Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, in the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
It mainly affects men over 50 and the risk increases with age. The risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms.
If you notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or another health problem. But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out.
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells. It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises slightly as you get older and your prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.
If you are concerned about your urinary symptoms or have some of the risk factors it is best to have a discussion with your GP about this.
A new gallery space in the Link Corridor between Kingston Hospital’s Esher Wing and Surgical Centre is now in place for patients and staff to enjoy. Health and Wellbeing Chaplain, Steve Summers, and the Trust’s wider Health and Wellbeing team are leading on the project, which is funded by Kingston Hospital Charity.
Chief Nurse, Nic Kane, officially opened the new gallery on Monday 20 March. The first exhibition is on ‘The Natural World’ and features photographs from the local Canbury Camera Club.
The gallery will be regularly refreshed, with exhibits by the Trust’s nursery, staff photographers and artists planned for the future.
Comments Off on Kingston resident to complete tour of London hospitals by Brompton commuter bike
This weekend, Kingston resident, Richard Carrington, will embark on a tour of 14 London hospitals on his Brompton commuter bike, in support of Kingston Hospital Charity’s Ride for 75 fundraising initiative, to mark the 75th birthday of the NHS.
Richard said: “On Friday 22 November 2019 at approximately 7pm I had one of the 124,000 heart attacks that take place in this country every year. I had joined the ranks of the roughly 1 million men and 500,000 women who, according to the British Heart Foundation, have had one – a total of more than 1.5m people to set beside the 2.7m who live with coronary heart disease.
“I had just finished an hour of training at Lee Valley Velodrome and there was a pain in my back between my shoulder blades. As a sportsman I have had over 50 years of ignoring pain. I figured I had strained my upper back in the track session. I had to stop though as the pain was now starting to feel like I had swallowed a large rock, and someone was forcing their fist in between my shoulder blades. I continued on slowly, a few paces at a time, until I got to the ticket hall at Stratford International. Things got worse and I was trying to figure out what to do – I wasn’t thinking straight. I was feeling cold and clammy and in severe pain and highly agitated. I have never done this before, but I called the emergency services as my symptoms suggested I could be having a heart attack.
“The first aid courses I have attended over the past five years of running Youth and Juniors always go through heart attack symptoms and now I thank heavens they do!
“By this time, I was sitting on the floor feeling sick and hunched over. After an hour, the ambulance staff attended; time to put on a brave face, because that’s what you do, don’t you!”
Richard was taken to St Bartholomew’s Hospital’s coronary unit and after an initial assessment, was taken into the operating theatre to have a stent fitted.
Richard said: “The reason I am doing this is because I want to give a bit back – arguably the only reason I’m here is because of the NHS. I am doing it on a Brompton because this is about all the ordinary people like me. I want to represent all the commuters who live in this area.
“Highlights for me will be visiting St Bartholomew’s Hospital where I had my triple heart bypass and being outside Brompton Hospital with my Brompton.”
Richard’s tour will start at Kingston Hospital, at 7.30am on Saturday 18 March and the tour will take him to St George’s Hospital, University Hospital Lewisham, King’s College Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’, St Bartholomew’s, Royal London Hospital, Whittington Hospital, Royal Free, University College Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital, Central Middlesex, Charing Cross Hospital, and Queen Mary’s Hospital, before returning to Kingston.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital’s Wolverton Centre featured in ‘Youth Out Loud!’ sexual health film
As part of their Digital Youth Projects, Youth Out Loud! – a group of people aged 13-17 working with Healthwatch Kingston – recently created a sexual health information film which features the Wolverton Centre at Kingston Hospital.
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse for Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare, said: “We have been really pleased to work with Healthwatch and Youth Out Loud! on this fantastic film. We hope this will be useful to young people in our communities, enabling them to feel able to talk more openly about sexual health issues.”
According to the annual staff survey for NHS staff, Kingston Hospital ranks as the highest scoring district general hospital in London for staff recommending the Trust as a place to work.
The report shows that:
79% of staff agree that care of patients / service users is Kingston Hospital’s top priority (against an average of 74% among other acute / acute and community trusts)
64% of our staff would recommend Kingston Hospital as place to work (against an average of 57% among other acute / acute and community trusts)
72% would be happy with the standard of care provided if a friend or relative needed treatment (against an average of 63% among other acute / acute and community trusts)
Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m really grateful to our staff for engaging with the annual NHS staff survey. It has been another challenging year, but I am pleased that the results of the survey reflect the fact that our staff recommend Kingston Hospital as a place to work and agree that patient care is our top priority.
“Some areas for improvement have been identified and based on insight from previous staff surveys, we have strengthened our health and wellbeing support to staff over the past year, and will continue to give this our full focus. Staff satisfaction and making sure that this is a great place to work will continue as a key priority for the Trust’s leadership team.
“I am really proud of our staff and am committed to doing all I can to create the best possible working environment, and to continue providing the best possible patient care.”
Comments Off on Planned strike by junior doctors: A message from our Chief Executive
Services at Kingston Hospital will be affected during the junior doctor strikes next week from 7am on Monday 13 March – 7am on Thursday 16 March. I would like to thank all of our local NHS, community and voluntary organisations who have reached out to support us in the run up to, and during the industrial action. This support means a lot to us.
Kingston Hospital will be open but we are postponing a large number of outpatient appointments and planned surgery so we can deploy our staff in areas including our emergency services, cancer services, the wards and maternity.
If your appointment has been postponed, we would like to apologise to you for that.
We will be working very hard to keep our emergency department running safely over the course of the industrial action, but can we ask that you think carefully before coming into our emergency department, where you may face long waits to be treated.
We fully respect our junior doctor colleagues’ right to strike and know that the decision to take action is not one that is taken without a great deal of thought, or lightly. Junior doctors are a crucial part of our workforce and they are part of the future of the NHS. My hope is that meaningful negotiations will take place, so that we can avoid future industrial action and solely focus on the job of being here to care for people when they need us.
Comments Off on Junior doctors industrial action: Monday 13 March – Wednesday 15 March
Junior doctor members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are taking part in a national 72-hour strike on Monday 13 March, Tuesday 14 March and Wednesday 15 March.
If we need to re-schedule your hospital appointment, we will be in touch with you over the coming days to let you know.
Kingston Hospital staff are working hard to minimise the disruption this will cause to care and treatment. Thank you for your understanding.
During strike action, the NHS is still here for people who need care. If you need medical help, continue to use NHS111 online, call NHS 111, contact your GP or visit a pharmacy. In emergencies, please call 999.
Comments Off on Introducing our Carers’ Clinical Liaison Service
Kingston Hospital has recently launched a new Carers’ Clinical Liaison Service.
This service benefits unpaid carers residing in any borough who are concerned about their own health, wellbeing, and confidence to provide care for the person they are caring for, during or after a hospital stay.
Our Carers’ Clinical Liaison Practitioner will meet with the carer to conduct an initial assessment of the carer’s needs, co-designing and delivering a plan of support with and for the carer. The service has been set up in collaboration with the Richmond Carers Centre and Kingston Carers Network.
Angel Thompson, Kingston Hospital’s Carers’ Clinical Liaison Practitioner, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to introduce this new service for carers. We hope this work will have a positive impact on the wider support for carers and will provide them with reassurance that they are acknowledged while the person they care for is an inpatient with us.”
Carers who have benefitted from this service have said “it was so good to have my needs heard and understood for the first time in all my time in and out of hospital with my father.”
If the person you care for is currently an inpatient at Kingston Hospital or coming to our Emergency Department and you are interested in the finding out more about the Carers’ Clinical Liaison Service, let ward staff know and they can make a referral on your behalf.
Comments Off on Falls prevention article featured in ‘Frontline’ magazine
Physiotherapist and Operational Inpatient Manager, Juliet Butler, recently wrote a short piece about Kingston Hospital’s volunteer-led falls prevention scheme. Juliet’s article has been featured in the March edition of ‘Frontline’ – the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s monthly magazine.
Comments Off on Living Well Hub offers Kingston residents health and wellbeing support
A social prescriber has regularly joined the team at a weekly Living Well Hub held at The United Reformed Church hall in New Malden for the last year, offering support and advice to local people.
The hub, which has been a designated warm space for local residents during the worst of the winter also offers a subsidised hot lunch prepared freshly by the hub’s cook as well as access to volunteers, a Department of Work and Pensions benefit advisor, carers advice and a health visiting drop-in for those with children and babies under five.
Comments Off on Return to practice as an Allied Health Professional
If you are thinking of returning to your allied health profession, here at Kingston Hospital we offer periods of adaptation, support and mentoring to help you develop the skills and competencies you need to get on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register.
Comments Off on Launch of Virtual Visiting Volunteer Service
Kingston Hospital has recently launched a new virtual visiting service, connecting patients with family members or friends who would otherwise be unable to come into the hospital.
Trained volunteers are available to facilitate video calls between patients and loved ones, by bringing an iPad to the patient’s bedside.
How to schedule a call:
Send an email to khft.virtualvisiting@nhs.net with the patient’s name, date of birth, and your contact details, or speak to a member of the virtual visiting team on 020 8934 3053.
A member of the team will then get in contact to arrange the call.
This service runs Monday to Friday. To arrange a call for the same day, please send details before midday.
Comments Off on Super Saturday surgery day reduces waiting lists
On Saturday 4 February, Mr Ioannis Gerogiannis (Consultant General and UGI Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Surgery) along with Kingston Hospital’s surgical teams, ran another successful ‘Super Saturday’ surgery catch up day.
Colleagues performed 14 hernia operations under general anaesthetic and 12 excisions under local anaesthetic.
Extra surgery days dedicated to the same types of surgery allow the team to see more patients. As well as reducing surgery waiting lists, this provides a great opportunity for learning for our trainees at the hospital.
Comments Off on Digital design and manufacturing facility to transform patient care
With the support of Kingston Hospital Charity, construction is now underway to create a new digital clinical design and manufacturing facility within Princess Alexandra Wing.
Completion of this new facility in March will ensure Kingston Hospital is one of only a small number in the country to provide onsite digital customised anatomical models and medical devices, using 3D biomedical design and printing in a bespoke facility.
