A lasting legacy
Award-winning garden is a
5 Trust marks 10 years of supporting Hello My Name Is… 6-7 A legacy of courage 8-9 7 Commitments in focus
Leeds Children’s Hospital Neuromuscular Service recognised as ‘Centre of Excellence’
Kidney transplant reaches record 50-year milestone 12-13 Staff shine at annual awards
Team Leeds success at the 46th British Transplant Games
Leeds Endometriosis team introduce robotic surgery and new research studies to advance treatment 16 5,000 mums and babies join the Born and Bred in Leeds maternity research study
Way update
Bulletin is produced quarterly by the Communications Department. Photography by Medical Illustration Design by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd
Send your feedback, ideas and suggestions for the next edition to communications.lth@nhs.net
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5 Hello My Name Is… campaign relaunched
4 Garden sanctuary for stroke survivors
6-7
12-13
Rob Burrow leaves a powerful legacy Staff shine at annual staff awards
Teams on fire at British Transplant Games
60 Seconds with Tommy Lee
14 25
Secretary of State for Health visits Leeds Cancer Centre
In August, Health and Social Care
Secretary Wes Streeting visited St James’s Hospital to see first hand the innovative approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment being delivered to patients.
During a visit to the hospital’s cancer centre, Wes Streeting saw its new MRI Simulator which produces highdefinition, high-contrast images of a patient’s organs, so more precise and targeted treatment can be delivered while reducing the risk of side-effects. He also saw how AI can be used to analyse these images to plan treatments more quickly than a doctor alone.
Wes Streeting also received a demonstration of a new device which spots and destroys liver cancer tumours using focused ultrasound waves –without damaging healthy tissue. This offers a safer alternative to radiotherapy. It could improve quality of life for many patients going through treatment –reducing time spent in hospital, surgical complications, and recovery time. The company behind the device, HistoSonics,
hopes to extend the treatment to other organs in the future – working the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre. The Government is looking to roll out similar technology across the country to help improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Secretary of State also received a demonstration of interactive 3D hologram technology – developed by HoloCare – which aims to reduce the risk of surgical complications for patients and improve their overall outcomes.
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “We were really pleased to welcome the Secretary of State to St James’s Hospital to see some of the brilliant innovation here in Leeds. One of our commitments at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is to strengthen our culture of research and innovation, and we are passionate about harnessing the power of technology to make life better for patients and staff in healthcare. We are proud to be working alongside innovators in technology, education and healthcare to pioneer new treatments and care that will be game-changing for the NHS.”
Welcome to the Autumn issue of Bulletin
The racist, faith-based far-right violence our country experienced during the summer shone further light on some of the very serious abuse – racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism - that colleagues in our hospitals sadly experience every day. We are committed to ensuring all our staff feel safe, and I firmly believe that you should be able to come to work without fear of violence, abuse, or harassment. We can all do something to make a difference, and I encourage all staff to role model inclusive behaviours and support each other to challenge inappropriate behaviour wherever it is experienced.
In this issue of Bulletin there are two great examples of people making a difference through believing in something better, even in in the face of tremendous adversity – and the powerful legacies those people have left behind.
You’ll read about the first steps on the construction journey towards the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Rob’s legacy will be one of daring to dream for something better, and thanks to the donations of thousands of people to the Leeds Hospitals Charity campaign, that dream is fast on the way to becoming a reality.
You’ll also read about one of our simplest and most effective campaigns for delivering patient-centred care – introducing who we are to the patients we care for. In July, on the anniversary of Dr Kate Granger’s death, we relaunched her Hello My Name Is… campaign here in our hospitals where it all began.
I hope you are able to draw inspiration to make a stand and act for something better – here, today.
Kind regards
Prof. Phil Wood Chief Executive
Award-winning garden is a sanctuary for rehabilitation and recovery
In the grounds of Chapel Allerton Hospital, a unique and inspiring project has blossomed—a garden designed for the recovery and rehabilitation of stroke patients. This sanctuary, called the Stroke Association Garden for Recovery, embodies the therapeutic power of nature and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
A vision of healing through nature
The concept behind the Garden for Recovery is rooted in the growing recognition of the positive impact nature can have on physical and mental health. For stroke survivors, recovery can be a challenging journey filled with physical rehabilitation, emotional adjustments, and the need for social support. The garden provides a nurturing environment to address these needs holistically.
Gardens have long been acknowledged for their restorative benefits, for significantly reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall mood. For stroke survivors, these benefits are crucial to their recovery process. The Garden for Recovery offers a serene and supportive setting where patients can find solace and motivation while building confidence before they leave hospital.
Dr Alex Ward, Stroke Rehabilitation Consultant, said: “The garden will give patients a place that is more meaningful and less like hospital as they are transitioning from rehabilitation to home.”
Therapeutic rehabilitation and recovery
Staff encourage patients to actively participate in therapeutic rehabilitation to help improve motor skills, coordination, and strength. This new space provides patients with a supportive and stress-free environment to work on regaining their cognitive abilities.
Social interaction is another critical component of the garden’s therapeutic value. Patients can visit the garden with their families and connect with others who are on similar recovery journeys. The sense of community and shared experience can significantly enhance emotional wellbeing, reducing feelings
of isolation and fostering a positive outlook on recovery.
Kevin Doughty, stroke survivor, said: “The garden is a lovely place for people like me and my family to use to help with my recovery. It’s very peaceful and helps me reconnect with the outside world and build confidence while having rehabilitation therapy.”
Design and features of the garden
Designed by award-winning landscape designer, Miria Harris, herself a stroke survivor, the garden features wide pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids, ensuring accessibility for all. The beds are filled with a variety of plants chosen for their sensory appeal through sight, smell, and touch. The trees, with their gently twisted branches, are strongly emblematic of the non-linear stroke recovery process.
Miria said: “It’s the most meaningful garden I’ve ever designed; it’s about storytelling and how nature aids recovery.”
Seating areas are thoughtfully positioned to provide a place for relaxation, reflection and much-needed respite from the clinical environment of the hospital, fostering a sense of normalcy and tranquillity.
Dame Linda Pollard, Trust Chair, said:
“The garden is delightful and represents a beautiful, lasting legacy which will support stroke survivors throughout their recovery for many years to come.”
