Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Last updated on 31 March 2017.

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HOSPITAL TRUST TOPS NATIONAL STAFF SURVEY

Staff at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) are among the happiest NHS workers in the country, according to results from a national survey.

The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, is celebrating after achieving the best results of all acute trusts in the 2016 NHS Staff Survey.

MCHFT has been rated in the top 20% in 16 out of 32 areas, including staff recommending the organisation as a place to work or receive treatment.

It’s also in the top 20% for staff motivation at work, staff agreeing that their role makes a difference to patients, and staff ability to contribute towards improvements at work.

Staff have also rated the Trust in the lowest (best) 20% for employees working extra hours, as well as staff feeling unwell due to work-related stress.

The Trust, which was ranked fifth out of all acute trusts in 2015, placed ‘better than average’ in another 11 areas, ‘average’ in four and ‘below average’ in just one.

Tracy Bullock, MCHFT Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely proud of these results and of our dedicated and compassionate workforce.

“This national survey shows that our staff are engaged and motivated, which helps us to deliver first-class care in our hospitals and in the local community.

“The survey also identifies areas where we can improve and we will be looking at the results very closely to ensure further improvements are made for the benefit of our staff and patients alike.”

Chairman Dennis Dunn added: “Really great leadership is evident at all levels of Mid Cheshire Hospitals, as well as in the senior teams.

“Most gratifying of course, beyond our number one ranking, is the performance and support of our brilliant staff and our belief that a genuine commitment and aspiration to achieve excellence really benefits our patients.”

The results mark another achievement for MCHFT, which is also rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and is consistently named as one of the top NHS organisations to work for.

The annual staff survey is commissioned by the Department of Health and involves randomly-selected staff answering questions about their trust as an employer and healthcare provider.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, Chief Inspector of Hospitals, said: “We have found that the NHS Staff Survey is one of the most reliable predictors of effectiveness of NHS Trust leadership and the quality of care they provide for patients.”

More than 420,000 workers from 316 NHS organisations completed the latest survey, which is the biggest response achieved in its 14 year history and shows another year of improvements.

Nationally, it finds that 80% of frontline NHS staff are able to do their job to a standard they are personally please with, 90% of staff say their job makes a difference for patients, and 92% of staff feel trusted to do their jobs.

Last updated on 31 March 2017.

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CHARITY'S TEDDIES MAKE 22,000 CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL VISITS MORE 'BEAR'ABLE

A charity that donates cuddly toys to distressed children at Crewe’s Leighton Hospital is celebrating a milestone.

Cheshire Freemasons launched their Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, 12 years ago.

Since then more than 22,000 children have received free cuddly bears at the Trust’s sites, which also include Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.

Money for the plush toys is raised by the Freemasons’ volunteers who then deliver them to A&Es across Cheshire.

Staff in Leighton Hospital’s Emergency Department give the teddies to children who are in distress and where it is felt a toy to cuddle can alleviate that distress.

Jo Rimmer, Service Coordinator for A&E’s reception, organises the delivery of the cuddly toys for the hospital. She said: “The bears offer great comfort to our younger patients.

“Some are distributed in our minor injuries unit and they’re used to reassure children by demonstrating treatments they may have, such as a sling or bandaging. The children get to take them home, too.

“They offer a positive distraction during what can be an unsettling time and we’re so thankful to the Freemasons for their ongoing support.”

Neil Eaton, TLC Coordinator for Cheshire, added: “Children tend to form a bond with the teddy because of the circumstances in which they are received and will bring them back to hospital with them if they have to return.”

Neil joined Freemason and volunteer Mike Bentley to deliver the latest batch of bears in February along with TLC colouring in sheets, which will be used to entertain and occupy those who use children’s waiting area in A&E.

The delivery of 144 bears is just one of hundreds that the Freemasons have made in Cheshire since 2004 and of the thousands that have been made across the country.

Together, 1.9 million bears have been distributed all over England, Ireland, Wales and parts of Scotland.

Additional information:

The TLC appeal was originally launched in Essex in 2001 after the wife of a Freemason suffered from an allergic reaction, which caused the swelling and blocking of her windpipe.

Her life was saved by the rapid action of A&E staff who were able to resuscitate and stabilise her. She found the experience the most frightening of her life and it led her to speculate on the distress that children must face when visiting emergency departments.

The TLC scheme was born after she discussed the idea of helping A&Es with other Freemasons and it has since been adopted by most Masonic provinces across the country.

Last updated on 31 March 2017.

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CHARITY PATRON PETE WATERMAN LAUNCHES TRUST'S NEW MRI SCANNER

Record producer Pete Waterman has launched a new state-of-the-art MRI scanner at Crewe’s Leighton Hospital.