Once operational, patients will receive more efficient care, with better outcomes, underpinned by a custom-built technology system. For example, a child who requires a replacement hearing aid may currently wait months for a new one, which has a significant impact on psychological wellbeing, educational progress, and social interactions. The new service will be able to manufacture a replacement hearing aid ear-mould using an impression that has been virtually stored in less than 24 hours and can be sent by post.
A patient requiring orthodontic retainers to hold the final positions of teeth after ‘train track’ braces are removed, currently waits one to two weeks. Using this new technology, patients will receive their retainer the same day ensuring they experience no discomfort when first using it. They will also need to attend only one appointment, instead of returning for a second.
This facility will also introduce three-dimensional virtual surgical planning for patients with complex facial deformities. For patients with complex broken bones or fractures that require surgery, the new facility will enable three-dimensional printed custom models to be made to enable the surgeon to plan the best approach and orientation of any surgical fixation screws.
Dr Chris Donaldson who is leading this project said:
“This new facility brings 3D technology to a healthcare setting, as these techniques will become essential tools in the NHS of the future. In time we hope to be able to print in medical grade titanium and ultimately to print bio-scaffolds for the construction of replacement body-parts. It is fantastic that Kingston Hospital Charity has recognised its potential and has agreed to fund the development of this digital clinical design and manufacturing facility.”
Comments Off on My experience of the community exercise volunteer programme
Kingston Hospital’s community exercise volunteer programme was established by our volunteering and physiotherapy teams in partnership with Helpforce charity, to reduce the risk of falls, deconditioning and loneliness in elderly patients.
Volunteers visit patients in their homes for a period of eight weeks following discharge from hospital, working through specific exercises tailored to each patient and prescribed by physiotherapists.
In the following short film, local resident Jaqui, shares her experience of the programme:
The programme is currently open to Kingston residents aged 65 years or older, who have had a fall in the last 12 months, are at risk of falling, or are worried about falling. For more information, speak to your Kingston Hospital physiotherapist.
If you are interested in becoming a community exercise volunteer, working with individuals to support them with exercises to help restore their health, wellbeing and independence, contact Bianca Larch (Community and Outreach Manager, Volunteering Services): b.larch@nhs.net
Comments Off on London Ambulance industrial action – Maternity services
There is strike action planned by staff working for London Ambulance Service on Friday 10 February. Ambulances will not be available to take you to hospital, unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Our maternity services will be running as usual.
Please plan how you would come to hospital on that day if you needed to.
If you have any worries, or think you’re in labour, please contact us for advice as early as possible on 020 8934 2802.
If you are planning a homebirth around this time, your midwife will speak to you about what this means for your care.
Comments Off on Time to Test: Supporting colleagues to attend smear test appointments
Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) have joined forces with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, and signed up to the Time to Test campaign to raise awareness of cervical screening and to support our colleagues to attend their appointments.
Worrying new research has found that only 1 in 5 women working full-time were able to get a convenient cervical screening appointment last time they tried to book. An inability to get appointments around work is causing many to delay potentially lifesaving screening.
Getting a test around working hours can be difficult for many people. COVID may have exacerbated this, as 1 in 3 say they feel less able to take time off to attend medical appointments because of the pandemic.
To help address this, we have made a commitment to our staff that they can attend a screening during work hours if unable to get an appointment at a different time.
The Time to Test campaign encourages raising awareness of cervical screening at work, after 62% said that an increase in discussion about women’s health in the workplace would make them feel more comfortable taking time off for appointments.
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse at Kingston Hospital and HRCH, and SW London Cancer lead, said:
“I am very proud we are actively participating in the Time to Test campaign and supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. By raising the profile of screening and cervical cancer in the workplace I hope this will empower our staff to look after their health.”
Cat King, Colposcopy Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kingston Hospital said:
“Don’t fear the smear – it’s important to attend cervical screening and here at Kingston Hospital we can support you to do this. 99.8% of cervical cancers can be prevented. A smear test should not be painful and takes only a minute to do.
“If you have any worries regarding the test, we have a team of specialist nurses who are very happy to talk through any concerns and help support you being able to have the test.”
Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:
“There are many barriers to cervical screening, but work is a very practical one which we can and should try to tackle. Whilst every workplace is different, we’re calling on employers to find a way to offer their staff Time to Test, especially as we start returning to offices, we must try to avoid putting more barriers in place.
“It’s worrying to see so many having to take annual or sick leave to attend a routine medical appointment, which will lead to some delaying. Employers can help stop this and make cervical screening and cervical health visible and important in the workplace, so more women and people with a cervix feel confident and informed to attend.”
Comments Off on Associate NEDs in Common appointed to Kingston Hospital and HRCH
In line with our Better Together programme, two new Associate Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) in Common have been appointed at Kingston Hospital and HRCH, and have joined us this week.
Dr Masood Ahmed has been appointed as Associate NED with a focus on the Trusts’ digital agenda and Zaheer Ahmad MBE has been appointed as associate NED with a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Associate NEDs are non-voting members of the Board. Masood and Zaheer will attend board meetings for both Trusts and the Committees in Common, as well as other relevant committees related to the work that they will be doing at Kingston Hospital and HRCH.
Dr Masood Ahmed is a respected and accomplished NHS leader with a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and leadership development. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, he currently serves as the Chief Clinical Information Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System, where he leads the digital clinical strategy.
Masood is deeply passionate about advancing the use of technology and innovation in healthcare and has a keen interest in systems leadership, EDI, digital health, and AI.
Masood has held several high-level positions throughout his career, including Global Medical Director at Dell Healthcare & Life Sciences, Chief Medical Officer at the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG, and Chief Digital Officer at the Health Innovation Network and West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN). He has also been a leader in advocating for healthcare professionals, having served as the Chair of Negotiators for the British Medical Association Junior Doctors’ Committee.
On his appointment, Masood said: “I’m delighted to join the hospital where I did my first surgical house job many moons ago. I’ve seen and sensed the ambition of both organisations as we look to evolve in a digital world that will be the future of health and care and I hope that my broad experience from the NHS and commercial sector will add value to both Boards.”
Zaheer Ahmad MBE is Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at multinational consumer healthcare company, Haleon. Prior to this, he held positions as Head of Strategic Delivery of Diversity and Inclusion at EY, where he chaired the business’s Race Working Group, and Head of the Diversity Staff Support Association at the Home Office.
Zaheer is a highly decorated former police officer, serving in various departments including Uniform Policing, Force Intelligence Bureau, and CID. He is a former member of five National Police boards including the Ministerial Progression Board and National Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Board.
On his appointment as an Associate NED in Common, Zaheer said: “I am delighted to join Kingston Hospital and HRCH as an Associate Non-Executive Director in Common, bringing public and private sector experience, to tackle key equality, diversity and inclusion challenges which are critical for the delivery of the NHS long term workforce priorities.”
Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs, Chair in Common of Kingston Hospital and HRCH, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have appointed two people with such expertise to our organisations.
“This is the first time we have appointed Associate Non-Executive Directors in Common, and I really look forward to working with Masood and Zaheer on our digital agenda and equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.”
Comments Off on Changes to low vision aid and contact lens services
Kingston Hospital previously used an external company to provide a low vision aids and specialist hospital contact lens service. Unfortunately, this company informed us that they are no longer able to provide the service and we are now working to bring this in house.
An Orthoptist has been recruited to undertake the low vision aid (LVA) clinics at Kingston Hospital and we are hopeful to be able to recommence appointments for this service from May/June 2023. Until then, the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) who is based in the Royal Eye Unit (REU) will provide support, where possible, to our LVA patients.
The contact lens service requires more specialised training and experience and unfortunately, we have not yet been able to recruit to this role. We are hopeful that we can appoint someone in the coming months, however this will mean a further delay in resuming the specialist contact lens service at Kingston Hospital.
As part of this ongoing work, we are also reviewing patient records to identify eligibility to access the service and any medical needs. It may be necessary to arrange a routine appointment for patients to be reviewed in the REU and we will be in touch if this is the case. Any patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria for hospital supplied medical contact lenses and/or low vision aids will be contacted to advise them they are being discharged from the service. This may be due to the patient’s location or if normal vision can be obtained using glasses.
For contact lens patients who have contacted us and are eligible to access the service, we have begun referring to the Moorfields Eye Centre at St Georges Hospital in Tooting so that patients can continue to access these services while they are unavailable at Kingston Hospital.
For any queries relating to these services, please contact the Ophthalmology Administration team on 020 8934 6404 or email khft.reuhelpdesk1@nhs.net.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience. We are working hard to re-establish these services as soon as possible and will continue to keep patents informed by letter, as the services become available again.
Comments Off on Kingston residents invited to show their livers some love
Kingston residents are invited to have a liver scan and a chat with local NHS experts at Liver Week events running throughout the borough on 25, 26 and 27 January 2023.
Appointments on the liver health bus take less than 10 minutes and let participants know how healthy their liver is and what they can do to improve and keep it healthy in the future. The check-up involves a scan and a finger-prick blood test and those showing signs of possible liver damage will be offered further support.
Events will be held:
Wednesday 25 January 2023, 9am – 1pm
Merritt Medical Centre, 60 Merritt Gardens, Chessington, KT9 2GY (St George’s bus)
Thursday 26 January 2023, 9am – 4pm
United Reformed Church, Malden Road, New Malden, KT3 6DR
Friday 27 January 2023, 10am – 2pm
Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, St Peter’s Church Hall, London Road, Kingston, KT2 6QL
Comments Off on London Ambulance industrial action – Maternity services
There is strike action planned by staff working for London Ambulance Service on Monday 23 January. Ambulances will not be available to take you to hospital, unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Our maternity services will be running as usual.
Please plan how you would come to hospital on that day if you needed to.
If you have any worries, or think you’re in labour, please contact us for advice as early as possible on 020 8934 2802.
If you are planning a homebirth around this time, your midwife will speak to you about what this means for your care.
A total of 200 service users who received care in Kingston Hospital’s maternity services took part in the survey in February last year, which invited them to rate their antenatal care, experience of labour and birth, and postnatal care.
The results put Kingston Maternity in the top five London Trusts for all eight parameters which are assessed and categorised as follows:
The start of your care during pregnancy
Antenatal check-ups
During your pregnancy
Your labour and birth
Staff caring for you
Care in hospital after birth
Feeding your baby
Care at home after birth
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse for Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are really proud of our results in the National Maternity Survey 2022, which are testament to the hard work and dedication of our maternity teams. I would like to thank my colleagues for all the work they do which places us within the best performing trusts for maternity services in London. Thanks also to everyone who responded to the survey and shared their valuable feedback.”
Comments Off on How to access care during ambulance service strike action
On 11 January, there will be fewer ambulances on the road and fewer staff in ambulance control rooms triaging 999 calls, due to strike action.
The London Ambulance Service is advising patients only to call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency. This includes unconsciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, a server loss of blood or when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Patients whose conditions are not life-threatening are unlikely to get an ambulance during the strike. If you need medical help fast, please use 111 online to get assessed and directed to the care you need. If required, you may need to arrange alternative transport to hospital.
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
For those driving to our emergency department in a medical emergency, please follow instructions from staff marshalling the hospital site and do not park on or obstruct our roads.
If you need care, but it isn’t an emergency, there are a number of options available:
If you have an urgent healthcare need but it isn’t an emergency, contact NHS 111 online as your first port of call, as this service can quickly advise you where to go and what to do next.
Your local pharmacy can also provide advice on minor health concerns from skin rashes to earaches and flu. Many pharmacies open late and no appointment is needed. Find your nearest pharmacy here.
Contact your GP surgery for appointments about illnesses or injuries that won’t go away. Many GPs offer an out of hours service.
Find out more about where to go if you need medical advice, but it’s not an emergency.
Comments Off on Help improve sexual and reproductive health services
The London Boroughs of Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth with the NHS are working to improve the sexual and reproductive health of people in the area. To help us with this, we would like to find out more about your awareness and experience in accessing local sexual and reproductive health services and your views on how you may want to access services in the future to ensure they work for you.
Comments Off on Unpaid carers survey – South West London
Have you cared for or are you caring for a person living with a terminal illness or at the end of their life?
Do you receive support as an unpaid carer of a person or loved one? Please share your experience of caring for someone and any support needs you have. Is anything missing? What can be done to improve your current situation?
If you or the person you’ve cared for / caring for live in South West London (Kingston, Richmond, Croydon, Wandsworth, Sutton or Merton), we would like to hear from you.
Either via a focus group, one-to-one meeting (f2f or virtual), phone call or online survey.
Comments Off on London Ambulance industrial action – Maternity services
There is strike action planned by staff working for London Ambulance Service on Wednesday 11 January, between noon and midnight. Ambulances will not be available to take you to hospital, unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Our maternity services will be running as usual.
Please plan how you would come to hospital on that day if you needed to.
If you have any worries, or think you’re in labour, please contact us for advice as early as possible on 020 8934 2802.
If you are planning a homebirth around this time, your midwife will speak to you about what this means for your care.
Comments Off on Allied Health Professional Career Days – Wednesday 18 January and Thursday 19 January
Allied health professionals (AHPs) are key to patient care and are the third largest workforce in the NHS. AHPs include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech and language therapists and dietitians, and all play an important role in delivering high quality care to patients across a wide range of care pathways.
If you are interested in a career in any of these areas, join us on Wednesday 18 January or Thursday 19 January (9.30am – 4.30pm) to meet some of our staff and learn more about allied health professional roles at Kingston Hospital. There will also be an opportunity to shadow some of our AHPs.
Our Allied Health Professional Career Days are open to anyone aged 16 years or over.
Register online by Monday 16 January. We hope you can join us.
Comments Off on Help and support from local charities
Kingston Hospital works with local charities to make sure patients and carers get the help they need whilst in hospital as well as back at home.
This winter, we are pleased to partner with local charities including Staywell, Nightingale, Kingston Carers’ Network and Richmond Carers Centre to enable them to reach out to patients and carers much earlier in their healthcare journey.
Laura Greene, Head of Volunteering and Community Partnerships, said “We feel strongly that local charities have expertise and services that are key to improving our patients’ and carers’ wellbeing both in hospital and back home in the community. By connecting people with local charities to support them whilst they are in hospital, patients and carers are receiving the help and support they need from their local voluntary sector during a crisis. By working in partnership with the hospital, charities can also provide greater continuity of care between hospital and home, joining up the help and support patients and carers receive regardless of where that care is needed.”
Read more about some of our active partnerships with local charities.
Comments Off on Strike action – how to access care and how we are continuing care
It has been announced that the London Ambulance Service will be striking on Wednesday 21 December from midday to midnight. The following days may also be affected as a result.
While our staff and services will be working as normal, we are expecting our services to be busier than usual and ask you to use services responsibly and think NHS 111 first so we can prioritise our sickest patients.
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
We are always here for those who need care.
Please read the information on this page for further information and advice.
Comments Off on Nominations now open for Kingston Hospital’s governor by-elections
Nominations are now open for Kingston Hospital’s governor by-elections for the constituency of Elmbridge. Two positions are available – one term to expire in November 2023 and one to expire in November 2024. The person polling the most votes will take the longer term.
Nominations are open from Tuesday 20 December 2022 to Tuesday 17 January 2023, and the election will take place from Friday 3 February to Friday 24 February 2023.
Find out more about Kingston Hospital’s Council of Governors and the governor by-elections.
Comments Off on Operation ‘Sleigh Bells’ – getting patients home this Christmas
This festive season, we want to help as many of our inpatients as possible to get home, so they don’t have to spend Christmas in hospital. That’s why we’ve launched Operation ‘Sleigh Bells’.
Over the coming days, our inpatient teams will be assessing patients’ health and doing everything they can to get them home in time for Christmas.
We will be working with families and carers to ensure that people who can go home are able to do so safely and with the right support in place, such as transport or additional equipment.
Flyers are available for patients and relatives with more details about the campaign. Please speak to a member of staff to find out what you can do to help get your loved one home this Christmas, if safe to do so.
If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one returning home for Christmas, please let the staff on the ward know.
Comments Off on London Ambulance industrial action – Maternity services
There is strike action planned by staff working for London Ambulance Service on Wednesday 21 December, between noon and midnight. Ambulances will not be available to take you to hospital, unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Our maternity services will be running as usual.
Please plan how you would come to hospital on that day if you needed to.
If you have any worries, or think you’re in labour, please contact us for advice as early as possible on 020 8934 2802.
If you are planning a homebirth around this time, your midwife will speak to you about what this means for your care.
Comments Off on Know where to go if you need medical advice, but it’s not an emergency
Pharmacy Your local pharmacy is a first port-of-call for minor health concerns. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help with lots of illnesses, from skin rashes to earaches and flu. Many pharmacies open late and offer private consultations, no appointment needed.
Your GP Call your GP practice or visit their website to make an appointment for an illness or injury that won’t go away, or access your GP’s out of hours service.
NHS 111 (24/7) Call NHS 111 FREE for urgent medical advice, or access the service online at 111.nhs.uk. If NHS 111 advise that you attend the Emergency Department, ask them if they can book you an appointment.
Richmond Urgent Treatment Centre (8am-8pm, every day) The Richmond Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Teddington Memorial Hospital is for when you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
The service is run by nurses and other healthcare professionals, supported by a GP.
Contact your current healthcare team If you are already receiving care or treatment from a particular healthcare team, contact them first to see if they can help.
Healthier Together children’s health website Created by experts, Healthier Together is a new website in south west London which provides pregnant people, parents and carers with trusted information on common childhood illnesses.
Mental health support (24/7) If you live in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth and you need mental health support in a crisis you can call our 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000.
The Mental Health Crisis Line offers emotional support and advice to people who are affected by urgent mental health issues, at any time of the day or night. It is open to children and adults of all ages, and to people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services.
If you are in a mental health crisis or need urgent support you can also go to:
Connected Kingston is run by the Royal Borough of Kingston Council and Kingston Voluntary Action, and is dedicated to helping Kingston residents navigate local services.
Warm Spaces Kingston Council and Richmond Council have opened a network of warm spaces this winter, in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. To find your nearest warm space, search online for ‘Kingston warm spaces’ or ‘Richmond warm spaces’.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital’s maternity service rated good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Kingston Hospital’s maternity service has been rated as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as part of their national maternity inspection programme. The programme aims to provide an up-to-date view of the quality of hospital maternity care across the country, and a better understanding of what is working well to support learning and improvement at a local and national level.
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse for Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are proud to have retained our ‘good’ rating for Kingston’s maternity services. I am grateful to our staff who are totally committed to delivering a high standard of care to local women and their families, every day of the year.”
The CQC praised Kingston maternity services for an open culture and the fact that staff enjoy working at the Trust. Staff are also clear about their roles and accountabilities and the service engages well with women and the community to plan and manage services. The inspectors described staff who are focused on the needs of women receiving care and committed to continual improvement of services.
However, the report highlighted that during the visit the service did not always have enough staff to keep women safe. Midwifery staffing is a national issue and at Kingston the workforce in maternity is flexible and staff will move around to fill any gaps. Furthermore, the team has recently undertaken a recruitment drive and although our staffing position has improved since the inspection, we continue to focus our attention in this area.
At the time of their visit, the inspectors also observed that the security of the unit could be enhanced in order to reduce the risk of women and babies being unsafe. The Trust has since completed a thorough review of the security of the unit, which included undertaking an abduction exercise, and taking action to address all of the issues raised.
The team at Kingston has a rolling programme of audit and improvement in place to ensure that we continually improve and sustain the high standards of care that women are accustomed to at Kingston Hospital.
On the back of this inspection, in addition to being rated ‘good’ overall following the inspection, the CQC has confirmed that: “Kingston Hospital’s maternity service was rated ‘good’ for being well-led and ‘requires improvement’ for being safe. Ratings for Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, are unchanged by this inspection. It remains outstanding overall.”
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse adds: “All of our services have been under pressure for a prolonged period of time, and so this rating is a positive endorsement of the care we’re providing, and I am confident that team will continue to lead further improvements in the good service that we provide.”
