News

Thanks to the help of Trust volunteers, St Austell Community Hospital’s coffee shop is open once again.

It has been closed since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. With a shortage of volunteers, it has not been possible to reopen. But following a successful appeal for volunteers the popular café is now back up and running.

Matron Margaret West officially reopened the coffee shop.

“I am delighted that we have been able to reopen the much-loved café at St Austell Community Hospital. Without the commitment and support of our dedicated volunteers this would not have been possible. The café has always been a little gem and when it closed was hugely missed by patients, visitors, and staff, and it is great that it is buzzing again.”

Volunteering in the coffee shop helps support the hospital by providing drinks, snacks and a reassuring smile to patients and visitors.

Jan Jago and Christine Clemes are both helping at the coffee shop.

“The reason we are volunteers is because we enjoy the social aspect. We feel that we are giving our time as a service to people who visit for one reason or another.”

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, email Volunteers In Partnership or call 01726 873 253 or 873 255.

Read St Austell Community Hospital coffee shop reopens thanks to volunteers…

Today marks Nursing Support Workers Day, and we are delighted to announce that 2 of the Trust’s healthcare support workers have been given national awards.

Zina Haimotu and Lauren Dombrick from St Austell Community Hospital were presented with Chief Nursing Officer Healthcare Support Workers Awards this week.

They received a surprise visit from Ed Cox of NHS England, who read out the moving nominations from their colleagues.

Zina was nominated by senior staff nurse, Stacie May.

"Zina’s potential for development was evident from the very first day she started here.

“Zina consistently demonstrates a high level of care with each patient. She is often the person we go to for information on patients and their visitors.

“Zina has played a huge part in developing our use of the ‘This Is Me’ records that we use on the wards. These documents aim to ensure that we provide personal attentive care and also how we can improve their care.

“Her awareness of every aspect of care, from moving and handling, to dietary requirements, is exemplary.

“Zina can fulfil her everyday role as healthcare assistant, while showing a keenness to develop in any way she can.

“Zina is a real inspiration to her patients and her colleagues. We are consistently receiving positive feedback about her from all team members.

“I can honestly say that we have seen a real improvement in patient care since Zina joined us. She is a great role model to all of our health care assistants and student nurses.” Stacie May

Lauren was nominated by senior staff nurse, Annie Dyson. Annie’s nomination read:

“The term compassion is something Lauren encapsulates. Not just for the patients in her care but their loved ones and also her colleagues. Her outstanding level of care is consistent as she demonstrates the values of our ward. On the Harold White ward, we strive for excellent patient care and Lauren meets this daily.

“Lauren has this magical skill of understanding each patient and their emotional and physical needs. She reads an atmosphere and provides the patient with whatever it is that would improve their day.

“I consider Lauren to be one of the most professional, kind, and genuine people I have every come across. I have seen Lauren comfort her colleagues when needed and if there is a challenge in another bay Lauren will be the one to step forward and provide that calm element while achieving the goal of making sure everybody is safe and happy.

“We do have some patients with challenging behaviours and I often delegate their care to Lauren, particularly if they have cognitive issues such as dementia. I sometimes get quite emotional watching Lauren with patients that are struggling psychologically. She has the power of turning that emotion into a positive thing and building that rapport, which their families find reassuring.”

Zina admitted the award had come as a complete surprise after she was asked to come into work on her day off.

“I am honoured to receive this award. It’s a big surprise. The ward sister asked me if I was available on Monday. It’s my day off but I said yes. I thought I was in trouble, but she said ‘no, you’re not in trouble!’

“I am not very good at receiving praise, so today I was gobsmacked. Coming into work and giving that care to our patients, it is very rewarding to know that we recognised.

“I love interacting with patients and working really well with our team. It’s a lovely feeling to help. Giving that extra care and seeing patients go home with happiness makes me happy.”

Lauren was also in complete shock after she was presented with her award.

“It was a surprise; I was not expecting it at all. I’m very honoured and emotional.

“I think when you’re doing your normal day-to-day job you do not realise what people are thinking of you.

“It was amazing to hear (the nomination). I love interacting with the patients, getting to know them and hearing their stories. A lot of the patients are elderly so hear about their stories from the past, their family stories. I just enjoy making their days better in any way I can really. I’ve always wanted to look after people.”

Read Healthcare support workers receive surprise awards…

We are Sport in Mind is an award-winning mental health charity that was formed in Reading, Berkshire in 2010. They are unaffiliated to Mind and not part of the local Mind network. They have a simple mission:

"To improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity."

