Things in the Library 13th May

Things about mental health...

This week is World Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is loneliness. The connection goes both ways - poor mental health leads to loneliness and loneliness leads to poor mental health. It can mean the world to check in on a friend or colleague if you suspect they may be feeling lonely. Mental Health UK have created a Connect for Mental Health Board to encourage building meaningful connections with friends, acquaintances, family or colleagues for this week and beyond.

The Health Foundation have published a blog discussing contextual factors in young people's mental health. How increasing cost of living, missing school due to Covid 19, and having unemployed parents can have great impact on the mental health of children and young people, who may feel like they don't want to add a further burden to their families by being open about their struggles. 

    "Focusing on the NHS side of young people’s mental health tells only part of the story. Mental health     problems do not come into existence only at the point of referral to NHS services. The young people     behind these statistics are part of wider society, workers or in education, and part of families, often        families under strain."

Things about DynaMed...

Last week library staff had a training session on how to use DynaMed, which is a point of care tool that we have recently subscribed to. We were really impressed with how simple it is to use, and the depth of information provided. You can subscribe to alerts in your speciality, use the calculators, and search for drug interactions. Each topic has a succinct overview plus detailed information on diagnosis, management, complications, prevention and guidelines. You can easily log in with Open Athens. Let us know if you'd like to be shown how to use DynaMed!

Things to read...

You still have time to read this month's reading group book, The Colour Purple by Alice Walker. It's an absolute classic about an African American girl growing up in the South in the early 1900s, and there is certainly lots to discuss. It's still available to borrow from the library, as is the rest of our leisure reading collection.

Things about paediatric sepsis...

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health are running a one-day course on how to manage paediatric sepsis. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the early signs of sepsis 
• Appraise parents’ assessment of their children
• Explain which is the most appropriate antibiotic to choose 
• Discuss current issues in fluid resuscitation 
• Estimate which inotrope to use, when and how much
• Compare differences in children with complex health conditions
• Differentiate between orders of immunodeficiency 
• Analyse appropriate management strategies in these cases. 
• Practise and assess your knowledge and skills through sepsis simulation scenarios.

Things about strength training...

The New Scientist has reported that only one in twenty adults in England are exercising their muscles enough. Strength exercises such as lifting weights and body weight exercises are really important for improving strength in muscles, which can help mobility as you age. The UK’s weekly health guidelines, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity a week – including two bouts of strength training.

Things about child safety...

NSPCC Learning has published a report as part of the Together for Childhood project which aims to make local communities safer for children by helping local partners and families come together to prevent child abuse. The report discusses the evaluation approaches used to look at the effectiveness of Together for Childhood. For the Transformative Evaluation, 37 stories from community members and partners about the biggest changes they have experienced during their involvement with Together for Childhood, were collected. A selection of these stories have been shared in the report which reveals changes such as improved knowledge and awareness around preventing abuse. The report finds that the variety of changes cited in the stories demonstrates the added value of joining up different services, professionals and communities.

Things to make...

This week I'll be making one of my favourite spring recipes, baked ricotta with asparagus and jersey royals (though I have to admit I cut back on the salt in this recipe!). Love a jersey royal!

Things in the library 13th August...

 Things to read... 

Whether you are staying at home in the garden or holidaying away don't forget our great selection of Leisure Reading which anyone in the trust can borrow. From light and frothy to hard-hitting and thought provoking, come and browse the shelves or view our selection online. Simply join the library to take advantage of all our services.

Things about sleep... 

A good night’s rest is essential to a healthy lifestyle – protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of life. The Sleep Charity has a wealth of good advice and support for Children and adults. There is also a special website aimed at teenagers so if you or someone you know is struggling with sleep have a look at their resources.

Things to help you...  

Make sure you have a NHS Open Athens account set up to access many of the online resources available to you. One of these is BMJ Best practice. You can access this anywhere, it has trusted, evidence-based content and you can earn CME points whilst searching for answers to your clinical questions. Its particular value is for trainees in years 1-5, students, and a broad range of healthcare staff learning and practicing in the UK. Also available as a quick link from the SCH Intranet without an Athens account.

