Friday, 30 April 2021

Things in the Library 30th April...

Things closed...

The library will be closed on Monday for the Bank Holiday. 

Things to attend... 

Reading Group is next Wed at 18:30 to 19:30 via teams meeting. Please contact the library if you would like to be added to the circulation list to receive the link. This month's book is the Midnight Library.


Things published by SCH staff... 

If you search our catalogue or receive information about new items we have added to the library, then you may have come across items labelled 'Repository SCH publications'. We regularly search for journal articles written by SCH staff and when we find them we add them to our catalogue. The full details of the record will include a link to the PubMed abstract so you can find out more, but not necessarily obtain the full text (this will depend on the access rights we have). We only index SCH authors so don't be surprised if some of your co-authors are missing. There are currently over 580 items catalogued - have you written anything recently...is your article there?

Things coming soon...

The next Randomised Coffee Trial - your chance to meet up with other SCH staff to have a 30 min chat about whatever you like - will be taking place in June. We always get wonderful feedback from people who take part so if you have never quite dared to sign-up before why not try it in June? Subject to restrictions in place at the time, you can arrange to meet outdoors or online.  The sign-up link will be open and advertised next week. If you do sign-up then please respond to the emails from your allotted partner (even if you have to cancel) as it is not fair for them to get no response.

Things to read on a Monday... 

All SCH staff will receive the Library Bulletin by email on a Monday morning. Do scan through this as there is a wealth of information to help you in your work. Information will include new evidence such as  guidelines or reports published, events taking place and journal articles of likely to be of interest including new items on COVID-19. Items that you cannot access yourself will be provided free of charge if they are Bulletin or SCH Repository items

Things ceasing ... 

Sadly after 10 years our e-prompt current awareness service is having to close. This service has been in operation since 2011 and sents out 285 emails to 100 subscribers.

Unfortunately, Google has not developed their Feed Burner service for several years and they announced last week that the email subscription element of it would be ceasing. This was the lynchpin which made our e-prompt service so effective. 

Things replacing it... 

We have several alternative options which may be suitable for you - though none will be quite the same as e-prompt.

  • If you are SCH staff, you can join the library and sign-up for our Monthly Articles of Interest service. If you are already a library member but previously opted out of the Monthly Articles of Interest, then please email us to add you to the list.
  • If you have key journals which you want to keep monitoring, then you can usually sign up to their ToC Alerts (Table of Contents) by email or by subscribing to their RSS feeds.
  • You can visit our NetVibes site (which is what was behind our e-prompt service) where you will see contents pages and other links to resources arranged by subject.  If you have specific journals you would like to see included on a subject tab please let us know.
  • You can set up alerts in PubMed on specific subjects.
  • If you are SCH staff and would like help tailoring your current awareness, then please Book a Librarian session and we will give you what help we can.

Things to make... 

A very easy seasonal recipe to make a Goat's cheese, asparagus and tarragon tart or it can easily be adapted to any other similar filling of your choice.  There are some alternative topping ideas here. 

Roll out a rectangle of bought puff pastry, beat together equal amounts of soft goat's cheese and crème fraiche (approx 100g of each), 1 egg, garlic and tarragon (or other herbs) with a little lemon zest and seasoning. Lightly score around the edge of the puff pastry leaving about a 1 cm border. Spread the mixture inside the scored border then place asparagus spears on top brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and parmesan.. Bake for 25/30 mins at 220C. Leave to cool and ideally serve  at room temperature.


Friday, 23 April 2021

Things in the library 23 April...

 Things that are 70...

As you may recall last year was our 70th birthday...celebrations sadly curtailed or cancelled, though we did create an online quiz or similar for each month of the year. However another 70th birthday to be celebrated is that of the Peak District - that glorious resource we are so fortunate to which we have easy access. The Peak District was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks and was designated on 17th April, 1951. It covers 555 sq miles (1,438km) in the heart of England (that’s about the size of Greater London). 

Some interesting facts:

  • The lead for white paint in Vermeer’s painting of Girl with a Pearl Earring came from the Peak District.
  • Peak District reservoirs supply surrounding towns and cities with 450 million litres of water each day. 
  • Peak District blanket peat bogs act as a ‘carbon reservoir’ that locks in CO² - it’s almost as effective at combating global warming as the tropical rainforests. [Please buy peat free garden compost!]
  • Mountain hares; the only UK population outside the Scottish highlands
Poet and recording artist Mark Gwynne Jones is creating a series of audio artworks to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Peak District National Park the third chapter will be released on 24 April, 2021.

Things for free... 

Today is World Book Night and we have been able to obtain some of the free books to distribute - going like hot cakes but still some available in the library; come and pick one up, read it and then pass it on. The book we have available is Stories to make you smile - a seriously entertaining collection of feelgood stories guaranteed to put the smile back on your face written especially by ten bestselling novelists.

Things about research with children... 

