Category Archives: Healthcare

Kick start a career in the NHS by joining as a Clinical Support Worker – Open day at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust on 11th June 2022

Clinical support workers assist healthcare professionals in the delivery of patient care, taking on tasks such as welcoming and preparing patients, explaining treatments and updating patient records[i]. The role is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working for the NHS to get their first step on the ladder.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) is currently on a recruitment drive for clinical support workers and is hosting an open day on 11th June 2022 for people to find out more about what the role entails and what it’s like to work at the Trust.

People don’t need previous healthcare experience and joining as a clinical support worker could kick off a lifelong career in the NHS. It’s an opportunity to learn and develop acute care nursing skills, in a fast-paced, high patient turnover environment.

The Trust offers a supportive environment where staff members are given the chance to develop and progress their careers. New starters will attend the Trust’s Clinical Induction Programme which lasts for two weeks and involves travelling to both of the Trusts sites in Maidstone and Tunbridge, before starting work on the wards.

The open day takes place at the Reception Area, Main Entrance Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QJ on 11th June from 9am until 3pm. On the day there will be a presentation about the role and Trust, a tour of the hospital and the possibility of being interviewed for a specific role.

For more information on the recruitment event, job descriptions and main responsibilities– please click here – http://jobs.mtw.nhs.uk/job/UK/Kent/Maidstone_Tunbridge_Wells/Maidstone_Tunbridge_Wells_NHS_Trust/Tunbridge_Wells_Maidstone/Tunbridge_Wells_Maidstone-v4252681?_ts=1

MTW is a large acute hospital trust in Kent. The trust provides a full range of general services and some areas of complex care to around 760,000 people in the south part of West Kent and the north part of East Sussex.

MTW recently launched a major recruitment drive focused on clinical roles. This comes at an exciting time as the trust has invested in new facilities, service developments, training centres and digital transformations. To find out more about career opportunities, go to: Home – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (mtwcareers.com)

[i] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/wider-healthcare-team/roles-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff#:~:text=Healthcare%20support%20wokers,dietetic%20assistant

[ii] https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/2021/10/mtw-hits-cancer-target-2-years-in-a-row-to-place-in-top-three-performing-uk-trusts/

[iii] https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-parliamentary-awards/

Developing exceptional leaders is key to creating a compassionate workplace culture and excellent patient care

Sue Forsey, Director of IT at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust (MTW), is on a journey to becoming an exceptional leader, after recently joining the Trust’s innovative leadership programme. Sue has recently taken part in the ‘Exceptional Leaders’ programme and says the course is transformational – developing first-class leaders and helping staff to progress in their careers.

Sue said, “The programme is all about shared learning. We’re learning to speak the same language and talk about our values in the same way. Our goal is to be an outstanding team supporting a Trust that is an outstanding organisation, which is only possible with consistent leadership across all teams.”

Another key benefit for Sue is that MTW has set aside structured time for participants to focus on the training outside of their day jobs.  She said, “We’re all so busy we can find it hard to dedicate time to learning. MTW understands that learning and improving is as important as the day job. They are investing in us as leaders so that we can drive the organisation forward. The course is relevant, engaging and supports our development – it’s helping us be better at our jobs.

“No matter how good you think you are, there is always something to learn. Having the opportunity to learn with different colleagues we don’t normally get the chance to speak to is extremely useful – it helps us to understand their challenges and discuss ideas and how to support each other better.

“Our CEO and executive team have completed the programme, and senior staff from across the organisation are going through it, so we’re all receiving the same messages and information. There is something very powerful knowing you are working for an organisation that wants to give everyone the opportunity to become outstanding leaders.”

Sue has worked at MTW for six years and was promoted to her current role in January 2021, after completing an MBA through an apprenticeship, which was also fully supported by the Trust.

MTW recognises that leaders have the most powerful influence on the culture of any organisation. The Exceptional Leaders programme aims to build a culture of compassion and inclusivity – and an environment where innovations and improvements can thrive.