Sport in Mind deliver physical activity (sport, walking, dance and movement, gardening, and exercise sessions) projects in partnership with the NHS to aid:

• recovery
• promote mental wellbeing
• improve physical health
• combat social isolation
• empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction

Sport in Mind sessions

Sport in Mind sessions are free and open to anyone aged 17 or older who are experiencing mental health problems and carers.

The sessions are lots of fun and for all abilities. There is no need to book on and no referral is needed.

The sessions are all delivered by a qualified instructor. Sport in Mind provide the equipment, venues, and no special clothes are required. Venues are easy to access by both car and bus and cater for all levels of mobility.

Staff and volunteers are happy to talk through the sessions and venues. If it helps, they can also meet you outside and walk in with you. A friend or family member is welcome to come to the first session if it makes it easier for you.

Before you attend a session, you will need to complete a participant form. You can complete the form online or at the session.

Sessions in Cornwall

Sport in Mind have regular sessions in Cornwall. Find a session on the activity map. 

For more information, email Laura Brooks or call 07341 267 740.

Sport in Mind’s work

Sport in Mind's innovative programmes are delivered in partnership with the NHS. They co-designed by people with personal experience of mental health problems and healthcare professionals. They deliver sessions to support the recovery of people living with mental health problems in the community and inpatient care. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity irrespective of how unwell they are.

As well as delivering physical activity programmes, Sport in Mind also educates people about mental illness and the benefits of being physically active. Sadly, there are still many common misconceptions about mental illness in society today. Sport in Mind use the power of sport to bring people together to talk about mental health and help change attitudes.

Due to the impact their work has had on the communities they operate in, Sport in Mind has gained national and international acclaim. In 2019, the charity received the highest honour a UK charity can be bestowed: the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services.

Watch Neil Harris and Laura Brooks talk about We are Sport in Mind:

Read We are Sport in Mind…

The Trust is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for 2 awards at this week’s Parkinson’s Excellence Network Awards.

Set up by the charity Parkinson’s UK, the awards celebrate outstanding health and social care services for people with Parkinson’s.

The Trust has been shortlisted for the ‘Innovation in Practice’ award. This follows a successful project to cut waiting times for medication for people with Parkinson’s. It has also been shortlisted in the ‘Sharing Learning and Education’ category. This project promotes physical activity and exercise for people living with Parkinson’s.

In March 2021, we began a new project with the aim of reducing waiting times for medication. It wanted to ensure that people with Parkinson’s received their medication within 30 minutes of being prescribed.

To achieve this the team brought in a new and improved method to be used across the Trust. The Parkinson’s Service have been working with our Education Department. Training is in place for all ward-based staff to support the project.

So far there has been a 13% reduction in medications received outside the 30-minute window. 5 wards have achieved the gold standard target of all medications received within 30 minutes.

“It is great that this project has been recognised. It has been beneficial for people with Parkinson’s. With plans in place to continue this ongoing project we hope it can help many more.

“We are 1 of 3 services nationally to be nominated for this award, which is great.” Lynne Osborne, Consultant Nurse

The Trust has also been shortlisted in the ‘Sharing Learning and Education’ category. This project aims to help people with Parkinson’s lead active lifestyles.

Since 2019, the Trust’s partnership with Active Cornwall has helped the team provide high quality training of new Parkinson’s friendly providers. This is thanks to an evidence-based and sustained approach to training.

The project has also built greater awareness of Parkinson’s, showing the value of exercise. It has also opened up new paths for people living with Parkinson’s, with a range of activities to choose from. This also means people are able to self-manage in a highly active and fun way.

“The Trust is passionate about promoting and supporting physical activity and exercise for people living with Parkinson’s.

“By collaborating with Active Cornwall, we were able to expand our work and improve the opportunities for our patients to be more active in a variety of ways, right across the county.

“The project has been a great success both for people with Parkinson’s in Cornwall and the team. The team’s shortlisting for the final round of the Parkinson’s Excellence Network Awards is a fantastic way to spread the word about what we have achieved so far.” Sophia Hulbert, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Parkinson's

The awards ceremony takes place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Wednesday 22 November.

“To hear we have been shortlisted not once but twice for the Parkinson's Excellence Network Awards fills me with great pride.

"As a Trust, our vision is for outstanding care for all. It is great to hear of projects that worked towards supporting that ambition acknowledged nationally.” Debbie Richards, Chief Executive

Read Parkinson’s Service shortlisted for national awards…

An electronic interactive wall is helping to improve both mental and physical health at Longreach House, based at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital.

