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In the week that the local NHS launched a summer campaign to help people choose the right service, we officially opened Bodmin Minor Injury Unit in its new premises.

After over 20 years in Bodmin Hospital, the unit has moved out of the hospital and is now co-located with the community diagnostic centre, which opened in December 2022, and which is located on the same site.

Tamsin Fussell, Urgent Care Nurse Consultant, said: “We are really pleased to move into the new facilities within the community diagnostic centre. The new facilities include a triage room, 5 treatment bays, all with a specific clinical function. Moving into the community diagnostic centre gives us access to more diagnostic tests, for example CT scans.”

The unit is one of the county’s larger units. The team have already helped almost 11,700 patients in 2023 so far, and that’s before the start of their busiest month: August. Of the people who’ve used the minor injury unit this year, 834 needed help with a head injury, 323 with burns, and 157 with broken bones.

Laura Inniss, Advanced Clinical Practitioner Minor Injury Unit Lead, runs the unit. She said: “We have an amazing team that are competent and committed to our patients and our community. We never know who is going to walk through the door, and this is part of what gives us passion and drive for as MIU Practitioners, it is this that makes us love our job.

“We’re 1 of 10 minor injury units across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and we’re a key part of the network of urgent and emergency care services. In most cases we’re able to treat people quickly and efficiently so they can return home, but there are times when we need to transfer people to the emergency department because they are very unwell.

“We’re here every day from 8am to 10pm and we are a walk-in service, so no appointment is required.”

The unit is the only one in the east of the county which is open from 8am to 10pm. Camborne Redruth in the west is open 8a to 10pm. Most of the Trust’s minor injury units are open from 8am to 8pm. X-ray services are available in Bodmin from 8am to 8pm daily.

Phase 3 of the community diagnostic centre will see the second floor transformed into a multi-use clinical space with more diagnostic facilities. The diagnostic services available in Bodmin already include x-ray, ultrasound and the county’s fifth CT scanner; is the only one east of Truro.

Read Bodmin Minor Injury Unit opens in new location…

The Trust is delighted to announce that it will be represented by 3 finalists at this year’s WOW! Awards Gala Ceremony in London.

Following months of deliberating, the national judging panel of service industry experts has revealed the list of finalists. With 3 from the Trust shortlisted for the 2023 finals which are to be held at the Proud Embankment venue in London on 28 November 2023. Since the scheme was launched there have been 2,461 Trust nominations across adult community services, mental health, and corporate services.

Laura Patrick, Andrew Spencer, and Tom Woodward will all head to the awards after their nominations wow’d judges. They received the exciting news in separate surprise presentations recently, where they were handed a framed certificate and winners’ pack from the Trust’s Retention Co-Ordinator, Fiona Duguid.

Laura is a business support manager at Sowenna, which provides inpatient treatment for young people aged between 13 and 18. She has been shortlisted for the Internal Service Star Award after going above and beyond in her role. After receiving the surprise news in front of her work colleagues, Laura admitted it came as a complete surprise.

She says: “I am shocked. It is really nice because I do what I do because I love Sowenna, and it is nice that it has not gone unnoticed. It is a team effort, but times have meant that I have had to do a lot more.

“We are here for the young people and everything we do is for them. Sometimes staffing issues mean you do not have all the people that you need so I do work a lot of late nights, but it is wonderful to support them.

“I was totally blown away, my colleagues are amazing, we do it all together, but they keep telling me I do too much! The fact that they all came on a Monday morning to share that with me was really nice. I did not expect it at all.”

After surprising Laura with the news that she will be heading to London in November for the finals, Fiona paid tribute to her hard work and dedication to Sowenna, which opened in Bodmin in 2019.

She says: “It was an absolute pleasure to be at Sowenna to surprise Laura and to talk to all the team. Quite a few people had already been nominated so it was nice to be here and see the whole team atmosphere. What a great group they are.

“When I spoke to Laura’s managers, Fran Riley, and Leanne Wadey, leading up to this, they were delighted that she had been chosen because everybody here puts in 110%. They were delighted that Laura has been recognised, as were the team.”

