Patients with minor conditions and ailments are being urged not to visit A&E at Lincoln County Hospital.

The Greetwell Road based hospital has been under extreme pressure in recent days.

Hospital bosses are hoping to redirect patients with minor conditions and primary care issues to the city’s Walk-In Centre, on Monks Road, and to their local GP surgeries.

Alaina Foy, assistant director of operational delivery and improvement at Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We would like to thank all patients for their cooperation with this.

“Lincoln hospital has come under huge pressure in recent days. In the case of an emergency, patients should absolutely call 999 or go to A&E.

“But for those with minor injuries, minor illnesses or coughs and colds are asked politely to either see their local pharmacist, GP or go to the city’s walk-in centre on Monks Road.”

The chief executive of a Lincolnshire health watchdog has supported the government’s measures to introduce a tax on soft drinks but has insisted that more needs to be done to reduce people’s sugar consumption.

Chancellor George Osborne announced in his Budget on March 16 a new sugar levy on the soft drinks industry to combat obesity, which will be introduced in two years’ time.

Two tiers of taxation will be created: one for total sugar content above 5g per 100ml, and a second, higher band for drinks with more than 8g per 100ml.

Money raised from the levy, which is expected to be £520 million in its first year (2018-19), will go towards primary school sports.

Sarah Fletcher, CEO of Healthwatch Lincolnshire, said that the changes were welcome if they encouraged more people to switch to lower calorie drinks and water, citing the watchdog’s own research into the sugar intake of primary schoolchildren across the county.

She said: “This is only one way of helping people to lower their sugar consumption, we have been conditioned to eat food containing sugar, much of it hidden, for many years.

“If we want people to reduce their sugar intake this will require a co-ordinated approach from many sources such as doctors, dentists, schools, colleges, community groups, public health, food manufacturers and food stores.

“In Lincolnshire, four districts have higher childhood obesity rates than the national average. These figures are 20.3% in East Lindsey, 20% in Lincoln, 19.5% in South Holland and 27.1% in Boston.

“Disturbingly, fizzy drinks were the preferred choice of 38% of children with 12% stating they are drinking more than two glasses of fizzy drinks a day.

“The continuing and growing demand on NHS and social care services if we don’t address health and lifestyle changes could well result in future generations not having a free NHS service.”

But the British Soft Drinks Association was not as supportive of the Chancellor’s decision.

Gavin Partington, Director General, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to hit the only category in the food and drink sector which has consistently reduced sugar intake in recent years – down 13.6% since 2012.

“We are the only category with an ambitious plan for the years ahead – in 2015 we agreed a calorie reduction goal of 20% by 2020.

“By contrast sugar and calorie intake from all other major take home food categories is increasing – which makes the targeting of soft drinks simply absurd.”

Meet Alfie, the prototype robot being trialled in Lincolnshire to help elderly people stay independent and active for longer.

As part of the ENRICHME project – pioneering robotics research funded by an EU Horizon 2020 grant – residents from LACE Housing Association’s housing with extra care in Lincolnshire have called the first prototype robot Alfie.

ENRICHME (Enabling Robot and assisted living environment for Independent Care and Health Monitoring of the Elderly) is an international collaboration involving the University of Lincoln in the UK.

Alfie is already meeting residents in Lincolnshire. Photo: Electric Egg

The research will develop and test the ability of robots to support ageing populations and see service robots integrated with ‘smart home’ technology in order to provide round-the-clock feedback to elderly users, carers and health professionals.

Tasks the robots will be designed to help with include giving reminders to take medication, locating lost objects around the home and enabling video chat with family and friends.

The first ENRICHME development robot, programmed by artificial intelligence and robotics experts from the University of Lincoln’s School of Computer Science, was introduced to the residents in December 2015.

Alfie is already meeting residents in Lincolnshire. Photo: University of Lincoln

During a special launch event, the researchers showcased the robot, explained the project and conducted some initial tests in the home environment to aid early development processes.

Residents from the LACE housing with extra care schemes in Lincoln, Grantham and Bourne were then invited to vote for their favourite name for the robot. ‘Alfie’ was selected as the winner from a shortlist of five names put together by the ENRICHME team.

Dr Nicola Bellotto, Reader in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln and Principal Investigator for the ENRICHME project, said: “We are delighted that the residents have named our first prototype robot, with ‘Alfie’ proving to be a popular choice.

