5 4 When it comes to improved theatre use CFH is on a roll. Unsurprisingly, the solution has not been just one thing but several. John Wilson, senior operations manager at CFH, explained: “We weren’t booking as many patients as we wanted to, there were more cancellations on the day and up to seven days before.” So what changed? John puts it down to more joined up thinking between services. Extra resource was put into the preassessment team, including more weekend working so more patients are able to be booked. Plus, the bold decision was taken to book at 110% instead of 100% to help reduce the impact of cancellations. John said: “All Barnet Hospital health unit services, which make up the bulk of our patients, have bought into this approach and that’s delivered great results. One of the other things we did was to identify how long each individual consultant takes to do a procedure, which helps us predict with greater accuracy how many patients we can book in – delivering less downtime.” The sky’s the limit for CFH theatres Carol Baldwin being cared for in recovery after receiving a left hip replacement Theatre staff at CFH Our services … have bought into this approach and that’s delivered great results “ “ Scrutiny is also key with daily and weekly meetings, including looking closely at cancellations from the previous week to understand how this could be mitigated going forward. Since the beginning of June, utilisation has been over 80% and in October more patients received their planned surgery than any other time in the past year. John added: “Everyone is playing their part from consultants to anaesthetists, scrub nurses, theatre nurses and the surgical ward.” And the team aren’t stopping there. John said: “We are still looking at how we can improve. We’re currently considering running a reserve list to help with cancellations. We’re also looking at how we can triage potentially a third of patients so instead of them having to come into hospital for pre-assessment this could be done electronically and on the phone. This would enable us to concentrate on the ones that do need to be seen faceto-face and that could also really help us speed things up going forward.” ‘Tis the season to be jolly and nothing spreads joy and cheer quite like our four-legged therapists. Over 27 licensed Pets as Therapy dogs visit our hospitals to brighten the days of our patients and staff, thanks to the Royal Free Charity. Each has passed their therapy dog assessment which tests their character, how they respond to noises, different types of people and lots of petting. At Christmas time, they pull out all the stops – and that includes elf costumes. Izzy brings the sparkles Izzy the Pomeranian has many fans at CFH and laps up the attention from staff and patients when she visits the wards and waiting areas in her dog pram. She’s been volunteering for five years. Amanda O’Grady, Izzy’s owner, said: “People are shocked to see a dog in the hospital, but the reactions are generally great. Izzy is the biggest stress reliever and can help with patients’ anxieties, whether it’s about a procedure or a blood test.” Luna lends a helping hand Four-year-old Luna is a famous face around the emergency department (ED) at the RFH – even when on elf-duties. She first started accompanying owner Brooke Reeve, ED operations manager, to wards and staff meetings in 2022 and her tail hasn’t stopped wagging since. “Luna is very calm and understands when to approach people,” Brooke said. “People come in and say ‘I need a Luna hug’. Working in ED is busy, especially heading into winter, so it’s nice to take yourself out of that environment for a moment and have Luna give you a cuddle.” Santa paws has come to town Jesse, Santa’s little helper Cocker Spaniel Jesse loves visiting the staff areas at CFH in her finest Santa jumper. She first started volunteering in August, and has already located all the treat drawers in the hospital. Volunteer Tracy, who adopted Jesse when she was five years old, said: “I’m not sure what happened when she was young but Jesse doesn’t like being left alone, and so loves being out and about – all the staff come up to her when she visits and they love it.” Teddy gives teddy-bear hugs Teddy is a miniature Golden Doodle and has been volunteering on the RFH wards for a year and a half. He’s a charmer with staff and even receives his own Christmas presents – and cubes of cheese – for his hard work. “We were once visiting a patient who was recovering from a stroke and Teddy was included in their sensory therapy. The patient stroked his fur and told the physiotherapists what they could feel,” Jill Norman, Teddy’s owner, recalled. “He’s also been to ICU and the children’s ward, where children often find it easier to talk to the dog than to adults.” Teddy 2 This Teddy visits North Mid and is a Cavachon – part Cavalier Spaniel, part Bishon Frise. He is eight years old and has been a familiar sight on the wards for the past six years, offering up his paw for a shake and tummy for tickles. His owner Keith said: “Teddy is a bit of a diva and loves children. If they don’t stroke him he’ll look at them as if to say ‘What’s wrong with me?’”
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