Patients benefit from pioneering hi tech home consultations

PEOPLE with cancer are benefitting from pioneering technology that allows them to take part in appointments from the comfort of their own home. The Telehealth Clinic is being used at:- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, in Merseyside, 1 of the UK's leading cancer centres. It has been piloted for almost a year by a small group of lung cancer patients who are able to have an appointment with their specialist Nurse via a video call.

Professor Michael Brada, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, helped to develop existing system iKonsult for use at the centre in Wirral. Prof Brada said:- "I have long been interested in making life easier for people who travel either short or long distances and then have to sit and wait in clinics, sometimes taking time off work or requiring their family to do so. This is a way of trying to make life easier for them. We want to deliver care that is close to patients and this is the ultimate way to do that."

Sarah Cubbin, Macmillan Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, who uses the technology for appointments with patients, said:- "There are strict guidelines for who is allowed to take part and we have been very careful to ensure suitability. It isn't the right approach for everyone, some people actually want to attend face to face appointments. Others like the system as it allows them to keep in touch, ensure their needs are being met, but they can avoid travel and possible waiting times."

Patients are still required to attend the Centre, in Wirral, or 1 of its networked clinics, for scans and specialist clinic appointments with their consultant every 3 months. The group taking part all have a stable disease and are on nurse led treatment plans, taking oral treatments. They were given the choice of using the service or attending appointments in person. The format is the same as the traditional face to face consultation. Their condition is assessed, questions answered and a plan formulated to follow up on what is required. If the nurse is concerned about their appearance or any symptoms, they will refer them immediately to their nearest acute Hospital or make an appointment for them at:- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. If a prescription is required it is delivered by the:- 'Blood Bikes' service which operates at the Hospital. Security and confidentiality have been a big part of developing the system.

Terry Dickinson, from Fazakerley in Liverpool, has been having appointments via the Telehealth Clinic for 5 months. Terry, 66, who has lung cancer, said:- "This is saving me time, effort and money on travelling expenses. I used to travel to Clatterbridge twice a month, now it is twice every 3 months. I have blood tests at Hospital in Aintree which is local, the nurse has my results ready for the appointment and then my medication is delivered by the Blood Bikes. It is so easy. I was amazed on the very first call at how clear the picture was. I could have been in the same room at the nurse. This is definitely the way forward."

NHS Trust launches Big Book of Best Practice

LOCAL Health Trust CWP has published a new book highlighting some of the organisation's finest work over the last year. The Big Book of Best Practice 2017/18; developed by staff, at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP); demonstrates examples of the trust's leading clinical practice that have achieved particularly positive outcomes for people accessing the trust's services, their carers and families.  We are told that it aims not only to celebrate the work of CWP staff, but also to encourage the sharing of innovative ideas across different teams and organisations to help improve health and wellbeing for the wider region. The book, which is CWP's 5th annual publication, was launched at a recent exhibition event, at Macclesfield Town Hall, which saw over 200 patients, staff, partners and members of the public come together to share:- 'what good looks like' in healthcare.

Dr Anushta Sivananthan, CWP Medical Director, said:- "Our staff have wholeheartedly embraced the values that the Big Book of Best Practice represents. Sharing good practice and learning from experience is a huge part of our culture at CWP. The book is one of our highlights of the year that showcases continuous quality improvement of services. I'd recommend anyone interested in how we can further improve care for the people we serve to read it and see the inspiring work of our staff and people who access our services.  Our launch event this year in Macclesfield was another huge success and I'd like to thank all staff, partners, families and carers who made it such a wonderful day."

To help kick off the Big Book's launch event, CWP were joined by local MP David Rutley. Mr Rutley said:- "It was an honour to open this year's CWP Best Practice Showcase and to learn more about the wide range of important services the organisation offers. There were impressive case studies that showed how CWP staff are working hard to provide high quality mental health care. I look forward to continuing to work with CWP in the months ahead, to help respond to these important health challenges in our community."

CWP's Big Book of Best Practice is inspired by the Trust's Zero Harm campaign. Zero Harm's key message is:- 'Stop. Think. Listen', which involves supporting everyone to deliver the best care possible, as safely as possible to reduce avoidable harm. CWP delivers mental health, substance misuse, learning disability and community physical health services to the people of Cheshire, Wirral and wider region. You can read the Trust's Big Book of Best Practice 2017/18 online.