December 27, 2016 8.00 am
This story is over 67 months old
Reflections 2016: Jan Sobieraj – Real progress in our hospitals this year
In my Reflections column last year I had just started in post at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and was still familiarising myself with the organisation, its people, our patients and the challenges we face. One year on and I am overwhelmed with just how far we’ve come as a trust. Over the past 12…
In my Reflections column last year I had just started in post at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and was still familiarising myself with the organisation, its people, our patients and the challenges we face.
One year on and I am overwhelmed with just how far we’ve come as a trust. Over the past 12 months we’ve seen an increase in the number of people attending our hospitals but we’ve still managed to improve many of our quality measures as well as keep within our financial plan.
So as a trust we’re doing more, becoming safer and we’re being more efficient with our money – a fantastic achievement.
Over the last year, we’ve made some real progress as an organisation:
Doubled the number of patients who survive following a cardiac arrest out of hospital
Reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers by nearly 0.5%, compared with the national rate of 4-6%
Recruited more registered nurses from the EU and Philippines, and recruited 160 newly qualified nurses to our hospitals
Achieved a big reduction in falls – our falls per 1,000 bed days performance is now 3.58%, against a benchmark of 3.90%
Reduced our incidents of hospital acquired infections with no cases of MRSA and 36 cases of C Difficile this year.
Made big strides towards digitalisation to improve patient care and to improve the way information is shared between with clinical staff
Made £28 million savings so are being more efficient
Seen over 3,000 more attendances across our emergency departments so far this year compared with the previous year
Invested £25 million in capital projects to redevelop and upgrade hospital estates, including the upgrade of ward areas at Grantham, maternity, outpatients and some ward areas at Lincoln and maternity and paediatrics at Pilgrim
Our priority for next year will be to develop our five year plan for how hospital services across Lincolnshire will improve, meeting the needs of our local population and our staff and delivering the best possible quality of care within budget.
We’re also entering one of the busiest winter periods where significant demand will be placed on our services.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to use our services appropriately so as not to increase the pressure on our staff during these busy periods.
Please only visit our A&Es with serious or life threatening illnesses.
In order to stop the spread of infections please stay at home if you have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last 72 hours.
As an organisation our biggest strength is our staff and in the year I have been at ULHT I have been overwhelmed by their dedication, enthusiasm and resilience to the challenges we face.
Thanks to all of you for working hard and doing your very best for our patients, and a particular thank you to those working over Christmas and the New Year.
To our staff, patients and the public, I wish you a Happy New Year!
New Year’s resolution
I’d like to spend more time with primary care (GPs and others) so I can see how we can jointly provide better support for patients out of hospital.
Jan Sobieraj is the chief executive of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
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We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
Lincolnshire 30 Under 30, The Lincolnite‘s showcase of young up and coming talent and high achievers, is open for nominations.
Thanks to our sponsors, Sparkhouse, Ringrose Law, Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln College and The Strait & Narrow, publishers Stonebow Media are organising the celebration of Lincolnshire’s promising talent for this autumn.
In 2021 we received almost 200 nominations for our county’s rising stars and and we’re seeking those who have shone over the past twelve months from entrepreneurs, to athletes, artists and rapidly developing professionals.
We’re looking to hear from inspirational young achievers from all backgrounds and professional fields. You can nominate yourself, or someone you know personally or professionally who is making our county proud.
Nominations are open for people from across Greater Lincolnshire (from the Humber to the Wash), either living or working in our region (and beyond!)
Entries close on September 9. A reception event is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Lincoln Cathedral Chapterhouse. Check out the 2021 celebration.
Why this matters
The Lincolnite’s 30 Under 30 showcase is a celebration of the best and brightest in Lincolnshire, putting our young talent on the map regionally and nationally.
Stonebow Media’s platform and channels reach unparalleled audiences, opening up further opportunities and recognition for those involved.