Heatherwood Hospital 1998

Neighbourhood News, Wokingham Without

The Sebastian School of Dance held its annual display recently at Wellington College, with a total of 160 pupils aged from three to adult taking part in 21 items.
The programme included a wide variety of styles of dance, including ballet, modern, national and tap. Barbara Archer, principal, said that the profits from the event would be going to help provide radio links in the psychiatric wards at Heatherwood Hospital and to the Crowthorne Minibus Appeal.
Classes are held in the St Sebastian's Memorial Hall and the Crowthorne Methodist Church.
Extract Wokingham Times 01/01/1998

 

Centres Share Fundraising effort

After a whole year of fundraising for cancer care, golfers from Sand Martins Club have made a massive £13,252. The money was raised from different events at the club in Finchampstead Road, Wokingham, and has been divided amongst three cancer charities.
The Paul Bevan Association, which runs the cancer day centre at Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, and the Macmillan House day centre, each received £3,313.
The rest went to Macmillan Cancer Relief itself, which will channel the money towards care in this area.
The decision to give the money to cancer charities was made by the Imen's and women's team captains, Colin Layton and Sandra Robertson.
Mrs Robertson said: "I wanted the money to go to cancer care because I have nursed somebody at home with cancer and those day hospices are God-sends."
She added the current threat to Macmillan House was very sad.
►MACMILLAN House is holding a charity jumble sale on Saturday.
The event at the day centre in Wokingham Hospital in Barkham Road will start at 1pm, and there will be an admission fee of 20p.
Extract Ascot & Bracknell & Wokingham Times 29/01/1998

Comment:- The above article was accompanied by a photo.
The photo captioned:" ▲ (above) Sandra Robertson, Wendy Croasdale, of the Paul Bevan Association, Annette Pembroke, of Macmillan House, Stella Dylan, of Macmillan Cancer Relief, and Colín Layton, men's team captain".
Copyright prevents us from displaying the photo here.

 

60 Mums Face AIDS Tests in Hospital Scare

Midwife student was HIV positive
By Sally Guyoncourt
Mothers who gave birth at Wexham Park Hospital up to 10 years ago face the ordeal of an AIDS test after a midwife revealed she was HIV positive.
A former student midwife at the Slough hospital from November 1988 to May 1990, admitted to her current employers Addenbrooke's NHS Trust in Cambridge, last Wednesday, she was HIV positive.
Around 60 women, believed to have been put at risk by the woman, have since been contacted by the hospitals where she worked in Slough, Harlow and Cambridge.
Fifteen of these were patients at the Wexham Park Hospital although none are from the Bracknell area.
Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot was at that stage a full consultant and midwife service and most mothers were admitted there.
Dr Diana Grice, director of public health for Berkshire, said: "Our prime concern is for the patients who have been in our care.
We have done everything we can to enable those patients, who have been identified under Department of Health guidelines, to receive the counselling, testing and support they need."
Three midwifery procedures have been classified as exposure prone by the Department of Health.
However, the woman would have only been able to carry out two of these as a student at Wexham Park.
The fifteen women identified as at risk from Wexham Park have been contacted and offered confidential counselling and testing.
Investigators are now trying to find out how long she had known she was infected.
If she is found to have continued to perform while knowing she was HIV positive, she could be guilty of serious professional misconduct and barred from ever working as a midwife again in Britain.
Extract Wokingham Times 23/04/1998

 

New Chairman for Hospital Trust

The trust which runs Ascot's Heatherwood Hospital has appointed a new chairman. Ruth Watts Davies will head up the Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust from tomorrow (Friday), taking over from Sir Brian Smith, who retired last September.
Mrs Watts Davies is an experienced and skilled manager and should help see the trust well into the next Millennium.
She said: "It will be a privilege to serve Heatherwood and Wexham Park and I look forward to being part of a great team."
Mrs Watts Davies had a 19 year career in industry before working for six years in the public sector at board level.
Her previous involvement with the NHS was as chairman of Ashford Hospital in Middlesex.
Extract Bracknell Times 07/05/1998

