Scarborough trust joins forces with TV chef to revolutionise hospital food
CATERING staff at Scarborough Hospital have worked with TV's Saturday Kitchen presenter, James Martin, to create a new template to change the way hospital food is created. As part of a week-long series for BBC One Daytime, Martin addressed the main issues surrounding hospital food nationally, including the cost of meals, patient feedback, and nutritional standards. Working alongside catering managers and chefs at Scarborough prior to recording, James showed how it is possible to produce healthy, appetising meals using fresh local ingredients while sticking to a tight budget and improving patient and staff satisfaction levels. He said of the exercise: "I know the true value of fresh food, especially for sick patients and that's why I'm determined to demonstrate the importance of healthy food in hospitals. I really do hope this series will help change the way hospitals cater for their patients." Mike Proctor, chief executive at Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, added: "Our recent patient environment and action team inspection (PEAT) has shown we provide good-quality, nutritional meals. However, we are always striving for excellence and welcomed this opportunity to use James's experience and connections to make improvements to the way we cater for our patients and staff."
Hospital guards to be fitted with CCTV cameras
SECURITY has been stepped up at the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby with the introduction of CCTV cameras. Five new devices have been installed to help improve existing security measures and create a safer working environment. They will be positioned externally around the site covering the main entry point and the car park. The systems include an extra number plate recognition camera, which will be monitored 24 hours a day. Barry Newell, security management specialist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said: "Staff at the trust have the right to be able to do their job and care for patients without the threat of violence. We want to do all we can to minimise this threat. The vast majority of patients and visitors respect our staff and respect the hard work they put into caring for patients."
Legionnaires monitoring kits unveiled
ETI has unveiled its new Legionnaires' Temperature Monitoring Kit, specifically designed to monitor the temperature of both standing water and the surface temperature of pipes and tanks that form part of water systems. Each kit contains a Therma 1 thermometer and three probes - penetration, precision ribbon surface and PTFE exposed junction wire - together with a tub of Probe-Wipes and a waterproof countdown timer, all housed in a carrying case. A company spokesman said: "Legionella, like many bacteria, thrive at certain water temperatures and, therefore, a wide range of workplaces are at risk where artificial water systems exist, for example hospitals, nursing and care homes."
Glasgow hospital awards contract to DORMA
DORMA has been contracted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to provide door closers for an award-winning healthcare facility in Glasgow. The company will supply 60 TS 72 VBC devices for installation at the West Centre in Drumchapel, which was recently awarded the Glasgow Institute of Architects' Design Award in the healthcare category. Specified in satin stainless steel, the closers feature a 'thinking backcheck' feature that ensures that when doors are opened at speed with too powerful a force, the closer responds by resisting in equal measure to safely decelerate the door, preventing damage to the door and surrounding wall. The company will also supply AD 4000 touch bars for the fire exits in the facility, which was designed by Anderson Bell + Christie and built by Ogilvie Construction.
Fifth firm approved onto NHS framework for supply of uniforms
GRAHAME Gardner has been appointed onto the NHS Shared Business Services National Agreement framework for the supply of staff uniforms and protective clothing to NHS trusts in England. The framework simplifies the ordering process for trusts, ensures continuity of supply, and guarantees quality products and services, all without the need for further tendering, thereby streamlining the entire procurement process. This accolade means the Leicester-based uniform manufacturer is one of only five approved suppliers. A company spokesman said: "Over the past few years we have been through some massive changes in order to make ourselves more competitive to the NHS. These changes were essential for us to survive in a very difficult marketplace - and it is very encouraging to see they are having the impact we hoped." The framework runs until potentially 2015.
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New visitor and patient car parks have officially opened at the new £170m Walsall Manor Hospital. The facilities offer special priority parking spaces for blue badge holders and spaces for mother and toddlers. They will operate on a "pay on foot" basis.