“The name is a diminutive of Alfred, which means ‘sage’ or ‘wise’, and it also refers to the famous Lincolnshire poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, so it has wonderful connotations locally.

“The robot has received an extremely positive reception from the residents so far and we are pleased that they are keen to be involved at each stage of the project.

“The system we are developing builds on recent advances in mobile service robotics and ambient assisted living to help people improve health and wellbeing.

“It will be of particular benefit to those people who have mild cognitive impairments, for example older people who are still physically healthy but may have early symptoms of dementia.”

Hazel Ashmore, Project Lead Officer for LACE Housing, said: “Initial reactions from our residents have been very positive, with many looking forward to potentially participating in the final testing phase in 2017.”

The care and effectiveness of two Lincoln GP practices has been praised by a national healthcare regulator in recent inspections.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited the Glebe Park Surgery and Birchwood Medical Practice in January and February 2016, rating both surgeries as ‘good’.

The overall effectiveness of both services was praised by inspectors, as was their safety, leadership, responsiveness and caring nature.

Glebe Park Surgery. Photo: Google Street View

An inspection of Glebe Park Surgery on January 21 found that the small two partner practice based on Montaigne Crescent, which serves around 3,900 patients, “had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs”.

The report said: “Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

“Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.”

Debbie Brennan, practice manager at Glebe Park Surgery, said: “We are really pleased to have been awarded a CQC rating of ‘good’.

“Everyone at the surgery works hard to deliver high quality patient care and we are delighted that the CQC has recognised this.”

Birchwood Medical Practice. Photo: Google Street View

Inspectors visited Birchwood Medical Practice on February 3, and noted an “open and transparent approach to safety
and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events”.

Over 9,000 use the practice on Jasmin Road, and the patients questioned as part of the inspection said that they were treated in a compassionate manner, with dignity and respect.

Inspectors added: “There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.”

Christine Thorpe, practice manager at Birchwood Medical Practice, said: “We are happy to have been awarded a CQC rating of ‘good’ across all categories.

“This is a positive result for the all the hard work that our practice team put in each and every day on delivering high quality patient centred care.”

Junior doctors in Lincolnshire are ramping up opposition to the government’s new contract with the first full walk-out, including emergency care.

The stand off over Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s new contracts had so far seen junior doctors across the country stage strikes which have gradually increased in impact since January 12.

The British Medical Association has confirmed an all-out stoppage from 8am to 5pm on April 26 and 27 represents the first time doctors have refused to provide emergency care.

In a ballot of junior doctors, 98% of those who voted supported taking industrial action, including a full withdrawal of labour.

Previous strikes have seen thousands of appointments cancelled in Lincolnshire as junior doctors formed picket lines outside the front of hospitals.

BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana said: “No junior doctor wants to take this action but the government has left us with no choice.

“In refusing to lift imposition and listen to junior doctors’ outstanding concerns, the government will bear direct responsibility for the first full walkout of doctors in this country.

“The government is refusing to get back around the table and is ploughing ahead with plans to impose a contract junior doctors have no confidence in and have roundly rejected.

“We want to end this dispute through talks but the government is making this impossible, it is flatly refusing to engage with junior doctors, has done nothing to halt industrial action and is wilfully ignoring the mounting chorus of concerns over its plans to impose coming from doctors, patients and senior NHS managers. Faced with this reality what else can junior doctors do?

“We deeply regret the disruption to patients and our message to patients is clear; this action is wholly avoidable but the government must choose talks over imposition.”

Two new support groups for carers of people with dementia are being launched by Alzheimer’s Society in Saxilby and North Hykeham.

The carers’ groups will provide an opportunity for carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support.

There are thought to be about 11,000 people with dementia in Lincolnshire.

The North Hykeham Carers’ Group now meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm – 3pm. The group meets at The Memorial Hall, 317 Newark Rd, North Hykeham, LN6 9RY.

The Saxilby Carers’ Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm – 3pm, from April 5. The group meets at The Function Room, The St Andrews Centre, William Street, Saxilby, Lincoln, LN1 2LP.

Joanna Smith from Alzheimer’s Society in Lincolnshire said: “Alzheimer’s Society’s carers’ groups can really help improve people’s quality of life.

“They give carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support.

