Children’s nurses in Hull are asking kind-hearted donors to swap chocolate eggs for arts and crafts this Easter in a special charity appeal.

Every year, the children’s wards at Hull Royal Infirmary would normally be inundated with offers of chocolate treats for youngsters spending time in hospital. But now Helen Lyon, junior sister on Ward 130, is among those asking kind-hearted donors to support the hospital’s WISHH Charity with a financial donation instead of Easter eggs, to enable the generosity to go further and wider.

Helen (pictured above left, with play specialist Marissa Turner) says:

“Members of our local community tend to provide Easter eggs for children in hospital every year, but as Covid-19 still poses a very real risk to our patients, we are kindly asking donors and community groups to raise money for the WISHH Charity Easter Appeal instead of delivering chocolates.

“Not only will this ensure the Covid-19 risk to our staff, patients and visitors alike is reduced, but crucially it will enable us to buy arts and craft materials, activities, toys and games for the wards which can be enjoyed by many more children over the weeks and months to come.

“We know people love to collect eggs and we’re always grateful for this, but at the same time, we hope people will also understand that safety has to be our number one priority. Donating funds to the WISHH Charity Easter Appeal is a great way of ensuring young people still benefit from the kindness of the local community, but in a way which is healthy, safe for all, and likely to benefit a greater number of children.”

‘The WISHH Charity Easter Appeal’ provides plenty of ideas for ways in which individuals and community groups can get involved and raise money to generate some Easter- themed cheer. The charity’s website plays host to a range of creative ideas for socially distanced fundraising and activities at home, enabling everyone to continue meeting government guidance around Covid safety.  Fundraising ideas include taking part in bunny hops, crafting, baking, donning Easter attire, and running Easter themed fundraisers safely in schools and workplaces.

Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager said:

“Covid-19 still continues to impact everyone’s lives.  Our top priority as Hull Hospitals’ official charity, is to keep patients safe, but at this time of year we understand that people love to be able to bring a bit of sunshine to children spending time in hospital  too.

“We are already receiving calls from members of the public and community groups, asking how they can support children this Easter. Working with the staff on our children’s wards, we know we can benefit so many more young people by using funds raised through the WISHH Easter Appeal to purchase items that will keep youngsters occupied, entertained and showing their creativity.

“We look forward to sharing our Easter ideas to inspire our community to brighten the lives of patients at Hull Hospitals.”

Funds raised will enable the hospitals to purchase ‘Covid safe gifts’ for children of all ages from babies, toddlers, primary and secondary aged young people who will be staying on our wards over the Easter holiday period. Such support will also make a difference to patients being looked after in the Children’s Emergency Department, Eye Hospital, Anlaby Suite and other specialist areas.  Any additional funds will be used to support patients across our hospitals throughout the year.

This is how your donations could help make a difference:

• £5 will provide an Easter themed activity/colouring book and pencils
• £10 will provide an older child or teenager with a toiletries gift set
• £12.50 will provide a patient with a toy such as mystery eggs or board games
• £15 will provide a teddy bear for a vulnerable child who undergoes medical examination within the hospital
• £20 will fund an Art/Crafts Bag – A take-home gift to encourage activities post discharge
• £40 will provide video games to keep patients occupied on the wards
• £100 – £500 will provide sensory items for our Eye Hospital for example bubble tubes and sensory boards
• £250+ will provide an Easter Bunny’s basket of games and gifts for children on wards
• £1,000+ will enhance playroom learning toys the wards for patients now and in future years.

Donations and fundraisers can be set up online via the dedicated Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wishheaster One-off online donations can also be made this way.  Donations to the appeal can also be made by sending a cheque made payable to “WISHH Charity”, and posted to WISHH Charity – Easter Appeal, First Floor Administration Block, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ. Writing on the back “Easter Appeal”.

