News

• Outstanding dedication Shines through!

  by Kirstie Flack | Aug 07, 2017
  

  Raj Thirunageswaram, MSK physiotherapist and operational team lead, based in Peterborough has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.
  
  Raj was nominated by Jayne Davies, clinical lead, for demonstrating excellent leadership skills. He always does this in a calm way and his staff cohorts appreciate his emotional stability, his steadiness and his support. The most recent demonstration of this was certainly above and beyond, to the most extreme.
  
  During the recent cyber-attack Raj excelled in his duty as team lead for Peterborough when he was called in over the weekend with an urgent I.T. request to turn on all PC’s across 6 sites in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. His actions were integral to CCS being operational on Monday morning.
  
  Jayne said: “Raj reassured our business manager Sarah Saul that the work would be carried out, taking details, instruction and relaying back to ensure it took place. He remained calm and acted upon the instructions ensuring that he relayed the information to the admin lead succinctly and promptly. 
  
  “Just two hours later his wife delivered their new child! What he had failed to mention when taking the call from Sarah and acting upon the instructions was that his wife was in labour and he was rushing her to the maternity unit. This is certainly above and beyond the normal call of duty!”
  
  Sarah Saul, business manager, DynamicHealth, said: “I am very proud of all my staff that helped MSK stay operational through the cyber-attack and went onto sites to action requests over the weekend. The fact Raj said nothing about him being a bit busy and just ensured the job was done showed his great attitude and dedication. Congratulations to him and his wife on the birth of their second child.”
  
  The “Shine a Light” scheme allows members of the public to nominate staff who have delivered a fantastic service and made a real difference to their lives. Trust staff are also encouraged to nominate their colleagues.
  
  On winning the award Raj said: "Ever since I qualified as a physiotherapist I have loved every aspect of it. I thoroughly enjoy working as a team lead for the MSK Physiotherapy at Peterborough and I have learnt a lot by doing this role daily.
  
  “I believe that “I don't shine if my team doesn’t shine” and this award has come as a big surprise to me. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a positive Dynamic team and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who nominated me for this award.”
  
  Every month a member of staff or a team are selected from a list of nominations as the “Shine a Light” award winner. If you would like to nominate a member of staff or a team who has gone the extra mile for you, you can nominate online at www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk 
  
  Photo: Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Jayne Davies, Raj Thirunageswaram and Sarah Saul.
  
  

• Beads of Courage Tea Party

  by Kirstie Flack | Aug 04, 2017

   

  Milton Country Park was the place to be on Friday 28^th July, were local families celebrated the Beads of Courage second anniversary.
  
  Children living with long term life-limiting conditions and their families celebrated with a tea party along with members of staff from Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
  
  Mags Hirst, play specialist children's community nursing team said: “Today we are celebrating another year of success for our Long Term Beads of Courage programme.
  
  “We are very proud that the children's bravery and courage during their journey with life limiting conditions can be marked with beads which can show the different treatments or procedures they have undertaken. The children use their beads in many ways to talk and share their thoughts and feelings with their families, friends and health professionals.
  
  “We have received generous financial donations during the past year that have paid for 30 children to be enrolled onto the beads of courage programme and are currently looking for funding to carry on the programme into the next year.
  
  “We send a huge thank you to Mark Hunter at Creative team events Ltd #events-team for the awesome drumming session he held for us at the party which was enjoyed by both children and adults.
  
  “We also wish to send out thanks to Monkey from Monkey Wellbeing and Monkey’s mum and dad aka Helen and Daniel Sadler for coming to spend the afternoon with us and sending us some fabulous photographs and video footage of the fun and excitement.”
  
  The event was an opportunity for the children to get together and to show their strings of beads and enjoy a fantastic cake baked and generously donated by Fay Forbes of Proper Cake.
  
  Donna Johnson, Jessica’s mum said: “The beads keep Jessica positive and help her get through the procedures she has; she has nearly 4,000 beads, which are from the last two years since the Beads of Courage started.”
  
  Jessica said: “Mags is really nice, I build up my beads and then Mags comes to see me with them and she also comes out with the nurse to see me.”
  
