KGH Together Issue 26

Winter 2014/15 Issue 26
A new support group has

been formed for heart
patients see page 3
Free Members Magazine
Chief Executives
David Sissling
Chief Executive
Contents
Chief Executives Reflections
Heart to Heart group launched
Thank you following heart attack
Update on the work of Chris Abrams
CQC inspection
6-7
Dementia care and Parkinsons
8-9
Prostate cancer and Movember
10
Remembrance poppies and Lions

Memory boxes
11
Skin surveillance and donations
12-13
Chaplains stroke chairs
14
Chairman climbs Kilimanjaro
15
Charity challenge
16
Shirley Newman receives awards

for charity work
17
Our preparations for flu
18
Baby roadshow and Hypo Week
19
Staff restaurant award
20
Panto raises money and a few laughs 21

Retirements
22
Smile Awards
23
Post graduate trainees and medical

appraisal thanks
24
Stonewall launch
25
Members Matters
26-27
Revive the Rec Hall
28
I write this as we enter the New Year

and I think it is appropriate to reflect
on some of the key areas of progress,
development and challenges which we
have experienced over recent months
and to identify some of the priorities
for the future.
We have undoubtedly seen many positives
our urgent care performance has improved;
we have been able to able to commence an
18m investment in our site and services;
we have developed an ambitious Five
Year Strategy; revised our internal clinical
management structures; and have continued
to take forward the I will quality and safety
campaign (see KGH Together issue 25 and this
issue).
We have also played an influential role in
the Healthier Northamptonshire programme
which is supplying much needed change for
the countys health and social care system.
I think the CQC inspection was particularly
significant. This was very rigorous and testing
and is described in detail on pages 6-7. The
inspectors report identified many areas of
strength but also some aspects where we
will need to deliver improvement. Work on
this had been initiated prior to the inspection
so I am confident that we will see necessary
improvement in the reasonably near future.
The most reassuring finding made by the
CQC related to our staff who they found
motivated, patient focussed and caring. Whilst
this was not a surprising assessment it was
really good to receive such positive comments
from the CQC team.

I should also comment on our financial
position which is getting stronger as we
enter the final three months of the financial
year. This reflects much hard work from
many parts of the Trust and whilst we are
still projecting a deficit in 2014-15 we are
beginning to see some prospect of medium
term recovery.
Looking ahead I will focus my
expectations on our Five Year Strategy. This
has been approved by the Board and is now
moving into active implementation. We will
be focussing on five areas:
Modernising clinical services
Clinical collaboration and partnership
working
Integrated care closer to home
Becoming a health and well being campus
Our infrastructure and enablers
Progress will depend on effective planning
and contributions from all parts of the
organisation. We will also be strengthening
our partnership within the NHS, with
Northamptonshire County Council and with
the voluntary sector.
It is undoubtedly the case that the next
five years will see major change for the
Trust our priority is to ensure that we move
ahead on the front foot and define our own
future.
I am confident we can do that and we will
achieve a most important goal to deliver
high quality care to local communities and
local people.
During the CQCs recent inspection (see pages 6-7) the Trusts play team and bereavement
team were both judged to be outstanding
Contact KGH Together editor/Communications Manager David Tomney by email

david.tomney@kgh.nhs.uk; by phone on 01536-493509; or by letter at Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ.
2 Issue 26 kghtogether
Heart to Heart group formed

A NEW group has been formed for
people with heart conditions who
would like further support in a friendly
environment outside of hospital.
The Heart to Heart support group is now
appealing more widely to the local community
after being established in March 2014.
It is mostly made up of former Kettering
General Hospital patients, and their relatives
although anyone who has had a heart problem
can join - and it is supported by the hospitals
Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
So far it has about 25 members and is
meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at
Kettering General Hospitals Social Club at 8pm.
Fills a gap
in support
The group is a way for anyone
The new group

with a heart condition and
helps to provide
their families and friends to get
additional
together to support one another.
support for
Mike and Dr Michelle Walker promote the Heart to Heart group
heart patients
through the
of the first people to join the new group
positive outlook that enhances their recovery
sometimes frightening period of
when it was formed earlier this year.
and their quality of life.
adjusting to their problem.
Dr Walker, who is married to Michael and
The sessions will cover many different
Cardiac Rehabilitation Sister Anne Dyer said:
has
two children and four grandchildren,
topics including developing a healthy lifestyle,
The group is a way for anyone with a heart
said:
I had a heart attack just before
relaxation and educational talks by Kettering
condition and their families and friends to
Christmas
and I was given advice and
General Hospitals cardiologists, pharmacists
get together to support one another.
assistance
requiredbeforebeingdischarged.
and exercise physiologists.
At the moment, following treatment for
Rehabilitation
then followed in the hospital
We are actively looking for new members.
their heart problem, patients receive some
gymnasiumand
lasted a number of weeks
Anyone who wants to come along and get
rehabilitation and advice and then go home.
followed
by
further
physical rehabilitation.
involved will be made very welcome.
At that point people can feel quite anxious and
Then
it
was
a
case
of whats next! Sister
vulnerable and unsure of who to contact for
Anne
Dyer
told
me
about
the new group and I
further support.
Patients say the new group
went
along.
It
has
made
such
a difference. You
Heart to Heart is a group we have
is
excellent
are
surrounded
by
people
who
have all had
established to help fill that gap. It is a place
similar
experiences
to
your
own.
RETIRED microbiologist Dr Michelle
where people can meet and share their
It is very friendly and we have a lot of
Walker, from Wellingborough, was one
experiences and help each other to develop a
laughs. The meeting itself is very informal
and interesting and we have speakers from
the hospital and are planning lots of other
activities.
We all talk together, become friends, and
support each other. The husbands and wives
and partners also need support too and they
come along as well.
In my view this kind of group is
indispensable and a great help to people
who are getting over a heart attack and will
benefit from the reassurance and support that
it provides.
If the public would like more information
about the new group they can contact Cardiac
Rehabilitation Sister Anne Dyer on 01536
491102 or email ann.dyer@kgh.nhs.uk (note
it is Ann without an e on email because of the
Members of the new Heart to Heart group want the local community to be aware the group is now up and
way it was set up).
running and people with heart conditions can join them.
Issue 26 kghtogether 3
KGH staff member gives lifesaving roadside CPR

Top six things to do if
someone has collapsed
L-R Liam, Andrew Craske, Le-Ann Craske, Frank, Debbie, Martyn Howe and Kyle photograph courtesy
of the Evening Telegraph
KGH healthcare assistant Debbie Britton

helped save the life of a man who
collapsed with a heart attack in his car.
The drama unfolded on Saturday August 9.
Frank Smith, from Irthlingborough, was driving
home after being out shopping with his sons
Kyle, 16, and Liam, 14.
Frank pulled over not feeling well. He got
out of the car, and then back in, and had a
massive heart attack. Slumped over the wheel
his sons desperately flagged down passing
vehicles for help.
Debbie said: My partner, Martyn Howe, and
I saw the car and the two lads signalling for
help.
Another person, Le-Ann, was also there and
we laid Frank down and I started CPR.
I kept going for what seemed like a long
time and Le-Ann took over for a time.
Between us we kept Frank alive until
the paramedics arrived. They also had
to resuscitate him five times with the
defibrillator.
Franks ex-wife Jennifer Godden, from
Bozeat, raced to the scene of the accident
when she was called and told what had
happened.
She said: Frank was in intensive care for
six days and three days in the coronary care
unit and can remember very little. He had a
stent fitted to open his artery. We cannot thank
Debbie and Le-Ann enough for what they did.
On September 7 Frank got the opportunity
to thank his saviours in person when they were
reunited for a photograph with the Evening
Telegraph. (pictured)
Frank said: I felt very overwhelmed and
emotional to be able to have a chance to say
thank you to the people who saved my life. I
dont remember much of the incident itself but
it really underlines to you the importance of
people having CPR skills.
Resuscitation training
important for KGH staff
RESUSCIATION training is an important
part of staff training at KGH.
All clinical staff are trained in resuscitation
and do a refresher course once a year.
They are all taught basic life support for
example chest compressions and rescue
ventilations using a pocket mask, found on
a cardiac arrest trolley on KGHs wards and
departments.
They also learn how to use an advisory
defibrillator which has computer software
which enables staff to deliver the first shock
within the first one to two minutes of the
arrest.
Lead Nurse for Critical Care and
Resuscitation Services, Pamela Smith, said:
KGHs clinical areas are equipped with
emergency equipment such as defibrillators
however when not in an area where equipment
is available the prompt provision of basic life
support as described below, greatly improves
the potential for the collapsed individual to
survive this event once expert has arrived.
1. Danger check for danger and

make sure it is safe to approach
the person, eg have they been
electrocuted
2. Response gently shake and shout.
If there is no response
3. Shout - for help
4. Airway Look in the persons mouth
ensuring nothing is in there that
could block the airway eg false
teeth. Then open the persons airway
by tilting their head back and lifting
their chin slightly this will open the
airway
5. Breathing check for breathing
(for no more than 10 seconds) by
looking, listening, feeling. If they are
not breathing normally you must
leave them and dial 999
6. Chest compressions must be
commenced once help is on its way.
Then
Place both hands on bottom half of the
breast bone - one hand on top of the other
Compress at a depth of about 5-6cm (2
inches) and release
Repeat this at a rate of two per second until
help arrives the British Heart Foundations
famous advert was to the rhythm of the Bee
Gees Staying Alive)
Healthcare assistant Debbie Britton, who works

at Nene Park, said helping at the recent accident
demonstrated why the training is so important.
She said: It definitely underlines why you
do the training. You cant over emphasise
something like this it can literally be the
difference between life and death.
Staff nurse Beccy Best performs CPR on a mannequin

watched by Lead Nurse for Resuscitation Pamela Smith.
Beccy has previously saved a patients life with CPR.
Chris helps patients with learning

disabilities
A PROJECT worker who has learning
disabilities is helping staff at KGH to
better understand the needs of people
with this disability.
Back in 2010 KGH took the innovative step
of employing Chris Abram from Wellingborough
to help enhance care for people with learning
disabilities.
Chris, 32, has helped KGH staff to better
understand people with learning
disabilities and delivered real, relevant
and inspiring training in how to make
a hospital visit less stressful for them.
Hospital can be a scary place for people
Four years on from his appointment
Chris now has a number of
with learning disabilities...
achievements. He has:
Delivered learning disability

training sessions by giving his views
about the sorts of things staff need to
be aware when caring for people with
learning disabilities (LD). Initially Chris did
this with the support of LD liaison nurse
Marianne Duffy but more recently he has
had the confidence to deliver them on his
own delivering training on 10 different
wards since January 2014
Successfully worked with staff to
develop a learning disability resource
pack for all of KGHs wards and
departments. The pack gives details of
the learning disability patient pathway at
KGH, key contacts for support, common
issues people with LD face, Mencap
guidelines; best practice caring guidance,
a colour coded a-z of health issues; an
assessment tool and communication
symbols to help explain things to people
with learning disabilities.
Information and support Chris

contributes to the Trusts Disability
and Sensory Awareness Group and
Learning Disability Forum. He has sat on
interview panels; attended and spoken at
conferences,
Carries out audits across the Trust to
help us determine how well we are looking
after people with LD. This includes ensuring
staff are using the right paperwork. He
also ensures that staff are aware of the
resources available to help them to do
that.
Chriss most recent work
CHRISs most recent venture has been

to develop an easy way for learning
disability patients to describe how their
experience has been so that we can find
ways to improve our care.
It involves using a picture board to ask
patients a series of
questions about their
experience at the
hospital.
Chris said: I ask
the patient questions
like Did you like the
food? Did you have
enough to drink?
Is the hospital kept
clean? Do the nurses
help you if you are in
pain? Are the doctors
and nurses friendly?
Did they explain what
they were doing? Did
you understand them?
Chris Abrams and Marianne Duffy were interviewed about his role by BBC Radio
Would you come back
Northampton reporter Elinor Cross
Chris with staff on Rockingham Wing
to KGH next time you are poorly?

