My name is Anela and I have been involved with the hospital as a Patient Partner for over a year. I became involved through the Bristol Sight Loss Council and the work being done to help improve services for those with visual impairment. Through this work I linked into the Patient Partnership and was keen to be involved as I wanted to work more broadly with staff and patients. I thought it was a good way to feed into services from my personal experience.

I have come from a background of lots of different things including paid work and volunteering, fundraising and event planning for all ages from children to adults. Being blind myself I can bring my own personal experience to the work I do. I also studied English at university and find that this helps me with the role of Patient Partner. 

The work I am involved in centres around raising awareness for people with visual impairment in the hospital. This includes being involved in Digital Patient work, delivering sight loss awareness training to staff, and doing a patient story for Board. I also attend the Patient Partnership Group, Patient Experience Group and Carers Strategy Group.

I really enjoy the role, it’s really nice to work with an organisation who want to work collaboratively to make services better for those with visual impairment and sight loss. With lots in the pipeline I am excited to see how things will evolve. NBT are leading the way for other hospitals.

My name is Eddie Strong, and I have been a member of the Patient Partnership Group for four years.  My first connection with the hospital was eight years ago when I became a member of the newly formed Movemaker Volunteer Team when the new hospital opened. 

I do not come from a medical background having worked as a Project Manager in the aviation and naval industries.  I do, however, have 20 years’ experience as a Chair Magistrate covering all aspects of law.  In this role I received extensive training with emphasis on understanding, fairness and encouraging logical thinking.  These attributes have proved invaluable in the positions I currently hold on numerous hospital committees such as Doctor Revalidation, Resuscitation, Research, Falls Academy and Nocturia. I am also on the Sustainable Development Steering Group.  I get a great deal of satisfaction by being a representative on these panels and feel, in a small way I am making a valuable contribution in these groups adding to the success of this amazing hospital. My aim, therefore, is to continue in these roles for the foreseeable future.

In my spare time I am a member of the Magistrates Association and enjoy being part of a vintage motorcycle club.

My name is Amanda Threlfall and I am a new member of the Patient Partnership Group.  I am a full-time caregiver (unpaid carer) for my husband.

Both myself and my husband have used the NHS many times, and always appreciate the care provided, and I was glad to be able to join the group as a voluntary member.  Sometimes as patients and carers we can see things from a different perspective, little things that can make a big difference and this group allows a constructive dialogue.  I think this is so important as we all know the NHS is under immense pressure, now more than ever, and if we as patients want the NHS to be there for us, to be in a better position and the staff that care for us at the time when we are most vulnerable we need to be there for them too. 

Both my husband and I spent pretty much all our working lives in the pharmaceutical industry and I have been so grateful to keep using my skills from my time at work to help others, and to have the opportunity to do so.  I’m just starting to find my feet and have joined a couple of groups.

There are many ways to be involved, and not all need to be lengthy or long-term commitments.  I would encourage anyone to give it a go, and I think we should all feel like our voice matters equally no matter of our backgrounds.  For me as a carer this gives me a sense of purpose, and that even though my life is limited as my husband is housebound that I can still help make a difference.  At times this feels selfish as I am not actively caring, but keeping that part of me nourished helps me have the strength to keep caring.  We all have a different story to tell and its can be incredibly powerful to hear other experiences and how we can all work together for a kinder and better world.

My name is Gordon Halford. I am the Deputy Chair of the Patient Partnership.

Some time ago I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Following excellent treatment at Southmead Hospital I sought some way of contributing to the work of the NHS in my area. I discovered there was a group called at that time the Patient Panel now Patient partnership. I applied to join eleven years ago, was interviewed and joined the group. In the years since then I have enjoyed involvement in the activities of the group.

All of us have something to offer as support to the hospital and representing the interests of the patient.