Businesses which would like to support this appeal, please get in touch with Lisa Whitton on 01482 622299/07827 881766 or email HelloWISHH@hey.nhs.uk

For further information call us 01482 622299 or email us at HelloWISHH@hey.nhs.uk or follow us on all Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @WISHHcharity.

Frankie Carvalho enlists some of the biggest names in the music industry to help raise funds for Hull Hospitals

Losing a dear friend of many years to Covid-19 must be devastating. But to see your sister-in-law taken ill and your brother hospitalised due to the same disease within a matter of weeks can be nothing short of heart-breaking.

That’s what happened to Frankie Carvalho from Beckenham, south east London, who saw three of her nearest and dearest badly affected by coronavirus last year, including her good friend Vivienne who sadly lost her fight for life.

It’s fair to say Frankie, who comes from a very musical family, has been on an emotional rollercoaster. But drawing strength from her friends during the most turbulent of years, she is now spearheading a fundraising initiative for the hospital which saved the life of her younger brother.

Vivienne died with Covid-19 in April

Frankie explains:

“In April last year, I was devastated by the loss of my dear friend Vivienne to coronavirus. She was admitted to Lewisham Hospital in London, which is where she passed away. Losing her was such a shock, it was something none of us; her friends and family; expected. And of course, due to Covid restrictions, I and many others were unable to attend her funeral. I had to park nearby and watch the service whilst sitting in my car, tears rolling down my face, as it was streamed to our phones. It was just too cruel and saddening to bear; saying goodbye to a friend should never be like this.

“One month later, my sister-in-law Sam who lives in Willerby, near Hull, tested positive for Covid-19. It brought this whole pandemic even closer to home and fear struck me once again. Despite her best efforts to self-isolate at home, inevitably my brother Glen went on to catch the virus too.

“I always feared my brother getting this disease as he already had reduced lung capacity.  Glen spent almost six weeks on Ward 7, Castle Hill Hospital’s infectious diseases unit, where he was in receipt of high dependency care. He had suffered a pulmonary aneurysm as a result of Covid-19 and had blood clots in his lungs. Breathing was extremely difficult for him, his need for oxygen intensified, he lost 2 stone in weight, and just walking to the bathroom was almost impossible.

Frankie’s brother Glen also became seriously ill

“It was touch and go many times, but eventually he started to improve and he has been back at home for several months now.  Although he is not completely recovered, he is so very much better than he was. Without the impeccable care Glen received at Castle Hill Hospital, I could well be telling a different story. This is the reality, the horror.”

Over the course of her ordeal, Frankie drew strength from the many messages of support from friends and loved ones, and as a self-confessed amateur writer, she turned to poetry to help her process and express what was happening.

“During this terrible time, I started writing a poem to let all my feelings out on paper. I sat and wrote and wrote and wrote.  I poured it all out. I wanted to show my story, Glen’s story, Vivienne’s story and the trauma and hope and support we went through and received. I had to get it out.”

The poem eventually developed into a song, and Frankie enlisted the help of some big names in the music industry such as James Hawkins, who co-produced the single ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with the late Captain Sir Tom Moore and Michael Ball. Later Frankie worked with Boy George’s vocal coach, Christopher David Mitchell and his partner Oliver Delbos from The Recording Artist Programme to move her emerging project forward and create something really special.

Advertisements for a singer to be able to turn Frankie’s poem, ‘Dancing & Free’ into a single, attracted over 300 applications, and the multi-talented West End performer and star of  ‘We Will Rock You’, Amy di Bartolomeo, was chosen to record the song.

(L-R) Oliver, Frankie, Chris and Amy

Frankie says: “I’m so pleased with Amy’s interpretation of my lyrics and her beautiful voice is just amazing.

“To be able to express my love for my brother Glen, Sam and Vivienne, and to share our story in this way is something I hope will be an inspiration to others.”

The haunting and powerful ‘Dancing & Free’ will be released on Apple Music/iTunes and Spotify on Friday 19 February 2021. Proceeds from the single will be donated Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity, WISHH*, as a gesture of thanks for the care shown to Glen by Castle Hill staff during his time in hospital.