The team at Longreach fundraised for part of the funds by doing a virtual walk the distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Lucy McCormick is a sports and exercise technician at Longreach Hospital and is one of the members of staff who raised funds for the equipment.

“We really needed a piece of equipment that did not feel like exercise.

“Lots of our patients struggle with very low mood and often do not have the mental space or energy for exercise. So it was vital that we found a really appealing piece of equipment to get patients to step foot into the gym and get exercising.”

The CardioWall is a large, interactive piece of equipment that has several pre-loaded games that combine both cognitive and physical challenge. The unique games work multiple muscle groups, improve coordination, reaction time, strength, and cardiovascular endurance, as well as improving balance and decision-making. Games can be as short as 1 minute.

It is inclusive and caters for a wide range of patients, with varying fitness levels, ages, and abilities. The CardioWall can even be used whilst sat down or used by those in a wheelchair or limited mobility.

“Our patients are always drawn to the CardioWall and it keeps them coming back to do exercise. It has been beneficial for many people and has helped to get people into the gym. Many people do not even realise that they are doing exercise! Quite often people will have a go on the CardioWall and then start to use other pieces of equipment. It has been great.” Lucy McCormick

One service user at Longreach has even asked for the CardioWall to be included in her treatment plan.

“I really enjoy sport and exercise so was introduced to the CardioWall during a previous stay at Longreach and found that it helped my mental health. When I was readmitted, I asked for the CardioWall to be included in my treatment plan.”

The service user found the CardioWall helped as a copying mechanism to deal with her anger.

“I like to use the CardioWall to help me when I feel angry and frustrated. It is a great distraction for when I am not feeling great, and I enjoy trying to beat my previous scores or even one of the members of staff! Being able to exercise whilst staying at Longreach has helped to improve my mental health.”

The CardioWall was designed and made by Bodmin-based company, Rugged Interactive.

“We’re delighted to see the CardioWall is continuing to make a positive contribution to the patients and staff at Longreach Hospital.

“As the CardioWall was designed in and is manufactured in Cornwall, it is great to see a local installation working so well. Since being launched in 2009, The Rugged Interactive CardioWall has begun to establish itself as a valuable tool in healthcare around the world”. Simon Heap, Company Founder of Rugged Interactive

Read Cornish-made CardioWall improving inpatients mental health…

Poppy wreaths from the Trust are on their way to London ahead of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The wreaths were among those blessed in a special ceremony at Helston Community Hospital on Monday 6 November. They were then flown to Plymouth on board a Merlin helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, ahead of being taken to the capital by train to be laid outside the Cenotaph.

The special journey is part of the Poppies to Paddington operation, launched by The Veterans Charity and Great Western Railway during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trust colleagues, veterans and members of the Armed Forces Network were at the blessing, including matron of Helston Community Hospital Lynda McHale. She described the team's close connection with the forces.

“On a local level, there are lots of different forces that are based here in Helston. It is not just the Navy, but the RAF and everybody are all based at Culdrose. I think because we all have that connection, it means an awful lot.

“I think the pride is there. It is really obvious that they are really proud. Also, I think they are thankful for somebody or some people keeping that connection between them.”

Neill Wilson is an Armed Forces Staff Champion at the hospital.

“It is important for us because it is the hundredth anniversary of remembering for the hospital. The hospital was 100 in May so sending a wreath up to Paddington, which will be laid at the Cenotaph, is quite special.”

Chair of the Trust's Armed Forces Network and matron of Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, Sue Greenwood, was also among the guests.

“There is a very close tight-knit connection with the forces in a lot of the communities in Cornwall, and it holds a lot of memories for people when we come round to Remembrance Sunday.

“I am absolutely honoured to have been part of the service and to be able to represent all of the people from the Trust, and everyone on the Network, in how we commemorate all those who gave their lives.

“It is very close to my heart. I was in the forces and my husband was as well, so it touches a lot of our staff's lives and our patients. I think what we have done has been absolutely special and so lovely to have all of those people join us in sending and blessing our wreaths.”

Read Special send off for Cornwall’s NHS poppy wreaths…

The NHS Providers report was published recently, and we were delighted to see the Trust earn praise for its work in supporting staff wellbeing.

The report covers steps and innovations which have been introduced by Trusts to ensure positive outcomes for staff and patient care.

Trusts across England were commended for the steps they have taken in supporting staff during the current challenges the NHS is faced with.