Pete, who has sold more than 500 million records worldwide and helped to launch artists such as Kylie Minogue, visited the hospital on Friday 28 October to unveil the new Siemens scanner.

The celebratory event followed a successful fundraising appeal by Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, which raised more than £960,000.

The campaign was launched in March 2014 due to the hospital’s existing scanner working to capacity and has received overwhelming support from the local community.

Businesses, schools, associations and individuals all helped to raise the vital funds and many, including the Mayor of Northwich, attended the launch event.

They were joined by a number of representatives from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT), including Chief Executive Tracy Bullock, Chairman Dennis Dunn MBE, and members of staff from the Medical Imaging Department.

Pete said: “I am delighted to be Patron of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity and it was a honour to launch the brand new MRI scanner at Leighton Hospital today after a two and a half year appeal.

“I am passionate about the NHS and full of admiration for the fantastic support we have received from the public for this appeal.”

Dennis Dunn added: “I am delighted that the appeal has been such a success and that the funding of the second MRI scanner will support Mid Cheshire Hospitals in its aim to deliver first class healthcare to our local community.”

The new Siemens Aera 1.5 Tesla scanner, which is already being used, will help the Trust to meet the rising demands for the service.

Around 20,000 MRI scans were completed at Leighton Hospital in the last financial year and the Trust is predicting 24,000 in 2016/17 and a continued growth of 10-12 per cent every year.

The new scanner, which operates 8am - 8pm seven days a week, means that the Trust can double its onsite scanning capacity. MRI wait times will therefore be reduced and, due to improved technology, scans will be quicker.

Other benefits for patients include a reduced feeling of claustrophobia, a reduction in changed or cancelled appointments, and increased diagnostic accuracy.

Visitors will also benefit from improved patient facilities, including a new self check-in system and a comfortable waiting area.

Laura Riddle, Charity Manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised such a staggering amount through the MRI Scanner Appeal. 

“We could not have done this without the amazing support shown by the local community and I would like to thank everyone who supported and donated to the appeal.”

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity makes a fantastic difference to patients, their families and staff at MCHFT and, through fundraising, aims to enhance the provision of first class healthcare across the Trust’s sites.

For further information on how you can support the work of the charity contact Laura Riddle on 01270 273248 or email charity@mcht.nhs.uk. 

Last updated on 31 March 2017.

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MATERNITY UNIT ACHIEVES FURTHER TOP RATING

The Maternity service based at Leighton Hospital in Crewe has added another significant accreditation to its increasing number of accolades, after being awarded a top rating by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

Following a thorough two-day assessment of the Maternity Unit, alongside Neonatal and Paediatric services, Leighton Hospital has been officially named as a UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Hospital for the first time in its history.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a programme designed to support breastfeeding and parent-infant relationships by working with public services to improve standards of care.  It aims to ensure that all parents can make informed decisions about feeding their babies and that they are supported in their chosen feeding method.

The programme provides a framework for the implementation of best practice and is divided into three stages, with organisations requiring to complete audits and assessments at each stage.  Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT), which runs Leighton Hospital, achieved Stage One in 2010 and Stage Two in 2013.  The Trust was assessed for Stage Three in May 2015 and is now fully Baby Friendly accredited.

Pam Cornwall, Lead Nurse and Head of Midwifery at MCHFT, said: “It gives me enormous pleasure that we have received this accreditation.  We scored 100% in 10 out of the 14 criteria that we were assessed on, with our lowest score being 91%.  This is a phenomenal achievement and I would like to thank everyone within our Maternity, Neonatal and Paediatric teams for their commitment to continually improving our services.

“It has been a fantastic few months for the Maternity Unit, having already been named as Midwifery Service of the Year by the Royal College of Midwives in March.  When these achievements are considered alongside us being named as one of the safest units in the country by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) programme, we have now received the three top ratings that any Maternity service can be awarded. 

“There aren’t many organisations in the UK who have achieved what we have, which means that local pregnant women and their families really do have a top class service available on their doorstep.”

The Maternity Unit at Leighton Hospital has been fully refurbished in recent years and can provide care for all women, from low-risk births in the purpose-built Midwifery-Led Unit, which offers birthing pools, ambient mood lighting, en-suite facilities and private courtyards, through to those who may require more attention in the traditional Labour Ward.  A new high-dependency area is available for women who may require more intensive specialised care during labour, further increasing the safety of their care, whilst home births are also offered, all supported by a team of dedicated and highly qualified Midwives.  Further information about the range of maternity options available from the service is available at www.mcht.nhs.uk/maternity.