Lisa Whitton, WISHH charity manager says:

“Covid-19 has had such an impact on so many families, friends and loved ones. By Frankie channelling her own experience into creating this beautiful and powerful single, the lyrics will resonate with many who have been touched by Covid.

Frankie Carvalho

“Funds raised from Dancing & Free will enable the WISHH Charity to continue to support staff and patients across Hull Hospitals both now and beyond the pandemic. Thank you so much Frankie for telling your story and for making this single a reality to support Hull Hospitals.”

Frankie adds:

“If anyone had told me this time last year of all the downs and the resulting ups 2020 would bring me, I would never have believed them.  2020 was a bad year for so many and this is just my story, a story among hundreds of other stories.  I don’t know how I pulled myself out of the darkness because so many times I felt so hopeless and desperate.  There are so many lines in my song that speak volumes but the one line, ‘where would we be without our friends there?’ speaks volumes and is so true. I owe a debt of thanks to my friends who were there when I needed them so badly.

“It’s been quite a journey and one that I never thought I would travel. At the age of 74, I created a song and became a songwriter. From darkness into light, we survived, with a little help from friends.”

Hull University Teaching Hospitals is backing a new NHS campaign to urge families in East Yorkshire to talk about organ donation following research that less than half of adults in England have had the conversation.

The Leave Them Certain campaign aims to highlight the impact not knowing has on the families who are left behind and encourage people talk about their decision. It follows the law change last year in England, which means that all adults are seen as willing to donate their organs, unless they opt out or are in one of the excluded groups.

However, many don’t realise that families will still be approached before any donation goes ahead. Even though 80 per cent of people are willing to donate their organs, only 39 per cent say they have shared their decision. And while a huge 9 in 10 families support organ donation if they knew what their loved one wanted, this figure falls to around half when a decision is not known.

As part of the campaign, a new TV advert launched this week featuring the Kakkad family. Shivum’s father Bharat died from a cardiac arrest when he was 63 in May 2019, but the family had never spoken about organ donation. The advert features family footage and memories of Bharat but ends with another memory – when they asked Shivum if his father wanted to be an organ donor and he just didn’t know.

Significantly, Shivum and his family did agree to organ donation, but it was a decision that could have been made easier if they’d had the conversation.

Shivum said: “My father was a very giving person. He did charity work and was a strong believer in the Hindu act of Sewa, of service to god. When the specialist nurse approached us about organ donation, we made our decision. We knew that helping others in need was what my father would have wanted. But I wish we had spoken about it to know for certain and I would urge others to take the opportunity while they still can.”

Shivum hopes that by sharing their family’s story, they will encourage more families, particularly from Asian and other ethnic backgrounds, to support and talk about organ donation. The numbers of donors are increasing, but more need to come forward as often the best transplant match will come from a donor of the same ethnicity. Bharat went on to help the lives of two other people. He donated a kidney to a woman in her 50s and a kidney to a man in his 60s.

Fay Turner, Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation, Yorkshire, said: “Talking to your loved ones about your organ donation decision is hugely important. The not knowing can be an added stress for your family at what is already a very difficult time. We would like to encourage more people in East Yorkshire to think about whether they’d like to be an organ donor and to let friends or family know so that they can be sure they are making the right decision for you.”

Research shows that the biggest barrier to talking about organ donation is that it’s never come up in conversation with 34 per cent of people stating this as their reason. 27 per cent say they are worried it will upset their family or make them feel uncomfortable, 24 per cent feel they don’t need to tell anyone their decision, 22 per cent don’t want to talk about their own death, 22 per cent say they haven’t got round to it yet and 16 per cent have never thought about organ donation before.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “People often tell us that they struggle to find the right time or words to talk about organ donation, unfortunately we see first-hand the impact not knowing has on families when the first time they consider their loved ones wishes around organ donation is when they are seriously ill or have already died. Talk to your friends, talk to your family. Even though the law has changed, you can still sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register to provide your family with added reassurance. Please don’t wait. Have the conversation today.”