For each of the questions we have lots of
pictures on a board to show what I mean. I also
have three symbols for yes, no, and not sure so
learning disability patients can point to them to
make replying easy.
It helps us to see if any of the patients are
having any problems.
The value of Chriss work

LEARNING Disability Liaison Nurse
Marianne Duffy works with staff from
across KGH, to develop improved training
and improved care pathways for people
with learning disabilities.
She said: Chriss confidence has improved a
lot over the last 18 months. The staff know him
now and when he does his staff training session
he really gets his messages across.
He also works directly with learning
disability patients on the wards to deliver the
questionnaire and generally support them and
help them to be a bit more independent and
involved in their care and the decisions
around it.
Why Chris got involved

CHRIS joined KGH as a project worker
after also being one of our surgical
patients some ten year ago.
He said: My experience of hospital has been
both good and bad and I want to help staff to
realise why that is.
Hospital can be a scary place for people with
learning disabilities. You are sleeping somewhere
new, your routines are all changed and some
people with learning disabilities need help with
things like eating. I wanted to help staff to realise
the sorts of things they can do to help patients
with learning disabilities feel better.
KGH welcomes CQC report

responsive action to address this.
Staffing levels in intensive care Inspectors identified a need to improve
staffing levels in critical care (the Intensive
Care Unit). This was resolved within a
matter of hours of the visit. Work is also
underway to improve junior doctor cover in
surgery.
Improving the environment in
maternity and outpatients the Trust
is establishing an Estates Masterplan to
address environmental improvements
across the site and will be targeting these
areas. The Trust is very
conscious parts of its site
are old and in need of
modernisation.
The report concludes that the
Improve the way
we dispense and
hospital has some areas of good
store medicines a full
practice but also has areas that need
review of medicines use is
improvement.
underway.
Members of KGHs outstanding hospital play team - Trish Brigden,

Claire Kura, Helen Palmer, Lynda Diver, and Louise McKerral.
KGH has welcomed the publication of

the Care Quality Commissions (CQCs)
report into its services published on
November 25.
A team of 34 inspectors visited the Trust
between 2-4 September, carried out follow
up visits on September 6 and 13, and held a
public engagement event at the Corn Market
Hall in Kettering on September 2.
Overall the CQC found the hospital required
improvement in six of the eight service areas
visited.
In the remain two areas it was rated as good
for services for children and young people and
inadequate for end of life care services in
relation to leadership/planning rather than the
care provided to patients.
The overall rating is based on the five CCQ
assessment criteria which look at whether the
Trust is safe, effective, caring, responsive and
well-led.
The report concludes that the hospital has
some areas of good practice but also has areas
that need improvement. We have developed an
action plan to address the issues raised.
distract children during their stay was

described as outstanding.
Caring services - In all of the eight
services visited the way staff provided
a caring service was classed as good.
Inspectors made many comments
which stated that staff were caring,
compassionate, and sensitive and treated
patients with respect
Quality and safety It was recognised
that the Trust has made significant
improvements to the quality of its services.
Its I will patient safety and quality
campaign has helped develop a culture
of action to address poor care and an
emphasis on maintaining high standards.
This included an open and transparent
approach to complaints and staff taking a
lot of responsibility for their work.
Its bereavement service was considered
outstanding providing an exceptional level
of support to bereaved families.
Areas where KGH did well:
End of Life care - The inspectors were

concerned that the Trust did not have
a member of its own staff as its end of
life medical lead and that it had not yet
developed a new formal strategy for End
of Life care. KGH is taking the necessary
Childrens services were rated as the

Trusts best overall service. It was rated
good in all of the inspection areas covered.
Its play team staff that entertain and
Areas where KGH can do

better
What the inspectors said...

CARE at KGH was found to be good in
all eight of the services visited by the
CQC inspectors.
Here are some of their comments on what
they found:
Critical Care Patients and relatives
spoke highly of the staff. Relatives told us that
they felt they were kept informed and were
treated sensitively with understanding.
Medical Care (including older peoples
care) - Patients told us the staff were caring,
kind and respected their wishes..Staff in
all roles put significant effort into treating
people with dignity..Staff responded to pain,
discomfort and emotional distress in a timely
and appropriate way.
Services for Children and Young
People Feedback from families and staff
show that this is an outstanding service
The vast majority of families and staff would
recommend the service to family and friends.
Urgent and Emergency Care (including
A&E) - Patients felt that they were listened
to by health professionals and were involved
in their treatment and care. We saw examples
of good caring and compassionate interactions
with patients, given in a quiet and dignified
manner
Surgery We observed that children
and parents, and elderly people, attending
clinics, and for procedures, were cared for with
the time the action plan was finalised. The CQC,

will, at some point, come back to re-inspect the
Trust regarding its compliance.
Improving End of Life Care
Overall the Trust requires improvement
understanding and compassion

Maternity and Gynaecology Patients,
and those close to them, were encouraged
to be involved in their care, treated as equal
partners, listened to, and were involved in
decision-making at all levels
Outpatients and Diagnostic Imaging
Outpatient services were delivered by
hardworking, caring and compassionate staff.
We saw numerous examples of patients being
treated with dignity and respect, and given
compassionate care.
We are responding to the

report
KGH is responding to the findings of the
report and will address the issues raised.
Chief Executive, David Sissling, said: We
welcome the CQCs very detailed report on the
care delivered at Kettering General Hospital.
I am very pleased and proud that the CQC

found our staff were very committed to looking
after our patients in a very caring way and
that is a theme that runs throughout their
report.
We are committed to act to address the
areas that the inspectors highlighted for
further improvement. Overall the inspection
has been a very valuable peer review for the
hospital which will help us to focus on some
key issues.
Following the Care Quality Inspection KGH
was required to develop a comprehensive action
plan to address the issues raised in the report.
The action plan was submitted to Monitor on
December 22 and it details our response on a
point by point basis to each of the compliancy
issues raised.
Many of the issues raised by the CQC were
already in the process of being addressed and
in some areas had already been addressed by
In A&E Dr Janath Wijesinghe examines William Baker the CQC found care was good across all
eight services examined
The Trusts overall rating for its End of

Life service was found to be inadequate
in two aspects examined and hence
overall was rated inadequate.
While the actual care provided for people
at the end of their life was rated as good the
Trusts strategy and leadership were found to
need improvement so overall the rating was
inadequate
Following the national withdrawal of the
Liverpool End of Life Care pathway in July
2014 KGH has been working with regional
colleagues to implement a new system
of priorities for End of Life care. A new
Northamptonshire End of Life Care Strategy is
in a draft form and the Trust is developing its
own strategy in line with this.
Medical Director, Dr Andrew Chilton, said:
We are reviewing the leadership of end of
life care and are in the process of establishing
key strategic priorities to ensure the service we
provide is of the highest quality.
CQC inspectors did rate the care given
to patients at the end of their life as good.
They wrote: End of life care services were
caring. We saw that patients were treated
with compassion, dignity and respect
The caring approach by the mortuary
and bereavement staff we observed was
outstanding.
Family of patient says

thank you
THE SON of a KGH patient wrote to
us following media reports of the
CQC inspection to express his own
experience.
Graham Cheshire, from Kent, wrote to tell us
the experience of care his 86-year-old mother
Kathleen, from Wellingborough, received on
Harrowden A at KGH in the final weeks of her
life.
In an email to the Trust he wrote: The
care, attention, thought and devotion to duty
that was shown by, not a few, but every team
member, on that ward should be the standard
that others seek to achieve.
Every ward doctor and nurse knew exactly
what had been done for my mother previously,
what was currently being tried, and what
might be done for her in the future.
They took the time to treat her like a
human being, and found time to spend with
myself and my wife to explain, in words we
understood, exactly what was happening. It
is impossible to speak highly enough of the
quality of care my mother received.
Our work to improve dementia care
Can you help fill our Memory Boxes? Parkinsons
awareness at KGH
KGH is improving care for patients with

dementia as part of its pioneering AGE
programme for older adults.
In May 2013 the Trust was one of the first
hospitals in the country to formally launch a
new approach to caring for older people in
hospital.
The Trust is one of six hospitals taking
part in a national Academy of Geratology
Excellence (AGE) Programme in the UK in
partnership with the University of Bedfordshire
The aim of the programme is to develop
new approaches to the care of older adults
that develop sensitive and exemplary care.
Staff training four level

approach
PART of the AGE work is focussed on the
care of dementia patients.
The Trust has always supported dementia
patients with specialist care but is now
developing a much more comprehensive and
formal structure around this. Examples of the
work include four levels of training:
Level 0 Basic awareness aimed all
staff (including back office etc) Using a
nationally recognised training programme
called Barbaras story which follows the
journey of a dementia patient through
hospital
Level 1 Aimed at all clinical staff. Lecture
and videos around the different types
of dementia and how we care for these
patients again linked to Barbaras story
Level 2 More in depth training looking
at longer term issues for example how
dementia may impact on other medical
problems a person may develop
Level 3-4 - A more formal academic
approach where staff learn, in much more
detail, about dementia, its medications,
symptom management, and end of life
care. The work can contribute to degree/
masters degree level accreditation. The
aim is to encourage KGH staff to develop
the skills and knowledge to support
complex dementia care.
Dementia Screening
ON admission to hospital medical staff
carry out a dementia screen which
involves asking patients, over 65, if they
have had any memory problems in the
last 12 months.
Answers trigger a specific screening
programme (eg CT scans, blood tests) that
help to diagnose dementia at the earliest
opportunity
Healthcare assistant Christine Chamber with the resource area she set up on Harrowden A. She also helped
set up one on Naseby wards. Just one of the practical ways we are improving care for dementia patients.
Dementia Bundle
THIS is a new document that has just
been piloted and has been rolled out
across urgent care (eg A&E) with a plan
to go Trust wide.
It is essentially a best practice guidance
for all clinical staff on how a dementia patient
should be treated throughout their hospital
journey. Each clinical area will have a copy to
remind staff of what they should be doing to
support dementia patients and address any
problems that may arise.
Specialist ward The

Naseby Wards A and B
The Naseby wards are for older adults
with complex health needs and this
includes dementia.
Having a facility especially for older adults
with complex needs means that the Trust can
give patients care in an area which has staff
who have more specialist skills and have a
better understanding of patients with dementia.
This has significant benefits for patients
with dementia who may have a number of
health and social care needs. The area is also
supported by AGE UK volunteers.
Rest of the Trust