  Also benefitting from the beads of courage is Becky Harris, Becky’s mum Katherine said: “Becky is 11 years old and has been on the programme for nearly two years. She has chronic lung disease and the beads help Becky to focus on her treatment and give people an understanding of what goes on.
  
  “She takes her beads into school and explains what each bead means and why she got it.  She sometimes finds it difficult, such as having blood tests, so she looks at her beads and thinks I have done this before and I can do this again.
  
  “Mags and the team are fantastic. I am always ringing Mags for advice, if we are in hospital she comes and sees us and she regularly comes round and Becky loves her.  She is a great person to have around and so supportive.”
  
  Matthew Winn, chief executive for the Trust thanked everyone for coming: “It is great to see so many of you and to celebrate another year of work and supporting you and the team and everything they do.  Its awe inspiring to see what this means to the children and their families.
  
  “There is also a celebration for the team this year, who have been put forward for some national patient and engagement developments awards and they won in two areas in the national awards and were runner up in another.  Absolutely outstanding, no other team has received near to this kind of accolade.
  
  “Our community teams are very understated and just put their heads down and get on so winning these awards is fabulous.”
  
  If anyone would like to donate to this worthy cause the charitable fund for donations is TSC13 /1108920/Cambs mental health and primary care trust charitable fund.

  

    
  
  Photos:

  Fun on the Drums
  Jessica (10) and her beads
  Becky (11) and her beads
  Sian Hooban, service manager for Community Children's Nursing Services and Matthew Winn, chief executive
  Becky cutting the cake
  Ollie (7) and Benjamin Black (5)
  Emily Latta (4)
  Jack Chambers (2)

  
  
  

• Family fun in aid of National Breastfeeding Week

  by Kirstie Flack | Jul 04, 2017

   

  Conygear Park, Huntingdon was the place to be on Friday 30^th June, with Mum’s, Dad’s, Granny’s and friends all bringing their little people along to take part in a picnic to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week.
  
  The event was arranged by the Health Visiting Infant feeding team and families and friends were joined by members of the Health Visiting team, the Hinchingbrooke Infant Feeding team and Childrens Centre staff.
  
  Jo Thompson, Community Nursery Nurse, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust said: "The focus for Breastfeeding Celebration Week this year has been around a ‘breastfeeding best friend’ and it has been lovely to hear peoples stories today and all week about their #bffriends.
  
  "It was a wonderful way to end the week sharing a picnic together in the park, even the weather was kind to us! Some Mums even bought along their very own ‘lactation cookies and cakes’ to share and we got to see some real peer support in action." 
  
  For more information about the support available please see the Trust’s ‘Cambrdgeshire Infant Feeding’ page on Facebook or download the ‘Breaststart‘ app.
  
   
  
       

   

• Local Children’s Group Celebrates National Breastfeeding Week

  by Kirstie Flack | Jun 23, 2017

  Health Visitors and Nursery Nurses from Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust hosted a joint celebration picnic with the Children’s Centre, Wisbech in aid of National Breastfeeding Week.
  
  National Breastfeeding Celebration Week runs from 20th to 26th June. The aim of the week this year is to provide an opportunity for mothers, breastfeeding supporters and health professionals to come together and share what works well to support breastfeeding in local communities in order to create a more breastfeeding friendly culture. It is about showcasing all the good work that is happening locally to support breastfeeding.
  
  Elizabeth Kurleto-Slabber, Nursery Nurse, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust said: “There are many challenges for women to breastfeed in society today these include the environment they live in, culture expectations as well as personal circumstances.
  
  “Breastfed babies have less diarrhoea and vomiting, fewer chest infections, less chance of being constipated, less chance of developing eczema and less likelihood of becoming over weight and developing type 2 diabetes and other illnesses later in life. For mothers’ breastfeeding can reduce their risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer or breaking a hip later in life. It can save the family money and it supports that strong emotional bond for the future with babies.
  
  “Thank you to everyone for your support and attending the event. It was lovely to see so many people supporting and contributing to greater awareness of Breastfeeding in our community, I do hope that everyone enjoyed the day.”
  