The NHS has some produced some tips and guidance to help start the conversation:

• Start by checking in first; ‘how are you doing?’ so you can gauge whether now is a good time. Choose a time when you’re not too distracted or when you’re sharing a space, or time with each other, maybe over a cup of tea or out walking.
• Perhaps there is something that prompts the conversation – passing a driving test, seeing our campaign TV advert, or an article in the paper.
• Open with ‘did you hear’ and not your own point of view; or use a hypothetical ‘how would you feel if…’
• If faith is important to you, open with talking about what you know about your faith’s beliefs on giving.
• Acknowledge it’s a difficult subject and that you don’t have to agree.

Find out more by visiting www.organdonation.nhs.uk on  how to discuss your decision

For more information on organ donation and to register your decision, please visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

A couple of from Beverley have offered their “eternal thanks” to the hospital team who safely delivered their baby boy.

Laura Malton and her partner, Matthew Levitt, said despite Covid-19 restrictions, the team at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital gave them an “incredible experience” when baby Ollie arrived just before Christmas.

Laura says:

“We sadly lost our first baby, Ralphie, when he was born prematurely in 2017 so I was really anxious throughout this pregnancy but the wonderful team of staff  looked after us so well.

“I was under the care of the Ivy Team and our midwife Hazel gave incredible care and support. She is an absolute credit to midwifery and I couldn’t have hoped for better antenatal care throughout my pregnancy.

“Then when the time came, Ollie’s birth was everything we could have wished for, because the team made us feel relaxed, reassured and informed throughout.

“Every single member of staff that I met was kind, friendly and helpful; I’d struggle to find anything negative to say about the care I received.”

And while many couples choose baby names from within the family, Laura and Matthew instead gave baby Ollie the middle name ‘Frank’, as a gesture of gratitude to consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, Mr Frank Biervleit.

“Mr Biervliet has given us exceptional care over the last few years following the loss of our little boy,” Laura says.

“He made us feel like he personally cared about helping us achieve our dream of bringing home a baby. For him to finally deliver our son into the world was so special for us, so we felt it was the right thing to do to give Ollie the middle name Frank!”

Laura and Matthew with baby Ollie

Baby Ollie was delivered in theatre by C-section, weighing 6lb 7.5oz, and Laura says the surgical team was great too.

“It was obvious that Natasha, who worked alongside Mr Biervliet, had made herself aware of our situation prior to meeting us, and that meant a lot to us.

“Kimberley from anaesthetics did a brilliant job of caring for me throughout the procedure too. I’d had a previous bad experience so I was nervous about the procedure, but it went perfectly thanks to her, while Mark the ODP* helped to ease our nerves by creating a jolly, light-hearted atmosphere that we were both really thankful for.”

Laura adds:

“Having been under my midwife Hazel’s antenatal care all this time, it was fitting that she should be the one to finally place our baby in our arms, but we really can’t praise or thank the whole team enough for our incredible experience.

“What may have been just another day at work for them was the most significant day of our lives, and their contribution will be unforgettable to us.

“Despite the Covid restrictions in place, we felt the overall experience of Ollie’s birth was perfect.”

Julia Harrison-Mizon, Director of Operations for the Family& Women’s Health Group at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:

“It’s really fantastic to hear from people like Laura and Matthew; not only does it help to lift the spirits and re-energise staff at this difficult time, but it also serves to remind us that the contribution we make to other people’s lives – every single interaction – is so incredibly important.

“I’m so pleased to hear that the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been able to spoil such a special time in their lives, and on behalf of the whole team, I’d like to wish Laura, Matthew and Ollie all the very best for the future.”

There are concerns that the fear of Covid-19 may be deterring cancer patients from receiving vital treatments and tests.

