Fundraising
News Summer 2021
In this issue:
* Speech & Language Therapy Appeal completed * Bath Racecourse vaccine centre – the going’s good * Balloon Pump now saving lives * Staff Spotlight: Uzo, Chief Pharmacist
WELCOME
It is now over a year since we started to feel the impact of the global pandemic. I know that none of us expected to be apart from our loved ones for so long and it has not been easy. The sun is once again shining and along with it the lockdown restrictions are easing and we are able to start to see those we care about again, which is a huge relief for so many of us. I am immensely proud to be part of the RUH and work alongside my NHS colleagues who have shone with their determination to give the best possible care to our patients in extremely difficult circumstances. I am also hugely appreciative of how the local community has rallied round the hospital, over the last year, showing generosity and support which has made our hard working staff feel so cherished. Thank you. This issue we are sharing news about the impact of your generous donations and fundraising. With the completion of the speech and language therapy appeal, the balloon pump which is now saving lives and how gifts in Wills are helping Osteoporosis treatment.
The Forever Friends Appeal is registered with
We also celebrate Captain Sir Tom Moore’s legacy and introduce three fantastic young fundraisers Max, Arillia and Harry. Thank you, with your support makes a big difference to patients, families and staff at the RUH. It’s a difficult time for all charities, so to be the best we can to face the future with resilience, we need to find out what our supporters truly think and feel about us. I really welcome your feedback. What do we do well? What can we do better? Please feel free to contact me via email, letter or telephone. I am excited to get out and about meet our supporters face to face and attend events. In the meantime enjoy being safely reunited with your loved ones and the easing of the restrictions. I’m sending all my very best wishes.
Rhyannon Boyd Head of Fundraising
The Forever Friends Appeal is the official NHS charity of the
Cover: Speech and Language Therapy team with new FEE’s machine. Information in this newsletter was correct at the time of print.
The Forever Friends Appeal, Royal United Hospitals Bath, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG. Royal United Hospital Charitable Fund. Registered Charity No. 1058323
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This magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper and has a high environmental profile with FSC® recycled, EU Ecolabel certification and a CO2 neutral option.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY APPEAL COMPLETE
New machine is game-changer for patients
Thanks to people like you, our Speech and Language Therapists are helping patients regain their swallowing and improve their quality of life. Last year we set out to raise £50,000 to buy a portable machine that would be a game-changer for patients who have swallowing difficulties – and with your help, we’ve done it.
They generously gave their time for free to write hundreds of wills and donated their fees. A special thank you to the Friends of the RUH, another charity at the RUH that wanted to help us complete the appeal.
Our Speech and Language Therapy team are now providing rapid assessments at patients’ bedsides, including those who have COVID-19, enabling them to give a much quicker diagnosis and treatment.
Claire Young, Deputy Head of Therapies said: “The need for the mobile equipment has become even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re now able to eliminate the waiting time between the weekly x-ray clinic and we are looking to roll the service out to assess patients across the hospital including those in Critical Care.
Our call to the public to support this cause was not ignored. We would like to thank those of you who supported either through The Big Give Challenge which doubled gifts donated last December and the local participating Solicitors who gave their support towards our annual will writing scheme RUH Will Month in November.
“On behalf of my team I would like to thank you everyone who has donated and been part of the fundraising efforts.”
Speech and Language Therapy team training session on new equipment.
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CAPTAIN SIR TOM’S LEGACY
Captain Sir Tom Moore brought the nation together, he raised millions for the NHS, highlighted the incredible work of NHS staff, and brought hope to many people with his incredible action and spirit. His 100 garden laps inspired so many people to get active and fundraise for charities, including these three incredible young people who did just that – meet Harry, Arillia and Max.
Harry’s three peak ascent challenge In just 11 days, six year-old Harry climbed the combined height of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon all within the stay at home guidelines. Harry ascended his staircase at home 70 times a day, and gained the height on local walks until he finished the challenged. He smashed his original target of raising £250 and raised over £1,100, well done Harry!