Unlike other leadership training, the course was designed from the bottom up, with relevant content based on feedback from staff and leaders on what it takes to be outstanding. Topics covered include leadership, compassion; coaching, engagement; learning and how to make a positive impact. People reflect on their own leadership skills, any changes they’d like to make; and they collaborate and learn from colleagues and develop tools and techniques to help them lead teams more effectively.

Miles Scott, Chief Executive at MTW said, “The Exceptional Leaders programme is helping staff develop new skills, mind-sets and explore different ways of leading. It encourages people to step out of their comfort zone, even if it might feel uncomfortable and identifies opportunities for improvement that will positively impact patient care and the performance of the Trust.

“Building a collaborative and inclusive leadership culture will improve the experiences of our entire workforce and enable us to deliver our ambition of providing outstanding care to patients and making MTW a great place to work.”

MTW recently launched a major recruitment drive focused on clinical roles. This comes at an exciting time as the trust has invested in new facilities, service developments, training centres and digital transformations. To find out more about career opportunities, go to: Home – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (mtwcareers.com)

Medical cannabis charity announces funding available for Jersey residents to support access to “life changing” prescriptions

From mid May 2022, Jersey residents can now apply for a grant to fully support medical cannabis prescription from the UK’s only medical cannabis charity, Sapphire Medical Foundation thanks to new funding. Those selected who meet the eligibility criteria to access medical cannabis prescriptions and clinic appointments will be paid for by the Sapphire Medical Foundation for a minimum of one year.

Medical cannabis was legalised for prescription in 2018 across the UK, since then the growth in patient numbers paying privately for treatment has risen exponentially. Eligible patients can seek treatment for conditions including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, generalised anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia. In Jersey, there are now an estimated 3,000 patients prescribed the treatment via private clinics, such as Sapphire Medical Clinics.

The cost associated with prescriptions for medical cannabis can be a barrier to what is for some people a life-changing medication. As a result, some patients are faced with the decision between prioritising their health or other necessities – never more so than in the current economic squeeze with living costs rising.

Sapphire Medical Foundation’s mission is to reduce the economic barriers of access to medical cannabis. It was founded to relieve financial difficulties that can affect individuals who are unable to afford the costs associated with medical cannabis prescriptions. No other charity in the UK exists with the sole purpose of alleviating the monetary burden that comes with cannabis-based treatment. Thus, the Sapphire Medical Foundation presents the only legitimate option for medical cannabis access for hundreds, if not thousands of individuals.

Miss  K. Gill was the first patient in the UK to receive support from the Sapphire Medical Foundation for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and anxiety and says that because of treatment, her pain levels have been significantly easier to manage and the severe side effects from using conventional treatment (such as opioids) are less severe. Additionally, her appetite, nausea, anxiety, and overall mood have improved. Access to medical cannabis has greatly impacted her life in a positive way.

Dr Simon Erridge, co-founder and trustee of Sapphire Medical Foundation commented: “We want to help as many patients as possible in the Island community and thank those who have made this new funding round possible. We are delighted to invite residents who meet our stringent grant making criteria to apply for support to access medical cannabis for a minimum of one year.”

  Jersey residents 

This grant round opens to Jersey applicants on the 17th May 2022, closing 6th June 2022. Applications are open to both existing medical cannabis prescription holders, and patients who otherwise meet the grant-making criteria but have not accessed treatment to date.

Applications can be made on our website: https://sapphirefoundation.co.uk/apply-for-help/ All grants are made following a thorough assessment of eligibility and in accordance with our fair and transparent grant making principles to available here: https://www.sapphirefoundation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Sapphire-Medical-Foundation-Grant-Making-Principles.pdf 

The Sapphire Medical Foundation provides financial assistance to cover the costs of treatment for a minimum of one year for each patient who receives one of the grants.

UK and Channel Island grant round  

Sapphire Medical Foundation will launch an additional grant round in summer 2022 which shall be open to all UK patients and those in the Channel Islands.

Introducing the Kara Edit: an exclusive collection of fashion-forward scrubs

The UK’s exclusive supplier of premium scrubs and uniforms, Kara Group, has today launched its new collection of fashion-forward scrubs, labelled the Kara Edit.