Things out and about... 

As a change from the Peak District's rivers and reservoirs you might like to visit Carsington Water or Rother Valley Country Park for water or cycling or a good picnic venue  or my personal favourite Attenborough Nature Centre and Reserve for all things watery. All of these are within one hour and 15 mins drive from the hospital with activities for all ages (bookable in advance).

Things to learn... 

We can provide help or training on a variety of topics delivered remotely to small groups or individuals. To arrange this all you need to do is join the library (see above) and then 'Book a Librarian'. If there is something you need help with which isn't listed on the booking form then please ask if it is something we can help you with or point you in the right direction.

Things afternoon tea... 

This week Sarah has been providing scones, jam & cream, brownies and drinks in the library with the chance to get away from the workplace. Still chance to pop up today before 4pm. Her excellent scones are made from this recipe. Colouring in sheets also available.

 Things read...

The Reading Group this week departed from our normal fiction selection to read 'Why I am no longer talking to white people about race'. You might be interested in the summary of our discussion.

It was universally appreciated (enjoyed doesn't quite seem the correct word) and many said they would read it again, that it was an important book and would recommend it to others. Most found it easy to read and understand though a few struggled a bit with it being not their normal type of reading matter  (non-fiction). Many mentioned the history chapter as the most informative and interesting. One or two felt that bits of the book turned a bit 'lecturery'. Comments about the 'Fear of a black planet' section were that it was easy to relate to and parts made us feel uncomfortable.  It was felt that it was a sobering reminder of the history that we are not taught and an eye-opener to the way education, health services, police etc have been structured to privilege some people and discriminate others. Positive discrimination was explained well in terms of the need to re-balance an organisation - whilst we recognised that it can also be divisive. The importance of us all speaking out in situations where we are aware of discrimination and having conversations on discrimination was the take-away message. 

Things about child poverty... 

The End Child Poverty Coalition has published figures on the rates of child poverty across the UK. The figures, which cover the period from 2014/15 to 2019/20, show that: in March 2020 half a million more children in the UK were living in poverty compared to five years ago, totalling 4.3 million children; child poverty is rising significantly in the North East of England; 75% of children living in poverty in 2019/20 lived in households with at least one working adult, up from 67% in 2014/15; and the highest rates of poverty are in larger cities, particularly Birmingham and London. The level of child poverty percentage rise in Yorkshire & Humberside is 5.4% and in Sheffield 5.6%

 Things coming soon... 

14th - 18th June is a week to celebrate NHS Knowledge and Library Services and Specialists. The week focuses on the invaluable work undertaken by NHS knowledge and library specialists [that's us!]. The week is an opportunity to highlight the range of ways in which NHS knowledge and library teams support all healthcare staff and learners [yes all of you!] to deliver informed decision making and evidence-based care across all areas of clinical and operational healthcare. 

We are going to receive 10 titles chosen by NHS staff as part of the 'Uplifting Resources for the NHS from the NHS' collection and will add them to our Leisure Reading collection when we recive them - number 4 on the list we already have available as it was a previous reading group book choice.

1. "Love in colour” by Bolu Babalola

2. “The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse” by Charlie Mackesey

3. “Three things about Elsie” by Joanna Cannon

4. “Before the coffee gets cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

5. “The lido” by Libby Page

6. “Where the crawdads sing” by Delia Owens

7. “The salt path” by Raynor Winn

8. “Calypso” by David Sedaris

9. “The lost spells” by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

10. “Happiness FM” by Mary Dickins

Things about children and the pandemic ... 