Dementia patients are also seen across the rest
of the Trust and will be looked after by staff
who have undergone dementia training and in
the future will be using the dementia bundle to
guide their practice
Dementia Care Resource

Area Harrowden A
In 2012 a healthcare assistant, Christine
Chamber developed a small area close
to the ward bays where patients with
dementia can chat with staff.
It contains pictures of famous people, local
towns, has a double seat and coffee table, a CD
player and books and activities like card and
dominoes. There is also a similar resource area
on the Naseby Wards.
Frail elderly in-reach lead nurse Lauren
Rothwell said: The Trust is looking to improve
the care it provides for dementia patients in all
of our departments.
It is acknowledged that patients with
dementia are an increasing proportion of the
patient population so it is important for us to
plan ahead and to ensure that we give these
vulnerable patients the very best care and
support.
Dementia in Northants
It is believed that some 7,000 people suffer
from dementia in the county at any one time
By 2025, this figure is expected to have
increased by 50%
Dementia is not a single illness but a group
of symptoms caused by damage to the
brain. The symptoms include loss of memory,
mood changes and confusion.
Dementia is caused by a number of different
diseases of the brain, including Alzheimers
disease. Vascular dementia is the second
most common cause after Alzheimers
disease
KGH staff Jenny Embling, Joanne Taylor and Leanne

Hackshall at the launch of the Memory Box scheme
in 2011
KGH is appealing to the public to help it

to expand its Memory and Activity Boxes
scheme to improve care of older people
with dementia.
A Memory Box is a shoebox sized box which
contains memorabilia which can be used to
help stimulate conversations between patients
with dementia and hospital staff.
The idea has been tried out across the
country by various caring organisations and
charities connected to dementia and KGH
launched its own scheme in 2011 to improve
care for patients with dementia or memory loss.
KGHs disability and sensory impairment
facilitator, Joanne Taylor, said: A memory box
is simply a box which contains items which
can spark vivid memories for a person who has
dementia.
It is something that helps hospital staff to
engage with a person and talk about their life
and times and find out more about them.
This in turns helps staff to make a better
connection with a person, aids understanding
and can help to improve the quality of that
patients care.
Since our launch we have also developed an
Activity Box which have things like dominoes,
playing cards, and large print puzzles which
many dementia patients enjoy playing.
A memory box is simply a box

which contains items which
can spark vivid memories for a
person who has dementia.
Members and the public will be able to help by
donating items for the boxes.
Joanne said: The boxes are shoe box size
and we are looking for about 5-10 items per
box.
Items can be anything that would spark
a vivid memory. It could be old photographs,
household items (eg carbolic soap), items such
as shells, dolly pegs, marbles, things related to
specific events (eg a ration book from World
War 2 or old advertising memorabilia) or
something with a look or texture that could be
a conversation piece.
Themes could be things like local towns,
the boot and shoe industry, sport, the war
years and hobbies.
You can also donate playing cards,
dominoes, local history photographic and Royal
family books for the activity boxes.
Any one interested in donating items for the
boxes should contact Joanne Taylor on Joanne.
taylor@kgh.nhs.uk or 01536-493340.
You can help us to fill these

boxes
KGH already has 12 boxes but want
to expand this and have some themed
boxes for people with particular
interests.
We hope that local community groups, KGH
MEMBERS of a Parkinsons Disease

awareness group regularly promote
awareness of the disease both at KGH and
in the community.
The Northamptonshire Younger Persons
Support Group for Parkinsons Disease are
pictured here during one of their visits to the
hospital where they spent a week handing out
leaflets and chatting with patients, visitors and
staff.
Group leader Debs Whiter, spokesperson,
Stuart Crichton and committee member, Carlene
Byland, manned the stand. Their group aims to
support people under the age of 65 who have
Parkinsons Disease often considered a disease
of older people.
Mr Crichton said: We were giving people a
lot of information about the signs and symptoms
of Parkinsons Disease and explaining how
these can be misinterpreted. It is a condition
which can make you appear to be drunk. We
were spreading awareness about the disease
and hopefully encouraging people to have more
respect for the people who have it.
Debs Whiter, Stuart Crichton and Carlene Byland

from Northamptonshire Younger Persons Support
Group for Parkinsons Disease promoting awareness
at KGH.
FACTS ABOUT PARKINSONS

It is a progressive neurological disorder
affecting voluntary movements such as
walking, talking, writing and swallowing
Symptoms can be tremor, rigidity,
and slowness of movement but not
everyone experiences all three
The cause is not known and there is no
cure
Drug therapy helps to control the
symptoms and has to be tailored to the
individual
While the majority of patients are elderly
one in 20 patients are under 40.
BBC Radio Northampton reporter Elinor Cross

interviews Joanne Taylor about the memory boxes
Prostate cancer care improved
L-R consultant urologist Mr Roland England, Clinical Nurse Specialist Rachel Hooper, specialty doctor
Zubair Al-Qassim, and consult urologists Mr David Payne, Mr Mohammed Al-Sudani and Mr Zeb Khan
with the new equipment
KGH has invested 88,000 in new

equipment to help diagnose prostate
cancer and improve patient care thanks
to charitable donations.
The urology department has purchased
a trans-rectal ultrasound and template grid
which enables us, for the first time at KGH, to
perform trans-perineal biopsies of the prostate.
A biopsy is where a small sample of living
tissue is taken from the body using a needle
to enable this sample to be tested to see if it
contains abnormalities such as cancerous cells.
KGHs urology service says the new
equipment will help improve care for patients
by providing an additional and more
accurate - form of prostate cancer testing
which patients would previously have had to
travel to other Trusts to receive. It is used in
cases where a conventional biopsy technique
has not confirmed a suspected diagnosis of
prostate cancer.
Consultant says why new

equipment is a boost
KGH Consultant urologist, Mr David
Payne, says the new equipment will help
improve our urology service.
He said: It means we are able to undertake
multiple biopsies of the prostate using a
template grid placed over the perineum whilst
patients are asleep.
The grid which looks similar to the
grid seen on the board game Battleships
enables us to guide the biopsies to help
locate and diagnose prostate cancer which the
traditional technique (trans-rectal biopsy see
below) we use, can sometimes fails to detect.
The usual way of taking prostate biopsies to
find out if cancer is present is called a transrectal biopsy. Here biopsies of prostate tissue
are taken from the prostate gland via the
rectum under local anaesthetic.
If this doesnt locate a cancer but it is
suspected there is one the trans-perineal
approach can be performed, under general
anaesthetic, which has been shown to be
a more accurate way of testing for cancer.
Furthermore the technique can be used for
patients already diagnosed with prostate
cancer to aid the decision making in future
treatment because it gives a more accurate
picture of how much cancer there is in the
prostate.
It is envisaged that around 50 patients per
year will benefit from gaining this
particular form of diagnostic test,
though this figure may grow.
equipment enables us to perform a precise

technique to take multiple samples from the
prostate which helps us to determine if there is
cancer present particularly in cases where a
cancer has not been easy to locate.
At the moment patients have to travel
to Leicester or Northampton to have this
procedure. So having the equipment here will
also make it a lot more convenient for local
patients.
We want to take this opportunity to thank
everyone who fund raises, or leaves money to
us in a legacy, for helping us to purchase this
important equipment.
The equipment was purchased through a
legacy donation and through charitable fund
donations given to KGH to improve cancer
care.
Movember
moustaches
raise money for
urology
STAFF from across KGH took part in
this years Movember challenge to raise
money for our urology/prostate cancer
services.
Together they have raised more than
1,148 by asking for sponsorship while they
grew moustaches throughout the month of
November.
The Movember movement is inspired by the
Movember Foundation a global organisation
committed to changing the face of mens
health.
The Movember community has raised
346 million to date and funded over
800programmes in 21 countries.
This work is saving and improving the lives
of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular
cancer and mental health problems.
Will reduce travel

for patients
AT the moment some
patients have to travel
to other Trusts to have
procedures with this type of
equipment.
Mr Payne said: The new
Some of the staff who took part in the Movember challenge
Remembrance display made by

children at KGH
CHILDREN made and displayed 500
poppies in a public area at KGH as a
contribution to this years Remembrance
events.
Eight children, aged three to 11, made the
poppies out of paper to put up as a display in
the hospitals Foundation Wing atrium.
The tribute was inspired by the display of
ceramic poppies at the Tower of London.
KGH Play co-ordinator Trish Brigden said:
When children are in hospital we like to have
themed activities for them.
We cant really have a two minute silence,
as this isnt appropriate for smaller children, so
we had to think of something else.
The poppy display at the Tower of London
has been very inspiring for many people so we
thought it would be nice for the children to be
able to do their own small field of poppies as
a tribute.
They enjoyed producing and putting up
their display which is at a busy crossroads in
the hospital and it has certainly been a very
visual reminder for everyone passing of this
time of national commemoration.
The poppy display at the Tower of

London has been very inspiring
for many people so we thought it
would be nice for the children to be
able to do their own small field of
poppies as a tribute.
Olivia Young, ten, pins a poppy to a Remembrance display area at Kettering General Hospital.
Children pay their respects to the fallen

TEN-year-old Olivia Young, from Market
Harborough, was in hospital recovering
from an appendix operation and
contributed to the display.
Her mum Georgina said: I think it is very
important for children to remember the
Centenary of the First World War as part of
our history.
In August this year we visited the display
of poppies at the Tower of London and
bought one of the poppies.
Our great grandfathers served in the
First World War so I think it is important to
remember them.
It was nice to see a Remembrance display
in the hospital and Olivia enjoyed taking
part.
The hospital also held a Remembrance

Services for staff and patients in its Chapel of
Peace on Sunday (November 9) and Tuesday
(November 11).
Remembrance Sunday is held on the second
Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to
11 November, Armistice day the anniversary
of the end of hostilities in the First World War
at 11a.m. in 1918. Remembrance Sunday
is held to commemorate the contribution of
British and Commonwealth military and civilian
servicemen and women in the two World Wars
and later conflicts.
The Tower of London poppy art installation
features 888,246 ceramic poppies one for
each British and Colonial life lost in the 1914
to 1918 conflict.
Lions help with precious memories

KETTERING and District Lions Club has
presented KGH with 300 to purchase
precious memory boxes for parents who
have had a stillbirth.
The memory boxes, provided by the still birth
and neonatal death charity Sands, contain a
number of items which help bereaved parents
with the grieving process.
The boxes contain a shawl, a box for a
lock of hair, two small teddy bears (one for
cremation or burial and one for a keepsake for
the parents). The box also contains equipment
to take hand and footprints of the baby.
Lions President Chris Clark (pictured far
right) presented the boxes to bereavement
support midwife Lynn Garrett

