Half Time in the Global Challenge!

We’re now half way through the 100 day 2017 Global Challenge and The Library Stampers have been ‘stepping out’ and building up the step count; 4,266,884 steps to date. It’s about time for a short rest and a cup of tea to contemplate the journey so far, and to give ourselves a little pat on the back.

The team have (virtually) walked across America to Canada, then back down and admired the Statue of Liberty, sunbathed in Cuba, hung out with the Sloths in the Amazon Jungle, took in the view from Table Mountain in Cape Town and have now reached the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. 

Along the way we have been collecting more virtual trophies for setting and beating personal bests, completing mini challenges set by the Global Challenge organisation and setting personal step milestones such as 500,000 steps. We are also in the Trust's top 10 most improved teams.

The last 50 days have made us more aware of how much (or how little exercise) we do each day and how it can be tricky fitting it in between the daily commute and a desk job.

The Global Challenge is also about general health and wellbeing and provides useful information, hints and tips on improving nutrition, mindfulness and sleep quality.  We may be tired but we're looking forward to the next 50 days!

Disruption to library catalogue & out of hours access Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of July

Due to an essential software upgrade to our Library Management System there will be some disruption to our online catalogue from 4 pm on Monday the 24th of July and overnight. The upgrade process is scheduled to finish late morning on Tuesday the 25th of July after some testing.

During this period library staff will also not be able to access the system.

You will still be able to search for items (although some periods of disruption where there is no access are possible), but you will not be able to log in, reserve or renew items.

Our self-issue machines will also be out of action, but you will still be able to borrow items or request the renewal of a current loan.

There will also be some disruption to out of hours access and users may find they are unable to swipe into the libraries at Berrywood and Northampton General over night.

Apologies for any inconvenience. 

A mile in my shoes: stories from health and social care

In 2016, the Health Foundation teamed up with the Empathy Museum to develop a collection of stories from people working in, and using, health and social care in the UK. With each story that was shared, the individual donated a pair of shoes.

A Mile in My Shoes is an interactive shoe shop that invites you to step into someone else’s shoes and embark on a mile-long physical, emotional and imaginative journey to see the world through their eyes.

This collection of stories showcases the remarkable contribution and challenges faced by those working in, and using, our health and social care system.

Re-imagined for digital audiences, you can now share in this immersive experience online.

Important changes to the BNF and BNFC apps

There is a new version of the BNF and BNFC apps now available.

The previous versions produced by NICE will soon stop being updated and so it is important to install the new one in order to ensure you are using the latest information.

The good news is that the new version has been completely redesigned and no longer requires you to log in with an OpenAthens password. The app is being made freely available to any non-commercial users in the UK (it is not available outside the UK)

The new version also contains all the information from both the BNF and the BNFC in a single interface (you can select which you want from a drop down menu).

The app can be configured to automatically update itself (which is does on a monthly basis) so you can always be sure you are using the most current information.

There is also an evidence grading feature where you can see the strength of the evidence behind recommendations within the content.

The app is currently available for iOS (Apple) and Android devices. There is no Windows phone version at present.

For more information please see the BNF App FAQs page.

Web site of the month: Educator Hub

Educator Hub is a new e-learning resource aimed at educators and supervisors of doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists that has recently gone live.

The content, which is hosted on the Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) Hub, includes both academic and video-based practical modules, such as supervision, feedback, workplace based assessments and Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP).

These have been migrated from HEE Kent, Surrey, Sussex's e-Training for Trainers (etft) platform together with London's Multi-professional Faculty Development modules. Complementary content from other regions will also be included to produce a national resource.

Modules are linked to the new 'Professional Development Framework for Educators' which is being adopted in London and South East in the first instance. The framework domains map to professional regulatory standards for education and training including HEE's Quality Framework standards and are applicable to all educators working in clinical practice and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as guidance for best practice.

Nearly 50 modules will be available initially, with complementary resources from elsewhere to be included in due course. All the resources are free to access (just browse the catalogue of modules). Registration with the site allows you to track your learning, provide feedback and keep copies of certificates of completion.