University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

“To be able to make a positive difference to patient care through the teams that I lead is one of the most important aspects of my role. It’s important for me to be accessible to patients and families for feedback so we can learn what we have and haven’t done well in order to make improvements”. - Sue Timmins, Matron for Trauma Orthopaedics & Rheumatology Have you heard of our #MeetTheMatrons campaign? We actively encourage patients, carers, and families to engage with your matron as a point of contact for when you want to talk about things that have gone well and about any issues you may have spotted during your stay that could be improved. Find out more about this on our website here: https://lnkd.in/ewGyjnAB #MeetTheMatrons #Healthcare #NHS

Have you thought about a career in the NHS? A career in the NHS can be challenging but it is also hugely rewarding. The NHS offers a huge range of exciting opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference. With more than 350 different careers on offer, there is a job for you. Search NHS Careers or head to www.healthcareers.nhs.uk to find the role for you. #Healthcare #NHS #Recruitment

Have you seen our VIP Awards? The VIP Awards are an ongoing recognition scheme, created to celebrate our colleagues who work hard to go above and beyond. Recognising, celebrating, and acknowledging the efforts and achievements of our staff is important to us. We know that often our staff can make a huge impact on the patients and colleagues that they come in to contact with, whether through an act of kindness or truly going the extra mile to do something with care and compassion. The VIP Awards recognises all full and part-time staff, apprentices, colleagues on fixed term contracts, and volunteers at UHP who have shown the Trust’s core values through their work. The winners will be presented with an award by a member of the Senior Leadership Team in the winner’s area of work or department and will also be rewarded with a “VIP package” of their choosing. This is a great opportunity to nominate more junior or hidden staff who may otherwise go unnoticed to highlight and recognise their actions within the Trust. Do you know a member of our #1BigTeam who has gone above and beyond expectations? Would you like the chance to praise them and show your appreciation? Visit https://lnkd.in/eAftncMu. #Recognition #Awards #Healthcare

We’re excited to share that the launch of the new Young Person’s Patient Council was a big hit! The first session had a great turnout, with young people, carers, and guardians all coming together at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Lachlan Mitchell, a student from the University of Plymouth and a member of the Patient Council, played a key role in starting the Young Persons’ Patient Council and shared his thoughts about the event: ‘A Welcoming Night Full of Care and Consideration’ "Young people were asked about how they would want the council to run and what they’d like the council to be called.” “Some young people said they would like to have a role as a secret shopper to see how young person friendly areas of the hospital were. Some said they were interested in learning about Hospital Radio and others wanted to get involved in charity events and fundraising. Suggestions of a logo were also made.” “Young people were asked what makes them ‘mad, glad and sad’ about hospitals as a young person and they gave really honest feedback about their experiences of care at the hospital.” "We’re really excited that 17 people attended the evening with at least 12 signing up on the night – but if you missed it, don’t worry! It’s not too late to join. You can still sign up, and we’ll let you know when the next meeting is.” "It makes such a big difference to see how much care went into planning the event. Everyone could tell how important the Young Person’s Patient Council is to the hospital because of how welcome and valued they felt.” "It’s no surprise we had so much engagement from everyone. The space was set up perfectly for people to share their thoughts and ideas.” "Thank you to everyone who helped get this started. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!” Want to Join the Young Person’s Patient Council? If you want to make a difference, you can still sign up. Anyone aged 25 and under can join the Young Person’s Patient Council, you’ll be at the centre of exciting changes. Here’s what you can look forward to: • Sharing your feedback • Influencing positive changes at the hospital • Developing leadership skills • Building confidence, communication, and public speaking skills • Learning more about yourself • Being a voice for others • Making new friends • Gaining experience that looks great on your CV • Learning new skills • Earning references and recognition • Most importantly: Having FUN while making a difference! Check out the website to find out more and apply to join the Young Person’s Patient Council today: https://lnkd.in/eGJWDEiq

We are delighted to announce that the X-Ray Car pilot service, aimed at reducing unnecessary patient admissions to the Emergency Department, launched this week. The pilot project aimed at supporting care close to home and reducing unnecessary patient admissions to the Emergency Department launched today – a new X-Ray car service which will take the X-Ray to the patient. The car, complete with a full X-Ray kit and staffed by specialist Radiographers and Imaging Healthcare Assistants, will be out and about in Plymouth and the surrounding areas to offer support to patients who have fallen at home or in other community settings. The X-Ray car team will attend frail and vulnerable patients who have had a fall and may have a fracture. Once the X-Ray is completed, the hospital clinical team will be provided with the result and will then organise the correct management plan for the type of injury present, which may involve other urgent community response teams, or if there is a more serious injury, conveyance to hospital. “We’re really excited to get this service underway and know that it is the best thing for our patients who fall in the community,” said Anne Hicks, Associate Medical Director for Integrated Care Pathways. “We are really pleased about what this service will offer from a patient perspective. Having had a fall or having injured yourself at home, and to then access the appropriate help, and get the diagnosis and the treatment plan in the comfort of your own home or community place of care – that’s what this service is all about.” You can read the full story on our website: https://lnkd.in/gPp_iD4E #healthcare #innovation #NHS

October has been a busy month for all of our teams but heralded some excitement with the development of new services and key achievements. In particular, some community initiatives that are aimed at reducing the impact on our inpatient services. The Board also heard, in our ‘Staff Story’ segment, of an initiative our Wellbeing team has been pursuing in tandem with Devon and Cornwall Food Action with a target of combatting food waste in the region and supporting affordable meals for our colleagues at UHP. All in this month’s Board to Ward… #Improvement #NHS #Healthcare

Catch up with what happened in October at UHP - the newest edition of our newsletter is now out. Find out more about how building works are progressing, our latest ViP Award winner, our new Young Person's Patient Council and more... #Healthcare #YoungPeople #Development

Throughout October at UHP we have been marking Black History Month, and the theme of reclaiming narratives, by hearing from colleagues and their rich and vivid experiences. Four colleagues have shared their stories, with pieces coming from Theresia, William, Kolene and Mairo. These colleagues have shared some deeply personal experiences, as they guide us through various aspects of their careers and lives. You can find the links to their stories on the Plymouth Hospitals Blog here: https://lnkd.in/eMKXBPeg #BlackHistoryMonth #Healthcare #NHS

If you’ve ever served in the UK Armed Forces, are struggling with your mental health and live in England, Op COURAGE is here to help. Op COURAGE is a dedicated NHS mental health service developed by veterans, for veterans. Visit www.nhs.uk/opcourage #MentalHealth #NHS #ArmedForces

Would you like to share a message with a member of staff, or a team about the difference they have made to you? Or would you like to send them a card to say thank you for the care you received? Find out how to say thank you here https://lnkd.in/er7w5b-K #Recognition #Improvement #Healthcare