2018: Our year in review
As we prepare to enter 2019, here is a look back at some of the highlights from the past year.
In January, surgeons at University Hospital Southampton kicked off the year by beginning a trial of a new procedure for managing knee osteoarthritis. The treatment is created from the patients’ own blood and is hoped to be a more effective and longer-lasting alternative to steroid injections.
Some of our volunteers also featured in regional news bulletins, highlighting the work they do as part of the Trust’s 'Eat, Drink, Move' initiative.
In February as we shared a wealth of research news including how an arthritis drug could also reduce risk of dementia, how eye experts began trials on preventing sight loss and the launch of a study into care for patients with neurological conditions. We were also able to celebrate with our colleagues at University of Southampton as they reached the £25million target for a new cancer research centre, six months ahead of schedule!
In March, we were able to share an exclusive insight into the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nationwide through the Channel 4 documentary, My Baby’s Life: Who Decides? The two part series featured the stories of six patients and their families as well as the staff who cared for them and the often difficult decisions that needed to be made.
Our charity efforts and developments within Southampton Children’s Hospital were highlighted in April. We unveiled a space age children’s imaging department and started construction on the £5.1 million emergency and trauma department. In partnership with radio station Wave 105, staff and visitors spent a day dressed as superheroes to raise further funds for the ED appeal.
In May, we welcomed the first hospital-based preschool in the country to our Trust. Through a partnership between Piggles Trust and our workplace nursery provider Taplins, we are able to offer preschool education to some of our youngest long-stay patients. The use of nursery nurses within our care means that children can continue to benefit from the teaching that they would have received if they weren’t in hospital.
We were delighted to celebrate the success across a number of departments in June as various members of staff were recognised in national and international awards. We also welcomed home a team of doctors and nurses rowing from Jersey to Southampton to raise £20,000 for Southampton’s new children’s emergency and trauma department. The J2S row had never been attempted before and set a new world record.
In July, we hosted a number of activities and events to mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of the NHS. The main event was held outside Southampton General which was also celebrating 70 years since it changed its name from the Borough Hospital.
Teen singing sensation and Voice UK star Donel Mangena became an ambassador for Southampton Children’s Hospital in August. This followed his visit to our children’s wards where he met patients and performed his single ‘Bang Like a Drum’.
Our annual open day, held in September, gave unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to departments across Southampton General Hospital. The action-packed event was opened by our new CEO Paula Head, alongside the new ambassador for Southampton Children’s Hospital, Donel.
In October, we joined a worldwide effort raising the importance of CPR and resuscitation training. Restart a Heart Day urges governments to support this sort of mandatory training for all children in full-time education. For the first time, the awareness campaign went global with the aim of teaching 200,000 people CPR in one day.
Staff across the Trust celebrated with fundraisers and the local community as the children’s emergency department appeal reached its target in November, five months ahead of schedule. At a special event, Southampton Hospital Charity thanked supporters including their charity partners The Murray Parish Trust, and gave preview tours of the recently completed acute assessment unit.
In December, we launched a specialist emergency assessment unit for older patients. Around 25 people over the age of 80 visit our emergency department with a medical emergency every 24 hours. The new frailty unit, based in acute medicine, will allow for rapid assessment and smooth admission with an aim to minimise their length of stay.
Throughout 2019, we will continue to post the latest news stories and keep you up to date with events and activities from around our Trust. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.