Better Together e-news Issue 39

Welcome to the latest e-newsletter version of Better Together, your regular members’ magazine keeping you up-to-date with all the recent news, updates and developments which have taken place in the Trust.

In this issue you can learn more about the progress on our new acute wards in Lincoln and Boston, as well as the achievements of our teams, services and service users this year - not least the Trust being a finalist for Mental Health Trust of the Year at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards for the second consecutive year.

Better Together e-news issue 39

Welcome from the Chair, Kevin Lockyer

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Welcome to our final Better Together of 2021, and what a year it has been! I am not sure that many of us thought, when the pandemic first broke in this country at the beginning of last year, that we would still be feeling the impact more than 20 months later. We have been, and still are, living in wholly unprecedented times.

As we enter the winter period, with COVID-19 and flu both circulating, there are some things we can all do to help reduce the pressures on health and social care services. Having both the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations is one of the most effective interventions that will help protect you, your family, friends and colleagues. I strongly urge anyone who is yet to receive either vaccine to ensure that you get them as soon as you can.

During this time, it is also important that we continue to look after our mental wellbeing, as well as reach out to those who may be quietly struggling. Talking is extremely powerful, whether that be with friends, family, or to a professional through our 24/7 mental health helpline. Please reach out for support when you need it.

Since starting my role as Chair in May, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand a number of services across the Trust and I have been deeply impressed and personally moved by the commitment, passion and resilience of all of the colleagues I have had the privilege to meet. I would like to thank everyone very sincerely for their continuing commitment, particularly during such difficult times. I am conscious that there remain many teams and individuals that I have not yet been able to meet. I will put this right as quickly as I can!

In this issue you will hear more about the achievements of our teams, services and service users this year, not least the Trust being a finalist for Mental Health Trust of the Year at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards for the second consecutive year. This national recognition commends the ongoing work of the Trust to strengthen the county’s mental health offer and support people to access high quality care as close to home as possible, in the least restrictive environment. Although we did not win the award, the achievement of being shortlisted again is, in itself, no mean feat.

We have had a number of changes recently to our Board of Directors and to our Council of Governors. You can read about some in this issue, including Sarah Connery being appointed to the position of Chief Executive and Mark Platts to the position of Director of Finance and Information. You can also read more about our new governors who have joined the council following the public elections that took place this summer.

I would like to finish by saying a big thank you to all of our staff and volunteers for everything you do every day and wish everyone a safe and very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Kevin Lockyer, Chair

Click on each of the items below to expand the news story.

Get boosted now

Get boosted now national campaign graphic. Get your COVID-19 booster vaccine by visiting nhs.uk/covidvaccinationPeople across Lincolnshire are being strongly urged to ‘get boosted’ before Christmas, in response to the exceptionally quick spread of the Omicron covid variant.

The UK Health Security Agency last week  confirmed a significant drop in protection against the Omicron variant from two doses of the covid vaccine, compared to previous/other variants, and so the entire country is being encouraged to get a booster vaccination, to maximise protection against Omicron.

The roll out of the vaccination continues to be a collective effort across Lincolnshire, with people from all walks of life playing a part in making sure our communities are protected as quickly as possible.

There are many ways to get your vaccination in Lincolnshire and the latest information can be found on the NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group website at www.lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk 

News in brief

Use this link to read all of the following news in brief items.

60 seconds with... 

Sarah Connery, the Trust's Chief Executive.

Read this article by using this link.

New Director of Finance appointed

Following a thorough recruitment process, the Trust has appointed a substantive Director of Finance and Information.

Read more about our Director of Finance and Information by using this link.

Caring for Carers – Carers Quality Award

We’re delighted to share the news that our community teams have successfully been reaccredited with the Lincolnshire Carers Quality Award.

Read more about this accreditation by using this link.

New courses at Lincolnshire's Recovery College

This term, the College has introduced a number of new courses, including the first course designed specifically for carers.

Read more about the new courses at Lincolnshire Recovery College by using this link.

Volunteers continue to make a difference

Our volunteers have been making a difference from home until face-to-face volunteering can resume, by getting involved with a variety of projects.

Read our volunteering update by using this link.

Lincolnshire NHS Charity – Langworth Ward Flower Appeal

We’re encouraging volunteers and members of the public to create knitted or crocheted flower heads for the courtyard area outside Langworth Ward.

Read more about the flower appeal by using this link.

Managed Care Network Wave 11 projects released

The management of Lincolnshire Managed Care Network has now moved to Shine Lincolnshire, who are supporting 34 projects through the latest wave of funding for 2021/22.

Read more about the Wave 11 projects by using this link.

New research study for service users experiencing psychosis

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of autoimmune antibodies in service users experiencing psychosis.

Read more about this research study by using this link.

Healthier planet, healthier people

We can all play our part in supporting the NHS to meet its target of becoming a net zero by 2040.

Read more about the Greener NHS by using this link.