Last updated on 29 May 2015.

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TRUST NAMED MIDWIFERY SERVICE OF THE YEAR

Local pregnant women and their families have access to the best maternity care in the country, following the Leighton Hospital-based service being named as “Midwifery Service of the Year.”

The Unit, managed by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT), was named as the country’s best by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) as part of their 2015 Annual Midwifery Awards.

Competing against hospitals from Hampshire and Basildon for the Mothercare-sponsored award, the accolade recognises excellence and innovation in the provision of maternity care and in the organisation of the service. It gives recognition to services which have demonstrated an exemplary forward-looking and innovative approach to the provision of maternity and how women are offered a number of different birthing choices. It also evidences a commitment to improved recruitment and retention of maternity staff as well as ensuring that they are appropriately supported and valued.

Speaking about being named as the winner, Tracy Bullock, MCHFT Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted and extremely proud of our maternity services and the team of highly-skilled professionals who provide such fantastic care to our local mums and their families.

“Despite being one of the smallest units in the North West, our maternity service has improved significantly over the past few years and this award puts us firmly up there amongst the best services in the country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Maternity staff who made this possible, and also our local community for the great support that they have shown our service over the years.”

The RCM Award is the latest accolade received by the service, following a positive rating in the CQC National Patient Survey as well as being named as one of the safest units in the country by the NHS Litigation Authority through the achievement of the highest level of the CNST scheme and achieving Stage Two of UNICEF’s Baby Friendly initiative. The service was also rated as “Good” as part of MCHFT’s recent CQC Comprehensive Inspection.

The award win comes shortly after the Unit’s Supervisors of Midwives were shortlisted for another national award – the British Journal of Midwifery’s “Leadership in Midwifery” Award. The award recognises the work of midwifery leaders who show outstanding leadership skills, with those shortlisted being deemed to have a strong ability to nurture potential leaders while also maintaining high service standards.

Tracy added: “I wish our team of Supervisors all the best in their award. They work hard to support our Midwives and are available 24-hours a day, seven-days a week, to offer guidance and advice to our pregnant women to ensure that the care provided is of the highest possible standard.” The winners will be announced by the Journal on Monday, March 23, 2015.

The recently refurbished Maternity Unit at Leighton Hospital can provide care for all women, from low-risk births in the purpose-built Midwifery-Led Unit, which offers birthing pools, ambient mood lighting, ensuite facilities and private courtyards, through to those who may require more attention in the traditional Labour Ward. A new high-dependency area is available for women who may require more intensive specialised care during labour, further increasing the safety of their care, whilst home births are also offered, all supported by a team of dedicated and highly qualified Midwives. Further information about the range of maternity options available from the service is available at www.mcht.nhs.uk/maternity.

Last updated on 29 May 2015.

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TRUST RATED POSITIVELY BY CQC

The national regulator for all healthcare providers in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has published its report into the care provided by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT).

The report, which was compiled following a comprehensive inspection undertaken by the CQC in October 2014, has given MCHFT an overall rating of “Good.”  Only a small number of acute hospital Trusts in England have been provided with this rating, meaning that MCHFT’s hospitals are amongst the highest rated in the country.

A team of 38 inspectors visited the Trust’s three sites – Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford – between October 8-10, 2014, with a further unannounced inspection taking place on the evening of October 24, 2014.  The team consisted of CQC inspectors alongside a variety of medical and healthcare specialists at various levels from Consultants to Student Nurses, as well as members of the public.

As part of the inspection, the CQC spoke to patients, visitors, carers, staff and the public to hear about their experiences of the Trust, with the vast majority of feedback being positive.  Inspectors also sought the views of other NHS organisations and partners including the local Clinical Commissioning Groups, NHS England, Health Education England, the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Royal Colleges and the local Healthwatch team.

In order to get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care, the inspection focused on five questions of every service and provider:

-       Is it safe?

-       Is it effective?

-       Is it caring?

-       Is it responsive to people’s needs?

-       Is it well-led?

Using these five questions, the CQC focused on nine key MCHFT service areas and provided each element with a rating of either “Outstanding”, “Good”, “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate”:

-       Accident and Emergency

-       Medical Care

-       Surgery

-       Critical Care

-       Maternity and Family Planning

-       Children and Young People

-       End of Life Care

-       Outpatients

-       Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre.

Speaking about the report, Tracy Bullock, MCHFT Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have received a positive report from the CQC.  The findings of the detailed inspection are a fantastic endorsement of the care and experience that we aim to provide to all of our patients every day.

“I would like to thank everybody who works at each of our sites who made this possible – your continued hard work, dedication and compassion ensures that our patients are consistently treated with care that is safe, personal and of high quality.

