October 2023

CT Scanner at Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre sees first patients

The first patients have been seen at the temporary Computed Tomography (CT) scanner which will form part of Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). The new Diagnostic Centre, located in Plymouth’s West End, will provide wider access to critical diagnostic tests.

CT scans involve a series of x-rays which have incredible accuracy and allow Radiologists to detect disease or injury as early as possible. The benefits include reducing the need for exploratory surgeries, faster cancer diagnosis, and helping to determine treatment of injury, cardiac disease and stroke.

Colin Stuckey, Lead CT Radiographer at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “The main benefits of the new CT scanner are that it will increase our capacity and take pressure off the main Derriford Hospital site which will result in fewer cancellations. The increased appointment availability and location of the scanner will result in a more positive patient experience.”

The mobile CT scanner is a modular scanner which is staffed by Health and Care Professions Council registered CT Radiographers, a Healthcare Assistant and a Receptionist. The state-of-the-art scanner allows Radiographers to see patients while the design and construction of the main CDC site continues.

Stuart Windsor, Future Hospitals Director at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “This is a really important step in our wider healthcare estates plan. This mobile scanner is enabling people living in, or near the city centre to use facilities closer to their home and have access to early diagnostic tests as soon as possible.”

Cabinet member for Finance and City Centre champion, Councillor Mark Lowry said: “We have been talking for some time about health facilities for Colin Campbell Court as part of our long-term generation plans and this is a very clear signal that this vision is starting to become a reality.

“The temporary scanner means that our colleagues in the NHS can get on straight away with the critical task of testing our residents for possible health issues, which is particularly important for people living in St Peter and the Waterfront, who have lower life expectancy than other wards.

“In the meantime our teams continue to work on the full application for the main CDC building which will be over 3,000 sqm in size and will provide a range of outpatient diagnostic tests. We are just weeks away from submitting this. It’s all go!”

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth Centre Company, said: “I know our businesses in the West End will be pleased to see this as it represents real progress and also opens up the potential for many more people to pop into shops and cafes nearby.”

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “It is great to see significant steps to help the city begin to address some of its long-term health inequalities, especially in the city centre, which has the highest levels of deprivation in Plymouth.

“Anything that makes it easier for people to get a diagnosis as early as possible has to be a good thing. The earlier people get diagnosed the better their chances of recovery or managing health issues.”

UHP Pharmacy team speak at national conference

The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s (UHP) Pharmacy team have been working hard to reduce the amount of single use plastics they generate to improve their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment.

As part of ‘Our People Our Planet Week’, the team attended a virtual conference on Quality Improvement for Greener Healthcare and Wellbeing on 28 September. The aim of the conference, supported by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, was to showcase hospital-specific sustainability programmes.

The UHP Pharmacy team gave a 30-minute talk on swapping out single use plastic bags for paper bags, specifically the plastic bags used for the delivery of medicines from the pharmacy up to the point of delivery. These bags are typically used for a duration of two hours before they are then disposed of.

Replacing these bags has resulted in the elimination of approximately 56kg of single use plastic per month or 700kg annually. This adds up to the reduction of around 28,000 to 30,000 plastic bags per year which would have either ended up in landfill or the on-site incinerator.

Undertaking this change was part of the Green Plan Project, which has also seen the team successfully reduce the use of single use overshoes by 33% in the first year by introducing reusable clogs to wear when entering the aseptic preparation area.

Kirsty Wavish, Green Plan Programme Manager said: “The Pharmacy team are a great example of how departments can contribute to the sustainability agenda and the Trust’s ambition to become a greener, more sustainable organisation. Their hard work is really paying off and brilliant they’re being given the chance to showcase their work nationally”.

Patient of 96 years to officially open new REI building

96-year-old Robert Johns (aka Bob) has been a patient with the REI (formerly Royal Eye Infirmary) since 1932, when he was referred as a 5-year-old to its previous?location in the Mutley area of Plymouth. Having been treated for 91 years, he credits the care and treatment he has received over the decades for allowing him to live his life to the full, including having a successful career as an electrical engineer and even for meeting his wife!

