2022

February 2023

3rd

• Matters of the heart—#HelpUsHelpYou

  February is not only the month for spreading love during Valentine’s Day, but also a great time to shed light on heart health.

December 2022

31st

• Chief Executive Lesley Watts awarded CBE in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours

  We’re delighted to announce that Lesley Watts, Chief Executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours list for her service to the NHS.

28th

• Reinstating mask wearing on our hospital sites

  We have taken the decision to reinstate mask wearing in all areas due to a rise in COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illness—masks are available at the entrances of our sites

• Our visiting policy and measures to protect you

  There are visiting restrictions at our sites. Visitors must wear face masks in all areas—clinical and non-clinical—throughout our hospitals and clinics.

22nd

• Christmas at the Trust 2022

  Staff have been celebrating the return of festive activities and bringing joy to patients and their colleagues.

20th

• Dr Francesco Lo Monaco wins The European Awards in Medicine for Clinical Cardiology

  We are delighted to announce that Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, Cardiologist at West Middlesex University Hospital, has been awarded The European Awards in Medicine for Clinical Cardiology.

8th

• Group A Strep—what you need to know and where to get help

  Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness.

6th

• Cold weather alert to rise to Level 3

  As the weather gets colder, please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects.

1st

• Pioneering sexual health services speak to BBC London news on World AIDS Day

  Marta Boffito and Gary Whitlock highlighted the success of HIV opt-out testing in A&E and progress in HIV care and prevention.

• World AIDS Day at the Trust

  Deputy CEO and COO Rob Hodgkiss gives an important message, and our clinicians discuss our leading work to improve HIV care and prevention.

November 2022

29th

• Neonatal Units successfully move from paper to electronic prescribing

  Our teams at both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and West Middlesex University Hospital Special Care Baby Unit have successfully gone live with Cerner electronic prescribing and medicines administration during October and November.

10th

• Trust named as Best in UK for delivering Radiology Services

  We are thrilled to announce that our Trust has won the Best NHS trust for delivering radiology services award.

9th

• ICB officer finds inspiration in volunteering within care environment

  Last week, the Trust's communications team welcomed Phil Nicholls from the NHS North West London communications team.

4th

• Government officials visit Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to learn from our pharmacy technicians

  We were pleased to welcome representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to our inpatient pharmacy at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Thursday 3 November 2022.

2nd

• Trust welcomes visitors from the Danish AIDS Foundation

  This Monday 31 October and Tuesday 1 November, the Danish AIDS Foundation visited our sexual health clinics Dean Street Express, St Stephen's Centre and our Emergency Department (ED) at Chelsea.

1st

• CW+ MediCinema celebrates Black History Month at the Trust with special screenings for patients

  Patients were invited to join the hospital’s Black History Month celebrations last month. They went along to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s CW+ MediCinema to see special screenings that reflected on Black history and storytelling.

October 2022

20th

• Have your say on an NHS proposal to improve orthopaedic surgery in north west London

  Patients and local residents across north west London are being asked for their views on a proposal to create a centre of excellence for inpatient orthopaedic surgery at Central Middlesex Hospital, Park Royal.

14th

• The Queen Consort visits our Domestic Abuse service

  On Thursday 13 October 2022, The Queen Consort met the pioneering Domestic Abuse team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Her Majesty met with the health-based domestic abuse Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and staff working in the field at the maternity unit.

• Changes to patient communication

  Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is making a change to how we deliver patient communications.

13th

• Trust hosts first hospital screening of game-changing endometriosis film with expert panel Q&A

  The exclusive screening of Below the Belt at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was followed by an expert panel discussion to spur conversation, research, and care for this painful but common condition.

12th

• Update: Patient record system restored

  Further to a national outage across the NHS yesterday, we can confirm that the patient record system is now back up and running as normal across our sites.

6th

• Domestic Abuse team heralded nationally by visit from NHS England colleagues

  On Thursday 6 October, our pioneering Domestic Abuse team welcomed the NHS England Domestic Abuse team, including Catherine Hinwood, NHSE Lead for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

4th

• RCN Rising Star awarded to Sexual Health and HIV Nurse

  Dwayne-Wilson (Dee) Hunt has been recognised for striving for justice and promoting wellbeing.