Julie Watson, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says patients who are worried about catching coronavirus when they come in to hospital could be delaying treatment or putting off investigations.

Julie explains:

“As the specialist cancer centre for the Humber region, we’ve been working really hard here at the Queen’s Centre to maintain as many routine services as we can for our patients.

Julie Watson, Macmillan lead cancer nurse

“People with cancer can often have low immune systems, which potentially makes them more vulnerable to infection, so we can completely understand why people may be anxious about coming to hospital right now.

“We’ve been working hard for many months to ensure our departments, wards and treatment rooms are made safe for the people using them, and that we invite people to attend the hospital only where there’s an absolute need for them to do so.

“We now carry out consultations by phone or video conference where it’s safe to do so, which is often more convenient for people in many ways. Where people have to see us, for example for chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, or for investigations or tests, we try to stagger people’s appointments, we’ve reduced the seats in our waiting areas, and we keep people away from shared or communal areas as far as we can to reduce the risk of transmission.

“Despite all of these steps, ongoing cleaning and regular reassurances, we are concerned that some patients are letting the fear of the coronavirus get in the way of potentially life-saving treatments or life-changing diagnoses.”

One such area where patient concerns are notable are in Endoscopy, where cameras are used inside the body to help in the detection and diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer, bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cancers of the mouth and oesophagus.

Lucy Holgate, senior sister in the Endoscopy team at Castle Hill Hospital says:

“Every patient who attends for endoscopy is screened and swabbed before they come to hospital, but we are currently seeing a higher number of patients than normal cancelling or just not turning up on the day, and we know a lot of these concerns are Covid-related.

“We know seeing staff in PPE can be upsetting or even frightening for some people, so add that to a procedure which can often be uncomfortable and may even turn out to confirm a cancer diagnosis, and we can completely understand why people may be worried.

“But it’s important to see the bigger picture.  It’s vital that people keep their appointments to avoid any delays in their treatment which could directly affect their own health. If people have any concerns or questions about their safety or what’s involved in their procedure, we’d really encourage them to contact a member of the team and talk these through.”

Tracey Davies (left) and Lucy Holgate at the Endoscopy Unit, Castle Hill

As endoscopy is an aerosol generating procedure, staff are required to wear a higher level of PPE than many other departments in the hospital, comprising full face mask, goggles and gown.

“We’ve created special boards, one at Castle Hill and one at Hull Royal to introduce our patients to the team,‘ the face behind the mask’, so people can still get to know us and feel a bit less anxious about their procedure,” says Tracey Davies, lead nurse endoscopist.

The once busy waiting areas and post-procedure recovery area have also been adapted to comply with social distancing rules, to minimise the number of people waiting and the amount of time they spend there.

“The last thing we want is for someone’s health to suffer unnecessarily,” Tracey adds, “so we really would urge people to keep their appointments and to speak to us about any worries they have, as our number one priority is keeping people safe in every way we can.”

The Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance has worked with the Trust to develop two new videos explaining Covid safety measures to patients in more detail:

Attending appointments during Covid-19 (Castle Hill Hospital)

Accessing cancer services during Covid-19 (Queen’s Centre)

Julie says failure to attend appointments doesn’t just pose a risk to the patient either:

“Non-attendance or late cancellations can also have a knock on effect for the hospital and for other patients. Many of our teams have had to reduce the number of appointments they can safely offer in a day due to enhanced cleaning and infection control processes between patients. Now, due to the need to swab patients before they come to hospital, any appointment which is cancelled at short notice or where the patient simply doesn’t attend can’t be offered to another patient, which means appointment time goes unused and other patients continue to wait who could potentially have been seen sooner.

“Our teams at the Queen’s Centre and Castle Hill are working hard to ensure the safety of all of our patients right now. We know the current situation is worrying, but please help us to help you. If you have symptoms that you are concerned about, please don’t be deterred from seeking help, and if you’re due to undergo tests or receive treatment, you mustn’t let concerns about Covid-19 get in the way of that important, potentially life-saving care.”

Patients sick enough to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are being helped by a team of physiotherapists as they recover from the most severe forms of the virus.

Physiotherapists at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust had developed a rehabilitation guide to help people on their journey back to health after being admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary or Castle Hill Hospital.

Rebecca Redmond, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist in Respiratory at Hull Royal Infirmary, said: “We know Covid-19 can continue to have an impact on people’s lives for some time after they are discharged from hospital.

“We’ve produced this guide to show people some of the common problems, both physical and psychological, that they may be facing once they return home.

“Our aim is to support people even after they have left hospital so they can begin their journey back to full health after contracting this terrible disease.”

As the virus affects the lungs, breathlessness is very common for people with the virus. It can happen either when they’re active or even when they’re sitting or lying down.

The  guide produced by the team shows people how to relax and control their breathing better as well as exercises they can do and techniques to try. It also shows people how to lie, sit or stand to reduce breathlessness and the effort of breathing.

Respiratory physiotherapists Rosie Breed, left, and Rebecca Redmond

People who have been in hospital for some time can also lose muscle strength so the guide encourages people to reintroduce gentle exercises including ankle raises, seated walks and balance work, using the exercises given to them to do at home by the physiotherapists who looked after them while they were in Castle Hill or Hull Royal.

Their hospital stay may also have affected their mental health so the guide supports people to get back to a more normal way of life by reintroducing their usual routine, such as getting up at their usual time, putting on their clothes and opening their curtains.

The virus can affect people’s energy levels for weeks or even months after contracting the virus,  leaving them feeling weak and drained during any activity. It can also leave people struggling to concentrate or feeling more frustrated, tearful and anxious.

The leaflet encourages people to complete a “fatigue diary” to help them understand how they are affected by different activities, allowing them to identify patterns to manage their fatigue better.

Nutrition and hydration play an important part in a person’s recovery from ill health so tips on eating and drinking well are also included.

People who have been admitted to hospital with the virus may struggle to process a frightening experience so the team has also outlined some of the problems people may be experiencing once they return home, such as nightmares and flashbacks. The leaflet outlines some self-care advice and signposts people to services which can help them.

The guide has been published on this website and can be translated into different languages.

Two new teams of midwives have been formed to provide more continuity for women throughout pregnancy and birth.

The Poppy and Bluebell Teams are the latest to be established by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to provide consistent, ongoing care for women in different parts of East Yorkshire.

The Bluebell Team (pictured above) is made up of eight midwives and a midwifery assistant supporting families in Brough, Goole and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Poppy Team comprises seven midwives and a midwifery support worker covering some of the more rural towns in East Yorkshire including Driffield, Pocklington and Market Weighton.

Each team will provide care for around 250 women, and each midwife will serve as a friendly face and a dedicated point of advice for around 35 women in total, from first appointment right through to antenatal visits, parenting classes, birth and beyond.

Lorraine Cooper, Head of Midwifery at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

“Women and their families go through all sorts of emotions when they find out they are pregnant, such as excitement about the news, uncertainty about what’s to come, or even fear of the tests involved or the birth itself.

The Poppy Team, covering Driffield, Pocklington and Market Weighton

“We know how important it can be to a lot of women to see the same midwife each time, so the midwife can really get to know and understand them better. Having someone who is a regular point of contact, with whom women can bond, learn to trust, and feel comfortable asking anything of, can really help to improve their overall experience of care, especially for women who maybe don’t have friends, a partner or family around to support them.

“Women will get to meet all of their local team members regularly, as there may be odd occasions such as annual leave when their named midwife isn’t available. We want women to feel comfortable with all of the team working in their area, but knowing the benefits of continuity for mum and baby, we will aim as far as possible to keep each woman under the care of one particular midwife.”

The trust set up its first “continuity of carer” team, the Ivy Team, back in November 2018 to care for pregnant women in the Beverley area.

This new way of working was recommended in a national review of maternity services in 2016 called “Better Births” after women said they saw too many different midwives and doctors during their pregnancies.

A more recent, large-scale survey conducted through the Hull & East Riding Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) also backed up the Better Births report findings, with the majority of women responding saying they would want continuity of carer for their pregnancy.

Continuity of carer is designed to foster closer relationships between a woman and her midwife. Not only can this empower a woman and help her build trust with her midwife, but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and even reduce the risk of miscarriage or premature labour*.

Over the past two years, the trust has gone on to establish a total of nine such teams, including Linnaea, which provides support for women expecting twins or a multiple birth, and Forget-me-Not, which provides specialist care for those who have previously lost a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

The Bluebell and Poppy Teams are now in the process of contacting women who are pregnant or who have just had their babies, and who live in their respective geographical areas, to discuss their ongoing care.

For more information on all of our Continuity of Carer teams, visit https://www.hey.nhs.uk/maternity/continuity/

* Studies have shown women experiencing continuity of carer were 16 per cent less likely to lose their babies before 24 weeks and 24 per cent less likely to have their babies too early.

Hundreds of staff at Hull’s hospitals have played a crucial role in a scientific study which has discovered people are protected from catching Covid-19 again for at least five months after contracting the virus.

Staff at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust took part in the SIREN study, undertaken by Public Health England (PHE) to see if health care workers who had already contracted the virus had any immunity to future infection.

In its first report produced today, PHE has revealed:

• antibodies from past Covid-19 infection provide people who have already had the virus with 83 per cent protection against reinfection for at least five months;
• Reinfections were rare with just 44 potential reinfections in the study of 6,614 people who had antibodies after contracting the virus earlier

However, early evidence does suggest a small number with antibodies may still be able to carry and transmit Covid-19, underlining the need for people to follow national guidance to stay at home and the rules of “hands, face, space” whether they have had the infection or not.

Phillipa Burns, Higher Specialist Scientific Trainee Clinical Scientist, led the SIREN study involving 550 staff at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

She said: “The findings are really encouraging and it’s fantastic that staff working on the frontline during the pandemic have contributed so much to our understanding of this terrible disease and how it works.

“By taking part in this major study, our staff are playing a huge role in determining our future response to the virus.”

Public Health England has been regularly testing tens of thousands of health care workers across the UK since June for new Covid-19 infections as well as the presence of antibodies, which suggest people have been infected before.

However, the first report provides no evidence towards the antibody or other immune responses from Covid-19 vaccines and those involved no conclusion should be drawn on their effectiveness. The SIREN study will consider vaccine responses later this year.

PHE scientists working on the study have concluded naturally acquired immunity as a result of past infections provide 83 per cent protection against reinfection, compared to people who have not had the disease before. This appears to last at least for five months from first becoming sick.

While the SIREN study will continue to assess whether protection may last for longer, this means people who contracted the disease in the first wave may now be vulnerable to catching it again.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Senior Medical Advisor at Public Health England and the SIREN study lead, said: “This study has given us the clearest picture to date of the nature of antibody protection against Covid-19 but it is critical people do not misunderstand these early findings.

“We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected  from reinfection but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts. Crucially, we believe people may still be able to pass the virus on.

“This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections but there is still a risk that you could acquire an infection and transmit to others. Now more than ever,  it is vital we all stay at home to protect our health service and save lives.

“We are immensely grateful to our colleagues in the NHS for giving up their time to volunteer and whose continued participation at a time of great stress is making this research possible.”

A patient at Hull Royal Infirmary has become the first in the world to take part in a global aimed at preventing the most severe forms of Covid 19.

Iuliana-Alexandra Constantin, 34, became the first patient in the world to take part in the Phase 3 trial of inhaled Interferon Beta after she was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary this week with the virus.

Admitted to Ward 38, one of the hospital’s specialist units caring for patients with Covid 19, Iuliana-Alexandra was given a nebulizer to breathe in the medication as a mist after agreeing to take part in the trial, trial led by researchers at the University of Southampton.

