Things in the library 9th April...

 I hope you all had time for some sort of break over Easter and were able to enjoy the warm days that we had before we returned to winter. Please note the library will be closed on Wed 14th April in the morning until 13:00. This is for staff training - sorry for any inconvenience

Things to read... 

The last book which we read in the Reading Group proved popular 'Once upon a River by Setterfield and our next is Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The next meeting will be via Microsoft teams on 5th May at 18:30. Please contact the library if you would like the joining link.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

Things statistical... 

We are often asked if the trust provides statistical help for research projects  - we have some books of course and the Research Dept are trying to arrange some more structured help - particularly advice before a project is started. However we do now have SSPS software installed on one computer in the library so if you know what you are doing and how to use this then you are welcome to contact the library to book a session to use it. We cannot currently offer any training.

Things about children's brain development... 

Sharing the Science (now known as Sharing the Brain Story) is a programme that aims to help professionals and families understand child brain development and how it can be affected by early adversity. The programme uses six metaphors to explain key aspects of early child development, the impact of adversity, and the factors that can lead to abuse and neglect.

The NSPCC evaluated a programme pilot conducted in Glasgow to understand professionals’ experiences of attending a Sharing the Science workshop and using the Sharing the Science metaphors in practice. They also conducted focus groups with parents, carers and young people to explore their responses to the Sharing the Science metaphors. The report and more information on 'Building a shared understanding of child brain development between professionals and families' can be found via the link.

Online training using Clinical Skills Net...

Various mandatory and other SCH training is now hosted by Clinical Skills Net. The library introduced this to the Trust and so helps with registration of users. We are however inundated unnecessarily with requests for help which don't actually need to come to us and also old information is still be circulated in some departments causing confusion. The flowchart below will help - please use this in your areas of work for Clinical Staff needing to access CSN. Thank you for your help.

Things about youth involvement in chronic illness... 

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health,  have previously worked with young people in their podcasts, Commission, and cover art, but they recognise that they can do more. The message from  their young collaborators—that there should be “nothing about us without us”—is loud and clear. To ensure the work they do is meaningful and important to the next generation, they say they must include them as partners in research.

As a first step, they are creating a youth advisory panel as they relaunch their International Advisory Board. We are looking for five individuals aged 16–24 years from diverse backgrounds, who have lived experience of a chronic illness, a passion for health advocacy, or an interest in global child health and rights. The panel will contribute to the journal's content and advise on editorial priorities. They look forward to receiving applications before the 30th April. You may have current or former patients you know who would be interested in this opportunity.

Things to make... 

The news that HRH Prince Philip has passed away this morning came through whilst I was writing this blog. Although a divisive figure in some respects he was obviously a great support to HM Queen Elizabeth and gave many years service to the country. So with reference to his Greek roots I have chosen this recipe to make this week - a classic Moussaka.

Things in the library 19th March...

 Things not in the library... 

Me until after Easter, so there may not be a blog for the next couple of weeks - so if you celebrate it may I wish you all a Happy Easter in advance. The library will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday re-opening on Tuesday 6th April.

Things from 1949... 

We have reciprocal arrangements with libraries across the UK which is where we source most of the articles we supply to you via our Article Request service.  This week I was asked to supply an article to another health library from a 1949 issue of the Lancet. This necessitated the deployment of the step ladder and initiated a little cloud of dust, as these are not consulted frequently. They are always fascinating however and this article was no exception - The Seven Sins of Medicine. This was in a lecture by Richard Asher MD to medical students "in the hope that those students who wish to avoid them may do so and those who wish to indulge in them may enlarge their repertoire or refine their techniques". A humorous article but making a serious point with some poignant examples of bad practice. The seven sins listed are obscurity, cruelty, bad manners, over specialisation, love of the rare, stupidity and sloth. If anyone would like a copy of the article please contact the library - or come and explore some of our older journals yourself.

Things about obesity... 

Whilst attending a dept audit meeting recently (do let us know if you would like us to support your department in the way) I was interested to learn about Sheffield's Live Lighter service. They provide brief interventions weight management training aimed at all professionals working across Sheffield that regularly engage with children and young people under 18. It will encourage a considered approach to bringing up the topic of weight management with children and their families and provide a suggested standardised process of how to have a quick, positive and opportune conversation around the topic when talking to those that it may be relevant to. It will also involve an overview of Live Lighter’s specialised free weight management programme for families in Sheffield and how professionals can refer to that (training is usually 1 hour but can be adapted in length if required.) If there are any teams or individuals that would like to access training, please email and they will appoint a staff member to arrange/deliver. For NHS staff this Sharepoint link should open a video telling you more about their work. Any difficulties please contact the library.

Things to 'attend'... 

An 'on-demand' production from Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. From writer Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), The Band Plays On is a rousing night of extraordinary tales and live music. Funny, moving and often unexpected, these episodes from our past might start to show us a way forward. Stories of solidarity and survival from the Steel City, punctuated by songs from some of Sheffield’s best-loved bands and artists. You can purchase a pass for 3 days' access at a time that suits you from Tuesday 16 until Sunday 28 March. This has had excellent reviews so I hope to watch it this weekend. 

Things about Clinical Skills Net... 

Some of the Trust's mandatory training is hosted on this platform. You will need an account set up to access this, so if you haven't already done so please email the library with the following information.

• your assignment number (found on ESR or your payslip)
• your ESR staff category
• your nhs.net email address

We cannot register you without this information

Things to make... 

Make a classic Simnel cake for Easter - a spicy fruit cake covered in marzipan and traditionally with 11 small marzipan balls decorating the top (one for each of the apostles). Simnel cakes have been known since at least medieval times, the meaning of the word "simnel" is unclear: there is a 1226 reference to "bread made into a simnel", which is understood to mean the finest white bread, from the Latin simila – "fine flour" (from which 'semolina' also derives). [source Wikipedia]