With sunnier days, brighter evenings and daffodils blooming it feels as though Spring has finally arrived.

April marks Stress Awareness Month so it’s a timely reminder of all the different ways we can manage stress to keep our mental and physical wellbeing going, even in challenging times. Each week this month we’ll be focusing on a different topics and providing advice, guidance and linking to the support that NELFT offers to all colleagues.

Since mid-February colleagues from Waltham Forest rapid response and the Community treatment team based at Goodmayes have joined with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) responding to 999 calls in a pilot study to avoid patients going to hospital. It’s great to hear that we are working closely with partners to improve outcomes for patients and users of service – we know that such collaborations can prove vitally important to the communities we serve and the partnership in BHR with LAS known as K466 was a trailblazer in that field.

As you may be aware the BMA has announced that junior doctors have voted for further strike action and will strike for 96 hours from 7am Tuesday 11 - 7am Saturday 15 April. As a result, NELFT junior doctors will have the option to take part in this industrial action. As I have said previously, I fully support rights to take industrial action. I would also like to thank colleagues across the Trust who are working to prepare as best we can to minimise the impact on patients.

As the NHS 75th birthday celebrations begin to gather momentum, NHS England has launched a photography competition, in partnership with FUJIFILM. So, if you are a budding photographer or enjoy capturing moments on camera, then this is perfect way to celebrate. The competition is an opportunity for staff and volunteers to share – through photos – their unique stories. The winners will have their photos exhibited at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in London. You can find further details and how to enter here.

I will certainly be entering the photography competition and look forward to seeing other entries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take care

Jacqui