Commitment to sustainability
Environmental sustainability is a core principle in the garden’s design. Native plants are predominantly used, as they require less water and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. The garden includes features that reduce the carbon footprint and demonstrate the feasibility of renewable energy sources in healthcare settings.
Craige Richardson, Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “The garden is hugely beneficial to our patients and positively impacts the environment. It increases the biodiversity of the landscape and enhances green infrastructure, a building block for climate resilience that supports our longerterm Sustainability commitment.”
The Stroke Association, a leading charity dedicated to supporting stroke survivors, played a pivotal role in initiating the project. The garden is sponsored by Project Giving Back, the grant-giving charity that funds gardens for good causes at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. The garden won a bronze medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.
Kevin Doughty, stroke survivor (front centre) joins LTHT colleagues in the Garden for Recovery.
Trust marks 10 years of supporting Hello My Name Is…
The simple step of saying ‘Hello, My Name Is…’ to a patient, is instantly comforting, and it’s the reason why Dr Kate Granger launched her campaign of the same name in 2013.
Dr Kate Granger, a consultant from Yorkshire, was frustrated during her cancer treatment when clinical teams did not introduce themselves to her, so she launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of introductions in healthcare to help patients feel more at ease. What started as a few tweets on social media about her frustrations spread quickly throughout the NHS and beyond.
Throughout her campaign, Kate maintained that not only is introduction essential, but it also starts a relationship, makes a human connection and builds trust. As a patient, she learned that using Hello My Name Is… as an introduction was a good way to break down any perceived barriers and level the power balance between staff and patients.
While receiving care, Kate realised how important it was, regardless of the necessary medical tasks, for clinical staff to see the person behind the condition. Her experience showed her that good care could be made even better, often with the smallest of gestures making the biggest difference. Simple actions like when a clinician sat down to talk to her, held her hand during tough times or recognised when she needed reassurance showed her that she mattered as a person.
Kate felt that everyone who provides healthcare should be thinking of their patients as people, not just numbers or conditions, because behind the condition there’s a person with their own anxieties and fears, a person who is feeling vulnerable.
Although sadly, Kate succumbed to cancer on 23 July 2016 at the age of 34, her legacy lives on in the Hello My Name Is… campaign, which is globally recognised and designed to motivate, encourage and remind staff about the importance of introductions when interacting with patients. The campaign has inspired a shift in culture to improve patient experience by providing patient-centred care, one of The Leeds Way values.
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive, said: “Our patients are our main priority and patient-centred care is at the heart of what we do. It’s important that we continue to support and promote this campaign.”
Staff are introduced to the campaign as part of the Trust’s induction process and are encouraged to order and wear a badge with their name on. The badges are kindly supported by Leeds Hospitals Charity, who have committed to continue their financial support for the future.
Emma Rogers, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “I am proud of the staff at LTHT for wearing the campaign’s logo with pride and will continue to raise awareness about the campaign year-round because communicating with patients at the outset shows that we care.”
The Trust has supported Hello My Name Is… since 2014, with thousands of staff pledging their support. Since the Trust began collecting data in 2016, 24,731 badges have been ordered. By April 2017, the national campaign’s tweets had been seen or shared 1.6 billion times, and the central idea had been endorsed by leading politicians and celebrities and had spread outside the UK.
Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse, believes it’s about changing behaviour. She said: “As a nurse, I know how important it is to develop relationships with patients, to
make them feel comfortable when they are feeling vulnerable. Introductions are more than a common courtesy; they are vital in building a connection and trust.”
The Trust relaunched the campaign on 23 July, the anniversary of Kate’s death, to build on the success of the last 10 years and show the Trust’s commitment to improving patient experience.
As part of the relaunch focus on patients, the Patient Experience team also launched a new awareness campaign called the 3Cs, Communication, Coordination and Compassion. Based on data from a Care Quality Commission review in 2017, the team identified from patient feedback that these three areas showed the greatest need for improvement.
Krystina Koslowska, Head of Patient Experience, said: “We know that almost 50 percent of complaints received in the Trust relate to the 3Cs—communication, compassion and co-ordination and that by making improvements in these areas, we can help patients and families feel more satisfied with our services and the care we provide.”
Through web events, case studies and a wealth of resources, the Patient Experience team shared ways for us to increase patient satisfaction through better communication, coordination and compassion.
Chris Pointon, Dr Kate Granger’s widower and campaign co-founder, pictured with executive colleagues.
A legacy of courage
The Rob Burrow Centre for MND will be Rob’s
lasting legacy to Leeds and
At the beginning of June, we received the very sad news that Leeds Rhinos rugby legend Rob Burrow had died from Motor Neurone Disease. At LTHT, we marked this with the momentous occasion of breaking ground at Seacroft Hospital for the planned Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, an event that Rob was due to attend. On the day, Chief Executive Prof. Phil Wood welcomed the assembled group that included Rob’s family, clinical staff, architects, patients, and a large group of media.
Phil said: “Our thoughts go out to Rob’s family and friends at this time. Rob, together with his wife and our colleague Lindsey, have shown such courage and positivity in living with Motor Neurone Disease. We are grateful for the work they have done to raise the profile of MND and for the hope and community they have given to patients and to staff.”
The groundbreaking falling the very day after Rob died was a sad day, but also a day to celebrate as building work began.
the MND community
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung (pictured left) visits the site at Seacroft Hospital.
Rob had specified that he still wanted the day to go ahead, as it was his vision to build a new centre for patients, their families and carers, and for staff – and it will be his legacy for the city, and most importantly for the MND community. It was an incredible show of strength that his parents and sisters took part, joined by his friend Kevin Sinfield, as together with Leeds Hospitals Charity and Leeds Rhinos, they have all played such a vital role in raising essential funding for the new centre.
Phil commented on the impact Rob had on not just the MND community, but on the nation, and the press in attendance at Headingley Stadium that morning, followed by Seacroft Hospital, was just a small insight into how Rob captured the hearts of the wider nation with his bravery and courage living with MND.
And so, the hard work has begun to move the project forward as quickly as possible, with a vision to have the new centre open by next summer, 2025. The new centre will provide the Trust’s praised MND team an opportunity to provide even better-quality care in a new facility, a real step up from our current facilities, giving patients and families a much-improved environment in which to cope with this challenging condition. The
centre will help advance our patient care, best practice sharing and hopefully research in the long term, which will be a fitting legacy for Rob.
