News

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust announces the appointment of a new non-executive and associate non-executive director.

Mark Duddridge will join the Trust’s board for an initial 3-year term from April 2022 as a non-executive director; while Dean Harvey joins as an associate non-executive director for an initial 12-month term from May 2022.

Mark is an experienced director and non-executive director. He currently is chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP and Coastline Housing but has previously held roles with Rodda’s and Samworth Brothers.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said, “I am delighted to be joining the Trust at a time when so much work is ongoing to create more integrated health services in Cornwall and the Scillies. The Trust faces many challenges as we emerge from Covid but I am looking forward to working with the new Executive team on the changes the organisation will be making to deliver the best outcomes or both its patients and staff.”

Mark is joined by Dean Harvey, who is taking on the role of associate non-executive director. Dean is well known locally for his work with the award-winning Cornish charity, Pentreath where he’s a community development worker.

Associate non-executive director roles bring additional skills and scrutiny to the board of directors. One of Dean’s main areas of focus will be to strengthen inclusion and diversity in the Trust.

“I feel extremely proud to be offered this opportunity to build upon the good work of colleagues and networks, especially in the areas of diversity and inclusion. The role offers a chance to amplify the voices of staff, patients, and communities to board level” commented Dean.

“My intention for this role will be to work with staff, patients and the wider community to respond to existing health inequalities, with the aim of building on our acknowledgement for the need of long-term equity-orientated organisational change.”

Commenting on both appointments, Margaret Schwarz chair said, “It is great news for the board of directors and the wider Trust that Dean and Mark are taking on these roles. I look forward to working with them. I know the wealth of experience, knowledge, and perspectives they bring will benefit the Trust and ultimately our patients.”

Changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice and Implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards

On 17 March 2022 the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) commenced a 16-week public consultation process on the proposed changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) Code of Practice, which includes guidance on the new Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) system.

The consultation is also seeking views on the LPS regulations, which will underpin the new system.

The consultation process seeks representation of views from across the health and social care sector, family, carers, people who have or may have experience of the MCA. Anyone who has an interest in mental capacity, is affected by, or knows someone affected by, the proposed updates to the Code and the LPS is encouraged to respond to the consultation.

The consultation closes at 11.45pm on 7 July 2022.

The purpose of this communication is to bring the consultation process to your attention if you have not already seen this, should you wish to respond. Details of how to respond are included in the above link.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking people with personal experience of living with a long-term condition to train as expert patient programme course tutors.

The expert patient programme is a 6-week self-management course, designed to give people the skills to manage their health condition.

The evidenced-based programme teaches key skills including problem solving; action planning; decision making; healthy eating; an introduction to exercise; distraction and relaxation techniques for pain and fatigue management and positive thinking.

Elaine Curno, course manager explains, “We’re looking for people who know what it’s like to have a long-term physical or mental health condition.

“They could be a carer or have a condition themselves, but a key part of the role is understanding what it’s like to ‘walk in the shoes’ of a person living with a long-term condition.

“We’re running our next tutor training course in May and June this year and we’re seeking volunteers to come forward to train and become accredited tutors. The training course will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on a Tuesday and Thursday, from 11am until 1.30pm for 7-weeks”.

In addition to committing to the training, volunteers are asked to commit to deliver 2 6-week courses a year.

Elaine continues, “Volunteer course tutors will benefit not only from valuable teaching experience to add to their CV, including an accredited certification, but they will also gain confidence, meet new people and benefit from making a difference to the lives of others.”

Karen, who has cerebral palsy became an accredited EPP volunteer tutor after completing the course in 2017.

““I decided to become an EPP tutor to help other people in the same position as me as I wish I’d known about the course earlier in my life. Tutoring gives me confidence and something worthwhile to do with my time. I find the other tutors very supportive, and we are all good friends. It’s a great team to be a part of.

“On a personal level, I’m still in touch with my EPP group 5 years later. I find them a great source of ongoing support and friendship, and the course gave me many useful tools on how to manage and adapt to my condition.”

Anyone who signs up to become a tutor on the expert patient programme will receive travel expenses from the Trust.

For an informal chat about becoming a tutor for the EPP contact Elaine Curno on elaine.curno@nhs.net or call 07824 598626.

To enrol on a free EPP course as a participant, please contact Berni Yeatman: bernadette.yeatman@nhs.net (no referral required).