Grapevine Batman’s flying visit to brighten up
Transcription
Grapevine Batman’s flying visit to brighten up
East and North Hertfordshire Grapevine NHS Trust Issue No. 42 January 2010 By staff for staff Batman’s flying visit to brighten up children’s Christmas festivities Batman and a few of his friends from the Star Wars universe helped to put smiles on the faces of poorly youngsters when they dropped in to the Lister’s children’s ward last month. The Dark Knight and his gang - who included a Stormtrooper and Snow Speeder pilot - came to visit Bluebell ward and the children’s A&E unit. They were part of a voluntary group called UK Garrison who tour the country brightening up children’s days with their high-quality costumes that look exactly like the ones in the films. Joanna Sinnott, play specialist at the Trust, said: “It’s lovely when we have organisations such as UK Garrison coming into the hospital. They bring joy to the children, their brothers and sisters, parents and also to the staff.” She added: “Events like this create such a positive atmosphere, especially around the Christmas period. We thank the group very much for their generosity.” Gary Hailes, aka Bruce Wayne, said: “This is how we spend all our weekends. We really enjoy it. In my opinion, you don’t stop playing with toys because you get old, you get old because you stop playing with toys. It’s great to be able to put smiles on children’s faces.” Play specialist Joanna Sinnott is swept off her feet by Batman. More Christmas stories on pages 6,7 and 8 Hertford County Hospital z Lister Hospital z Mount Vernon Cancer Centre z Queen Elizabeth II Hospital 2 Two births for Mount Vernon mums Double congratulations are in order at Mount Vernon cancer centre where two staff members have given birth in recent months. Audrey Dalton, Macmillan head and neck clinical nurse specialist, had a bouncing baby boy weighing in at 7lbs 1oz. He has been named Jake. Esther Freeman, team leader on Marie Curie Ward, also gave birth to baby Jasmine. All their colleagues at Mount Vernon wish to send their best wishes to mothers and babies. Health Secretary checks out our expanding maternity services Colleagues will miss Bill Bennett’s quiet and gentle humour Switchboard staff at the Lister were stunned to find that when Bill Bennett didn’t turn up for his shift one Sunday, it was because he had died peacefully in his bed. Bill had worked at the Lister for 18 years and was a quiet, gentle man. He had a love of music, cats and history, having a degree in the latter from Cambridge University. His colleagues will miss his humour and gentleness and are grateful to have known him. Thanks for your hospice donations in memory of Paul Roscorla It is with sadness that the Lister estates department reports the recent death of Paul Roscorla. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to his wife Karen. Paul started with us in 1980 as a mechanical fitter, later becoming a trade supervisor and then an estates officer. In the last few years Paul bravely fought cancer. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a collection in Paul’s memory, which raised over £300 for The Garden House Hospice. The Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, dropped into the Lister in December to check out the work going on to expand the Trust’s maternity services. He also spent time chatting to new mums and staff on the unit. Commenting on what he saw, Mr Burnham said: “It has been fantastic visiting the Lister hospital and hearing from the dedicated staff who provide high quality maternity care, as well as from the expectant parents who will benefit from the new unit being built here. “Working with staff and using their knowledge and experience to develop new services ensures that patients’ needs are at the heart of care.” He added: “The whole NHS has committed to offering women more choice over how and where they give birth and over the care they receive during and after pregnancy. Units like this that put midwife- and consultantled services on one site offer an ideal combination of choice and access to the most clinically appropriate services.” Liz Rourke earns commendation from fire and rescue service Well done to Lister’s Liz Rourke for winning an accolade from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Liz received a chief fire officer’s letter of commendation in recognition of the outstanding compassion and professionalism she displayed while off duty and first on the scene of a truly horrific and tragic road traffic accident in August 2009. Liz is a clinical practice teacher in the Lister renal department. Her colleagues are proud of her achievement and wish, through Grapevine, to offer her their own very public congratulations. 