September 2022

29th

• Trust commits to support armed forces community with Silver Award in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

  The Silver Award recognises our pledge to support the armed forces community of veterans, reservists, spouses and family members, as an employer.

22nd

• Staff Awards 2022—recognising our stars!

  Last night, 21 September, we held our first Staff Awards ceremony since before the pandemic, taking the opportunity, in-person, to recognise and commend staff from across our Trust.

16th

• Getting to our sites this bank holiday Monday

  Due to the state funeral, there will be no vehicle access to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Mon 19 Sep.

9th

• In memoriam—Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

  Chief executive Lesley Watts said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Her Majesty the Queen passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. The death of our longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, marks the end of an extraordinary reign that spanned 70 years.

8th

• COVID-19 booster jabs return for staff and the public

  We are pleased to begin offering Autumn COVID-19 booster jabs to staff at both our hospital sites, and to the public at West Middlesex University Hospital only, from Monday 12 September.

7th

• Venus Homebirth Team celebrate two year anniversary

  In January 2022 Venus Homebirth Team at West Middlesex University Hospital celebrated two years of supporting women and birthing people who chose to birth at home.

August 2022

30th

• Have your say—tell us what you think of our care environment

  We are looking for patients and staff to take part in a national programme to help us find out what you think of our hospital sites, so that we can make improvements.

26th

• Our consultant highlights success of HIV opt-out testing in A&E, which will be rolled out across London

  For some time, our Trust’s A&Es have been routinely screening patients who need a blood test for HIV, unless they decide to opt out. After successful pilots, the scheme will be rolled out to all Emergency Departments in London.

25th

• CW Medicines pharmacy officially opens

  On Tuesday 23 August, our new pharmacy at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was officially opened.

24th

• West Middlesex University Hospital has been named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider for 2021/2022

  We are delighted to announce that West Middlesex University Hospital has been named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider for 2021/2022.

23rd

• Our Trust part of National Monkeypox vaccine trial

  Eligible patients will be offered smaller but equally effective doses of the vaccine, stretching existing supplies to protect more people in our local communities.

11th

• Acute NHS trusts strengthen partnership working to improve patient care

  The four acute NHS trusts in north west London are to come together under a single board in common from autumn 2022. The decision will build on the close partnership working that offered so many advantages to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

8th

• Heat Health Alert to rise to Level 3

  As temperatures increase, please take measures to protect yourself from the harmful effects of heat and sun.

4th

• Vaccines minister visits our clinic leading on monkeypox vaccination

  Minister for Vaccination Maggie Throup visited our sexual health clinic 10 Hammersmith Broadway, who are leading the way on vaccinating the most at-risk groups in the capital.

3rd

• Mayor of Hounslow opens new Heritage Exhibition at West Mid to celebrate its remarkable history of over 100 years

  West Middlesex University Hospital turned 100 years old in 2020 and the hospital’s charity CW+ concluded its series of centenary celebrations by installing a brand new, permanent Heritage Exhibition.

July 2022

22nd

• MPs visit our sexual health clinics leading on HIV and Monkeypox care

  Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS visited our Soho clinics to hear important insight from our expert clinicians.

19th

• RIQI 2022 event

  Research, Innovation and Quality Improvement (RIQI) event to celebrate and showcase best practice across the Trust at RIQI 2022.

13th

• Trust celebrates 74 years of the NHS with tea parties

  On Tuesday 5 July, our Trust celebrated the NHS’s 74th birthday with tea parties in our hospital gardens.

8th

• Heat-Health Alert to rise to Level 3

  As temperatures increase, please take measures to protect your health.

6th

• Masks still mandatory for everyone on our sites

  Unless you are medically exempt, please wear your face mask at all times, maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene.

June 2022

22nd

• Celebrating Windrush Day

  Today we celebrate the Windrush generation. The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury docks on 22 June 1948. Approximately 1,027 migrants arrived here from the Caribbean in response to a call from the Government to assist with the labour shortages after World War II.

17th

• Major travel disruption expected next week

  The RMT union has announced a 24-hour tube strike on Tuesday 21 June. This coincides with a with a wider, three-day walkout which will shut down the entire national rail network on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23, and Saturday 25 June.