NatCen has published a blog based on their qualitative study looking at the feasibility of conducting research with children on child abuse. The research included interviews with professionals, children and parents and guardians and found that participants agreed a survey on child abuse completed by children would have societal and individual benefits. It also identified a range of issues that would need to be carefully thought through before piloting or administering a survey of this nature, to minimise the risk that children would be negatively impacted by taking part.

Things about food poverty... 

The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has published a report following an inquiry looking at food poverty. The report estimates that 1.7 million children live in households without reliable access to sufficient affordable and nutritious food in the UK.  Recommendations to government include: the introduction of a Food Security Minister to ensure all relevant departments prioritise the issue of food insecurity; and ensuring that families with children eligible for free school meals continue to be able to feed their children.

Things about Reading Group... 

The Reading Group for SCH staff (and also some former staff and University staff) has been going since 2017 and didn't miss a beat when the pandemic struck, so we currently meet online. It works well and although it's not the same as being able to sit in a group to chat along with a drink and some nibbles it is a lovely group of people. If you want to be included in the mailing list for the books we are reading please contact the library. Our next book is 'The Midnight Library' on 5th May. If you want to see the books we have read previously and what we thought about them follow this link.

Things about e-books... 

We have access to e-books through national NHS collections as mentioned here last week but we also have some medical e-books which we purchase ourselves. These can be accessed for free via your NHS Open Athens account and if there is a particular book that would be useful for your team then please check out if it is already available to you or ask us if you would like to consider purchasing it. You can also request to 'borrow' a book for a short time if you don't think buying it is appropriate. Last year SCH staff used 31 titles, downloaded 6 books and 2 chapters. Items that we have already bought will be listed in our normal library catalogue and from the search page there is also another link to the Proquest e-book library as above. 

Things to make...

To celebrate St George's Day today how about tackling a traditional Yorkshire dish ...  a Yorkshire curd tart. If making pastry isn't your thing then you could buy ready made pastry - the filling is actually really easy but you need to prepare the curds overnight and use full-fat milk.





Friday, 16 April 2021

Things in the library 16th April...

 Things about diversity... 

A new range of e-books about diversity, provided by HEE, have been added to the library catalogue. Some excellent titles that may be of interest to you. The details are on this link and you will need to sign in with your NHS Open Athens account to access them for free. If you don't have an Athens account and you work for the NHS then please sign up here.

Things about serious case reviews... 

The NSPCC catalogue serious case reviews so you can easily find them in one place if you need to. This link takes you to the ones published in March 2021. If you click on the title of each one you will find a brief summary of the case and the findings and also a link to the free full report. You can also search for other past reviews there or our own catalogue for ones relating to Sheffield area.

Things about depression... 

I spotted an interesting article this week "Association between Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Depression Symptoms in Young People and Adults Aged 15-45: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies". Despite some reservations about some of the studies, the authors conclude that evidence seems to be building that a possible association exists, and this may have implications for addressing the burden of mental illness in young people and adults aged 15-45 years. 

Things about modern slavery... 

The Home Office has updated the statutory guidance on identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery. It describes the signs that someone may be a victim of modern slavery, the support available to victims, and the process for determining whether someone is a victim.

Things about looked after children... 

The Mayor of London has published a protocol setting out the roles and responsibilities of groups involved in the care of looked-after children and care leavers in reducing their involvement in crime. The protocol covers: children’s home carers; foster parents; police officers; the Crown Prosecution Service; health services and local authorities. The organisations who have signed the protocol have agreed: that diversion from the criminal justice system should be at the heart of any response to offending behaviour; to listen and learn from children and young people; and ask ‘would this response be good enough for my child?’

Things to attend...

There are a wide range of events available to the public via the University of Sheffield. This page lists the upcoming ones including: history, science, libraries of the future, mental health for NHS, patient reported outcome measures and vegetables for pre-school children. 

Things to make... 

Plenty of al-fresco dining going on I expect at the moment with some meeting possible in gardens. This is a great sharing meal to make Roasted ratatouille & goat’s cheese tart - check the comments as some people have found the mixture larger in quantity...or perhaps they need a bigger tin to cook it. 

Friday, 9 April 2021

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.

Friday, 19 March 2021

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]






Friday, 12 March 2021

Things in the library 12th March...

 Things about obesity... 

The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), was  recently published in an article in the journal Nutrients and in a WHO/Europe factsheet which summarizes the data.

According to the findings, which present the dietary habits of 132 489 children, 78.8% of children eat breakfast, 42.5% consume fresh fruit every day and 22.6% consume vegetables every day. 10.3% of children consume sweet snacks and 9.4% soft drinks on a daily basis. However, there are significant differences between eating habits from country to country.

Overall, the WHO findings from this study highlight that action is urgently needed to promote healthy eating habits among children in all the countries of the European Region, especially to increase daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“A healthy diet includes high consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, daily breakfast consumption and discouraging routine consumption of nutrient-poor foods that are high in sugars, saturated fats, trans fats and salt,” said Dr Kremlin Wickramasinghe, ad interim Programme Manager, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, WHO/Europe.