Barnardo's has published findings from and commented on a survey by YouGov on the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on children and young people's mental health. Findings from the poll, conducted with more than 4,000 children and young people aged 8- to 24-years-old, include: 29% of 8- to 15-year-olds reported feeling more stressed now than before the pandemic; the two most common issues that 8- to 15-year-olds were worried about were catching or spreading the virus and being behind in their studies; and the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who reported struggling with their mental health and wellbeing has increased from last year.

The Disabled Children's Partnership has published a report on the impact of the pandemic on disabled children, their siblings and their parents. The report shows the findings from the third in a series of surveys of disabled children and their families. It found: a high proportion of disabled children and their families are still experiencing severe levels of social isolation despite the easing of restrictions; over half of families are unable to access therapies vital for their disability; 60% of families are experiencing delays and challenges accessing health service appointments; and that disabled children and their families are at risk of developing additional long-term health problems.

Things to tell your colleagues... 

If you have ever  received a service from the library that has helped you then please tell someone around you. We try to advertise our services widely but still sometimes find people coming here saying "I've worked here # years - and I never knew we had a library". The dents in the wall from library staff hitting their heads against it may soon become an issue of concern to facilities - 'Save a librarian'! Seriously though, we know that most people who use our services do so because they were told about it by a colleague so do talk about us.

Things to be reading now... 

The next Reading Group meeting will be via Microsoft Teams on 7th July at 18:30. Please contact us if you would like the joining link or to be on the mailing list if you want to read along with us. The next book is 'American Dirt' a 2020 novel by American author Jeanine Cummins, about the ordeal of a Mexican woman who had to leave behind her life and escape as an undocumented immigrant to the United States with her son. A book which has provoked some controversy so it will be interesting to find out the opinions of our Reading Group.

Things away...

I will be off on my holidays for the next 2 weeks - trying to avoid the sight of the G7 leaders in their bathers and limousines stuck in Cornish lanes!  Apologies if the blog is missing as my colleagues may not have time to write it in my absence. Stay safe everyone. Now to stock up on my holiday reading!

Things to make...

With Cornwall in mind it has to be a Rick Stein fish recipe this week -  one of my favourite combinations hake and chorizo. Enjoy.

Things in the library 28th May...

 Things about free books... 

It’s been almost a month since World Book Night and we hope that if you were one of the people who collected a book from us that you enjoyed it! This year, there were over 100,000 books donated to organisations across the UK and Ireland, including libraries, prisons, hospitals, care homes, schools, and many more. 

If you did receive a book then World Book Night Organisation would love to have your feedback.

PS we have 2 copies left if you want to call up to the library.

Things about Genomics... 

The government will develop global standards and policies for sharing genomic health data under new plans that aim to make the UK a global leader in the area.The Genome Implementation Plan 2021-22 sets out bold ambitions to improve care, treatment and diagnosis using genome sequencing. Working with partners in the genomics community, the government set out 27 commitments to deliver over the next 12 months, including the development of global standards and policies for sharing genomic and related health data.

As part of this the National Institute for Health Research, Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust will contribute total of £4.5 million over the next five years to the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health to ensure the standards are easily accessible and usable by global genomic and data sharing programmes.

Other “high priority actions” include faster diagnosis and treatment of cancer; whole genome sequencing for patients with rare diseases; and the recruitment of five million people to take part in research to accelerate the detection of disease. The work builds upon the 100,000 Genomes Project, with the government now committing to sequencing one million whole genomes – 500,000 genomes in the NHS and 500,000 in UK Biobank – in a bid to transform healthcare in the UK and create jobs.

Things about innovation... 

An in-depth study examining approaches to spreading and adopting innovation in the health sector has been published by the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSN) to help AHSNs, and partners, understand and harness the AHSN collective experience and expertise.

The review, which identifies the different approaches used across the 15 AHSNs within the Network, highlights the complexity of spread work; the diversity of approaches; the influential factors; and provides recommendations for the future. This research provides the first aggregated view of approaches and challenges to spread and adoption across the AHSN Network, to help the AHSNs and our partners understand the complexity and variation. As well as mapping approaches across the AHSN Network, the review included a deep dive into the Transfers of Care Around Medicines (TCAM) national programme.

