NWAS #yourcall-Spring 20_WEB

#YourCallISSUE 09 Spring 2020 We hit the NTAs 2020 year We explore of the nurse childhood and midwife anxiety www.nwas.nhs.uk

Welcome to the spring edition of Your Call A new season always brings about change and we Michael Forrest about what it means to them to can’t think of a better time of year than spring to lead one of the biggest ambulance services in the try something different. Whether it’s a new hobby, country. learning a new skill, helping somebody in need or joining our patient and public panel, the positive We’re seeing an increased amount of calls to our affect on your mental health is immeasurable. Give NHS 111 service relating to Coronavirus. You can it a go, we dare you! read more information on how you can play your part. It’s good to see so many people prioritising being kind in the face of bullying, whether it is online or We’ve recently had a visit from the Care Quality face to face – we’ve all seen the tragic impact of Commission – it was a great time to show the not being kind. Inside we take inspiration from Gail brilliant work of our staff and the compassionate in our NHS 111 team who practices a random act patient care we provide as well as sharing lessons of kindness every shift she works on. We also talk learnt. about Jesy Nelson’s documentary Odd One Out, which explored the impact of cyberbullying and we Finally, in the name of change, we’re looking for give advice on what you can do if you’re feeling guest writers for Your Call. Whether you’re a unable to cope. member of the public, patient or staff member, if you have a story to share and want to get involved We meet teenage social media fundraising please email: phenomenon Aidan and find out what he’s been up [email protected] to. We feature exclusive interviews with our Chief Nurse Angela Hansen and Deputy Chief Executive Enjoy! Communications Team Our shared values Working Together Respect and Everyone Commitment to Compassion Improving for Patients Dignity Counts Quality of Care Lives 2 #YourCall

A#ipdraonud, wofe’ryeou Teenager Aidan Jackson from Widnes, Cheshire was just 12 years of age when he first started to help save the life of someone having a cardiac fundraising. Five years later, he’s raised over arrest. I hope that my fundraising means that lives £50,000 for charities and good causes. will be saved.” Now aged 17, Aiden has been channelling efforts Dave Kitchin, Head of Service for Cheshire and over the last 18 months to raise money to place life- Merseyside said: “When you meet somebody from saving defibrillators across Runcorn and Widnes. our community who is so dedicated and committed He’s now on defibrillator number 14 with each one to making a difference, it’s inspiring. We can’t costing approximately £1,600. thank Aidan enough for the work that he’s been doing in his local community and we know that the Aidan started fundraising after close friend Olivia equipment has already been used and no doubt Walker passed away in 2014. Her family set up a will save lives. Well done Aidan!” foundation in her memory to provide specialist medical equipment to children. Donations can be made via PayPal to [email protected] or www.justgiving.com/ Aidan was diagnosed with ADHD and has crowdfunding/aidanjackson Asperger’s Syndrome. More recently he’s been diagnosed with epilepsy, yet he’s never let his Fact about Aidan disability affect his fundraising. He’s raised funds through raffles, collection tubs, online donations At the start of 2020, Aidan was playing a game and donations from local businesses. His many on his computer in his room against a girl in challenges have included a mile of pennies, Texas, America when he had a fit and became sponsored walks, swimming the distance of the unresponsive, unbeknown to Aidan’s parents English Channel crossing in a pool, raffles, car boot sitting downstairs. sales, carol concerts in his front garden and craft stalls. The girl somehow found a contact number for Cheshire police, called it, they then rang We invited Aidan to our regional office based in an ambulance. Aidan’s parents heard the Speke, Liverpool and he shared with us the reason ambulance and the crew treated Aidan with the why he does it. story making global news! Aidan recently went to New York and reunited with the girl who “The more life-saving machines available in our saved his life on a television talk show! communities the better. I’m always asked how important community defibrillators are and each time I give the same answer – they’re extremely important as anyone can use them. “By performing CPR and using a defibrillator, you’ll give someone the best possible chance of survival, but there isn’t always a defibrillator close enough #YourCall 3