“They’re also a great source of information and guidance which can help people to live well with the condition.

‘There are about 11000 people with dementia in Lincolnshire but we believe that with the right support people can live well with the condition.’

The groups will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Society support in Lincolnshire contact 01522 692681 or visit the website here.

In the last year, at least 75 people in Lincolnshire took their own lives. They joined more than 6,000 others across the country.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for both men and women between the ages of 20 and 34 years.

In a new mini-documentary, The Lincolnite spoke with survivors of suicide, reflecting the true impact of one of the county’s biggest killers and bringing issues surrounding mental health care to the fore.

Ashley Hill, 35, from Lincoln is well-known in the city as the administrator of the ‘alternative news’ Facebook page Lincoln Problems. 

Taking on another confident role as drag DJ Velma Vile by night, Ashley says he often faces misconceptions that his mental health issues and multiple suicide attempts are “just for attention”.

Sixteen-year-old Abbie Linder, from Welton, began to self harm when confronted with bullies at school. She tells of the harrowing experiences she faced which saw her take an overdose one tragic school day.

Mum Mandy Linder is now encouraging people from all ages and backgrounds in the community to come together to help and support each other through Embrace, a group set up after her daughter bravely spoke out.

She said more needs be done at a young age so that people understand mental health issues and how to deal with them.

After being turned away when the family first appealled to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), she feels ‘disgusted’ that it wasn’t until a suicide attempt that her daughter received help.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the trust responsible for mental health care in the county is lengthy waits for moderate to severe mental health cases.

Over 800 people are currently facing long queues to access services. As of March 2016, the longest waits are on Lincoln and Louth, with patients having to hold on for 31 months before accessing the care they need.

Concerns over the level of support in the county are addressed in the mini-documentary by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Medical Director Sue Elcock, who spoke about the trust’s new suicide prevention strategy.

The trust has also recently benefitted from a £150,000 expansion of its Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln, which supports people suffering from mental health problems.

An additional £1.4 million of funding is also set to be injected into mental health support in Lincolnshire for children, young people and their families.

If you need help now, please use these suicide helplines:

• Samaritans General Number – 0845 7909090
• Papyrus Suicide Help Line – 0800 0684141
• Get Connected – 0808 8084994
• Breathing Space – 0800 838587

Doctors will soon be able to see a patient’s complete medical record for the first time thanks to a ground-breaking new IT system installed across Lincolnshire.

Until now, health and care professionals have only been able to immediately access certain information held on their own systems, so a doctor or nurse in A&E would not be able to see a patient’s community health records or social care information.

The new system will allow instant access, if a patient gives permission, to a complete set of medical and care records, helping health and care professionals make decisions quickly and appropriately.

The new system called Care Portal – powered by InterSystems’ global leading health informatics platform HealthShare – will also allow patients to access their own records online.

This will mean patients will be able to see their test results and information on medication online.

Patients will also be able to choose to share their records with others, such as family members and carers.

Almost £1m of NHS funding has been secured to support the introduction of the Care Portal and implementation will be phased over the next two years.

The initiative was developed as part of the Lincolnshire Health and Care programme – a partnership of 13 health and care organisations across the county working together to find ways of transforming services.

LHAC aims to find new ways of delivering health and care which provide better quality services that are sustainable for the future.

As part of this work, which has involved hundreds of clinicians and included engagement with over 15,000 residents in the county, the lack of access to full medical records emerged as a key problem.

Medical and care professionals identified the issue as a crucial hurdle to joined up services and a problem which currently wastes valuable staff time.

Patients also made it clear they were frustrated when they often had to repeat their story several times to different people during their care.

Gary James, Accountable Officer at Lincolnshire East CCG, who led the project for LHAC, said: “The portal will improve the quality and safety of care and will also save staff time by providing fingertip access to the information they need to manage that patient’s care.

“It will reduce duplication because everyone will access the same information once instead of duplicating tests or asking patients to repeat information.”

Mark Palmer, Country Manager at InterSystems, added: “It’s clear having the best information results in the best treatment. The HealthShare platform puts the clinician in control, providing all aspects of patient information that they need, when they need it.

Junior doctors on strike in Lincolnshire for the fourth time in as many months have poured scorn on the new contract imposed by the government while urging members of the public to keep up their support.

