Staff Bulletin 31 August 2021

Fighting fit for winter – survey closes at midnight tonight

Thank you to all those staff who responded to our survey asking if you would you be happy to receive this winter's flu and Covid-19 booster jabs at the same clinic appointment.

The simple, anonymous survey is open until midnight tonight (31 August)

For more information about the survey, and boosting your immunity this winter, check the latest news on the intranet.

Update on moving to a single Patient Administration System (PAS) for UHD

The UHD PAS project team has been hard at work since April to enable a single PAS to be implemented across UHD. The work has identified a range of ways in which eCaMIS is used by different specialties and different sites.

Departments have dedicated valuable time and effort to work collaboratively to unify information and working practices in preparation for the transition to the UHD PAS:

• 136 theatres have been identified and reviewed between both sites
• 400 business intelligence reports are being assessed and prioritised to ensure that these will be available where necessary following transition to a single PAS
• 2,000 single PAS user log ins are currently being created
• The processes for managing the safe transfer of patient episodes for theatres, inpatients and outpatient bookings have been drafted.

The next phase will focus on building clinics, wards and theatres in the UHD PAS and preparing teams for the transition. We hope to confirm the launch date in the next month.

For further information or to raise a question, please check out the UHD Patient Administration System (PAS) intranet page.

Glucose testing sample types

Following the introduction of the new LIMS system there have been changes to the process for glucose testing.

The correct sample type for glucose is the grey topped fluoride oxalate sample type. In adults, this is the 2ml grey bottle. In children the 0.25ml bottle is required.

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Welcome to Dan, our new waste and environment manager

Dan Thomas is UHD's new waste and environment manager, responsible for areas including recycling and minimising the environmental impact of the waste we produce as an organisation.

One of Dan's key aims is to improve the proportion of waste going to the right place, first time. This can be as simple as using general waste or recycling bins for just those purposes, and hazardous or infectious bins for that content only. Hazardous waste takes far more energy to process, therefore it's important that only waste that needs to be treated in this way is put in these bins.

"Whilst technology will play an increasing role in the future of how we manage the waste that we generate, it often comes down to the simple things that we can all do, like using the right bin," said Dan.

"I'm looking forward to meeting as many UHD staff as possible over the next few weeks and months and helping us to deliver on our promises to the environment in our Green Plan."

Dan, who joins us from Dorset County Hospital, can be reached on ext 3649 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RBH: Changes to occasional parking area

The occasional parking area situated at the rear of the multi-storey car park will be closed from Friday (3 September), along with the route alongside the multi-storey from Monday (6 September), to allow for the installation of new dual-exit ticket barriers.

The works are expected to be completed week beginning Monday 13 September.

Following the completion of these works the area will become patient and visitor car parking and there will no longer be occasional staff parking within this area.

Please email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

A box of chocolates for your projects?

Each month the Quality Improvement team (QI) is giving away one box of chocolates to thank you for registering your QI projects.

Congratulations to July's winner Natalie Furbank, who was presented with her box by director of improvement and integration, Alan Betts.

Since joining the trust four years ago Natalie has progressed to studying a BSc in diagnostic radiography at Exeter University. Natalie's project involves improving patient information after incomplete colonoscopies, aiming to reduce patient anxiety.

Register your QI project here - it only takes a few minutes. The QI team can advise you on all aspects of taking your improvement forward.

For more information on QI, fight it under Q on the intranet's A-Z, or via the UHD app.

Fond farewell to Julia

Farewell to Julia Cross, who has retired from the NHS after 25 years' service. Julia was a senior healthcare assistant in oncology outpatients and has always been a valuable team member with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Julia will be greatly missed by her colleagues, who wish her a lovely retirement in sunny Dorset – and the opportunity to finally get her nails done!

New café, new name – submit your suggestions by Friday

There are only a few days left to submit your ideas for the name of the new café in the west entrance at RBH.

The name must be able to stand the test of time and preserve the existing overall positive regard for our catering facilities. If you've got an idea then please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., interim head of catering operations, by Friday (3 September).

The aim is to agree the name by mid-September – good luck and thank you for your help!

Your wellbeing weekly

Don't forget to check the wellbeing offers page on the staff intranet to sign up for all of our latest wellbeing events including Care First sessions, the Nurse Lifeline listening service, Our Dorset's Strengthen Your Resilience programme and much more...