drilling into the spine with the risk of paralysis.

In fact, 75% of stem cell transplants are now done with a process similar to giving blood except that it takes around four-hours. For the other 25% it involves inserting a needle into bones in different areas of the body under a general anaesthetic and taking cells directly from the marrow. The only side effect should be discomfort and soreness the next day. There is no lumbar puncture, drilling into the spine or risk of paralysis.

YoucancontacttheAnthonyNolanTruston09018822234or www.anthonynolan.org.ukandrequestaspecialpack.Or,ifyougivebloodatNationalBloodServiceclinics,youcanasktobeaddedasabonemarrowdonor next time you go to give your pint.

bone marrow donor?

Examiner journalist Adrian SudburyPhoto courtesy of the Huddersfield Examiner

in the community Kirklees PCT has reinforced its commitment to safer care for patients by signing up to the National Patient Safety Agency’s (NPSA) cleanyourhands campaign.

The sign-up comes after a three month preparation period, which means that processes and awareness are in place for a successful campaign.

The campaign has been piloted for the community settings by 19 NHS organisations who have fed back to the NPSA on their experiences so that refinements could be made.

The cleanyourhands campaign is an award winning NHS-funded campaign to help reduce healthcare associated infections through improving hand hygiene, prompting healthcare staff to clean their hands at the critical moments immediately before and after every patient contact. It is in its third year in acute hospitals and it now being extended.

Our cleanyourhands campaign encourages patients to help staff improve their hand hygiene. A key message of the campaign is directed to patients and states: It’s OK to ask healthcare workers in this primary care trust whether they have cleaned their hands before they touch you.

Jane O'Donnell, Deputy Director Infection Prevention and Control for the PCT said: “The same principles of infection prevention through hand hygiene applies when people receive healthcare outside hospitals. All healthcare workers should decontaminate their hands by washing or disinfection with an alcohol based handrub before any care activity to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections. Kirklees PCT is committed to improving hand hygiene.”

Since the NPSA launched cleanyourhands in September 2004, independent research shows that the campaign has been effective in changing hand hygiene behaviour in acute NHS hospitals in England and Wales, with a significant rise in the use of alcohol handrub and the majority of trusts rating cleanyourhands as a top priority.

So near…Mid-Yorks health economy 18-week programme managers did so well. They got so near but unfortunately they did not make the last shortlist for the national finals of the Health and Social Care Awards which are due to take place in next month as part of the NHS 60 celebrations.

The team from this PCT, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust and Wakefield District PCT, won the Leadership for Improvement Award in the Yorkshire and Humber regional final with their inclusive “route to a solution” approach to the delivery of the 18 weeks standard.

However, their work has already received national acclaim with members of the team speaking at events organised by the Department of Health, other SHAs and the Health Service Journal.

6

EMERGENCY? Call for James!

CongratulationstoJamesWilliams,anAssistantDirectorinPublicHealthwiththePCT,whoisoneofthefirstpeople in the country to be awarded a DiplomainHealthEmergencyPlanning.

James was one of only 83 people to gain the diploma from the 174 people who undertook this new course. Sponsored by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and awarded by the Royal Society, it aims to reduce operational problems for the NHS in the event of an emergency situation by providing planning and preparation for such an event.

Said James, “The NHS needs to have the capacity and capability to respond to a wide range of threats and major incidents. Undertaking this diploma course really brought the theory and practice of emergency planning together for me. I feel I’m better able to ensure that Kirklees PCT has appropriate systems in place not

only to comply with legislation but to respond effectively should it be called upon to do so during a major incident”.

This qualification is designed to provide the knowledge and understanding necessary for individuals to participate in the development, evaluation and operation of emergency plans and to enable their employers to comply with legislation. The qualification concentrates on the need for emergency management, the design and construction of emergency plans and the operation of emergency plans.

Dr Penny Bevan, Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Department of Health, Professor Pat Troop then Chief Executive of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Head of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Bruce Mann presented the award at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Royal Society in London.

Left to right: James Williams, Prof Pat Troop (then Chief Executive of the HPA now retired), Penny Bevan, Director of Emergency Preparedness – Department of Health.

Photo courtesy of the HPA.

Congratulations to……DeborahCollis, Assistant Director – Public Health, has gained the qualification of Accredited Member of the Faculty of Public Health. Well done Deborah!