The drug is designed to boost the lungs’ antiviral defences, enabling patients to recover faster and fight off a more severe form of the disease. Patients will be shown how to administer the once-a-day therapy themselves at home, allowing them continue the treatment after they are discharged from hospital.

Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr Michael Crooks, principal investigator for the trial in Hull, said: “Hull is at the forefront of studying new treatments for Covid 19 and we are currently taking part in a number of trials of potential new therapies.

“The dedication and commitment of our researcher teams mean we are able to offer patients access to potential new treatments against this terrible disease.

“We are hopeful this trial will confirm the effectiveness of inhaled Interferon Beta in helping people recover from the virus and preventing them developing severe disease.”

Interferon Beta is a protein which occurs naturally in the body to fight off viruses and is known to be reduced in people with severe Covid 19. Treatment is delivered through a nebulizer to people with Covid 19 who develop breathlessness and require oxygen therapy, stimulating the antiviral response in their lungs. The aim is to halt the progression of the disease, enabling patients to recover faster and leave hospital to continue their recovery at home.

Hull took part in the Phase 2 trial, involving around 100 people, during the first wave of the pandemic and is playing a major role in Phase 3 by recruiting the first patient to the next phase of the trial.

Respiratory research nurse Suzanna Thackeray-Nocera administered the treatment to Iuliana-Alexandra, watched by research nurses Kayleigh Brindle and Rachel Flockton.

Staff on the ward, led by Ward Sister Rosie Featherstone, will continue to monitor Iuliana-Alexandra closely until she is well enough to go home.

Dr Crooks, who is also a senior clinical lecturer at Hull York Medical School, said: “This trial will evaluate whether inhaled Interferon Beta helps patients with Covid-19 who need oxygen recover faster and prevent development of more severe forms of the disease.

“Any treatment we can provide to help patients recover faster has massive benefits for them and our hospitals.”

More than £200,000 has been invested across Hull’s hospitals to improve accessibility, privacy and dignity for disabled people.

One year ago, it was announced that Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust would receive £105,000 of government monies to help create four new ‘Changing Places’ facilities across both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

Inside the Changing Place at Castle Hill Hospital, near Nightingales restaurant

Changing Places provide the additional space and extra equipment which are often needed by people with physical or learning disabilities, as well as those with debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy and MS, to be able to use public toilets safely and comfortably.

The Trust match-funded the central allocation and now, thanks to the hard work of its capital projects and estates teams, can boast four new Changing Places across its hospitals in Hull and Cottingham.

Alex Best, Capital Development Manager for the trust says:

“We’re really proud to have been able to create four Changing Places across our hospital estate.

“The facilities have been spread across the two hospital sites to try and maximise the number of people who can use them.

“Having had the issue of accessible toilets raised through patient-led inspections and our partners at the East Yorkshire Disability Advisory Group previously, it’s great to have been able to act on their feedback so constructively and make real improvements for disabled people.”

The spacious Changing Place in HRI’s Emergency Department

The four Changing Places have been dotted throughout the hospital estate and can be found at:

• Castle Hill Hospital – main entrance
• Castle Hill Hospital – near to Nightingales, the main hospital restaurant
• Hull Royal Infirmary – Emergency Department
• Eye Hospital – Hull Royal Infirmary site

Each Changing Place features a disabled WC and wash basin, ceiling track hoist, height adjustable changing benches and an assistance alarm.

A grand total of 1,555 facilities are registered on the Changing Places website, but fewer than 100 can be found on NHS premises in England, meaning Hull really is leading the way.

Alex adds:

“Our Changing Places facilities represent much more than an investment in our estate. They’re important as not only will they improve the experience we’re able to provide for our disabled patients, staff and visitors, but they can also now serve as facilities for the wider local communities of Hull and Cottingham.”

For more information on Changing Places, visit www.changing-places.org