As a Chartered Engineer I sat on panels assessing new equipment for installation in the new hospital at Southmead. In addition to the Patient Partnership Group meetings I sit or have sat on a number of committees including medical speciality groups, complaint response reviews, quality committee, patient experience group, appraisal of research projects, falls committee, clinical policy, audits and other interesting activities like hospital document reviews.

As other domestic commitments have increased I have been able to scale down my involvement in certain activities but still get satisfaction from contributing in several interesting groups.

I am Sarah Cox, am a Mum to a 12 year old, a full time Carer for my Grandfather, and I have been a member of the Patient Partnership Group for nearly a year. I have Systemic Sclerosis and am a patient under many services at Southmead, including Rheumatology, Plastic Surgery, Respiratory and Cardiology. To date I have undergone 61 operations, the majority of which have been the amputations of my fingers and toes.

I am a proud patient of North Bristol NHS Trust and have a vested interest in improving the services and running of the hospital. I enjoy being part of the PPG because it allows me to voice and share my experiences with people who can help to open discussions that will implement change for better outcomes. I get a lot of satisfaction from feeling listened to and involved in the changes that are made and implemented. It’s wonderful to be in the hospital and see things taking place that I helped to shape and develop. Being part of the PPG triggered a deeper interest in patient care and I enrolled on a Health and Social Care degree. Much of my studies enrich my experience and knowledge of Healthcare and this underpins my part within the PPG.

Following injury, your knee may be swollen, bruised, painful or stiff. In order to help the natural healing process, follow the advice below.

During the first 48-72 hours

In the first few days, apply a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a damp tea towel to the painful/swollen area. This can be left on for up to 20 minutes, every 2 hours, provided that it is comfortable. If uncomfortable, remove it as it may cause a burn.

Initially treatment is to calm inflammation and control the swelling and pain. This can be managed with:

• Rest. Try and walk as normally as possible by putting your heel down first, but reduce the amount of walking you do. If your knee becomes more swollen you might need to do a little less.
• Ice. In the first few days, applying frozen peas wrapped in a damp tea towel to your knee can help with the pain. Ideally for 15 mins every couple of hours. If it’s uncomfortable remove the ice pack as it may cause a burn.
• Painkillers are important to help you keep moving around. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective pain killers when taken regularly and can be taken together. We do not routinely dispense these as they can be bought cheaply over the counter from a chemist or supermarket. Read the packet instructions for the doses.
• Elevation of the leg with the knee supported will discourage swelling.

We no longer offer compression bandages for sprains as they appear not to have an effect on the speed of recovery. But some people find them comforting to wear and you can purchase them from a pharmacy if you want to try one.

It is important to rest and elevate the leg.

Avoid walking on the injured leg as far as possible. You may have been given crutches, If so, use them to cut down the weight through the injured leg.

You may have been given a brace or knee support. This should be comfortable and not too tight or too loose. You will have been advised on how to remove this for showering and if you need to keep it on a night.

After 3 days

It is essential to start exercising. This will promote healthy healing and prevent future stiffness and weakness. Exercises should be performed slowly, moving into discomfort, but not pain. They can be repeated 5 - 6 times spread through the day.

Exercise 1: Knee push downs

• Support your injured leg, tense your thigh muscles, hold for 5 seconds then relax.
• Repeat 10-20 times.

Exercise 2: Knee straightening over rolled blanket

• Sit on a bed or the floor with your knee resting over a rolled blanket or firm cushion. Pull your foot up at the ankle, then straighten the knee by tightening the muscles on the front of your thigh. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower and relax.
• Repeat 10-20 times.

Exercise 3: Knee bending with towel

• Support injured leg and slide your heel towards your bottom. You can assist this with a towel looped round your foot.
• Repeat 10-20 times.

Exercise 4: Gentle knee bending

• Let your knee bend as far as possible and gently move it backwards and forwards for 3 - 4 minutes. Try to bend the knee a little further at each session. This can be performed either over the edge of a table or a high chair.

