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Ewen Cameron's blog
Over the past year, we have been running ‘Super Saturdays’ – offering specialist services on the weekend to dramatically reduce waiting times for particular patients needing treatment. This has been conducted across numerous specialties, including ophthalmology, orthopaedics, plastic and general surgery. On 22 February, we conducted a Super Saturday for patients waiting for carpal tunnel surgery, which alleviates pain and aching in the hands, wrists, and arms. Thanks to our dedicated surgeons, nurses, theatre practitioners, porters, and the waiting list team, we were able to complete 47 procedures in one day. This required a monumental effort, and I am pleased to say that another carpal tunnel Super Saturday is taking place later this month. This means 65% of patients on the Trust’s waiting list for this procedure will receive the care and treatment they need more quickly.
Getting out and seeing the amazing work our teams do is something I relish. Last week I visited the Forest Heath midwifery team based in Newmarket, who support families on their antenatal and postnatal journeys at clinics across the west of the county. These members of staff provide vital and often lifesaving advice, which provides new and soon-to-be parents with the skills they need to care for their newborn. Additionally, on 13 February I was honoured to present one of our cardiac rehabilitation sisters, Kate Turner, with a trophy to commemorate her 50 years of working in the NHS. Kate started at the former West Suffolk Hospital as a cadet nurse, moving on to a post in gynaecology once she gained her registration, and then into coronary care in the intensive treatment unit in 1980. Kate has remained in this specialty ever since - a shining example of someone that followed their calling and dedicated their working life to helping care for some of our sickest patients. While Kate is still working at our Trust, she will be retiring in April. I would like to sincerely thank her for her 50 years of service and wish her all the best as she moves into the next chapter of her life.
As you may know, our West Suffolk Hospital has undergone a significant programme of works to mitigate the risks associated with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – also known as RAAC – which was used extensively in the construction of the main hospital and other buildings on the site. Since we learned of additional risks associated with RAAC in 2019, we have completed the installation of numerous safety features, such as fail-safe roof supports, and continue to conduct regular checks to ensure our patients, staff, and visitors are safe. This has been a huge task for colleagues across the organisation and I thank both those involved in the complex project management as well as those on the ground who have helped to manage the disruption and relocation of their services around the site.
As the weather improves, we can more frequently and comfortably get outdoors. Keeping fit and active, along with a balanced diet, is a simple but important way to maintain our health and prevent the likelihood of developing issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease in our later years. The country’s Chief Medical Officer recommends that we all complete two and a half hours of moderate activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) every week, or an hour and quarter of more vigorous activity (like running) to keep us fit and healthy. Whether you choose to cycle to work, enjoy a walk, participate in a Park Run, or get out in the garden, there is something to keep everyone active this spring.
While not quite for beginners, 13 examples of this are the people who completed the Cambridge Half Marathon on 9 March – which included seven members of our staff – who raised money for the My WiSH Charity. Their fundraising efforts will go towards great causes that benefit both patients and staff, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and support.
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