Another finalist from the Trust is Andrew Spencer. He is a physical and mental health practitioner for Talking Therapies, based in the Trust offices in Roche. Andrew will join Laura at the WOW! Awards after being shortlisted in the Inspirational Individual Award category.

Andrew has been with the NHS since 2018 and he says the opportunity to give something back to the community is what drives him. After facing some challenging times during the pandemic, he says it is nice to get recognition in a job he is passionate about.

He says: “It is a role I really connect with. We went through a difficult period with lockdown and there was a lot of resilience needed for that. It was a big learning curve then, we did not really expect it, so we all had to pull together.

“I really enjoy my job, it is something I have chosen to do, it is not something I have fallen into accidentally, so I think that is maybe why I have this award. I think it comes through (why I enjoy my job) when I talk about it.

“I wanted to work in the NHS, I was really passionate about it. Not only did I not think I would be able to work in the NHS, but to be awarded this is something I cannot even express.”

Tom Woodward will be joining Laura and Andrew at the awards after he was shortlisted for the Outstanding Management and Leadership Award.

Tom is team manager in psychological services at the Trust’s offices in Roche. He was paid a surprise visit by Fiona during a team meeting and presented with a framed certificate by Amy Dawes, Talking Therapies Team Manager.

He says: “I was really surprised. I was not expecting it at all. With the WOW! Awards I saw some nominations come in and I was just over the moon that people had taken the time to say what they thought and express their appreciation.

“As a manager you are in a position where sometimes you are giving people bad news. It is a fine line that you tread between supporting people and having to be clear about what your expectations are as a manager.

“I have spent so many years as a manager, hoping that I get things right, having feedback that tells me what I do is appreciated. This is not like anything I have ever had before. It is an amazing feeling.

“I am also very humbled by the staff that I manage. They do amazing work with our clients and our patients every single day of the week. I am in a position of awe a lot of the time with the work that they do.”

Laura, Andi, and Tom will now represent the Trust at the WOW! Awards in November, having already been recognised for the work they do within the Trust.

Fiona says: “Along with Laura, it is amazing that out of over 34,000 nominations, Andi and Tom have been selected to attend the national awards ceremony.

“Congratulations to our 3 finalists and everybody who has been nominated and recognised by the WOW! Awards. Finally, thank you to everyone who has made a nomination. This recognition goes a long way in terms of making our colleagues feel recognised and valued.”

Read Trust’s mental health trio wow national judges…

As the NHS celebrated 75 years, the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club, along with the Porthleven Gig Club, paid homage to our health service with a row out to the Penzance promenade.

The Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club launched in October 2022, and has since seen around 50 people join to improve not only their physical health but also their mental wellbeing. However joining a new club can be daunting for some. To help combat this, the club has launched their new ‘Row for Health’ initiative.

Sarah Sejahtera is our education mental health practitioner and supervisor in our mental health support team for schools. Sarah joined the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club in October, but it took until January to build up the confidence to attend.

“We recently surveyed all our pilot gig club members. From their feedback, the one thing everyone has said is how friendly and welcoming our club is. Along with how much they have got out of joining, but they appreciate how hard it can be to join an established sports club. Usually this is due to a lack of confidence or feeling not sporty or fit enough” comments Sarah.

“To support people to improve their physical and mental health, we are going to offer a buddy scheme to all new members who would like some support and to accompany them to come along to the harbour to see the boat, be taken out in the boat and then have a go at rowing. We will also offer specific rows for health, so you can be buddied up with someone with the similar health goals as you.”

To join the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club or find out more about Row for Health, call Julie on 07730 587 532. You can also email the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club, visit the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club website or find the Penzance and Newlyn Pilot Gig Club on Facebook for more information.

Read NHS 75 Row for Health…

As the NHS celebrated 75 years, we were delighted to mark the occasion by joining the South West Coast Path Association as it celebrated 50 years.

