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University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Staff Bulletin 18 October 2022

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New outpatient portal goes live next week

The UHD Outpatient Portal is an online resource for patients which can be accessed via computer or smartphone, offering easy access to a range of important information.

The system goes live on Tuesday (25 October), initially with appointment reminders. There will then be the ability to view appointment letters and other documents associated with a patient's care, as well as cancel and reschedule appointments.

UHD is working with DrDoctor, a company which has helped many trusts launch similar services, and who are also supporting NHS Digital, the team behind the official NHS app. It is available to outpatients of all specialties that use eCAMIS, with the roll out taking place in phases. There’s a wealth of information on the intranet about the portal, including 'how to' guides on topics and what to do if a patient asks to opt out. You can also find out about other outpatient transformation projects including digital dictation and our suites of virtual consulting pods. If you have any questions about the outpatients portal email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

UHD 'Super Saturdays' are last chance to get vaccinated

There's still time to have your Covid and flu vaccinations at the final planned UHD clinics. Covid-19 and flu remain a threat to health and the safe delivery of our services this winter - there are currently nearly 100 patients in our hospitals with Covid-19, while incidence of flu in the community is on the rise.

The clinics will now operate on Saturdays only for the next two weekends – this Saturday (22 October) at RBH, and the following Saturday (29 October) at Poole. Both take place in the outpatients departments.

You can either simply drop-in (make sure you bring your ID) or book a slot online to guarantee your vaccination. Parking is free.

Last weekend we provided around 2,300 individual vaccinations at our Poole clinic, bringing the total to almost 5,000 separate doses across UHD. Thanks to all staff who have had their jabs already and all those staff working additional hours to offer the jab.

If you can't make our UHD clinics, NHS staff registered with a GP can book the Covid booster - or any of the preceding doses – for free via the national Covid-19 vaccination booking portal here, or search 'NHS Covid vaccinations' online. Please contact your GP practice to find out if you are also able to have your flu vaccination there, also free for NHS staff.

Had your jabs elsewhere? Please tell us using this simple form.

Would you like to take part in our Covid-19 vaccine booster comparison study?

Are you aged 18-30? We are looking for volunteers who have had two or three doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines to join our study comparing Covid-19 vaccine boosters.

Participants will be reimbursed up to £225 for their time, travel and inconvenience. Learn more here.

NHS Staff Survey - how is your team doing?

Just 14% of UHD staff have responded to their invitation for the NHS Staff Survey 2022. We're still waiting to hear from many of you! The 1298 staff who have responded will be entered into our prize draw for a chance to win £20. The team with the most improved response rate will win £200.

The NHS Staff Survey is your chance to speak up and spark change. Check your inbox for an email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and join the conversation!

#SpeakUpSparkChange

Speak up for... inclusion

We're continuing the Freedom to Speak Up conversation at UHD, with this week's focus on promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers that exist to enable all colleagues to feel safe to speak up and be heard. We're also celebrating Black History Month alongside Speak up Month. Please use this week to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, and engage with our staff networks. Many thanks for cardiac research nurse, Pablo, for sharing his speak up story with us about inclusion in the workplace, and what it means to him. You can watch it here.

Body worn cameras

As a commitment to improving patient and staff safety, we are rolling out body worn cameras from the end of October. The cameras will be worn by our security response team, members of our clinical site teams and some staff working in ED.

Studies show the cameras can help deter aggression, and offer an independent account of incidents should they be needed.

Update on IT hardware requests

IT is continuing to experience delays of up to nine months for the delivery of hardware including laptops, tablets, printers and webcams due to a number of issues with the global trade market. We are working closely with our partners in procurement, other trusts and third party suppliers to relieve pressures as much as possible.

When placing your order, please be mindful of the delay and see if an alternative solution/arrangement can be made.

Please remain polite and courteous when speaking to procurement/IT staff regarding your order – they share the same frustrations!

Let's Talk About Race – Moving to Action with Yvonne Coghill, CBE

"I am delighted to announce that Yvonne Coghill will be visiting UHD as part of Black History Month. Yvonne will be at RBH on 24 October and Poole on 25 October.

"During the two days, we will hold a number of small focus groups with staff who will be invited to meet Yvonne and have an opportunity to talk about their lived experience. Yvonne will also be hosting a live Microsoft Teams event on Monday 24 October at 1.30pm." - Message sent on behalf of Siobhan Harrington

You can find out more aout Yvonne's visit, including a live Microsoft Teams event, in the latest news on the intranet.

Health Literacy Month

To celebrate Health Literacy Month, our libraries will be hosting a stand by the restaurants at RBH today (18 October) and in the Dome at Poole tomorrow from 12-2pm.

This Thursday's 'Lunch and Learn' session from 1-1.30pm will also be on health literacy. Join us at both our libraries - there is no need to book for these sessions. Bring lunch and find out about what health literacy is and how it affects people, the NHS and what we could all do to improve.

If you would like any more information or would like to book a longer session on health literacy for you or your team, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Randomised coffee trials

It is that time of year! Randomised coffee trials are back. Sign up to be matched with a random colleague in the trust - a great way to meet new colleagues and friends, find out more about them and what they do. If you would like more information or to sign up, contact the library This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The closing date is 28 October.

Our Women's Network event and Baby Loss Awareness Week

Last week our Women's Network marked the end of Baby Loss Awareness week with an event in the marquee at RBH which featured stands from SPRING charity, Angel Bears charity, Early Pregnancy at UHD, Freedom To Speak Up, WellNet Dorset and wellbeing ambassadors. Staff came together to talk about their own personal experiences and learn more about how we can support each other.

RBH: Reduced alcohol and liaison service on 21 October

For clinical information please go to the Alcohol Care and Treatment Service pages on the intranet.

Help for people at Christmas with Volunteer Dorset

For many, Christmas can be a very lonely time, and Volunteer Dorset want to try to include as many people as possible to spread and share some Christmas cheer. We know that some people are happy at home – but would love a hot Christmas meal, and for others, it is all about the company.

Do you know anyone who needs a hot plated dinner, or an invite to share a Christmas meal at someone's home or in the community? Please register their details and preferences using this form.

Or do you have the time to deliver a hot meal, host someone at your house or help out at a community Christmas meal? To register to volunteer on Christmas Day, click here.

UHD Charity: On the Nash

Get your tickets now for a night of lively rock and pop music with our very own RBH staff band On the Nash on 11 November. The event will take place at Canvas, Poole Hill, Bournemouth at 7.30pm to to raise money for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. Get your tickets here.

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