Expertly designed in collaboration with British fashion designer, Alexandra Allen, the Kara Edit has been carefully crafted to offer both style and practicality for health and wellness professionals, in the workplace.

Boasting a range of 10 highly functional designer scrubs pieces, the collection consists of eight tops and trousers for women, available in blush, grey, black and navy, and a top and trouser set for men, available in grey, black and navy.

All items feature a durable, water-resistant, breathable and motion stretch fabric, are pet hair-friendly, and can be washed in warm temperatures, tumble dried and ironed.

Featuring panelling, tapering, exposed zips, pockets and self-coloured branded embroidery across all items, the Kara Edit has been manufactured to suit all body shapes and sizes.

From tunics, asymmetric and relaxed tops, to joggers, cargo trousers, leggings and tailored trousers, the Kara Edit has something for everyone. Prices range from £35 to £49 and can be purchased directly from the Kara website here: https://karagroup.co.uk/products/brands/kara-edit

Charlie Benson, Co-Founder of Kara Group, comments “The whole team at Kara have been working hard behind-the-scenes to bring this range to life during a very challenging couple of years for everyone. We’re absolutely delighted with the results and I’m confident our customers will be too!”

Alexandra Allen, Lead Designer of the Kara Edit Range, adds “The Kara brand is all about being ‘Fit for Work’, so we wanted to ensure that the Edit range was functional but also something fresh and different; taking inspiration from current trends so that our customer can still feel fashionable whilst at work. This combination of function and fashion has led to some beautiful styling details throughout the range.”

England and Chelsea osteopath’s clinic flexes digital muscle as creative agency’s website rebrand sees 93 per cent rise in online enquiries

OSTEOPATH Carl Todd is used to seeing success after working with England and Chelsea footballers but he has been blown away by the results of a digital campaign to support his healthcare clinics.

Dr Todd and his wife Mel, who run healthcare clinics offering osteopathy, physiotherapy, sports massage, acupuncture and podiatry in Swindon, Corsham, Melksham and London, have seen enquiries up by 93 per cent since working with Chippenham creative agency Milk & Tweed.

The couple wanted a rebrand and a new website to keep pace with digital advances such as online bookings. The result is a fresh look and a completely rebuilt site that clocked up a 61 per cent rise in traffic in its first year.

“We are really pleased with the new site and Milk and Tweed have taken much of the pressure off Mel and I with managing that side of our business,” he said.

“It’s not just about building a website, it is managing it and making it run effectively to direct potential patients to our clinics. There doesn’t seem to be any task that seems too tedious for them if it has the right impact.”

The couple met while studying osteopathy at university in 1999 and opened their first clinic in Box in 2003 before relocating to larger premises in Corsham a few years later. The clinics in Swindon, London and, most recently Melksham, have been opened as a result of patient demand.

“We wanted to rebrand our business, over the past 19 years, we’ve had four or five different websites. We were keen on something modern, fresh and easy to navigate,” he said. “Milk & Tweed have laid everything out to plan and hit every marker we’ve asked of them.”

Dr Todd divides his time between helping his wife and their team of 17 clinicians treat patients at their clinics alongside working with elite athletes. He has been providing his services for the England team since being called in by then physio Gary Lewin in 2005.

He began working with Chelsea in 2008 and has travelled the world with the London club, including the recent World Club Cup in Abu Dhabi, and is looking forward to his fifth FIFA World Cup this year with the England national team.

He also works with British World 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith and will be supporting her at the upcoming European and World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

But he stresses to his team that their patients in Wiltshire are just as important as those on the world stage. “I didn’t intend to work in elite sport, it just happened along the way,” he said. “I feel extremely loyal to our patients in Wiltshire who have supported our clinics over the years”.

“Every patient we treat is offered the same level of care as the top sportsmen and women.

“I get a real buzz out of working in our clinics because as clinicians, we all want to help people and that’s what’s really important. Educating patients and providing a pathway or strategy towards helping them is essential. All our practitioners train together regularly for their own continued professional development and this ensures that, as a team, we maintain a strong clinical ethos and practise with a similar philosophy for each patient’s care”.