The 48 hour strike began at 8am on Wednesday, April 6, as junior doctors continue their legal action against Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s decision to enforce hotly disputed changes to their pay and conditions.

Ten operations and 590 patient appointments have been cancelled across Lincolnshire’s hospitals, with increased disruption predicted at the end of April, when the junior doctors will refuse to provide emergency care for the first time.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Tom Smart, a junior doctor and local union representative for the BMA, described the contract as “discriminatory”.

He said: “Since the last strike, the government has released the actual contract and it’s as bad as we expected.

“Even the government’s own equality review says that it may well affect women more than anyone else. But it’s ok to discriminate against women as the government wants to push this through which is of course not acceptable.

“There has been a start among some Conservative MPs who have come out in the last 48 hours with their own personal reservations against the contract and I think they’ll hopefully mount some pressure within their own party.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Dr Smart added that it will be “difficult” to gauge whether public support for the junior doctors is as strong now as it was at the start of the strikes.

But Hannah Williams, a locum based at Lincoln County Hospital, said: “The public have been consistent in their support of us and the strikes demonstrate that we aren’t going to give up. We are in this for the long haul.

“Everyone is seeing that this isn’t just about our contracts, it’s about the NHS which we all care about.

“Things are changing. The government is having to listen and they will have to listen more after the full walkout later this month.”

The next junior doctors’ strike is pencilled in for 48 hours from 8am on April 26, which will be the first time they withdraw their labour in full.

Initial talks have been held to discuss the possibility of a merger between the two ambulance services covering the Midlands.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and their counterparts in the West Midlands (WMAS) serve a population of 10.4 million people across 12 counties.

If the merger goes ahead, it is believed it would create the largest single ambulance service in Europe, stretching from the Welsh border in Herefordshire and Shropshire to the North Sea at Skegness and Mablethorpe.

WMAS has confirmed that EMAS was the trust which initiated the discussions, approaching them over the possibility of working together.

A spokesperson for WMAS said: “We can confirm that we were approached by East Midlands Ambulance Service to explore how we might assist them.

“A range of options have been discussed but talks are at an early stage and nothing has yet been agreed.”

Leadership plans

Pauline Tagg, Chairman of EMAS, said: “Since the departure of Sue Noyes in March, I have been having discussions with NHS Improvement to explore opportunities to strengthen our leadership arrangements.

“This will allow us to support the existing team to deliver improved performance, quality and better manage our resources; not a merger with another trust.

“One of these options has involved talking with West Midlands Ambulance Service about the possibility of their Chief Executive, Dr Anthony Marsh, working with EMAS to support us with these challenges.

“This option, and others, are still being explored and discussions have not yet come to a conclusion. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

EMAS currently provides a service to 4.8 million residents over 6,425 square miles in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The trust has a budget of £148 million but has run into financial difficulties, posting an overspend of £12 million and applying for a loan to help with running costs.

Data released to The Lincolnite by Healthwatch Lincolnshire has also revealed that EMAS has struggled to meet its response time targets in the county with East Lindsey, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, South Holland and West Lindsey consistently falling below the expected standard.

To compound the difficulties, EMAS Chief Executive Sue Noyes has recently left her post due to family reasons.

By contrast, WMAS serves a slightly smaller geographical area of 5,000 square miles but a population of 5.6 million, heavily concentrated around Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country.

Health experts have said that a £150,000 refurbishment of a facility in Lincoln will significantly reduce the risk of mental health sufferers being taken into police custody.

The Section 136 Suite at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust opened in 2012, but the facilities were small and not fit for purpose.

Subsequently the trust has invested £150,000 to expand and improve the existing facility to provide two new rooms in a dedicated space for assessment.

The suite provides a facility for adults and young people found by Lincolnshire Police in a public place who are suffering from mental health problems and allows them to be assessed in an appropriate environment, rather than a police cell.

Individuals are assessed under section 136 of the Mental Health Act by a doctor and approved mental health professional who then determine the next course of action.

An assessment is usually undertaken between two to four hours after someone arrives and then individuals are either sent home, possibly for home treatment or admitted to the wards at Peter Hodgkinson Centre.

Anita Lewin, Quality Lead for Adult Mental Health Inpatient services, said: “It is important that people assessed under Section 136 are supported in a suitable environment and seen by mental health professionals.