Read a summary of the report including additional recommendations for the wider health and care system based on the findings.

Things about patient safety... 

The recently published update to the NHS patient safety strategy outlined a new commitment to explore and address inequalities in patient safety.

New patient safety initiatives the strategy introduced:

• Patient Safety Syllabus – 13 May 2021, Health Education England in collaboration with Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) and NHS England and NHS Improvement, has published the first National patient safety syllabus. The syllabus will underpin the development of patient safety curricula for all NHS staff.
• Patient Safety Incident Management System (PSIMS) – November 2020, PSIMS will commence its public beta stage in early 2021. From this point, organisations with compatible local risk management systems will be able to start recording patient safety events on PSIMS instead of the existing National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS). 
• Patient safety partners – October 2020, our consultation on the draft ‘Framework for involving patients in patient safety’ closed 18 October 2020. A final version of the framework will be published in 2021 providing guidance on how the NHS can involve patients and their carers in their own safety; as well as being partners, alongside staff, in improving patient safety in NHS organisations. 
• Patient Safety Specialists – September 2020, we have launched the patient safety specialists initiative that will see NHS organisations identifying at least one member of staff to the role of their patient safety specialist, to oversee and support patient safety activities across their organisation. 
• Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) – 10 March 2020, we have published a new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) webpage, including details of our work with a small number of early adopters who are testing an introductory version of the framework. The PSIRF is being developed to replace the current Serious Incident Framework with updated guidance on how NHS organisations should respond to patient safety incidents, and how and when a patient safety investigation should be conducted. This testing phase will be used to inform the creation of a final version of the PSIRF which we anticipate will be published in Spring 2022.
• National Patient Safety Alerts –  the first National Patient Safety Alert was issued by our national patient safety team in November 2019 following its accreditation to issue the new types of alerts. All national bodies that issue alerts are going through a process of accreditation to issue National Patient Safety Alerts to ensure they meet a set criteria to improve their effectiveness and support providers to better implement the required actions. In March 2020 the MHRA became the second national body to be accredited

Things about obesity... 

There were more than one million admission to NHS hospitals in 2019/20 where obesity was a factor, according to new figures published by NHS Digital.

The Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet; England, 2021 is an annual compendium of data on obesity, including hospital admissions, prescription items, obesity prevalence among adults and children as well as physical activity and diet.

• 27% of men and 29% of women were obese. Around two thirds of adults were overweight or obese, this was more prevalent among men (68%) than women (60%)
•  
• Children living in the most deprived areas were more than twice as likely to be obese, than those living in the least deprived areas
•  
• 13.3% of Reception children living in the most deprived areas were obese compared to 6.0% of those living in the least deprived areas
•  
• 27.5% of Year 6 children living in the most deprived areas were obese compared to 11.9% of those living in the least deprived areas

Things to discuss... 

Reading Group next week will be talking about 'Why I am no longer talking to white people about race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge, please contact the library if you would like the joining link. The next book will be 'American Dirt' by Jeanine Cummins which will make for an interesting conversation following on from this month's book.

Things to do over the Bank Holiday... 

Stay safe! If you want to try to avoid the crowds there are some more unusual places to visit locally here ....but don't all go at once ....and do check opening times/booking etc if relevant. Who knew about the Star Disc?

Things to make...

Finally some lovely weather is being forecast so I expect the BBQs will be in operation this weekend. For a nice veggie recipe try asparagus rafts ... asparagus is in season in the shops now. 

Things in the library 14 May...

 Things for free... 

As a thank you to NHS workers: the chance to win a free paperback of Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club'. To celebrate the paperback publication of 'The Thursday Murder Club' and all the extraordinary work done by members of the NHS throughout the pandemic, Penguin are giving away 1000 books to NHS workers, sign-up to be entered in a draw.

Things for Mental Health Awareness week... 

Local artist, Hannah Flynn, and a small group of volunteers from NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group are the creative minds behind a new Sheffield Wellbeing colouring book that is also a guide to mental health services in the city. It’s been produced in partnership with Sheffield CCG, mental health charity, Sheffield Flourish and local people who use their services.

The aim of the guide is to close the digital divide which means that many people are missing out on the support they need because they do not have access to the internet. It has tips on improving emotional wellbeing and details of over 300 primarily Sheffield based mental health resources, plus some regional and national support organisations.

Each page has information on the left hand page and on the right hand page is a themed colouring page of Sheffield landmarks. Research has shown that colouring can reduce people’s stress and anxiety.

Copies of the guide will be available from local voluntary and community organisations across the city. To find out the nearest place to collect a free copy call Sheffield Flourish on 0114 273 7009.

The online mental health guide can be found at www.sheffieldmentalhealth.co.uk

Things in the library... 

Don't forget that, although we don't have any copies of the above book, we do have colouring sheets and pens for use in the library if you need some time-out.

Things about COVID & Obesity... 

WHO reports that COVID-19 is likely to negatively impact childhood obesity levels in the WHO European Region. School closures and lockdowns can impact access to school meals and physical activity times for children, widening inequalities. Childhood obesity prevention strategies should therefore remain a priority during the pandemic. 

The latest European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) data comes from 36 countries that participated in the survey during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 school years, measuring around 250 000 primary school-aged children. The COSI report holds the most comprehensive data for boys and girls on overweight, physical activity and dietary patterns.

Overall, the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was 29% in boys and 27% in girls aged 6 to 9 years; the prevalence of obesity was 13% in boys and 9% in girls. These figures hide wide variations between countries.

The highest proportions of childhood overweight and obesity were observed in Mediterranean countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain, where over 40% of boys and girls were overweight, and 19% to 24% of boys and 14% to 19% of girls were obese.

The lowest proportions of childhood overweight/obesity were observed in central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, where 5% to 12% of boys and girls were overweight and less than 5% were obese.

Things about attachment... 

NSPCC Learning has published new content on understanding attachment in children. The content looks at: why attachment is important; how children develop attachment; attachment and behaviours to look out for; how trauma can affect attachment; and ways to support parents and carers to develop a bond with their child

Things about Asthma... 

This integrative review in Journal of Pediatric Nursing looks at yoga & mindfulness in relation to asthma in children and adolescents. Despite the availability of treatments and educational methods, children with asthma continue to report an impaired quality of life, including symptoms of anxiety and inability to participate in physical activity. As complementary health approaches are becoming more popular and show promise in the management of many chronic diseases, the purpose of this integrative review is to examine the state of the science regarding popular complementary health approaches- yoga and mindfulness- for children and adolescents with asthma.

Things about nettles... 

Apparently today is the start of  'Be Nice to Nettles Week'... 

Image by Hans Braxmeier 
from Pixabay 

The stinging nettle is one of the most important native plants for wildlife in the UK. The nettle supports over 40 species of insect including some of our most colourful butterflies. The sting of the nettle prevents it being grazed by most animals so providing a safe place for insects. The stinging structure of the nettle is very similar to the hypodermic needle although it predates that man-made invention by millions of years! Each sting is actually a hollow hair stiffened by silica with a swollen base that contains the venom. The tip of this hair is very brittle and when brushed against, no matter how lightly, it breaks off exposing a sharp point that penetrates the skin and delivers its stinging payload. 

If cooking with nettles they are best when very tender, so pick them in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season when they’re growing well, but before they are flowering. Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Pick the young leaves from the tips.

Lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt or wash them in hot water. Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid. When wilted strip the leaves off the tough stems.Always cook nettles to destroy the stinging acid. 

Nettles are not suitable for salads!

Things about foraging... 

If you are out and about this weekend why not try foraging for some nettles or wild garlic (which smells wonderful when you bring it home).