Milk & Tweed creative director Jake Jeffries said working with the Carl Todd Clinics team has been rewarding. “We began with rebranding and I was really delighted when Carl was pleased with the logo and colour scheme we came up with.

“From there the relationship has really built and we went on to design the site and the online booking system, run his social media, utilise email marketing and use Search Engine Optimisation to make sure his blogs reach people. We’ve seen the blog traffic rise by 449 per cent year on year and referrals from Google increase by 365 per cent.

“We’ve been working on Carl’s marketing for more than a year and the results are a testament to the long-term benefits of making a plan and sticking to it.”

Dr Todd added: “We are absolutely delighted that Milk & Tweed have made a real impact on our business. We see a very good spread of new patient enquiries around all our clinics and that is really encouraging.”

Find out more about the clinics at www.carltoddclinics.com and about Milk & Tweed at milkandtweed.com.

Pictured: Osteopath Carl Todd, right, with Milk & Tweed Creative Director Jake Jeffries

Developer Stonewood Partnerships’ sustainable homes plan will gift land for new medical centre

A DEVELOPER will gift land for a medical centre to a Tetbury health practice as part of a plan to build new homes in the Gloucestershire town.

Stonewood Partnerships, based in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, has exchanged contracts with landowner Geoff Turbott and The Phoenix Health Group and is working on a detailed planning application to Cotswold District Council for the homes at Worwell Farm in Cirencester Road.

The plan would include around 28 sustainable homes on the 5.35 acre site, with one acre set aside for the centre, which is currently in leased premises in Long Street.

Stonewood land director James Petherick said: “It’s an exciting plan for the town. The GPs carried out a sequential site analysis to decide upon the best location for a new Medical Centre and found that this is the most suitable. Their current site offers very little parking and the proposals here include the potential for a pharmacy and dentist surgery.”

Dr Peter Hill of the Phoenix Health Group said: “We are very excited to have an opportunity to build a new GP surgery for Tetbury at Worwell Farm.

“The lease for our existing premises expired in July 2021 and our landlords kindly extended it until January 2025. New premises will then be needed to keep a GP surgery in Tetbury.

“We hope to create a bespoke purpose-built facility that will improve patient experience and keep services local as well aiding recruitment of healthcare staff to the area.”

The new homes are proposed to be of similar high quality design and energy-saving capability as the 88 homes Stonewood Partnerships is building at Orchard Field in Siddington, which have generated huge interest since the site’s sales office opened.

The proposed scheme  will include enhancing a public footpath that leads to the Tetbury Trail.

“It will improve the public access to the trail which be another benefit to the town,” said Mr Petherick.

Stonewood has also recently restored and refurbished The Priory in Tetbury, creating a five-bedroom house, a mews house and seven apartments within the 18th century former priory.

Mr Petherick said: “We will be submitting a planning application for this exciting scheme by September. Building these houses will allow us to gift the land, complete with all the services, to the Phoenix so that it can develop a modern, purpose-built surgery that will be fit for the future and be able to serve the growing town.”

More about Stonewood’s Orchard Field development and other homes projects at stonewoodpartnerships.co.uk.

Cegedim Healthcare Solutions leads discussion on pragmatic approaches to Population Health Management at this year’s Digital Healthcare Show

Innovative healthcare technology and services company, Cegedim Healthcare Solutions, is to lead a comprehensive fireside chat about the challenges and potential of Population Health Management at this year’s Digital Healthcare Show on 18th/19th May.

Head of Business Development Spencer Noble will be hosting the panel at the flagship event, entitled ‘From Analysis to Implementation – A Pragmatic Guide to PHM’ at 10h00 on 19th May in the Digital Transformation Theatre. Spencer has extensive experience across Primary Care, working with key stakeholders to support the delivery of innovative solutions to help improve patient care and outcomes.

Spencer will be joined by members of Cegedim’s Clinical Advisory Board including GP and NHS Consultant Dr Steven Laitner; and GP and Clinical Lead for Community Dr Helen Davies. He will also be joined by Nigel Slone – CEO of Cegedim partner Sollis Healthcare.