Feature article “Good staff care leads to good patient care” Living by the philosophy of ‘treat other people how you want to be treated’, Deputy Chief Executive Michael Forrest talks to Your Call about his priorities for the trust and his passion for supporting staff who are always at the centre of everything we do. 4 #YourCall

Michael started in human resources when he “I learn from listening to staff and taking on secured a trainee human resources advisor role board their experiences. This has led to the at Tameside Council, where he stayed for almost development of a number of award winning 30 years working his way up to director level. initiatives including ‘Women in Leadership’ aimed at empowering our female leaders, Ready to take on a new challenge, Michael and ‘Invest in Yourself’ which involves joined the ambulance service in 2012 as the dedicated web pages for staff with advice trust’s head of organisational development and information about being happy, fit and and a year later became the director of healthy. The pages have examples of wellbeing, organisational development, before becoming podcasts and counselling information. We want the deputy chief executive in 2019. In 2018 to continue our focus on staff care. Good staff he took up post as interim chief executive for care leads to good patient care.” nine months. During this time he managed a successful CQC visit and led a campaign calling Michael’s current priority is working together for the public to ‘get behind 999’ and help stop with our CEO to implement the trust’s strategy abuse towards emergency services workers. and deliver on our promise to be the best ambulance service in the UK. Looking to the Michael said: “It was an extremely proud future, Michael sees the trust growing and moment and a privilege for me to step up as developing even further with more integration chief of the trust. For me it is all about the with other services and healthcare professionals staff, nothing gets done without them and my including pharmacists, mental health workers passion has always been to support our people, and physiotherapists to help bring the right develop them and make sure we help them to care closer to home for our patients. be the very best they can be. #YourCall 5

Rubbing shoulders with celebs! Four lucky staff from our BBC One documentary Ambulance were invited to walk the red carpet at this year’s National Television Awards, hosted by David Walliams. The documentary which focused on the work of our service was nominated in the factual entertainment category. Sadly, on the day a win wasn’t meant to be. Pop star Jesy Nelson’s Odd One Out documentary took home the award. Nevertheless, our team came home with great memories and a few star-studded selfies! Gene Quinn, Sajid Ali, Sam Payne and Alex Lyons, who were all involved in the series, joined production company Dragonfly at the event. All dressed to impress as they rubbed shoulders with TV’s greatest. Odd one out? Jesy Nelson’s documentary, Odd One Out, explored the impact of the cyberbullying she was victim of According to the Samaritans charity, signs you may after she found fame with the band Little Mix on be struggling to cope include a lack of energy or X Factor in 2011. feeling tired, finding it hard to concentrate, feeling restless, agitated, tearful and wanting to cry all Her dream of becoming a pop star had come the time, not wanting to talk to or be with people, true, but a nightmare had begun. She received using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings and comments and messages from online trolls who experiencing ‘burn out’. criticised her weight and face, and cruelly told her that she did not deserve to live. When people are going through a tough time they often experience negative thoughts about Jesy could barely watch footage or look at photos themselves and feel they have no-one to turn to. of herself from that time. They made her miserable, Even if you don’t have family or friends close by, constantly questioning herself and struggling with you are never alone. Samaritans volunteers are her self-esteem. Eventually, she attempted to end available every day of the year, round the clock – her life. call 116 123 or put your thoughts on an email to [email protected] for a response within 24 hours. The death of Caroline Flack, who sadly took her own life in February 2020, raised similar issues but with the media in the spotlight. Fans of the TV presenter called for a boycott of celebrity gossip magazines and, in a show of empathy, #BeKind was trending on social media. 6 #YourCall

