Operational update

The latest data published in November shows that October was busier than September in A&E. It also shows that our waiting lists for treatment and diagnostic tests increased in September despite there being a higher number of diagnostic tests and more people starting treatment than the month before.

We are aware and concerned that our cancer performance has deteriorated. We know this needs to be urgently addressed, which is why the board has reprioritised budgets to allow us to invest in the recovery of our cancer performance. We have seen a slight improvement in performance in September, which is expected to increase further in the coming months.

The second National Oversight Framework ratings are being published in December and we expect that our rating will not yet have been improved, however work is underway to recover our performance.  We are seeing a reduction in our overall waiting list however this won’t be reflected in the data until the New Year.

Data on this month’s resident doctors’ strike was published on Sunday (23^rd November). At NCIC we saw around one third of our resident doctors striking across the period, with under 25 outpatient appointments being rescheduled. A huge thank you again to our colleagues who did an outstanding job to keep services safe and running throughout the strike period.

Winter is here!

Winter is now here and plans are in place to cope with the additional pressures winter inevitably brings to health services. You can help by making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for eligible groups, including older adults, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and children. 

Vaccinations are free and can be booked through your GP, local pharmacy, the NHS App, or by calling 119. Children and young people are being offered the nasal flu vaccine in their school/educational setting. If the child/young person misses their vaccination, requires an alternative to the nasal flu vaccine or requires extra support, there are bookable community clinics available. 

Another way to prepare is to stock up on essential items ahead of winter. This includes making sure medicine cabinets are well supplied with cold and flu remedies, pain relief, and any regular prescriptions. Having basic supplies at home can help avoid unnecessary trips out in bad weather or when feeling unwell.

Keeping warm is another key part of staying healthy in winter. Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions. It’s important to heat your home to at least 18C in rooms you use regularly, wear layers of clothing, and use blankets or hot water bottles to stay warm. If you have a lung condition, take a look at the advice from our respiratory experts.

Winter filming – lights, camera, action!

We’ve had a busy few weeks of filming with the local media to raise awareness of key services aimed at helping patients to receive the right care in the right place for them while also reducing pressure on our A&E departments.

The BBC broadcast an NHS special on November 25 looking at how the NHS is preparing for the winter months ahead. Locally with BBC Look North and Radio Cumbria, the focus was on our MATCH hub and virtual wards services. Dr Vicky Gate, who is a GP in the MATCH hub (Multi Agency Telephone Coordination Hub) based in Wigton, spoke about how the service has grown over the past seven months since it opened. Of the 2,638 referrals they received, 60 per cent have received the care they need sooner without going to A&E where they would have previously been referred. Leanne Armstrong, Lead ACP for the frailty virtual wards service, also spoke to the BBC about the benefits of patients not being admitted to hospital when they can receive their care at home.

How Safe Do You Feel?

During Safeguarding Adults Week last week, we reminded people about our campaign to give support to people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse or neglect.​

The ‘How Safe Do You Feel?’ campaign explains that staff who work at the Cumberland Infirmary, the West Cumberland Hospital and across all community services will ask as part of their routine enquiries ‘How Safe Do You Feel?’

The Trust would like to encourage anyone who does not feel safe or may be experiencing any form of abuse to access NCIC services as a safe space to speak up.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about a friend/family member, or would like more information about spotting the signs of abuse, immediate help is available.

Safelives.org.uk is a charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse. They have a range of helplines on this page.

New mini lab for West theatres

A new mini laboratory for West Cumberland Hospital theatres is making sure patients get home more quickly and improves the overall efficiency of the theatres.

The North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity has purchased a £35,000 ‘little box’ point of care testing analyser that can provide vital results in the theatre during a specific operation rather than having to wait until it has been analysed in the main laboratories.

Ludger Barthelmes, Consultant Surgeon, said: "Parathyroidectomy operations are undertaken when one or more of the parathyroid glands are enlarged. This drives calcium out of the bones and can lead to number of complications including osteoporosis, low impact fractures and kidney stones.

“During the procedure, testing of the parathyroid hormone is required to check that all the necessary tissue has been removed. Prior to the analyser being in place, this involved blood samples being taken and analysed at the busy main laboratories. This took around 40 minutes which doubled operating times and meant that patients could take longer to recover. The new point of care analyser can do this in five minutes.”

North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity is fortunate to benefit from many kind donations from the West Cumbrian community. This charitable purchase has been possible thanks to a legacy from the late Leonard Atkinson.

Carlisle Cathedral Christmas tree festival

Our chaplaincy team have joined forces with North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity this year to take part in this year’s second annual Christmas Tree Festival at Carlisle Cathedral.

The festival will take place at Carlisle Cathedral from Saturday 6th December to Sunday 4th January and as part of Team NCIC you can be part of it. 

The theme of our Christmas Tree this year will be our HUMAN campaign. Our 'We are all HUMAN' campaign focusses on the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect.

Photographs of NCIC staff inside baubles will act as a powerful reminder to patients and visitors that no matter their background, those helping them, treating them and caring for them are all HUMAN too