“The suite at PHC is more appropriate than a police station and will ensure that as far as possible no one suffering with acute mental health problems will be held in police cells as a place of safety.”

Mental health and learning disabilities services in the county will receive a boost this month to improve support in the community.

Services currently offered by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) for children and young people and adults with learning disabilities have undergone review with commissioners over the last year to enhance the support available.

An additional £1.4 million has been secured to improve mental health support for children, young people and their families across the county.

Enhanced services are being launched, including a complete restructure of the trust’s current community services in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and adult learning disability provision.

CAMHS will also be introducing new eating disorder support and adult learning disability services will now offer diagnosis and signposting for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The new enhanced community models have been developed in conjunction with local commissioners, Lincolnshire County Council (for CAMHS) and South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The revised community services will streamline how people access local mental health and learning disability support, with one single point of access for all referrals.

Multi-disciplinary teams will work around a child, young person or adult with learning disabilities to deliver the right care, at the right time, delivered by the most appropriate person.

In addition, both services will introduce new crisis intervention and home treatment to support service users, their family and carers in mental health crisis, or for adults with learning disabilities who are experiencing particularly complex and challenging behaviours.

Both teams will be available out of hours and will aim to assess individuals quickly; putting in place measures to keep them safe and well, in their own home as far as possible.

Ian Jerams, Director of Operations at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to work closely with our commissioners to develop new models of care which have a clear patient focus.

“These new models will bring together a wide range of professionals and remove some of the barriers people may experience, to easily access the right support, at the right time and most importantly live well in their communities.

“We will be working hard to ensure transitions between services are seamless, whether that is young people moving to adult mental health services, or service users with learning disabilities also accessing social care. We want service users to remain supported and involved throughout.”

Mental health and learning disability services have been under the national and local media spotlight recently with significant coverage of the current challenges faced by people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.

The Lincolnite spoke previously with Lincoln LPFT patients about their experiences of mental illness and the support they received.

Watch the short documentary here:

Volunteers are being encouraged to come forward and lend a hand at wards in Lincolnshire’s three busiest hospitals.

United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust is working with Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) to recruit more volunteers for all wards at hospitals in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham.

The trust is looking for two volunteers for all wards, to do a weekly four-hour shift to help out with duties including helping at patient mealtimes, getting involved in activities to keep patients entertained, and meeting and greeting patients and visitors.

Volunteering roles currently available include:

• Ward dining champion – to provide support for patients at mealtimes encouraging them to eat and providing assistance with opening packets and making sure everything is easy to reach
• Ward activity provider – give patients the opportunity to chat and interact through activities such as playing cards and board games, looking through memory boxes, completing jigsaws, word searches or crosswords or even doing their hair or nails
• General ward assistant – to be available as an extra pair of hands to run errands, ensure leaflet stands are stocked, welcome and direct visitors to the ward, help domestic staff with the delivery of meals and drinks as required
• Outpatients meet and greet assistant – support staff to meet and greet patients and visitors to the outpatients department, support patients in the use of the checking in kiosk and to run tasks and errands as requested.

Winifred James from Spalding has been volunteering on Ward 3B at Pilgrim hospital in Boston for two years.

She said: “I really enjoy helping people and cheering them up at a difficult time. I cared for my late husband, so that helped me to understand the role that volunteers play in helping on the wards.

I feel my role as a volunteer is to give a boost to people, to talk to them and listen to them. Everyone’s got a story to tell and it’s a pleasure to have time to listen to their stories.

“It is lovely to be able to help people who often don’t have regular visitors on the ward. My role also involves helping patients with their food, assisting them in getting their food quickly and accompanying them if needed.”

Voluntary Service Manager at ULHT, Andy Tysoe, said: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to our amazing volunteers, who give their time to support our services and really go out of their way to help our patients.”

Marie Chapman, LCVS senior community development and volunteering officer, added: “There are so many benefits to volunteering, including making new friends, learning new skills, sharing your skills and experience and taking positive steps towards helping to gain paid employment.”

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact voluntaryservices@ulh.nhs.uk or 01522 597838.

A former Lincoln alcoholic who drank 12 litres of cider a day and constantly called 999 with threats of self harming is speaking out about his road to recovery.

Adam [whose name is change to protect his identity], 37, admitted he had alcohol dependency issues, called emergency services 39 times in just three months with threats of self harming as he was lonely and suicidal.