“All in all, with the help of the REI, I worked for 47 years, travelling all over the country. Not bad considering I was told I was going blind at the age of 5 by the school optician!

“The REI definitely worked their miracle. They gave me enough sight to do everything I wanted to do, and even when I retired in 1978 I taught myself to play the keyboard and used to go around visiting elderly people to provide entertainment. 91 years since my first referral and I’ve still got enough sight, all thanks to the REI.”

Bob has been blind in his right eye for most of his life, due to being in a car accident as a baby. He has peripheral vision in his left eye due to having a hole in his retina, and is grateful to the REI for maintaining his ability to see.

“I had to retire early as I had a cataract, and with the operation I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. As it turns out, not only did the surgeons save my sight, but my eyesight was actually better afterwards than it had ever been. I felt like a bit of a fraud!”

After his operation in 1985, Bob decided to see two specialists at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

“They said: ‘To be honest Mr Johns you’ve wasted your time and money coming to London. What the REI have done for you is fantastic, they’ve used a procedure we’d never have thought of. The REI in Plymouth has a reputation second to none throughout the Western World’ and then one of them quietly said, so that his colleague couldn’t hear, that he wished he worked there himself!”

As the current longest-standing patient with the REI, Bob has been invited to officially open the new REI building and cut a ribbon as part of the opening ceremony. He says he’s honoured to have been asked and is really looking forward to it.

“The REI holds a lot for me, I could never sing their praises enough. If anyone ever has the misfortune of needing to go to the REI, and you’re sat in the waiting room and getting a bit impatient, when they call your name just think you too could be heading for a miracle. That’s the way I feel about it, because what the REI has done for me is nothing short of a miracle.”

Watch Bob's video below:

Pink planter unveiled at Derriford Hospital to support breast cancer awareness

A pink planter has been unveiled outside Derriford Hospital to help raise awareness for the importance of breast screening. The planter, which was unveiled on Monday 9 October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was made possible thanks to help and support from The Primrose Foundation, Denholm Industrial Services and Nevada Construction.

Speaking about her vision for the planter, and hopes to spread breast awareness, Kayleigh Davenport, a Breast Screening Nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), said: “As a Breast Screening Nurse part of my role is to raise awareness and provide health promotion on breast health and being Breast aware. I wanted to create a visual reminder to raise awareness of the importance of breast screening.?

“Everyone loves flowers, plants, and wildlife so I decided to create a pink primrose planter to remind those who may be due to book their mammogram to attend their appointment. I believe it is also a great prompt for everyone to be breast-aware”.

Kayleigh continues: ‘’I would like to say a personal thank you to The Primrose Foundation, Denholm Industrial Services and Nevada Construction who all generously helped to fund the planter, soil, and flowers. I would also like to thank the grounds team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, in particular, Emma who has been instrumental in coordinating this project.

The plan is to have the planter in bloom all year round therefore if anyone would like to help maintain the flowers, please contact [email protected] .”

The Primrose Breast Care Centre located at Derriford Hospital is designed to provide a dedicated facility for investigating, diagnosing, and treating breast disease and breast cancer. It sees over 27,000 patients per year from GP referrals and breast screenings.

The centre provides specialist support, by providing a wide range of care, support, and information for patients. These services include helping to prepare individuals for surgery, and a prosthesis fitting service, which helps restore body image for those who have had mastectomies.

For more information on the support provided by the Primrose Breast Care Centre, or to find more information about breast screening, please visit their page on the trust website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/primrose-breast-care-centre/

Dedicated maternity bereavement unit opens at Derriford Hospital

The Snowdrop Suite at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) was officially opened today.

This specialist bereavement unit allows those who are experiencing the loss of a baby, to have labour care in an area separated from the main Labour Ward. It has been designed as a protected space to allow privacy for parents and their families.

Thanks to incredibly generous donations over many years, the soundproof unit comprises a delivery room, a double ensuite bedroom, an area for baby, a kitchenette, and a private waiting area. The unit is self-contained, allowing privacy with a separate entrance/exit.