16th

• Heat-Health Alert rises to Level 3

  As temperatures increase, please take measures to protect your health.

8th

• Health Secretary opens new Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit

  Today, Sajid Javid opened the Paediatric Ambulatory Care (PACC) unit, our new dedicated day unit for children. He thanked staff for everything we do, calling Chelsea “one of the most well-run hospitals in the country.” The PACC will allow for a better patient experience in a child-friendly environment.

May 2022

11th

• Hand surgery musician plays piano to thank staff

  On Friday 29 April, we had the pleasure of welcoming former patient Naiole Missi to celebrate her extraordinary recovery.

5th

• Eirene launches at the Trust to support the women who experience loss during their pregnancies

  Eirene launched early this year, conceptualised by Miss Natalie Nunes (Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and Lauren Trepte (Research Midwife) at our West Middlesex site, to help support women who experience loss in the early stages of their pregnancies.

3rd

• West Mid Vaccine Hub open to ages 12 and over

  All those aged 12 and over can walk in or book a COVID-19 vaccine any day of the week.

April 2022

22nd

• NHSE Media team experience the Trust's 'shop floor'

  This week, the Trust's Communications team were delighted to welcome Michael Searles from NHS England and NHS Improvement's Media team.

21st

• Theatre services recruitment open day—Saturday 28 May

  We're hosting an open day on Saturday 28 May for anyone interested in a career in our operating theatres as a nurse or an operating department practitioner (ODP).

20th

• Chief Executive Lesley Watts named as one of the top 50 CEOs by the HSJ

  The HSJ's Top Chief Executives list recognises England’s top leaders of NHS trusts.

6th

• Meet Matthew Swindells, the first joint chair for all four acute trusts in north west London

  Matthew Swindells has just taken up his new role as joint chair for the four acute trusts in north west London.

5th

• Consultant midwives awarded prestigious silver Chief Midwifery Officer award

  Congratulations to our consultant midwives Natalie Carter, Louise Nunn and Claire Davidson for their silver Chief Midwifery Officer award for excellent services to maternity care during the pandemic.

4th

• Living with COVID-19

  The Government has implemented new measures as part of ‘Living with COVID-19’. New measures include changes to universally free COVID-19 testing and updates to self-isolation guidance for those experiencing symptoms.

March 2022

22nd

• London’s NHS leaders unite in showing support to staff affected by violence and aggression from patients

  NHS leaders across London have come together to show solidarity against rising levels of violence and aggression by patients towards NHS staff and colleagues.

8th

• Our Trust partnership with Bright Horizons shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards 2022

  Our Trust, partnered with Bright Horizons, has now been shortlisted for the Workforce and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year Award at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2022.

February 2022

18th

• Trust leads on life-saving COVID-19 treatment in the UK

  This week, the news of us leading on the UK’s second antiviral treatment for COVID-19, Pfizer’s Paxlovid, hit the national headlines.

14th

• Our neonatal units earns certificate from UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative

  Our neonatal units have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in our first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

10th

• Apprentices awarded certificates this National Apprenticeship Week

  Twenty-eight colleagues who have been working and studying towards their apprenticeships in clinical and non-clinical roles have been awarded their certificates of completion.

8th

• Joint Chair announced for North West London's four acute trusts

  Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust are pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Swindells as our new joint Chair. Matthew will take up his position on 1 April 2022.

January 2022

27th

• Our neonatal units announced as one of the UNICEF National Neonatal Project winners

  We are delighted to announce that our neonatal units at both Chelsea and West Middlesex were selected to join the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

24th

• Exciting new recruitment in our Therapies Division

  We are proud to announce the brand-new recruitment to a Consultant Allied Health Professional (AHP) post within our Children’s Music Therapy service.

12th

• West Middlesex Vaccine Hub opens to 12–16 year olds this weekend

  We are delighted to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to 12–16 year olds on 15 and 16 January at the West Middlesex University Hospital site.

10th

• Robert Bleasdale announced as new Chief Nurse Officer

  We are delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Bleasdale as Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

7th

• Armed forces arrive to support our staff

  The military are providing temporary assistance to our Trust as part of their ongoing support to the NHS pandemic response.