Thanks to the Blue Light Project, funded by Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, he’s received help from specialist staff.

Adam has now significantly reduced his alcohol intake, got on top of his finances, changed his diet and found emotional support through the project.

The Blue Light Project team say he has not made any further 999 calls and that he is a happier, healthier person.

Alan Hardwick, Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Adam is just one person we have helped.

“In the first few months this project has been running, we’ve helped three more of Lincolnshire’s most prolific drinkers get their life back on track, whilst at the same time reducing their reliance on the emergency services.”

Superintendent Mark Housley, Public Protection Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “We can see that by approaching these drinkers in a different way – we get results.

“We owe it to the communities we serve to think differently.

“Instead of just pushing them towards treatment services – which often doesn’t work – If we ask ourselves why? Why are they drinking like this? Is it because they are homeless, have no job or no money, problems with their family, or just feel they have no future?

“We can see that by working with Adam, if we understand the issues behind the person – we can get them on the right track, so helping him, reducing the amount of anti-social behaviour on our streets and keeping the emergency services free for the people who really need them.”

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) will hold a recruitment open day on Saturday, April 16 at Lincoln County Hospital to help plug staffing shortages in the county.

The open day will also allow people to consider finding work at the trust’s other hospitals in Louth, Grantham and Boston.

The day will consist of a tour around the departments and wards of Lincoln County, with the opportunity to talk to staff about their experiences working for ULHT.

Pauleen Pratt, Assistant Director of Nursing said: “We are keen to meet health professionals from the local area and those who are considering a move to Lincolnshire.

“This is an exciting time to join the trust as we are making massive improvements in the quality of our services and how we work as a clinical team.

“Come and meet some of the ward and department teams and talk to us about what you have to offer and we can share what we can do to support and develop you.”

If you are interested in clinical roles at the trust but are unable to attend the open day, please call 01522 573986 or email communications@ulh.nhs.uk.

Vulnerable patients at a Lincoln GP surgery were potentially left at risk after it was revealed that there was no evidence of criminal record checks for any members of staff.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited the Burton Road Surgery on December 18, 2015, ranking the overall effectiveness of the practice as “requires improvement” in a report published this month.

The report was raised particular concerns about the lack of records of DBS checks at the practice serving over 2,200 people in the city.

DBS checks, formerly known as CRB checks, identify would-be employees who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially involving children or vulnerable adults.

Universal Health Ltd, a partnership between Lincolnshire and District Medical Services and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, took over the surgery on July 1, 2015, following previous plans by NHS England to close the practice.

No evidence was either found of safeguarding training for the GP lead or staff who had contact with vulnerable adults and children.

Inspectors also said that staff acting as chaperones and as the infection control lead had not attended relevant training.

The report noted that patient outcomes were lower than average for the locality and compared to the national average.

Despite this, inspectors said that the services were caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.

Rebecca Neno, deputy chief nurse at Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Burton Road Surgery has been rated as requiring improvement by the Care Quality Commission following a recent visit.

“We note the practice has been rated good in three of five key areas – providing good care, responding to local needs and being well-led.

In the two areas the CQC highlights room for improvement, we are confident the surgery will make these improvements and continue to provide good care for patients.

“The practice has our full support.”

Good results for North Hykeham GP

The Richmond Medical Practice in North Hykeham fared better in its inspection on January 5, being rated overall as “good”.

Inspectors said that the 9,079 patients using the Moor Lane practice received effective, caring, responsive and well-led services, with only some safety issues needing improvements.

The report said: Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.”

Deputy chief nurse Neno added: “We are very pleased to see Richmond Medical Practice secure its good rating.

“The report highlights the fact patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.”

Inspectors added that systems and processes needed to be brought into place relating to infection control in line with national guidance.

The surgery is expected to ensure consulting and treatment rooms are cleaned as per practice cleaning schedule and guidelines and implementation of carpet cleaning schedules.

Health experts have said that a new liaison team introduced in Lincolnshire’s hospitals will improve patient experience and utilise NHS resources.

The new specialist mental health liaison team helps patients receive appropriate assessment and support for their mental health needs in A&E departments and inpatient wards.

The team works closely with doctors and nurses at nearby hospitals to ensure Lincolnshire mental health patients are assessed and treated much earlier, and where possible avoid admission.