… newlyappointedProviderServicesLocalityManagers:

• DoreenOakley for Huddersfield South, based at Mill Hill Centre on 01484 347853 (more about Doreen next month)

• MarkMarshall for Batley, Birstall and

Birkenshaw, based at Batley Health Centre on 01924 351570 (from 7 July)

…Janine Bestall, Senior Public Health Manager, responsible for the self-care and volunteer programmes had a baby girl, weighing 8llb 3oz at the beginning of May. She’s named her Roxie Rose. Mum and baby are dong well.

…GemmaBrady, PA to Sue Ellis, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, who delivered a healthy

baby boy, early on June 9, named Isaac Thomas Brady weighing at 7lb 12oz. Both mum and dad are tired!!!

…KirkleesPCTwinners in the Childcare and Carers Support Service summer spectacular benefits roadshow prize draw. They are: Risk Manager, Chris Bedford (radio); Communications Manager, Peta Wolstencroft (socks); Administrator Specialist Care, Aimee Driver (fitness DVD) and Performance Information, Harpreet Ahahal (fitness DVD).

You know it’s supposed to be summer when you start to read and hear about outdoor concerts! Kirklees Council has organised a couple of Concerts in the Park in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield. Both concerts are free, no tickets required, just turn up.

Proms in the Park is happening on Saturday June 28 when the audience will be able to listen to the world-famous Huddersfield Choral Society with the Orchestra of Opera North and two youth choirs from 6.30pm. It will be like the Last Night of the Proms with flags waiving and patriotic music complete with spectacular ending - fireworks exploding to Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture.

The following day (Sunday June 29) is Party in the Park when indie band, The Guillemots, headline supported by festival bands Elliot Minor and The Script plus local bands from 3.30pm.

Free shuttle buses will be running from Springwood car park and the railway station to Greenhead Park. Further information about the concerts: www.kirklees.gov.uk/concerts

Concerts

in the Park

7

Healthy Ambitions for KirkleesHuge improvements in NHS healthcare are scheduled for Kirklees as a result of Lord Darzi’s Next Stage Review.

Healthy Ambitions is the report of the NHS Next Stage Review, which involved hundreds of doctors, nurses, midwives, health professionals and the public in drawing up a blueprint for higher quality NHS services.

The report outlines how the NHS will face the challenges of the future and our priorities for the next 10 years, leading to world class services in this region.

Prioritiesforactioninclude:

• Abettersystemwithfewerjourneysfor patients, carers and families

• Healthierlifestyles–withareductioninobesity

• Risingbreastfeedingrates

• Halvingthenumberofchildrenadmitted to hospital with asthma

• Mentalhealthservicesavailablewithout waiting

• Halfthenumberofpreventableadmissions from diabetes

• Highlyexperiencedstaffmakingdecisions at the front door of every hospital

• Saving600prematuredeathseveryyear with better stroke care

• Doublethenumberofpeopleabletochoose to die at home rather than hospital

PCT Chief Executive, Mike Potts, said: “Healthy Ambitions sets out a

direction for the future of health and healthcare in England and we will apply this to healthcare in Kirklees. The PCT is already addressing many of the priorities that have been identified in Healthy Ambitions.”

“Examples include working with partner organisations on the Local Area Agreement which has set key targets in a number of areas including the promotion of breastfeeding, reducing obesity and significant progress is also being made on specialist community and mental health services.”

Last year, the PCT hosted a visit from Professor Ara Darzi, and the NHS Chief Executive, David Nicholson, as part of the Review. PCT staff and clinicians from Meltham Road Surgery, Huddersfield, took part in a staff engagement session to give them their experiences of working in the NHS and the current issues and challenges they face.

Gold for Overthorpe’s healthy outlookOverthorpe Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Edge Top Road, Thornhill, is the latest Kirklees school to receive a gold Healthy Schools award.

Julie Edge of Kirklees Healthy Schools visited the school and in a special assembly congratulated pupils on their approach to healthy living. She also presented them with a tree to plant in the school grounds.

Headteacher Thelma Walker said pupils, staff and parents had all been involved in the school's efforts to improve health and fitness.

She said: "We've done really well. It was led by our Every Child Matters co-ordinator Louise Murphy, but it was a whole school thing.

