If you flick back through the pages of the blog to about this time last year you will undoubtedly find an entry that heralds the beginning of winter and all that means and brings to any NHS organisation, including ELHT.
Now at the risk of sounding like an old fella (insert your own joke here), it doesn’t seem two seconds since that moment and, yet, here we are facing the same increasingly dark mornings, the incessant rainy days and the inevitable upturn in pressure on our services that indicates that winter is, indeed, upon us once more.
I have referenced before those halcyon NHS days of the past when there was clear separation between seasons, when each had a beginning and an end, with a rhythm and a focus which felt completely recognisable for the time of year.
In autumn we prepared for winter. In winter we hunkered down with something akin to a wartime spirit and steely determination to get through it together. When the spring came, we knew the pace would begin to lighten just like the days and by summer we could take time to circle back and catch up on anything we had missed.
If you asked colleagues now how the year unfolds I suspect their feedback would describe a flat cycle rather than any ups and downs, as we see more patients and experience more pressure every day, without much respite in between.
It is undoubtedly challenging and I accept it has been for some time too, but I am again going to share some positive points from this week with the aim of reminding us that together we are stronger and, as a team, ELHT achieves some amazing things.
Something we always try and do, no matter how busy or pressured we are, is recognise and celebrate each other. It can feel like an indulgence, something that can be dropped when times are tough and waits are longer than we might like, but I remain of the mind that small gestures mean a huge amount and may often be the difference between feeling valued or not.
On Monday we celebrated AHP’s Day – which recognises all colleagues who fall into the professional groups known collectively as Allied Health Professionals. This includes therapists including physios, occupational and speech and language, dietitians, orthoptists, orthotists, radiographers, operating department practitioners and podiatrists and you will recognise the importance of these people in the smooth and effective running of the Trust and the delivery of services which are incredibly important to local people and their quality of life.
I heard a reference this week as part of our celebrations that AHP actually stood for ‘Awesome Health Professionals’ and I could not agree more. Thanks to every AHP at ELHT – you are contributing such a massive amount and it is valued and appreciated.
On a similar note, we celebrated Community Services Week last week for colleagues who are out there, across East Lancashire and beyond, providing health care in people’s homes, care settings and in health centres, schools and lots of other community buildings. This team spans far and wide with myriad professional skills and disciplines – but what always strikes me is the way they go about their work and how they do it, as much as what they do.
I don’t seek to undermine any professionalism by saying this – I know they are delivering treatment and procedures of the highest standards – but it takes a very special kind of person to work in the community and the ELHT team makes me beyond proud.
In addition, integrating community services in a way that takes as much of the pressure off hospital services and, in particular, urgent and emergency care is very much the direction of travel for the new Government and so it is good that we’re well established in this way. This was absolutely clear during the quarterly performance meeting with the management team from the Community and Integrated Care division yesterday – so well done everyone.
I know the team often feel hidden or unseen but, honestly, we rely on them more than you’ll ever know and if you’re in community services, I just hope you know how important you are and the difference you make to patients and their families.
On making a difference, let me touch here on Baby Loss Awareness Week, which is a global, annual awareness event which means a great deal to parents who want to remember the children they perhaps didn’t get to meet or cherish for longer – as well as showing support to others who have experienced this too.
There is a memorial service where people light a candle and remember and I am always profoundly moved by the way colleagues in the Trust recognise this, predominantly at Lancashire Women’s and Newborn’s Centre at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
This year, as well as lighting candles and remembering individual babies, the Trust with our partners at the charity Friends of Serenity unveiled the Tree of Life – a four-metre-high sculpture designed and built by local artist Ruth Molliett, which includes blossoms where bereaved parents can leave their child’s name.
This tree was created and funded by Friends of Serenity, who raise money for bereaved families and to date have contributed over £350,000 to the Trust, which is simply incredible.
The charity began because parents who had experienced devastating loss wanted to support others and their work and dedication since is nothing short of inspirational. We are immensely proud to have them as important partners and I’d like to take this moment to say a personal huge thank you to them for everything they do. I can only imagine how much it means to parents and families we serve.
The memorial service itself was attended by over 150 people and is always a hugely moving tribute which takes lots of thought, care and hard work to deliver. For this reason I also want to recognise colleagues in estates and facilities including our amazing gardening and grounds maintenance team, our own hospital charity ELHT&Me and colleagues in the Trust’s Spiritual Care Team especially Joanne Macholc.
Let me also recognise Nikki Galloway a bereavement specialist midwife who I know has been instrumental. I was in Burnley yesterday and popped in to say hello and see the new sculpture for myself. I was impressed, it provides a fitting and poignant setting for parents and families no doubt.
On a separate note, I met colleagues at the Spiritual Care Centre at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital on Wednesday when the Trust's Muslim Employee Network hosted a ‘Visit my mosque’ day and invited people in to learn about Islam, try some traditional activities such as henna and – not least – enjoy a slice of cake, which really was amazing. There was also a myth-busting quiz, including information about the needs of Muslim colleagues such as attending prayers, and how this may change throughout the year. It was brilliant and I really enjoyed taking part.
Here let me share some feedback I had recently about our Muslim Chaplain Imam Fazlurrahman Hassan from a family who wrote to me about their mum, who was a patient on ward C10 before she passed away. They described how Fazal not only provided comfort, guidance and support but that his presence brough them peace.
The patient’s daughter said: “During such a painful moment, his words, prayers, and compassionate spirit were a source of strength and he had a way of making us feel seen and heard, offering a deep sense of understanding and empathy. The time he spent with my mother, even in her final hours, will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
I am fortunate enough to get messages like this regularly as patients and their families seek to share their gratitude and recognise colleagues who routinely go above and beyond what might be expected.
On this note I will end with one last shout out and that is for a colleague and ‘rising star’ in ELHT, Salima Akuji, a bereavement practitioner who is doing some amazing work alongside Fazal, our palliative care specialist Helen Jones and medical examiners Darren and Angela, hosting monthly events with Muslim communities.
The goal is to listen, educate and dispel myths and taboos surrounding end-of-life care and the team has been able to listen and take action for the families we serve. I know this initiative has not only received tremendous feedback locally but also been referenced nationally for its innovative approach. Salima recently attended a conference in Leicester as someone who is leading the way in addressing faith deaths and postmortems.
This is just another example of what in my opinion illustrates the spirit of ELHT – a community of dedicated, passionate people committed to making a difference no matter the season or weather.
It gives me great strength and confidence that together, despite our challenges, we are doing amazing things. I am extremely grateful to everyone in every team and setting for that.
Martin