If any of the exercises or walking cause your knee to swell further, stop the exercises and rest in elevation for a further 1 - 2 days.

Walking

Depending on the extent of your injury, you may have been given elbow crutches or sticks to enable you to walk with a good walking pattern. Try to walk normally, by putting your heel down first, unless you have been told not to put any weight through your knee.

It is important to remain mobile if possible; however, in the early stages after your injury, doing too much will cause increased pain and swelling. You need to monitor the pain and swelling and adjust the amount of activity accordingly.

Gradually wean off Elbow Crutches (if applicable) and increase your activity as pain and swelling subside.

Please remember to return the crutches/sticks to the Emergency Department or the recycling area in the entrance of the Brunel building.

Returning to sport

Before returning to any sporting activities involving running and twisting and turning at speed, your knee should be free of pain, fully mobile and strong. 

Depending on how badly your knee is sprained, it may take between 4 - 12 weeks, sometimes longer, to get back to normal. 

Activities such as swimming, cycling, weights and step work can be used to help build up the knee initially. When you feel ready, gradually build up your running distance. Where sports such as rugby and football are concerned, join in training sessions before returning to matches.

If you are concerned about your progress, contact your GP or the Emergency Department that you originally attended.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2024. Review due April 2027. NBT002262.

Who are we and how can we help?

We are a friendly service offering highly specialist psychological support to adults with appearance concerns relating to an unusual, changed or visible difference in appearance. This includes concerns that may be a result of:

• Congenital conditions, for example birthmarks, hemangioma, hemifacial microsomia. 
• Health conditions, for example dermatological, musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, including facial palsy.
• Trauma after illness or accidents that have resulted in changes to someone’s appearance, for example scars, burns or stroke. 
• Treatment, for example plastic or maxillofacial surgery, prosthetics, or stoma.

“These sessions weren’t just about emotional help but practical help and advice, which helped me enormously.”

“Having someone understand why I have the problems I do and who could see where I am coming from was so helpful.”

We provide psychological support for appearance-related concerns including:

• Adjusting to a visible difference or changed appearance following illness, injury, or chronic/congenital condition. 
• Support with decision-making and/or preparing for surgery, or other medical treatments.
• Anxiety regarding treatment e.g. pre-surgical, having an anesthetic, or procedural anxiety.
• Managing psychological trauma following an accident, injury, surgery, or other treatments.
• Coming to terms with a diagnosis and/or coping with treatment.
• Adjusting to loss and grief e.g. a change in your body.
• Coping with emotional issues around your appearance e.g. anxiety, worries, feeling low.
• Building confidence or self-esteem, e.g. returning to work, family, and social situations.
• Difficulties in dealing with other people’s reactions.
• Help getting back to previous activities or adjusting to new ones e.g. going home after being in hospital, getting back to work/study.
• Signposting to other services that may be more appropriate for co-existing difficulties.

What happens when you get referred?

What can you expect at your first appointment?

What will the sessions involve?

How many appointments will you have?

What happens to the information we discuss?

Where are we based?

If you want to give us feedback

“The sessions were flexible and adapted to my changing needs. We focused on practical changes which I could implement in my day to day life.”

“I appreciated the opportunity to talk things through and giving me hope.”

“I have achieved things I never thought I would manage again.”

“This experience has been hugely influential in my recovery and sense of wellbeing. My own journey is far from complete but I am so much better than I was.”

“Thanks to my sessions I now feel much more at ease with my feature, I don’t care what other people think of it!!”

© North Bristol NHS Trust.  This edition published May 2024. Review due May  2027. NBT003402.

If you are seeking further guidance and/or support about Stroke, we recommend visiting the following health partners.

Across their pages, you will find a variety of resources and useful contacts to compliment the information you may already have received from North Bristol NHS Trust as part of your treatment or participation in one of our research studies.