Event calendar 2021/22 Take part in one of our events:
Skydive day – 4th July Walk of Life – 18th Sept Dog Dive – 9th October Bath Half –13th March
And many more… Visit our website for the full listing
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CAPTAIN SIR TOM’S LEGACY
Arillia’s 5km challenge Arillia ran her first ever 5km in 42 minutes last year, but she didn’t want that time to be her personal best. She wanted to run the distance in under 30 minutes and so after weeks of getting quicker and quicker she did it in 29 minutes. She said: "I wanted to do a challenge because I like challenges and I want to help other people at the same time like my Grandma did. It helps me to remember Grandma too." Thanks to Arillia, her family and friends, £635 has been donated to our Cancer Centre Campaign for the Dyson Cancer Centre.
Max completes 100 lap challenge Before Max returned to school in March he set out to cycle 100 laps around his local park to raise money for our hospital in memory of his Great Grandfather Ted, who sadly died aged 99 in February. On his new big bike that he got for Christmas, Max cycled 12 laps or 6km a day and finished the challenge on the seventh day by cycling the final 24 laps (12km). Kitty Hodges, Max’s Mum said: “He only turned five in December, so it was quite a feat for him. We are so incredibly proud of him and his sister who also did a 100 pullup challenge. Thank you everyone for helping him raise £1,060.” Great work Max!
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RUH NEWS
Our COVID-19 year
tre
Inside the Vaccine Cen
The new year of 2021 saw the RUH managing an unprecedented number of coronavirus patients, many needing intensive care, as the pandemic’s second outbreak reached a peak. Our thoughts, of course, are with those who lost loved ones. But in January came the first signs of hope as vaccines became available.
Bath Racecourse vaccine centre – the going’s good
70s.The vaccination programme is now on schedule to vaccinate all adults by the end of July.
The large NHS public vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse has been open for more than five months, during which time more than 30,000 people from the local community have visited to receive their first coronavirus jab.
The Racecourse centre came under starter’s orders at the end of January and quickly proved itself a favourite with eligible people eager to book an appointment.
First past the post were the over 80s and care home residents, followed by the clinically extremely vulnerable and the over 6 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
Vaccine Centre Operations Director Heather Cooper said "It's been a great success since we saw our first members of the public in January. Our staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job and
RUH NEWS
many people who've come to us for their first vaccination have told us they've been so pleased and grateful." In mid-March the centre increased its 500-plus capacity of appointments to more than1000 a day, doubling its number of vaccination staff, increasing its numbers of car parking marshals and volunteers and opening a second vaccination pod to help cope with demand. Steve Jones, who travelled from Yate in South Gloucestershire for his appointment, said: “It’s been a really good experience and I’m so pleased I’ve had my first vaccination. Everyone’s been really friendly and it’s been quick and efficient. For me, once lockdown eases a bit, it means I can now get out in the open air and meet people again, watch my son play football, go back in to work and to socialise with people much more than we’ve done over the past 12 months.”
The Racecourse is giving vaccines in a large specially-equipped marquee near the main grandstand buildings. White boards inside carry messages from those who have been vaccinated, such as:
"Thank you, very efficient, the NHS at its best." "Friendly! Caring – I felt very safe." "Heartfelt thanks to you all. Keep safe." The Racecourse vaccine centre will be open until September for the vaccine programme to enable everyone to return for their second jab. It’s been a massive operation that’s an odds on bet to help the community return to near normal life at last.
Fundraising News Summer 2021 I 7
RUH STAFF AWARDS
Volunteer wins RUH award We are so lucky to have lots of selfless, caring volunteers who make a huge difference to patients and staff at the RUH. When we heard that Keith Getheridge, one of our volunteers had won the Trust’s prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award we were so pleased as he has really gone above and beyond to support us this past year. Keith is a fantastic ambassador not only for The Forever Friends Appeal but the RUH, and he continues to spread the good work that the hospital does out in the local community, inspiring many others to fundraise and volunteer to help make a real difference. Keith first became involved with our charity after the loss of his wife in March 2019. He and his family set up a tribute fund in honour of Wendy to fundraise towards the new Dyson Cancer Centre in her memory. With the wonderful support of family and friends, he has taken on many fundraising challenges to raise vital funds and also raise awareness for the appeal and the RUH. From running marathons to organising pub quizzes, cricket matches and much more, to date their fundraising efforts have raised an incredible £25,000. On top of this, Keith signed up in May 2020, through the NHS volunteering initiative and took on a volunteer housekeeping role on the Surgical Short Stay ward. He clocked up an amazing 576 hours, working from 7:30am to 1.30pm, four days a week and even came in to help cover holidays.