The panellists will discuss the “art of the possible” as healthcare services continue to face numerous challenges, and how Population Health Management can support the delivery of new models of care whilst achieving improved patient outcomes, delivering a better patient experience and controlling the cost. The discussion will also explore views on the future of Population Health Management and what the advantages it can yield may look like. Delegates who attend will take away the following key learnings:

  • Start small, think big – everyone needs to start somewhere so keep it simple. Identify a single point of improvement first and then scale
  • Overcoming overwhelm: Do not be daunted by the task at-hand, instead break it down into bite size chunks to enable success
  • It’s early in the Population Health Management journey, so its potential is still largely uncertain

The Digital Healthcare Show is one of the most significant and innovative UK events for healthcare professionals looking to revolutionise the NHS through the use of data, analytics and technology. Free for healthcare professionals, the CPD certified conference will be focusing on eight key themes across four dedicated theatres; digital future theatre, data and analytics theatre, digital transformation theatre and technology enabled care theatre.

Spencer Noble, Head of Business Development, Cegedim UK explains: “We are delighted to be a part of the Digital Healthcare Show. The show brings all of the latest and innovative expertise and offerings to the fore and so we are excited to be able to contribute to this. We thoroughly look forward to discussing the potential of Population Health Management and discussing its advantages and capabilities for the NHS thus far.

“Population Health Management is still very much in its infancy, and there remains a lot of debate over how to implement effective methodologies that will positively impact patient pathways, improve efficiencies and enhance patient outcomes. However, we believe that a pragmatic approach will help healthcare organisations rise to the challenge and overcome the challenges both that we face today; and those that may arise in the future.”

Digital Workforce accelerates UK growth with multiple deals signed with NHS Trusts

Digital Workforce, the leading provider of intelligent automation (IA) services has reported strong growth with significant wins across five NHS trusts totalling to a value of €1 million. With 75% of executives across the world expecting IA, and other technologies to disrupt their sectors within the coming year, the UK, and in particular the NHS, is already fulfilling that promise.

Working in partnership with PSTG and M8 Solutions, both specialist NHS technology services providers, Digital Workforce is delivering services which will allow five NHS trusts to automate at scale using improved cloud-based solutions. This new cloud-based automation capability along with ongoing process maintenance support will allow the trusts to release crucial hours back to essential employees, allowing them to deploy their healthcare expertise on more meaningful tasks resulting in a more streamlined approach and enhancing the overall patient experience. This also includes essential business continuity of the automated processes as they migrate from human to digital worker fulfilment.

NHS Digital in the UK has already made a commitment to moving services to the cloud and the new Digital Workforce implementations will cover internal functions such as: Finance and HR including onboarding and payroll functions, as well as patient management systems improving the overall appointment booking experience for patients. In addition to saving significant amounts of time for both patients and employees, the new capabilities implemented across the trusts will reduce errors to further transform the services offered.

Digital Workforce CEO Mika Vainio-Mattila said,

“Working with our specialist partners, Digital Workforce is demonstrating that we continue to offer clear benefits and layer upon layer of value.  As one of the largest employers in the world, the NHS is a perfect organisation to reap the benefits of cloud-based Intelligent Automation. The rapid uptake of these solutions in Q1 shows how strong their commitment is to these technologies  to improve patient health, experiences and to create further efficiencies amongst their workforce. These new deals with a value of around €1 million, illustrate what an exciting sector this is for us in 2022 and beyond.”

Stephen Chilton, Chief Digital Officer at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said,

“As an early adopter and a pioneer of Intelligent Automation in healthcare, we are excited to take the next step in our Intelligent Automation evolution with Digital Workforce and look forward to the transformative benefits that automation as a service has to offer. We believe that Intelligent Automation is a game changer and will play a major role in helping us transform the support offered as an organisation with efficient and cutting-edge methods of working, with enhanced patient-facing and administrative procedures.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing named best family-run health and wellbeing clinic in the UK

Bridge Health & Wellbeing is delighted to have been crowned Best Family-Run Health & Wellbeing Clinic – UK at the GHP Private Healthcare Awards 2022.