fSrtoamndthoeut crowd New seasons mean new challenges. Why not join Co-produce – you can join in meetings or our panel members from all over the North West discussion groups and give your opinions, who are helping to shape our future? If you’re experience and expectations to help us make looking for a career in health care, fancy trying improvements to our services. something new or want to give back to your community, joining our panel may just give you Influence – you can take an active role in high- that edge to stand out from the crowd. level meetings and committees to help us with decision making and discussions. We have three levels of involvement to suit your lifestyle: Membership is open to anyone who lives in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, Consult – you can respond to surveys, give Cumbria or Glossop who isn’t currently employed feedback on publications, initiatives and strategies by NWAS and is 16 or over. Applications are online from the comfort of your own home. welcome from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, There is no need to travel anywhere. cultures and circumstances to ensure the panel is representative of the communities we serve. Coronavirus Find out more information about the panel: You will no doubt be aware of the substantial www.nwas.nhs.uk/panel. media coverage relating to COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus. How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus: As an NHS organisation, we’re following all • wash your hands with soap and water often – guidance from the Department of Health, and do this for at least 20 seconds our own policies and procedures, in terms of responding to suspected COVID-19 cases. Our 111 • always wash your hands when you get home or staff have been working hard to answer calls from into work worried members of the public and we would like to thank them for the reassurance and advice they • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not are offering during this challenging time. available The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, high • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your temperature and shortness of breath but these sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses • put used tissues in the bin straight away and that are much more common, such as cold and flu. wash your hands afterwards • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and also advises you what to do - 111.nhs.uk/covid-19. Stay informed with latest Government advice and information: #YourCall 7 www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

CORONAVIRUS: PUBLIC INFORMATION The Government and NHS are well prepared to deal with this virus. You can help too. The best way to protect yourself and others is: Wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day. Catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands. If you have recently arrived back from specified areas follow the returning traveller advice. Check the list of areas and find out more at nhs.uk/coronavirus

Yhouars pyhouarrmbaacckist Need a repeat prescription at the drop of 9 out of 10 people live less than a 20-minute a hat? Want a consultation for a minor walk away from their local pharmacy. ailment? Your pharmacist has your back! Your pharmacist is specially trained to spot any Simply call 111 and answer a few questions. interactions between different types of medication, They can make a digital referral to a convenient and understand the potential side effects, in order pharmacy, where you can go to get advice and to give the best advice possible. treatment for a range of minor illnesses, or for an urgent supply of a previously prescribed Did you know? medicine. You can be seen by your pharmacist Should you need to be referred to an alternative for; acne, allergic reactions, ear ache, service the pharmacist can arrange this. failed contraception, headaches, limb and joint injury, pain and swelling, skin Pharmacists have fantastic skills and medicine rashes, sore throats, tiredness, vomiting, knowledge, making them the right choice for wound issues and many more! minor illnesses. These additional services help to alleviate pressure on GPs and emergency departments. The 111 service in the North West, which we provide, refers more patients to pharmacists than anywhere else. Health Advisor Alex Bailey said: “Having this help available for our patients means more people are getting the care they need closer to their homes and are being seen quicker. “To access these services you have to go through a 111 assessment first so we can ensure that this is the right place for you.” Do you follow our Instagram? From April 2020, we’ll be handing over the reins to our people to give you an insight into what we do. You’ll see what we get up to across our patient transport services, NHS 111, paramedic emergency services and our support services - we may even give you a sneaky peak at what we get up to when we’re not at work! If you fancy joining our #TeamNWAS follow @nwasofficial. #YourCall 9

Feature article 2020 is the first Chief Nurse Angela Hansen ever global talks to Your Call about Year of the the role of nursing within Nurse and the ambulance service. Midwife Nurses and midwives make up the largest numbers of the NHS workforce. They are highly skilled, multi-faceted professionals and 2020 is our time to reflect on these skills, the commitment and expert clinical care they bring, and the impact they make on the lives of so many. 10 #YourCall