  10 families enjoyed a picnic, games, quizzes, a Breastfeeding shaped cake and a sing a long session.
  
  For more information about Breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Initiative please come along and join the group at their weekly breastfeeding drop-in which takes place every Monday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Oasis Children’s Centre, St Michael’s Avenue, Wisbech PE13 3NR.
  
  Photos:
  Families enjoying the celebrations

• Local family raises £800 for the wonderful care and support

  by Kirstie Flack | Jun 13, 2017

   

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust has received a donation of £800 for Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
  
  The money was raised by Lauren and James Best in memory of their daughter Mya-Louise who sadly passed away in June 2016.
  
  Lauren said:" Our little girl, Mya-Louise, aged 6½, passed away in June 2016 from liver failure.
  
  "We raised £800 last November on what would have been our princess’s 7^th birthday selling Christmas cards, wristbands and candles and we will be doing this as an annual event.
  
  "The reason we raised this for Holly Ward is for the wonderful help we received not just for our princess but for our entire family unit. We are forever grateful for all the care and support that was given to us from all the medical and non-medical staff whenever Mya-Louise was admitted, especially around this time last year, when she was on Holly Ward for the last four weeks of her life.
  
  "We wanted to do something positive on the anniversary of our beloved princess Mya-Louise Robyn Best."
  
  The cheque was presented to Sandie White, Holly ward and paediatric outpatient manager, by Sean Best, Mya-Louise’s brother. Sandie said: "We are extremely grateful to Lauren, James and Sean for this wonderful donation to Holly Ward. The money raised will be used to furnish our sensory room with soft bean bags."
  
  
  Photo left to right:
  Sherry Harris, continuing care team, Sarah Hughes – matron, Laura Gould – deputy sister, Laura Philips – staff nurse, James, Sean and Lauren Best, Maria Mathers – deputy sister, Dr Nik Johnson, Sandie White – ward manager, Michelle Paffett – deputy sister, Dr Kate Reilly and Lauren Kidd – deputy sister.

• Going above and beyond wins Trust award

  by Kirstie Flack | Jun 09, 2017

  Julia Michael, ESR OSM programme lead, based in St Ives, has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.
  
  Julia was nominated by Sarah Saul, business manager, DynamicHealth, for going above and beyond in supporting their service and team.
  
  Sarah said: "Julia has been so supportive to DynamicHealth services with the mandatory training issues that have been faced and the ESR pilot that we have been involved in.
  
  "Julia and her team are helpful,
  approachable and aim to solve any issues we throw at them. Julia has also come out to our divisional meeting to explain the challenges and what she, the team and CCS are doing to resolve them. She has met with individuals, helped staff achieve remote access, provided "how to" guides for us all and sent out regular compliance reports.
  
  "She is patient, kind, helpful and the whole team is pivotal to the Trust’s progression onto full ESR delivery and overcoming the IT and system challenges currently being faced and DynamicHealth are very appreciative of all the extra assistance Julia has given to us."
  
  The "Shine a Light" scheme allows members of the public to nominate staff who have delivered a fantastic service and made a real difference to their lives. Trust staff are also encouraged to nominate their colleagues.
  
  On winning the award Julia said: "I was very surprised to have been nominated and to have won this award which was totally unexpected.
  
  "I recognise that this award is a team effort and I am grateful to have both Ellie Fivash and Niamh Robinson working alongside of me supporting all the services to the highest level possible, and this award has now confirmed that we are making a real positive contribution.
  
  I have worked for CCS for over 8 years and have enjoyed all the challenges within my role, even the fact that my Welsh heritage has at times been compromised in certain International Sporting events, but I have taken it in good humour in the spirit of good Equality and Diversity."
  
  Every month a member of staff or a team are selected from a list of nominations as the "Shine a Light" award winner. If you would like to nominate a member of staff or a team who has gone the extra mile for you, you can nominate online at
  www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk 
  
  Photo: Julia Michael and Matthew Winn, Chief Executive.

