We all have a role in infection control – tell us yours

Hopefully over the past few weeks through our regular REFRESH communications it's been clear that the need for us all to stay alert and vigilant when it comes to infection prevention and control remains.

It can be difficult to stay abreast of all the changes happening inside and outside our hospitals. Lockdown is easing one day, while overseas travel is restricted the next. New variants are identified which may pose a threat to the timescale for coming out of lockdown, while we learn that more than half the adult population in England have now had both Covid-19 vaccinations. It's sometimes hard to take it all in.

Regardless of the headlines, one thing does remain constant: we all have a role in infection control. Every single person reading this.

The pandemic has taught us that vigilance is absolutely vital in managing Covid-19 out of our organisation. The pandemic has also taught us that Covid-19 is an unpredictable virus. This is why such vigilance, and adherence to current infection control measures, has to be the means by which we can manage this current pandemic as we move forward.

This week, I'd like all staff to take a moment to think about their contribution to infection control. And if you can, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your thoughts about what your infection control role is, as well as the job role you perform at UHD. I would love to hear from staff and volunteers in any role, clinical or non-clinical, patient-facing or in supporting roles, new and long-serving staff or supporters.

As a relatively new member of staff myself, I've been impressed with the commitment to infection control and to our patients that I have seen and heard. And it is on behalf of our patients, as well as your colleagues, that I say thank you for your efforts.

- Dr Matthew Hodson, deputy chief nursing officer, University Hospitals Dorset.

Staff briefing tomorrow

Join us for our virtual all staff briefing with Debbie Fleming, chief executive, and David Moss, chairman, tomorrow (9 June) from 12-1pm.

There will be updates on developing our organisation, our green plan and our quality improvement strategy. There is also an opportunity for you to ask questions of our executive team.

Join online here from 12noon. A link to a recording of the event will also be available in Friday's bulletin.

Dorset Hero Awards tomorrow

We are very proud to have several finalists in this year's Dorset Hero Awards, run by the Bournemouth Echo and Dorset Echo newspapers.

The online event to announce the winners will be live from 6.55pm tomorrow (9 June) and will be broadcast on www.facebook.com/dorsetecho.

Join to cheer on your colleagues from across UHD, including teams from our intensive care unit, Forest Holme hospice and our theatres; intensive care consultant Michelle Scott; healthcare support worker Rafael Granada-Rafales; matron Minnie Klepacz; governor Michele Whitehurst and volunteer Andy Byers.

Congratulations and good luck to all those nominated, we will share the results in Friday's bulletin.

"It was a great honour to be invited to represent the trust in recognition of all that my colleagues achieved, working above and beyond throughout the pandemic."

Minnie Klepacz, ophthalmology matron, was invited to meet the prime minister on May 24 in recognition of her tireless efforts throughout the pandemic.

"The meeting was an opportunity for the prime minister to personally say thank you to NHS staff, a recognition which I extend to everyone across our trust and the wider NHS who have worked so hard during this pandemic. I feel extremely lucky to work for UHD and while we face more challenges ahead, we are one supportive team and I am confident we can do it together and give our patients the best possible care."

PH: lifting operations and equipment inspections next week

Zurich Insurance with be on site on Monday 14 June to carry out Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) inspections. Can all areas check for slings and hoists with out of date tags and make them available in your department for inspection.

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

RBH: multistorey car park stairway closures this week

The stairwells in the multistorey car park are being cleaned this week. Each of the three stairwells will be cleaned individually, but access will be prohibited while the cleaning takes place. If the stairwell you were planning to use is being cleaned, please use an alternative.

Intermittent fire alarm procedure reminder

We all must be fully confident of the correct procedures to carry out when the intermittent fire alarm sounds. If you are unsure and would like further training, please contact your hospital's fire safety officer. An intermittent fire alarm sounder indicates a fire in another area. If you hear the intermittent fire alarm do not evacuate, reassure patients and ensure that a member of your team is sent to the fire alarm panel where assistance can be organised as required.

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

Please see the intranet for more information on fire safety.

Spaces available at leading teams through change workshops

Are you leading a team through change? Join one of our leadership development workshops to gain knowledge on leading through times of uncertainty and network with other leaders across UHD.

Workshop dates are available on 7 and 27 July and 19 August. If you would like to book, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RBH: pre-retirement information course

If you are within five years of retirement, you are invited to a course that will answer questions about the retirement process. A range of topics will be covered including state and company pensions, insurance, wealth preservation, long term care and inheritance tax.

The course will be held on 8 September 9am-12.30pm in the lecture theatre. If you would like to attend, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call ext. 4342.

Have your say on the UK organ donation and transplantation strategy

Organ Donation and Transplantation 2030: Meeting the Need launched last week and sets the UK wide ambition for the next 10 years, building upon past successes while planning service improvements for the future.

The NHS Blood and Transplant service is eager to hear feedback on the strategy, click here to read it and share your thoughts.

UHD Charity date for the diary

This year's Bournemouth Reggae Weekender takes place 2-4 July at Kings Park Bournemouth and pays tribute to music, togetherness, and diversity across BCP.

The event will donate a portion of its proceeds to UHD NHS Charity in recognition of our frontline heroes, and we are being offered discounted tickets.

For more details and to book tickets click here.

Job of the week: RBH dental nurse

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our busy, friendly orthodontic outpatient service based in RBH. We provide high-quality care to complex orthodontic patients across east Dorset.

We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate nurse with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to help us deliver outstanding treatment and care to our service users. The successful candidate will need to be a nurse interested in the outpatient role and wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in orthodontics and be registered with the General Dental Council.

Closing date 18 June, click here for more information.

BCP roadworks update

BCP has updated its current planned roadworks for June, some of which may impact your journey times to trust sites. To view a full map of current BCP roadworks click here.

Care first wellbeing sessions this week

All at 12noon, click the link to join:

• Tuesday 8 June, Local lockdown anxiety.
• Wednesday 9 June, Diabetes: How long-term illnesses can affect our mental health.
• Thursday 10 June, Staycations this summer.
• Friday 11 June, Supportive information for carers.