The hospitals which are benefitting from this team are Lincoln County Hospital, Boston (Pilgrim), Grantham and Peterborough.

Ian Jerams, Director of Operations at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a great example of how NHS trusts can work together to improve the patient experience and utilise NHS resources effectively.

Patients will be able to get a more timely response to their mental health needs, ensuring the best outcomes for individuals, especially for older people with dementia.

Those who require treatment in hospital are assessed and if required, staff liaise on wards to ensure they receive comprehensive and holistic care for all their needs.

When discharged, the team help patients to assess appropriate community support and work with discharge staff at the hospitals.

The new team helps both patients and staff at the hospitals to effectively treat and support people with mental health problems.

Two Queen’s Nurse titles have been awarded to hard working members of staff at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS).

The title is awarded by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute and is not an award for past service, but indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

Sylvia Wilkinson, Health Visitor and Community Practice Educator and Leanne McHugh, Practice Teacher at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) have both been honoured with the title.

Sylvia who lives in Lincoln, began her NHS career in 1979 before moving to Lincoln County Hospital.

She took a brief career break when she had her two children but returned to practice in 1987.

Following this Sylvia moved to Bassetlaw Hospital as a health visitor for five years. She came back to Lincoln in 2008. She is now based at the LCHS headquarters at Beech House Lincoln.

“I want to make a difference to the families I work with,” she said.

“I’ve been in the job a long time but I still love it. I do feel privileged to work with such nice families. I’m working towards my masters now.”

Leanne, who lives in North Hykeham, qualified in 2001. She fell in love with health visiting while doing her training. She says she enjoys the education side of the job and trained as a practice educator.

She said: “I wanted to be a nurse from the age of 14. I’m now working on my masters. I’d love to go on to a research programme next.”

LCHS now has 23 Queen’s Nurses within the trust. Leanne and Sylvia will travel to London to attend the official ceremony on Monday, May 9.

Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of the QNI said: “Congratulations are due to both Sylvia and Leanne for their success.

“Community nurses operate in an ever more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can. The Queen’s Nurse title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.”

Accident and emergency departments at Lincolnshire’s hospitals failed to meet government targets for seeing patients within four hours, NHS England statistics have revealed.

Figures for February show 81.1% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged from Lincolnshire’s A&E departments within four hours of arrival – well below the 95% target.

Nationally, the picture was little better, with 87.8% of patients being seen within the four hour target.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust also reported an increase of 10% in A&E admissions in March 2016 compared to the same time the previous year.

However, unlike the national position, emergency admissions have reduced by nearly 1.5% in Lincolnshire.

This is equivalent to approximately 900 less people being admitted to hospital in 2015-16 compared against 2014-15.

Mark Brassington, Chief Operating Officer at ULHT, said: “Over the last few months, our A&Es have been very busy. When we are busy unfortunately we can’t always see and treat people within four hours.

“We do prioritise so that the sickest patients are seen and assessed quickly.

“Both health and social services across Lincolnshire are very busy and we are working together to ensure our patients are discharged in a timely manner which helps us to free up beds for urgent and planned care patients.

“Freeing up beds on the wards has a direct impact on how long patients wait in A&E. We ask people to only attend A&E with serious or life threatening illnesses and to seek alternative support for on-going problems or minor injuries.

“Those who attend with minor conditions will still be treated, but potentially will have long waits. We urge everyone to think twice before they go to A&E – if it’s not serious or life threatening, you shouldn’t be there.

“Many illnesses can be better treated by visiting your local pharmacy, calling 111, visiting your local GP, or GP out of hours services, or attending a walk in centre or a minor injuries unit.”

Richard Barker, interim national director of commissioning operations and information at NHS England, said A&E was “now seeing the effects of the delayed flu spike which peaked in February and March this year compared with pre-Christmas last winter.

“This was compounded by social care-related delayed hospital discharges, which are up by 40% compared with the same month last year.”

He added: “Despite these pressures, for the year as a whole more than nine out of 10 patients have been admitted, treated or discharged in under four hours, while long trolley waits have halved compared with last year.”

Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, said: “The root cause of deteriorating performance is an unprecedented slowdown in funding for the NHS – now half-way through the most austere decade of funding growth since records began in 1948 – and severe cuts to social care, impacting specifically older people.