Launched in 2017, the Global Health & Pharma annual Private Healthcare Awards celebrate the efforts of healthcare providers, products, and professionals across the global industry. Each year nominations are open to the vast array of businesses within this varied sector, including but not limited to private medical clinics, dental clinics, aesthetics and cosmetic surgeries, therapists, rehabilitation services, health insurers, equipment suppliers, and the numerous businesses and products which support this vital industry.

Awards Co-ordinator Emma Pridmore commented on the winners recognised in this year’s programme. “Private healthcare is a vast and extraordinary sector, and regardless of whether you are a medical professional in that environment, or in administration, recruitment, logistics, product development or research, everyone has an important role to play. It’s been a pleasure to coordinate the awards this year. I offer my sincere congratulations to everyone in this year’s programme.”

Paul O’Connell, co-founder and lead physiotherapist at Bridge Health & Wellbeing, said: “What an achievement! It’s mind-blowing to be awarded the title of best family-run health and wellbeing clinic in the entire UK. Family has always been at the heart of everything we do. Our whole family was involved in the planning and development of Bridge Health & Wellbeing, and inspiring our children is what drives us to keep the clinic moving forwards.

Special thanks must go to our wonderful clients and our families who have been so supportive. Despite all the COVID challenges of the first three years of running our business, we are proud to have realised our dream of creating a dedicated wellness space where clients can get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in their mind and body.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage and rehabilitation services, and Pilates, yoga, and other wellbeing classes from their state-of-the-art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. To find out more or book your appointment, visit www.bridgehw.com, or call 01202 473800.

Stepping up wellbeing initiatives at hospitals in Kent to support the health and wellbeing of staff

Acupuncture, art therapy, wellbeing lounges and massage chairs are just some of the initiatives offered at one hospital trust in Kent to support the health and wellbeing of staff who have experienced rising stress since the pandemic.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) is leading the way in helping staff cope with stress and the pressures of the job by recruiting a new team and introducing a range of innovative wellbeing initiatives.

These include a specialist in-house staff psychological team offering support for staff who are struggling with work or personal problems and the opening of dedicated wellbeing lounges at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. These offer staff a relaxing safe space to go to relax and recharge, have a hot drink and snack, chat with the wellbeing team about issues worrying them and get self help advice on topics including stress management and sleep.

Staff can take part in a range of free wellbeing activities including free ear acupuncture sessions, art therapy workshops, chair acupressure massage and Kettle ball classes. Around 20 MTW colleagues have trained as auricular ‘ear’ acupuncture practitioners and are offering treatments in their own time, as they recognise the value of acupuncture on their own wellbeing and want others to enjoy the benefits too.

Wellbeing Partners have also been recruited to provide wellbeing support and a listening ear to teams working on the frontline. The roles were created as part of MTW’s winter wellbeing programme to make sure staff struggling with their mental or physical wellbeing could access the support they need.

Working with managers and the HR team they signpost or refer individuals to appropriate wellbeing services such as the Employee Assistance Programme or the Psychological Occupational Health Team. They also work alongside team leaders to embed wellbeing good practice in their work.

Ainne Dolan, Deputy Chief People Officer at MTW says, “At MTW, staff wellbeing has always been a priority, but in recognition of the impact of the pandemic, we have stepped up our emotional and mental support, with our new dedicated wellbeing team, wellbeing lounges and our wellbeing events programme.

“Stress awareness month is an ideal opportunity for us to help break the stigma around stress, highlight where staff can go to talk about stress and its impact, and encourage people to look after themselves. We recognise the last two years have been incredibly challenging, and we want to let our people know they are supported.”

MTW has just launched a major recruitment campaign to attract talented healthcare professionals from London, Kent, and the surrounding counties to work in the Trust, with a focus on clinical roles.

Staff benefit from progressive flexible working policies including career breaks, flexible retirement, secondments, and family-friendly policies including carers’ leave. The Trust also rewards and recognises staff through its employee and team of the month awards and annual Staff Star awards, where patients and staff nominate colleagues that they feel have shown the commitment, professionalism, and dedication in providing the best possible care.

To find out more about vacancies currently available go to: https://www.mtwcareers.com/