Monday 7th April 2008 was a very special day in the history of Mount Vernon, the day when the National Cancer Director, Professor Mike Richards, came to perform the opening ceremony in the presence of a largely NHS audience – but we were there too, represented by James Kincaid, Vice Chairman, and Donald Edwards, our Publicity Officer, who was glued to his camera throughout the event.
All the top brass from East & North Herts Hospitals NHS Trust were there, taking pride that they currently run the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Their Chairman, Richard Beazley, expressed much regret at the collapse of the proposal to move the Cancer Centre to Hatfield – in contrast of course to our own delight at that collapse! However we rejoice with him in the excellent new facilities at Mount Vernon. Later this year we hope that the Herts. Cancer Review will confirm that those facilities are secure on their present site, at least for the next few years.
Dr. Peter Ostler, Clinical Director at the Cancer Centre, spoke about the amazing new technology which makes the radiotherapy bunkers removable, originally to allow them to be moved to Hatfield. This installation comprised five bunkers, complete with linear accelerators already in place - a world first achievement.
Professor Mike Richards, the Cancer Czar, noted that this important radiotherapy centre is one of the largest in the country, with many clinicians, radiotherapists, physicists and 140 nurses on its staff. The recent face-lift cost £22 million. When pressed on future plans, he indicated that satellite working might be set up from the Cancer Centre, to make local services available to more people.
He noted that in cancer survival rates the UK lags behind its European neighbours, which he attributed mainly to late diagnosis. Earlier identification is the key factor, needing more patient awareness, more primary care and more radiotherapy services. Staff shortages were a bottle-neck a few years ago, but rapid progress since 2000 has produced around 40% more radiotherapists and clinical oncologists. Better data collection is also vital, so that comparisons between hospitals can become possible. Also, we spend more on in-patient cancer care than other countries, so in future we will be exploring how to treat more patients through ambulatory care.
It was a very happy occasions and smiles were abundant – as Donald’s wonderful pictures and DVD show. I was very sorry that I could not be there myself.
Joan & Donald
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On the 20th of May 2008, Harefield Hospital held an open-day at one of the Cardiothoracic Theatres . It ran from 10am to 4pm and was a huge success with many visitors both young and old alike,at times, having a go, hands on experience. It certainly was an eye-opener to what is involved in the various procedures carried out in this wonderful hospital. Recently, the Trust was named England's Best Heart Hospital. "Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust is 'leader in its field' according to the Independent newspaper". This video gives an introduction to the theatre waiting room with an interactive nature window. Organ Donation information. Instruments used in the theatre. Other clips in the series are, The perfusionist, Children Handwashing, By-pass surgery, Vein Harvesting, Thorasic, Heart disection, Ventilation, and Short-term Ventricular assist.
I was given every assistance and taken round by one of the doctors. They certainly enjoyed showing us their work, Well done Harefied.
Donald.
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The following account from, Joanna Parish, Head of Media Relations
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust.Harefield Hospital tested its readiness for dealing with a major emergency in a large scale simulation on 20 May. Staff from the hospital were joined by colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, Hillingdon Hospital, Primary Care Trust and Borough Council, the Health Protection Agency, London SHA and other agencies to test readiness for a fire in the hospital.
The simulation represented the largest multi-agency exercise at Harefield in two decades, and one of the largest in London for some years. It was timed to take place after £3 million worth of improvements had been made to the hospital’s infrastructure. All NHS Trusts are expected to carry out similar exercises every three years.
Soon after midday the fire alarm was sounded and volunteer staff acting in the role of patients were evacuated from wards and moved to safe areas in the hospital. In total 30 ‘patients’ were moved to safety in the mock evacuation. A total of 13 fire appliances and 60 firefighters arrived at the scene. The exercise was structured so that staff were informed of fresh events in real time, simulating the effects of unexpected developments in a real emergency.
Commenting on the exercise, Patrick Mitchell, director of operations at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, said: “Carrying out such a large multi-agency exercise was a major undertaking and required a great deal of planning and co-ordination. The conclusion from all those involved was that it was an extremely worthwhile project, not just for the Trust but for all our partners. We will be sharing the learning from the event with a much wider audience within the NHS and beyond.”
John Doherty, spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade added, “The exercise was an enormous success from the London Fire Brigade’s perspective. It enabled us to put into practice our command and control procedures for major incidents and of course reinforce our links with the Trust’s management team. The most important outcome from the exercise was that all agencies involved worked together to achieve a
successful outcome, that of ensuring the safety and well-being of all ‘patients’.
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The Catering Department of Mount Vernon Hospital has a very busy team. They produce not only the meals for the patients but also for the canteen which is alongside, for the staff, visitors and patients.
On my many visits to the hospital, for The Community Voice and in the days when I inspected the power plants and equipment in the hospital, I visited many places on site not seen or even given much thought by the average patient. I have often had a meal in the canteen and never had reason to complain. A good selection at reasonable prices. The catering department is a thankless department, no matter where it is, on a ship, a factory canteen or the messroom of an army barracks, all they get are complaints, not many people stop to thank the staff for producing a good meal!
Here is a chance for you to see some of these wonderful people who's interest is, like the nurses and doctors, to make your stay the best they can.
Over the next few weeks you will be able to watch some of these people at work. The next video is Security.
Donald
Publicity
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After the unveiling of the blue plaque to Arthur Fleming at Harefield Hospital on 29th September, Nick Hunt , Director of Services, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, responded to some questions from Joan Davis, Chairman of The Community Voice.
Donald
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