A week after Rob’s funeral, Dr Agam Jung, Consultant Neurologist, was delighted to host a visit from Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds at Seacroft Hospital, accompanied by Trust Chair, Dame Linda Pollard, and Director of Estates & Facilities, Craige Richardson. The purpose of the visit was to meet the multi-disciplinary team of specialist nurses, occupational therapists, dietitians, physiotherapists and more, and to understand how they care for MND patients and what the new centre will mean to them.
Councillor Katung visited the team and location of what will be the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, ahead of a Civic Memorial Event
for Rob attended by approximately 200 people. The clinical team were able to attend the event, which was a lovely tribute to Rob. Rob’s vision for a new centre was not just for the facilities to be more tailored to the needs of MND patients, but to provide a place where the MND community could come together and feel supported, understood and never alone. When complete next year, this flagship building will be the new home for MND care for patients from Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
With just over £500,000 left to raise, you can keep up to date on the building of the new centre by reading the regular blog found on Leeds Hospital Charity’s website and on social media. The Yorkshire Evening Post is also covering the updates in a weekly feature in partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity.
new
Colleagues from the MND team attend a Civic Memorial for Rob Burrow in June.
7 Commitments in Focus
Our 7 Commitments are about focusing our collective efforts across the Trust to make progress in what matters most – by delivering these we will be able to realise our strategic priorities and ultimately our Trust’s vision to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care.
This year, we’ve been dedicating each month since June to one of our commitments: June put the spotlight on our Care commitment, and July focused on Research and Innovation. Here are some of the highlights.
Care - Reduce Healthcare Acquired Infections by 15%
We know we should be doing everything we can to reduce the associated risks that lead to harm to patients in our care. We are committed to making measurable progress against quantifiable metrics – with continued audits, increased training, and education across the Trust, including non-clinical ward areas. Dr Jessica Martin, Consultant Microbiologist, explains more about this commitment and introduces some of the work being done.
In June, we launched our annual commitment to reduce healthcareassociated infections (HCAI) by 15%. Throughout the month, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting teams across our organisation, hearing about the meaningful actions they are eager to take to tackle HCAI. It’s clear that our staff have seen the impact of HCAI firsthand and are passionate about this goal. They recognise the benefits of infection prevention, including reducing antibiotic use, keeping patients safe, and getting them home sooner.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my work is discussing infection prevention with staff in diverse roles across the Trust. The far-reaching nature of infection prevention is fascinating. Colleagues carry a wealth of knowledge and expertise about infection, and they know how to implement our five key HCAI interventions effectively for every patient, every day. These conversations are always educational for me, and I never tire of discussing how best to translate infection prevention and control (IPC) advice into top-quality care for our patients.
The five key areas of HCAI prevention
Our annual commitment covers five essential aspects of healthcare delivery:
• Hand hygiene: Ensuring staff are ‘hands ready’ by checking that hands are free from painted nails, false nails, stone rings, and watches. All staff are supported to maintain good hand health for effective handwashing.
• Devices: Increasing ‘device-free days’ by reducing the use of cannulas, long-term vascular lines, and urinary catheters, which are associated with many infections.
• Surgical prophylaxis: Using targeted antibiotics and reducing prolonged antibiotic use to prevent infections.
• MRSA screening and decolonisation: Ensuring MRSA screening and decolonisation, particularly for patients over 65 admitted through non-elective pathways, to prevent MSSA/MRSA bacteraemias.
• Test and isolate: Sending blood cultures and other diagnostic tests quickly when patients become unwell to prevent sepsis and save lives. Rapid source isolation is crucial to preventing secondary cases.
Why these areas?
These five key areas were chosen after a detailed review of HCAIs in Leeds. Themes and actions from these reviews led to improved practices in wards with infections. These themes are relevant to all patient areas, and there is more work to do. The annual commitment recommendations are supported by our Trust guidance documents and published evidence showing that changes in practice reduce patient harm. It’s heartening to see agreement from so many clinical teams that these are important areas to focus on.
Patient benefits
Our patients follow various clinical pathways, but acquiring an infection has the same detrimental impact across the board, slowing down recovery. Whether recovering from surgery, stepping down from intensive care, or being treated for cancer, the clinical experience is quicker and more comfortable when free from infection. Preventing infection also reduces antimicrobial use. Our staff are united in this commitment, and we look forward to working together over the rest of the year to achieve our goal of reducing HCAIs by 15%.
Preventing infections is the most powerful way to enhance patient safety and improve outcomes. Together, we can make a significant difference.
R&I - Strengthen participation and growth in Research & Innovation
AQUIRE event
The AQUIRE event organised by Dr Denise Ross aims to educate staff on connecting clinical audit, quality improvement, innovation, service development, evaluation, and research. The last AQUIRE event was held in July and the next event is scheduled for 9 October from 3 – 5pm at the Research and Innovation Centre.
They are also other events organised by the team, so please keep an eye out for these opportunities on the Intranet and Trust’s Operational Update.
Celebrating our volunteers
LTHT considers our volunteers a vital part of the work we do in our hospitals, from welcoming visitors at the front door to making sure our patients are heard and supported.
For the last four years, we have aimed to be the best Trust to deliver high-quality clinical research and to champion research amongst our staff. We also aim to maintain and grow the Trust’s worldclass clinical infrastructure and assets for research and innovation (R&I). Dr Ai Lyn Tan, Director of Research, and Innovation, outlines the key achievements as part of this aim and some activities that took place in July as part of the 7 Commitments R&I focus. Last year, we successfully managed and delivered various research activities across the Trust’s seven hospitals. During this time, 25,695 participants were recruited into 760 active research studies. Additionally, 22,113 participants took part in 442 National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio studies. These figures show our unwavering commitment to strengthening participation and growth in R&I. To increase staff engagement with the service, we have put in place some events opportunities for staff to ask questions and get involved with R&I.
Ask R&I sessions
Ask R&I sessions are open to all Trust staff, providing an opportunity to ask questions related to research and clinical trials. The sessions cover various topics within the research area, offering a platform for sharing, discussion, updates, and information gathering. The last session was held in July and the upcoming session is scheduled for 15 October at 1pm at the Research and Innovation Centre (RIC) St James’s Hospital.
Applying for a grant for R&I
Dr Samantha Heal, Grant Funding Development Manager for the Trust outlines how she strengthens growth and participation in R&I through her role.
