People across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to help shape the future of healthcare by signing up to take part in clinical research.

Friday 20^th May marks International Clinical Trials Day, when both academics and health care professionals will celebrate hundreds of years of research by raising awareness of the importance of clinical trials within our community.

This year also sees the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) reach its 10^th anniversary. Throughout the last ten years, the NIHR has contributed significantly to the health and commerce of the nation, and is currently supporting around 1,000 studies in the Yorkshire and Humber region.  Present studies include diabetes and endocrinology, cardiology, maternity, paediatrics, surgery, stroke, dermatology, emergency medicine, critical care, neurology, and general practice. 

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has an excellent record of recruiting people into clinical research, with around 3,000 participants recruited to NIHR studies each year. However the Trust recognises that encouraging and empowering patients, relatives and carers to ask about clinical research opportunities increases the potential benefits that can be gained from taking part in research.

Joss Cook, a Senior Research Nurse based at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham says:

“Research is vitally important in the field of healthcare. Research helps to develop cures and, measure the effectiveness of drugs and treatments and promote better understanding of the human body. Ultimately it helps to make decisions which could be beneficial for groups of patients and carers in the future.

“People who haven’t come across or taken part in clinical trials before may have a preconceived idea of what they involve. In reality, the types of research we undertake vary markedly; from simple lifestyle questionnaires, testing of blood samples, through to studies of body imaging and drug and device trials.

“Whether they realise it or not, most patients coming into hospital today and receiving treatment will have benefited from patients taking part in research trials before them.”

The expertise to undertake such studies in Hull and East Yorkshire is delivered locally through funding from the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Research Network. With this funding, around 70 research posts across Castle Hill Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary are maintained.

Joss continues:

“Patients here in Hull and East Yorkshire are generally keen to be involved in research and it’s because of their support that the Yorkshire and Humber area can say it is one of the best performing regions in the country for clinical trial recruitment.

“People are recruited through Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Trust to take part in studies every year, and these pieces of work really do represent the future of healthcare, both locally and across the world.

“Contrary to how many people picture them, clinical trials are a very normal process. They are crucial in helping health care workers understand people’s conditions better, ease symptoms, improve the care we give, and ultimately can save lives.”

To mark International Clinical Trials Day on Friday 20^th May, Joss will be one of a number of local research nurses stepping out in Hull in a bid to get people talking. Passers-by within St Stephen’s shopping centre will be offered information on local clinical research trials and encouraged to ask questions. There will also be Research Nurses based around both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital with further information relevant to their particular areas.

Joss adds:

“Our ultimate ambition is to ensure every one of the Trust’s patients is given the opportunity to take part in clinical research, so International Clinical Trials Day provides the perfect opportunity for us to raise awareness, address some of the misconceptions and say it’s “OK to ask” about clinical research.”

The research team will be providing information to the public on Friday 20^th May in St Stephen’s Shopping Centre from 10am.

For more information on clinical research and the ‘it’s OK to ask’ campaign, please visit http://www.nihroktoask.com/

Health experts in Hull will shine a light on the growing problem of Crohn’s and Colitis next week, as they prepare to mark World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day on Thursday 19^th May.

Fatigue, stomach pains, diarrhoea, bleeding, and weight loss are problems which many people will experience individually from time to time, but together, they could be symptomatic of one of these two chronic conditions.

At least 300,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with IBD, and a further person is diagnosed in the UK every 30 minutes with either Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis – the two main forms of IBD. Research suggests that these diseases are on the increase, particularly amongst teenagers and young adults, and a recent survey by the EFCCA showed that more than 18% of people wait for more than five years for a formal diagnosis.

Dr Sebastian, Consultant Gastroenterologist and an IBD specialist of national and international repute, is joining with colleagues from Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to raise awareness of IBD and to encourage potential sufferers to seek help.

Dr Sebastian says:

“Many people who are not familiar with IBD do not realise how serious, and potentially life-changing, this condition can be.