In a brand-new initiative set up by the Trust’s Wellbeing Team and in partnership with the South West Coast Path Association, the walk not only marked a timely double celebration, but it also demonstrated the importance of staff wellbeing and why being available to do something away from work can have a positive impact on your mental health.

The walk was well attended by employees from across the Trust and was led by Jack Greaves, Coast Path Connectors Project Officer, for the South West Coast Path Association.

Jack says: “We run a project called the Coast Path Connectors. The idea is to encourage people to use the South West Coast Path for wellbeing, mental, physical health, socialising because it is a free resource on our doorstep in Cornwall. I have been working with the Trust to set up test walks for the NHS staff. It is a high stress job so it is just to highlight that the coast path is there. It's a tool that we can use to get away from our day-to-day stresses.”

Taking in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful coastline, the group walked from Polkerris to Gribben Head and then down to Poldridmouth Cove. They stopped for lunch, before completing the 4.5-mile loop through Menabilly and back to Polkerris.

One of those taking part in the walk was Gary Wheildon, Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, from the Trust. Gary has been organising the partnership alongside Zara Miners, Trish Quinn and Dan Lashbrook from our Wellbeing Team.

He commented: “We are here today primarily to celebrate 75 years of the NHS which is fantastic. The South West Coast Path Association is 50 this year as well so it combines quite nicely. They are delivering some free training for us to be able to lead walks. They are also offering free guided walks for staff which is an awesome opportunity for staff to get out and about and do things. The uptake has been brilliant. We have been lucky that staff have been able to come out and join us for the walks. It is a partnership we are looking to roll out over a prolonged period.

“Lots of people will get out on the coast path in their personal time. What we are trying to do within our role in the Wellbeing Team is get the message out to staff individually and in teams and say: "Can you be creative in finding ways to access wellbeing for you?". We understand that work pressure is going to dictate, so people cannot do things like today. The message is if it is not this what else could it be? How else can you engage? With a walking meeting maybe? There are loads of ways teams can get more active, getting out in fresh air. It is something you have got to do within your work setting so you have got to be a bit more imaginative how you do it."

He added: “The messaging we have had from the Trust and both chief executives has absolutely been that wellbeing is a priority for staff. I know that there might be staff that think it is hard for them to access that, but that is the message and what we are trying to do is spread that message wider so that people take opportunities if they can.”

Coming from various roles across the Trust, people still managed to take time out of their busy working week to take part in the walk, and Gary is encouraging more staff to follow suit following its success.

He says: “People have been amazing today to carve time out to come and do this with us. It just goes to prove that if you do not ask: "Can we go and do this?", if you are not feeling confident enough to ask then you will always keep doing the things you have been doing. Whereas people have challenged that today to get here and the answer has been "yes". So clearly there is support and there is opportunity for things like this today.”

There are already plans for more walks to take place in the future. With so many stunning routes to enjoy in a county famed for its spectacular coastline Trust staff are going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a walk to enjoy.

Gary added: “What we are going to be doing is taking it out and about around the county. We can provide walks that are more bespoke level. It does not have to be as long as it is today, it could be a different route. It is just asking and challenging what your popular beliefs might be and about what you can and cannot do in regard to wellbeing.”

Read Trust joins South West Coast Path Association to mark NHS 75…

The use of Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) to treat depression has divided opinion for many years. Staff at Bodmin Community Hospital’s ECT unit are aiming to dispel the stigma surrounding the treatment after witnessing first-hand the positive impact it has had on patients.

On the wall of the ECT reception is a noticeboard filled with thank you cards, from patients and families, expressing their gratitude for the positive and sometimes life-changing impact this often-misunderstood treatment has had.

ECT has come a long way since it was first developed in 1938 when the use of enough electric current through the brain to cause a seizure was used as a treatment for severe schizophrenia. With the development of technology and research over the decades, ECT is far more refined now, though there remains a highly sceptical stigma attached to this treatment.