Things about women's health... 

An online consultation has been launched by Department of Health and Social Care which is seeking to collect views on women’s health. It will run for a period of 12 weeks and is open to everyone aged 16 or over. This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 30 May 2021. This to help inform the development of the government’s Women’s Health Strategy. The easiest way to participate in the call for evidence as an individual is by completing the public survey

They also welcome written submissions from individuals or organisations who have expertise in women’s health, such as researchers and third-sector organisations. Written submissions can include the contribution of data, research and other reports of relevance to women’s health.

Things about women's safety... 

In the news at the moment but you may not be aware of  'Our Bodies Our Streets' campaign in Sheffield on practical ways to help women feel safer.

The Sheffield based campaign is tackling the issues of catcalling and sexual harassment in our city. They are using art, conversation and protest to empower victims of harassment to celebrate their bodies and exercise without fear.

Kerry Lindeque, a member of the group who is studying at the University of Sheffield, says: "Everybody has the right to exercise and everybody should have the right to go for a walk, especially in lockdown because it's so important and has such a big impact on our mental health. But as soon as it gets dark a lot of women don't feel safe on the streets because you have people stalking you, you have people catcalling you, you have cars driving slowly past you."

She said that those who decide to go into parks to avoid those slow-driving cars then don't feel the parks are particularly safe either. The group have also created an online map, documenting people's experiences of harassment in Sheffield. Kerry, 20, says the aim is to "validate" people's experiences so they feel listened to, as well as to highlight the extent of the problem.

Keeping up to date... 

There is so much information available 'out there' that it can be bewildering and overwhelming. In terms of your work in SCH we try to help by sending out a monthly bulletin with information about articles we have found in which you might be interested. We currently send this to over 600 people in the trust so if you are not receiving it and want to give it a try please register with the library  and select 'Yes' for receiving the latest evidence. Also be sure to check out our Library Bulletin which is sent out every Monday morning to all staff in the trust.

Virtual Arts & Culture... 

Whilst we are all longing to be able to go out and about more and away from our screens it will be some time before that is possible. 


If you haven't previously discovered Google Arts & Culture you might be interested in some of their offerings, from online jigsaw puzzles to going on some explorations.

Things to eat... 

I have been trying hard over the past few months to avoid buying out of season air-freighted foods. We are so used to having everything available all the time but I love the seasonality of foods...and don't get me started on hot-cross buns in the shops at Christmas! We had this Harissa cauliflower pilaf last night which was really tasty and the recipe worked well.

Friday, 5 March 2021

Things in the library 5th March...

Things for children... 

If you are looking for new books for your children then you might be interested in the recently announced longlists for the 2021 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals. The Medals celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration respectively and are unique in being judged by children’s librarians, with the Shadowers’ Choice Award voted for by children and young people. 40 titles have been longlisted for the 2021 Medals (20 on each longlist) selected from a total of 152 nominations, read by an expert volunteer team of 15 children’s and youth librarians from across the UK.

More things about books... 

Yesterday was World Book Day and this link was suggested to us by a member of staff as there are many activities people might be interested in for their children. 

We have been fortunate to obtain some books to give away for World Book Night in April-  we will announce how they will be available as soon as we can.



Things to attend online... 

ScHARR are changing some of their courses to an online format. Please find links to their online courses below, as well as their usual face-to-face programme. Please contact them directly if you want more information or to book.

ScHARR SHORT COURSES: January - 31st July 2021

Things about long Covid... 

Long COVID is defined as “signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19 that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.”
The Long Covid: Post Covid syndrome section of  the Health Education England, Knowledge and Library Services website signposts information from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, post-Covid fatigue booklets and exercise plans as well as ways to support emotional wellbeing.

Things about paediatrics... 
In February The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) published a report setting out their vision for the future of paediatrics in the UK focusing on four areas - data, innovation, models of care and working lives. The report is the result of discussions with paediatricians, other health colleagues and nearly 900 children and young people across all four nations. The report forecasts increases in mental health, substance use and the consequences of prematurity for adolescents and young adults over the next 20 years. Children and young people were asked what their top priorities and ideas for paediatrics in the next 20 years would be. Suggestions include supporting people with their mental health, improving and learning from mental health support during the Covid-19 pandemic and  working with children to find new ways to explain things, using child friendly language and helping children to learn about topics like LGBTQ+, eating disorders, drugs and alcohol.

Things about going back to school... 

NSPCC Learning has updated its content to help support children and young people in the UK who are transitioning back to school. Topics covered include: safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures; recognising and responding to concerns; the impact of coronavirus on children’s mental health; and supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.


Things to eat... 
This is on my list of recipes to try soon as I love Middle East flavours (and I have a bag of pomegranate seeds in the freezer bought as an experiment to see what they are like!). This Harissa cauliflower pilaf is vegan/vegetarian and cooks in the oven.