 

Hospitals Cash Boost to Cut Waiting Lists

By Jerry Bridge-Butler
Hospitals in Berkshire have been given £4 million to get waiting lists down.
The money should benefit people in Wokingham and Bracknell who are currently suffering because they have to wait so long for treatment.
The handout, announced by the health minister Frank Dobson on Tuesday, is part of a £288 million government package to help patients waiting for treatment across the country.
Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot and Wexham Park Hospital in Slough are set to get £1.7 million of Berkshire's share, and have pledged to bring waiting lists down to March 1997 levels by March 1999.
Margaret Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at the Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We are really pleased with this opportunity to reduce the current waiting list of patients.
"Additional finances means we will achieve significant reductions in the number of patients on our lists and their waiting times."
She added the cash will go on extra clinical staff and in finding ways of best utilising current facilities.
A spokesman for the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals in Reading said the £4 million for the county is "welcome news."
She said waiting times for routine operations should be reduced to about 11 months, with more single day cases and operations at the weekend.
She added: "Overall there were 8,000 people waiting for routine operations at the end of March and we had calculated the figure would have risen to 8,800 by the same time next year had no action been taken."
Mr Dobson said the money will help reduce the staggering 1.16 million strong list of people waiting for treatment which Labour inherited from the previous government.
He said: "Hundreds of thousands more patients will now get the operations and surgical sessions, conducted by more doctors and more nurses."
Mr Dobson was also adamant the money will help the patients for whom the NHS exists.
He said: "I expect results with this large amount of money.I will not tolerate excuses.
They are merely the patches with which we hope to repair the garments of failure."
Extract Bracknell & Wokingham Times 07/05/1998

 

More Urged to Give Blood as Demand Increases

Blood donors are being urged to come forward to prevent operations being cancelled.
At this time of year, people are thinking about holidays and giving blood is not a priority for many.
Paul Booker, National Blood Service Donor care manager, said the Oxford centre from where the Royal Berkshire Hospital receives its blood supply was under pressure.
Mr Booker said: "The demand has gone up by eight per cent from the same point last year.
This is before the new money for hospitals from the Government to reduce waiting lists.
It's likely the need for blood is going to continue." It was thought operations might have to have been cancelled this week but stocks have improved over the last few days.
However, the need for blood donors could escalate because of the Bank Holiday.
"This is a hard weekend for us coming up because people tend to go away," Mr Booker warned.
But Jackie Lawton, spokesman for the Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, said the hospital was currently not experiencing a problem.
But she added. We wouldn't like people to lose sight the fact we do need to have regular blood donors."
Jane Kerr, Royal Berkshire Hospital spokesman, said careful management of existing stock would be enough to cope with routine operations and for any поп-emergency cover.
The National Blood Service last week announced 17-year-olds can give blood, following the news hospitals have used 27,000 more units this year than during the same period last year the equivalent of 13,500 extra hip operations.
For information to enrol as a blood donor call 0345 711 711.
The next blood donor sessions in Wokingham will be on Friday, May 22 between 2pm and 3.55pm and 5pm and 6.45pm at the Masonic Hall, Reading Road, opposite WADE.
Sessions are held at the Forest Suite, Bracknell Sports and Leisure Centre, on Friday, June 19 between 10am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 4.30pm.
Extract Ascot & Bracknell & Wokingham Times 21/05/1998

 

Samuel Joins In Birthday celebrations

Heatherwood Hospital celebrated it's 75th birthday in style last Friday when the Bracknell Forest Borough mayor presented staff with a card signed by residents of the borough.
Residents were given the opportunity to sign the card and give their own messages of good wishes in a card specially designed by the borough council's print room.
The hospital opened in May 1923 and last year 850 children from the area were born there.
Cllr Jim Finnie, borough mayor, said: "Heatherwood Hospital has a fascinating history, including being used for the children of ex-servicemen following the First World War and also as the setting for the film Carry On Matron.
"Many hundreds of women from Bracknell Forest give birth at Heatherwood Hospital each year and for many families in the borough it is a special place."
Extract Wokingham Times 28/05/1998

Comment:- The above article was accompanied by a photo.
The photo captioned:"Samuel Head aged two days, with mum Emma meets Mayor Jim Finney as he helps to mark Heatherwood hospital's 75th Birthday".
Copyright prevents us from displaying the photos here.