"It involved keeping fit and making the right choices about what you eat.

"We were even thinking about travel

plans, about whether it was possible to walk to school."

Healthy Schools is a partnership between the PCT and the Learning service. In Kirklees there are two levels schools can achieve – National Healthy School Status and Kirklees Healthy School Status Gold. In order to achieve National status, schools have to meet set criteria in the areas of physical activity, healthy eating, emotional wellbeing and PSHCE (personal, social, health and citizenship education). For the gold award, schools must achieve extra targets in the same areas and also in the areas of staff wellbeing and the environment.

It is based on evidence that healthier children perform better academically, and that education plays an important role in promoting health, particularly among those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

Where Kirklees leads…Our local health economy committed last November to reducing its carbon footprint by 10%.

Now, as the largest employer in Europe, the NHS, has committed to reduce its carbon footprint with the launch of its Carbon Reduction Strategy, which is out for consultation.

The NHS contributes three percent of England’s total carbon dioxide emissions (over 18 million tonnes). The new strategy, ‘Saving Carbon, Improving Health: A Carbon Reduction Strategy for the NHS in England – a consultation document’, commits the service to reduce this by 60 percent by 2050.

Areas covered by the strategy include procurement, travel and building energy usage. Proposals include:

• allNHSbodiestohaveaCarbonManagement Strategy by 2009

• organisationstoreportannuallyontheir sustainable development progress

• theNHStorecycle75percentofitswaste by 2020.

The draft strategy can be found on the NHS Sustainable Development Unit for England (SDU) website www.sdu.nhs.uk and responses should be received by August 21.

The SDU came into being on April 1 this year and is a four-person team based in Cambridge. Their aims are to offer leadership on carbon issues, raise awareness, help shape policy, evaluate and cost innovations making them widely available and promote partnership working.

Green tipLeaving a computer on overnight for a year creates enough CO2 to fill a double-decker bus.

Your local NHS working for a greene

r fut

ure

CARBON ACTION

ParkingatBecksideYou’ll have read in Weekly Talk about parking difficulties at Beckside Court. This is a reminder! PLEASE don’t part down the middle of the car park there as it leads to all sorts of problems for cars parked legitimately in the spaces and for delivery and refuse collection vehicles. If there are no spaces available please park elsewhere, e.g on the top road (Rouse Mill Lane).

8

John’s impressive NHS inningsJohn Regan, a cricket-lover who has dedicated his working life to the NHS, has retired after 42 years service in the Kirklees area – an impressive innings!

John began his career in 1966, originally training as a nurse. After a short spell as a staff nurse on a surgical ward, he switched to working in the community holding the post of Community Charge Nurse for 12 years.

After the position of Community Nursing Service Manager John later took on responsibility for all community health services on his local patch as Locality Manager.

These two roles accounted for 19 years of his working life during which he was keen to listen to what people said they needed and bring about improved and better co-ordinated services.

The result was the appointment of the area’s first community diabetic and cardiac rehabilitation nurses and development strategies for staff that are a lasting legacy to his commitment.

In 2003, working for North Kirklees PCT John joined the premises development team to work on five new health centres. He played a key role in identifying the needs of the local community and managed the final commissioning of the buildings.

He remained within estates when Kirklees PCT came into being in 2006 but he maintained his clinical interest by leading the local strategy group for the development of services for people with cardiac disease.

John was immensely proud of the new health centres and a framed photograph of Batley Health Centre was amongst his retirement presents from colleagues. Other gifts included crystal goblets.

David Henwood, head of Estates here at the PCT, said: “John has

been an incredibly loyal and hard working member of the NHS over the last 42 years. His knowledge of local communities needs will be missed, as will his dedication to improving the premises from which services are delivered. We all wish John a long and happy retirement.”

John, Heckmondwike born and bred, still lives there with his wife, Esther, who is also a nurse. The couple have two sons and a granddaughter. Passionate about cricket and promoting sport to young people, John has been involved with Heckmondwike Cricket Club for many years, as chairman of the committee. He is also a qualified umpire.

We’re serious about diabetesAcross Kirklees during this month’s National Diabetes Awareness Week (8-14 June) the focus was on self care

The 2008 national Diabetes UK Campaign theme was ‘Diabetes is Serious’. Diabetes Week is the annual focal point for fundraising, awareness and campaigning activities. Although healthcare staff are already encouraged to discuss self care with patients, some say they’re still not sure about all the different self care opportunities and this campaign aims to address this issue.