“Whilst the report contains a great number of positives, we know that there is still room for improvement.  Our own internal review processes had previously highlighted the areas which were rated as “Requires Improvement” in the report and work had already commenced, and will continue, to address these issues.

“The inspection by the CQC has been an extremely thorough review of everything that we do here at MCHFT and to have been rated as “Good” is not only great news for us, but also for all of our current and future patients and their families.  They can now be assured that their services and treatments are delivered in environments that are clean and fit for purpose by staff who are highly skilled, caring and committed.”

Copies of the CQC report, both full and summary versions, are available online at www.mcht.nhs.uk/cqc and on the CQC website (www.cqc.org.uk).

Last updated on 29 May 2015.

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Trust Once Again Named Amongst Best

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) has been named as one of best in the country for the third year in a row.

The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was announced as one of the CHKS 40Top Hospitals for 2014.

The 40Top award is based on the evaluation of 22 key performance indicators for hospitals and covers important areas such as safety, clinical effectiveness, health outcomes, efficiency, patient experience and quality of care.

Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive of MCHFT, said: “I am delighted that we have again been named as one of the best in the country, as it is recognition that we are providing care to our patients that is safe and of a high standard.

“It is a great achievement and the credit must be given to every member of our staff – they give their all each and every day so that our patients can be given the best care possible.”

Jason Harries, Managing Director of CHKS, said: “This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary so it is a fitting occasion to reward excellence in the NHS. These awards recognise outstanding performance in those areas which we believe are critical to delivering good patient care. We are delighted that Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of our 40Top Hospitals in this special year for our awards.”

Last updated on 01 September 2014.

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In Safe Hands - Maternity Amongst UK's Safest

Women having babies at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) are provided with the safest care available, according to a recent independent assessment.

The Maternity Unit at Leighton Hospital in Crewe underwent the thorough review in early 2014 and achieved the highest rating provided by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST).

Pam Cornwall, Head of Midwifery, said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded CNST Level 3, as it recognises that our patients are receiving an extremely high level of care.

“The rise to becoming a Level 3 Unit is a meteoric achievement, as a progression usually takes at least three years per level. However, we achieved Level 1 status in December 2010, Level 2 in March 2012, and now we have the highest available.

“I am extremely proud of the team that we have here at the Trust. It has been a mammoth journey and each and every team member has played their part in this success. They are amongst the most experienced and dedicated staff that I have ever worked with, and combined with our brand new facilities, I am thrilled that we can now say that the care provided here is officially amongst the safest in the country.”

The Maternity Unit at Leighton Hospital has undergone a thorough refurbishment over recent years. The hospital now boasts a purpose-built Midwifery-Led Unit attached to the main Labour Ward, with birthing pools, ambient mood lighting, en-suite facilities and a private courtyard accessible from each room. A new high-dependency area was also created for women who require more intensive specialised care during labour, further increasing the safety of their care.

Pam added: “Whilst we’ve significantly improved the facilities located at Leighton Hospital, we can now offer so much more to women and their families.

“We have a thorough parent education schedule, which is free and available to everybody who chooses to give birth with us. Run by a dedicated team of experienced Midwives, the classes provide all of the necessary information and practical skills to prepare women and their birth partners for labour and birth, in order to make the process as easy and safe as possible.

“We can offer women the choice of how and where they wish to give birth, ranging from a pool birth through to fully supervised labour in our Labour Ward. For those who wish to give birth at home, we have a team of devoted Community Midwives who can make this a safe and realistic option for many women.”

In December 2013, the Trust also scored highly in a national Care Quality Commission (CQC) patient survey of women’s experience of maternity care, scoring a total of 9.1 out of 10 – just 0.3 points off the highest score nationally – for the labour and birth elements of pregnancy.

Emma Sanders recently spent time in the majority of areas within the Maternity Unit during her pregnancy with son Harry, who is currently receiving treatment on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She commented: “Throughout my whole experience, the care has been exemplary.

“From the Midwives and Doctors to the cleaners and other ward staff, everyone was brilliant with me, always responding quickly and efficiently to my ever-changing health situation.

“I was too ill to see Harry for a few days and the Midwives were brilliant at keeping me in touch with what was happening, constantly providing me with updates and even photographs – this meant so much to me.

“I honestly don’t feel that Harry would be with us now if it wasn’t for the care that we both received. He has had the very best treatment and is in the safest of hands. I am so grateful for all the excellent care from everyone we have come into contact with.”

For further information the Maternity services available at MCHFT, including video tours, please visit www.mcht.nhs.uk/maternity.

Last updated on 01 September 2014.

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