Cathy Warwick, Board Maternity Safety Champion for Kingston Hospital said: “It is always very helpful to have an external review of our service and we welcome the CQC report.
“The fact that the service at Kingston was noted to be well led with a positive culture is excellent and I know that the maternity leadership team with the support of the Trust Board is taking immediate action to address all of the areas identified for improvement. I feel confident that women coming to Kingston can expect safe and compassionate care.”
Comments Off on Listen to episode 4 of Kingston Hospital’s Health Talks podcast
Episode 4 of Kingston Hospital’s Health Talks podcast focuses on the topic of lung cancer and is hosted by Dr Bill Oldfield, Chief Medical Officer at Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH).
Hear from Emily Holton (Faster Diagnosis Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist), Helena Oliveira (Clinical Nurse Specialist for medical oncology) and Sam Haviland (Kick-It stop smoking service) as they discuss lung cancer patient pathways, signs and symptoms, and ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Comments Off on Healthier Together – a new website for families in South West London
Worried about your child’s health?
Created by local experts in child health, Healthier Together is a new website which provides information on common childhood health concerns such as fever and breathing problems.
On the website you will find information about a range of health concerns, all of which have been created by child health specialists, GPs and clinicians in South West London.
Healthier Together is designed to support pregnant women and parents and carers of children in South West London. Young people can also use the website to find information on topics such as mental and sexual health.
Comments Off on Safety alert for baby self-feeding pillows
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an Urgent Safety Alert for baby self-feeding pillows and is urging the public to stop using them and to dispose of them safely.
Comments Off on Volunteer falls prevention programme wins British Geriatric Society award
Kingston Hospital colleagues have recently been awarded the Eva Huggins prize for the best Nurse/AHP poster at the British Geriatric Society’s autumn conference.
The poster features the work of the volunteering and physiotherapy teams and their community exercise programme, which was established last year in partnership with Helpforce charity, to reduce the risk of falls, deconditioning and loneliness in elderly residents across Kingston.
The teams’ poster included findings from the programme so far, which show fear of falls reduced by as much as 50% among patients in the programme’s initial pilot phase, and 100% of these patients showing improvements on functional fitness tests.
The volunteer falls prevention programme is open to local residents aged 65 years or older, who have had a fall in the last 12 months, are at risk of falling, or are worried about falling. For more information, speak to your Kingston Hospital physiotherapist.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year.
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.
In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10. There were 2.3 cases per 100,000 children aged 1 to 4 compared to an average of 0.5 in the pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019) and 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged 5 to 9 compared to the pre-pandemic average of 0.3 (2017 to 2019) at the same time of the year.
So far this season there have been 5 recorded deaths within 7 days of an iGAS diagnosis in children under 10 in England. During the last high season for Group A Strep infection (2017 to 2018) there were 4 deaths in children under 10 in the equivalent period.
Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.
There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
Comments Off on Storm Building Limited donate spring bulbs for staff
Kingston Hospital staff recently planted 1,000 spring bulbs, generously donated by Storm Building Limited.
Daffodils, crocuses to allium were planted in the new garden and meeting space which opened in October, and in various shared green spaces and planters around the hospital site, to bring colour to these areas for patients and staff to enjoy.
Comments Off on Thom Lafferty takes up role of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy
On 28 November, Thom Lafferty joined Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy across both organisations.
Thom brings with him a wealth of experience having previously been the Director of Strategy at Royal Cornwall Hospitals, and having held various senior roles at other NHS Trusts, including Chelsea and Westminster.
Comments Off on £2.1million boost for diagnostics at Kingston Hospital and HRCH
More vital tests, scans and checks will be provided to local patients thanks to a successful bid for £2.1million government funding.
This funding will enable teams at Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) to deliver nearly 10,000 more physiological tests per year for cardiology and respiratory conditions. The money will enable Kingston Hospital to reconfigure and refurbish part of its existing outpatients service, to increase capacity and improve access for patients to these important diagnostic tests.
This builds on previous successful bids to increase Kingston Hospital’s endoscopy and CT scanning capability, and introduce non-obstetric ultrasound at Teddington Memorial Hospital for over 5,000 scans per year (running alongside existing x-ray services, which provides direct access to walk-in and primary care patients).
This is part of the Government’s focus on Community Diagnostic Centres, which are designed to speed up the diagnosis of conditions from cancer to heart to lung disease for all patients.
Tracey Moore, Chief Operating Officer at Kingston Hospital, said: “I’m delighted we have made another successful bid to expand our diagnostic capability. This will mean more patients get the tests they need to get diagnosed and treated more efficiently.”
Tom Penman, Assistant Director Clinical Services (Richmond and South West London) at HRCH, said: “This is fantastic news and builds on our ongoing work to deliver more vital tests and scans for our local communities, including ultrasound at Teddington Memorial Hospital.”
Comments Off on Improving the hospital environment
This year we have continued with our ambitious building developments on the hospital site.
In October, a new gynaecology outpatient building located at the hospital entrance on Galsworthy Road opened to patients. The new Willow Building is purpose-built for the Trust’s gynaecology service, which sees over 2,000 patients each month. Outpatient and procedure clinics now take place under one roof, benefiting patients and staff.
Work to develop a three-story extension of the Bernard Meade Wing also began in October, coinciding with Kingston Hospital Charity reaching its revised £2m fundraising goal. Extending the Royal Eye Unit on the ground floor will create a dedicated area for the retinal service to treat the growing number of patients with age-related macular degeneration and other conditions that affect the back of the eye. Extending Sunshine Ward at first floor level will also create the space needed to develop a self-contained day oncology unit for children undergoing cancer treatment. This extension represents the second phase of works, following enhancements to the Royal Eye Unit’s acute referral centre last year.
Work also recently started on site to build our new ENT (ear, nose and throat) and audiology outpatients department, located at the centre of the hospital site. The new single storey modular build will provide dedicated audiology consultation rooms, audiology booths, examination and procedure rooms, a hearing aid lab, and additional administration areas, improving the environment and experience for patients and staff. Work is due to be completed in early 2023.
Further improvement works are also planned for the Sir William Rous Unit, the Emergency Department and our radiology services.
To help make these improvements a reality for our patients, there may be some disruption to normal activities. If possible, patients and visitors are asked to use public transport or to be dropped off at the hospital, as traffic flow and car parking spaces are currently limited.
If you are coming to hospital for an appointment, please only bring one person with you as waiting areas are under pressure at this time. Due to building works, space in waiting areas is particularly limited in the Emergency Department and the Royal Eye Unit.
Thank you for your co-operation and apologies for any inconvenience.
South West London NHS are hosting an online webinar for parents or carers of children aged 1 to 9 years old.
Join us to hear more and get your questions about immunisations answered by local healthcare professionals. Also hear about Healthier Together, a brand new website, https://www.swlondon-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/, which provides trustworthy healthcare advice and directs you to the best care for your child.
Comments Off on Maternity colleagues presented with Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Awards
This week, Regional Chief Midwife for London, Kate Brintworth, visited Kingston Hosptial’s Maternity Unit.
Kate met with midwifery colleagues and on behalf of Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, presented Balvinder Reehal (Screening Lead) and Pippa Sparks (Sonographer) with Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Awards, in recognition of their work and dedication to the unit and to those who use Kingston Hospital’s maternity services.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital Charity marks Free Wills Month and thanks local resident for legacy gift
To mark Free Wills Month, Kingston Hospital Charity has teamed up with will-writing service Guardian Angel and local solicitors Lodge Brothers Legal Services, to offer an opportunity to write or update a simple will for free.
Karen’s husband, Pete Wylie, said: “Karen drew up her first will when she turned 60, in 2016. There were no surprises. As a long-time volunteer dog walker and a donor to animal welfare charities, the will reflected her interests. We didn’t expect to have to change it at all. But four years later the pandemic hit, and legions of health workers fought for our lives.
“In September 2021, Karen got an unexpected cancer diagnosis. It was incurable but treatable, so the oncology teams at Kingston Hospital and the Royal Marsden went to work. Unfortunately, the melanoma had already swept through her body. The treatment weakened her so much she contracted a serious pneumonia which landed her in Kingston Hospital for two weeks. Though she recovered, the oncologists told us her body couldn’t take any more treatment. The respiratory team worked with the palliative care team who liaised with the discharge team and Karen was home for Christmas.
“Karen realised that knowing you’re dying changes everything. Those pension plans? That will? They can become a potent force for good. In the three months left to her Karen reviewed it all and with her recent experiences still fresh, she wanted to find a way to help improve the working lives of the hospital staff, even by a little bit.
“We had both heard about the work of Kingston Hospital Charity. She didn’t want her money to go on a clinical building or machinery. She wanted to invest in the wellbeing of those people who worked to save her. Karen exhumed the old will and re-directed money to Kingston Hospital Charity. I am sure she would be pleased knowing that her gift has helped to provide a new garden and meeting area for staff.”
Rob Aldous, Director of Kingston Hospital Charity, said: “Those that leave gifts in their wills are very often grateful patients, like Karen, who want to show their gratitude for the care they receive. My thanks go to Karen and her family, and to all who leave a gift in their will in support of our hospital. Gifts in wills are a significant source of support for Kingston Hospital Charity and help us to enhance care in many different ways for the benefit of patients now and in the future.
“There is no obligation to leave a gift to Kingston Hospital Charity when using our free will services, but, after taking care of loved ones, any gift you do decide to make will be greatly appreciated.”
This Trust will soon be taking part in a national survey to find out what patients think about their stroke care.
All NHS stroke patients who received treatment and/or therapy between 16/05/22 and 16/09/22 will receive a copy of the survey.
This is part of a national programme to improve strokepatients’ experiences.
Taking part is voluntary
The survey will be carried out by an independent company, under a signed agreement with NHS England in partnership with the Stroke Association.
Section 251 support has been recommended by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following advice from the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG), who are an independent advisory group which includes lay representation. This allows Trusts to share your details without your consent.