Kirklees PCT is a pilot site for the Department of Health and Diabetes UK, Year of Care project which puts care planning and empowering patients at the heart of diabetes care. There are a variety of programmes available to help support patients with long term health conditions. These include:

• DiabetesEducationandSelfmanagement for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed Diabetics (DESMOND) regarded as the gold standard in diabetes patient education

• TheExpertPatientsProgramme(EPP)which is a course for anyone with a long term health condition.

• Alongsidethis,thereisacourseforcarers of people with long term health conditions called ‘Looking After Me for Carers’.

• HealthTrainerswhoofferindividualsupport for people who would like to make changes to their lifestyle and improve their health and wellbeing.

• Therearealsoarangeofvoluntarygroups in the area who aim to support people with diabetes.

Karen Pearson, from Kirklees PCT Public Health Department said; “National Diabetes Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the support available to people with diabetes and their carers. Diabetes can be a potentially fatal condition if it is not well managed.’

Andy Dobson, Pharmacist and Chair of the Local Pharmacy Committee said; “All community pharmacies will give advice on lifestyle and diet for diabetics, and in addition many pharmacies also offer blood glucose testing. Most pharmacies now provide a free, 15-minute Medicine Use Review (MUR) which is available to all patients on several medications, but is particularly valuable for diabetic patients.

FarewellEileenAfter 20 years service at Honley Surgery, the Practice Manager, Eileen Broadbent, retired in May.

Eileen who lives locally, began her working life at the Surgery in Marsh Gardens as a Practice Administrator. After 12 months in post she became Practice Manager in December 1987, which was a new role in General Practice. This role has developed over many years. Eileen has over the years been Chairman of the Practice Managers group.

To mark her retirement a lunch party was organised by the doctors and staff at the surgery and she was presented with gifts of flowers, cut glass and garden furniture.

Eileen intends to spend her retirement gardening, swimming and travelling to different destinations.

9

PALShelpsAvril get new sparkleAvril Woods can vouch for Kirklees PALS (Practice Active Leisure Scheme), an exercise referral scheme run in partnership between the PCT and Kirklees Council. The scheme helps people with medical conditions to get back onto the road to health through physical activity.

But the benefits are not just physical …

Avril, aged 62, is proof of the adage ‘healthy body, healthy mind’. She was one of the case studies that contributed to Kirklees PALS being a Yorkshire and Humberside regional finalist in the NHS Health and Social Care Awards 2008.

She was referred to Kirklees PALS by her doctor who had been treating her for depression for many years. As well as being bipolar, she was sociophobic - meaning that social situations struck absolute terror in her. As a result, she didn’t go out much and wouldn’t even answer her home telephone.

That was two years ago - now she is no longer on medication for bipolar condition and she is confident enough to be one of the volunteers, known as PAMS (Physical Activity Motivators), at two PALS sessions in Holmfirth. She also helps with the children’s exercise scheme, Young PALS.

“PALS has given me the opportunity to get my life back. I am not 100%

but I can cope with myself now,” said Avril.

At first she wanted to be left alone and not have to talk to anyone - so she’d find her own corner in which to exercise and watch the rest of the group. Slowly she started to ‘belong’.

“I know how frightened people can be when they first come to PALS and don’t know what to do. And, if they are like me, they won’t ask for help,” said Avril who aims to help people settle in without being too overpowering. “I let them know what the crack is.”

Avril has nothing but praise for PALS and for those involved.“It’s a great scheme that can help people of all abilities - even no ability,” she commented.

Avril has lost a stone in weight and her family have noticed a new sparkle about her. “That’s because I am part of the world,” she said.

Even more important is the change in how Avril sees herself. “I quite like myself now,” she added.

Avril taking a twirl on the dance floor with Tristan Edgar, who teaches the

dance class at Holmfirth.