Catching up with our Chief Nurse Angela the nursing and midwifery forum allowing our Hansen, we talk all things nursing. nurses to come together, exchange ideas and get professional support from each other. We’re taking strides in bringing care closer to home for our patients and one really important “We’ve had some huge achievements including aspect to this is working together with other two of our nursing staff being commended by healthcare professionals, in particular nurses. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England, Ruth May who visited us in 2019 to present two CNO Having set up a nursing forum and Silver Awards for Excellence in Nursing. implementing a Nursing and Midwifery Strategy for 2019/20, the role of nurses across the “Aligning our nursing strategy with the national organisation is growing. Working within NHS commitments, we have been able to offer 111, emergency operations centres and out on additional development opportunities for NWAS the road, they bring additional knowledge and and looking to the future, we are hoping to skills which complement the service and help expand on this further and offer even more give our patients the right care for their needs. innovative roles within the service for nursing staff.” Joining NWAS in 2018, Angela has more than 30 years nursing experience, having worked in a number of senior positions across different areas of the profession. Angela has a passion for nursing believing that it’s the best job in the world. “There is a big place for nurses within the ambulance service and it’s really important that they are given a voice, which is why we set up #YourCall 11

Job of dreams! Did you know that over 400 apprentices have been employed by NWAS since we became an ‘employer provider’ in May 2017? Becoming an employer provider means that we are now able to deliver apprenticeships directly to our staff with internal training and assessments. With each apprenticeship lasting around 12 to 15 months and staff being guaranteed a position in the trust upon completion, 139 apprentices have now successfully finished their course. Our apprentices work across our clinical services as well as our corporate services including in ICT, communications, finance, learning and development and workforce development. Some of our apprentices share their thoughts with us. Emergency Medical Technician Emergency Medical Technician Communications Apprentice Apprentice Clair Thornton joined Apprentice Alex Dibden joined in Elena Winstanley joined in in November 2019. November 2019. May 2018. “I’m loving my role and learning all aspects of the job. The other “I’m really enjoying the “I absolutely love my role as no apprentices are lovely and we get apprenticeship so far. Everyone two days are the same and I have full training and support from has really bonded and become learnt so much since starting. My our educators. friends. colleagues have supported me “I’d say to anyone considering an throughout my apprenticeship apprenticeship in the ambulance “I’ve gained a better which has helped me progress service, go for it! Age doesn't understanding of the role and and has helped me develop my matter - I’m 42 and now doing have already found it really current skills. I would recommend my childhood dream job. It is rewarding. You get lots of an apprenticeship to anyone as totally worth it and at the end of support from educators, get paid you get a qualification at the end the day you are learning how to to learn and have a guaranteed whilst gaining experience in your be a lifesaver.” job at the end!” dream job. 12 #YourCall “You’re never too late to start one so apply for the one you’ve got your eye on and join the thousands of people that have benefited from this amazing scheme across the country.”

Responding to your needs Rotational working for paramedics is a relatively “I assess patients with urgent and emergency new idea and one we piloted between 2017 and conditions either at home or over the telephone 2019. ‘Rotating’ means that every few weeks, a making sure they get the right care. When I’m in small group of paramedics switch between settings the clinical hub I work alongside other healthcare to use their skills to care for people in a variety professionals including pharmacists, nurses of ways, rather than always responding in an and mental health practitioners. We’re able to ambulance to emergency incidents. access alternative primary and community care pathways to ensure patients are receiving the most Paramedics have a unique role that crosses over appropriate care. We also have telephone contact healthcare, social care and public safety. The role with ambulance crews on scene to offer extra has developed considerably in recent decades and advice and help them when it comes to decision today, paramedics are responsible for providing making. patients with the right care, at the right time, in the right place, which will often involve care and “When I’m in EOC, I focus on giving support to our support at home instead of emergency treatment EMDs to ensure we’re getting the best care and and a trip to hospital. Recognising that paramedics advice to our patients as quick as we can. When I are able to help patients in many ways sparked the work on the road, I’ll either be out in an ambulance idea of ‘rotational working’ in the North West. or on a rapid response vehicle helping patients or making referrals into other community resources.” Our rotational paramedics spend some of their time working on an ambulance, some of their What’s your favourite part of your job? time in the clinical hub assessing patients with less serious conditions over the telephone, and “My favourite part of this role is the variety the rest in our emergency operations centre (EOC) it brings. I personally feel this helps keep me alongside emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs), who take motivated and interested, 999 calls, making important improving job satisfaction clinical decisions. and quality patient care. I still really enjoy working All three aspects of the as a frontline paramedic rotational role help to ensure and wasn’t ready to leave patients get the right care that role all together. for their needs and don’t end Rotational working allows up going to hospital if they me to continue with this, can get the right care in the however makes my role more community. It also offers staff sustainable in the long run. I a chance to use their skills certainly enjoy having a break in different settings, adding from working outdoors in variety to their role. cold, wet weather at 3am in the morning! Rotational Specialist Paramedic (RSP) Nicola “It’s also a great way Griffiths based at Estuary to enhance my skills in Point, Liverpool chats to assessment and treatment, I’m Your Call about her role. learning new things to further develop my clinical knowledge and I’m challenging myself with something new!” #YourCall 13