Regulation 5 of the 2002 Control of Patient Information Regulations provides a lawful basis for confidential patient information to be processed for medical purposes. If you have opted out via the National Data Opt Out, your information will not bedisclosed by your Trust.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital hosts heart education event for local students
On Wednesday 12 October, Kingston Hospital welcomed a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students from Chessington School, to a ‘Your Heart Hospital’ event.
The Your Heart Hospital initiative is supported by the British Cardiovascular Society and is a nationwide event involving NHS Trusts across the country.
Hosted by consultant cardiologists Dr Tapesh Pakrashi and Dr Simon Pearse, the programme aims to support local school pupils to understand more about heart disease and the cardiology services run by Kingston Hospital, as well as teaching resuscitation skills, and providing insight into careers in health and care. Talks and demonstrations were given by members of staff from across the hospital, ranging from doctors and physiologists, to nurses, resuscitation officers, and physician associates.
Students were given the opportunity to learn more about each of the roles that play a part in caring for cardiology patients with heart rhythm problems and treating heart attack patients, as well as hearing about wide-ranging career pathways and opportunities for working within the NHS.
Comments Off on Maternity services receive Ockenden assurance visit
NHS England’s regional maternity team recently visited Kingston Hospital’s maternity services to provide assurance against the 7 immediate and essential actions from the interim Ockenden report (December 2020).
Kingston Hospital’s maternity services have met all the requirements arising from the report. An overview of findings of the latest regional Ockenden assurance visit can be viewed here.
Comments Off on New staff garden and meeting space officially open
A new garden and meeting space for staff was officially opened at Kingston Hospital at the start of October, by Chair of Kingston Hospital and HRCH, Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs.
The renovations were funded by Kingston Hospital Charity and made possible thanks to the generosity of The Friends of Kingston Hospital, The London Full Gospel Church in Raynes Park, The Victoria Foundation and a gift kindly left by Karen Hindle in her will.
Sukhvinder was joined by Jo Farrar, some of the charity’s supporters, and colleagues from across the hospital’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, to celebrate the opening.
Nic Kane, Chief Nurse and Chair of Kingston Hospital’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “The wellbeing of our staff is really important to us here at Kingston Hospital. In response to what we have been hearing from colleagues around the value of having more meeting spaces and places to get together and to take their breaks, we are pleased to have been able to officially open this relaxing and accessible outdoor space. Thank you to Kingston Hospital Charity and to those who have so generously contributed to the project, for making this wonderful new garden possible.”
Comments Off on Nurse led pulmonary nodule service wins national patient experience award
Kingston Hospital’s lung (pulmonary) nodule service lead, Candice Stephenson, was presented with the ‘Fiona Littledale’ award at the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA) which took place on Wednesday 28 September.
The PENNA awards recognise best practice in patient experience across health and social care in the UK and the ‘Fiona Littledale’ award celebrates an oncology nurse who has demonstrated personal commitment to developing skills and understanding in their field. Kingston Hospital’s nurse led pulmonary nodule service was also shortlisted for the ‘Cancer Experience of Care’ award.
Comments Off on Dermatology nursing team awarded ‘Team of the Year’
This month, Kingston Hospital’s dermatology nursing team were awarded ‘Team of the Year’ for 2022, at the British Dermatological Nursing Group’s annual awards, which took place in Harrogate.
The award was introduced in 2008 to celebrate teamwork among dermatology nursing colleagues across the country and Kingston’s team were presented with the award for their exemplary advanced nursing practice. Congratulations to the dermatology nursing team.
Comments Off on Royal Eye Unit consultants perform life changing surgeries in Bangladesh
This summer, Dr Haque and Mr Sherafat, consultants in Kingston Hospital’s Royal Eye Unit, visited Bangladesh in their spare time, to perform life changing cataract surgery for some of the poorest people in the country. Approximately 90% of the population in Bangladesh live in rural areas, with no facilities for cataract operations.
Supported by the Global Aid Trust, Mr Sherafat and Dr Haque performed 146 cataract operations during their visit.
Dr Haque said: “Being a trustee and the current chair of Global Aid Trust I feel proud to do such a brilliant job. Our next target is to establish rural eye hospitals in different parts of the country in the future to prevent and cure blindness.”
Mr Sherafat said: “The experience is truly humbling and a reminder of the very many uncompromising, often elementary standards that we have grown to expect and take for granted in the Western world and we should remain grateful for. These are infinitely rewarding and enlightening experiences and one of the most exciting periods of the year, which I plan and look forward to with great anticipation and some trepidation. Now that we have hopefully put COVID behind us, we can do these trips more regularly.”
Comments Off on New paediatric garden officially opened by CBBC star
Patients, families, and staff at Kingston Hospital were joined by special guest Kimberly Wyatt, star of CBBC series Almost Never and ITV’s Dancing on Ice, to celebrate the official opening of a new paediatric garden, made possible thanks to charity funding.
The garden has been transformed to provide a bright and accessible outdoor space for young patients receiving treatment at the hospital.
The garden’s renovations were funded by Kingston Hospital Charity, thanks to the generosity of their donors and fundraisers, and with support from The Friends of Kingston Hospital, Tom and Sheila Springer Charity, and Optima Medical Ltd.
Kimberly Wyatt joined Kingston Hospital’s Chief Nurse, Nic Kane, to cut the ribbon and to officially declare the garden open.
Julie Morris, Play Specialist on Kingston Hospital’s paediatric ward, said: “The newly renovated garden will make a real difference to the children, young people and families who come to Sunshine ward. It has given us a fantastic new space for play and relaxation. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this project possible – we are so grateful for your support.”
Comments Off on Bank holiday services, Monday 19 September
Due to the funeral of Her Majesty The Queen, Monday has been declared a national bank holiday.
As is usual for a bank holiday, urgent and emergency services will continue to run from Kingston Hospital. Some planned appointments and surgery will be postponed.
If you are due to come into Kingston Hospital on Monday, if we haven’t already been in touch, we will contact you if your appointment needs to be re-scheduled.
Comments Off on Korean Arts Festival raises funds for Kingston Hospital Charity
On Sunday 4 September, the Korean Culture & Arts Centre presented a Korean Arts Festival at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, with proceeds from the event donated to Kingston Hospital Charity. During the performance, a certificate was presented to the Korean UK Nurses Association (KUNA) represented by a group of nurses from Kingston Hospital, in appreciation of their dedicated work during the COVID pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the wider Korean community, including Korean Senior Citizens UK, Korean Residents Society, London Full Gospel Church and the Korean Chamber of Commerce have donated over £75,000 in support of Kingston Hospital, and this is the second consecutive year that the Rose Theatre has hosted a performance of traditional Korean music and dance to raise funds for Kingston Hospital Charity.
Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare, attended the event to thank the Korean community for their generosity and continued support.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital awarded for commitment to patient safety by NJR for third consecutive year
Kingston Hospital has been named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider for the third year running, following the successful completion of a national programme of local data audits.
The NJR monitors the performance of hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder joint replacement operations to improve clinical outcomes primarily for the benefit of patients, but also to support orthopaedic clinicians and industry manufacturers. The registry collects high quality orthopaedic data in order to provide evidence to support patient safety, standards in quality of care, and overall cost-effectiveness in joint replacement surgery.
The ‘NJR Quality Data Provider’ certificate scheme was introduced to offer hospitals a blueprint for reaching high quality standards relating to patient safety and to reward those who have met registry targets.
In order to achieve the award, hospitals are required to meet a series of six ambitious targets during the audit period 2021/22.
The NJR Data Quality Audit investigates the accurate number of joint replacement procedures submitted to the registry compared to the number carried out and recorded in the local hospital Patient Administration System. The audit ensures that the NJR is collecting and reporting upon the most complete, accurate data possible across all hospitals performing joint replacement operations, including Kingston Hospital.
Sarah Joseph, Matron for Trauma and Orthopaedics at Kingston Hospital, commented: “We are delighted to have been named as a National Joint Registry Quality Data Provider, for the third year running. The award is a testament to our commitment to patient safety here at Kingston Hospital, and I would like to congratulate the team of staff who have been involved in this work.”
National Joint Registry Medical Director, Mr Tim Wilton, said: “Congratulations to colleagues at Kingston Hospital. The Quality Data Provider Award demonstrates the high standards being met towards ensuring compliance with the NJR and is often a reflection of strong departmental efforts to achieve such status. Registry data provides an important source of evidence for regulators, such as the Care Quality Commission, to inform their judgements about services, as well as being a fundamental driver to inform improved quality of care for patients.”
Further information about the NJR’s Quality Data Provider certificate scheme can be found online at: https://www.njrcentre.org.uk.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital holding virtual AGM and Annual Members’ Meeting
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Members’ Meeting on Thursday 22 September 2022 at 6pm.
The event will be held virtually as a Microsoft Teams meeting and members of the public are welcome to join.
The meeting will chart Kingston Hospital’s achievements and focuses of the last year and will include information about our forward plans. Find out more.
Comments Off on UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Award unveiled at Kingston Hospital
Doreen Mundy, Kingston Hospital’s first infant feeding lead, and Richard Wilson, the Trust’s first paediatric consultant, recently visited Kingston Hospital to officially unveil the maternity unit’s UNICEF UK Baby Friendly award.
Kingston Hospital was awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), last year.
“This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers at Kingston Hospital. We set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby” said Kingston Hospital’s Infant Feeding Lead, Breda Murphy.
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life. The award is given to hospitals after an assessment by a UNICEF UK team has shown that recognised best practice standards are in place.
Comments Off on South Asian Heritage Month – Santi’s story
One in 20 of us can trace back our heritage to South Asia. To celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, an opportunity to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities, we have invited staff with South Asian backgrounds to share their stories.
Santi Pokar, Red Bag Co-ordinator at Kingston Hospital, was born and grew up in Malaysia.
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital Launches Patient Portal
Going forward, when patients have an Outpatient appointment scheduled at Kingston Hospital they will receive a text, inviting them to register for the hospital’s new Patient Portal.
Kingston Hospital’s Patient Portal will provide time saving functionality for patients, with quick and secure digital access to their appointments at the Trust, in one place, listed chronologically.