“There is currently no cure for Crohn’s or Colitis, although once a diagnosis has been made, many people are able to find long periods of relief using some of the more recently developed treatments, thus potentially avoiding surgery.

“This isn’t always the case however; the fluctuating nature of these conditions means that patients’ quality of life can be severely affected, and I personally have seen people whose careers have been cut short or whose relationships have suffered because of the unpredictable nature of their illness.

“On Thursday 19^th May, to tie in with World IBD Day, we’ll be holding an event at the KCOM Stadium to get people talking about IBD.

“People have traditionally been quite reluctant to discuss these types of problem, often through embarrassment, but they needn’t be, as we have services available locally to help with IBD management. As the problem is becoming more and more common, and in young people in particular, it’s not something we can afford to ignore.

“As well as giving people the chance to meet the teams involved in IBD care locally and ask questions, our event will also encourage people who are describing the signs and symptoms of IBD to seek medical help, as it doesn’t have to be something you just learn to live with.

“In the afternoon, our focus will turn to local health professionals and GPs in particular, who have a key role to play in helping people to gain an accurate diagnosis for their condition and timely access to treatment.”

The World IBD Day event will take place between 9am and 4pm on Thursday 19^th May 2016. For more information including a copy of the morning or afternoon agendas, and to reserve a place, please call 01482 605243 or email megan.walker@hey.nhs.uk

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is using Thursday 12th May, Nurses Day, as an opportunity to celebrate the contribution that more than 3,000 nursing, midwifery and care assistant staff make to patients across Castle Hill Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary and the wider community.

Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12th May, to coincide with the birthday of the country’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale.

At Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, nurses and midwives make up more than 40% of the entire workforce, ranging from critical care and research nurses through to infection control specialists, theatre staff, and occupational health nurses, who care for hospital employees. They work across hospital wards and departments, outpatient services and community services.

And the good news is that the number of nurses working for the Trust is set to increase. Just days ago, 74 third year nursing students from the University of Hull, who are due to qualify this summer, were offered positions with the Trust in their chosen specialist areas.

Efforts to attract new nurses and midwives to the Trust, and to retain those who train for these professions in the city, will also continue over the coming months under the Trust’s ‘Remarkable People, Extraordinary Place’ campaign banner.

Mike Wright, Chief Nurse for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, says:

“I am extremely proud of all of our nurses, midwives, and care assistant staff for the fantastic jobs they do every day for our patients and the Trust.

“I have been privileged to be a nurse for over 34 years and, whilst it can be really hard work at times, it is also an extremely rewarding career. I believe that nurses and midwives are the life blood of the NHS. The great thing about nursing and midwifery is that there are so many different opportunities and areas in which to specialise, there really is something for everyone.

“As the Trust’s Chief Nurse, I meet some truly amazing nurses, midwives and care assistant staff on a regular basis who have devoted their lives to the care of others, and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of that team. I see this not just on Nurses Day, but every time I visit our wards, clinics, and community facilities, and it makes me incredibly proud of them and of my profession.

“I would like to thank personally every nurse, midwife and care assistant for their hard work, commitment, dedication, and for the fantastic care that they deliver to our patients and service users. Happy Nurses Day!”

A special event will be held at Hull Royal Infirmary on Nurses Day, Thursday 12th May, to showcase the work carried out by the Trust’s nursing, midwifery and care assistant staff to improve patient care. Nurses and midwives from across the region will be treated to a showcase of work on areas such as falls prevention, dementia care, and learning from incidents, and be able to take a step back in time as they inspect uniforms and clinical equipment from years gone by, courtesy of the Hospital Archive.

The event will also feature the launch of the Hull and East Yorkshire Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out how nurses and midwives will work together across the region to innovate, improve, and deliver quality care to local people in the coming years. Copies of this document are available upon request.

