International Nurses Day – 12 May

While 2020 was the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, for many of our nursing and midwifery colleagues it was also the most challenging year of their careers. The theme of this year's International Nurses Day on 12 May is 'A voice to lead - a vision for future healthcare'. Next week is a chance to give thanks to our amazing Team UHD nurses for all that they have done throughout such a challenging year, and for all they continue to do.

Nurses are invited to both reflect on working through the pandemic, and also look forward to a brighter future.

To celebrate our colleagues, we have a week of activities planned throughout next week, with displays in the atrium at RBH, the dome at Poole, and at XCH, based on the following themes:

• Monday: nursing in medicine
• Tuesday: nursing in specialities
• Wednesday: international nurses in the NHS and UHD
• Thursday: nursing in surgery
• Friday: nurse education and research

Note change of time: On International Nurses Day itself, a virtual event takes place focusing on international nurses in leadership roles here at UHD and in the wider NHS, from 2-3pm. To join in, click here.

You can take part in the celebrations by thinking about your own nursing journey and experiences over the last year with this nursing 'reflection'. If you have a photo taken with your reflection, be sure to tag us @UHD_NHS on Twitter and Instagram so we can share your pictures on our social media, using the hashtags #NursesDay, #IND21 and #UHDNurses.

We hope you can join in the celebrations!

Learn top tips for helping patients and staff with hearing loss during Deaf Awareness Week

This week is national Deaf Awareness Week. Hearing issues affect many of our patients, as well as staff.

Toni Bailey, RBH ward leader, and colleagues from the ProAbility Network and patient engagement team, will be sharing resources and guidance at lunchtimes in the dome at Poole and the atrium at RBH during the week, as well as undertaking some trolley rounds.

A range of online resources is also available – click here for more information.

For more information contact 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..

RBH: Works to entrance routes begin next week

As major construction work continues at RBH, the next phase includes the adaptation of the existing entry roads, paths and crossings from next Monday (10 May) until 21 May.

Traffic management will be in place during these works to maintain access, and pedestrian access routes will also be clearly identified as the works progress.

We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused.

Dying Matters Week starts on Monday

Dying Matters Week runs from 10-16 May, and we would love to hear from you about how we can help you to provide outstanding end of life care.

Look out for the blue butterfly symbol around our hospitals and come and chat to us about what you need. See Friday's bulletin for more information.

Catch up on latest BAME staff network forum

A recording of Friday's UHD BAME staff network open forum is now available. The session heard reflections from colleagues on Covid-19 and how it has affected us all over the last year. You can watch the forum here.

Thanks to everyone who took part and shared their open and honest experiences. If you have any questions about this or future forum events, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RBH: ward 7 reverts back to two wards

From today (4 May), ward 7 will split back into two wards:

• Ward 7 right will be for vascular patients with 12 beds
• Ward 7 left reopens to orthopaedics with 9 beds

Sister Karen Lees has returned from secondment to recommence her role as ward sister.

Orthopaedics matron Cathy Cocorachio thanks all individuals and teams involved in making this possible.

Emergency first aid at work - spaces

Spaces are available for emergency first aid at work training at the Education Centre at RBH between 9.30am-5pm on the following dates:

• 11 May
• 6 August
• 3 September
• 19 October
• 17 December

Sessions are bookable via self-service on ESR

Take action on fraud, following carer conviction

You may have seen recent media coverage about a former staff member who has been jailed following a conviction of theft from a patient. While shocking, it underlines our commitment to investigate and work with partners to support prosecutions in such cases.

Fraud can take many forms, and Matt and Heather, our local counter fraud specialists, will always listen if you feel unsure about anything, no matter how uncertain you are - and your report will always be treated in confidence. Contact them using the details below:

Matt Wilson

Mobile: 07484 040691

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or

Heather Greenhowe

Mobile: 07800 617146

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Be a book or a reader in our living library - 20 May

Based on the Human Library movement, our library service is recruiting readers to 'borrow' human books and listen to their personal stories. The event is aimed at providing a safe space for conversations to support colleagues and use the power of personal conversation to positively challenge prejudice or discrimination. It may be particularly useful to those looking to meet new people, or who may be feeling isolated following the pandemic.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/2O9HfwR.

Free staff bike maintenance at UHD

Bike Fixed will be returning to UHD on the following dates to offer a free bike tune up for staff:

11 May: RBH

12 May: Poole Hospital

13 May: Christchurch Hospital

The tune up is funded by a national cycling charity, Cycling UK, as part of their Big Bike Revival campaign. It is completely free for staff. Dave, the mechanic, will make minor adjustments such as tightening brakes, pumping up tyres and indexing gears.

If you suspect your bike may need replacement parts, Dave may be able to supply these however these are not covered as part of the free tune up and therefore will incur a charge. If Dave spots something which needs to be replaced, he'll advise you about this at the time of the service.

A limited number of appointments between 9am – 3pm are available on each date. If you'd like your bike to be serviced, please email Elliot Prescott, travel and transport manager: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Roadworks – stay up-to-date

Reminder: there's new way to find out about planned roadworks and closures in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. One.Network is a map-based resource that is regularly updated by BCP Council with activity affecting travel around the area, and can show events for the current day, the next few weeks or even a year ahead. Click here to visit it.

Staff support in the week ahead

We all have access to a range of wellbeing support, which can be found on the intranet. This includes access to these events, provided by our partners at Dorset Healthcare and LiveWell Dorset, with further information about each one in the links.

How to weave wellbeing into your working life

5 May at 12-12.30pm

Mindfulness session: "Eat well"

6 May at 12-1pm

Virtual MOT from LiveWell Dorset (book a place)

7 May at 12-12.20pm

Virtual MOT from LiveWell Dorset (book a place)

10 May at 3-3.20pm

Managing stress and building resilience for council staff (book a place)

11 May at 3-4.15pm

Managing stress and building resilience for NHS and care sector staff (this session must be booked via the link)

12 May at 12-1.15pm