(standing next to her) on
behalf of the Lions.
The money was raised at
an annual charter dinner
and raffle. This is the third
donation of Precious Memory
Boxes made by Kettering
Lions Club.
Lynn said: The memory
boxes help us to support
parents at a very difficult time.
I want to thank Kettering
Lions so much for continuing
to support us in this way.
Kettering and District Lions Club present KGH with Precious Memory
Boxes for parents who have had a still birth
Vicar supports skin care centre
Skin cancer surveillance day
A LOCAL vicar and Freemason who had

treatment for the most serious form of
skin cancer has raised 1,460 for the
Skin Care Centre at KGH.
And on October 30 from the Vicar of
Irchester, the Rev John Simmons, and Jim
Boughton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master
for the Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire
Freemasons, presented a cheque for the sum
to KGH skin cancer lead, and consultant
dermatologist, Dr Olivia
Stevenson, in the Skin
Care Centre (Jubilee
Wing) at KGH.
I am enormously grateful
The money was
to the NHS, and to Kettering
donated after the Rev
General Hospital, for the way I
Simmons was treated
Consultant dermatologist Dr Olivia Stevenson, Macmillan nurse Fiona Briggs, the
for skin cancer at
have been looked after.
Rev John Simmons and Provincial Assistant Grand Master Jim Boughton
KGH.
While chatting with
course of action to take.
negative.
KGH dermatologist Olivia
They will replace some of the ones in the
John,
61,
from
the
Vicarage,
Irchester,
said:
Stevenson the subject of equipment came up
department
that have broken and reduce the
I
am
enormously
grateful
to
the
NHS,
and
to
and John, through his role as Master (for the
need
for
sharing
between staff.
Kettering
General
Hospital,
for
the
way
I
have
year) of The Scout Lodge of the Freemasons
been
looked
after.
I
thought
this
contribution
said he would like to help the department.
might go some way to repaying that debt of
He was able to contribute 730 of funds
Get suspicious moles
gratitude.
from Scout Lodge which was matched by the
checked out
I particularly want to thank Dr Stevenson
Provincial Grand Charity for Northamptonshire
and Macmillan cancer nurse specialist Fiona
Consultant dermatologist Olivia
and Huntingdonshire Freemasons enabling the
Briggs for the wonderful way they have
Stevenson and the Rev John Simmons
1,460 donation.
supported my care.
have both urged local people to get
The money has been used to purchase two
suspicious moles or other skin legions
dermatoscopes a magnifying/lighting device
checked out.
used to allow close examination of skin lesions
Thanks from the
Olivia said: Sometimes people, particularly
- at 730each for the Skin Care Centre.
dermatology department
men, can ignore these sorts of changes when
Dr Stevenson said: On behalf of the
they really should have them checked out by
The Rev John Simmons
department I would like to thank
their GP straight away. If caught early many
Story
John and all of his colleagues in the
skin cancers can be completely cured.
Freemasons
for
their
tremendous
The Rev Simmons said: Its crucial that
WHILE on holiday in Cyprus in April 2012
people
dont ignore these things. My wife was
support.
Johns wife Ann noticed that a mole on
the
one
who urged me to get it checked out
These
are
invaluable
state-of-the-art
his chest had gone a dark bluish colour.
and
I
am
so glad I did. It is important to go to
dermatoscopes
which
will
help
us
to
diagnose
A trip to his GP led to a referral to Kettering
your
GP
if
you are at all worried.
suspicious
lesions
and
decide
on
the
right
General Hospitals dermatology department.
AN annual Skin Cancer Surveillance

Day held by KGH on September 20 was
attended by 241 local people.
The free event enables anyone who has a
concern about a mole or skin lesion to see
specialist doctors and nurses without an
appointment on a first come, first serve basis,
with everyone being seen.
The Skin Cancer Surveillance Day is organised
by the hospitals dermatology department with
staff giving up their own time to put it on.
Dr Stevenson said she personally sees some
20-30 new skin cancers each week at the
hospital. At a previous awareness event about
20 cancer and pre-cancer
cases were detected. This
time 48 people required
further attention.
John said: I was diagnosed with malignant

melanoma, the most serious form of skin
cancer, and so I needed urgent treatment.
I was referred to St Bartholomews Hospital
in London in September 2012 for sentinel
lymph node biopsy to see if the cancer had
spread to my lymph nodes. It had - so two
were taken out.
I was then referred to an oncologist at
Leicester Royal Infirmary and had my lymph
glands taken out in December 2012.
On January 5, 2013, I got the all clear test
on the day my first grandchild, Harriet, was
born.
I will be under surveillance now for a total
of five years but all the tests so far have been
Our
surveillance
day detected
Junes cancer
Dr Stevenson said she

personally sees some 20-30
new skin cancers each week at
the hospital.
MOTHER-of-two June Farrer, from

Wellingborough, had the most serious
kind of skin cancer a malignant
melanoma removed from her leg
following the 2013 event.
Mrs Farrer, 57, who works as a safe guarding
administrator for Northamptonshire Healthcare
Trust, said: I found out about this event in the
local newspaper and on local radio and I had
some moles that I wanted checked out.
ET reporter Michael Whelan, June Farrer, and Dr Olivia Stevenson during a

media event that promoted the skin surveillance day
The four or five moles I was concerned

about were all fine but there was a small dark
one on the skin of my right shin that they were
worried about.
After the tests came through it was
diagnosed as a malignant melanoma.
I had the mole, and an area of skin around
it, removed and then had a skin graft.
Since then I have had regular check ups and
everything has been fine.
Anonymous donor brings toys to Skylark

AN ANONYMOUS donor has been
bringing sacks full of brand new toys to
Skylark Ward and then disappearing.
The man, who has visited the ward before
and never waits to be thanked, brought in
another donation recently.
Play co-ordinator Trish Brigden said: A
man walked onto Skylark Ward and handed a
member of the Play Team half a dozen bags
of brand new toys. He has visited the ward
before, always brings new toys, and never
waits to be thanked.
He will never leave

his name and we would
like him to know how
much his kindness is
appreciated and how
such a small, thoughtful
act has a huge effect
on a ward full of poorly
children!
It is nice to know
that there are some
good people out there!!
June Farrer with the doctor who spotted her cancer - consultant dermatologist Dr Johan Vorster
I think this is a brilliant event to put on for

local people. It made it very easy to get myself
checked out and I am so glad I did. I am very
grateful to the staff who all give up their own
time to put on the event for diagnosing my
cancer and treating it quickly.
I think the Skin Surveillance Day is an
important event and I would urge anyone with
any concerns about moles or blemishes to go
along and get them checked out.
Skin cancer is best treated

early
GETTING an early diagnosis of skin
cancer is very important with better
outcomes the sooner problems are
identified.
Dr Olivia Stevenson, who is the Trusts skin
cancer lead, said: June had mole cancer
(melanoma), which is the most publicised and
most dangerous kind of skin cancer.
In these cases we would cut out the mole
and, if melanoma is confirmed, a margin of
normal skin around the scar is also removed.
Depending on the site of the mole this would
sometimes involve a skin graft, as in Junes
case.
Junes cancer was caught before she had
noticed any change and this allowed it to be
picked up and treated earlier, giving her a much
better outcome.
But anyone who has a mole or lesion which
is changing rapidly on the skin or behaving
differently from other moles, for example
changing colour, weeping, bleeding or growing
faster, should go to their GP for advice.
Stroke Unit chairs presented

following 1,000 mile bike ride
KGH chaplain Philip Staves pictured with physiotherapist Emily Freeman and one of the new stroke
chairs that he raised money for with his Lands End to John oGroats cycle ride.
KGH Chaplain Phillip Staves is pictured
with special stroke chairs he raised
money for by doing a 1,000 mile cycle
ride from Lands End in Cornwall to John
oGroats in Scotland.
Philips ride which took place over fifteen
days between 17th and 31st May - raised over
3,000 for our Stroke Unit.
Acute physiotherapist Emily Freeman, who
works on the stroke unit, said: We just want to
say a huge thank you to Phillip for supporting
us in this way.
The special chairs he has raised the money

for are very important to us. They have lots of
different adjustments which enable us help
patients keep a good posture when they are
eating and drinking and they assist with our
general rehabilitation.
They also enable patients to spend some
time outside the wards which again helps them
with their rehabilitation.
Phillip decided to raise money for the stroke
unit because his younger brother, Tim, has had
a few minor strokes.
KGH Chair climbs Africas highest mountain

KGH Chairman Graham Foster has
successfully climbed Africas highest
mountain and raised 700 to improve
care for older people.
Graham climbed 5,895m (19,341 feet)
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in October and raised
money towards a hospital initiatives to support
older people.
Mr Foster, 55, from Burton-on-Trent, who
is married to Catherine, and has three grown
up children, said: This was part personal
challenge and part an attempt to raise some
money for an exciting new initiative at Kettering
General Hospital called AGE (Academy for
Geratology Excellence), which will be gathering
research and practical evidence aimed at
improving the training of nurses in caring for
the elderly.
PATIENT Advice and Liaison Service

support officer Phil Brown has climbed
Britains highest mountain to raise 439
for Twywell Ward.
Phil, 53, from Kettering, decided to take on
the challenge, along with husband Chris, 51,
and daughters Siobhan, 24, and Imogen, 21, on
July 6.
She said: As a family we wanted to
challenge ourselves by climbing the highest
mountain in the UK.
At the same time we wanted to raise some
money for a worthwhile cause and so we
looked at the KGH Charitys wish list for some
ideas.
We decided on raising money for the
day room in Twywell Ward to make it more
comfortable for patients.
The family set off on their climb at 7.30am
and it took them about four-and-a-half hours
October 25 date..After 6 days we

reached the launch point for the final assault
on the summit, Baraka Campsite at 4,600m, in
clear and not too cold conditions. Got to bed
well before dark. We were desperately trying
to get some sleep as we knew we would be
woken at midnight, ready for breakfast and a
1am start to the summit attempt.
October 25 - Summit Day -
Its the hospitals intention to make a big

change in the way we look after our frail and
elderly patients with a view to them avoiding
and minimising hospital stays. I wanted to
help with this area of health improvement as
it affects so many people and their carers and
families so severely!
Graham en route to the summit
Extracts from Grahams diary
Phil climbs Ben Nevis for Twywell Ward
October 18 -Surrounded by rucksacks and

holdalls at 3am ready to fly off to Kilimanjaro
via Amsterdam. We had little or no idea what it
would be like to climb a 19,000 foot mountain.
All three of us had done some training - but
none of us knew whether it would be enough.
14 hours later we were standing outside
Kilimanjaro International Airport. Tonight is our
last nights sleep in a real bed for 9 days.
to climb to the 1,344 m (4,409 ft) summit and

another four hours to descend.
One odd thing happened, Phil bumped into
a cousin, Rose, she hadnt seen for 10 years on
the summit of the mountain.
October 19 - Day one dawned and after

breakfast came the kit inspection. When we
reached the gate of the Kilimanjaro Park, we
were told that the 15 trekkers would need
a total of 59 local people to help us up the
mountain, including 36 porters, 6 cooks and
7 guides (and, most importantly, one guy in
charge of the chemical toilet and toilet tent!).
L-R Imogen, Chris, Siobhan and Phil meet Phils
cousin Rose (far right) on the summit of Ben
Nevis
Steven, Graham and Stephen on the summit
the lower reaches of the trek, now there was

only the occasional lizard, a few spotted mice
and some very large and threatening looking
scavenging white backed crows, whose job
seemed to be the clean up the camp site each
day, usually after wed left!
October 21 -After the first two days, we