Do you have a local healthcare hero? Has someone working in a caring profession made a real difference to your life or that of your family? Perhaps someone has supported you through an illness or helped you in a way you never thought possible? Or maybe you wouldn’t be here today without the expertise or the response of a quick-thinking health professional?

Whatever your story, health organisations in Hull and the East Riding want to hear from you.

On Thursday 7th July, NHS organisations across the region will come together to host the first ever Health Expo, arguably the biggest celebration of healthcare innovation and excellence ever seen in Hull and the East Riding. The daytime event is open to the public, and will culminate in a special awards ceremony that evening.

But you have just a few days left to help organisers find Hull and East Yorkshire’s Healthcare Hero of 2016. Nominations are being accepted for anyone working within healthcare locally who has made a difference your life. From doctors to dentists, midwives to mental health workers, pharmacists to therapists, if you know someone who epitomises the caring profession, now is your chance to see them recognised.

Nominations can be submitted online via the Health Expo website: www.healthexpo.co.uk

Please try to give as much information as you can about the person or team you are putting forward to make their case as strong as possible; what is it that makes them so special? Have they gone out of their way for you or a loved one? How has their help made a positive impact on your health and well-being?

Nominations must be received by the closing date of Sunday 15th May 2016, and those who nominate individuals who go on to be shortlisted for this award will also be invited to attend the awards ceremony.

Good luck!

It’s a conversation that nobody wants to have, but it’s the one thing we can all be certain of. Death and dying have always been difficult subjects to broach, but now hospital staff in East Yorkshire are seeking to make it that bit easier for people to discuss these sensitive matters.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will be supporting the seventh annual ‘Dying Matters’ week, which runs from 9th-15th May, by holding a local event at Castle Hill Hospital.
Themed on ‘Peace of Mind’, staff will be on hand throughout the afternoon of Thursday 12th May to lend advice and a listening ear, and help people think about planning ahead.

The event is designed to provide information about practical issues, such as funeral arrangements and end of life choices, right through to emotional issues, such as coping with loss. Members of the bereavement support group, ‘Dawn’, will also be in attendance.

At teatime, John Creasey, from Dove House Hospice’s Family Support Team, will give a talk on feelings of loss and grief, titled ‘Am I going mad?’, designed for those who may be struggling following a bereavement or major loss.

In the evening, visitors to the Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology will also be able to start the conversation in the ‘Peace of Mind, Piece of Cake’ café and add their must-do activities onto the centre’s ‘Bucket List’ tree.

Dr Barbara Payman, Macmillan Bereavement Counsellor for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has been involved in organising the event. She says:

“No matter who we are or what we do, no matter how well or ill we’re feeling, the one thing we can all be certain of is that we will, one day, come to the end of our lives.

“Many of us find it difficult to talk about anything to do with dying or bereavement but, in many cases, having that conversation to pre-plan and prepare can ultimately bring huge peace of mind for our families.

“In fact, making your feelings known early can be a really positive thing to do, as it can help you ensure your wishes are followed when the time comes, and it can also mean loved ones have fewer decisions to make at an already difficult time.

“This Dying Matters week, we want to help people to get started on these conversations, so we’re offering a number of ways people can get involved. Visitors are invited to call in for general information on topics such as funerals, writing wills, and end of life care between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, or join us for an informal talk from John Creasey, of Dove House, on dealing with feelings of loss and grief at 5.30pm.

“Finally, because we want people to feel it’s okay to talk about these matters, we’ll be hosting our free ‘Peace of Mind, Piece of Cake’ café from 6:45 to 8pm, where people can come and grab a drink and a slice of cake, and talk about any concerns or questions they may have.

“The event is open to all; members of the public and health professionals; and we’re very much looking forward to helping people start talking and achieving peace of mind this Dying Matters Week.”