Kingston Hospital has created a range of Patient support and resources for Patient Portal, including an explainer video, seen above
Available for all patients over the age of 16, Patient Portal can be accessed 24/7 via a mobile, tablet or computer, giving patients quick and secure access to view their appointments, appointment letters, clinic letters, discharge summaries, healthcare record, recorded allergies, pre-treatment questionnaires and messages from their healthcare team.
As the portal roll-out continues, patients will also be able to reschedule appointments (where appropriate), view test results and look at records of past procedures empowering patients to manage their care, and potentially providing time savings. Patients will also have the option to login via the NHS App.
Chief Executive, Jo Farrar, said: “As part of our Patient First Strategy we are continually looking at digital advances that create new opportunities to further improve care to local people.
“Kingston Hospital’s Patient Portal provides our patients with completely secure 24/7 access to view their upcoming appointments at the hospital, with exciting new functionality, including access via the NHS App to be added in the coming months. Technology is a valuable tool in healthcare, and we are proud to be able to offer this digital system to our patients.”
Local GP, Dr Annette Pautz said “Kingston Hospital’s Patient Portal will be a fantastic asset for our patients in the area, giving them the power to log in and check on details of upcoming treatments and appointment details, whenever they choose. The added benefit of an online platform, is that it is both secure, eliminating the risk of lost paperwork, and fast, meaning you can receive details of your appointment when it is scheduled, without having to wait for a letter to arrive in the post.”
Comments Off on Deputy Chief Executive appointed for Kingston Hospital and HRCH
Following a formal recruitment and selection process, Thom Lafferty has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive for Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH).
Thom is currently Director of Strategy and Performance at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust – a role he has been in since October 2018, having joined the Trust as Director of Corporate Affairs in January 2017.
Previously, Thom was Director of Corporate and Legal Affairs at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and prior to that, has held similar roles at other NHS Trusts.
Thom says: “It will be a great privilege to join Kingston Hospital and HRCH as Deputy Chief Executive. Both Trusts have excellent reputations, and I am particularly excited to be joining two organisations that place such an emphasis on clinical transformation and staff wellbeing.”
Thom will be joining Kingston Hospital and HRCH at the end of November.
Comments Off on Developing our objectives for the year ahead
As we continue to work in a more integrated way across Kingston Hospital, Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare, and Your Healthcare, we have been engaging with partners on a set of shared objectives for the year ahead.
We would like to invite members of the public to let us know if these objectives are in line with where our focus should be.
The judges from RHS Wisley praised the creativity of the garden planters given to us last year by the Royal Horticultural Society. The planters looked after by staff from different departments are located around the hospital site. Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing.
Everyone’s planter was a winner. Congratulations to all.
Awards were given as follows:
Best involvement of the department and patients:
Patient Safety and Risk
Most changed and improved planter: Theatres and Anaesthetics
Overall winner: Audiology (awarded by Chair Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs)
Best teamwork: Physiotherapy
Best choice of plants (Right Plant in the Right Place award):
Emergency Department
Most colourful: Speech and Language Therapy
Best theme: Wolverton Centre
Best decorated: Colposcopy and OT
Most innovative(for coping with vandalised planter and thriving despite being based on a different site): Pain Clinic
The planters are located around the hospital. To navigate your way round the planters, a map is attached.
If you are coming in to visit a patient in Kingston Hospital during the current heatwave, it is recommended that you visit during the cooler parts of the day. This will help us to reduce footfall in the hospital which will help to keep you and our patients safe. In line with the hospital’s heatwave procedures, you are asked to limit visits to either 12-1pm, or 6-8pm.
Compassionate visiting will continue as normal during the heatwave. This includes visiting people receiving end of life care, people with dementia or a learning disability or those with complex mental health needs.
Comments Off on Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks.
With temperatures due to soar over the weekend and into next week, south west Londoners are being urged to stay safe in the sun and look out for each other.
Thousands of people end up in hospital each year because of heat, with conditions including severe sunburn, heat exhaustion and sun and heatstroke.
Getting out and about in the hot weather can also trigger allergies, with some people admitted to hospital due to the effects of pollen or being stung by wasps, hornets, and other insects.
The risk of serious illness is much higher for the older people, children and young people, and those who already have health conditions, including heart and breathing problems. Which is why it’s important to check on neighbours and older people relatives while the temperature remains high.
Those with less serious conditions are encouraged to ‘talk before they walk’, by getting advice from the free NHS 111 phone and online service to check symptoms and decide on the best course of action.
People with minor injuries or mild conditions which can be better dealt with at home or with over-the-counter remedies and advice from community pharmacists are reminded not to go to A&E and call NHS 111 if they are unsure.
Comments Off on AHP colleagues attend Chessington School careers fair
Earlier this week, a team of allied health professionals (AHPs) from Kingston Hospital attended a careers fair at Chessington School. The team shared interactive displays, activities and information with students, to spread the word about careers in the NHS and in the allied health professions.
Comments Off on Level 3 Heatwave alert – stay safe in the hot weather
The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave warning due to the high temperatures expected all this week (11-17 July 2022) and possibly into the following week.
Why is a heatwave a problem?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
not drinking enough water (dehydration)
overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Who’s most at risk?
A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:
older people – especially those over 75
those who live on their own or in a care home
people who have a serious or long term illness – including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions
those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer’s disease
people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside
Tips for coping in hot weather
look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
stay cool indoors – many of us will need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool
close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
Comments Off on Launching electronic whiteboards on hospital wards
Thanks to funding from Kingston Hospital Charity, all adult inpatient wards across Kingston Hospital will soon have electronic patient whiteboards in place, to support the improvement of ward processes.
The team on Derwent Ward have successfully completed a one-month pilot of the new Cerner electronic patient whiteboard and have started the journey towards implementing fully electronic ward processes. The whole multi-disciplinary team including nursing, medical, therapies, pharmacy, administrative, and discharge coordinator colleagues have been part of the innovation.
The whiteboards update automatically and display all patient information in a clear format. The system also allows for actions to be allocated to specific team members and viewed remotely by other departments to prevent duplication of information and to streamline communication between hospital staff.
Rollout of the whiteboards across additional wards will follow over the coming months.
Comments Off on For quick health advice, visit your local pharmacist
As qualified health professionals your local pharmacist offers a wide range of services. For example, NHS services such as health checks and vaccinations or private services such as travel vaccinations.
For a full list of services and details of where to find your local pharmacy, search ‘NHS find a pharmacy’.
Comments Off on A true passion for Occupational Therapy – from treating snake bites in rural South Africa, to leading our Inpatient OT team
A true passion for Occupational Therapy – from treating snake bites in rural South Africa, to leading our Inpatient OT team
From life in South Africa to moving to the UK, Sarah talks about her experiences as an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Inpatient OT Lead at Kingston Hospital and why she is so passionate about the profession.
“I was born and grew up in Durban on the East Coast of South Africa. It can be incredibly humid and hot there. It’s rainy in the winter but has beautiful summers. My parents still live in Durban, and I have two sisters – both of whom have recently relocated to the UK. I’m part South African and have a Mauritian mother, so I’ve got a bit of French in me too!”
“Part of the reason why I love occupational therapy is looking at a person not only medically, but in terms of how they are set up socially and in the environments that they spend time in.”
Before moving to the UK nine years ago, Sarah worked for a number of years in South Africa. She says: “I started my career in a rural placement in Port Shepstone, because in South Africa you have to do community service as a health professional. It was a rural district hospital which didn’t have a working x-ray machine. We held clinics in very rural towns, and we used to drive to places that I didn’t even know existed.”
“Once I was given a live chicken as a thank you from a patient at one of our clinics! That was the best gift ever.”
“At our clinics, we had a doctor, an OT and then either the speech and language therapist or a physio. The OTs used to run paediatric and stroke groups under the trees and we saw a lot of hand injuries as a result of snake bites. These were treated with fasciotomies which resulted in a lot of scarring and difficulty with movement in the hands. We used to run a hands group, where we supported patients with exercises and showed them how to manage the development of scars. Many people worked in farming, or had to farm for a food source, so it was really important to be able to use their hands.”
“In South Africa, we also made sensory toys from anything old. We used to make balls out of rocks, sand and plastic bags, so the children could play soccer. As well as working in the rural clinics, I worked in acute inpatient care in hospitals, a rehabilitation centre, a school, vocational assessments, and private paediatrics. In the UK, I’ve worked at a few different hospitals, in both the private and public sector. I have had the privilege of working in palliative care, care of the elderly, neonatal ITU, paediatric neurology and paediatric oncology.”
When asked about her role, Sarah says: “I love my job – being an Occupational Therapist means everything to me. It’s a very different kind of occupational therapy in the UK, so that took some time to get used to. In South Africa, we had to be more creative with problem solving and equipment provision, while the NHS has so many specialist areas and resources. I also enjoy the NHS team approach to healthcare and working in the NHS has given me the opportunity to learn new sets of skills.”
“For me it’s about being able to make a change, and to fly the OT flag. I think Kingston has provided me the opportunity to really be able to do that in terms of what my vision for occupational therapy is and my passion for it. I just absolutely love being an OT and like the uniform, my blood is green.”
Explaining how her journey to becoming an OT all started, Sarah explains: “I did a four-year undergrad BSc Hons in occupational therapy, straight out of school. I was thinking of becoming a physiotherapist but enjoyed the varied and individualised approach of OT more.”
“I feel like it’s the ‘Mary Poppins’ of jobs, as it has incredible potential and we can do amazing things like whip lampshades out of bags, but nobody knows about it. I think physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often amalgamated in certain healthcare settings because of some of the work we do, but it’s a bit like having an electrician and a plumber – you need both to keep your house functioning.”
An avid beach walker and a fan of ice cream and coffee, Sarah tells us what it is that keeps her going: “I think there’s a variety of things. I absolutely love people more than anything else – I love their complexity, and their experiences. I love the relationships that I have with my friends, my family, and the people that I’m really close with. I love being able to see them and just being a part of their day to day lives.”
Comments Off on Teams shortlisted for national NHS Parliamentary Awards
Kingston Hospital’s Acute Emergency Department (ED) Frailty team and the Kingston and Richmond Proactive Anticipatory Care (PAC) Programme team have been shortlisted in the national NHS Parliamentary Awards.
