This summary has been produced following the latest Council of Governors meeting that was held virtually, in public on 13th January 2021. All the papers and a recording of the meeting will be available on the Trust website here https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/about-us/council-of-governors/council-of-governors-meetings/ We do hope that you find the content useful.
The hospital is incredibly busy with more than double the number of Covid 19 patients than at the highest peak during the first lockdown. The Board of Directors and Executive Team continue to support the staff during this challenging and stressful time with a variety of health and well-being initiatives introduced in recent months, including enhanced rest areas, yoga, counselling, and the provision of financial advice as required. Pastoral care is an important aspect of the support being provided, and personal cards and treat boxes were issued over Christmas and the New Year. Staff receive regular communications and updates so that they are kept fully informed.
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Very good progress is being made on the Covid vaccination. The hub was recently moved to the Louise Hamilton Centre as this is more spacious.
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The Emergency Department expansion opened on 30th December providing 14 extra cubicles.
Many congratulations to Jacky Copping, Deputy Director of Nursing who was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to nursing during the pandemic.
The Deputy Chief Executive role has been reinstated on a six-monthly rotation with Mark Flynn, Director of Finance, being deputy until 30th June 2021.
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Karen Knight and John Hennessey were appointed as Non-Executive Directors from 1st January 2021 and are currently undergoing a virtual induction ready to join the Board. The Non Execs continue to fulfil their role through virtual meetings, enabling them to gain sufficient assurance.
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Norfolk and Waveney will become an Integrated Care System from 1st April 2021. The Board is reviewing and reconsidering its strategic vision with how it collaborates with the other acute Trusts in Norfolk and Waveney, although some meetings have been postponed due to the pandemic.
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The Board’s Patient Safety and Quality Committee have monthly virtual meetings looking at various aspects including hospital acquired Covid infections, surgical site infections, controlled drugs, falls and pressure ulcers.
Following publication of the Ockenden Report on Maternity Services, the JPUH response is ready to be sent answering all questions raised. The Board was due to consider it on 14 January
The underlying staff sickness absence had improved over the last six months although absence due to the pandemic is increasing, with staff having to isolate and / or shield.
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Agency costs have reduced, and the hospital finances are on track. Grants received covered the full £3.9m cost of the Emergency Department expansion.
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Government targets are not being measured in the same way during the pandemic due the high attendance levels and significant pressures facing A&E departments. This is also affecting ambulance handovers. Patients are being prioritised and treated to ensure medical needs are met.
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The two week wait cancer performance target was achieved.
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Elective surgery, other than cancer / urgent cases, has been postponed across the Norfolk and Waveney area but, again, staff concentrate on ensuring that patients do not suffer medical harm because of the delays caused by the impact of the pandemic – cancer surgery and urgent operations will continue.
Please help protect the NHS and your hospital by adhering to the national guidance; Stay home and help save lives.
If you have any questions, would like clarification on any of the items covered, or have any other matters that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can do this via the Governors’ email which is governors@jpaget.nhs.uk. We would welcome any feedback and look forward to hearing from you.