are already well above 3,000m and beginning
to feel the effects of the thinner air and
Coffee and Porridge at midnight was a little

surreal. Not much time for star gazing this
evening, but the night sky at this altitude in the
middle of Africa is an unforgettable sight! We
set off at strict Poli Poli pace in a line of 15 plus
the guides, all with just head torches to light
our way up a first hour of rocky uphill ascent.
Around 4.30 we got to see an incredible
sunrise, with about 180 degrees of horizon in
view, still no clouds, no rain or snow and only
about -5 or -6 degrees. Suitably encouraged
we ploughed on and on up the volcanic dust
and boulders. Finally we are able to drop our
bags and take a steady 45 minute stroll
up the last 100m of ascent around the
crater rim to Uhuru Point and the top of
Kilimanjaro at around 9.30am.Thoroughly
After the first two days, we are
exhausted but elated, we were treated
already well above 3,000m
to fabulous views of mountains clouds,
landscape and the remaining glaciers and
and beginning to feel the
able to take photos for 30 minutes in the
effects of the thinner air...
very bright sunshine.
consequent reduction of available oxygen

at altitude. However, by observing the very
slow steady walking style and pace of our
guides (Poli Poli Swahili for slowly slowly)
we gradually found we could walk for 1 1
1/2 hour spells without stopping or excessive
fatigue setting in.
October 23 - As a party we carried oxygen
cylinders, special medication and a portable
hyperbaric chamber, for use if anyone started
to show symptoms of altitude sickness.
Fortunately, no-one needed any of these aids or
interventions.
October 24 - Fuelled by the constant stream
of porridge, soups and stews cooked by our
local chefs, we continued up through the four
climate zones of the mountain, up to the areas
over 3,500m where the whole surface becomes
moon-like volcanic dust, rocks and boulders.
Having seen some monkeys and exotic birds in
KILIMANJARO FACTS
In 1889, the first successful summit of
Mount Kilimanjaro was completed by
German geographer, Hans Meyer, after
six weeks of climbing.
Climbing Kilimanjaro has become a
popular challenge undertaken by some
35,000 climbers and trekkers each year
On average only 45% of those who
take it on actually succeed and there
are 10-15 deaths each year.
Since 1912, Kilimanjaro has lost 82%
of its ice cap, and, since 1962, 55% of
its remaining glacier fields. Scientists
predict all ice on the mountain may
disappear within the next 20 years.
Doctor takes the ice bucket

challenge
KGH locum neurologist Dr Victor
Patterson took the ice bucket challenge
to raise funds, and awareness, for motor
neurone disease.
The challenge which has been taken by
tens of thousands of people from across the
world has so far raised 7m for the Motor
Neurone Disease Association, with up to
13,000 associated donations in a month.
Dr Patterson said: As a neurologist I am
very aware of the impact of motor neurone
disease. It seemed a very light hearted and fun
way of supporting the Motor Neurone Disease

Association.
I used to be a trustee of the Motor
Neurone Disease Association so I am very
pleased to be doing my bit to combat this
horrible disease.
To take the Ice Bucket Challenge and
make your donation texting ICED55 5 (or
other amount) to 70070 (only available in the
UK);visit www.mndassociation.org page; or
call 01604 611860 referencing the Ice Bucket
Challenge.
KGH locum neurologist Dr Victor Patterson does the ice bucket challenge with the help of neurology
secretary Christina Pitts.
Spiderman raises
1,459 to buy
special chairs for
KGH
SPIDERMAN aka Leslie Jeffery has
raised 1,459 to buy four special
reclining chairs for Harrowden A ward at
Kettering General Hospital.
Mr Jeffery, 59, from Islip, has raised more
than 5,000 for KGH over the last four years
since adopting his superhero disguise.
He said: I am the only Spiderman character
in Northamptonshire who raises money for
Kettering General Hospital and people are
getting to know what I do.
One of the main pieces of fundraising I did
for the chairs was in July when I did a 35 mile
sponsored walk around Thrapston, Oundle,
Titchmarsh, Kettering, Weldon, Geddington and
Burton Latimer.
Since then I have also attended seven
carnivals and held door-to-door and street
collections. I want to thank everyone who has
made a donation which all goes to support the
great work for the local community that KGH
does.
Harrowden A Staff nurse Katie Gordon said:
We want to thank Leslie so much for his
enormous efforts over the summer which have
supported Harrowden A.
Lot of our patients have breathing
difficulties and they can find sleeping, or
spending a long time, in a bed quite difficult.
The chairs enable people with those
problems to sleep, or rest, at different angles,
according to what is comfortable for them.
They are a major boost for us and will be very
well used.
Spiderman has presented KGH with 1,459 for four

recliner chairs for its Harrowden A ward. L-R student
nurse Vanessa Banks, staff nurse Clint Fabroa,
Spiderman aka Leslie Jeffery, and phlebotomist
Jayne Robinson
Proceeds from charity walk, jog, run, cycle

presented to KGH
JOHN Newman Hairdressing and Beauty
(JNH&B) of Rothwell has presented a

cheque for 8,241 to Kettering General
Hospital on October 13.
The money was raised with a Walk It! Jog It!
Run It! Cycle It! event at Brixworth Country
Park on Sunday the 6th July.
More than 150 people joined in with a
further 40 volunteers and spectators arriving
to support them on
the day this is
the events second
year.
John and Shirley Newman and the team from John Newman Hairdressing and
We are so proud of my family,
Six KGH charity
Beauty present a cheque for 8,241 to KGH charity officer Christine Kelly and
funds benefitted
representatives from some of the many wards and departments supported by the
friends, clients, and everybody who
fundraising.
from the event came to make the event possible
the Stroke Unit
and such an amazing success.
Fund (1,588.24),
Cardiac Unit
Fund (1,704.80)
fundraising for the hospital.
Ophthalmology Unit Fund (2,108.79),
Unfortunately the presentation clashed
Colorectal Unit Fund (1,120.34), Wish List
with a family holiday so she could not attend.
Fund (913.60) and, for the benefit of staff
However on October 13 the Trust had a small
at KGH, Revive the Recreation Hall Fund
presentation for her. Trust Chairman Graham
(806.09).
Foster presented her with two certificates of
Trust Chairman Graham Foster and charity officer
Shirley Newman, Director of John Newman
appreciation one for her amazing efforts as a
Christina Kelly present two certificates of appreciation
Hairdressing and Beauty, said: It was a
fundraiser and the second in recognition of this to Shirley Newman following her fundraising work in
great feeling for us to be able to make this
years successful run, jog, walk event.
support of the hospital.
presentation to Kettering General Hospital after
hosting an event that was so well supported by
so many people including a lot of KGH staff.
We are so proud of my family, friends,
clients, and everybody who came to make the
event possible and such an amazing success.
Shirley and her team would like to thank
SIX of Corbys Masonic Lodges have
spoon and sack races, a band and a pig roast.
Saints Rugby Club for their continued support,
presented KGHs colorectal unit with a
The money was presented to KGH by
as well as the sponsors who ensure 100 per
total of 1,000 following a fun day.
Maureen Stewart, from Great Easton, and Pam
cent of the funds raised are donated to the
The event was held in Great Easton on June
and Dave Genner from Corby.
KGH Charities, along with every participant and
28 and was attended by more than 200 people.
The presentation was in memory of a friend,
volunteer.
Events included tug-of-war, welly throwing,
June King, who recently died, and whose
John Newman, owner of the 90 year old
hitting marshmallows with a golf club, egg and
husband Richard is a Mason.
family business, suffered a stroke last year
and received care from the Kettering General
Hospital Stroke Unit. This inspired the JNH&B
team to provide support for the hospitals most
vital units.
KGH Charity Officer Christina Kelly said: We
want to thank Shirley Newman, her team, and
indeed everyone who was associated with this
event, for their tremendously successful efforts.
The donations will enable our teams to provide
improved services that will benefit hundreds of
patients each year.
Shirley Newman was recently honoured in a
special category at Kettering General Hospitals
Employee Excellence Awards on September
Pam Genner, Maureen Stewart, and Dave Genner with endoscopy staff nurses Val Braybrook and Agrida
12 for her out outstanding contribution to
Njolinjo and the 1,000 donation
Corby Masons present 1,000 to

colorectal unit
The Flu Fighters are back KGH vaccinations

now top 2,156
MORE than 2,156 KGH staff had already
had their flu vaccinations by the end of
November approximately 60% of front
line staff.
The flu vaccination programme started in
September this year and the flu fighter team
- made up of Occupational Health nurses,
Mandy Lyon Manual Handling Trainer,
Pat Edkins RCN Representative, Sue
Bailey Staff Nurse from Ophthalmology,
The flu vaccine is not just about
Liz Meeks and Elaine Baines from
Emergency Care, and Doreen Page
keeping yourself safe its about
from Recovery have been carrying
protecting your friends, colleagues and
out drop-in flu sessions on the wards
patients as well from an illnes...
and departments during the day as well
as night shifts. Drop-in sessions are still
available in Occupational Health based in
Warren Hill House until the end of January 2015. Dont visit people in
Occupational Health nurse manager Jackie
hospital if you feel unwell
Farrow said: The flu vaccine is not just about
keeping yourself safe its about protecting
IN the Winter time we often expect to
your friends, colleagues and patients as well
have more coughs and colds and just
from an illness that in some cases can be very
struggle on with normal life.
serious. Following recent news that there has
But if you are planning to visit a friend or
been an increase in the number of cases of flu
relative in hospital please think twice if:
illness in the East Midlands and Wales I would
You have obvious signs of an infection
encourage all frontline staff to consider having
runny nose, sneezing, high temperature
the flu vaccination
it could be flu
KGH staff can get further information about
Experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the
flu both facts and common myths on our
last two days it could be norovirus.
internal intranet pages.
Keeping potentially dangerous bugs like flu
Please remember to email the Occupational
and norovirus out of hospital is very important
Health Department at occupational.health@kgh. because we have many elderly patients who
nhs.uk if you have had your flu jab at your GPs
are already unwell and whose resistance to
surgery.
these infections is lower.
Occupational Health Nurse Helen Wakley

vaccinates staff nurse Sarah Jones
Pat Edkins inoculates Director of Nursing Leanne

Hackshall
Occupational Health manager Jackie Farrow

inoculates staff nurse Trina Cherry
Occupational health nurse Helen Wakley inoculates

Ophthalmic Matron Maureen Smith
Occupational Health Nurse Helen Wakley gives Chief

Executive David Sissling his inoculation
Flu Facts
The flu vaccine has an excellent
safety record - The risk of having a
serious (anaphylactic) reaction to the
seasonal flu vaccine is less than one in
a million: much lower than the risk of
getting seriously ill from having the flu
itself
The flu jab cant give you the flu - It
is impossible to get flu from the having
the flu jab because the vaccine doesnt
contain live viruses. A very small number
of people experience side effects such
as aching muscles, but this is simply the
immune system responding to the vaccine
You need the vaccine every year - If
you were vaccinated last year you helped
to fight the flu and took an extra step
towards excellent patient care. Please do
the same again this year. You wont be
protected against the new strains of flu
circulating unless you have your jab
Pregnant women can be vaccinated
- Pregnant women can have the
flu vaccination at any stage of their
pregnancy. Having the vaccination when
pregnant is beneficial and helps protect
baby from flu over the first few months of
life
Anyone can get the flu - One of the
most common reasons for not getting
vaccinated is Ive never had flu before.
Theres no such thing as natural immunity
to influenza; with new strains circulating
this year, its best to get vaccinated
against flu.
Flu kills - For the majority of people who
catch it flu is unpleasant, but for some
it can lead to chest infections, severe
complications and death.
Hypo Awareness Week