A number of examples featured in the report. This included the Trust’s work in ‘creating a sense of belonging’ for its staff.

The report said:

“It is essential that all staff feel part of a team and organisation which is respectful and values their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives.

“Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust recognised the importance of this and has addressed inequalities that staff face to notable effect.”

“Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust recognises the importance of creating a sense of belonging. This is through an inclusive and compassionate environment for its staff. Investing in specific support for an increasingly diverse workforce. The Trust’s international nursing recruitment programme ensures these colleagues are well supported. It improves their wellbeing and job satisfaction.”

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive of the Trust, said:

“The health and wellbeing of staff is a priority at the Trust. Addressing inequalities and embracing diversity is central to fostering an organisational culture which positively impacts all staff, their workplace experience, and their wellbeing.”

Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

"Improving the wellbeing of NHS workers requires a collective effort to ensure every colleague is treated with respect, dignity, compassion and care.

“This report shows how this can be achieved.

“It is a timely and welcome reminder of the importance of supporting staff to improve their wellbeing, so they feel valued, empowered and supported, so patients can experience the best care and achieve the best outcomes.”

Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of NHS Providers, said:

“People are the backbone of the NHS. Trust leaders know that caring for their workforce enables them to care for others.

“As NHS staff continue to tackle the extraordinary pressures they are facing and look to keep the service fit for the future, it is clear that a focus on wellbeing and experience at work will be key.

“With the right investment and focus, Trusts will be able to ensure the NHS continues to be a great place to work.”

Read Trust’s support for staff wellbeing earns praise in NHS report…

The Health Service Journal has shortlisted a local clinical pathway for the Modernising Diagnostics Award.

Camborne Redruth Community Hospital is the base for this. The pathway diagnoses and treats low acuity chest pain.

The community hospital assesses patients and offers senior medical advice.

The pathway is available to patients throughout Cornwall. It provides an alternative care setting for over 100 patients and reducing the pressure on the emergency department.

The patient is then referred back to their local primary care team or referred into the hospital if they require more specialised cardiology review. Over 1,000 people have taken part in the pathway.

“The aim of this pathway is to provide same-day emergency care for patients with low acuity chest pain.

“An episode of chest pain can be very alarming for patients.

“It is important to always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional as there are urgent important investigations that need to be carried out on the same day.

“A patient who has presented to their primary care team or calls 999 will be reviewed and have an ECG done by the initial team.

“If the ECG does not show an acute heart attack and the pain has settled, then the patient is referred to the low acuity chest pain pathway. Even with a normal ECG there can still be concerns with the heart and so further blood test need to be carried out urgently.

“The patient is then looked at and cared for in one of our community hospitals.” Dr Janine Glazier, Associate Medical Director

The new technology allows health care professionals to take blood and put it through a handheld machine.

This provides results within 10 minutes and saves a trip to an acute hospital to access this important test

"Health care professionals use an Atellica Patient-Side Analyzer to see if there has been any damage to the heart muscle.

“They then conduct blood tests and investigate other causes of chest pain. This can include chest infections, stomach ulcers, and joint inflammation.” Dr Janine Glazier, Associate Medical Director

The pathway runs in collaboration with the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

It uses their specialists in chemical pathology, cardiology, and emergency care. The patient is referred to an acute cardiology team if they need more care.

Their GP is told the results and changes to medication on the same day.

“Chest pain is the main reason many go to the emergency department. 8 in 10 people go home after a day or less.

“Our pathway treats patients in the community to free up the emergency department and ambulance service for those distressed and in pain.

“The pilot is a success. The patient is seen closer to home in a quiet and calm place.

“Where appropriate This is much better for our patients, especially those who are frail and elderly.” Dr Janine Glazier, Associate Medical Director

The trial has also cut the numbers of people admitted to hospital. The pathway is now in West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. Bodmin will soon follow.

The Health Service Journal will announce the award winners on 16 November 2023 in London.

Read Chest pain pathway shortlisted for national award…

It was a proud day for the Trewhela family recently when mother and son Andrea and Zac graduated through the Trust’s apprenticeship programme.

In an amazing twist of family fate, both graduated on the same day at the University of Plymouth after completing their courses.

The graduation event celebrated the achievements of its students following years of hard work. But it was an especially poignant moment for Zac and his mum Andrea as they shared the special day with their family.

Andrea has worked as a community nurse for several years and has now achieved the Masters level qualification as a district nurse.