 

Our Old Friends

I am trying very hard to trace, with a view to a possible reunion, the remainder of the 20 young ladies who embarked on a two year orthopaedic training course at Heatherwood Orthopaedic Hospital, Ascot, in September 1956.
This particular group was known as 'Bakers PTS' and although I know the whereabouts of most, there are a few untraced to date.
Were you one of these? I am particularly interested in Jackie Grove, Pat Shaw, Ann Lowe, Hilary Darke and Janet Baker (we know she married Albert Blannin).
Any information gratefully received.
Val Taylor (used to be Lamb), 3 Foster Road, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 6DF.
Extract Evening Post 24/06/1998

 

Didn't He Do Well At Fete

Visitors to Heatherwood Hospital last weekend were in for a Brucie Bonus when television celebrity Bruce Forsyth (above) officially opened the 75th anniversary grand fete.
Hundreds of people came along to the fete and open day in Ascot last Sunday afternoon as the sun eventually decided to shine.
And fundraisers are claiming the day as a success with over £2,000 raised already and money still to be counted.
Cathryn Joiner, spokesman for the hospital, said: "It went very well indeed. "It was a special fete this year. We have run one most years and we are hoping it will be and annual event."
Bruce launched the balloon race and signed autographs before visiting some of the hospital wards and departments open to the public.
A children's bouncy castle, donkey rides, a raffle, a trip or treat tombola, cream teas and a barbecue were among the other attractions at the fete.
Diamond Joe's Salon entertained the crowds with their country dancing display and lucky guessers had a stab at guessing the weight of the hip joint!
All the money raised from the fete will go towards the upkeep of the hospital.
Extract Bracknell Times 02/07/1998

Comment:- The above article was accompanied by a photo.
The photo captioned:"Didn't He Do Well At Fete".
Copyright prevents us from displaying the photo here.

 

Reprieve for 'vital service'

The charity 'Home from Hospital' has been thrown a cash lifeline to stay open until the autumn.
The charity, under the umbrella organisation of the Bracknell Council for Voluntary Services (CVS), has been granted £8,000 to stay open until the autumn when it is due to hear if it will receive lottery funding.
Home from Hospital, based at the Heatherwood Hospital site in Ascot, was given the vital cash from a local trust, Waitrose, Sainsbury and Boehringer Ingleheim through the CVS's commerce to community project.
Ann Butler-Smith, co-ordinator for Bracknell CVS, said: "It's a vital service and it's offered to anyone living in Bracknell Forest Borough who needs a bit of help."
The Home from Hospital scheme is run by co-ordinator Ann Perry who has a team of volunteers who will go out to people's homes when they leave hospital for up to six weeks and give them moral and practical support.
This new cash injection has warded off the threat of closure for the service.
Extract Bracknell Times 16/07/1998

 

New Wing For Bevan Hospice

Extra care is now available for 750 patients at a new wing of an Ascot hospice which is offering care five days-a-week.
The conversion appeal for the Paul Bevan Cancer Hospice launched in October last year culminated in the official opening on Monday.
The WG Edward's Trust Wing was opened by Kathryn Newbound, mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, who unveiled a commemorative plaque acknowledging the many donations received for the building and equipment.
The hospice, in the grounds of Heatherwood Hospital, is now able to increase its day care patient turnover more than 30 times.
The conversion of the upper floor into administration offices has freed ground floor accommodation for patient treatment rooms.
The opening went with a swing as a Trad Jazz Band walked around playing Dixieland and Ragtime music. Douglas McNab, marketing manager for the hospice, said the event exceeded all expectations.
A Ford Fiesta, worth £8,500. was also raffled to fund running costs at the revamped hospice.
Major donations from the WG Edward's Trust helped buy building materials for the hospice which runs its services free of charge.
Extract Wokingham Times 24/09/1998