If you were to meet Keith, you would soon realise he does everything with a huge smile on his face. No task is too small or great, and we are so thankful for his support and he really does deserve winning this Volunteer of the Year award. “I feel very proud and honoured to have won this award, not only for me, but also for all my family, friends and others who have contributed and hopefully will continue to do so towards the new Cancer Centre. Wendy was passionate about the new centre and through my volunteering and fundraising, I'm only giving something back to say thank you for the wonderful help and care she received at the RUH. She'd be very proud as well.”
If you would like to find out about opportunities to volunteer for our charity please email: ruh-tr.fundraising@nhs.net or call 01225 825931 8 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
Congratulations Keith
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NEW EQUIPMENT BENEFITS PATIENTS
Members of the Cardiac team with Balloon pump
Cardiac equipment keeps patients hearts pumping Every year we are always astounded by the generosity of our patients, relatives, staff and members of the public who devote their time and effort to fundraising for our hospital. Thanks to this incredible support, we have recently been able to purchase a new Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) that will benefit people treated at the RUH with heart disease. An IABP is a mechanical device used to support the heart function of acutely ill patients. It is inserted into the aorta (the body’s main artery) and pumps in rhythm with the heart, to increase blood flow and cardiac output, whilst reducing pressure on the heart. It can also be used for high risk patients receiving treatment for narrowed and blocked coronary arteries. The life- saving machine will be used by the RUH’s Cardiac team in the Catheter labs, enabling haemodynamic support to their patients, in order to continue with their 10 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
emergency procedures. It will also support patients who may have to travel to other hospitals if further therapy such as cardiac surgery is required. Helen Twemlow, principle physiologist for the Cardiac Centre said “This specialist machine, though not small is transportable and significantly smaller than the previous unit making all aspects of emergency care easier at a very stressful time. “The nursing, medical and technical team are extremely humbled and very impressed with the public’s incredible fundraising efforts. Having the latest equipment enables the cardiology team to continue providing the very best cardio-circulatory support to their critically ill patients.”
NEW EQUIPMENT BENEFITS PATIENTS
RUH patients and staff benefit from new virtual ward rounds Thanks to charitable donations, doctors have been using new technology to trial virtual ward rounds, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 by minimising footfall on the hospital's wards. Patients continue to receive the same level of care and support, but doctors can speak to patients while they are in their hospital bed by using one of a number of iPads that have been donated by the Dyson Foundation.
“We're extremely grateful to Dyson for their donation, which has also meant we can use the iPads to help keep patients in touch with their families while visiting is suspended at the hospital.”
While a small clinical team needs to be on the wards in person during ward rounds, these new ways of working are proving successful in reducing disruption as well as the number of people on the ward at any one time. RUH Medical Director Bernie Marden said: "Our doctors and consultants can speak to patients without being on the ward and so can safely remove their masks, and patients have told us how they have appreciated being able to see their consultant's face, which they wouldn't normally be able to do if we were in full PPE by their bedside. “Other clinical staff are able to join the rounds virtually too, so there's only a small team of staff needed on the ward to physically conduct the ward round and operate the iPads, which are regularly cleaned and sanitised. "Despite their being less people on the wards, our patients still get the same excellent level of care provided by our clinical teams, just more of it takes place virtually. “We have also been able to improve the service we provide to our patients, as the patient can now see their test results and x-rays on the screen and have it explained to them by the consultant, something which is easier to do than before. Fundraising News Summer 2021 I 11
RUH STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Meet our Chief Pharmacist
Uzo Ibechukwu is the RUH Chief Pharmacist. We were delighted to meet him and find out more about his role and what the past year has been like for him. This is what he had to say. What does your job involve? I am accountable for all aspects of medicine use within the Trust. In my role I ensure systems and expertise are in place to monitor prescribing, supply, storage and use, and ensure we are using medicines in the right ways for our patients. I head, and more importantly support, 120 staff that work in number of teams called: Dispensary, Aseptics / Radiopharmacy, Clinical Trials, Ward based teams, Homecare Services, Purchasing 12 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
and Distribution, Stores, Cancer Services, and there’s a senior team of five. I enjoy working with my colleagues on finding new ways to provide care, whether that’s through automation, using our data to make better decisions, making quality improvements and research. How has COVID affected your role? COVID has affected every part of my role. During the initial stages in our response to COVID, my first priority was making
RUH STAFF SPOTLIGHT
sure that our workplace was as safe as possible for colleagues and ensuring we could continue to provide the best possible care. Also, I’m a fairly sociable person, so it has affected me in the sense of missing face to face conversations and building working relationships with new people in the Trust. COVID has also given us an opportunity to think outside the box and do things differently. For example, delivering intravenous medicines to patients at home and setting up a remote working system for ward-based teams. From a personal perspective the most exciting bit of the response has been leading the pharmacy support for the Covid vaccination programme. It’s been a huge amount of work from every team, and I am really proud of what we have achieved.