The Acute ED Frailty team is a multi-disciplinary team primarily based within Kingston Hospital’s Emergency Department and Clinical Decision Unit. The team works in the background, ensuring elderly patients are fully assessed and safe to be discharged, and preventing admissions by making sure support is available. The team includes a Geriatrician, SpR Frailty Registrar, Frailty Nurse Consultant, Frailty Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Pharmacist. Between 77% and 90% of patients seen by the frailty team at Kingston Hospital are discharged home, which alleviates pressure on the whole hospital system, by reducing the risks associated with acute admission of older people with frailty, which include deconditioning, delirium, increased mortality, and long lengths of stay. The Acute ED Frailty team were nominated by Sarah Olney MP and have been shortlisted for the ‘Excellence in Urgent and Emergency Care Award’.
The Proactive Anticipatory Care (PAC) Model has been developed in conjunction with system partners across Kingston and Richmond in response to increased demand across health and social care. The MDT-focused model improves the identification and support of people with rising health and social care risks and complexities. PAC aims to improve the lives of patients by utilising a patient-centred approach and enabling professionals to work collaboratively towards a shared goal – the goal is to support people to stay at home longer and feel more resilient. The PAC team were nominated by Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP and Sarah Olney MP and have been shortlisted for the ‘Future NHS Award’.
Winners of the NHS Parliamentary Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 6 July.
Comments Off on Survey: Maternity services in South West London
Have you had recent experience of maternity services in South West London? We would love to hear from you.
Share your views on using online information and digital records during your pregnancy, in this short survey.
Your feedback will help shape the future strategy for use of digital technology in maternity services, at Kingston Hospital and other NHS Trusts in South West London.
Comments Off on Join Kingston Hospital Charity for a Night to Remember
Kingston Hospital Charity is calling on the local community to raise funds to support bereaved families at Kingston Hospital, by taking part in their Night to Remember event this Autumn.
The event, which is taking place on Saturday 1 October, is Kingston Hospital Charity’s first memory walk, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to come together and celebrate the lives of loved ones, whilst walking a route of five miles or 15 miles, starting and finishing at the Market Place in Kingston.
Proceeds from the sponsored walk will help Kingston Hospital to expand its support for bereaved families.
Husband and wife, Garett and Alison Farrell, from Wimbledon will be taking part in a Night to Remember along with their eight-month-old son Axel, in memory of their first child, Finn.
Alison said: “Our first baby, Finn, was born sleeping in August 2020 after a cord accident at 20 weeks. Words cannot describe our grief and how hard it was to give birth to and say goodbye to our little boy all in the space of a few dreadful days. Thankfully we were in the amazing hands of the Kingston Maternity Unit team in the purpose-built Daisy Room, which made this incredibly hard time bearable and gave us a chance to say a proper goodbye.
“Since then, we have been blessed with a second son, Axel (middle name Finn), and again the wonderful people of Kingston Maternity Unit carried us through the worries of this pregnancy with extra special care. We’re forever indebted to them for the support they gave us that means we’re here today as a happy family unit. We will be taking part in a Night to Remember for our darling Finn, but also for all the other babies and families affected by loss who are never forgotten.”
Clinical psychologist and Founder and CEO of the Loss Foundation, Dr Erin Hope Thompson MBE, provides support to bereaved families at Kingston Hospital’s maternity unit.
A £100 donation or sponsorship raised for Kingston Hospital Charity, funds one session with Erin for a bereaved family.
Erin said: “The money raised from a Night to Remember will go towards providing bereavement support to families who experience the death of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth. I have been providing support to families who have experienced baby loss for nearly three years and have witnessed how vital this support is during such a difficult time.
“Experiencing the death of a child is life altering, and not having support in place can be hugely isolating and can put people at risk of further mental health struggles. It is my privilege to provide a space for people to talk, to get support, to keep connection to their baby, and to manage anxiety around future pregnancies. Thank you for taking part in a Night to Remember and helping us to continue to support people during the most difficult times in their lives.”
Registration for the event costs £20 for adults and £10 for children, and each participant will receive a t-shirt and a medal.
Comments Off on Volunteer falls project recognised by British Geriatrics Society
Kingston Hospital’s falls prevention community exercise programme has been selected to be showcased at the British Geriatrics Society’s Frailty and Urgent Care conference in July.
The programme has been set up to help elderly residents across Kingston and Richmond to maintain their independence by matching trained volunteers to people who need support to complete exercises following a fall or injury.
Falls are one of the biggest issues resulting in hospital admission in Kingston and Richmond boroughs and this programme, run alongside Helpforce charity, who work with healthcare organisations to increase volunteering opportunities, is already leading to improved outcomes.
Through this initiative, launched in October 2021, volunteers can spend up to 8 weeks supporting patients at home by helping them to complete their exercises safely. With many of these people living alone, as well as the practical support the programme offers, patients have spoken positively about the social and emotional benefits of having regular contact with someone.
Find out more about volunteering at Kingston Hospital.
Comments Off on Temporary closure of main entrance – Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July
This weekend, we will be carrying out routine cleaning of the external canopy, outside the hospital’s main entrance. To ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff, the main entrance will be closed between the hours of 7am and 5pm on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July.
The main reception desk and Costa Coffee will remain open. To access the hospital during these hours, please use the Outpatients entrance. View a map of the hospital.
Any vehicles arriving at the main entrance will be diverted to an alternative entrance.
Comments Off on Tell us about your experience of mental health services in South West London
The NHS in South West London is developing a new three-year all-age mental health strategy and we want your views.
We want to hear from a range of people to make sure the strategy reflects what matters most to people who use our services, the people who care for them, and our residents.
We want to ensure that everyone at risk of developing a mental health condition can get help early, and in a way that works for them. We want to build on the best of our current services so we can provide high quality, accessible mental health and wellbeing services across our boroughs.
This survey asks about your experiences of mental health services, how you look after your mental wellbeing, and your ideas about how things could be better.
Everyone that completes the survey can choose to take part in a prize draw to win a £50 shopping voucher.
Comments Off on Plan ahead for appointments – significant travel disruption expected next week
With strikes planned on Transport for London’s transport network and on national rail services next week, patients are encouraged to plan ahead for appointments.
In addition to significant disruption to rail travel from Tuesday 21 June to Sunday 26 June, there is likely to be more traffic on the roads and car parks may be busier than usual, so we would recommend travelling to the hospital by alternative means, if possible.
For up-to-date information about planned strikes, visit the TfL website.
Comments Off on Sharing insight into the importance of reasonable adjustments for patients with learning disabilities
This month, Gracie Holt, Kingston Hospital’s Learning Disability Liaison Practitioner, was approached by the NHS England Learning Disability and Autism Programme to be involved in a short film which aims to inform healthcare professionals and families about the importance of reasonable adjustments. Find out more and watch the film.
The film was shared at a two-day national healthcare conference run by NHS Confederation, NHS England and NHS Improvement. Gracie was also invited to join a panel of guest speakers for a Q&A session at the conference, which took place in Liverpool on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June.
Eating healthy, staying active, and our overall lifestyle can have a significant impact on our physical health and wellbeing, but these behaviours can be hard to maintain. Have you ever tried to improve your lifestyle? What were the biggest barriers? What helped you?
Whether you are happy about your current lifestyle, or feel like it could be improved, we want to hear from you! Tell Healthwatch Richmond what services you need to help you lead a healthy life. Your answers will help to shape services in Richmond.
Comments Off on Physiotherapist recognised for service to the NHS during COVID-19
Rachel Perry, Physiotherapist at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded a British Empire Medal by The Queen, for her service to the NHS during COVID-19.
Rachel was nominated by a patient who was cared for by her when Rachel and her physiotherapy colleagues were redeployed in early 2020, to support with non-invasive ventilation for patients on Kingston Hospital’s high dependency unit.
Rachel was recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022, published in June to mark the contributions and service of people across the United Kingdom.
Chief Executive, Jo Farrar, said: “During the pandemic so many colleagues came forward to be redeployed to different areas, at times putting their own health and wellbeing at risk. It is wonderful that Rachel’s outstanding efforts have been recognised and she should be really proud of this achievement. Congratulations, Rachel.”
Rachel commented: “I feel honoured to have been awarded a British Empire Medal. It’s lovely to have been nominated by a patient and to know that I had such an impact during their time in hospital.
“I’m really proud to have been part of the Physiotherapy and Kingston Hospital team during the pandemic – none of this would have been possible if we didn’t have such an amazing and supportive team. Everyone across the hospital worked really hard during the pandemic and I feel that this award is for all of us.”
Comments Off on Kingston Hospital Charity’s ‘Night to Remember’
On Saturday 1 October, Kingston Hospital Charity will be holding its first memory walk.
‘Night to Remember’ is an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to come together and celebrate the life of loved one, whilst walking a route of five miles or 15 miles, starting and finishing at the Market Place in Kingston.
Proceeds from the event will help Kingston Hospital to expand its support for bereaved families.
Book before the end of June and pay only £20 registration fee. Entry includes a bespoke t-shirt, which can be collected and worn on the day, and a medal.
If you would like to take part but are unable to participate in the official walk, why not consider undertaking your own virtual walk? Kingston Hospital Charity can help you to plan your own activity – contact Tracey Shaw (Fundraising Manager) on tracey.shaw17@nhs.net or call 020 8973 5040.
Comments Off on ‘Night Club’ installation supports staff working night shifts
Over three nights this month, an award-winning health support programme designed specifically for key workers arrived at Kingston Hospital.
The ‘Night Club’ installation allowed staff working night shifts the opportunity to speak to a sleep expert and to find out tips and advice on improving their sleep and wellbeing.
Staff were able to drop in to the exhibition between the hours of 8pm and 3am, or 10pm and 5am, to access information and to pick up food and drinks, to help keep them energised.
Comments Off on Jubilee partygoers reminded about staying safe in hot weather and bank holiday NHS services
With thousands in south west London gearing up for a royal celebration outdoors the NHS remains open and here for local people if they need urgent care.
