Home Page News

A cheque for £1,565 has been donated to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity thanks to a paediatric nurse who won a competition to design a ring.

Julia Ali, a paediatric nurse on Buxton Ward got creative after seeing the competition online by Maya Magal, a bespoke jewellery store based in London.

Entrants were tasked with designing a ring as a creative distraction during the Covid-19 pandemic and submit their paper drawings for consideration.

Julia, who has worked at NNUH for five years, was delighted to have been announced the winner and receive the prize of seeing her limited-edition ring designed and sold to the public.

The £1,565 proceeds of the sale of the rings during the past two months have now been donated by Maya Magal to Julia’s chosen charity, the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital fund, part of the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Julia said: “Over the past couple of months I have been overwhelmed, challenged and privileged to do the job I do, I couldn’t do my job without all the amazing people I work with and the support we give one another.

“I wanted to design a ring which represents positivity, the community spirit and support for the NHS and Key Workers.

“I have enjoyed walks seeing all the rainbows everywhere which has brought smiles to so many faces in these challenging times.”

Children’s Matron Teresa Miles said: “We are all very proud of Julia and delighted her inspirational design was chosen by Maya Magal.

“Julia is a very valued member of our JLCH team who has supported our patients throughout this challenging period.

“A few of us loved the ring so much, we had to purchase ourselves.”

For more information about N&N Hospitals Charity and how you can support it, go to www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @NNUHCharity and www.facebook.com/nnuhcharity1/

A Norfolk garage has commissioned a local cleaning company to provide an interior disinfectant clean for cars in aid of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.

For a suggested £4 donation, the public can visit Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre on Rackheath Industrial Estate from 9am-1pm on Saturday 6 June for an antibacterial clean for the inside of their car.

The fine mist clean, known as ‘fogging’, uses antibacterial cleaner which kills 99.9% of viruses whilst not affecting the interior of the vehicle. It takes just minutes to dry and drivers can use their vehicles immediately.

Mark Jones, Director of Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre said: “It is surprising the amount of general dirt and grime which gathers on areas in the car which everyone touches regularly such as steering wheels, door handles, gear sticks and hand brakes.

“We all wash our hands often but we don’t think about the areas we touch in the car after we have visited places such as supermarkets. With more and more people being encouraged to use their cars, the germs on our hands which we could pick up from areas in our car are then taken into our home and potentially to our loved ones too.”

Areas such as air vents can accumulate mould and bacteria. The ‘fogging’ can access all the hard to reach areas including circulating the antibacterial cleaner through your air vents too – making it generally safer for your health as well.

Note to editors
The cleaning event will be held at Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre on Saturday 6 June between 9am – 1pm, the cleans are performed on a first come first served basis and a donation of £4 is recommended.

Address: Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre, 36 Mackintosh Rd, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LJ.

For further information and to find out other measures Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre have taken to keep their staff and customers safe, please follow the Facebook page at @SpencersMOT

A Swaffham-based travel company has raised more than £5,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after completing a 105-mile lockdown charity walk.

The 29-strong team from One Traveller, which specialises in holidays for mature, single travellers came together for the lockdown challenge on Bank Holiday Friday raising money for the N&N Hospitals Charity’s NICU fund.

One Traveller founders Ian and Emma Darkin welcomed their twin girls Francesca Grace and Edith Hope Darkin on 12 December 2019 weighing 3.5lbs and 1.3lbs respectively.

Ian, Emma, Jack, Francesca and Edith Darkin finally all back home together.

Both girls spent time in NICU, however Edith had a much longer journey as it was discovered that she had an internal Haemangioma (birthmark) blocking 90% of her airway.

Ian said: “Having spent 105 days in hospital Edith joined her sister and four-year-old brother Jack at home on 26 March and is now well on the road to recovery and we both remain eternally grateful to the NICU team, for their skill, knowledge, care and determination.

“Last Friday at 1.05pm, the One Traveller family, completed the combined 105 miles in their own households in five different countries; the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Russia with participants aged from four to 82 years old, including three generations of the Darkin family.

