Making a difference

  £60,000 was raised for a new Bereavement Suite in the maternity unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The suite provides a private space for parents who have experienced the tragedy of a stillbirth or the loss of their baby post-birth, where they can begin to grieve the loss of their baby.

It is an addition to the existing bereavement facility – the Fay Turner Suite – which will benefit from a refurbishment. The funds went towards converting an existing room in the maternity department into a suitable space which will include a kitchen area and access into the memorial garden, as well as fixtures and furnishings.

Becky Yarranton and her partner Paul Dancyger, from Stourport-on-Severn, are supporting the campaign, having benefited from the existing facilities in January 2016, following the stillbirth of their son Henry.

“The Fay Turner Suite provided a space for our family to see Henry, and for us to say goodbye to him,” Becky said.

“We stayed for two days – although at all times it was made clear that we could stay as long as we wanted to. It meant so much to us that our family could come and see Henry, and the staff couldn’t do enough for us.”

Paul added: “The suite gave us some privacy to be with our loved ones, away from the busy atmosphere of the hospital. Henry was bought to us in a cuddle cot - he was perfect, just like his older brother Max. Then when the time was right we said our goodbyes. Without those two days we'd have nothing to remember him by. Thank you to the staff at the hospital who were so compassionate and caring. It can't heal the pain but it helped build real memories.” 

Trudy Berlet, Bereavement Support Midwife at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We know from the conversations we have with parents how important these facilities are – a space for mothers, partners and family to go, away from the noise and bustle of the nearby maternity ward.

Families of babies born prematurely have benefited after a kind donation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The hospital’s neonatal unit received the £750 donation from the Bransford Golf Club after it was chosen as its charity of the year by club captain Peter Bennett. 

Peter and his partner Jenny Sheppard from Kempsey, visited to donate the cheque six years after their grandson was cared for in the unit having been born 16 weeks premature.

The golf club raised £1,500 in total, splitting the donation between the Neonatal Unit in Worcester and premature baby charity, Bliss. Peter said: “Our grandson had fantastic care when he was here in the unit. It’s a real eye opener to see all the equipment that’s available and the specialist care the staff provide.

“You don’t realise what goes on behind the scenes until you know someone who needs to use the unit. Thank goodness they are all here and we’re really grateful for what they’ve all done for our family.”

Sharon Ali, Matron for the Neonatal Unit said: “We rely on donations like this to provide the little extra luxuries for families whose babies come to the unit. This money will go towards renovating the parents’ flat where they are able to stay overnight to be nearby their new-born baby.”

Doctors and nurses at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have been working together to improve the experience for patients attending the emergency department (ED).

In a focus on putting patients first, staff have introduced new ways to improve communication with patients and carers to help them understand how the department works, easily identify ED staff and understand the possible treatment pathways after arriving.

These include new displays which outline what to expect when in the department, detailing who a patient may see and at what stage; and a new purple uniform worn by ED staff that clearly states their job role, so staff are easily identifiable for all patients.  It is hoped  that both of these developments will help to manage patient expectations, aid understanding, and help reduce patient anxiety at what can often be a daunting time.

The signs have already been installed at the Worcestershire Royal site, with the installation of signs at the Alexandra Hospital taking place this month. The purple uniforms are also being worn in both emergency departments.

Divisional Director of Operations for Urgent Care, Wendy Joberns-Harris said: “We are extremely grateful for the support from Charitable Funds that has enabled the installation improved signage in the department. Our priority is always providing safe, dignified, compassionate care for our patients, and a safe and supportive working environment for our staff, with everyone focused on putting our patients first. Both the signs and the uniforms will hopefully improve patient experience in what can already be an unnerving and unfamiliar situation for so many.”

Teams across the Trust, in partnership with colleagues across the local health system, are working hard to improve patients’ experience of the urgent care pathway as part of the Home First Worcestershire plan, which aims to ensure patients in need of urgent care, are seen in the right place at the right time, with no unnecessary delays.

Diabetes services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have received a boost following a charity fashion show organised by a grateful family who have benefited from their care and support.

Facing diabetes at any age can be daunting, but sports and marketing student Tom Nicholls, 21, feared a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes could mean an end to his hopes of an ongoing active sporting life and a career in sports management.

However, Tom was referred to the South Worcestershire Department for Diabetes and Metabolism (SWDDM) where specialist staff provided him with invaluable information and support to adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Grateful for the support, Tom’s mum Melanie organised a fashion show through the Broughton Hackett Village Committee in conjunction with M&Co in Pershore, to raise money for the department – with staff even taking part as models!

Health Care Assistant, Neil Morris, who strutted his stuff as a model at the event, said: “I was a little nervous but the atmosphere was great and I was pleased to be part of the team modelling the clothes, which included children as well as adults.”

Tom said: “The staff at the hospital helped my family calm down and allowed me to lead a normal life. The Worcester staff were excellent in helping me transfer into a diabetic life: a life that is more normal than I believed possible.”

Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Lisa Smith, said: “I am really passionate about improving peoples’ lives so that their diabetes does not have to be an obstacle in daily life.”

The event raised nearly £700, with the money being shared between the SWDDM and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Birmingham, which funds world class medical research to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 Diabetes.