Fundraising for the unit was started by the Snowdrop Appeal which was set up by Greg and Jen Phillips whose?baby, Jasmine Phillips, was sadly stillborn at 32 weeks gestation on the 29 January 2009. The couple wanted to help other bereaved parents by helping to fund the specialist suite at Derriford Hospital, as well as to provide support to help families through such a difficult time. Since then, a number of charities and groups have donated both funds and equipment, making the unit possible entirely through charitable donation.

Donations to Plymouth Hospitals Charity have enabled a grant of ￡217,000 for the sole purpose of building and furnishing the Snowdrop Suite. Corinne Smith, Plymouth Hospitals Charity Development Manager, said: “It has been important to the hospital that families have been involved in creating this space.

“The staff have listened to everyone’s ideas, and it has been a very long-term project to get right. There have been some amazing fundraisers who have raised thousands and thousands of pounds, and every donation has been spent on items over and above the NHS refit budget.

Director of Maternity Services, Sue Wilkins, said: “This is a really important day for us, and we are so pleased to be able to provide a better service for people experiencing bereavement care.

“We are incredibly grateful to both Greg and Jen and all those whose hearts and attention this project has captured. There are so many generous groups, businesses and individuals who have contributed and enabled us to create a distinct and bespoke bereavement unit.” ?

Joined by Greg and Jen Phillips, the Snowdrop Suite was officially opened by Chair of the Independent Enquiry into Maternity services at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Donna Ockenden.

Speaking at the event, Donna said: “Families tell me that high quality and compassionate bereavement care is so important. In this suite, parents and families will get to spend the shortest amount of time with their babies and make memories that most of us will spend a lifetime making and enjoying with our children.

"My wish for those parents and families is to be given the time they need, to be treated always with kindness and compassion, and when appropriate, to be supported by staff in seeking answers to the questions they may have.”

For more information on the maternity services at UHP, and the support available, visit: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/maternity

For further information on fundraising for the Snowdrop Suite, visit: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/snowdrop-fund

REI moves from Derriford Hospital to brand-new state-of-the-art facility

The new REI (Royal Eye Infirmary) celebrated a grand opening on 18 October. People with eye conditions in Devon and Cornwall and the surrounding areas can now access the brand-new state-of-the-art facility.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s REI has moved from Derriford Hospital to Alpha Way, off William Prance Road, and includes theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for children.

Cutting the ribbon on the day, was 96-year-old patient Robert Johns, who praised staff for a lifetime of treatment under the service of the Plymouth REI.?

Ann James, Chief Executive at UHP said: “Many of our patients will remember the move in 2013 from Mutley to Derriford and, as we are preparing for the future hospital with major development and investment in our estate, this is a key milestone in opening improved high-quality services for our community.

“We’re so proud of all the teams who, as always, have worked so hard to make this new facility a reality; from the building project itself, to the fit out of all of the equipment and theatres, to staffing. I know our teams are looking forward to working here, and I’m sure patients will be impressed.”

Lizzie Padgett, Head Orthoptist, explains how the move is good news for patients: “We can now expand our REI team, which will allow us to treat more patients in a new purpose-built eye hospital, which has more clinical space. This should see a reduction in waiting times for those accessing REI services”.

“Here in the Southwest, we serve an aging population which means that eye care and eye issues continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.”

The new building includes a third operating theatre dedicated to sub-specialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries. As a specialism, Ophthalmology (Eye Services) has a lower reliance on an acute hospital site, making it a suitable candidate for a move away from the Derriford Hospital site. However, Paediatric surgery and specialist ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) treatment will remain on site at Derriford.

The REI opened to the public on 9 October, with improved access for patients, a drop-off zone and parking.

NHS Careers Hub launches at City College Plymouth

Thursday 5 October marked the launch of the innovative Careers Hub, which sees University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), Livewell Southwest and City College Plymouth work together to enhance students’ access to job opportunities within healthcare and the NHS.

During the Career Hub’s official opening, UHP’s Chief Executive Officer, Ann James, spoke about the importance of the hub giving students access to a healthcare career and creating a seamless integration of workforce development across multiple sectors within the city: “Our young people are the future of the NHS. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with City College Plymouth.”

