I hope you are enjoying this spell of sunshine we are being treated to.

Despite the sunshine, our hospitals are facing levels of demand that make it feel more like winter. We face a challenging six months ahead as we tackle the pandemic, continue to reduce our waiting lists, and deal with winter pressures.

While spending time with colleagues, I’ve seen how passionate they are about providing the best possible care for our residents. It makes me proud to lead this organisation.

I am continuing to get out and about across both of our hospitals and our local system to get to know people. If you’ve not seen it yet, please do take a look at my latest video diary.

While looking forward, I’m also a believer in reflecting and celebrating successes and that’s what we were able to do last week.

Sir David Sloman officially welcomes surgical robot

I was delighted to welcome Regional Director of NHS London Sir David Sloman to King George Hospital to officially cut the ribbon on our new £1.7m surgical robot.

The robot is the second in our Trust and allows surgeons to perform robotic-assisted surgery. Using a console to control the instrument means we can operate through small incisions, resulting in quicker recoveries for patients and reducing fatigue for clinical teams during lengthy procedures. It really is incredible.

Sir David also heard more about our fantastic initiatives to help reduce waiting times, which were also recognised at this week’s Health and Social Care Committee by Neil Mortensen, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Take a look at what Neil had to say.

Well done to all involved.

HSJ award for our Academy of Surgery

Continuing to recognise the fantastic work of our surgery colleagues, at last Thursday’s (2 September) HSJ Value Awards our Academy of Surgery scheme won the People and Organisational Development Initiative of the Year.

The category was extremely strong, but it was the trailblazing initiative by our surgeons that won the award for their innovative training scheme for doctors wishing to pursue a surgical career.

This bespoke training programme is training our surgeons of the future and bringing more diversity and experience to our Trust, and I am very proud of the team.

Critical care investment update

As we now look ahead towards winter pressures, our £11.5m critical care investment is due to be completed by the end of the year and will help us manage the busy months ahead.

I advised you last week how building work for our Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Queen’s Hospital was ongoing. The area on the fourth floor was previously used for storage, however, we are transforming it into a 15-bed CCU, with flexibility to increase the size during busier periods.

At King George Hospital, we’re adding four additional beds to our existing CCU, creating a 12-bed unit. We’ve been able to reconfigure and modernise our existing unit by utilising an area previously used for offices.

Blood test tube supply shortage

As you may already be aware, there is currently a national supply issue impacting some of the equipment used for taking blood tests in the NHS.

Our NEL CCG colleagues have advised that anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one once your clinician says that it’s safe to do so. However, you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date or your appointment may be rescheduled.

Given the nature of the shortage, an exact date cannot be given for when the test will be rescheduled. However, please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test. Tests will be re-booked when supplies become more easily available.

Kind regards,

Matthew Trainer
Chief Executive