Bristol Health Partners, Stroke Health Integration Team (HIT)

Bristol Health Partners, Stroke Health Integration Team (HIT) brings together clinicians, commissioners, academics, care and support providers and other experts, as well as people who have had strokes and their families and carers.

We are committed to preventing strokes and improving the lives of people affected by stroke through working together beyond the limits of individual organisations, in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

If you would like be involved, even in a small way, please get in touch by emailing strokehit@bristolhealthpartners.org.uk 

The Stroke Association

The Stroke Association can provide free support to anyone who has been affected by a Stroke. This includes family, friends and carers. They can provide information, signposting and both practical and emotional support. If an adviser cannot help directly then they can usually find someone who can.

Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100 (lines are open Monday – Saturday)
Supporter Care: 0300 3300 740
Email: helpline@stroke.org.uk

Bristol after Stroke

Bristol after Stroke is a Bristol based charity, made up of professionals and volunteers who are able to provide information and support in the months and years following a Stroke. You can either refer yourself, or be referred by a carer, professional or agency that may be working with you.

The Bristol after Stroke team will ask a few questions about you and your stroke and what assistance you would like. They offer information and guidance, including referral on to other specialist help, advocacy to help you negotiate with other agencies, emotional and psychological support, counselling and peer support. They also offer rehabilitation support and care for the carers.

Address: The Gatehouse Centre, Hareclive Rd, Bristol BS13 9JN
Email: office@bristolafterstroke.org.uk
Telephone: 0117 964 7657

Other useful links

South Gloucester Council: A directory of useful services - search 'stroke' to access their directory.

Visit Home from Hospital service - (British Red Cross) website

Do you suffer from urinary leaks, despite previous treatment?

We need women to be part of a new female Public Involvement Urology Group to help us to improve the care that we give to our patients. In particular, we are looking for women who experience recurring stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We are investigating the best way to treat this condition and we need your help to ensure we are putting patients at the centre of our research.

When is it?

The Project will take place over five year, and we are aiming to meet approximately twice a year over that time.

What will it involve?

• Reading and feeding back on our new written patient information sheets, so that we can make sure they are easy to understand by the patients who are taking part in the research study.
• Talking about the project in more detail with our research team.
• Access to email would also be helpful.

Is there payment?

We will provide a £20 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you and to cover any out of pocket expenses.

Interested?

For further information, please contact:

Sharon Nolan sharon.nolan@nbt.nhs.uk (0117 414 933)
Communications and Patient & Public Involvement Manager

To watch this video in shorter sections see this playlist Induction of labour North Bristol NHS Trust

Is my patient eligible?

One page pathway guide for Rare Disease

R15 Primary Immunodeficiency Pre-Test Proforma

Requesting reanalysis of existing data

We're seeking fresh perspectives for our Head Injuries Public Involvement Group within the Intensive Care Unit.

We want to hear from people who have had a head injury in the past, and their families or carers to be part of an ongoing Patient Involvement Group, discussing aspects of upcoming clinical research studies in Intensive Care. The studies will look at possible new treatments for patients with head injuries in Intensive Care.

How you can help

• Assist us in how best to communicate our studies to the families of the patients involved
• Give feedback on patient study information that will be provided to a patient’s family about taking part in a research study
• Join in on Public Involvement Group meetings on an ad hoc basis. At present these are being held virtually.

To ensure that you are not out-of-pocket, we will provide a £25 Love2Shop voucher for each meeting, helping to cover your out of pocket expenses such as parking costs.

Getting Involved

If you would like to participate in this Patient Involvement Group, please contact:

Kati Hayes: kati.hayes@nbt.nhs.uk | 0117 41 49330 
Research Nurse (Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 16:30pm)

or

Dr Matt Thomas: matt.thomas@nbt.nhs.uk
ICU Clinical Research Lead

or

Sharon Nolan: sharon.nolan@nbt.nhs.uk
Research Communications and Patient & Public Involvement Manager