Remember the foraging code

• the first rule of foraging is simple. Never eat anything poisonous! if you are not certain what it is don't eat it. Guide to nettles    Guide to wild garlic 
• take only what you want for personal consumption and pick with respect. Respect the trees, plants and mushrooms, the surrounding environment, wildlife that may have a dependence on with what you are taking, other people and their property.
• stay away from all Sites of Special Scientific Interest

So then you can make... 

There are many recipes for nettle soup but also other things you could try such as risotto and even nettle crisps or perhaps a wild garlic and cheddar tart .

Things in the library 27th Nov...

Things about balance... 

Young children growing up today have access to more screen-based experiences than any generation before them. Whether through smart televisions, on-demand streaming video, YouTube or mobile touchscreens, a remarkable amount of infant- and toddler-directed content vies for young children's attention. A quick YouTube search for ‘educational video toddler’ brings up a list of animated videos with nursery rhymes and songs, many with millions and millions of views, but none with evidence of educational value. Although research on background television documented its ability to interrupt parent–child verbal exchange  and play, little is known about how modern media activities influence children's everyday experiences, particularly the important serve-and-return interactions  that occur around play, reading and daily outings. In this issue of Acta Paediatrica, ‘Screen Use Relates to Decreased Offline Enrichment Activities’ explores the displacement hypothesis: the idea that child the more time children spend with screen-based activities, the less time they engage in pretend play, health-related behaviours (eg, physical activity and sleep) or social interactions with caregivers or peers. In the modern digital environment, there are many reasons—ranging from tokens and rewards for prolonged gameplay  to the satisfying design of toy unboxing videos—why children would grow to prefer screen-based activities to more health-promoting (albeit boring) ones. 

Things online... 

Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age. Online conference: 1pm-3pm, 11th-14th January 2021

Digital technology continues to evolve at an extraordinary rate, providing children and young people with countless opportunities for learning, development and socialisation. It also presents ever increasing threats to their wellbeing and safety which have intensified during the Covid pandemic. Safeguarding young people today requires all practitioners, parents and carers to be up to speed with how to safeguard online. The 4th national conference on Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age, which takes place online, will provide essential learning for the entire children’s workforce. They are bringing together leading online safety experts and safeguarding professionals to equip you with the understanding, skills and confidence to ensure children and young people stay safe in the digital age. 

The online conference takes place over four consecutive days with a series of two-hour, CPD-certified live sessions from Monday 11th to Thursday 14th January 2021 between 1pm and 3pm.

Things exciting...

It is our Reading Group Virtual Christmas party this week on Wednesday 2nd December - bring your own mulled wine. We are discussing The Silver Sword but also choosing our reading for the next year from the excellent suggestions put forward by our group. if you want to be part of this please email the library to ask for the link or to be put on the mailing list.

...and don't forget

We have a great selection of leisure reading you can borrow so make sure you stock up before Christmas!

Things about baby food... 

A cross-sectional survey of all infant food products available to buy in the UK online and in-store collected in 2019. Nutritional content and product descriptions were recorded and compared with an existing 2013 database. Fewer foods are now marketed to infants aged 4 months, but there has been no overall reduction in the sweetness of products and the increase in snack foods and the sweetness of savoury foods is a concern.

Things to take note of...  

Some changes in our opening hours coming up. We will be closed for staff training some or all of  Monday 7th Dec (precise details next week and in the library bulletin). We will also be closed for Christmas from 21st December (this day we will be doing our annual stocktake) until we re-open on 4th January.

Things Hygge...  

I have really missed being able to go to the university restaurant for their Hygge season this year but as we are seemingly destined to spend more time at home over the winter it is something to embrace. Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living, says “The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,”  A few things to make your life more Hygge..candles, cosy blankets, hot chocolate, a good book, a board game instead of screentime, mindfulness  and perhaps a warming stew cooking in the slowcooker. I notice that Sandi Toksvig is starting a new series on BBC Radio 4 about Hygge starting on 2nd Dec at 18:30.