“I strengthen participation and growth in research and innovation by simplifying and streamlining your grant or fellowship application process. I was awarded a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds, where I researched blood coagulation and inflammation. Collaborating with LTHT clinicians, I saw the challenges of integrating research into busy clinical teams. Research is vital for improving patient care and quality of life, driving innovation and effectiveness in treatments.
“In my role, I help identify funding opportunities, guide application processes, and advise on costing requests and Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Templates (SoECATs). I work across R&I and closely with the surrounding Research and Innovation teams to support collaboration between the Trust and the universities.
“If you are considering getting involved with research or are in the process of applying for a grant, please get in touch with me either via Teams or by using the following email address: samantha.heal1@nhs.net.”
Chief Executive Prof. Phil Wood met some of our hospital’s volunteers during the 40th Anniversary Celebration event. He said: “It was humbling to hear some fantastic stories about how volunteers work collaboratively with CSUs, showing they deliver patientcentred care and learning about what they offer to our Trust in their spare time.”
“There’s going the extra mile and then there’s Mike who gave me every bit of his attention whilst I went through a rather uncomfortable ordeal... All I can say is I’ve never felt so well looked after and cared for. He’s a wonderful human being.” - Patient quote about Mike, Trust volunteer.
Last year, our volunteering team won the Unsung Hero award at the Trust’s annual Time To Shine staff awards, for the amazing work they did during the pandemic –including helping to send over 7,000 bereavement cards to relatives of patients who sadly died in our care.
LTHT volunteers on why they do what they do
“I find it a rewarding role and the team are so supportive and create a great working environment.”
“I really enjoy everything I do here at the Trust; I enjoy working with staff, interaction with patients and from time to time I can make a big difference to someone’s day. I can do this thanks to the fabulous team that support all of us volunteers.”
“I love the variety of the role and have really enjoyed doing surveys with ward patients at our hospitals.”
Thank you to the volunteers for the difference you make daily to our patients and visitors, recognising that our hospitals can be difficult to navigate, and people appreciate a friendly face to help them get to their appointments. This is a great example of living The Leeds Way.
Leeds Children’s Hospital Neuromuscular Service recognised as ‘Centre of Excellence’
The Neuromuscular Service at Leeds Children’s Hospital was recently officially presented with the Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) ‘Centre of Excellence’ award when representatives from MDUK visited Leeds Children’s Hospital. Kate Adcock, Director of Research and Innovation, and Citta Widagdo, Healthcare Policy and Commissioning Manager, from MDUK visited Ward L52 (Neurosciences) as well as the Children’s Clinical Research Facility before meeting with staff and patients to formally present the award.
The Centre of Excellence Award recognises the team’s continued provision of outstanding clinical care for children and young people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, as well as excellence in research. Dr AnneMarie Childs, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, accepted the award on
behalf of the team. She said: “We are delighted to receive the Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Centre of Excellence Award for the third time. The audit process was extremely rigorous and I am very grateful to the neuromuscular team for all their efforts to ensure that the application reflected their hard work and commitment to patients and the excellent multidisciplinary care they provide. I am extremely proud to lead such a fantastic team.”
The presentation was attended by patients and their families including 13-yearold Greg Savage (pictured) who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was four years old. Progressive muscle weakness has led to Greg relying on a wheelchair to get around along with other issues such as easily getting tired and needing to pace himself with activities.
Greg’s dad Martin talked about the impact the Neuromuscular Service has had on Greg’s care, saying: “The award is thoroughly deserved by the team and we were delighted to be invited to be at the presentation. The Muscular Dystrophy team at Leeds Children’s hospital have provided great care for Greg and support for us as a family. The team have always clearly explained what’s happening at each stage, they’re responsive to Greg’s changing needs and they proactively put things in place early to plan ahead. Critically they listen to us as a family, don’t push anything and give good evidence as to why certain strategies or treatments would be tried.”
Leeds Children’s Hospital is extremely proud to host this highly specialised service and is extremely grateful for the ongoing support of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Kidney transplant reaches record 50-year milestone
In 1974, 11-year-old Mike Shepherdson went into surgery at St James’s Hospital for a kidney transplant, where a kidney was flown in from France. Although commonplace now, this was a rare operation and certainly never happened on children. The brave organ donor, their family and the team that courageously gave Mike his new kidney that day have given him an extra 50 years of life, something that he remains ever grateful for.
The renal transplant team at St James’s organised a celebration event to recognise the amazing difference organ transplants make to people’s lives, and to celebrate the anniversary of one of the oldest kidney transplants in the country alongside other long-term organ recipients.
Mike Shepherdson shared his personal experiences of living with a kidney transplant.
“I spent a lot of time in hospital as a child and was diagnosed with kidney disease after lots of tests and not really knowing much about why I was so poorly. We trained to do my dialysis at home, with just our scribbled notes for guidance and even had to have a telephone line installed just for this reason.
“Any form of dialysis on a child back in the 1970s was incredibly rare, and the fact I was able to have it was a bit of a miracle. But I always felt safe. I knew that I had a brilliant team at St James’s who would look after me. There was always someone on the end of the phone if I needed them.
“I got the call for a kidney transplant on 4 July 1974. I remember it as being Independence Day. It took a while to get the transplant to work, and I thank the team for their patience back then. I cannot imagine the personal and professional risk the surgeons took to transplant me that day. I can’t get my head around it. I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“I never told people that I’d had a transplant, because I wanted to be normal. I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had a great career, I’ve lived around the world, travelled, done some silly things. You get some things right and sometimes you wish you’d done things differently. I’ve enjoyed it all. I have been married to Frances for 37 years and we have
our children Tom and Emily, and now granddaughter Ruby.
“It took a while for it to occur to me that someone had to die for me to live. I always wanted to do the best by them and I’ve always done what I can to look after my kidney. My advice for others going through this is to own your condition and understand what’s going on in your body.
“There are so many people I could thank over the years. The ongoing care and support I’ve had is special.”
Dr Richard Baker, Consultant Nephrologist, said: “Mike’s experiences show us how far we have come in kidney transplantation. From it being a very rare and novel occasion, we can now do upwards of 200 kidney transplants each year. This is a combination of very many doctors, surgeons, nurses and other professionals coming together and wanting to do better for our patients year on year.
“Things have changed over the years and, as doctors, we hold the batons for a little while before handing them onto a new team who can take the service even further. It’s a delight to be a part of this brilliant team and to see Mike doing so well.”
Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at LTHT, said: “Mike’s story is one of immense courage. The courage of the clinical team to transplant a kidney into a child. The courage of Mike and his family to put his life in their hands that day.
“Our specialist teams are brilliant and, in Leeds, our patients typically wait less time for a kidney transplant than the national average. However, we cannot do what we do without our organ donors. Without donation, most of this can never happen. We encourage everyone to speak about organ donation, and record their wishes on the organ donor register.”
Mike Shepherdson (pictured back row wearing glasses) celebrates the milestone with other long-term kidney transplant recipients.
Mike pictured with his family in 2024.
Mike having dialysis in 1970.
Staff shine at annual awards
The Trust’s annual Time To Shine awards for staff took place on Friday 5 July at New Dock Hall in Leeds. With 530 guests attending, this was our largest celebration event ever and what a celebration it was!
Thank you to Leeds Hospitals Charity for funding this year’s Time To Shine, with support from Sovereign Health Care.
Our staff awards are dedicated to celebrating the spirit of teamwork, innovation and resilience that defines Leeds Teaching Hospitals. It is an opportunity to honour those who have gone above and beyond, who have set new standards of excellence, and who show real determination and drive.
This year, we themed our awards categories around our 7 Commitments,
Improve staff retention – Winner
Men’s action and awareness network (MAAN) – improving the wellbeing of male staff through a safe and caring network, an inclusive community which reduces the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Improve access targets – Winner
Brain 2 week wait straight to MRI – collaborative working in the Trust and across ICB, changing how patients are referred so that not all are seen in consultant clinic and those with suspected brain tumours are seen more quickly by the specialist teams.
the Trust’s annual areas for collective focus as an organisation. Over 500 nominations were received across the categories, which demonstrates just how teams have embraced these and ran with them to make real improvements to the services we provide.
Congratulations to all of the award winners, and to those shortlisted too.
Reduce average length of stay – Winner
Children’s Hospital Virtual Ward Pilot Project – pioneering a new way of caring for some children in paediatric medicine, respiratory medicine, and haematology and oncology to be looked after at home, reducing length of stay or admission avoidance for 366 patients.
Deliver the financial plan – Winner
Daily Workforce Management Dashboard – real-time view of CSU staff rostering to mitigate rota gaps in advance avoiding unnecessary and unplanned costs of agency cover.
Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) - Winner
Enhanced Cleaning team – outstanding response times and surpassing the number of HPV cleans from 78 in Jan 2023 to 282 in Feb 2024.
Effective development and deployment of new assets – Winner
Community Liver Health Check – taking advanced liver scans into the community to improve access to early diagnosis of liver disease in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Develop a culture of Research and Innovation – Winner
Dr Denise Ross and the Acquire Team – encouraging more non-medical professionals to take part in research, and practically supporting colleagues to progress their ideas into practical solutions.
Rising Star – Winner
Emma Clark, Research Healthcare Scientist – Emma has taken on her role with great passion, while building trust and confidence Her can-do attitude inspires and motivates colleagues.
Unsung Hero – Winner
Laura Borrill, Community Postnatal Care Lead – Laura was diagnosed with a rare form of incurable cancer, and had to move to a non-clinical role. She has led improvements, shown great resilience and commitment despite personal challenges.
Hospital Hero – nominated by the public –
Winner
Marie Wray, Children’s Cardiac Nurse – “On the night before my son’s surgery, I was admitted to hospital and unable to see him. Marie video called me from his bedside so I could be there. She made a time when my world was crashing down better.”
Team Leeds success at the 46th British Transplant Games
The 46th British Transplant Games were held in Nottingham in August and Leeds Children’s and Adult’s transplant sport teams competed in sporting events across the city, representing Leeds Children’s Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals. In total the team returned with 36 gold, 28 silver, 24 bronze medals!
Leeds Children’s Transplant Team is made up of 34 inspiring children and young people, all recipients of liver, kidney or stem call transplants at Leeds Children’s Hospital. The team are accompanied by an army of family, supporters, transplant siblings and more than 20 volunteers including clinical and non-clinical staff from Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Leeds Adults’ Transplant Team is made up of 33 competitors aged to from late teens al the way up to 88 years old! All competitors are liver or kidney transplant recipients or live donors. The adult team was also accompanied by 27 enthusiastic supporters.
The British Transplant Games aims to raise awareness of the life changing benefits of organ donation and encourages transplant patients to stay active through
sport. They increase public awareness of the ongoing need for people to confirm their organ donation decision; families are more likely to support organ donation when they know that it is what their relative wanted to do.
Transplant survivors of all ages compete in 25+ different sports over the fourday event, representing hospitals across the UK where they received their organ transplant. Currently across the UK around 7,600 people, including 250 children, are waiting for an organ transplant, but, on average, only around 1,500 people donate each year. On average someone dies every day waiting for a transplant.
Leeds Childrens Hospital is one of only three centres in the UK to care for children with liver disease, as well as being a regional centre for children requiring renal support. Leeds Children’s Hospital also hosts an expanding stem cell service. Leeds Children’s Transplant Team was the biggest children’s team to attend The Games in Nottingham and the team pride themselves on ensuring that all families can take part in the weekend no matter what their circumstances.
Celia McKenzie is one of the Children’s Team Managers:
‘Taking part in sporting activities post-transplant is really important for each recipient’s ongoing health and wellbeing. For many recipients keeping active is a great way to look after the donor organ. In Leeds Children’s Transplant Team we ensure that everybody has an opportunity to take part including parents, donors and siblings – they have all been on the transplant journey. It’s wonderful to see all the families together each year, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Every year our Leeds transplant family grows and we hope it will keep on growing!’
In preparation for the games, families and supporters take part in fundraising supported by Leeds Hospitals Charity who sponsor the Leeds children’s and adults’ transplant sport teams. This year fundraising included a staff challenge where colleagues from across Leeds Teaching Hospitals ran and cycled a collective 89 miles in the hospital, all in one working day, raising more than £500.
Leeds Endometriosis team introduce robotic surgery and new research studies to advance treatment
The Endometriosis team at LTHT is proud to share significant advancements in the treatment of endometriosis, including the introduction of robotic surgery, the appointment of a dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist, and new opportunities to take part in research, moving another step closer to becoming an Accredited Endometriosis Centre.