• Posh players celebrate physio clinic

  by User Not Found | Jun 08, 2017

  Physiotherapy can change lives and it’s access to NHS services like DynamicHealth based at Rivergate, Vierzen Platz, that make it possible.

  Now, almost a year after the bespoke clinic, provided by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust opened to patients, a team from Peterborough United FC visited for the anniversary celebration.

  Before cutting the ribbon Jack Collison, now under 18s manager after retiring from injury in 2016 said that footballers were no exception to needing support from specialists like those at DynamicHealth. He said:  “The effects of illness or injury can not only cause pain and reduce mobility but it can knock your confidence. These conditions can affect anyone and footballers are no exception.

   “The DynamicHealth Peterborough team has always had an ‘every problem has a solution’ mentality. They took the relocation to Rivergate in their stride - working together on design and development to create a modern and welcoming rehabilitation environment.”

  Jack was joined by Academy Manager Nick Sheppard, first team player Lewis Freestone and mascot Peter Burrow at the event.  A spokesperson from Peterborough United FC said: “We were delighted to be invited to officially open this new facility and everybody at Peterborough United know the significance of this environment. Injuries can affect patients both physically and mentally and having viewed the facility, we know how beneficial this will be to those that use it.”

  

  DynamicHealth provides specialised services for people living with or experiencing problems from muscles, nerves and joints. These are known as musculoskeletal (MSK) problems and include symptoms such as pain, numbness, stiffness and weakness as a result of injury, strain, posture or following an operation.

  Sarah Saul, business manager said: “The anniversary has been a great opportunity to share the team’s hard work with other Trust colleagues and the representatives from Peterborough United FC.

  “Our experts can assist with managing these symptoms and treat all MSK problems from the neck and jaw to the feet. We are passionate about delivering a highly effective, evidence based and sustainable service.”

• Family eternally grateful for outstanding

  by Kirstie Flack | May 24, 2017
   

  Laura Kaye, Speech and Language Therapist, based in Chesterton, has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.
  
  Laura was nominated by her colleague Lynne Millard, Speech and Language Therapy team leader, Cambridge on behalf of the mother of one of her patient’s, for the outstanding care and professionalism shown towards the family.
  
  Lynne said: “I would like to nominate Laura as she often receives feedback from patients and as her manager I regularly receive verbal thanks and comments about her care and professionalism. This time, the parent of the little boy she was working with attached a video to show her son talking in his assembly. This may seem quite a straightforward thing to do but not if you have previously been unable to speak. We are lucky to have Laura in our team and I felt this particular email demonstrated the type of feedback and recognition she often receives and definitely deserves!”
  
  The email read: “Hi Laura, I hope you are well. My son had a speaking part as a weatherman in his school assembly today; I took a video and wanted to send it for you to see. My son speaks so well, please watch it and know how eternally grateful we are to you. Thank you and best wishes.”
  
  The “Shine a Light” scheme allows members of the public to nominate staff who have delivered a fantastic service and made a real difference to their lives. Trust staff are also encouraged to nominate their colleagues.
  
  On winning the award Laura said: “I am delighted to have won this month’s Shine a Light award. I really appreciate the recognition of my role and would like to extend this to my whole team who do a wonderful job of supporting families and children with a range of communication difficulties.
  
  “It is so nice to receive this kind of feed back and know the positive impact I've had. I enjoy my job so much and am privileged to work with such a range of families and see the children progress with the right support in place. Our role as Speech and Language Therapists includes carrying out direct therapy sessions as well training parents and other professionals to encourage and develop children’s communication skills. Empowering others to make a difference in this way really is one of the most satisfying aspects of my role.”
  
  Every month a member of staff or a team are selected from a list of nominations as the “Shine a Light” award winner. If you would like to nominate a member of staff or a team who has gone the extra mile for you, you can nominate online at www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk

  For further information contact Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Communications Team on 01480 308266 or email mailto:ccs.communications@nhs.net 
  
  Photo: Laura Kaye and Matthew Winn, Chief Executive.

• Fun Run raises money for local children’s unit

  by User Not Found | May 22, 2017

  On Saturday 13 May over 350 people took part in the first ever Children's unit 10K event.  