“Providers are struggling to accommodate this slowdown because of the sheer pace and scale of changes required. Today’s performance figures, while worrying, are entirely predictable.”

Take a look behind-the-scenes at Lincoln County Hospital A&E in our exclusive video.

Staff working in Lincolnshire’s hospitals have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at a special awards evening.

Nearly 200 members of staff from the trust and patients attended the third annual awards at the Princess Royal Sport Arena in Boston.

There were 13 award categories with each highly commended and overall award winner presented with a trophy or certificate.

A total of 430 nominations were received by the trust, almost three times the amount last year.

Jan Sobieraj, chief executive of ULHT, said: “Since starting work at the trust, I’ve seen lots of examples of great practice across our hospitals that is kept very quiet.

“I’ve observed how our staff are very modest and just get on with things, keeping a low profile and not realising that what they are doing is so amazing.

“It’s very important that we recognise good practice for a number of reasons. It supports learning, promotes innovation and gives our staff confidence and the recognition they deserve.”

Trust chair Dean Fathers said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes of colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that the quality of care delivered across all our hospitals is the best that it can be.

“Getting the chance to hear our winners, presenters and patients talk about their experiences was inspiring for all.”

Below is a full list of the winners and highly commended individuals and teams:

Working together award

Beat-It Team

Highly commended: Andrew Hind – Clerk of Works at Pilgrim
Winner: Beat It team at Grantham

Quality and safety award

EPIFFany team with Paul Middleton from sponsor NL Managed Services (right)

Winner: EPIFFany at Pilgrim
Highly commended: Karen Moon and Dian Whittle – quality governance team at Lincoln

Innovation award

Helen Fieldson with Medical Director Suneil Kapadia

Winner: Helen Fieldson – Macmillan Occupational Therapist at Lincoln
Highly commended: Rebecca Burley – Deputy Sister at Grantham
Highly commended: Samantha McCarthy-Phull – Clinical Education Nurse at Lincoln

Team of the year award

A member of the nuclear medicine team with Director of HR Ian Warren

Winner: Nuclear medicine department at Lincoln
Highly commended: Ward 1 at Grantham

Improvement award

Deborah Birch and Deputy Chief Executive Kevin Turner

Winner: Deborah Birch – Consultant Nurse for Frail Older Adults at Lincoln
Highly commended: Laura Fowler, Katie Sleight, Kathryn Cope and Dr Zara Pogson- respiratory team at Lincoln

Compassion and respect towards others award

Winner: Sharon Booth – Clerical Officer at Lincoln
Highly commended: Kevin Young – Porter at Grantham

Extra mile award

Ellen Smith and non-executive director Penny Owston

Winner: Ellen Smith- Occupational Therapist at Pilgrim
Highly commended: Helen Walker- Colorectal Nurse Specialist at Lincoln

Volunteer of the year award

Patricia Hiley with Deputy Director of Nursing Jennie Negus

Winner: Patricia Hiley
Highly commended: Winifred James

Great leadership award

Director of Nursing Michelle Rhodes and Bernie Gallen

Winner: Bernadine Gallen- Quality and Safety Manager at Lincoln
Highly commended: Andy McDowall – Portering Section Leader at Grantham
Highly commended: Teresa Hurdley – Staff Nurse at Lincoln
Highly commended: Jennie Negus – Deputy Chief Nurse at Pilgrim

Chairman’s great customer service award

Chairman’s fantastic customer service- Staff from Pilgrim pantry with Trust Chair Dean Fathers (back)

Winner: Pilgrim pantry staff
Highly commended: Muscoskeletal outpatients physiotherapy teams trustwide

Unsung heroes award

Anne Cooper with non executive director Kate Truscott

Winner: Anne Cooper – Staff Nurse at Lincoln
Highly commended: Carol Resner – Healthcare Support Worker at Lincoln
Highly commended: Sonya Sargent – Porter at Grantham

Great patient experience award

Ross McKinlay and patient representative Roger Thorley

Winner: Ross McKinlay – Associate Specialist at Lincoln
Highly commended: Coronary care team at Lincoln

Chief Executive’s award

Pharmacy team with Chief Executive Jan Sobieraj (second from right)

Winner: Pharmacy team trustwide
Highly commended: Housekeeping team at Lincoln