“I felt really proud. When I found out Zac was going to be graduating on the same day, I thought I am not going to get that opportunity again. I just wanted to be there for him, and it was really lovely to see him graduate. I had that proud mum moment when I watched him walk across the stage.

“The apprenticeship was amazing. It was very different, because you have all your apprenticeship standards to meet alongside the educational modules side of the course. There are off the job hours you must complete and there is an option to do a placement in the last year.

“When you have the opportunity to step outside your day job it opens ;a whole new avenue. It has re-enlightened my interest in research and from my presentation in the second year I am following that on in the workplace as an actual project trial. I am now thinking about doing the research module to take it even further. You never stop learning and it has been a fabulous course for me.” Andrea Trewhela

Zac has just completed his 3-year registered nurse (mental health) degree apprenticeship and is now working for the Trust as a mental health nurse. He is based at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital (Basset unit), where he is part of the dementia and older people’s mental health community team.

He said: “It was a proud day not just for myself, but also getting that opportunity to share the experience with my mum. My dad was there as well, and my nan, as well as my fiance, Charlie. It was really special.

“The team I am in are very supportive. They are easy to talk to if I have any questions. From the beginning my team manager set out the role and that has allowed me not to feel overwhelmed with the tasks I am doing. I could not have asked for a much better start with the team.”

“It has been a real privilege to have been involved in their academic journeys and they both richly deserve their success.

“I am so pleased that our apprenticeship offering has enabled Zac and Andrea, and a further 150 other staff to achieve a range of qualifications to support their career progression as well as enhance our service delivery.

“We currently have 196 staff on their apprenticeship pathways with more to start on October cohorts. They are a great way to enable our current staff to achieve career focussed and employer developed qualifications linked to their job roles, as well as attracting new staff into the organisation with career development pathways.” Becky McSorley, Lead Practice Educator

Having previously graduated to become a community nurse in 2005, Andrea enrolled in the programme to complete her Masters as a district nurse.

Becky explains: “This is a 2-year programme. It covers key aspects such as advanced case management for people with highly complex unpredictable needs. It also covers holistic assessments and diagnostic decisions. As well as leading a team to manage complex, dynamic, and unpredictable caseloads. All using the most up-to-date research and evidence-based practice.

“It is a very in-depth and complex course with a high level of study requirements. Andrea has worked extremely hard to achieve the qualification, as have all our graduates.”

Zac spent 2 years in Southampton studying accountancy and finance, before deciding on a new career path in mental health.

Becky says: “During his course I was his line manager. I was involved in his regular reviews, and it has been a real joy to watch him develop as a competent and confident professional who will provide fantastic care and compassion to our service users.”

Read Mother and son graduate through Trust’s apprenticeship programme…

A new modular ward to support the rehabilitation of stroke patients in west Cornwall is due to be installed in December.

The Trust has been given £3 million of government funding for the ward at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital.

The interim unit will have a range of facilities. These will include areas for visiting, family meetings, speech and language therapy reviews, and meals away from patients' bedsides. The unit will also offer a therapy gym.

It will be in place while vital repair works are carried out on the existing Lanyon Ward. Patients will move across once the new ward has been connected to the main hospital by a covered walkway.

Sue Greenwood, Matron, at Camborne and Redruth, describes the unit as state of the art.

"It is essential that we continue to deliver rehabilitation to people who have suffered a stroke. The unit will allow us to provide this critical service without disrupting care.

"It has got everything that you would want in a stroke rehabilitation unit so we are able to maintain the care and what you would expect if you were to be looked after on Lanyon Ward.

"You could not wish to be looked after in a better place. The modular units that we can have in the NHS now are really good and robust. They are a really lovely environment without the bricks around the outside".

Work to install the modular ward will cause some disruption on site, including to parking. Sue is thanking staff for their patience and hard work.

"I am very lucky to have an amazingly, dedicated team of staff who provide really high-quality care here at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital. It is lovely to be able to reassure them that they are going into a unit that is going to support and continue all the great care that they deliver every day".

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive, is reassuring patients, visitors and staff.

"The start of this work marks a period of major investment and will provide us with more clinical capacity on this site for the future. The works will cause some disruption to staff, patients, and visitors to the site. However, we will do all we can to minimise the impact.

"We hope people will keep in mind the improvements we have already achieved on this site, with outpatients, diagnostics and the urgent treatment centre. We also hope they will welcome the marked improvement the works and investment will deliver to Camborne, Redruth, and the nearby communities. It is great to see more investment in some of our most deprived communities in the county we all love".

Read Modular stroke rehabilitation ward to be in place by Christmas…