“Although 3.6 miles each was not the hardest physical challenge, only being able to complete this in our own homes (some without gardens) was a psychological challenge for all.”

Paula Mellor, NICU Matron, said: “We are delighted that the girls are doing so well and we all want to thank the team at One Traveller for raising so much for our unit.

“The money will help us to support our youngest patients, as well as their families.”

If you would like to make a donation to the team, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/one-traveller-nicu

More information about N&N Hospitals Charity is available at https://nnhospitalschari-8tcepqp763.live-website.com where you can find out how you can support any area of the hospital all year round.

Follow us on Twitter @NNUHCharity

Instagram: nnuhcharity

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital would like to say thank you to everyone in the community who has supported it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thousands of individuals, companies, charities, community groups and public sector organisations have come together to support the hospital as it cares for patients and families affected by the virus.

David White, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped us through this difficult time and pay tribute to the extraordinary levels of support we have received from the wider community across Norfolk and further afield.

“We remain united and resilient with the support of all those who were ready to help us tackle the hardest and longest lasting challenge that has confronted the NHS in its history.”

Professor Nancy Fontaine, Chief Nurse, added: “I am truly humbled by the overwhelming generosity we have received from thousands of people. The donations to us have been awe-inspiring with so many practical goods and services to help us through these difficult times. We know just how much you value your local hospital.

“We have felt the love from the community every step of the way as we have tackled the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Many of the donations to the hospital were channelled through the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity which has also received financial donations as well as wide range of goods and help in kind.

John-Paul Garside, who leads the N&N Hospitals Charity, said: “On behalf of the charity, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all the donations gratefully received over the last few months.

“We have been amazed by the outstanding support offered to our patients and staff during this difficult period. The efforts of the local community and contributions from national donors has been truly inspiring.

“We hope that the community will continue to support us in the forthcoming months as we continue to protect our patients from the virus. Many of these donations will continue to benefit our hospitals to enhance the care we deliver in the longer term.”

Patients, visitors and staff with be marking the 166th birthday of the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital in Norwich on 3 April.

The hospital cares for thousands of children each year, from babies aged 23 weeks through to young people up to the age of 16, and over in some cases.

The Norwich infirmary for sick children admitted its first inpatients on 3 April 1854, two years after London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, and is the second oldest children’s hospital in the country.

This year’s occasion will be celebrated with a special cake which has been kindly provided by Serco.

The children’s hospital was created thanks to the generosity of Jenny Lind, dubbed the Swedish Nightingale, who was one of the best known and most popular entertainers in mid-19th century Europe.

In 1847 she gave her first concerts in Norwich and they proved so popular that a third concert was arranged with proceeds going to open an infirmary for sick children.

In today’s hospital, Buxton Ward treats 3,500 young inpatients each year with a further 900 babies cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Staff on the Children’s Emergency Department care for 24,000 children each year while around 48,000 children attend outpatient appointments.

Laura Schaffer, Divisional Operations Director for Women and Children, said: “We know the hospital is close to the hearts of many people in Norfolk and over the years, donations have helped fund the children’s playground, virtual reality TV and games, a sensory room and so much more.

“We are hugely grateful for the support we receive at the N&N Hospitals Charity for the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital to enhance the environment and provide lots of extras for our youngest patients and their families.”

For more information about the charity and how to donate to the Jenny Lind then visit our website at www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

Staff at the Norfolk & Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust are facing the challenge of coronavirus (COVID-19) head on.

With your help, the N&N Hospitals Charity can be there for the amazing staff in our three hospitals: the N&N, Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital & Cromer & District Hospital.

The NHS is facing its biggest challenge in 72 years. Our staff are on the front line in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

They’re going the extra mile, every day, to take care of us and our loved ones despite being under extreme pressure. They need our support more than ever.

You can help us to help them.

The N&N Hospitals Charity is committed to doing everything we can to help our amazing NHS staff. With your support, we can provide emergency funds to help hospital staff cope with the challenges they’re facing, every day.

Every donation – large or small – will make a difference. Anything we raise over and above what might be needed in the current crisis will go towards helping our hospitals continue to give exceptional care in the future.

