Covid: increase in cases and mask wearing

Our local data shows that Covid cases are increasing which is impacting on staffing and admissions. We are aware that some neighbouring trusts have reintroduced the requirement to wear masks in public areas, and at UHD we are reviewing our policy in line with local case rate data to identify if any changes are required. Our current policy to wear masks in all clinical areas remains. In addition, while we review practice for all other areas, we would like to remind you that it remains your choice to wear a mask if you wish.

Welcome to our new chair

Rob Whiteman, CBE, has started in his new role as our Chair of the trust, bringing a wealth of experience to UHD.

Rob said: "I know the trust very well as I live in Dorset and am aware of the good reputation the hospitals have locally. This is a fantastic opportunity to join as chair as the hospitals continue the £250m transformation programme. I look forward to supporting Siobhan and the executive team and helping to ensure UHD plays an important role within the NHS Dorset ICS."

Read more about Rob here and you can download a poster showing our Board of Directors here.

Appraisal season deadline extended

To ensure that you and your manager have dedicated time to meet to have a valuable discussion and reflect on the past year, the appraisal deadline is being extended from 31 July to 30 September.

Our appraisal is really important. It provides us with an opportunity to discuss how our work is going, receive feedback, establish future goals and aspirations, and identify areas for further development.

If you are yet to do so, please have a chat with your manager to get your appraisal booked in. Please refer to the appraisal page on the intranet for further information on the process and to access appraisal resources.

Have your say and make a difference in our July People Pulse survey

In our last People Pulse survey, you gave your views on the rest areas and staff spaces, and our teams have listened. Behind the scenes, we're working on ways we can refresh some of our rest areas and have already started improving the Dolphin Restaurant at Poole.

When you take part in our NHS People Pulse, and National NHS Staff Survey, you help to make a real difference across our hospitals, influencing positive change and making your voice heard. Take five minutes to share your views in the July People Pulse Survey, so we can continue making changes that matter to you.

Launch of the new NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board

Today (1 July) marks the first day of the new NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) the public name for which is NHS Dorset. A new website has been created for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Email addresses have changed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., however existing NHS Dorset CCG emails will remain in place until 31 December 2022. Existing phone numbers will not be affected. The primary address for NHS Dorset will be Vespasian House in Dorchester.

Returning to work after sickness

The new and improved return to work from sickness form is launching today (1 July). Find out how to access the form and other guidance on the HR pages of the intranet.

Don't forget to join our all staff briefing next Wednesday

Join Siobhan Harrington, our chief executive, for the next all staff briefing (6 July) either in person in the lecture theatre at Poole Hospital or on Teams at the link here at 8.30am.

Siobhan will be updating on the latest news for our trust and introducing the next edition of our all staff magazine, The Brief.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions at the event or through Teams as well as sharing your views via Slido.

#YouMatter – accessing mental health first aid

At UHD we have more than 100 staff trained to provide mental health first aid to any of us who are experiencing a mental health issue or crisis. Our mental health first aiders are trained to listen non-judgmentally, hold supportive conversations and signpost to professional help and further support.

If you would like to talk to a mental health first aider, please see the Mental Health First Aid pages of the intranet.

RBH: No palliative care cover on Sunday

For urgent concerns, 24 hour advice is available from the Macmillan Unit, please call ext. 5470 option 1 between the hours of 8am- 5pm and option 3 between the hours of 5pm to 8am. For non-urgent queries, please leave a message on ext. 6021 (HPCT) and a staff member will pick these up on Monday 4 July.

Help us build our Women's Network

We are delighted to announce that a new staff network is coming to UHD. Our Women's Network will be open to all who would like to support women, raise their voices for women, and help implement change and positive conversations across our organisation. If you are interested in hearing more about the network, join us for our listening event on Teams on 20 July at 1.30pm. Click here to join the meeting.

If you are unable to attend the event, but would still like to share your views on what you think should be the key aims of our network click here to fill out a short form.

An update from IT

The IT service desk will have new opening hours from 4 July. The team will be accessible from 7am-6pm.

From 1 August, @poole.nhs.uk and @rbch.nhs.uk will no longer be used. Please double check all correspondence addresses have been update to use @uhd.nhs.uk.

Important changes to business mileage claims process

In line with the trust Green Plan and the need to monitor carbon usage, we need to carefully monitor business travel and the associated carbon impacts. This is also aligned to increased regulator reporting in this area. To facilitate this, all mileage claims should be processed through the Easy Expense system.

We are also encouraged to consider the carbon footprint of our journeys. This very easy to use tool here can help by showing all the viable travel mode options for any journey with an accompanying carbon measure. Please note that cycling also qualifies for business travel mileage claims.

Review for healthcare support workers

Our education teams have started a task and finish group to review clinical skills in band 2–4 healthcare support roles across our trust. Please discuss this with your HCSW teams to raise awareness. For any questions please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Calling all veterans and reservists

Rob Hornby, our armed forces community advocate, is running a survey to establish how many reservists and veterans we have working at UHD to see how well we're doing recruiting from the armed forces community.

If you are a veteran or reservist, please take part in this one-minute survey. This can be done anonymously, with the option to leave your email address to find out more about our Armed Forces Support Group.

If you have any questions please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Using EPMA to prescribe for alcohol and opiate withdrawal

There are protocols on EPMA for prescribing for alcohol and opiate withdrawal. If you have a patient experiencing withdrawal please see the alcohol pages on the RBCH intranet for a guide on how to prescribe.

If you have any questions around prescribing on EPMA, contact the support team on ext. 2984. For clinical advice contact RBH ACTS (bleep 2838); PGH ACTS (bleep 0561).

RBH: Marsden scales

An engineer will be on site to check all Marsden scales from 18 July and returning to site on 27 July if required. Please ensure your scales are available for inspection.

Are you a manager? Sign up for management induction

To learn more about the expectations and role of being a manager, we are launching our pilot sessions of a new managers induction, "Being a UHD manager". Module one focuses on compassionate and inclusive management while module two addresses good people management skills. Sessions are available in July and August. Book on the training pages of the Poole intranet or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

HEE mental health crisis workforce questionnaire

A questionnaire aimed at any individual who currently works with people experiencing a mental health crisis in any setting has been developed to help us understand more about this workforce and their training and development needs. This should include NHS services (mental health and acute trusts), voluntary sector services, emergency services, primary care, and social care and covers all age groups (adults, older people and children and young people's mental health). Take part here.

The data collected will be used to define training and educational needs and plan what can be put in place to meet these needs.

Catering trolley issues

We are aware of issues with some patient food trolley doors becoming stiff and not able to open easily. Our catering department has reported these issues and an engineer has been booked. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Reminder: take part in research for a permanent nutrition role

We are currently undertaking a service improvement project to aid a nutrition nurse specialist becoming permanent. As a part of this, please take part in this short questionnaire also available in some staff rooms.

Couch to 5k

Join Macmillan Caring Locally' s team of coaches as they take you through the proven NHS 'Couch to 5k' programme at the Littledown. Entry into our Couch to 5k programme will also give you an entry into the 'Run Bournemouth Supernova 5k' on 8 October.

A great way to start or get back in to running with some top coaches, the programme starts on 8 August and continues each Monday for nine weeks leading to the Supernova 5k event. Sign up and take part here.