What career path did you take to get to where you are now? I was a community pharmacist and a primary care practice pharmacist before joining the NHS in 2011. From this point I had roles in commissioning/finance and medicines value. I then became a clinical trials lead pharmacist, before going into senior management and corporate roles, until becoming Chief Pharmacist. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I live to read and I’m trying to get better at running. What are you reading at the moment? Do you have any recommendations? I’m reading 'Natives' by Akala but love historical fiction and recommend anything by Conn Iggulden.
State of the art dispensing robot
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SPECIAL RUH NEWS APPEAL
Exhibitions in the RUH Central Gallery As we ease out of the latest lockdown, we are very pleased to start installing new artworks around the hospital and open two new exhibitions in the main central corridor. Both exhibitions are a celebration of the Heroes of the RUH. The first, in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised millions for the NHS, tells the story of the people who work at the hospital and their experience of the pandemic. In a series of photographic portraits and written stories, it shows the people behind the masks and reveals the heroes behind the uniform. To read one of the stories in full you can scan the attached QR code, or visit The Forever Friends Appeal website www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk
Critical Care nurse Grace Mugagga
Heroes Exhibition images taken by Richard Howman
Heroes exhibition – RUH Central Gallery
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RUH NEWS
The second, silent auction, Art for Heroes, originated at the Abbey Hotel’s Art Bar in the centre of Bath and is a tribute to RUH staff. The hotel’s closure during COVID-19 presented an ideal opportunity to transfer the exhibition to the RUH, which the hotel supports. The exhibition is a fantastic showcase of work by local artists, including Royal photographer Joe Short and Bath’s ever popular ‘Pete the Street’, Peter Brown, together with some new works not seen before. All work is for sale with 40% of all sales donated to the RUH. There will also be an on-line catalogue of all the works on display. To see the work on-line and place a bid, please visit: www.jumblebee.co.uk/ruhheroesartauction2 For sales and enquiries, please contact Tony Smith, Exhibitions Manager: tonysmith3@nhs.net or visit www.artatruh.org
Art for Heroes – Rainbow mask by Joe Short
Autumn morning by Peter Brown
Exhibitions – RUH Central Gallery
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SUPPORTING PATIENTS
Why Gifts in Wills are hugely valuable to the RUH Support patients with a gift in your Will and leave your legacy of care. Gifts left in Wills are hugely valuable to the RUH, whatever their size. This special way of giving helps fund vital research to transforming patient experience and their treatment. Dr Sarah Hardcastle, Osteoporosis Consultant has told Fundraising News how a recent legacy gift left to the hospital will benefit their patients now and in the future. RUH Osteoporosis Consultant, Dr Sarah Hardcastle said: “Osteoporosis treatment is changing all the time, and the more data we have about how patients respond to the different treatments available, the better our treatment outcomes will be.”
Sarah said: “This is great news as we’ll have two nurse specialists in our team, so we can see more patients in our outpatient clinics, and together they will be able to continue to run our osteoporosis helpline which has been well-used and extremely successful during the covid-19 pandemic. “We’re also planning new research and innovation activity that will support a range of initiatives to improve both patient care and foster research opportunities.