You can help N&N Hospitals Charity raise money for this great cause by donating directly to their campaign JustGiving page here.

JustGiving sends your donation straight to Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity so that they can put your generosity to good use.
Thank you for your support.

For more information, get in touch on fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk
#ThankYouNNUH #ThankYouNHS

@NNUHCharity
www.instagram.com/nnuhcharity/
www.facebook.com/nnuhcharity1/
www.justgiving.com/nnuhnhs

In what are challenging and fast-moving times, we want to let you, our fundraisers and supporters know that N&N Hospitals Charity continues to support our hospitals and you in your fundraising. We will update you regarding events and fundraising activities as the information comes in.

We are aware that there are many of you who have already heard that your events have been postponed, for example the London Marathon, NHS Big Tea 2020, while others are waiting to hear as the situation changes on a daily basis.

If you have organised a fundraising event in the coming weeks and months, please follow the latest NHS and Government guidance and ensure you adhere to the regulations to keep yourself and others as safe as possible. Could you please email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk to let us know if your event is postponed and we can update our social media accordingly.

Similarly, if you were planning on going to an event, please contact the organiser to make sure it is going ahead before you attend, while always adhering to the NHS and Government guidance.

It goes without saying that our thoughts are with everyone who is working on the frontline to keep things as normal as they can be during these unprecedented times here at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Please keep across our website www.nnuh.nhs.uk and our social media feeds
@NNUHCharity
www.instagram.com/nnuhcharity/
www.facebook.com/nnuhcharity1/
www.justgiving.com/nnuhnhs

The Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has now smashed the £400,000 milestone.

The appeal to create a one-stop shop where patients can have the necessary tests and see their consultant in one appointment is now more than half way to the £800,000 target. 

The appeal received a fantastic boost on Thursday when representatives of the five Rotary Clubs of Norwich, the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks presented the N&N Hospitals Charity with £60,000 raised over the past year.

Guests from Desira, East Bilney Coachworks and Rotary groups in Norwich see some of the equipment they have helped purchase.

The new breast cancer unit is already taking shape, including the installation of a Stereotactic mammography system which uses low-dose x-rays to help locate a breast abnormality and remove a tissue and is less invasive than surgical biopsy.

Dr Arne Juette, Director of Breast Imaging, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of the community, from individuals to groups and businesses.

“We had no idea when the appeal was launched just how everyone would take it to their hearts and do so much to help create the new unit for patients.

“It means so much to the team here to have support like this.”

Paul Constable, speaking on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, said: “We attended the launch of the Boudicca Appeal in 2018 and were inspired by the former patients and their family members, and the enthusiasm and strength of purpose of the breast cancer team.

“After this, Rotary in Norwich made the Boudicca Appeal their main charity for 2019. Not only did it galvanize the five clubs in Norwich, we also gained support from other clubs in Norfolk.

“Over the past 12 months, we have held a number of events including the Upton Walk, the Craft Fair in Chapelfield Gardens, car raffle, quiz nights, charity ball and art auction, Christmas Tree Festival at Peter Mancroft Church and the Colin Thackery concerts, raising a total of £60,000.

“Thanks go to the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, including Marchesi, Centenary, St Edmunds, Blackfriars and Norwich, also Diss and District, Reepham and District, Wroxham Bure Valley, Wymondham and Wymondham Satellite Clubs, Taylor Wimpey, and the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks which donated the car to be raffled.”

The Rotary Clubs of Norwich are continuing to support the appeal which has also received the backing of many individuals, groups and businesses, including Page Bros, Tiger Eye Consulting, Pure Gym, The Forum in Norwich, Norfolk Snowsports Club in Trowse and Old Hall Farm in Woodton.

To find out how you can get involved with the appeal, please contact the N&N Hospitals Charity on 01603 287107 or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or donate directly at www.justgiving.com/campaign/boudicca

Patients about to leave hospital will get more support to return home thanks to a new volunteer transport service at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The Volunteer Drivers scheme, which will be funded by the N&N Hospitals Charity, is available to patients who are discharged via the hospital’s Aylsham Discharge Suite provided they are relatively mobile and able to transfer from a wheelchair to the car.