If someone is struggling with their mental health, they should seek help via the 24/7 crisis lines – for Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton or Wandsworth ring 0800 028 8000. For Croydon call 0800 731 2864 (Option 1)
GPs are offering more appointments, including evenings and weekends, for people with urgent health needs. Most appointments will be by telephone or through video consultation, but face to face appointments are still offered if necessary.
Practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information also available on practice websites. People can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
Using 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening.
Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam, lead GP for Merton, said: “Many of us enjoy being outside in hotter weather with family and friends but none of us want that to be spoiled by the need for medical treatment.
“So, whether you’re having a Jubilee street party or heading off out for the day with family or friends, it’s important to take simple precautions like drinking plenty of water, using high-factor sun cream and remembering to take allergy medication if you need it.
“Taking these simple steps will help avoid preventable illness and I would like to wish you all a fantastic weekend of joyful celebrations.”
On where to seek urgent help if needed, Dr Gnanapragasam said: “NHS services continue to be very busy, and you can also help us by using 999 only in emergencies for life-threatening situations such as chest pain, blackouts, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke. If you think you need help but aren’t sure where to go, contact NHS 111 first, by phone or online.
If you need urgent health care
· If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999
· If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.
· For Croydon call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864 (Option 1) https://slam.nhs.uk/contact-us
If you need advice from a pharmacist
· For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different
· If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.
If you think you need advice from a GP
· GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend
· Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed
· If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.
Comments Off on Listen to episode 3 of Kingston Hospital’s Health Talks podcast
Episode 3 of Kingston Hospital’s Health Talks podcast focuses on the topic of diabetes and is hosted by Sam Armstrong, Director of Corporate Affairs at Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH).
Hear from Claire Neely (Diabetes Nurse Consultant and joint Clinical Lead at Kingston Hospital) and Michelle Hooper (Diabetes Dietitian and Clinical Service Manager at HRCH) as they discuss the signs and symptoms, as well as services and support available at Kingston Hospital and within the local community, for those with diabetes.
Comments Off on Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic launches at Kingston Hospital
Kingston Hospital has launched a Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic to support early and faster diagnosis of cancer.
The new clinic will provide a much-needed service to patients who have non-specific symptoms which may be hard to diagnose.
Jane Stephenson (Cancer Patient Partners Group, Kingston Hospital) said: “The launch of the Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic is great news for patients who may well have been struggling to receive a diagnosis for their worrying symptoms. It will help to reduce stress, speed up diagnosis and therefore save lives.”
Elizabeth Crowther (Acting Lead Nurse for Cancer and Acute Oncology Service Lead at Kingston Hospital) said: “The Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic at Kingston Hospital will provide high quality personalised diagnostic care, for patients in our local community with vague symptoms that are suggestive of cancer. Previously these patients may have presented multiple times to their GP, and had several investigations and referrals to secondary care, over long periods of time. Many of these patients may have then presented at a late cancer stage to Kingston Hospital’s emergency services.
“With the new clinic in place, our local GP partners will now have a clear pathway to direct these patients to and the service will reduce the number of duplicate referrals and unnecessary attendances, whilst achieving what really matters to patients – early and faster diagnosis.”
Nic Kane (Chief Nurse at Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare) said: “I am delighted to be expanding our cancer services here at Kingston Hospital. As we emerge from the COVID pandemic, it is really important that we are able to provide local people with the care they need at the right time, and our Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic will support this.”
Find out more about the Rapid Diagnostic Cancer Clinic.
In Croydon people are asked to contact 0800 731 2864 and use option 1. Alternatively, they can get more information at https://slam.nhs.uk/contact-us
The NHS remains very busy so people who have a problem with their physical health are being encouraged to use A&E and 999 only in an emergency.
GPs are offering more appointments, including evenings and weekends, for those with urgent health needs.
Most appointments will be by telephone or through video consultation, but face to face appointments are still offered if necessary.
GP practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information also available on practice websites.
People can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam, lead GP for Merton, said:
“Our teams are working incredibly hard to provide Londoners with the best possible care should they become unwell.
“If you need urgent mental health care this bank holiday weekend, please contact one of the 24-hour numbers so that you can be directed to the right support service for you.
“We have extra GP services and more appointments on evenings and weekends – if you have a health concern over the long weekend, contact your GP practice or use their website to find out what your local arrangements are, or use the NHS 111 online service for health advice.
“We are also urging people to support the NHS and remember that 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening, such as chest pain, blackouts, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke.
“Despite the NHS being extremely busy, frontline staff continue to work to address the Covid-19 backlogs and roll out the NHS spring booster programme, so please do come forward for your Covid-19 jabs.”
If you need urgent health care
If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999
If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.
For Croydon call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864 (Option 1) https://slam.nhs.uk/contact-us
If you need advice from a pharmacist
For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different
If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.
If you think you need advice from a GP
GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend
Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed
If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with the disease, that’s nearly 43,000 people each year.
Bowel cancer is also the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, however it shouldn’t be because it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage but this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.
That’s why we’re supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity, to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer:
Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. But if you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, see your GP.
Comments Off on Emergency Department access over the Easter weekend
Due to construction work, the access road and pedestrian pathway to our Emergency (A&E) Department will be closed between the hours of 6am and 6pm on Friday 15 April, Saturday 16 April, Sunday 17 April and Monday 18 April.
To access the department during these hours, please use the main hospital entryway from Galsworthy Road.
Comments Off on NHS services in south west London over the Easter weekend
South west Londoners are being asked to support their local NHS over the bank holiday weekend by only using 999 and A&E in emergencies.
The NHS remains very busy, but people can continue to get urgent care – GPs are offering more appointments, including evenings and weekends, for people with urgent health needs.
Most appointments will be by telephone or through video consultation, but face to face appointments are still offered if necessary.
GP practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information also available on practice websites. People can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
Using 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening.
Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam, lead GP for Merton, said:
“Our teams are working incredibly hard to provide Londoners with the best possible care should they become unwell. We have extra GP services and more appointments on evenings and weekends – if you have a health concern over the bank holiday weekend, contact your GP practice or use their website to find out what your local arrangements are, or use the NHS 111 online service for health advice.
“We are also urging people to support the NHS and remember that 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening, such as chest pain, blackouts, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke.
“Despite the NHS being extremely busy, frontline staff continue to work to address the Covid-19 backlogs and roll out the NHS spring booster programme, so please do come forward for your Covid-19 jabs.”
If you need urgent health care
If it is serious or a life-threatening emergency, then call 999
If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.
If you need advice from a pharmacist that is not related to coronavirus
For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different
If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online
If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.
If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home and visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for health advice
Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E
If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.
If you or people you live with do not have coronavirus symptoms and you think you need advice from a GP
GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend
Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed
If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.
Comments Off on Helping our patients to ‘Spring home for Easter’
This Easter, we want to help as many of our inpatients as possible to get home, so they can recover in familiar surroundings, close to family and friends. That’s why we’ve launched our ‘Spring home for Easter’ campaign.
Over the coming days, our inpatient teams will be focusing on getting patients well enough to go home and working with families and carers to ensure that people who can go home are able to do so safely and with the right support in place.
Speak to a member of staff to find out what you can do to help get your loved one home this Easter, if safe to do so.
If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one returning home for Easter, please let the staff on the ward know.
Comments Off on What should I do if I need help from a medical expert?
Did you know that your local pharmacist can offer immediate advice on a wide range of health issues and guidance on whether you need to seek additional help?
Your local pharmacy can provide help and reassurance from a medical expert, without the need to book an appointment. Some pharmacies are open past 5pm. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3sbVjGb
You can also go to your GP for help and support with medical conditions, or to your dentist if you have dental pain or toothache.
The Emergency (A&E) Department at Kingston Hospital is currently very busy. If you think you need to come to the Emergency Department, contact NHS 111 first. You can avoid busy waiting rooms by booking an appointment to get the best service for you.
Go to 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over) or call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone (all ages).
Comments Off on Statement from Kingston Hospital and Kingston Maternity Voices in response to the Ockenden Report
In light of the national report that was recently published investigating the care provided by Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust Maternity Services, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Kingston Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) would like to provide reassurance to local families that all our hospital staff and all our volunteers within the MVP are here to offer support.
We are really proud of our maternity services and we are committed to ensuring you receive excellent standards of safety and high quality care.
The safety of women and their babies is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns at any point in your pregnancy, or after you have had your baby, please speak to your midwife who will be very happy to help you.
We share our heartfelt condolences and well wishes to all the families affected by the cases outlined within the Ockenden Report.
Comments Off on Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs becomes Chair of Kingston Hospital
Today (1 April 2022), Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs has taken up her role as Chair in Common of Kingston Hospital and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH), following the retirement of Sian Bates at the end of March.
Previously, Sukhvinder was Vice Chair at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and led Workforce and Education for 7,000 employees. She also chaired the Quality and Safety Committee for the GP Care Group in Tower Hamlets – a vanguard primary care federation.
Currently, she is Chair of the Thames Water Customer Challenge, a Board Member of the Regulator for Social Housing and Chair of Regeneration for the London Legacy Development Corporation.
Sukhvinder is an accomplished CEO having led two high profile organisations (Barrow Cadbury and Runnymede Trust), through major change programmes and onto success in influencing government policies on inclusion, diversity and social justice. She is passionate about putting people first – staff, patients and the communities we serve.
Sukhvinder said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair in Common of the Trusts and I really look forward to working with the teams to build on the well-established collaborative working arrangements already in place.
“I’ve been really impressed by everything I have heard from the staff, patients and volunteers that I’ve met so far from both of the Trusts and I know from the conversations I’ve had already that there is a real opportunity for us to keep working to join up local health and social care for residents.
“I’m very much looking forward to working in partnership with staff and all of the stakeholders to support the delivery of outstanding care.”
Jo Farrar added: “I’d like to welcome Sukhvinder to the Boards of both Trusts. It’s a really exciting time to join HRCH and Kingston Hospital and I’m sure that Sukhvinder will enjoy working with us and leading our organisations through times of change.
“We have a lot to do in the months and years ahead and I really look forward to working with Sukhvinder in 2022 and beyond.”
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