The Peace of Mind event is free to attend, and will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Thursday 12th May inside the Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham. The full running order for the event is as follows:

• 2.00pm-5.00pm — Drop-in information stalls and opportunity to chat to hospital staff
• 5.30pm-6.30pm — ‘Am I going mad? Feelings of loss and grief’ — talk by John Creasey of Dove House Hospice
• 6.45pm-8.00pm — Peace of Mind, Piece of Cake café — join the team, eat cake and talk through any questions or concerns

Hospitals in East Yorkshire will be activating business continuity plans in preparation for the next wave of industrial action by junior doctors.

Between the hours of 8am and 5pm on Tuesday 26^th April and Wednesday 27^th April, junior doctors will stage a complete walk-out as part of an ongoing dispute with the Government over changes to their terms and conditions.

Services at both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham will be affected by the action which, for the first time, will also see junior doctors withdraw cover from the Emergency Department. In light of this, members of the public will be asked to use community services for healthcare advice and treatment as far as possible, including Minor Injury Units, GP surgeries, walk-in centres, and pharmacies.

Plans are being put in place by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to maintain business continuity as far as possible, and ensure the continued provision of safe and effective care to patients. Work has also been taking place to cancel and reschedule some outpatient appointments and routine surgical procedures.

Kevin Phillips, Chief Medical Officer for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“The industrial action being taken by junior doctors on 26^th and 27^th April will be different to that we have seen previously, insofar as they will provide no cover whatsoever between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

“We recognise the junior doctors’ right to take industrial action and, as such, we have had to plan accordingly to minimise disruption as far as possible and to ensure the services we continue to provide are safe.

“In preparation for the strike, we have been working with our partners in primary and community care to maximise the number of patients who can be safely discharged from hospital in advance, to free up capacity on our wards.

“Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a number of outpatient clinics and routine surgical procedures which were scheduled for the 26^th and 27^th, and we would like to apologise to anyone affected by this for the inconvenience. This has, however, freed up a number of more senior doctors to work in areas such as the Emergency Department and the Acute Medical Unit. They will be supported by others including advanced nurse practitioners, phlebotomists, and extra pharmacy staff.

“At this stage, we do not know how many junior doctors will choose to take part in the walk-out, but we are expecting the impact of the action to be greater than during previous periods of industrial action.

“Whilst we will continue to provide essential and urgent care services, including emergency surgery, we are also reliant on the public’s help in ensuring our hospitals continue to run as effectively as possible during this time. For non-urgent conditions, we would urge people to consider alternative sources of health advice and treatment as far as possible, such as Minor Injury Units, GP surgeries and walk-in centres, to reduce pressure on the Emergency Department.

“Many appointments will still go ahead as normal, however, so patients with hospital appointments scheduled for Tuesday 26^th and Wednesday 27^th April can also help by attending as normal, unless they have already been told otherwise.”

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust would like to apologise for any inconvenience, and thank patients and the public for their cooperation and understanding during the forthcoming period of industrial action.

Important information for patients:

• Those patients who have appointments or surgical procedures scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26^th April or Wednesday 27^th April are asked to attend as planned, unless they have already been contacted by a member of hospital staff to cancel and reschedule.
• Patients with specific queries around their appointments are asked to contact the hospital using the details provided on their appointment letters.
• Picket lines are expected outside the hospitals, but they will not block access for patients or staff entering and leaving the sites.
• The Trust will continue to provide emergency care services throughout the period of industrial action
• In light of additional pressures anticipated during the walk-outs, members of the public are asked to use alternative, non-hospital based sources of healthcare advice and treatment, including minor injury units, walk-in centres, GP surgeries and pharmacies wherever possible. A full list of local community health services is available via hey.nhs.uk/alternatives

City of Culture’s Martin Green set to headline at 2016 Health Expo

Health organisations across East Yorkshire are set to host the biggest showcase of healthcare services and innovation even seen in the region.

The 2016 Health Expo is being organised by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull Clinical Commissioning Group, East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Humber NHS Foundation Trust, and City Health Care Partnership.

The day-long event will incorporate a healthcare exhibition which is open to the public, along with a special guest appearance from Martin Green, Chief Executive of Hull’s 2017 City of Culture Team.

The event will also feature a recruitment fair for people who are interested in finding out more about healthcare careers, as well as a public ‘Question Time’ event where audience members will be able to put their thoughts and opinions to a panel of local health and social care leaders.

A giant game of ‘Operation’ will be one of the highlights of the Health and Well-being Zone, where people will also be able to make their own smoothies, get a quick consultation using the ‘Street Doctor’ service, and take part in a yoga taster session.

The event is designed to get people thinking not only about how they can keep themselves both mentally and physically well, but to showcase the work which local nurses, doctors, therapists and other healthcare support staff carry out 365 days a year for the benefit of local people.

The Health Expo will culminate in a special awards ceremony on the evening of 7^th July, where 14 awards will be up for grabs, including the Innovative Health and Social Care Technology award, Patient Safety award, and Improving Health and Reducing Health Inequalities award. Members of the public are also being invited to nominate a special healthcare worker they know for the 2016 ‘Healthcare Hero’ award, which will recognise the most selfless, supportive and caring individuals from across local health and care services.

Myles Howell, Director of Communications for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, says:

“The initial idea behind the Health Expo was to share and celebrate the many things which doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff across Hull and East Yorkshire are doing right now to help improve the care and well-being of local people.

“We all use the NHS in some form or another and we all feel a sense of ownership for it, so it only feels right that we invite people to find out what’s new, see what’s happening, talk to our staff and, as the NHS is one of the region’s biggest employers, find out about current and future job opportunities in this sector.

“As well as showcasing what health and social care teams are doing to make things better, safer, and more efficient for people, we also want the event to have a feel-good factor about it, so we have some exciting things lined up for both the young and young at heart.

“Visitors can get the mind and body working with a game of Giant Jenga, hop on a smoothie bike to make a fresh and healthy drink, get on-the-spot advice from our Street Doctor, take part in a relaxing afternoon yoga session, and then write on our graffiti wall to tell us what they think of the day.

“This is the first time health and care organisations have come together on such a scale to showcase the amazing work which is carried out every day for the benefit of local people. With so much going on this year, we hope people will find some time to visit us and take part in our celebration of local NHS staff and services.”

The 2016 Health Expo will take place at the KCOM Stadium on Thursday 7^th July from 9:30am to 4pm. Members  of the public will receive a warm welcome, and are invited to stay for as much of the day as they are able. There is no need to book, however guests are advised to pre-book if they wish to participate in the Question Time event.

More information, along with details of how to nominate for the Healthcare Hero award and how to submit questions for/reserve places at the Question Time session, are available at Health Expo

Efforts to address staffing concerns at two of East Yorkshire’s biggest hospitals appear to bearing fruit, after Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has revealed more than 50 student nurses will be interviewed this week for permanent roles.

The Trust, which provides hospital care at both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, has been working hard in recent months to revitalise its image and create a better place to work. As a result, staff are already rating the Trust above the national average for flexible working opportunities, and the Trust’s efforts to improve organisational culture have received national recognition.

On a recent visit to a Hull University recruitment fair, Trust representatives spoke to scores of second and third year student nurses about their areas of clinical interest and their plans for their future.

This investment now appears to be paying off, as 53 third year nursing students who are due to qualify this year will be interviewed this week for permanent roles with the Trust once they complete their studies.

Simon Nearney, Director of Workforce for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“Hull is not alone in experiencing a shortage of nursing staff; this is an issue which hospitals and NHS organisations across the country are also facing.

“In the past, we have perhaps suffered a little bit from people completing their clinical training in Hull, and then wanting to move on to bigger cities like Leeds, Manchester or London, where they feel there is more going on.

“We know we have to think and act differently to attract people to the city, but perhaps more importantly, to get people who have trained in Hull to stay in the area once they qualify. The upcoming City of Culture celebrations are already making Hull a more attractive proposition, but we also need to start collectively talking ourselves up if we want to attract and retain the best nursing and medical staff.

“”It does now feel that the tide is turning and I’m delighted to say that we’ll be interviewing more than 50 student nurses this week with a view to offering permanent positions when they qualify in the summer. As well as filling existing vacancies, we have also created extra nursing posts around the Trust to enable us to provide the highest standards of care, and we are now expecting to be able to appoint to areas such as elderly care, theatres, and oncology to name a few.

“It’s so encouraging to see that people want to come and work with us, and we’ve been very impressed with the people we’ve met so far. The students have filled us with confidence and we’re sure, when they begin with us in the autumn, they will be a great asset to both the Trust and our patients.”

Workers from Hull-based ESP Systex Group have been raising money to help support the care of seriously ill and premature babies.

Employees of the Holderness Road-based firm, which is a market leader in smartcard issuing, management and fulfilment for the transport sector*, have raised over £500 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hull and East Yorkshire Women and Children’s Hospital.

Gayle Binns, Group HR Director for the company, says:

“We employ 66 people in our Hull office, and even amongst that relatively small number of people, there are several of us who have known people who have had little ones spend time in NICU or have been affected personally.

“For this reason, we chose to raise money for the unit by holding events within our team, such as cake sales, daft jumper days and other similar activities.

“Knowing how hard it can be for parents to have their baby spend time in the unit, we’re pleased to be able to support the incredible work that the doctors and nurses carry out to help hundreds of local families every year.”

Kate Lamming, Acting Ward Sister on NICU, says:

“We are incredibly grateful to ESP Group for thinking of us. All donations make a huge difference, not just to us, but more importantly, to the very poorly babies we’re caring for, their parents, and families.

“Within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we have a rolling five year programme of equipment replacement, and so this money will go towards this and help us to fund some of the most up-to-date equipment possible to care for seriously ill or premature babies.”

Amount raised for local good causes over 20 years tops £100,000

A group of cyclists from East Yorkshire have raised £5,000 to support the care of local people with bowel cancer.

Gary Kemp, who works at Willerby Holiday Homes, is one of around 60 people to have taken part in a recent 50 mile cycle ride from Hull to Scarborough.

Members of the group have been making the two-wheeled trek annually for the past 20 years, and Gary has been one of those organising the ride out, along with his colleague Steve Moore, for the past 14 years.

Every year the group has chosen to raise money for a different charity in Hull and/or the East Riding, and their latest ride bagged them a cool £5,000 in sponsorship and support. But if that wasn’t impressive enough on its own, their collective fundraising for local good causes has now topped £100,000.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s oncology service, based at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, is the latest to benefit from the group’s generosity.

Gary explains:

“Our annual fundraiser is a great opportunity to get together with work colleagues, family and friends, to take in some fresh air, and to raise money for some really good local causes.

“Several members of our group have had family or friends affected by bowel cancer and spend time in hospital receiving care or treatment for it, and so that’s specifically where we’ll be donating the money this time.

“Senior staff and directors at Willerby Holiday Homes always support us with our fundraising, as do many of the company’s suppliers. And whilst the ride can be tough in parts, especially the hills on the route between Bridlington and Scarborough, we all support each other and we make sure we have a good rest and plenty to eat when we get there!”

Professor Anthony Maraveyas, Consultant Oncologist at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“Hull has been at the forefront of studying novel imaging and radiotherapy planning technologies in cancer. We are working to improve radiotherapy outcomes both in terms of efficacy and reducing toxicity for patients with rectal cancer, and this fantastic donation will go towards bolstering this research.

“The support of our research, as seen through the successful Daisy Appeal but also through the individual generosity of patients and their families to particular causes, such as colorectal cancer, has been heart-warming and is always much appreciated.”