Get protected against measles The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect you and your family against these diseases. Full protection requires two doses. For anyone not fully immunised, a catch-up vaccination is available. Ask the reception team for more information. www.nhs.uk/MMR © Crown copyright 2019 Rachel Keith, Nurse 14 #YourCall

Heaven isn’t ready for him yet! When a cardiac arrest occurs, every second care team. He was later transferred to Broadgreen counts, as 69 year old Tony Mckean from Hospital where he had an internal defibrillator fitted. Liverpool knows only too well. Now back home, Tony feels fit and well – in fact Last summer Tony was skipping at a church he’s keeping busy with volunteering and walking fair to amuse the local children, but it up to 20,000 steps a day! was far from fun when his heart stopped beating properly and he collapsed. Tony said: “A massive thank you to the paramedics Gerard Hughes and Darragh Carrighan who saved With no signs of life, a 999 call was made and the my life along with Mario who I’d like to see in a church’s trainee priest, Mario - who was on a six- higher post – how about Archbishop!” week visit from Malta - did CPR on Tony until the ambulance crew arrived. With members of the public able to make a real difference to the lives of people in their A bystander doing CPR is essential as it keeps communities, we have launched our new oxygenated blood pumping around the body’s vital ‘CardiacSmart’ accreditation scheme to celebrate organs to limit damage to them should the person and recognise those who actively help to increase recover. survival rates from cardiac arrest. Find out more at nwas.nhs.uk/cardiacsmart. Around 1 in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest but where members of the public step-in and successfully resuscitate a patient before the ambulance arrives, three quarters of people survive and are discharged from hospital. Tony was shocked with a defibrillator and taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he spent a few days in a coma being looked after by the intensive Do you need that journey? Did you know we take patients on a whopping 1.6 million non-emergency journeys across Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside each year? Seven percent of these journeys are wasted as we’re not finding out about changes in people’s circumstance whether it’s due to the journey no longer being required, the patient being too poorly to travel or an appointment being changed. We’ve teamed up with Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria Network (a network of local NHS organisations and councils who have teamed up to improve health and care in their local areas) to try and create awareness around this. Our new advice poster is being shared with hospitals across the North West. We’re asking you or your friends and family who use our service, if you no longer need the journey for whatever reason, that’s okay, just please let us know as soon as possible so we can send the ambulance to somebody else. #YourCall 15