  The event took place at Hinchingbrooke Country Park where people took part in a 5k or 10k run, or a 5k walk and buggy/wheelchair push. The participants were of all ages, from 8 week old babies in prams to grandparents. They included staff, patients and their families and members of the general public.

  Matthew Winn, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which runs Holly ~Ward and the Special Care Baby Unit was there to start both the run and the buggy push and said: “We were overwhelmed by the fabulous support shown by local families who, alongside our amazing staff, did a fantastic job raising funds for our children’s services.

  “A huge thank you also to staff, the Rotary Club and members of Dreamdrops (Huntingdon’s Children’s Charity) who helped marshal the event, as well as the Kier Group, Tesco and Little Aqua Swim for sponsoring us and raising money for new equipment. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone had a great time.”

  The event was the brain child of Dr Kate Riley and Staff Nurse, Kathryn Childs, who after struggling to put a drip in an unwell toddler decided that if they had a piece of equipment called an Accuvein the procedure would have been easier and more importantly less traumatic for their young patient.

  Kate said: “The Accuvein is a special infra-red light which allows the position of blood vessels not visible to the naked eye to be identified. The cost of this device is £3000 and the majority of those in use around the country are purchased following fund raising events. Every penny raised by the participants will be used towards the purchase of the Accuvein.

  “I am so pleased with how the event went and I am delighted that we will almost certainly be able to buy the equipment we need to make blood tests and drips easier for babies and children. I want to say a huge thank you to all involved – and yes we may do it again next year!”

  The target was to raise £7000 to cover the cost of two Accuveins and stands. Thanks to everyone’s support they have already raised over £6000! Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via the justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/childrensunit10k

• Exceptional Support to local family wins Trust’s award

  by Kirstie Flack | May 03, 2017
   

  Jan Wilkins, family support practitioner, based in Fulbourn, has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.
  
  Jan was nominated following the team receiving a letter from the father of one of her patient’s for the exceptional support and care she showed to the family during a very traumatic time.
  
  The nomination reads: “I started to see Jan in 2015 and she helped me understand that our daughter’s health was deteriorating much worse and faster than I could ever admit to.
  
  “After our appointment at Kings Hospital, where we were told she had only six to twelve months left to live, it was Jan who was there to pick up the pieces and support us when our whole world fell apart.
  
  “Jan helped us over the following months on what to expect, helped us tell our son that she was going to pass away and even advised us on making arrangements for her passing and cancellation of medical supplies, disability car and DLA payments.
  
  “She monitored my low moods and anxiety as I grieved and helped me to grieve by going through all the tasks of mourning and checked to see if I was becoming depressed by giving me questionnaires to complete.
  
  “Without all of Jan’s help through the time we have known her I do believe we would have all fallen apart. Thank you Jan for all your hard work and support you have given to us it is appreciated by us all and will never be forgotten. It’s a real shame the allocated time with us has gone as quickly as we still have so much to talk about and I will miss making you your horrible green tea! You truly are one of the kindest people I have met in a very long time. Keep up the fantastic work, you are a really important part of your team and we are so grateful for everything you have done for us.”
  
  The “Shine a Light” scheme allows members of the public to nominate staff who have delivered a fantastic service and made a real difference to their lives. Trust staff are also encouraged to nominate their colleagues.
  
  On winning the award Jan said: “I am thrilled to have won the 'shine a light award' and appreciate the acknowledgement of my role within the Children's Community Nursing Team.
  
  “It is not always easy to provide psychological support to parents who are facing or grieving for the loss of their child, but it is a privilege to journey alongside them, providing counselling and/or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help them cope with their thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
  
  “It is difficult to measure outcomes within this specialist role, so it was especially validating to receive the feedback from the bereaved father that I worked with in preparing him for the death of his child and providing bereavement counselling afterwards."
  
  Every month a member of staff or a team are selected from a list of nominations as the “Shine a Light” award winner. If you would like to nominate a member of staff or a team who has gone the extra mile for you, you can nominate online at www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk
  
  Photo: Jan Wilkins, Family Support Practitioner and Matthew Winn, Chief Executive.