So something to cook...

This traditional Danish meal was a very popular amongst poor Danish farmers for the simple reason that it is cheap, quick to make and very satisfying. For non-Danes, it provides a glimpse into a very traditional type of Danish meal Burning Love - (Brændende Kærlighed)

Things in the library 24th July...

Things not in the library...

I have been on holiday most of this week so a short blog today.

Things digital... 

This article in Archives of Disease in Childhood Lessons learnt transitioning to a digital conference during the COVID-19 pandemic gives some useful ideas and tips for organising an online conference.

Things to do with diaries... 

Apparently keeping diaries is quite an English obsession and this chap with an amazing beard and name has launched an initiative to keep and preserve them. Finkel talks about his extraordinary discoveries of some of the most personal, intimate and detailed historical objects. Focusing on the diaries of 'real people' - as opposed to the published memoirs of politicians and other people of public interest - he discusses how we can learn about the past by allowing the voices of the past to speak to us through the ages. Be prepared for a passionate appeal to preserve diaries for future readers and learn how you can contribute to our understanding of the past. So if you write a diary or have inherited some from other people you might be interested in this.

Things to read...  

Diaries are always fascinating and  a book I have always enjoyed is Nella Last's War  written as part of the Mass Observation scheme during World War II. Also made into a TV film by Victoria Wood in 2006 as Housewife, 49.

Things shared... 

Shared decision making (SDM) is an approach whereby physicians and patients share in the decision-making process in a 2-way (or sometimes 3- or 4-way) conversation incorporating best available evidence and patient preference. In this article in the J Allergy Clin Immunol Practice  The Challenges and Opportunities for Shared

Decision Making Highlighted by COVID-19 The authors say that the pandemic provides a unique opportunity to reexamine how we provide

care.

Things to eat... 

Apparently it is cheescake day in America next week, not a particular a favourite with me but my husband made this Strawberry cheescake very successfully for a party (remember those) last August.

Things in the library 3 July...

Things about productivity... 

An interesting radio program this week on Britain's problem with productivity with help from Professor Nick Bloom who says he has a solution for office based workers and the evidence to prove it.  In an experiment with workers working from home he found that they were 13% more effective, and when he excluded the participants who didn't like working at home the increase in productivity of the group was 20%. The ability to concentrate with fewer interuptions was the main reason but with downsides of isolation and lonliness being also mentioned. Certainly more people will be working from home in the future and this programe had some interesting aspects to the topic I hadn't considered before.Time in the work environment  was also important on a regular basis as was the importance of chance meetings with colleagues...which brings me to...

Things random...  

Our first Virtual Randomised Coffee Trial took place in June and those who took part have given some excellent feedback.

• Really enjoyed meeting a new colleague and finding out how we might support their team. 
• It worked well and virtual meetings could be useful for people meeting across sites
• I enjoyed it and found it very interesting to chat to people that you wouldn't normally get to meet with.
• It was a lovely experience and we have already connected in order to keep in touch

100% of the people who took part learnt something new, 91% said it widened their professional newtowk and 58% met via Microsoft teams.  Now that we are all much more used to meeting up virtually I think this would be a good option (in addition to meeting face-to-face) going forward, as in the past some colleagues have been unable to meet due to differences in working patterns and workplace...next RCT will probably be in October.  

 

Things to read... 

Our next Reading Group book is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and our virtal meeting will be Wed 5th August at 18:15 to 19:15. If you would like to join either the mailing list or the next online meeting please contact the library.

Theodore Decker was 13 years old when his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The tragedy changes the course of his life, sending him on a stirring odyssey of grief and guilt, reinvention and redemption, and even love. Through it all, he holds on to one tangible piece of hope from that terrible day -- a painting of a tiny bird chained to its perch.

Things to eat... 

I never know whether to suggest hot warming food or refreshing cooling salads at the moment, so I will go with a warm goats' cheese salad today!