Robotic efficiency
Earlier this year the team started performing endometriosis surgery using a surgical robot. This cutting-edge technology is less invasive and allows for greater precision and shorter recovery times - with some patients going home on the same day.
In May, Consultant Gynaecologist James Tibbott performed the first Endometriosis Robotic High Intensity Theatre (HIT) list, operating on six patients in one day. This is an efficient and safe way to maximise the number of patients being treated and reduce waiting lists.
He explains: “The Da Vinci Robot allows us to perform surgery for endometriosis with greater precision, reducing surgery time to around 40 minutes compared to an hour or more for laparoscopic procedures. The high intensity list enabled us to increase operating theatre efficiency, therefore reducing waiting times and providing more patients with surgery to improve their symptoms.”
A dedicated role
Endometriosis, a complex and often misunderstood condition, affects millions of women worldwide, causing chronic pain and impacting their daily life. In response to the increase in referrals for specialist care, LTHT has taken a significant step forward by introducing a dedicated role to provide more support for patients with endometriosis.
Sophie Patrickson was recently appointed as the first Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist in Leeds. With a background
in nursing and a passion for women’s health, Sophie is an advocate and provides dedicated support to patients, guiding them through their treatment journey. Working in close collaboration with consultants James Tibbott and Dorota Hardy, Sophie’s appointment is a significant addition to the multidisciplinary team, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.
The team works closely with specialist teams including colorectal and thoracic surgery so that patients with severe (deep infiltrating) endometriosis receive joined-up care. When patients require surgery, this can mean specialist surgeons operating together to remove endometriosis tissue from organs to reduce pain and improve quality of life. The team also works alongside the Leeds Pain and Interventional Neuromodulation Service, to offer patients new ways to manage chronic pain including specialist implanted devices.
Advancing endometriosis research
Research into endometriosis is important in understanding the condition and developing new treatments to improve future care. The team is continually recruiting to new studies and has recently surpassed
a recruitment goal for the ESPriT2 research study, enrolling 35 participants against the target of 12. The study aims to find out the effectiveness of laparoscopic removal of isolated superficial peritoneal endometriosis for the management of chronic pelvic pain.
Dorota Hardy, Consultant Gynaecologist, said: “This success not only demonstrates our commitment to advancing endometriosis research but also promises huge benefits for our patients, contributing to better diagnosis, treatment, and overall care for those affected by this condition.”
Ambitions for excellence
These developments are integral to the Trust’s ambition to become a British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) Accredited Endometriosis Centre. This prestigious accreditation reflects the highest standards of care and signifies the Trust’s commitment to excellence in endometriosis treatment. Achieving BSGE accreditation will position Leeds among the top hospitals in the UK for endometriosis treatment, recognised for clinical expertise, a patient-centred approach, and a commitment to ongoing research and innovation.
Leeds will also host the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy Annual Scientific Meeting in 2025, bringing together internationally renowned gynaecology specialists and putting the city on the map for endometriosis care.
Hlupekile Chipeta, Lead Clinician for Gynaecology commented: “I am thrilled with the progress the Endometriosis team has made in enhancing our services and the care we provide to our patients in such a short space of time. The introduction of robotic surgery, the expertise of Sophie, and our success in the ESPRIT2 study are all important steps to developing a thriving service and we aim to become an accredited BSGE Endometriosis centre very soon. We are dedicated to achieving excellence in endometriosis treatment, reducing waiting times and improving quality of life for our patients.”
5,000 mums and babies join the Born and
Bred in Leeds maternity research study
The Born and Bred in (BaBi) Leeds team has reached a significant milestone, with 5,000 mums and babies now recruited to the BABI Leeds research study!
BaBi is a study that links together anonymous data across health, education, and social care to create a picture of families’ lives over time. This means that with consent from pregnant women, routine data recorded by the services they access themselves or for their babies is joined together. Patients are invited to sign up at their routine antenatal appointments or at any time during pregnancy up to their final postnatal midwife check.
Mr Nigel Simpson, Principal Investigator for BaBi Leeds and Consultant Obstetrician at LTHT, said: “I’m delighted that the BaBi project in Leeds is growing and so many women and families have chosen to be part of this research. This important national
programme will support child health services for future generations.
“Having 5,000 participants means that we can explore more links between different pieces of data and gain an understanding of health across a large group of people. We look forward to sharing more as the study progresses and would encourage anyone who is pregnant and interested in being part of this research to get in touch.”
Willow, who was born at St James’s Hospital weighing 8lbs 6oz (3.82kg), is the 5,000th participant and one of the children taking part in the study.
Her mother, Jenni, who is a health visitor said: “I’m really proud that Willow is the 5,000th baby to be part of the study. It was easy to sign up and I hope that sharing this anonymous data will help to improve resources and healthcare for the future.”
Willow is Jenni’s fourth baby and joins siblings Paige (19), Oliver (15) and Archie (3).
Proud dad Kevin said: “It’s great that Willow is playing her own small part in the BaBi Leeds research study and I hope it will make a difference to the care of babies and families in years to come. It will be really interesting to hear about the findings of the study and what this will mean for the people of Leeds.”
Sharing knowledge with pharmacists from Kenya
It has been brilliant to welcome pharmacists from Kenya to share the excellent work we do in our teams around antimicrobial stewardship, particularly from a pharmacy perspective, and to learn from our Kenyan colleagues.
The Trust’s brilliant Medicines Management & Pharmacy and Speciality & Integrated Medicine teams have a really strong partnership with Kitale County Referral Hospital in Kitale, Kenya, aimed at strengthening antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
Emmanuel Mwengi, Clinical Pharmacist, and Stephen Gichana, Clinical Pharmacist and Chief Pharmacist, represented Kitale and received a warm welcome at the Trust and spent a couple of weeks with us to learn and share knowledge. They particularly liked the fuddles staff were keen on hosting!
They fed back about how staff are committed to serving their patients and providing care, and continuously expanding and innovating solutions to improve quality of services and enhance efficiency. They also noted
how working in multi-disciplinary teams demonstrated how people value each other’s contributions to patient care, and how this empowers nurses, pharmacy technicians and doctors alike.
In the UK, pharmacists play an important role in increasing the awareness of antimicrobial resistance and supporting the implementation of interventions and programmes. However, the pharmacist role in some low- or middle-income countries is not as developed, with pharmacists less integrated into clinical multidisciplinary teams, resulting in their leadership potential often being overlooked.
