North Cumbria University Hospitals Nhs Trust

Treating stomach bugs is easy to do at home. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, take paracetamol and get plenty of rest. If you feel like eating, choose plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta & bread. Visit ow.ly/9gfa30lb6SA

Remember to #ChooseWisely before using A&E to help us ease pressure on our busy services.

The Child Health app is packed with info about illnesses from asthma and teething to chickenpox and head lice, and can be downloaded from the Google Play store or the Apple app store.

Staff - pop along to our Schwartz Round on Wednesday (8 August). The round will take place at WCH in the Lecture Theatre from 12:30pm - 2:00pm.

This week's Glimpse of Brilliance is for the Children’s Ward at the Cumberland Infirmary.
A member of the public messaged us on Facebook to say: “I just wanted to say what an absolute credit the Children’s Ward is, our little boy was treated in there in June and the care he received was unbelievable. They really do go the extra mile for the children and us as parents, to make the time spent there as comfortable as possible. Special mentions to Bill Smith and Linzi Donald, as... well as two student nurses who were also on shift. The whole department is absolutely fantastic, thank you for looking after our boy!”
In addition to this, we received a nomination for Maya Pun, ward domestic on the Children’s Ward. A member of staff emailed us to say: “Maya is extremely hard working and puts 100% and more into keeping the ward clean. She is cheerful in her work and you always know when she has been on shift as the floors are shining.”
Well done all!
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Going on holiday? Make sure you are aware of types and quantities of medicines you are allowed to take into the country you’re visiting.

NHS 111 is a free number, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. https://www.nhs.uk/…/Emergencyandurgent c…/Pages/NHS-111.aspx

Our Macmillan Cancer Information Service want to hear from you.
We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to complete this survey on your experience of the service, the difference it made and what we could do better - surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XVZPBK7
Thank you

Feeling unwell? Remember, there are alternative options to A&E #ChooseWisely

We're seeking to recruit Registered Nurses to work at both of our hospitals. To view all of our vacancies, visit https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/search_vacancy …

This week's Glimpse of Brilliance is Dorothea Shaw, cardiac support worker within Cardiology at the Cumberland Infirmary.
A member of staff emailed us to say: “Back in May, Dot was making her way through Carlisle City Centre and as she walked past Debenhams she saw a gentleman that had collapsed and was unresponsive on the street. She ran across town to get a defibrillator, stopping the traffic on her way as she ran back to treat him. Fortunately the patient recovered and was admitted to the Cumberland Infirmary where Dot was then reunited with him in the Cardiology Department. Dot works tirelessly in our department and she is always cheerful and willing to help everybody.”
Well done Dot!

The fantastic staff from the Ophthalmology department at the Cumberland Infirmary and staff from CLIC who took part in a Rapid Process Improvement Workshop this week. They have been working to reduce waiting times & improve patient flow. Well done to everyone who took part!

A well-stocked first aid kit is important at home and when out and about in the summer. Make sure yours is fully stocked so you can treat any scrapes, bruises and minor injuries, whether you are at home or away. http://ow.ly/kngQ30kXYlY

Our staff have been helping patients #EndPJParalysis, and the ward that has shown the most engaging and innovative ways of getting patients dressed and moving at West Cumberland Hospital is Ward 4 http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk/…/Staff-help-ove r-2,000-patients-get…

Welcome to all of our wonderful new doctors from everyone at the Trust. We hope you have a fantastic time working here. #nhs #juniordoctors #futureofmedicine

The Child Health app is packed with info about illnesses from asthma and teething to chickenpox and head lice, and can be downloaded from the Google Play store or the Apple app store.