Movers and shakers StartersElaine Armstrong, Staff Nurse Golcar Clinic, Sally Davies, Lead Nurse Continuing Care SLH, Nicola Firth, Health Care Assistant The Valleys, Valerie Haigh, Ward Housekeeper Maple Ward HVMH, Sara Javid, Bank Health Trainer PRCHC, Julia Clough, Bank Health Trainer, Susan Thirkill, Bank Auxiliary Nurse Maple Ward HVMH, Asif Kazi, Finance Officer SLH, Nicola Murphy, Health Care Assistant Chestnut Centre, Dawn Baker, Bank Auxiliary NurseNatalia Stenton, Admin/Clerical Assistant MHCHC, Jennifer Maguire, Bank Respiratory Nurse Specialist PRCHC, Caroline Allan, Lead Nurse Continuing Care SLH, Lucy Crowther, Bank Staff Nurse Contraception and Sexual Health, Mandy Helliwell, Bank Nurse PRCHC, Jennifer Ambler, Bank Admin Assistant PRCHC, Susan Sykes, Bank Staff Nurse PRCHC, Diane Audrey Naylor, Admin Whitehouse Centre, Richard Kennedy, PALS Officer SLH, Gemma Edwards, Admin Assistant Health Visiting, Golcar Clinic, Colin Wright, GPwSI Plastic Surgery, Tanya Earnshaw, Continuing Care Manager SLH, Donna Jackson, Ward Housekeeper Maple Ward HVMH, Jennifer Love, Team Admin Assistant, Beckside Court, Christine Ohito, Bank Staff Nurse, Anne Colquhoun, OD Admin Support SLH, Helen Cranidge, Specialist Pharmacist PRCHC, Harpreet Sound, Continuing Care Administrator SLH, Carol Smith, Receptionist PRCHC, David John Fearnley, Clinical Nurse Specialist Eddercliffe, Karen Newson, Staff Nurse Fartown Grange, Christine Maddocks, Medical Audio Typist HVMH Day Surgery Unit, Martyn Oates, Bank Continuing Care, Christopher Toothill, Specialist Pharmacy PRCHC, Karen Millson, Team Admin Assistant SLH, Allanna Brown, Bank Auxiliary Nurse, Maple Ward HVMH, Doreen Oakley, Locality Manager MHCHC, Saghy Ebady, Linkworker PRCHCKaren Sutton, Bank Auxiliary Nurse Maple Ward HVMH, Paula Bond, Bank Auxiliary MHCHC, Laura Hallas, Bank Staff Nurse MHCHC, Deborah Parr, Bank Health Trainer, Jane Lee, Staff Nurse Maple Ward, HVMH, Nahid Khan, Staff Nurse Fartown Grange, Margaret Tracey Haldenby, Staff Nurse Fartown Grange

Leavers Sarah Noyland

MHCHC – Mill Hill Community Health CentrePRCHC – Princess Royal Community Health CentreSLH – St Luke’s House

10Provider Services

Farewell Isobel Dewsbury Health Visitor Isobel Wrigley is calling it a day in the NHS, after a mere 50 years’ service!

In fact, her track record, which began with her general nurse training at Bradford Royal Infirmary, is slightly over 50 years. She retired a few years ago but loved her job so much she came back. Now she is looking forward to new challenges to keep her busy.

Said Isobel: “I have enjoyed working in the NHS and have felt that on occasions I have had the opportunity to make a real difference. I have felt the job has been very worthwhile.

“I have worked with some of the best Health Visitor staff in the business who are all very supportive of each other. The team includes Health Visitors, Nursery Nurses, Administrators and Child Health workers - they all work really well together.”

After training as a Midwife at St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford, she studied at Leeds University to be a Health Visitor. From qualifying in 1967 she decided this was the role for her and has remained in that job ever since – though at different locations.

Isobel worked in deprived areas around Leeds, at a Family Planning Clinic in Wakefield and in Bedford for 10 years before arriving in Dewsbury around 20 years ago.

There she was a GP attached Health Visitor with Dr Mehhrotra for several years before moving to a group practice in Ossett. She returned to the Dewsbury area at the community clinic in Chickenley, working with mothers and under-fives and linking with the Sure Start service.

There’s no doubt she will miss her colleagues and her mums and tots but there’s equally no doubt that she will soon have a new project on the go in what is definitely not “retirement”!

Isobel is pictured (front) with her Dewsbury colleagues, l to r: Julie Bennett – Administrator, Teresa Smith - Health Visitor, Mary Nicholson - Nursery Nurse, Kath Levick - Health Visitor, Debbie

Corcoran - Child Health, Claire Heywood - Child Health, Denise Hopkins - Health Visitor, Julie McGuire - Staff Nurse, Geraldine McKenzie - Health Visitor, Janet Woodward - Child Health.

updateT30 training under way Following on from the Provider Services team leader development programme, which we reported on back in February, the training and support is now cascading down to middle managers.

Spen Locality Manager, Karen Johnson is working with Karen Gallagher, Assistant Director of Organisational Development for the PCT, to liaise with Bearing Point, management and technology consultants, who are facilitating the programme.

The work is divided into seven parcels and runs until October. Seminars are a small part of the learning with the remainder being support for individual and team development.

Subjects covered include, managing teams, coaching, waiting list management, scheduling, the 18 week pathway, project management and performance management. The programme will be rounded off with “lean thinking”, which involves looking at how the Productive Ward (introduced successfully at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital and featured in the May issue) could be replicated in the community.

Karen explained that they are also looking at how to remove blockages between colleagues and organisations and promoting sharing and smooth working. They are also talking to other PCTs about developing business strategies.

DeepCleanforHolmeValleyHolme Valley Memorial Hospital, Holmfirth has now been officially “deep cleaned” as part of the national ‘Deep Clean’ initiative.

All ten regions of the NHS have been given dedicated money to carry out the deep clean – which is in addition to the daily cleaning work that takes place in hospitals – with almost £50,000 being spent locally.

A dedicated deep cleaning team worked closely with clinical staff. Using a state-of-the art cleaning product, ‘Tristol Fusion’,

the teams cleaned walls, floors and equipment on both the Maple and Rowan wards.

Deep cleaning was also involved:

• Deepcleaningventilationductwork

• Replacingbedsidecurtainsonwards

• Replacingfloorcoveringinthediningroom

• Replacingallcordlightpullstoplasticin all ward areas

• Deepcleaningbeds,mattressesandpatients’ bedside equipment

• Replacingclinicalwastebins

Louise Hodgson, a member of the PCT’s infection control project team, said: “The deep clean is in addition to the regular cleaning that takes place and part of our on-going programme to tackle infection control. If we all work together and play our part we can help stamp out the problem of infection in hospitals.”

The PCT has been totally committed to the deep clean and anything that couldn’t be cleaned to an appropriate standard was replaced by new items.

11

Jackie and Tracy pioneer new service to drug users

District nurses Jackie Hatfield and Tracy Conroy have secured more than £7,000 worth of funding for a drop-in clinic for injecting drug users for 12 months in Dewsbury.

The money is an award from The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and the Community and District Nurses’ Association (CDNA).

This new service started this month at the Lifeline Kirklees drop-in centre in Dewsbury. It provides one wound care session a week, offering expert, professional advice in a hygienic clinical environment.

Jackie and Tracy have years of experience in this area and they identified a gap in existing service provision. Almost a third of injecting drug users report that they have had an abscess, sore or open wound in an injecting site during the past year.

The problem is, says Team Leader Jackie, that they tend to treat themselves at home, usually in very unhygienic conditions and then finally attend A&E departments when things go wrong.

“Earlier treatment will be better for the users and more cost effective for local health services because it will mean fewer home visits and fewer hospital admissions.”

Jackie focused her degree on this subject and has done extensive research over her 17 years working in a community setting. Tracy, a former Tissue Viability Specialist Nurse with the Mid Yorks Hospitals Trust, used to run leg ulcer clinics.

They worked with injecting drug users in drawing up plans for this service and as far as they know there is only one other such clinic – in Glasgow. They are both thrilled the service can get off the ground in Kirklees, thanks to the award. If it is a success they hope they can secure further funding and it can be replicated in south Kirklees.

QNI Director Rosemary Cook said: ‘We were impressed by the research that has gone into this project, and the dedication of the nurses in responding to these challenges.’

The QNI is a registered charity supporting community nurses in any specialty with project funding, professional development, information networks, financial and personal assistance. It works to influence national policy affecting nurses in primary care.

The CDNA is a specialist trade union representing nurses, healthcare assistants and all other primary care practitioners working within the community.

Help a Heart WeekKirklees stop smoking service has teamed up with the primary and secondary Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) prevention teams to help local people help their hearts as part of the British Heart Foundation Help a Heart Campaign.