Zara Tariq, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist: Infectious diseases
& Antimicrobial Stewardship, is part of the team helping make the visit happen. She said: “It was fantastic to welcome Emmanuel and Stephen to Leeds. They have found out so much to help to increase their capacity to promote and improve antimicrobial stewardship interventions in Kenya, particularly from a pharmacy perspective.
“A co-ordinated approach to promoting the best possible use of antibiotics is really important. This includes the decision to use them, drug choice, dosing, route and duration. Often bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antibiotics. It’s really important to only use medicines when absolutely appropriate,” she added.
Research and Innovation news
New smartphone app introduced to aid Parkinson’s disease management
The Trust’s Innovation team has partnered with Neu Health to introduce a smartphone application designed to monitor and manage the symptoms of people living with Parkinson’s disease in a new pilot.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition where parts of the brain become progressively damaged over time. To tackle the challenges of managing this condition, the app provides a range of features tailored to the unique needs of Parkinson’s patients.
Ian Bresloff, an IT consultant from Leeds who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 53 years old, was introduced to Neu Health by his neurologist.
Ian said: “I think it’s imperative that there are more objective measures of Parkinson’s symptoms, accessible and measurable in an environment outside of the clinic, providing for ongoing monitoring, with results available for review in the clinic, leading to more databased medication dosing. The thought of harnessing the power of AI to inform my progression and treatment interests me, so I am very happy to support it”.
First UK patient recruited into landmark medical device trial
The Trust has recruited the first UK patient to the first in-human Microvascular Obstruction with CoFI™ System Assessment (MOCA-1) trial. This
trial tests a new device by CorFlow Therapeutics designed to diagnose and treat tiny artery blockages in the heart following a heart attack.
71-year-old Will Patterson from Leeds suffered a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), a type of heart attack. After he was admitted at LGI, he was approached by the trial team to take part in the trial. The benefit of the trial to patients like Will includes early diagnosis and treatment, improved health outcomes as patients could have better long-term health after the blockages are addressed and the approach aims to be less invasive and more effective than current methods.
Reflecting on his experience, Will said: “I was approached by the team the day after being admitted to LGI, asking if I would take part in a clinical trial. I said ‘yes,’ then my wife suggested I should know a few details first! These were explained clearly and carefully, and I was happy to say ‘yes’ again. All the staff involved have been very cheerful, friendly, and welcoming, with the treatment and follow-up sessions going smoothly and efficiently, even allowing for my failure to remain sufficiently still during the several MRI scans. I hope the trial will produce some valuable information.”
Leeds chosen for innovative UK-first MS trial
Leeds has been chosen as a centre for an innovative UK-first multiple sclerosis (MS) trial for people with progressive MS. The Octopus study, run with the MS Society charity, is testing multiple therapies using a new multi-arm, multi-stage approach at four UK hub sites. The design means several treatments can be tested simultaneously, rather than trialling each therapy separately.
Paul Elcock, a participant in the trial, has lived with MS most of his life and hopes the Octopus study will improve treatment. He said: “I have had MS for over 40 years, it completely affects my life. I hope the trial is successful in discovering new therapies and diagnostic regimes to treat progressive MS.”
Helen Ford, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Leeds, leads the Yorkshire hub and is optimistic Octopus can lead to new treatments. She said: “This is an exciting new development in MS research and means we can test more new treatments for progressive MS. We need to take up the challenge to find more effective treatments for people living with the condition.”
Front cover feature for bioart created by LTHT team
A bioart piece co-created by LTHT colleagues has been featured on the cover of The Pathologist magazine for their art in pathology edition.
Dr Jane Freeman and Emma Clark, who study antimicrobial resistance and infection at the NIHR biomedical research centre, collaborated with awardwinning bioartist Anna Dumitriu on the artwork, which is infused with inactive gut bacteria DNA and embellished with beads and embroidery to represent the gut’s microbiota.
Anna is renowned for using biological materials and microbes to explore new and innovative ways of creating art from the lab and studio, delving into infectious diseases, microbiology, and antibiotics.
The piece was initially featured in the ‘Fragile Microbiomes’ exhibition in Leeds at the Thackray Medical Museum. As well as gracing the cover of The Pathologist the stunning artwork is currently on display at Le Musée de la main in Lausanne, Switzerland, until 2026.
Building the Leeds Way update
An update on our Hospitals of the Future
When the new Government was elected in the Summer, it quickly got to work to understand the scale of challenges facing the NHS and the steps it is taking to improve the NHS for staff, patients and the public.
As part of this, Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in July that following a review of the Government’s finances, a range of steps are being taken to restore economic stability. She confirmed there will be “a complete review of the New Hospital Programme with a thorough, realistic and costed timetable for delivery”, which the Trust’s plans for a new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) are part of.
This echoed what Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Care said when he confirmed he was committed to the New Hospital Programme and had requested a report to understand the funding available and a timescale for delivery.
The Chancellor acknowledged that the Government “will continue to deliver the most advanced and most urgent hospitals to a realistic timeframe,” and the Trust has one of the most advanced and welldeveloped schemes in the national New Hospital Programme.
LTHT has made considerable progress on its plans for a new hospital over the past five years, with outline planning consent, a first phase of enabling works complete
with a further phase being planned and partially underway. It also has a cleared construction site which is ready to go when the Trust has been given the goahead from the New Hospital Programme.
The new hospital will not only provide a state-of-the-art environment where it can deliver high quality services for our patients, but it will support the Trust to reduce the ongoing backlog maintenance costs it incurs in maintaining the old estate across Leeds General Infirmary.
As Bulletin was going to print, timescales for the report had not been available.
The Trust continues to work with colleagues across the Trust on the planning of the scheme and the important enabling works that are needed to ensure it remains in a strong position.
First team moves into new state of the art pathology laboratory
The first colleagues have been welcomed into the new state-of-the art Centre for Laboratory Medicine, marking an important step towards the Trust’s pathology lab becoming fully operational.
Point of Care, the team responsible for delivering crucial support services for the training, maintenance and the equipping of Point of Care analysers and middleware across LTHT’s hospital estate, will now call the laboratory at St James’s Hospital home.