3 A day in the life of.... ....a switchboard operator By Jane Hatton “Lister hospital, can I help you?” “Hello, Lister…” “Lister hospital….” That’s what it sounds like in the switchboard on any normal day. One call coming in after the other. There’s no time to talk to me, because the calls just stack up. Calls from the public... calls from staff… emergency calls... confused calls… I had no idea of exactly how much of the hospital’s life actually comes through the switchboard room. On a ‘full shift’ there will be three staff in the Lister switchboard, and one on reception. First thing in the morning they have to do the test calls. They also have to make sure they know which doctor is on call for which discipline, and get the day’s rota/names/numbers sorted out so that if an emergency call comes through, they know exactly who they should contact. If there’s a security incident, the switchboard operators have to send for help. If there’s a major bleed, they have to send for help. If there’s a cardiac arrest – the message goes out through the switchboard. If you get stuck in a lift, and you need help – guess who will get it for you? Right! The switchboard! If a panic alarm goes off – same thing. At night, there’s one operator there on their own. Meanwhile, as I was sitting there watching the operators cope with the onslaught, a call came in about an alarm going off. What’s that all about? A fridge, it seems. A fridge? Yes, really. The fridges in our pharmacy and blood bank need to be kept at the right temperature. And if someone should accidentally not shut it properly (we’ve all done that), then the alarm sounds in the switchboard so they can alert someone. If people forget keys, or need keys – go to the switchboard! The pressure is relentless – there are the endless calls stacking up, and then they get one of their worst calls – a cardiac arrest in paediatrics. They need to dial a code to send for the right people, and it’s their nightmare that they might dial the wrong code. It hasn’t happened, but they always worry, and one of the hardest things about the job is not knowing for a long time whether the right person got there on time and whether the child is all right. If there’s an emergency in maternity, they need to know a bit more – is it the baby in distress? Is it a major bleed? Or an obstetric emergency? Each one has a different code for them to dial, so it’s important they know who to send for. Another hard call for them to make is for the Factfile: The switchboard dealt with 125,792 calls last month. At their busiest, they take 146 calls an hour. chaplains to go to the maternity unit – it always makes them sad. All the staff said what they enjoyed most was talking to the public, who are often very anxious and sometimes confused. They are asked all sorts of questions (by staff as well as the public). In this respect, they are a kind of ‘talking knowledge centre’ for the hospital. In addition to all this, they cover reception. They tell me the hardest thing about that is when people need wheelchairs and there aren’t any about. Personally, I was amazed at their patience, and lost count of the number of times they smile, and say “through the double doors, on the left”, to people wondering where their clinic appointments are. You have to be very patient to talk with people continuously, and able to keep calm in an emergency, but it must be a satisfying job, because some of the crew have been here for 20 years. After listening to how they deal with people calmly and patiently despite the intensity, I think the operators at both Lister and the QEII are unsung heroes (or heroines). Bluebell ward staff mourn the loss of their smiling, calm and compassionate Sister Mia Melissa Rizo It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the sudden death of Sister Mia Melissa Rizo from Bluebell ward on 11th December 2009. Mia came from the Philippines to the Lister hospital in 2000 in one of the first cohorts of nurses to come here from that part of the world. Mia completed her children’s nurse training (RN Child) at the University of Hertfordshire. She was a dedicated nurse and an outstanding individual. She will be remembered with fondness by all of her colleagues and the families she cared for. Mia was always smiling, welcomed everyone and was calm, gentle and compassionate. Mia’s funeral took place in the Philippines. Meanwhile, a memorial service was held in a full chapel at the Lister hospital. This was an occasion for her many friends and colleagues to celebrate Mia’s life and express their sense of loss. Our thoughts are with Mia’s husband Jimmy, son Jiam and family. 4 Oldest man in the UK to undergo life-saving open aortic aneurysm surgery at the Lister celebrates his 101st birthday Peter Kingsford was 95 when doctors discovered that a section of his aorta – the body’s main artery – was on the verge of bursting. His only hope was for a surgeon to open him up, remove the aneurysm and replace the damaged section of artery with an artificial graft. But there was a problem. The procedure had never been carried out in the UK on a man of Peter’s age before. In fact, records showed that the only successful operation of its kind on someone of his age had taken place in Russia. However, not only did the father-oftwo survive, he made a full recovery, celebrated his 101st birthday on 22 November and has just been told that he no longer needs to return to the Lister hospital for annual check-ups. Peter, of Moffats Lane, Brookmans Park, said: “Ninety-five was