Feature article “I was living in a scary film” For Maggie, 63, her crippling anxiety started Maggie’s story when she was five years old and has stayed with her throughout adult life. Your Call “My mum had learning disabilities and suffered explores childhood anxiety, a debilitating anxiety and depression from a trauma that disorder. happened in her childhood. She leaned on me at an early age and I knew she was different to other It's normal for children to feel worried or anxious mums as she would always cry and tell me she from time to time, such as when they're starting didn’t know how she was going to get through school or nursery, or moving to a new area. But the day. for some children, anxiety affects their behaviour and thoughts every day, interfering with their “I developed anxiety worrying about my mum school, home and social life. Most anxiety disorders constantly and the things she would say to me. in childhood do not persist (anxiety is common in My anxiety escalated into social anxiety and I childhood) but most adults with clinical anxiety couldn’t get out the door. I became paralysed started to have problems in childhood. Teenagers with fear and I couldn’t function and do everyday with an anxiety disorder are more likely to develop things like go to school and it didn’t leave me. clinical depression, misuse drugs and feel suicidal. My mum continued to suffer which only prolonged my suffering. I remember being ten years old and I Last year our service responded to 72,407 patients couldn’t open my eyes - I was petrified of the world with mental health-related conditions across the around me. I felt like I was living in a scary film North West that included suicidal thoughts, that I couldn’t escape from and nobody around self-harmed, overdosed and misused drugs. me understood. 16 #YourCall

“It was only when I reached my 40s I got a clinical Symptoms of anxiety in children diagnosis of depression and anxiety. Looking back, my disorder has taken away things in life I • finding it hard to concentrate won’t get back – I’d always wanted to be a nurse. If I’d had the help back then that’s available now, • not sleeping, or waking in the night with I maybe could have had the career I’d always bad dreams wanted.” • refusing to go to school or do activities Maggie now uses her experience to help other they usually enjoy people and shares her story with service users at the Recovery Academy, a project set up by Manchester • not eating properly Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust which provides a range of free educational courses and • quickly getting angry or irritable, resources to help people with mental health and and being out of control during outbursts substance misuse issues. • constantly worrying or having negative Expert view thoughts Bridie Gallagher, Clinical Psychologist from • feeling tense and fidgety, or using the Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust toilet often works with young people in the specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. • often crying “When children feel scared they will do pretty • being clingy much anything to not feel those awful anxious feelings in their bodies. Avoidance works well in • complaining of tummy aches and the short term and they feel better, but then they feeling unwell never get to find out that the feared thing was not that scary and they could have coped with it just Getting help fine. Gently encouraging children to face their fears is a really helpful response. • Start with an appointment with your GP who may refer your child to the local child “The main protective factor for good mental and adolescent mental health service wellbeing is the presence of a consistent caring (CAMHS). adult who listens and understands. This can protect a child who has an anxious temperament or who • If your child doesn't want to see a doctor, has to cope with trauma and adversity. they may be able to get help directly from a local youth counselling service. For more “This is why services often offer support to families information, visit youthaccess.org.uk. instead or as well as the child or young person. Professionals know that the family are best placed • There are lots of great resources available by to offer the support and maintain positive change. visiting: youngminds.org.uk. When children learn to manage their fears and worries early in life this sets them up to be able to • Books on prescription: “How to parent an cope with anything life throws at them.” anxious or depressed child” Sam Cartwright- Hatton or Overcoming Your Child’s Fears and Worries” Cathy Cresswell and Lucy Willetts. #YourCall 17

An act of kindness Gail Southern Health Advisor at our NHS 111 service enjoys baking for her colleagues and brings in sweet treats nearly every shift that she works. Gail, whose colleagues love her, has worked at NHS 111 since it started in 2013. Prior to this she worked at NHS Direct, starting in 2001 as a health information officer. Gail said: “I have always baked. My mum used to bake when I was little so the tradition continued when I had my son, George, who is now 16. “I love to bake, I don’t find it difficult, I just add it into my day. A little kindness goes a long way, you never know what a person is going through and sometimes a nice gesture is all they need, so I hope I can make someone’s day a little better with a piece of cake.” “I think (I say think because I do not eat cake) the favourite is lemon drizzle, but I also make mini victoria sandwiches which seem to go down very well!” Gail wanted to share her lemon drizzle recipe to share the love: Lemon Drizzle Cake Ingredients Method Cake: Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, 6oz butter add a little milk if too dry. Pour into lined 6oz sugar baking tin, you can use a small roasting 8oz self-raising flour tin and bake on gas 4 or 160 fan for 2 eggs approximately 45 minutes until golden. Zest of 2 lemons Meanwhile juice the lemons, if you roll Lemon and sugar topping: them first with your hand on a chopping Juice 2 lemons board you will get more juice. Pour the 2-3 oz of sugar juice into a jug or cup and add the sugar. Take the cake out of the oven and when it’s still hot, pour the lemon and sugar mixture over the cake and leave to cool. 18 #YourCall

