Published on: 29 March 2019

Kevin McGee.jpgHello everyone, it’s good to back after a lovely holiday, and thanks to Chris for her blog last week.

I am so pleased to report that we are realising our vision for a new, single Acute Medical Unit system of care. Key to this is a £10m new build right at the front of the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital (RBTH).  It will provide 33 patient beds that will have a range of functions; staff education facilities; and a dedicated, inpatient pharmacy service. Work is planned to begin during Summer 2019 with completion for Winter 2020.

The Phase 6 development will incorporate a single AMU alongside the newly enhanced Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit (AECU). Currently, around 120 patients a day are admitted though existing AMU A & B.

By bringing these two separate units together we’ll be able to improve timely access to senior medical staff for all patients, reduce unnecessary admissions, shorten length of stay and provide a more positive staff and patient experience. This is a very exciting development and this investment into Blackburn is a very real statement of confidence in ELHT, in our staff, in our services and in our future. Well done to everyone involved.

I’m sure you all know it Mother’s Day on Sunday and I’d like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our Mums, and especially those who are working over the weekend. We couldn’t do this without you and I am sure that although your families may miss you, they know you are doing a fantastic and selfless thing. You’ll be making a big difference and everyone who receives your care appreciates it.

As ever, we’ve had some lovely feedback and I’d like to give you a flavour. We had a couple relating to the Gynae ward at Burnley General Teaching Hospital that were particularly rewarding:

"I’d just like to thank all the amazing staff who are all a credit within the NHS. Nothing was ever too much, from the HCA that made the best tea ever to thanking Sam & Jacqui for exceptional care. Lovely ward very welcoming x"

“I want to express my absolute gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team of staff you have there!! If there was an award for most dedicated, hardworking, simply amazing team - I would expect that team to get it. The dignity & expertise you have within that team, is something to be extremely proud of as an NHS trust!“

Well, I can assure you that I am incredibly proud of the team, but I am incredibly proud of all our staff.  Another letter to staff implored ‘Please, look a colleague in the eye and remind yourselves of what a fabulous job you are doing’. I’d say that was pretty sound advice and urge you all to take it; it’s true!

I cannot wait for the annual Star Awards presentation evening which is fast approaching.  It’s a celebration of all that is great about this Trust – our staff and what they do. I love this event and am really looking forward to seeing all the nominees, and hearing the winners announced. I hope to see you there!

I’m sure you all know that 29 March was the day we were due to leave the EU. Well, it hasn’t happened. Yet.  But, 29 March is also the last Friday, and therefore my last blog, of this 2018/19 financial year.  And really, what a year it has been.  There have been some true highlights which you can see by clicking on the links below:

Yes, it’s been a good year. So, here’s to April and 19/20.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Kevin

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