definitely a risky age to have it and my consultant, Mr Selvakumar, told me I had a 50/50 chance of survival. But I had no option because if it had been left, it would have burst and that would have been the end of me. “I was put through some very elaborate procedures and preparations to test my heart. I wasn’t particularly frightened. I just thought I’d let things take their course.” He added: “They looked after me very well. I thank Mr Selvakumar every time I see him for giving me some more years of life.” Commenting on the case, consultant surgeon Mr Selvakumar said: “Mr Kingsford was referred to me, aged 95, with an abdominal aortic aneurysm which increased in size from 6cm to 10cm in six months. His choices at the time were limited to having the high risk operation or living with the aneurysm, which was likely to have burst within six months. “Because of his age and the complexity of the surgery, some of my colleagues thought I was mad to undertake the operation, but Mr Kingsford was keen and after several pre-operative tests I was satisfied that it was the best option for him. “Six years on, he is doing so well and I am delighted to have been able to discharge him at his annual check-up in November and to have taken the decision to operate on him.” Peter decided to enjoy a quiet birthday this year at his son, John’s, house in Hertford, having celebrated in style for his 100th last year. Asked if his sons think they’ll make it to 101, Peter had a chuckle to himself. “I don’t think they’re wearing as well as I have!” he said. “I’m a very lucky person.” How Sue Williams’ loss led to fundraising for renal research unit Sue Williams was devastated when her son, Lee Haynes (pictured above), died of renal failure at the Lister on 31 May 2005, aged just 25. To deal with the grief, she decided to start up a Nightingale Fund with enhance herts to help Lee’s consultant, Paul Warwicker, achieve his goal of opening a research unit. So it was a great moment for Sue when, after she had raised almost £40,000, it was proposed that the unit be named after her son. It is hoped the Lee Haynes Renal Research Institute will open this year. Here is Sue’s story, in her own words: “I was absolutely devastated at losing Lee. He was my only child. Everyone rightly thinks their child is the best and I am no exception. I miss him coming in, asking what he wanted for dinner and always getting the same reply: ‘chicken and I’ll do the Yorkies’. “Lee was a dreadful cook but did make great Yorkies! He was also an accomplished drummer and would drum on anything that made a noise – saucepans, books, chair arms – you name it, he could play it! “I couldn’t change what happened, so I decided to try and make a difference by fundraising to help Paul Warwicker achieve his goal of opening a research unit. “I started the fund in October 2006 and, with the help of Lee’s dad Dave and many friends, have raised almost £40,000 to date. I can never thank them enough for all their hard work. “We’ve held concerts, fancy dress football matches, quiz nights, fun days, raffles and much more. “It’s not easy when you’ve lost someone you love but, when you get over the initial shock, pain and anger, the choice is yours – lose it, like I almost did, or say ‘I’m going to make a difference’. “Fundraising is hard work but it’s also great fun and so rewarding. It will be a huge honour to have this unit named in memory of Lee and it makes me very proud.” Dr Paul Warwicker comments: “Our vision is to develop a true multidisciplinary research unit concentrating on clinical research directly of importance to patient care. It would enhance the reputation of the renal unit and the Trust, promote good, publishable research and attract research funding. Sue Williams, Dave Haynes and her friends have been instrumental in raising nearly £40,000. We will be honoured to name the unit after her son, Lee Haynes.” 5 Maureen retires after 38 years of cleaning Maureen Pomroy first stepped through the doors of the Lister hospital two weeks after it opened in 1972. She’d landed a job as a cleaner and thought she would give it a couple of weeks to see if she liked it. Almost four decades later, Maureen is finally hanging up her mop and ISS Mediclean uniform at the age of 72. “I’m still not sure if I like it,” joked Maureen, when Grapevine sat down for a coffee with her earlier this month. “I will definitely miss it, especially the people. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, with nurses coming in as students and then working their way up. It’s been interesting. I’ve loved meeting all the patients too. You have tears and you have smiles but it has always given me a reason to get up in the morning. “It’s a great hospital, you can’t knock it. It saved my husband’s life when he had a perforated ulcer around 20 years ago.” Maureen spent her entire career cleaning on ICU, HDU and theatres at the Lister, apart from one year in the 1990s when she was on ‘white glove’ duty, checking the levels of cleanliness in the hospital. And she said she had noticed a significant difference in the way cleaning has been undertaken over the years. “The hospital has never been dirty but I would say it is definitely cleaner now than it ever has been, as there’s such a big focus on cleaning,” she said. “Training has definitely been upgraded over the years and the hospital is better for it. Personally, I’ve always just got on with my job and have got a lot of satisfaction from it. I’ve always liked buffing floors.” Maureen said she was looking forward to having more time on her hands. But with five children, 20 grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and a further 2 great-great-great grandchildren on the way, she admits she may have her hands full. “I certainly have a big family,” she said. “I also want to do more gardening, which was my hobby before my husband stole it from me when he retired. I’ll have to steal half of it back again now.” Joining forces to combat bullying in the workplace By Claire Short – Human Resources Manager Trust human resources staff and staff side representatives joined forces during November to support the National Ban Bullying Week. Together, they manned stands at the Lister, QEll and Anritsu House sites during lunchtime on 18 November and asked passers-by to show their support by leaving their handprint to signify that eliminating bullying in the workplace is in all of our hands. Judging from the number of handprints collected, it looks as though a large number of people are totally behind the objectives of the campaign. The Trust is keen to eliminate all types of harassment and bullying that may take place in the workplace. More information about our approach to anti-bullying can be found on the intranet under the Human Resources page, Policies and Procedures, Section 3 - Equalities and Diversity Folder and then Dignity and Respect in the Workplace policy. 6 Oh, what a lovely Ch Santa and friends SERV up a festive treat for poorly children in hospital Santa decided to give his reindeer a day off while visiting children at the QEll and Lister hospitals over the Christmas period – and jumped on a motorbike instead. He joined more than 20 of his biker friends from SERV, the volunteer blood delivery charity used by the Trust, to deliver presents to youngsters at both sites. The gifts had been donated by the volunteers themselves, as well as by Tesco in Hatfield and Hertford and Asda in Hatfield. Councillor Kim Langley, Welwyn Hatfield’s mayor, also dropped in to the QEII to see children in A&E. Marilyn Goodhew, lead play specialist at the Trust, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone from SERV who braved the snow to deliver presents. It’s very hard for the children and their families to be in hospital at this time of year but it really brightened up their day to see Father Christmas and his helpers.” Steve Washington, the Herts and Beds co-ordinator for SERV, which stands for Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers, said: “The expressions on the kids’ faces said it all really. I was watching Santa leaning down to give a boy his present. The little lad’s eyes were like saucers and he had a big smile on his face. That was what the day was all about for me.” Above: Welwyn Hatfield Mayor Cllr Kim Langley joins Santa and his helpers on a visit to the QEII. 7 hristmas it was... Letchworth golfers donate £1,000 to Bluebell ward A group of golfers helped staff and children to have a par-fect Christmas last month with a donation of £1,000 to Bluebell ward. Tony Pohlman, the 2009 captain of Letchworth Golf Club, and his wife Diane pitched up at the Lister to hand over the cheque to staff. Tony told Grapevine that the club members had all ‘putt’ their money where their mouths were – after agreeing to stump up £5 fines every time one of them talked on a mobile phone in the club house. “We also had a bottle on the bar that people could contribute to,” he added. “It’s great to be able to do something for the children in hospital.” Thanks to John Lewis for the DVD players Youngsters on Bluebell ward now have eight shiny new portable DVD players – thanks to the team at the John Lewis distribution centre in Stevenage. The donation is the latest in a long line of gifts to the ward that have included digital cameras, furniture, general renovations and, strangely enough, an electric pencil sharpener. Michelle Lewis, partnership retirement co-ordinator and former community liaison co-ordinator at John Lewis, said: “It all started with a pencil sharpener! Five years ago Marilyn asked if we had one to spare and I brought it down for her. It just snowballed from there really.” Marilyn Goodhew, lead play specialist at the Trust, said: “We’re very grateful to John Lewis for these DVD players – the children will love them. This really helps to highlight the importance of play and our work as play specialists across the hospitals at the Trust.” Alison Fowler, the current community liaison co-ordinator for John Lewis in Stevenage, added: “Marilyn mentioned that babies are missed out, so we decided to bring along some baby toys as well this year. “We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Marilyn and the team at Lister. We believe it’s really important to support the children at this time of year.” A sack-load of joy for Bluebell youngsters It wasn’t just Santa delivering presents over Christmas - representatives from the Masons turned up at Bluebell with a sackload of surprises for the kids too. Martin Twaites and Peter Farell, from the Goffs Oak lodge, said they were delighted to be able to help put a smile on the youngsters’ faces over the festive period. 