“Getting help to people who fall at home” People aged 65 and older have the highest risk of falling; around a third of people aged 65 and over, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year. Unaddressed fall hazards in the home are estimated to cost the NHS in England £435 million – a staggering amount. Last year we attended to 91,285 patients who had “In January this year, 82% per cent of the fallen. While many of these are simply one off patients we treated remained at home many accidents, there are lots of people out there who of which were referred onwards to community are more vulnerable and susceptible to falling. teams and specialist nursing teams. This could result in life changing consequences “Taking people who have fallen to hospital isn’t which is why it’s really important that we do all always the right place for them to go so we’re we can to help reduce the risk of further falls. getting people who fall the help they need at home to prevent them falling again.” One scheme that is going from strength to Across the North West there’s a considerable strength to try and tackle this is our joint number of schemes that our clinicians can refer Falls Response Service in which dedicated falls patients to who have fallen, providing they have response cars provide specialist emergency given consent, that aim to help patients who support to people aged 65 and over who have are at risk of falls. All of our frontline staff are fallen at home or in residential or nursing care. educated in the importance of this long term to maintain their patients’ health and wellbeing. Currently operating in East Lancashire, Liverpool, St Helens and Southport, the service Love for the falls team from colleagues. is a partnership between NWAS, hospital trusts or CCGs in the respective areas. It sees the collaboration of a paramedic and an occupational therapist who respond to non-life threatening 999 calls for falls so that patients can be treated at home without having to go to hospital or can be referred to an appropriate community service. The East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen service in partnership with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has been running the longest and has just celebrated its fifth birthday. Paramedic Gail Smith who has worked on the car from the beginning says: “We give each patient a medical assessment and an occupational therapy assessment so we see what factors have contributed to their fall both in terms of their health, activities of daily living and their home surroundings. #YourCall 19

#TeamNWAS Our social media accounts are bursting with news. Follow North West Ambulance Service on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Top Gear triumph Cheshire-based paramedics Christopher Evans and Dave Stubbs and Senior Paramedic Team Leader Steph Smith, recently featured on the BBC Two programme Top Gear as part of a special emergency services episode. They represented the ambulance service as part of a ‘blues and twos challenge’ fighting it out in a series of driving contests in a bid to be crowned the winners against teams representing the fire and police. They won, congratulations! Happily ever after storybook We’ve been educating children on when they should call 999 through our Happily Ever After storybook. Stories such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs have been given a modern twist in the book, written by Mathew Owen and illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen, which is available to primary school children across the region. By educating children early on, we hope they'll gain the knowledge they need to act responsibly and with due care should they find themselves in an emergency at any point throughout their lives. Visit nwas.nhs.uk to access the book and lesson plans for teachers. Breaking barriers We’re all about promoting and developing a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues and patients and so we’ve signed up to the national NHS Rainbow Badge Scheme. This is a key commitment of our LGBT Network and we aim to actively break down barriers for people who identify as LGBT+ and demonstrate that we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people identify themselves. A thank you means so much So many grateful patients and families from all over the North West who had their life saved by one of our ambulance crews contacted us to be a part of our #ThankYouNWAS campaign. Your stories helped us to show appreciation to our colleagues as well as highlight real life examples of people who have received life-saving intervention. This positively reinforced our message that the ambulance service is here for emergencies – so thank you! If you want to thank our staff in our Patient Transport or NHS 111 services, please email: [email protected]. Get in touch Trust Headquarters Ladybridge Hall, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 5DD 20 #YourCall Tel: 0345 112 0 999 (local rate) Email: [email protected] Website: www.nwas.nhs.uk