However, ECT is an effective treatment for some types of mental illness. When other treatment options, such as psychotherapy or medication, have not been successful, ECT is considered. As a treatment, ECT is usually given twice a week taking place under general anaesthetic. During this short period of time your brain is stimulated with short electric pulses. As well as an anaesthetic, a muscle relaxant is also given which reduces how much your body moves during the fit.

Rita McNary is the Unit Manager at Bodmin Community Hospital’s ECT Unit. With over 40 years' experience of working for the NHS, she is keen to dispel the myths surrounding ECT. She says: “It has had very controversial publicity because people do not often understand what we do. We have an efficacy of 75% to 80% success rate which is very high in mental health.

“People that come to us are fully assessed, both physically and mentally to make sure they are physically fit to have the treatment. They must undergo a general anaesthetic, be it a small one, so they do not feel anything. They are asleep when they have the treatment. We pass a small amount of electricity across the brain. It is not like massive volts which people tend to think it is a terrible thing, which the media has portrayed over the years. The treatment is very quick, and the side effects are minimal. There is a lot of controversy over memory loss, which is one of the main side effects, but people do tend to regain their memory quite quickly after treatment has finished.

“One of the rewards of working here has been the amazing recovery that we see of patients. Some people are not eating and drinking, they are lying in their bed, they are very suicidal. We see them go from that to fully conversing, eating, and drinking, smiling, chatting, and often saying ‘you’ve given me my life back.’

“We only treat people twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) which is the national recommendation. They can consent for 12 treatments at a time if they are able to. But some people may require more whereas others require less. It depends on the person, it is very individual.

“Everybody who is treated should be under the Mental Health Team because obviously they are very poorly people. They are referred by a psychiatrist to our team. We are known as a referred in service, so every referral comes to us, and our experienced consultant will assess them.”

The unit is also accredited by the ECT Accreditation Service which assures and improves the quality of the administration of ECT. This year the team were recognised for their outstanding delivery of high-quality care in the face of adversity (after moving into alternative clinical accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic) when they received the ‘Most Improved Team’ award at the joint ECT Accreditation Service and Nalnect Forum in London.

Rita says: “We eventually moved back to our original building and almost started again in developing our team, improving staffing levels and looking at a longer-term business plan to take our service forward. The team worked very hard in ensuring continuation of care and supporting each other. We are striving to reach a gold standard service for our patients who we think fully deserve this.”

Read Positive results aim to dispel myths surrounding ECT treatment…

A new program which aims to improve the lives of people living with neurological conditions will be piloted from 12 July.

The program is a collaboration between Cornwall Council’s Echo Day Centre in Liskeard and the Trust’s Stroke and Neurological Community Team. It is due to begin with a 14-week course for a group of 15 patients with varying neurological conditions.

The program is aimed at adults with physical or cognitive neurological impairments who have a long-term rehabilitation goal and can engage in activities. The goals can be centred around self-management and maintenance of their condition, independence, or life skills.

The program will be delivered once a week by Echo support workers. It will be monitored by therapists from the Stroke and Neuro Community Rehab Team.

Through a range of activities, it aims for patients to obtain support and gain the skills required to be able to live more independently. While reducing carer requirement. By receiving this support, it is hoped there will also be a reduction in referrals to treatment time and the usage of NHS services by patients.

At present, people living with a long-term neurological condition face up to a 3-month wait from date of discharge to access specialist NHS community rehabilitation. They may only receive physiotherapy or occupational therapy once a fortnight or less. During this program, they will be able to access support more quickly, have support worker contact every week. This will aid rehabilitation, better support carers and for some people, even reduce long-term care needs.

“We are hoping to be able to support people with regaining their independence and confidence with managing their long-term conditions through improved access to support and facilities and increased intensity of input during the program. We are hoping that this will reduce social isolation which is a problem within Cornwall, provide respite for carers, and support people with accessing services amongst the voluntary sector following the project.” Angela Gibbon, Physiotherapist and Trainee Consultant Practitioner in Neurological Rehabilitation and Echo Partnership Developer

The Echo Centre currently provides services such as social contact, cognitive exercises, activities to improve gross motor skills and functional activities to several people with a range of neurological conditions.