8 Well done to all our clinical support workers who have gained their NVQs in health and social care Congratulations to the following clinical support workers who have successfully completed their NVQ in health and social care. It is fantastic to see so many candidates having passed. The Trust has signed a Skills Pledge to invest in all staff Bands 1-4 and provide them with opportunities for training that will ensure a minimum Level 2 qualification. Level 2 Susan Allen, Lemsford Marie Rodzisxzewka, 9A Zoe Chappell, Barley Christine Salter, Prince’s Christine Dunstan, 5A Alexandra Hickling, Prince’s Gemma Phillips, Sandridge Marcello Garin, Marie Curie ward, Mount Vernon Tracey Cooper, OPD Amy Newman, 6B Amy Douglas, Lemsford Alison Bellinger, Maternity Arnel Sison, L & D Fridho Gaddi, L & D Gursharan Juneja, EAU Amanda Campbell, Prince’s Christina Smith, RDU Jocelyn Sanchez, NNU Emma Summerfield, L & D Jaswinder Janjua, Barley Sharon Armstrong, 9B Marissa Alibadbad, Cuffley Dana Kretikova, 10B Suzanne Barton, CCU Kelly Marie Corrigan-Mahoney, 5B Angela Dodson, 8A Iowona Trzpil, 6A Beverley Denma, 6A Samantha Clarke, NNU Nelson Culibao, Stanborough Lisa Andrews, Maternity Allison Fox, Maternity Claire Gaudion, AAU Moira Pennie, Maternity Neche Anigbo, ICU Laura Breacher, CCU Rouela Devadeb, SACH Sherman Calignawan, L & D Level 3 Arnold Canares, SACH Ireneo Lopez, SACH Elden Paciente, L & D Linda Clarke, L & D Owen Perez, SACH Aurella Vincent, 5B Jasna Lemes Fillipovic, Stanborough Ermelita Baniqued, Sandridge Rowena Castillo, Digswell Samantha Jellis, 5B Shyama Lochun, Barley Gil Hernandez, SACH Aurelie Vincent, 5B Wilbur Pajunar, RDU There are a variety of apprenticeships now in place for Band 1-4 for all staff, clinical and non-clinical, following nomination from their line manager. For further information, please contact Jacqui Attrill, Professional Development Recruitment Nurse, at Lister hospital ext. 5366 or Sally Peters at Lister on ext. 4376. Best Ward Christmas Tree competition Following the success of the 2008 Best Ward Entrance Christmas competition, director of nursing Sue Greenslade decided to repeat the winning formula with a Best Ward Christmas Tree competition for 2009. The response turned out to be overwhelming, so much so that additional awards had to be made to acknowledge the effort made by everyone who got involved. Congratulations go to the winners: the isolation ward at the Lister (10B North); Sandridge ward at the QEII; the Lister's A&E; and the renal dialysis unit at the L&D. The following entries were also highly commended: the QEII's A&E; Digswell ward at the QEII; the Lister’s 10B South; and Barley ward at the Lister. The staff on the isolation ward at the Lister have asked that their housekeeper, Sue Wright, gets a special mention, as she was the one whose hard work and imagination led to their winning entry. Lister isolation ward Lister 10B South L&D renal dialysis unit QEll Digswell ward 9 Student Volunteer Programme 2009 Four student volunteers who hope to work for the NHS in the future give their personal accounts of what it was like to spend time on the wards at the Lister. Douglas Bainbridge and Eleanor Barnes… On the morning of 29 October, we were among a group of around 30 young people who arrived bright and early at the Lister hospital for two days of volunteer training. The experience proved useful in teaching us about the different roles of staff within the hospital, and how each plays a part in caring for the patient. We were also given tasks that allowed us to truly understand what it is like to be a patient, which helped us to see how our role as volunteers could positively influence their stay in the hospital. As well as covering all of the required training, we were also given a taste of practising medicine in different areas, such as radiology. This was very interesting, as many of us were looking to apply to do medicine. We especially enjoyed the chance to ask questions of two junior doctors who came in to speak to us. The training course left us well prepared for our role as volunteers and greatly looking forward to the experience of putting what we have learned into practice. As part of the programme, students are asked to put themselves in the shoes of patients and staff, taking part in activities that range from making beds to feeding each other. Josh Taussig… John Shenouda… For someone who wants to embark upon a career in medicine, volunteering in a medical environment is vital. I have been volunteering on ward 8A, the general surgical ward at the Lister hospital, since September 2009. My session runs from 4.30pm until 7.30pm on Mondays, and coincides with the evening meal. My tasks could be running errands for