Comment:- The above article was accompanied by a photo.
The photo captioned:"◄ From left: Norman Davis, Douglas McNab, marketing manager, Trust chairman Dr Geoffrey Cook and Mayoress Kathy Newbound at the launch".
Copyright prevents us from displaying the photo here.

 

A Celebration of Mental Health

Mental health is coming out of the closet as the unit at Heatherwood Hospital celebrates its 10th birthday.
To mark the occasion the unit is holding a conference to break the myths surrounding mental health and its treatment.
Presentations with displays, videos and information from Alzheimer's groups, the Eating Disorder Association and community mental health teams are being held on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9.
The first day is aimed at patients and carers, the second at clinicians and professionals.
The conference also links in with World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.
For more information call Alyson Hill on (01344) 877476 or Jill Revans on (01344) 877892.
Extract Ascot & Bracknell & Wokingham Times 08/10/1998

 

News Briefs, Stores in 'home help' scheme

The two Sainsbury's stores in Bracknell are taking part in a scheme to help people get back on their feet after a stay in hospital.
Teams from the Princess Square and Bagshot Road stores are getting involved with the 'Side by Side' pilot scheme for volunteers.
They will help people readjust to everyday life as quickly as possible on their return home from hospital.
A member of staff from each store is currently undergoing training, including first aid.
The project is particularly aimed at the elderly and people living alone.
Volunteers help with shopping, preparing simple meals, light housework, warming the house prior to a patient's discharge from hospital, collecting pensions, as well as providing emotional support.
The service is provided on a short term basis for approximately four to six weeks, by a volunteer who lives locally.
Sainsbury's will also be donating £1,000 to the cause on Thursday October 15, at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot.
Extract Ascot & Bracknell & Wokingham Times 15/10/1998

 

Community News, Wokingham

Heatherwood Hospital have a minor injuries helpline which is 01344 620246.
Extract Bracknell Times 26/11/1998

 

Hospitals Hit by Outbreak of Complaints

By Jerry Bridge-Butler
The number of complaints to two hospitals treating patients in the Wokingham and Bracknell area is more than twice the national average.
A total of 430 complaints compared to a national average of 211 were received by the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust, in Reading, according to new Department of Health performance tables.
Just six out of ten people were admitted for surgery to the Royal Berks and Battle hospitals within three months of the decision being taken.
This was partly down to a dire 26 per cent of people on the oral surgery waiting list admitted within that time compared to a 63 per cent national average.
Mark Gritten, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "There has been a national trend towards increasing numbers of complaints, and we are no exception.
'Moans list' over twice the national average
  "The figure is high, but we are one of the three largest hospitals in the region, so we see more patients than most of the others. "The figure represents about. one in a thousand of the attendances in hospital."
Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust, based at sites in Ascot and Slough, received 258 com- plaints.
Against a national average of 71 per cent, 76 per cent of surgical admissions to Heatherwood and Wexham took place within three months of the decision to admit.
Heatherwood and Wexham scored 100 per cent for the number of patients admitted for treatment within twelve months of the decision to admit.
This compared with 91 per cent for the Royal Berks and Battle hospital four per cent down on the national average.
Figures for seeing outpatients by both hospitals reveal shorter waiting lists than the national average, and both hospitals performed well on resolving complaints locally within the target time.
All performance figures were measured in the year ending March 31, 1998.
Margaret Edwards, chief executive of the Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are particularly pleased with these indicators which reflect our performance and our commitment to patient care."
Extract Ascot & Bracknell & Wokingham Times 17/12/1998