“All our staff are really excited to try working in a more joined up way. It will bring together 2 highly motivated teams with different skills to benefit the patients. As well as being an opportunity to share available resources within Cornwall.

“Our patients are so enthusiastic about the project. They have helped us develop the ideas. Going forwards, we aim to support people to take more control of their own lives, improve their health and wellbeing, work towards building their self-esteem. As well as empowering them to become more engaged, confident, and active. This will enable them to reach their full potential.” Lorna Searle, Team Leader

Read Pilot launched to improve lives of people with neurological conditions…

We are delighted to announce that 2 of our projects have won this year’s Community Hospitals Association Innovation and Best Practice Awards.

Camborne Redruth Community Hospital’s wound management clinic and the Trust’s Parkinson’s Get It On Time project both scooped awards in recognition of their positive impact in their respective areas of work.

The Community Hospitals Association Innovations and Best Practice Awards Programme began in 2000 and celebrate the breadth of services and facilities that are offered in community hospitals across the country. 

The wound clinic provides a nurse-led service to patients in the north Kerrier area. The service has seen improved outcomes for patients in the management of wounds through a holistic model of care.

The Trust’s Kylie Lock is quality lead for west adult community and countywide specialist services, and integrated therapies. She comments: “I am really pleased to hear that both projects have received a Community Hospitals Association award for the work they have done.

“The Camborne Redruth Community Hospital wound management clinic is an excellent service. The clinic follows national guidance and supports all patients within the primary care network. Having visited the clinic last week to collate some patient feedback, it was clear that they have a positive experience of the service, and they speak so highly of the caring and friendly team.” 

The Get It On Time project has improved patient experience and reduced the impact of delayed medication for inpatients with Parkinson’s.

Kylie adds: “It has been great to be part of the project team and look at small changes we can make to improve the timeliness of Parkinson’s medication. With so much passion and enthusiasm in the team, we have seen such an improvement over the last few months. We are now looking at how we can share the success of this project with our partners at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.”

The wound management clinic comprises registered nurses, a registered nursing associate and healthcare assistants. They promote positive clinical practice through ongoing multi-disciplinary assessments, shared decision-making, intervention, and documentation. All of which must occur to facilitate optimal wound healing.

Sally Oxley is the project lead for the wound management clinic and is delighted that her team’s skills and dedication have been recognised.

She says: “I’m really pleased that the team’s hard work has been recognised and we have won the award. The wound management clinic sees more than 350 patients a week and supports them with management of complex leg ulcers and wounds.

“We provide a holistic approach to the management of wounds. It offers our patients the best clinical practice and an opportunity for social connections and peer support with other patients attending.

“We have a great supportive, inclusive team here and consistently embed a learning culture helping our staff to develop. I am proud of the team and the recognition we have received.” 

The Trust’s Get It On Time project also picked up an award for its commitment to reducing waiting times for medication. The aim of the project is to ensure Parkinson’s patients within the Trust’s inpatient settings receive their medication within 30 minutes of the planned time.

Lynne Osbourne is the project lead for the project, and says the award is just reward for all the hard work her team has put in since the campaign began in March 2021.

She says: “It has been great to take the national Get It On Time campaign and develop this locally within the Trust, by utilising quality improvement methodology.

“The success of this project has been supported by the increased engagement from our wards and medicines management link nurses, who have really driven this forward.

“Alongside the education and advice provided by our Parkinson’s Service, we have been fortunate to have Luke Huntley, Pharmacist, on the project team who provides the data each week and closely monitors this.

“Finding out we had won the award was a great boost for the project team and we look forward to celebrating and sharing this success with the inpatient wards, who have worked hard to achieve this.”

Kylie finished by praising the leadership of Sally and Lynne, saying: “They are both wonderful compassionate leaders, who want the best for their patients and are continually looking at ways to improve their service. It’s a pleasure to work with them and support with a quality improvement approach. Congratulations to both project teams on their success.”

Read We have won 2 innovation and best practice awards…