the ward staff, making tea, helping the nurses to change beds, assisting patients who are unable to feed themselves and many other things, including just being around to talk to patients. My first session on 8A was rather daunting. I had never been on a busy ward before, I didn't know anyone there and I was very conscious that stopping staff to ask what I should be doing was disrupting their busy routines. I decided that the best thing to do was to look around for simple ways I could help out. I very soon found out that all the ward staff were only too willing to show me where things were and to help me help them. Since my first session, I have learned so much and have managed to have several conversations with junior doctors on the ward, which will be invaluable when it comes to university applications. My experience of voluntary work at the Lister has fulfilled all my expectations. Having been fortunate enough to start my placement before the induction course, I found myself fitting in nicely with the staff on ward 5A, who were very kind in showing me around and helping me when necessary. My tasks ranged from making beds to feeding patients. But the best part of the job is getting to speak to the patients and making sure they know they are in safe hands. The induction course allowed me the opportunity to speak to others who were on the programme and get their views on it. The practical side of things was really fun, as I started the course by being a ‘patient’ surrounded by about ten other students representing the different groups of NHS professionals who would see me if I were a real patient. Never before had I realised how everyone’s role, from the doctor to the porter, is essential if the patient is to receive the very best care. 10 Killer bugs, hi-tech equipment and gallons of blood… who said science was dull? Science students celebrate National Pathology Week with tour of hospital pathology lab Sixth form science students from three schools got to see their chosen subjects in action last month when they were given an exclusive tour of the QEII hospital’s pathology lab. Gruesome sights such as deadly malaria bugs and bags of blood were on display for the 20 or so youngsters from Monk’s Walk, Stanborough and Sir Frederic Osborn schools. And, according to their teachers, some of them were so impressed they’re now considering a career in pathology. Jack Thorn, science teacher at Monk’s Walk, said: “The students who came thought the evening was fascinating, a real eye-opener to the kind of work that goes on in real laboratories. “Much of what we were shown brought to life large chunks of the syllabus we study in A Level biology and, hopefully, will help prove a real inspiration for the last few months of the students’ studies.” Lucy Perrett, in Year 11 at Sir Frederic Osborn School, said: “It was good because I learned a lot of things I didn’t know and it has given me a different insight into what goes on in pathology.” Jack McNab, in Year 10 at the same school, added: “The pathology evening was really interesting. I found out what I have to do if I decide that I would like to work in pathology in the future.” The tour took place on Wednesday 18 November and was organised by Angela Woods, consultant biochemist at the Trust, as part of National Pathology Week. Staff gave the youngsters the lowdown on different aspects of their work, including transfusion; haematology (blood diseases); electrophoresis (separating proteins in the blood – for example, to help detect cancer); microbiology (bacteria and viruses); and cellular pathology (tissue, organs and cells). Angela said: “We’re all passionate about our work and wanted to show the students how their science studies can relate to real life healthcare science. We also wanted to inform them of the career opportunities available. It was good for us to look at our work from a different angle, too. We enjoyed meeting them all, and hope to build on these links so that we can contribute in more ways to the local community.” 11 Stressbusters Some ‘healthy’ N e w Year’s resolutions Grapevine readers might like to take up in 2010 Well, well, well. It’s 2010 - a new decade has dawned. Traditionally, it’s a time for New Year’s resolutions - some to be cast aside even before they’ve begun; some to be bravely attempted but discarded when the going gets tough. But some are worth persevering with. Stressbusters has come up with the five following suggestions. If you can manage all five, that’s wonderful. Just one would be worthwhile, though, don’t you think? And as we’re part of the NHS, it won’t surprise any of you to find out that each of the five has a health connection. Good luck. And make sure you let us know how you get on. 1. Quit smoking 3. Eat five a day There’s no need to tell Grapevine readers about the dangers of smoking. Working in an acute hospital Trust that treats the consequences of smoking is surely enough to get that message across. If you’re still one of the small minority of adults who smoke, quitting is probably the best thing you could do for your health in 2010 and beyond. Over the past 40 years, millions of