Heart disease and stroke are the second highest cause of premature death after cancer. In the UK 2.6million people are affected by Coronary Heart Disease. In Kirklees more people had heart disease 6.8% than nationally, 5.7%. (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, 2008)

Kirklees Stop Smoking Service was urging all residents in Kirklees to go along and get a free Health MOT on the smokefree bus which was in Dewsbury town centre on June 4. They were invited to step on board to get blood pressure checks, diabetes checks, advice and information on stopping smoking, weight management, physical activity and long tem conditions.

The primary (CHD) prevention team were also there to provide free health screening to prevent people developing heart disease and stroke. The secondary (CHD) prevention nurses were giving advice and information to people with pre-existing Heart Conditions.

“Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do

to improve your health and the health of those around you, and it has huge and immediate benefits to smokers of all ages. Ex-smokers live longer and report better health than those who keep smoking, no matter what age they stop”, said Christine Farmery specialist advisor.

For more information contact the Kirklees Stop Smoking Service on 01924351498or01484344285.British Heart Foundation www.bhf.org.uk

HELPA

HEART

Deadlineforarticlesfornextissueis4July2008

GetinvolvedRemember,thisisyournewsletterandwe’dlikeeveryonetobeinvolved.

So,ifyouhaveanythingyou’dliketosharepleasesenditto:Communications team,

St Luke’s House, Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield HD4 5RH01484 466044/466223 or email communications@kirkleespct.nhs.uk

Brush for Health During this year’s National Smile Month (May 18-June 17) pharmacists and dental professionals have been encouraging people throughout Kirklees to adopt a good tooth brushing routine since it not only helps to keep teeth and gums in trim, it may also help to prevent other serious health conditions.

Kirklees PCT Oral Health team has been helping to spread the Brush for Health message by reminding listeners on The Pulse radio station to “protect your health by brushing your teeth and gums twice a day with a family fluoride toothpaste”. This promotion was part of their week’s sponsorship of a children’s teeth-related jokes campaign designed to highlight National Smile Month.

By brushing correctly people can help protect themselves against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature births and low birth-weight babies.

Arlene Bennett, PCT Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist, said:

‘We need to try and make the public aware of the importance of good basic oral health care as there are links suggesting people with long term gum disease are more likely to be at greater risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and, in the case of pregnant women, pre term and/or low birth weight babies.

‘The good news is gum disease is preventable simply by making sure we brush our teeth and gums twice a day and do it thoroughly.”

Part of the problem is how do we know we have brushed our teeth well enough?

”It’s a good idea every now and then to use either disclosing tablets or a disclosing solution. These are available from pharmacies and they will help you make that vital check to see how good your tooth brushing really is,” Arlene advised.

DoIhavegumdisease?It may be reassuring to know that many people have gum disease at some time in their life. We need to prevent the condition becoming long term.

The most obvious sign of gum disease is that the gums appear swollen and bleed on brushing. The swelling is a reaction to the plaque (bacteria) that may be left around the teeth. The infection increases the blood supplied to the surrounding tissues.

TheDewsburyCarrot!Staff at the Baker Rigby practice in Dewsbury town centre have enlisted help from the Dewsbury Carrot to help promote National Smile Month. The Carrot has been quite happy to have its teeth cleaned over the month to help get the Brush for Health message across – particularly to youngsters during half-term week.

The Carrot was also there to help stress the importance of snacking healthily rather than on sweets and sugary fizzy drinks as staff handed out oral health leaflets to their patients and passers-by.

The Dewsbury Carrot is pictured with, left to right: Dentist Sue Baker, Clare Priestley PCT Primary Care Contracts Manager, Dental Nurses

Wendy Gosnay and Zoe Tattersfield and Dentist Miranda Rigby.

Extra stop smoking sessionsThe Kirklees Stop Smoking Service is offering new group and one-to-one sessions in Huddersfield town centre and Sklemanthorpe.

The new Huddersfield group meets every Tuesday7–8pm,atBrianJacksonHouse.

Bookings are now being taken for the new Skelmanthorpe Health Centre courses which begin on June 26. There are one-to-one sessions withaSpecialistAdvisor9am-12noonandthegroupsessionis2-3pm.

For more information please contact the StopSmokingServiceon01484344285