“We are very grateful to receive this legacy gift. It’s Sarah Hardcastle, going to enable us Osteoporosis Consultant to undertake some really exciting projects we would not otherwise have been Due to the generosity of a legacy gift from possible. We are extremely humbled to a a former patient, it was their wish for their patient who chose to support our work in gift to fund treatment and research into this very special way. osteoporosis and Paget’s disease, which are the two conditions that Sarah and her team see patients with regularly. The gift If you would like to find out about has meant that the will be able to fund a leaving a gift in your Will to our one year post for a second osteoporosis hospital please visit our website. nurse specialist. 16 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
SUPPORTING PATIENTS
Blue sky thinking for RUH patients
Radiotherapy patients can now enjoy relaxing views of a sunny blue sky while they wait for their appointments, thanks to a new 'window' which has been installed in the ceiling of the outpatient waiting area. Instead of a real window, the sunny scene is actually created by using a series of light panels that create a realistic image and is all thanks to patient Allan Sinclair, who donated them to the department. Allan, who has just completed radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer at the RUH, said: “It was just my way of giving back something to the staff here who have looked after me so well. “I just can’t thank the staff enough. From the reception staff, to the radiographers and the consultants, the care I’ve received has been second to none.
including intensive care and cardiology also have similar windows. Allan said: “It’s a very simple and effective way to brighten up a waiting room or gloomy corridor and can really help lift your mood." Lisa Tolson, Radiotherapy Service Manager, said: “We’re so grateful to Allan for such a wonderful gesture. The new window really brightens up the waiting area and it’s already receiving lots of positive feedback from our patients and staff."
“At the RUH you are treated like an individual, you’re not just a number, and that’s what makes the staff here so special.” Allan owns the company Sky Inside, which provides sky ceilings and artificial windows to healthcare companies and NHS Trusts throughout the country. The Radiotherapy department isn’t the only one at the RUH to have such eye-catching features - departments
Head in the clouds – Allan Sinclair looks at the new window
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NEW EQUIPMENT BENEFITS PATIENTS
Donation brings RITA to older people’s wards A huge difference is being made to patients who have dementia, thanks to a generous donation from three local companies that has funded a RITA device to provide reminiscence therapy.
Dementia Coordinators Astrid Siddorn and Dee Scruton with RITA
RITA stands for Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities and enables patients to enjoy a range of games, listen to music, view old photographs and films, and more to spark memories and start conversations on the wards. RUH Dementia Coordinator, Astrid Siddorn said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Chris at Bath Woodburners and the other two companies. During these strange times, hospital stays for people with dementia have become even more difficult, especially without loved ones to visit. The RITA devices helps us support more patients as it reduce patents’ anxiety when they are out of their familiar environment, making patients’ stay in hospital more comfortable.” 18 I Fundraising News Summer 2021
Chris Clements, of Bath Woodburners said: “My wife, Cerys and I, were personally very impressed with the work of the RUH and the care received by Cerys' father, Joe Francis, when he was admitted last year. He was cared for incredibly well in a hugely difficult time for hospitals. “We have been fortunate being able to work during the pandemic and so we wanted to give something back to the community. The RITA devices are a great idea and we know it will provide a valuable resource in helping those with dementia, their families and the staff at the RUH.” There are now five RITA devices in the RUH. Each unit costs around £6,000 and it is hoped that additional RITA devices can be funded to support more patients in the hospital.
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Why I support the NHS Frank
rd
Shella
I live locally in a small village of Wellow in Somerset and began supporting The Forever Friends Appeal just a few months ago after having suffered from a mini stroke last year.
I was a patient on the Acute Stroke Unit and I’m very grateful to the staff for the excellent care they gave me. The ward had access to a small garden, which kept me going and smiling there as I’m a massive lover of the outdoors, being the proud farm owner I am. Thankfully after receiving wonderful treatment, I made a speedy recovery and I decided to write a book, about one of my passions which is growing runner beans. Since I was a child I have been growing runner beans (I was born to a gardening family) and having the urge to grow my own food has never left me. I wanted to show just how easy it can be to grow your own vegetables at home, and maybe spark a lifelong love of gardening amongst my readers. My book is called ‘Let’s All Grow a Runner Bean’ and I’ve decided to split the proceeds to benefit three causes that are close to my heart – The Forever Friends Appeal, NHS Charities Together and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Sharing and caring are great gifts to have, so I am inviting you to join in and give it a go. My book costs £4.99 and can be ordered from my website: letsallgrowarunnerbean.co.uk or search ‘growabean’ on Facebook. Thank you.