people have succeeded in quitting. Back in the 1970s, when many of us still had black and white televisions, nearly half of us were smokers. Now it’s down to one in five. So what about it? 2010 could be the year for you to stop smoking for good and save quite a bit of cash into the bargain. Yes, we all know that eating five portions of fruit and veg a day will be good for us as part of a healthy, balanced diet. So are you getting your five a day? If not, why not? More importantly, what are you going to do about it? It doesn’t mean you can’t eat what you like best provided that you keep the fat and sugar under control, of course. But let’s hear it for the apples, pears, bananas, peas, carrots, cauliflowers and all the other fruit and veg that are great to eat and healthy too. If you have any fantastic recipes that make your favourite fruit or vegetable the centrepiece of a mouth-watering dish, why not share them with your fellow Grapevine readers? 2. Get fit For some people, ‘getting fit’ conjures up images of trundling along to the gym at 6.00 am every day. Well, that’s all right for those who are into that kind of thing. But you don’t have to go to extremes. Simply becoming more physically active than you have been could do the trick. No, we don’t mean giving up the remote control for the television. How about going for a brisk 20 to 30 minute walk at least three times a week - just enough to get those juices flowing? 4. If you drink alcohol, stick within limits Most, but by no means all, of us drink alcohol. Let’s be honest, most of us derive some pleasure and enjoyment out of it. But, like many things in life, too much of it can be a bad thing. So let’s make sure we stick within recommended limits, which means no more than 21 units per week for men and 14 units for women. It’s a good idea, incidentally, to have at least two or three alcoholfree days a week. But don’t save up all your units for the week-end and go out on a binge. That would undo all your good work during the previous week. 5. Drink more water On the face of it, this one sounds the easiest of all? Drinking more water every day - child’s play, Stressbusters hears you say. But many of us don’t really consume enough to keep ourselves fully hydrated. Water aids concentration and digestion and helps to remove toxins from our bodies. A number of websites, including www.wateraid.org.uk, offer information and advice on how much water you should be drinking. Let us know how you get on over the next few months. 12 Off with a bang for Lister Radio at firework display! Janis Hall looks back on a spectacular evening under the stars ... Sunday 8 November found members of the Lister Radio team joining forces with the Letchworth Lions and Heart FM to put on Letchworth’s annual firework display. A cold, clear, starry night brought about 3,000 local people to the event, which proved to be a fun night for all concerned. The clear skies made the fireworks look spectacular and the Chinese lantern display, which had to be reduced considerably because of a possible risk to air traffic, was amazing. Anyone or anything looking down on earth that night might have wondered what was going on. The money raised all goes to local charities, including Garden House Hospice, Riding for the Disabled and the local office for Crohn’s disease. Congratulations to our graduate pathfinders Congratulations to the first cohort of associate practitioners within the Trust to graduate at the University of Hertfordshire. The following (pictured right) received their foundation degrees at a ceremony held on 12 November 2009: Stephanie Rivers; Debra Allin; Ann Gibson; Kim Gapper; and Elizabeth Morris. They are all members of the children’s continuing care team who provide respite care for children with complex health needs in the community. Bernadette’s big day in Rome The Trust’s full-time Roman Catholic chaplain, Bernadette Cassidy, is pictured above at a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Bernadette is also a trustee of Barka UK, which helps the homeless and the Got any stories for Grapevine? addicted. It was in this capacity that she was invited to Rome to celebrate the presentation of the John Paul 11 Award for Human Rights to the French writer and philosopher, Andre Glucksmann. How some hidden talents have come to the fore Participants in the 2009 Effective Leader Programme celebrated the completion of their programmes in style on 19 December. Their festive presentation, entitled The Twelve Days of Leadership, not only saw the group celebrate their learning but also demonstrated their ‘singing skills’. Janet Lynch presented them with their certificates, whilst Trust chairman Richard Beazley also joined in the event. Grapevine says ‘well done’ to them all, including Kate Boffey, Sue Fox, Ana Hernandez, Sue Devenish, Clare Lummis, Helen Jones, Mariejke Maciejewski, Belinda O'Brien, Debbie Cockcroft, Bev Jeffery, Sue Samme, Eve Mavundukure and Debbie Sefton. Send your information or ideas to Grapevine editorial board, postal location code L69 or contact Steve Creswell in public affairs on ext. 5940 (L), e-mail [email protected]