The results are now in for our #EndPJParalysis awards and the Most Innovative award goes to Maple C for their Bananas in Pyjamas video. http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk/…/Staff-help-ove r-2,000-patients-get…

Our staff have been helping patients #EndPJParalysis, and the ward that has shown the most engaging and innovative ways of getting patients dressed and moving at The Cumberland Infirmary is Willow B http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk/…/Staff-help-ove r-2,000-patients-get…

Did you know that our hospitals provide a Carers' Pass for carers and families of patients with dementia. The Carer’s Pass gives carers the opportunity to remain with the person they care for if they wish outside of visiting hours.
Speak to the ward staff about how you can get a Carers Pass for your loved one

Going on holiday? Pharmacies can provide a range of advice to make sure you’re prepared for common illnesses before you jet off. Visit http://ow.ly/kYZc30kXYi7 for pharmacy opening times.

What an incredible place and what amazing staff. Everyone we came into contact with today helped my family so much. Thank you thank you thank you for helping my baby boy when he needed you �

Thank you to the staff in CIC A&E today. I brought my 7 year old daughter in with a broken wrist and she was assessed, x-rayed, treated and on her way home in under an hour. Lovely friendly staff that put her at ease and made a traumatic event as comfortable and stress free as possible.

Superb hospital in my opinion. For both births of my children the staff were fantastic and we were well cared for. Whenever I've attended a&e I've always been well looked after.

Last year I was taken to the hospital with severe pneumonia and was in ICU for 7 days. The staff were superb, they pretty much saved my life. I felt well looked after and can't thank the staff enough.

Recently had my 3rd child at this hospital and I would just like to thank Danielle.carnt rember her surname but she was abslutly brilliant.had just came on day shift and I was in full blown labour.she was right there beside my side .brillant midewife .would also like to say thankyou to the rest of the staff on maternity

My nana was recently a patient on Beech B we can not thank the staff enough for the care, compassion ,respect And support given to us as a family and my Nana . My nana had her final days in hospital and she always said the staff were brilliant . Even when they were rushed of there feet they were never to busy to make sure she was comfortable and pain free. Thank you again to all the nurses, health care assistant and Doctors on beech B.

Just been for wisdom tooth extraction. As a very nervous dental patient, I was dreading it. The surgeon and his team were so sympathetic and patient with me, giving me loads of time and care. Thank you all.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to Miss Anwar and her amazing team for looking after me and for all their support during my investigations and operation. Everyone from my initial care through WOPs, ultrasound, theatre and the care on Aspen ward has been outstanding and I couldn’t be more grateful. Not enough space to name everyone but particular thanks to Laura Sellers, Dr Williams, Dr Karagianni and of course Miss Anwar herself for everything you’ve done for me, you’re all wonderful �

I would just like the praise all staff at both hospitals, you're all fabulous..I was rushed to hospital in 2013 with a collapsed lung then rushed through to Carlisle for emergency open stomach surgery then put into an induced coma in ITU then high dependency ward...the care I received was superb during the very scary time...I was transferred onto the beach ward where the nursing staff, critical care nurses and physiotherapists looked after me so well and were all lovely. I've not got round to thanking everyone for their brilliant and dedicated care they provided...So here goes...Thank you and I'm delighted both hospitals have worked so hard to get out of special measures which I'm not surprised because everyone are simply amazing...finally I would like to thank Mr Wayman and his team for looking after me, an amazing p, brilliant and lovely surgeon xx

I was in A&E last Monday and they suspected a Scaphoid fracture the staff were really nice and friendly had 2 X-rays and in and out in 4 hours can fault the service. As I am a regular to the hospital as I had been going to various departments the main one being low vision.

Thank you to all the staff!! Back to the fracture clinic next week !

I visited A&E today and was greeted at every step of the way by professionalism and friendliness, from the receptionist, to the nurses, to the trip then to the X-Ray Dept (where the Radiographer was really gentle) then back to A&E to be seen by Dr. Mike. First class service from start to finish.

I have been going back to this hospital over the last two years with frequent admissions. A&E can be a struggle but the staff are amazing just under supported.



The wards are also excellent with such good care from the nurses and support staff.



If only the staff in these services had more support from our elected party.

I am currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I was diagnosed back in December, Mr Barthelmes and the breast care nurses Helen and Karen have been extremely supportive. I was seen, diagnosed and had surgery within 3 weeks, my surgery was at West Cumberland hospital, the staff in day surgery, theatres and on ward 1 were all extremely professional and I was very well cared for.

I am now having chemotherapy at Reiver House, my care is overseen by Helen Roe cancer nurse consultant who is incredible and goes over and above to ensure treatment is as easy as possible for each and every patient, she is a wonderful advocate and provides support, never ever making you feel like a nuisance in spite of numerous questions! The staff in Reiver House also have been fantastic making a difficult journey far more bearable.

Last but most certainly not least I recently was treated for neutropoenic sepsis on Beech A (oncology ward) every single nurse, healthcare assistant and other members of the team showed me nothing but kindness, compassion and professionalism even though much of the time they were short staffed and working under pressure they remained calm, patient, always smiling, gave plenty of time to care and made me feel completely safe.

I would like to thank each and every one of you, you are all amazing and should be very proud.

Big thanks to A&E staff on Saturday afternoon. They looked after me really well with super kind and quick care for a suspected kidney stone even though they were heaving.

Back today for x rays on replaced hip and plated wrist. Once again everyone who dealt with me was absolutely wonderful. Starting with one of your staff who kindly put my hair up as I was unable to sort it. When I had my accident 7 weeks ago, I asked to come to Carlisle. Can't fault the care I have had. Thank you.

After my stay on Beech B, I just want to say how fantastic the staff are, from Diane, Abby and Chim and all the HCA, they work tirelessly!!!



Also a big thank you to Joanna and team in A&E who were equally as good

Whilst I griped about waiting four months from the time of my GP referral to an appointment with a consultant, having undergone day surgery this week i have nothing but praise for Mr Cumming and his team. The level of skill and immediate aftercare was absolutely exemplary and worthy of a mention in dispatches. If it wasn’t for having to endure 2hrs of daytime television in the waiting area I wouldn’t have hesitated in giving a 5* rating. Thank you NCUHT.

Was taken in on a Wednesday evening placed on a ward 2am following day ( Thursday) to be told procedure would take place that day , didn’t happen sat all day Friday still no procedure to be told Monday at earliest �then moved from room 8pm put on a ward which by 1am there had been 6 bed movements , staff dragging banging equipment so enough was enough decided to sit the night out with no sleep in guest waiting room .

People should not be treated this way

Animals are treated better

My son has cancer. He has a double lumen portacath. A portacath is a type central line that is used to administer drugs (chemo, antibiotics, fluids etc), blood products and take bloods. The protocol when an cancer kid gets a temperature is to go to hospital, have a dr exam, obs taken, peripheral blood cultures taken (bloods out of a vein), line cultures taken (bloods out of a central line), antibiotics started and calpol given before being transferred to the hospital they are treated at. The wise and esteemed consultant at Cumberland Infirmary has decided tonight that protocols are for everyone else and not him. He is trained to access portacaths but won't. So he has cannulated my 2 year old son. An unnecessary and in my opinion, cruel thing to do. He has not started him on antibiotics, he has not given calpol, he has not taken central line cultures. He is not transferring us to our main hospital or starting antibiotics unless he is neutropenic (we know he's not) or unless he spikes again. This is a disgraceful and shocking break of protocol and could potentially cost my son his life if a line infection is missed or caught too late. I have never had faith in the Cumberland Infirmary but tonight, my opinion is at an all time low and I am disgusted. A complaint will be being made on Monday. Seriously wish we had gone straight to our main hospital ourselves. I have been on the phone 3 times to our main hospital so far and they, in turn, have been on the phone to the consultant here 3 times, but to no avail. He is refusing to follow their protocol. Furious does not even come close to how I am feeling right now.

I've just found out that my 91 year old grandmother who has severe dementia has been moved to a home without telling the family or next of kin. I'm utterly disgusted. Is this all for the sake of a bed? She's still a human being and she's being treated like a nuisance they want to get rid of. Vile.