The hub is a completely free resource available to young people in the Plymouth community, which ?offers them the opportunity to explore various NHS career options, initiate the development of their career paths, and seek answers to inquiries related to NHS employment.?

The NHS is facing an unprecedented demand for healthcare professionals to address both current and future needs, with a particular emphasis on preparing for the years ahead. To align with the NHS’ goal of creating a 21st century workforce by 2024/25, the NHS Careers Hub will widen participation across the city by raising the profile of the 350 different career paths within the NHS. It will provide careers information, advice and guidance to students aged 16to 18 in both the college and across schools in Plymouth.?

The advice and guidance will not only signpost young people to one of the many vocational and academic courses on offer at City College Plymouth, but also towards apprenticeships. In conjunction with UHP, the college has recently welcomed the second cohort of students onto the Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship which takes place within the hospital to promote a more experience-based pathway into the healthcare sector.

For schools interested in finding out how the Hub can help their pupils, please call 01752 305300.

For further information on recruitment at UHP visit: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/working-for-us/

Child Development Centre works with university on art project

The Child Development Centre at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has unveiled its new look after teaming up with students from the University of Plymouth to improve the aesthetic of the centre.

During the pandemic, the centre had to remove some of its décor in line with the elevated infection protection control measures. The building was stripped, and new flooring was laid, which created a clinical look in the department. ?

Once the measures were lifted, the team at the centre started to receive comments about the building not being very welcoming to children, young people and their families. Due to this feedback, the team contacted the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business at the University of Plymouth to see if they might be interested in working together to improve the aesthetic.

After conversations with lecturers on the BA (Hons) Illustration course at the university, it was decided that the project could be split into two parts to meet the needs of the academic requirements of the course; a planning project to organise the work, as well as an art project to create the new design.

Throughout several months of planning, it was agreed that Emma Fawkes, Lead Nurse for Children’s Bladder and Bowel Care and Dr George Davis, Lead for the Children’s Psychological Health and Wellbeing team, would support the students in their learning offering feedback and site visits to guide the project. ?

To further support the work of the students, Dr George Davis made use of feedback from children, young people and their families, as well as staff in the department. They were showed plans and designs throughout the project and gave their comments on which designs should be moved forward. Talking about the all the feedback they received, George said: “We really wanted to involve everyone at every step of the way. It’s been lovely to have had this level of feedback.”

The art project then commenced earlier this year and involved a large group of students who were tasked with designing the new look of the centre. They submitted two pitch decks of designs for the visitors and staff to choose from and two students, Mia Ingleby and Martha Pengelley, then decided to take the project to the final stage of design.

The students used patient feedback to inform their designs and found that while an underwater theme was agreed, there were a lot of requests for dinosaurs, so they adapted their design to include these. This was a positive outcome from the patient feedback, which made patients and their families really feel included in the process and ensured the project was relevant to the centre users.

The large project took several months, and when the completion date was looming, Lucy Fleetwood, Paediatric Neurodevelopment Nurse Specialist, stepped up to help with the remaining painting. Lucy studied for a fine art degree prior to becoming a nurse so she was able to finish off the design to ensure the project was completed on time. Members of the team at the centre also volunteered their own time, out of hours, to support Mia and Martha in painting, alongside a number of additional student artists who picked up extra credit. Together they were able to bring the designs to life.

Speaking about the project, Emma Fawkes, Lead Nurse for Children’s Bladder and Bowel Care, said: “It was a collaborative piece of work – a real team effort. Some people who couldn’t come in and paint contributed in another way. There was no budget, but the team managed to pull the project off with help of the staff, charitable funds and people’s kindness. The Trust did support by funding the scaffold for the weekend and Estates came to do the preparation work, but we really appreciate all of the people who gave up their time to help support and paint. We are proud of the work they have done.”

The final design, which was unveiled at a celebration event on Friday 6 October, includes interactive displays, providing further information on the dinosaurs and other creatures displayed, as well as a seaweed QR code wall which signposts to other helpful resources for families.

There is also a series of crabs which have been thoughtfully located to help patients and visitors find their way around the centre. In addition to this, patients were actually able to get involved by creating seahorses which have been hung up in the centre. These interactive features help the young patients who attend the centre feel more comfortable and less anxious about attending appointments.?

John Kilburn, Lecturer in Illustration at the University, said: “Throughout their course, we give our students experience of real-world projects the like of which they will encounter through their careers. It gives them the opportunity to apply the skills they are developing to a set brief, and to then adapt their thinking and ideas in response to client feedback. This has been a great example of such a project, and we are immensely proud of the students who took part and the final result.”

Feedback about the project so far includes:

• “It was really interesting to look at while I was waiting and colourful.” – Patient, aged 11
• “It is very calming and relaxing.” – Patient, aged 13
• “It made waiting less boring. I really like it.” – Patient, aged 10
• “I really liked the turtle on the wall because they look like they are swimming.” – Patient, aged 14
• “I think it is really nice that there are these artworks throughout the building that are fascinating for the children to look at and interact with. My child loved the colours in the waiting room.” – Parent of patient
• “We love the QR code wall!” – Parent and patient

For more information on the art project visit https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/cdc-art-project-2023 or watch the video below.

Volunteers at UHP give over 20,000 hours to help patients

A team of over 300 volunteers have gifted 20,100 hours of their time to support staff and patients at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) in 2023 so far.

Volunteers make up a vital part of the workforce at UHP, providing guidance, help and a friendly face to those being treated at, working within, or visiting UHP. Currently, the Trust has over 320 volunteers from all walks of life who bring experience and enthusiasm to every shift they take.

Whether it is giving back to say thank you or learning new skills through volunteering to boost career prospects, the team support the Trust by helping in wards and various departments at Derriford Hospital and in new roles at Mount Gould and the Cumberland Centre. Volunteers can have a huge impact on the patient experience as they are able to give an extra level of support through actions such as offering directions, pouring patients a cup of tea or a stopping for a chat, with an estimated 5000 of these interactions taking place each month.

In addition to supporting patients and visitors during their time at UHP, the volunteers also provide vital services to the staff. In April 2023, the Active Response Volunteer team delivered nearly 3000 medications from Pharmacy to other areas of the Trust. This helps to free up Trust staff for other tasks, while ensuring patients get the medicines they need in a timely manner.

The volunteer programme at UHP can also support those who choose to volunteer on a personal level as well. Through the Volunteer to Career programme, some volunteers have progressed into careers in the NHS, while others have upskilled themselves and improved their CVs. In addition, many volunteers feel pride in what they do and are grateful for a chance to say thank you and give back to the Trust after themselves or a loved one received care. ?

Becky Smith, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “We are inspired every day by our volunteers and their willingness to help. They tell us stories of interactions with patients, their personal achievements and everything they have done to be there for staff and patients. Our team gives over 2000 hours every month to UHP, whether that’s in the Emergency Department, Outpatients, on wards or on Hospital Radio – it really is so varied and has a significant impact.”

Since the implementation of a volunteers’ programme at UHP, the “orange army”, as they are affectionately known, has given over 1000 years of their time to the Trust. Showing their appreciation of that service, UHP joined thousands of charities and organisations in recognising Volunteers’ Week in June. To mark the occasion, the Trust hosted a celebration evening, supported by Plymouth Hospitals Charity, and awarded long service badges and thank you certificates, ensuring the volunteers know how much they are valued within UHP’s #1BigTeam.

Danielle Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator, added: “We recently carried out some work to ask patients, visitors, and staff about the impact of volunteers and the response was of gratitude and recognition of the support volunteers give. We love hearing these stories and feedback and make sure that we pass praise on to the team as well as UHP management to ensure that volunteers are thanked and recognised.”

The volunteers are UHP aged from 16 to their 80s with some gifting their time every week, and others less frequently, however, all are a welcomed part of the team. There are always new opportunities opening up and additional areas requesting volunteer support. Volunteers and members of staff from UHP meet regularly via a Volunteer Committee to discuss the volunteer experience and volunteering opportunities at the Trust. This ensures that volunteer voices are heard and listened to, improving the volunteer experience but also feeding back vital patient information and observations. ?

If you’re interested in volunteering at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust visit the website at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/volunteering or watch the video below.