It is believed to be among the first hospital-run schemes of its kind in the country.

It will run alongside existing non-emergency ambulance transfer services to provide an option for patients who do not need an ambulance, but would otherwise struggle to get home due to illness, time or financial constraints or are simply facing a long wait for taxis, public transport or friends and relatives.

From left, Volunteer Driver Coordinator Jamie Goodman, Julie Cooper and Sam Higginson with some of the volunteer drivers.

Volunteer Driver Coordinator Jamie Goodman, who will manage the project, said: “Patients using the service will be taken home by drivers who are equipped to deal with any situation which may occur on the journey to the patient’s home, have undergone DBS screening and a driving assessment by the Road Safety Team at Norfolk County Council.

 “They will assist the patient into their home and, if necessary, can hand over to a volunteer from the Settle-in team who will help ease the patient back into their surroundings.

“This could be putting the heating on, making a hot drink, ensuring there is food available in the house and helping to alleviate any fears the patient may have on returning home.”

The go-ahead for the scheme follows a successful trial last year.

The N&N Hospitals Charity is funding the project at a cost of £115,000 for three years and includes the lease of two Renault Trafic vehicles which have been adapted to assist patients who may have mobility problems, disabilities and pieces of equipment to be transported home.

Last year’s trial found that the service made a huge difference to those patients who would otherwise have faced lengthy waits for transport home and working together with the Settle-in volunteers, it is hoped that patients will have a stress-free ‘going home’ experience.

Julie Cooper, Head of the Charity’s Grants Team said: “It is fantastic to see donations to the Hospital Charity being used to help our patients in this way.

“We know that leaving hospital can be a stressful experience for many and we hope that this service will go some way to removing some of the worries facing patients.”

To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity and how you can help, visit our website www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

If you would like some more information about the Volunteer Driver service or to get involved with the Volunteer team, email volunteers@nnuh.nhs.uk

Picture: Julie Cooper, Head of the Charity’s Grants Team, hands over the keys to NNUH Chief Executive Sam Higginson.

A Norwich runner is using his coveted London Marathon place to support the hospital department where his wife was treated.

Kate Mahoney, from Stoke Holy Cross, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018 and was treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Now, husband Peter will run the London Marathon on Sunday April 26, raising money for the hospital charity’s Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £800,000 to create a unit where patients can have the necessary images taken, undergo a biopsy and see their consultant in one appointment.

The wait can be extremely distressing for patients and is something which Kate knows only too well after she was required to return to the hospital for tests.

She said: “I was referred quite quickly and was seen by a Doctor, but then had a further two week wait before returning to have the ultrasound and mammogram at which time I received my diagnosis.

“It’s almost better once you’ve got a diagnosis in place and you know what you are dealing with and you have a plan.

“My Consultant Surgeon Mr Youssef, Breast Care Nurse Jo and the rest of the Breast care team were outstanding – I can’t fault the team there, but having a one-stop clinic in place will make such a difference.”

After gaining his marathon place through his club, City of Norwich Athletics Club (CONAC), Peter decided to take the opportunity to raise money for the appeal and thank the staff who treated Kate.

Peter said: “I’ve wanted to do a marathon for ages and when I got the place it seemed an obvious choice to raise money for this appeal.

“I am up to the 20-mile mark in training and hope to achieve for 3:30 on the day.”

More than £350,000 has been raised so far for the Boudicca Appeal and a stereotactic mammography machine to carry out biopsies has been purchased, which is already helping to improve patient care.

The machine is the latest technological advance and enables the breast team to see more patients a lot more quickly. It also makes biopsies more tolerable for women.

The next phase will be to create a third ultrasound room in the breast screening department and improve the reception and waiting areas, and develop dedicated counselling rooms for patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to support Peter and the Boudicca Appeal, please visit his page at www.justgiving.com/PeterJMahoney

For more information about the appeal go to ww.nnuh.org.uk or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk