News Update

Barbara Bus Comes to the NSIC                                     

July 2006

A huge thank you to the Barbara Bus Charity based at the RNOH, Stanmore, who have kindly provided a brand new Citroen Dispatch for the specific use of our patients and relatives.  The vehicle will be based here from the 16th August 2006.  Bookings will be made directly through the Barbara Bus Charity whilst the Centre will be responsible for booking out keys and the return of keys.

Information leaflets on how to book will be circulated to all inpatients and included in their Information Folder (new admissions).  This is the first time the Charity has provided a vehicle away from its base at Stanmore and they, like us, hope that this initiative will be a great success. 

WiFi Throughout the NSIC                                               

July 2006

The company IAG will be installing WiFi throughout the NSIC in August 2006 enabling patients to access the internet from anywhere in the Centre.  This supposes that patients using their own laptops have wireless capability.

Colin Javens Arrives in Cape Town

April 2006

Excerpt from Colin's diary taken from:  www.drivinghome.org.uk/diary.aspx

17th April 2006 - Colin Arrives at the End, Location: Signal Hill, Cape Town

'As we wound down the hairpin road clouds began to part and the sun began to shine through.  As we continued I could feel the excitement in the two vehicles rising and rising.  Unfortunately we were unable to see the famous Table Top mountain.  As we neared it, however, clouds lifted ever so slightly to reveal the saddle and signal hill.  After a quick fuel and sandwich pit stop we drove up the windy road and as we reached the top of singal hill we saw Caroline and Jo on either side holding a banner between their hands.  As we drove through the ribbon breaking it we had finally made it.  It was a fantastic feeling to have driven half way across the road and ot be met so warmly by friends and family who had made an incredible effort to welcome us and brough champagne!  I must tak this opportunity to thank everyone ivnolved in making my dream come true!'

Official Opening of Patient Education Room April 2006

Stewarts Solicitors officially opened the refurbished Patient Education area on 14th February 2006.  Here we see Dr Jamous, the key driver for this important development, introducing Paul Paxton, Senior Partner, from Stewarts Solicitors who kindly designed and paid for this facility.

St Francis Wins Regional Award                   January 2006

Congratulations to St Francis Ward staff and patients for being nominated winners for the Themed Children and Young Peoples Award for developing the first dedicated unit for SCI children in the United Kingdon.

The Centre was also highly commended in the category 'Getting the Message' for the continuing work in developing a mandate for change through its patients.

Aspire Karten Mini CTEC Project                            January 2006

Ian Karten MBE officially opened Occupational Therapy's new Technology Centre with the support of Brian Carling CEO of Aspire.  We are indebted to the project for its donation of equipment and supportive technology for our patients to access.

Opening of Patient Education Room
October 31st 2005

Our  newly refurbished Patient Education Room opened on Monday 31 October. Refurbishment was funded through a donation from Stewarts Solicitors and now boasts Smartboard technology and will provide additional internet access for our patients learning needs. Integrated within the facility is a designated area for our Patient Education Co-ordinator, Lindsay Dutton who started with us in early October.

Launch of newsletter
October 25th 2005

The Centre launched its quarterly Newsletter for patients and staff called SCI News. We are trying to get it to all our patients old and new so if you havent received a copy by 30 November please contact us with your details so we can get one out to you pronto.

Dining Area Opened
October 12th 2005

Sir Jimmy Savile officially opened the NSIC Dining area and presented awards to the WRVS Team

2 Star Rating for Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust
July 2005

The Healthcare Commission have awarded Bucks Hospitals NHS Trust a 2 star rating for its performance in 2004/5.  In a letter to staff Trust Chairman Professor David Croisdale-Appleby said:

'I am delighted that Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded a two star rating in this year's nationwide Healthcare Commission, and is on target for the plans we set out at the inception of the new Trust in 2003.

This achievement, following a rating of one start in last year's evaluation and no stars in 2003, is testament to the continued hard work and dedication shown by all out staff.

The Trust met all eight key performance indicators, including:

• 98% of patients arriving at A&E waited less than four hours to be admitted, transferred or discharged.
• 98% of patients with suspected cancer, referred to the Trust by their GP, were seen within two weeks.
• No patients waited more than 12 hours to be admitted through A&E.
• The Trust achieved a break-even financial position, with no unplanned support.

The report also concluded that our Trust performed above the national average in improving the working lives of staff.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your superb contribution in helping the Trust achieve a further year-on-year improvement in the care we give our patients.'

NSIC Courtyards
July 2005

The courtyards at the Centre have received a timely facelift with shrubs, plants and new furniture.  Jointly funded by the NSIC and Sir James Savile it is hoped this will ensure patients, staff and relatives can enjoy the summer months.

Jimmy's - 4 months on
July 2005

'Jimmy's' the NSIC dining area, TV lounge and Cyber Cafe has proved a tremendous success for patients and staff since its opening in March 2005.  As you can see the entrance has Sir Jimmy Savile's signature in blue neon.

Occupational Therapy
July 2005

The external Occupational Therapy area is now finished and provides a range of different surfaces for spinal cord injured patients to apply their wheelchair skills.  The area will also encourage patients to develop their horticultural skills and help provide a colourful and scentred 'garden'.

Summer Entertainment
July 2005

The Centre has linked up with a local art company called Out of a Dream.  Out of a Dream is a creative team dedicated to using the arts to improve and transform the experience of health service users and staff across London and beyond.  Already a number of sessions have taken place this summer which have been well attended and received by patients.  For further information please visit their website at www.outofadream.org .

Coming in September:

Visit from Atlanta
July 2005

In line with the Centre's desire to achieve CARF accreditation by June 2006 we are receiving a reciprocal visit in September from key staff at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta following our visit to them in February this year.  A full programme is currently being put together for their visit.

NSIC Annual Report 2004/5
July 2005

It is planned to publish our second annual report during September that will be accessible via the website in pdf format.

Trust Annual General Meeting

The Trust Annual General Meeting will take place in the Lecture Theatre, Wycombe General Hospital at 2pm on Friday 30th September 2005.