KGH has been encouraging patients
and their health teams to discuss
hypoglycaemia (hypos) a potentially
dangerous complication of diabetes
as a part of a national awareness
campaign.
TALK Hypos launched during Hypo
Awareness Week 2014 (29 September5
October 2014) with the aim of improving the
management of hypos, which often go underrecognised1 or under-reported2 by people with
diabetes.
Hypos are when glucose in the blood falls
to a low level and are one of the most
common diabetes complications.
Symptoms may include a pounding
heart, trembling, hunger, difficulty
Hypos are when glucose in the
concentrating and blurred vision, and
blood falls to a low level and
left untreated, they can become serious
Diabetes Specialist Nurses Kelly Brogan and Nicola Winch with the
and cause unconsciousness.
are one of the most common
awareness stand at the main entrance to Kettering General Hospital
Diabetes Specialist Nurses Nicola
diabetes complications...
Winch and Kelly Brogan raised
patient education materials including waiting
awareness of hypoglycaemia amongst
THINK: Do you know what a hypo is? Do
room posters and leaflets as well as a patient
clinical colleagues in the hospital during the
you suffer from hypos?
education video that is hosted on the Diabetes
week, including having a stand in reception.
ASK: your doctor or nurse about hypos
UK and Novo Nordisk websites.
Kelly said: Many people with diabetes
and discuss them as part of your
About 33,000 people have diabetes in
may be missing the warning signs of hypos.
consultation
Northamptonshire. Nationwide, over a fifth
Ensuring that both patients and healthcare
of people with diabetes in hospital will have
professionals know how to recognise and treat LEARN: what can be done to better
manage your hypos, including lifestyle
experienced hypos within the past seven days.
hypos, and are actively discussing them in
and treatment options
One in 10 will have experienced a severe
consultation, means that we are better able to
KEEP: track of your hypos for discussion
hypoglycaemic episode and one in 50 will
reduce the number and severity of incidences.
with your healthcare professional
have required injectable treatment due to the
This is an important message both inside and
The campaign comprises several key
severity of the hypos.3
outside of hospital.
Parents to be flock to our Baby Roadshow

HUNDREDS of parents-to-be flocked to
a Baby Roadshow hosted by KGH on
September 10.
The event, the 25th in 17 years, provided a
huge range of advice at more than 20 stalls set
up at Kettering Conference Centre.
The event is led by KGH midwives and is
being supported by, health visitors, breast
feeding midwives, and water birth/ parentcraft
midwife, and the Supervisors of Midwives.
Show organiser Julie Clark - who is also a
midwife - said the event is always very well
received by parents-to-be and new parents
from across North Northamptonshire.
She said: The idea is the road show is that it
offers new and updated information, all in one
place, about every aspect of preparing to have
a baby and caring for a newborn infant,
People could find out about everything from
water births, to advice around fetal scans and

breast feeding.
Both new, and more experienced, parents
find the event very interesting and describe
how it helps them to prepare for the big day.
Other stands included baby ceramics, sing
and sign, hypnobirth, smoking cessation, and a
variety of childcare and family information.
Laura Ray visits the Infant Aquatics stand
Krista Norris and baby Spencer and Karen Knibbs and

baby Harriett visit the supervisor of midwives stand
Teresa and Richard Marlow meet Sarah Thompson at the

Bounty photography stand
KGH staff restaurant is runner up

in major award
KGHs staff restaurant has received
a runner up award in the Carlsberg
UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink
Awards 2014/15.
The competition, devised by
Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership
(NEP), is now in its sixth year and is aimed
at celebrating all that is great about local
produce and drink, recognising excellence
within the countys dining venues.
The hospital was runner up in the Healthy
Eating Workplace of the Year Health &
Education category at the
event, which was held on
Thursday October 16, at
the Royal and Derngate in
Members of KGHs staff restaurant team with their award. L-R
Northampton.
They liked the amount of healthy
Head chef Sarah Gaziano, catering assistants Kerry Ramasamy,
It was attended by KGH
eating choices that we offered and
Judit Tokolyi, and Sophie Cross, restaurant supervisor Sarah
Interim Facilities Manager
Clipstone, catering assistant Sandra Audere-Auderina and
how we displayed these.
Sue Landon on behalf of the
restaurant supervisor Tom Wragg.
hospitals 20-strong chef and
staff restaurant team. The
information that we display in the staff
have been recognised in such a prestigious
awards were given out by celebrity chef Jason
restaurant.
competition.
Atherton.
They liked the amount of healthy eating
The overall winner of the category was Corby
Sue said: The judge visited the hospital
choices that we offered and how we displayed
Business Academy. Other entrants were St
and looked at our menus, at our salad
these.
Andrews, Northampton, and the University of
bar, baguette bar and the healthy eating
The staff restaurant team are delighted to
Northampton.
Coffee morning raises 540 for Coronary Care Unit

A COFFEE morning held in Finedon has
raised 540 for the Coronary Care Unit
(CCU) at Kettering General Hospital.
More than 50 people attended the event
organised by local charity fundraiser Marjorie
Wood and her friends.
Marjorie and her friend June Miller
presented the cheque to CCU Matron Karen
Roberts and her team on June 4.
Mrs Wood has raised more than 4,000 for
a variety of charities since 2007 because she
likes to support good causes.
ONCE again KGHs annual pantomime

was a resounding success with
hundreds of staff, and their family and
friends, attending over its three nights
(September 24-26)
The Trust Timewarpers did a performance of
Beauty and the Beast of Glebe House raising
2,700 for the hospital charitable funds Wish
List.
The event was held at the Staff Social Club
and was complete with a colourful chorus of
infamous fairy-tale males and females.
The story begins when Fairy Liquid Culpin
(Rie Merriman) turns Beast Master Sizzling
Sausages/ ie David Sissling - played by James
Donnelly - into a Beast because has no love in
his heart.
As a result he sets up a lair in Glebe House
where many go but few make it out alive.
Meanwhile Gaston tall dark and handsome
Chilton (Julie Gardner) wants to marry Rachel
Belle Brown (Caroline Parkes), but she is not
interested.
Her father Papa Newman (Helen Neal) goes
to get money for a machine for his department
from Glebe House but is captured by the Beast.
Rachel goes to rescue him, but only gets his
freedom by promising to stay in Glebe herself
with the Beast.
The Beast starts to fall in love with Rachel
but she must love him back for him to be
transformed back into a man.
So he sets about having dinner with her during protected meal time of course - along
with a builders breakfast from Sue Landon
Potts (Kathy Reeve)
Interspersed with song and dance
including The Fifty Ways to Leave KGH saw
some excellent numbers by the Bimbettes
Tanya Birke (Kathy Italiano),Liz Hawkins
Staff put on a tremendous performances of pantomime acting, song and dance with plenty of in
house jokes and jollity
(Carolyn Palmer), Eilish Crowson (Pam Howe).

Other performers included Graham le
Fou Foster (Colin Iverson), Shaun Lumiere
Thompstone (Jan Murts) Alan Cogsworth
Gurney (Janet Miles), Feather Marinella Duster
(Katrina Rufeea), Newly Qualified Nurse Chip
(Jane Almond) and Monsieur Kish Sidhu what I
am hearing you say is (Karen Birch).
Finally Chilton agrees to free Rachel from the
Beast so long as he marries her and the Beast
is stabbed in the heart. But in his dying breaths
he frees Rachel, showing that he knows true
love and is transformed once again.
All the cast put their heart and soul into the
side-splitting performances, with the odd fluff
here and there making the performance all the
more hilarious.
Thanks go to the narrator (and Director
and Choreographer) Katrina Rufeea the entire
Production Team (Band, Sound and Lighting,
Props, Posters and Programmes), Front of

House and Volunteers, the Committee, Fantasia
Fancy Dress Hire and the Northamptonshire T
shirt Company for their support which made
the Panto very professional and a laugh-aminute!
And last years Panto

raised 2,500 for the
Revive the Rec Hall
Appeal
L-R CCU Matron Karen Roberts, staff nurse Debbie Cornwell, Marjorie Wood, healthcare assistant Jacqueline
Boasley, June Miller and staff nurse Carley Shakespeare
KGH panto raises 2,700 for patient care funds
Associate Director of HR Charles Marson receives the cheque for 2,500 for the Revive the Rec Hall
fund from the Trust Timewarpers
KGHs Associate Director of Human

Resources Charles Marson receives
a cheque for 2,500 from the Trust
Timewarpers.
The money comes from last years Trust
Timewarpers production To the Foundation
Wing and Beyond and will go towards the
Revive the Rec Hall Appeal.
This is an appeal, launched in March 2010,
that aims to refurbish the Hospital Social
Clubs Recreation Hall which is now more than
50 years old.
Michael retires after 44 years service

SENIOR biomedical scientist Michael
Crick has retired after 44 years service
to KGH.
Michael, 63, from Desborough, joined the
hospital in August 1970 aged 19 as a trainee
medical laboratory technician.
He has worked in the hospitals labs ever
since in a variety of technical and scientific
roles spending time in both microbiology and
haematology and is a Member of the Steering
Committee of the East Midlands Institute of
Biomedical Science.
The hospital used to run an annual Fete
and he was chairman and secretary of the
Committee for 21 years.
He has done the lighting for the hospitals
shows and pantomimes for 43 years from the
days of the doctors Christmas reviews and
District Nurses shows through to the current
Trust Timewarpers Pantomimes.
As a keen amateur photographer he did
pictures and editorial for the hospitals
newsletter Acute News from the 1980s to
2001.
He was involved in organising the hospitals
fireworks display in the 1980s and 90s in the
grassy area near the current Treatment Centre
and organised the Jeans for Genes fundraising
event for 9 years in the labs.
He oversaw the major 3.4m refurbishment
of the pathology department in 2008-2010
which significantly improved the labs capacity
and environment.
He said: I have really enjoyed my time at
Kettering General Hospital and working in the
lab has been a happy environment.
I have also enjoyed supporting all of the
many events that we have held both for the
hospital and local community. I think we all do
our bit to make Kettering General Hospital a
great place to work and good place to come if
you need hospital care.
Michael is also chairman of Desborough
Carnival Committee. He is married to
Janice and they have four children and four
I have also enjoyed supporting

all of the many events that we
have held both for the hospital
and local community. I think we
all do our bit to make Kettering
General Hospital a great place to
work and good place to come if
you need hospital care.
Smile Awards
MEET some more of our fantastic KGH
Smile Award nominees!
The idea for a Smile Award is to recognise those
individuals who go the extra mile for patients,
visitors or for other KGH staff.
Since its launch the KGH has attracted more
than 447 nominations from patients, visitors or
their colleagues with83 winners.
It arose out of the hospitals Listening into
Action programme - one of the aims of which
was to develop more pride in KGH and the
services it provides.
Pictured are some of winners and nominees
from the last three months.
September
KGH teams Danceoscopy (from endoscopy) and Dolly Mixtures (from pathology) took part in the Strictly got
to Dance event for Cransley Hospice
grandchildren.
Microbiology manager Pat Cawley said:
Michael has made a great contribution to
the pathology services at Kettering General
Hospital and we want to thank him for all of
the work he has done.
Nick Kirk President of the Institute of

Biomedical Scientists said: I want to thank
Michael personally for all of the work he has
done for the Institute. He is a tremendously
respected biomedical scientist who has made a
great contribution.
Paula says goodbye after 22 years
Individual Nominations- Kim Allen, Debbie

Sumpter , Shaun Heads, Kay Fox, Andrea Squires,
Sarah Tye, Christiaan Moore, Karen Rickwood,
Sally Jempson, William Robertson
Teams
Deene Ward
Age Related Macular Degeneration Clinic
Ashton Ward
HC Pretties Ward Clerks- Yolanda Rush,
Christine Chambers
Physiotherapy- Naomi Billingham, Gabrielle
Gilbert
Here are some of the Smile Award

winners who had their presentations
over the last few months
October 2014
Teams
Operational HR
ICU Housekeeping
A&E Porters
Portering and Transport
Play Team
Cath Lab
Individuals Nominations- Jan Murts, Lisa
Coleman, Donna Brown, Caroline Golding,
Debra Sumpter, Joanna Momi, Tracy James,
Susan Brown, James Donnelly, James Donnelly,
Helen Coleman, Bobby Best,
November 2014
HEALTHCARE assistant Paula Saunt has retired after 22 years of NHS service.
Paula started work as a healthcare assistant at St Marys Hospital in Kettering joining KGH in
1999 on Barnwell B when it used to be a medical ward.
Since then she has worked on the Barnwell floor ever since. She said: I have really enjoyed my
time at the hospital and made some lovely friends.
I think I am a good listener and I really enjoy talking to patients. I think the secret to being a
good healthcare assistant is to listen and care a lot about what the patient wants.
Paula lives in Rothwell, is married to Ian, and has two grown-up children, Nicola and Warren,
and four grandchildren.
Teams
Skylark
ICU
A&E Housekeepers
Pharmacy Production Team
Workforce Information
Recruit a Nurse Team
Individual Nominations- Lucie Greenham,
Jane Almond, Melanie Moore, Maureen Smith,
Doreen Page, Debbie Chapman, Boli Gappi,
Farrah Mushtaq, Jayne Nimmo, Zara Yeung,
Gabrielle Hewitt, Paula McNamee, Donna
Hunnings
The Winners
September 2014
Team- Age Related Macular
degeneration Clinic
Non- Clinical-William Robertson
Clinical- Karen Rickwood
October 2014
Team- Housekeepers
Non-Clinical- Susan Brown
Clinical- Joanna Momi
Hero Award- James Donnelly
November 2014
Team- Recruit a Nurse Team
Non-Clinical- Gabrielle Hewitt
Clinical- Maureen Smith
Nominations
Age Related Macular Degeneration Clinic- I
have attended this clinic regularly for a number of
years and always found the entire staff group to be
friendly, helpful, compassionate and above all in a
stressful environment, cheerful.
Pre-Op Assessment Staff Nurse Karen
Rickwood - The reason for nominating Karen is
because she worked above and beyond her role.
While pre-op assessing a patient she found there
were abnormalities and sought advice. The patient
was later diagnosed with breast cancer and stated
that she felt that Karen had saved her life.
Health and Safety Officer James Donnelly- I
would like to nominate James for his decisive, quick
thinking and for maintaining a cool head in a crisis.
James was first on the scene of a two car crash. His
decisive handling of the situation makes him a great
ambassador for our organisation.
Ophthalmology Matron Maureen Smith-Sister
Smith - Has worked in the Ophthalmic Department
at KGH since 1996. She has played a vital role in
developing the department after she became a
sister, helping to deliver large volume services in
the Eye Department such as the Macula (ARMD) ,
Cataract and the Diabetic Retinal Service.
Medical Records Clerk Gabrielle Hewitt- I
nominate Gabrielle who although I have never met
and seen, I can tell she always has a smile on her
face when shes on the phone. She is always so
happy and nothing is ever too much trouble.
Recruit a Nurse Team- I am recommending that
Team Recruit a Nurse receive a smile Award. Whilst
recruitment is part of everyones job the enthusiasm,
commitment and motivation that all staff brought
with them to the event held on Saturday 18th
October made me very proud.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Joanna Momi- Joanna is always smiling, upbeat
and has the patients interests and happiness at
heart. She is really caring and considerate and
although it is above and beyond her role, she will
always look to cheer the patient up. She does not
give up until she has made that patient as happy as
possible.
Postgraduate Trustee Prize awarded

THE Kettering and District Postgraduate
Trustees have awarded their prize for
2014.
The prize is for doctors in training for work
done while at KGH. The work may include
audits, case reports and research. There
were 15 entries this year and some doctors
submitted more than one piece of work.
The entries were assessed by two
consultants independently. The scrutinising
ended in three entries being very closely ranked
together and so it was agreed to give three
prizes rather than just the one.
The two highly commended entries were;
Correlation of caecal intubation rate to

volume: colonoscopists should undertake at
least 120 procedures per year
Dr Ajay M Verma.
Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory trauma

patients requiring temporary lower limb
immobilisation for management of foot and
ankle fractures
A prospective study of 150 patients using a
novel scoring system
Mr Syed Haque.
Each entry recieved 100.00.
Dr Ajay Verma, highly commended, with Dr Andrew Steel, Chairman of the Postgraduate Trustees, and
Dr Vikas Sandoo, first prize winner
The winning entry was:

Non Invasive Ventilatory practicesat KGH
and an attempt to improve patient outcomes
through regular emailed feedback
Drs Vikas Sandoo and ThomasWard.
Each of the winning authors received 250.00.
There were 15 entries this year

and some doctors submitted
more than one piece of work...
Medical Appraisal thanks
All KGH doctors are revalidated under the new

arrangements.
MR Thangasamy Sankar, Clinical Lead

for Appraisal and Revalidation, would
like to thank all doctors for their
efforts during the 2013-2014 cycle of
medical appraisal allowing the Trust
to achieve a rate of 99.5% completion
before 28th February 2014.
Medical revalidation was introduced in
December 2012 by the General Medical
Council.
The objective was to assure patients and
the public that their doctors across the
NHS- were fit to practice by giving extra
confidence to patients that their doctor is
being regularly checked by their current
employer and the General Medical Council.
Strengthened medical appraisal is the
main focus for this but also feedback
from patients and colleagues. The focus
is on fitness to practice and the needs of
the patient rather than the needs of the
employer.
Revalidation is made up of a portfolio
of an annual appraisals over a five year
period along with at least one patient and
colleague feedback exercise.

Revalidation is then completed by the
Trusts Responsible Officer who will take
into account all aspects of ensuring a doctor
should remain fit to practice and they will
then renew their license with the General
Medical Council for a further five years.
Mr Sankar said: I would like to thank all
of those involved in the process who helped
us to achieve our 99.5% appraisal rate
This is a great achievement for the Trust and
was due to collective team efforts. I would
also like to thank the Trust Board for their
continued support.
To date the Trust has revalidated 71
doctors, and made 6 Deferrals. We are
currently in the process of arranging Training
courses. If you would like to become a
Medical appraiser or attend a refresher
course, please contact lauren.fulton@kgh.
nhs.uk for more information.
Lauren Fulton has been appointed as the
HR Lead for Revalidation and Appraisal for
the Trust. Mr Sankar would also like to thank
Lauren for all her work.
KGH and Stonewall Health Champions

Programme launched
KGH and Stonewall the national charity
championing the rights of Lesbian,
Gay and Bisexual people - successfully
launched an awareness programme on
August 27.
The initiative aims to ensure that staff who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) are
listened to, regarding improving patient services
and enhancing our staff services.
In addition, it is a programme that aims to
ensure that LGBT staff are supported to have
a valuing and harassment free work place;
just like their heterosexual
colleagues.
The importance of
this work cannot be
The Trust is proud to have a
understated as LGBT
diverse workforce and will do all
people in this country
experience unacceptable
that is possible to ensure that all
Sarah Mounsey, Rosie Pearson, with Leila Woodhouse, Stonewall health
levels of discrimination.
staff have a positive and valuing
officer, and Chaman Verma, KGH equality lead, at the launch stand.
The main purpose of
work place...
the programme launch
and Organisational Development) said:
was to engage with staff,
The Trust is proud to have a diverse
Some of the suggestions have already been
patients and visitors alike and find out how the
workforce and will do all that is possible
implemented, including coverage of the issues
Trust could do better in supporting our LGBT
to ensure that all staff have a positive and
in our mandatory training.
patients and staff.
valuing work place and the programme of
A KGH Pride Network for LGBT held its
Commitment shown to the launch was high
work undertaken in partnership with Stonewall
inaugural meeting on the 11th December
from the Trusts Executive Team, as the Chief
demonstrates our commitment to this
2014. KGH Pride Network will give a platform
Executive, the Chair and some of the Directors
The Trust would like to thank all the LGBT
for our LGBT Staff to air their views about
and Governors took time to visit the display
groups in Northamptonshire for their valuable
what the Trust is doing well and how to make
stand and converse with members of staff,
improvements / provide support in areas where advice and support, as regards to setting up
patients and visitors.
and sustaining an effective network for staff.
we could do even better.
The launch was incredibly useful as many
For further information or to get involved in
The KGH Pride Network will make its
suggestions were made for the Trust to do even
this important area of the Trusts work, please
better, including, setting up a support network, findings known to the KGH Equality and
contact Chaman Verma, Equality and Diversity
Diversity Group that reports to the Trust
displaying LGBT imagery around the hospital,
Manager (01536 491566 / chaman.verma@
Workforce Development Committee.
covering the issues in our mandatory training,
kgh.nhs.uk)
Mark Smith (Director of Human Resources
providing listening and counselling service.
Donation for our

Special Care Baby
Unit
STAFF from Costa Coffee in the Tesco
store, Kettering, have raised 213 for
KGHs Special Care Baby Unit (aka
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
On Saturday April 13, employees Ben
Durrant and Saul Hughes dressed as ladies for
the day and raised money through donations.
Costa Coffee manager Sheree Blackaby
and her colleague Kelly Davies delivered the
donation direct to SCBU.
Staff from Costa Coffee at the Tesco store in Kettering donate 213 to the Special Care Baby Unit
MembersMatter
Dear Members
Winter is upon us now so look after your health, keep warm and enjoy an invigorating daily walk out.
A new calendar of events is being planned and will be with you all shortly, so look out for that. Do you
have any suggestions for events? Write to me, telephone or email and let me know. Your comments are
always welcome.
The elections are now over and we now have a number of new Governors join us on the Council. Take a
look at the box below to find out who was elected. Your Governors are always keen to
hear your views so do contact them if you wish at council.members@kgh.nhs.uk
Best wishes to you all.
Kind regards
Donna Hunnings
Membership Manager 01536-492169
Email: donna.hunnings@kgh.nhs.uk
RESULTS OF THE DECEMBER ELECTIONS

Mr Stuart Lake
Mrs Mabel Blades
Mrs Tilottama Biswas
Mr David Everitt
Mrs Sallie Ferguson
Mr Michael Szarvas

Mr Mohamed Latif
Mrs Brenda King
Wellingborough
East Northamptonshire
East Northamptonshire
Corby
Corby
Staff Nursing, Midwifery
& Other Clinical
Kettering (uncontested)
Kettering (uncontested)
Readers Enquiries want a question

answered? Suggestions Box want to
tell us your ideas?
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Kettering General Hospital F.T.
Rothwell Road, Kettering
Northamptonshire NN16 8UZ
Why not join the Retirement

Fellowship Younger or Older you
wont be out of place!
ARE you about to retire from the
NHS or have you done so already?
Do you want to stay in touch or renew
your acquaintance with colleagues past?
If the answer to either of these questions
is YES then do think seriously about
joining the flourishing Kettering & District
Branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship
and come for a taster to one of our
regular meetings.
We meet in the Prince William Education
Centre at KGH on the second Monday of
each month at 2.30pm to be entertained
by a visiting speaker and the chance to
catch up with friends and ex-colleagues
over a cup of tea and biscuit when the
meeting is over.
We do also now operate a car share/
pick up scheme for those with no
transport who would find it difficult to get
up the hill and also to spread the cost of

the car park charge.
You will also have the opportunity to
take part in the events planned for the
coming months; theatre trips; visits to
places of interest; many opportunities for
eating and drinking and, of course, our
now legendary Weekend Away!
You will also receive your own copy of
the Kettering Branch Newsletter.
Our annual branch membership fee is
one of the lowest in the country at only
10 so dont delay, make contact with our
Secretary Eileen Smith, 01536 515460 or
our Treasurer Sue Ogden, 01536 483603
TODAY.
Hope to meet you very soon!
Mrs Terry Young
KNHSRF Committee
Diabetes event at Wellingborough Museum

KGH Members found out more about
diabetes at one of our regular health
seminars held in Wellingborough on
September 30.
The event at Wellingborough Museum in
Castle Way enabled local people to find out
more about diabetes, about how KGH and
other health services support diabetics, and
offered the opportunity to ask our specialists
personal questions.
KGH consultant endocrinologist, Dr Kishor
Patel, and Diabetes Nurse and Specialist Nurse
and Team Lead, Lynsey Burgess - gave a wide
ranging introduction to the condition.
Around 3.2m people in the UK have
diabetes 4% of the population but there
are thought to be more than 600,000 people
who have not been diagnosed. By 2025 this is
expected to reach 6.5% of the population.
Diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose
levels are persistently raised but cant be
used as fuel. It is when your pancreas doesnt
produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to
help glucose enter your bodys cells or the
insulin that is produced does not work properly
(known as insulin resistance).
Dr Patel distinguished between Type 1
diabetes the rarest kind (5-15% of patients)
which can strike people of any age but
usually starts in the under 40s. Its exact causes
are unknown but sometimes it can be linked
to traumatic life events or viruses. It is when
the insulin-producing cells in the body are
destroyed and the body is unable to produce
any insulin therefore type 1 diabetics have to
inject insulin otherwise glucose builds up in the
blood and the body is damaged.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common kind
(85-95%) and develops when the body can

still make some insulin, but not enough, or
when the insulin that is produced does not
work properly (known as insulin resistance).
Type 2 diabetes usually appears in people
over the age of 40, though in South Asian
and black people, who are at greater risk, it
often appears from the age of 25. It is also
increasingly becoming more common in
children and is associated with obesity.
Symptoms of diabetes
THE early warning symptoms of diabetes
onset are thirst, frequent urination
(especially at night), weight loss,
tiredness and recurrent infections.
Sometimes people with type 2 can control
their disease, even practically halt it, if
they lose weight and exercise early on. It is
important to be positive and to develop a good
level of knowledge about diabetes and its self
management so you can live well and be self
reliant.
John Cooke and Monica

Hutchinson-Cooke present
a cheque for 520 to Sister
Leah Hooton and fundraising
assistant Sarah Denham
Couples wedding present to Centenary Wing

A CORBY couple have donated 520 raised as gifts at their wedding to the KGH.
John Cooke and Monica Hutchinson-Cooke got married on August 27 at Kettering Registry Office.
Instead of presents money was donated to the KGH for the care we have previously provided for
Monica.
The money has been divided between Oakley Ward, Harrowden C and the Centenary Wing.
More than 60 people attended the

Wellingborough event
Diabetes is a growing
problem
ABOUT 17% of inpatients at Kettering
General Hospital have diabetes and
there are about 36,000 diabetics in
Northamptonshire.
Diabetes can lead on to other health
problems including eye, heart, circulation and
limb issues and is a major cost to the NHS.
The best prevention for diabetes is a
healthy lifestyle and making sure you are not
significantly overweight.
A big risk factor is obesity and there is
a strong link between bodyweight and the
disease. You can reduce your risk of developing
the disease through your diet and exercise
habits.
One of the reasons diabetes is a growing
problem is that people are more sedentary,
do less outside or manual work, and tend to
indulge in a lot of high calorie fast foods. At the
same time many people dont perform regular
exercise.
If you dont have an active lifestyle even
a small amount of food eaten beyond your
calorie needs can lead to dangerous weight
gain two extra biscuits in a day leading to up
to 10lbs of weight gain in a year.
As well as hospital care there is also a lot
of support for diabetics in the community via
GPs and the community nurse system. The
Community Diabetes Team give people access
to dieticians and podiatrists, deliver structured
education and help people to better understand
and slow the progress of their disease.
Want to go to a KGH event?

Anyone who wants to attend a Members event
should contact the Membership Manager on
01536-492169 or email her on membership.
manager@kgh.nhs.uk .
Rotarians turn up the heat at Kettering

General Hospital
KETTERING Huxloe Rotary Club has
shown its support for hospital staff by
purchasing a water boiling machine for
the hospitals staff recreation hall.
The club which has more than 50
members - is one of more than 1,800
clubs in Britain and Ireland which draws
its membership from individuals with a
wide variety of business and professional
backgrounds.
Club President, Totan Nguyen,said: Each
year our Club aims to support worthy causes
within the local community.
This year we decided to support the staff
at Kettering General Hospital because we
know just how much they contribute to the
community by looking after the health and well
being of its residents.
We asked one of our members, Mr Robin
Lee who is an ENT consultant at the hospital,
for his advice and he suggested supporting the
hospitals Revive the Rec Hall Appeal.
This is an Appeal which is raising money to
carry out improvements to the hospitals staff
recreation hall which is now more than 50
years old and greatly in need of repair.
As a club we have paid for a new water
heater, at a cost of about 700, which enables
staff who use the hall to have hot drinks on
demand.
Revive the Rec Hall Appeal member Fiona
Barber, who is also a staff governor at the
hospital, said: The new device gives us safe
and instant access to boiling water in the
recreation halls kitchen.
It is fantastic and really proved its worth at
our recent staff pantomime where we had to
provide drinks for very large numbers of staff
and their families. We are enormously grateful
to Kettering Huxloe Rotary Club for this very
generous donation.
The Revive the Rec Hall Appeal was
launched in March 2013. The League of
Friends of Kettering and District Hospitals
helped with the launch by donating 28,610
Inside the Recreation Hall still a lot of

refurbishment yet to do
L-R Kettering General Hospitals Associate Director of Human Resources, Charles Marson, with Kettering
Huxloe Rotary Club President ,Totan Nguyen, and Rotarian and KGH ENT consultant Robin Lee.
towards the Appeals target of 110,000

which has enabled some initial refurbishment
work including the entrance area, toilets and
kitchen. If anyone wants to support the Appeal
in any way they can email fiona.barber@kgh.
nhs.uk
Community groups can also book the
Recreation Hall. For more details contact
Laverne Cobb on 01536-492575 or 01536492638 after 8pm or on email laverne.cobb@
kgh.nhs.uk
Kettering Huxloe Rotary Club http://

www.ketteringhuxloe.co.uk/ ) meets
every Tuesday evening (except after
bank holidays) at the Park Hotel in
Kettering and typically, after dinner,
members will either discuss the clubs
programme of activities or, more often,
listen to a guest speaker on a subject
of general interest. A programme of
additional social events for members and
their families is also a feature of every year.
Public find out more about KGH at our

community stand
STAFF and KGH Governors manned a stand
at a Community Safety Day at Stanwick
Lakes on July 26.
We were one of many different organisations
that were on hand to give advice and support
around a wide range of community issues.
Other stands included the police who

focused on anti social behaviour the fire
service and East Northamptonshire Council
itself the organiser of the event who
concentrated on water safety following a
number of deaths of people
The KGH volunteers - Gail Chapman (Governor), Judy Mitchell, Brian Northall and Annie Turner (Patient
Representatives) and Mandy Blackman, Matron for Urgent Care

KGH Together Issue 26

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KGH Together Issue 26

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Winter 2014/15 Issue 26

A new support group has

Free Members Magazine

Heart to Heart group launched

Thank you following heart attack

Update on the work of Chris Abrams

Dementia care and Parkinsons

Prostate cancer and Movember

Remembrance poppies and Lions

Skin surveillance and donations

Chaplains stroke chairs

Chairman climbs Kilimanjaro

Shirley Newman receives awards

Our preparations for flu

Baby roadshow and Hypo Week

Staff restaurant award

Panto raises money and a few laughs 21

Post graduate trainees and medical

Revive the Rec Hall

I write this as we enter the New Year

from the CQC team.

Contact KGH Together editor/Communications Manager David Tomney by email

Heart to Heart group formed

The group is a way for anyone

The new group

KGH staff member gives lifesaving roadside CPR

KGH healthcare assistant Debbie Britton

1. Danger check for danger and

Healthcare assistant Debbie Britton, who works

Staff nurse Beccy Best performs CPR on a mannequin

Chris helps patients with learning

Delivered learning disability

Information and support Chris

Chriss most recent work

CHRISs most recent venture has been

Chris with staff on Rockingham Wing

to KGH next time you are poorly?

The value of Chriss work

Why Chris got involved

KGH welcomes CQC report

Members of KGHs outstanding hospital play team - Trish Brigden,

KGH has welcomed the publication of

distract children during their stay was

Areas where KGH did well:

End of Life care - The inspectors were

Childrens services were rated as the

Areas where KGH can do

What the inspectors said...

the time the action plan was finalised. The CQC,

Improving End of Life Care

Overall the Trust requires improvement

understanding and compassion

We are responding to the

I am very pleased and proud that the CQC

The Trusts overall rating for its End of

Family of patient says

Our work to improve dementia care

Can you help fill our Memory Boxes? Parkinsons

KGH is improving care for patients with

Staff training four level

Specialist ward The

Rest of the Trust

Dementia Care Resource

KGH staff Jenny Embling, Joanne Taylor and Leanne