The Centre for Laboratory Medicine was officially opened in Autumn 2023 and work has continued with construction and managed service partners to put the finishing touches to the building and prepare for the installation of new equipment and specialist technology. The 11-strong Point of Care team will now be based at the Centre for Laboratory Medicine and will continue to operate across all sites to ensure the Trust can seamlessly provide fast and convenient testing for patients.
Relocating from the Old Medical School at LGI, the team now enjoys a light, spacious and airy laboratory where it can test and manage the Trust’s collection of 646 pieces of point of care devices. Overseen by Point of Care Co-ordinator, Emma Baddams, colleagues also benefit from close collaboration in the open-plan workspace and have access to the large communal breakout area which boasts natural light and views onto greenspace outside the Centre.
Emma said: “Moving into the Centre for Laboratory Medicine has been hugely exciting. Our team has recruited to full establishment in recent months as the demand for fast, effective testing in clinical settings has increased. It really is fantastic to be able to call a brand-new laboratory home which has not only been designed to meet sustainability standards, but with employee health and wellbeing truly at the heart. The centre is filled with natural light which really makes a difference and the combination of work areas and laboratory close together means we are able to work even more collaboratively.”
Richard Liversidge, Interim Service Manager, said: “We are responsible for training and supporting our clinical colleagues with a whole range of point of care devices. The new laboratory provides the space to test this equipment and to deliver our service in a more effective and efficient way.”
The Point of Care team also joins the senior pathology team in becoming the first Trust colleagues at the Centre for Laboratory of Medicine. More teams are expected to move into the laboratory in the coming months.
You’ll have hopefully heard about the “A Chat and a Brew with Phil” sessions now running across all the Trust’s hospitals.
Open to everyone, these are your opportunities to come and have a (free) cup of tea or coffee and a chat with Chief Executive Prof. Phil Wood about what’s on your mind. They are really informal, no formal notes taken and nothing taken forward for action unless you want it to be.
All dates, times and actions from previous sessions can be found on the Trust intranet. Please pop and see Phil at a session, no appointment necessary, and have a chat and a cuppa. You don’t have to stay for the whole hour if time is tight.
We’re approaching this in The Leeds Way, being accountable and respectful, and being open to hearing your feedback and thoughts. The plan is to hold a regular series of catch ups across all our hospital sites.
The first Chat and a Brew with Phil was held at St James’s in June and was a really engaging session with a range of colleagues joining him and chatting through a number of topics. These ranged from access to funding, staffing, connecting people together on projects across CSUs, and simple things like traffic flow on site. Along with Executive Team colleagues, Phil is working through how we address the topics raised and ensuring feedback is given.
Please could line managers share this with their teams and help people find time to come along if they wish.
Tackling inappropriate sexual behaviour at work
Earlier this year LTHT launched a campaign to raise awareness of tacking inappropriate sexual behaviour and harassment at work. This included the creation and sharing of stand-out posters, a new film featuring honest personal stories from colleagues around the Trust, and a new intranet page to signpost support for managers as well as support for individuals.
Responding to feedback from the Staff Survey, Jenny Lewis, Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development, led a working group from across the Trust to provide new information and support as part of the Trust’s commitment to uphold NHS England’s Sexual Safety Charter, guidance for which launches later this year. As part of this, we commit to taking positive action where there have been reports of any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful
“ They were just messing around. Someone else would say something if they went too far.”
“ I was havingonly a laugh. I’d never deliberately hurt someone.”
If
sexual approaches in the workplace. The campaign so far is receiving positive feedback from staff and from other trusts.
Digital update
You said, we did - IT Service Desk portal improvements
We’ve had some useful feedback through our Staff Survey and Pulse Surveys about the IT Service Desk portal. We’ve listened to your views and introduced some new support request templates, including software installs and Cardiobase requests.
Templates are designed to get the right information to the right team in DIT. This will mean we can help you faster, so if you need support for a specific
issue, please make sure you’re choosing the right template. The search function at the top of the screen can help you find what you’re looking for.
Problem with your device? Try restarting first
Over the past 12 months, more than 500 IT Service Desk tickets were resolved with a simple restart – this is around 50 tickets every week.
“Switch it off and switch it back on again” is a real IT cliché, but it does actually work. Modern tech often relies on lots of different pieces of hardware and software which can sometimes fall over, stop working or cause an error. Restarting our devices returns them to a ‘clean state’.
So if you ever have a problem with your device – whether this is your
‘I pledge…’ events have been taking place in public areas across different hospital sites and the intranet pages will continue to be updated with new and useful information. Expect to see posters around staff areas highlighting the campaign.
phone, laptop or wristband printer – try switching it off and restarting before you call the IT Service Desk as this might sort out the problem and save you some time.
We’re working on many different projects to build our digital foundations, support the stability and resiliency of our systems and support new ways of working - read more about our wider portfolio by searching ‘current DIT projects’ on the Intranet.
Chris Hill
Chris is a Clinical Coding Manager and has worked at the Trust for twenty years.
What are the main aspects of your role?
As a Clinical Coding Manager, I lead a team of clinical coding staff whose primary role is to analyse medical documentation and convert it into nationally-recognised alphanumeric codes. This aids and enables accurate recouping of funds from commissioning and provides essential data for statistical analysis. My role is very varied, it encompasses many operational tasks, ensuring service delivery and addressing staffing queries. Additionally, I manage various projects that span multiple departments, every day brings a new challenge, whether it’s attending and preparing for meetings or creating presentations/ spreadsheets for data analysis. The key to my role is the ability to, as I say, ‘roll with the punches,’ embrace new tasks and adapt to the ever-changing data landscape. What else have you done in your career so far?
My career journey began in the Ophthalmology department, as a clinic clerk. This position allowed me to establish a solid foundation within the Trust environment and hone my administrative skills. As I progressed, I found myself in need of a new
challenge and something different to invigorate my career path. A serendipitous encounter with a clinical coder from the Medical Records department opened the door to the world of clinical coding. Intrigued by the opportunity, I embraced the chance to learn and grow in this field. By seizing opportunities as they arose and continuously making my way through the ranks, I have been lucky to be able to build a diverse and fulfilling career in Coding.
What is the best thing about your job?
I have been in my current role for four years now, and the best aspects are the variety of tasks and the brilliant team I work with. Clinical coding is not an easy field; it requires the right mindset and a specialised skill set. My team consistently rise to the occasion, going above and beyond to manage our workload and tackle the backlog. I love engaging with people and the variety in my role allows me to meet and interact with a wide range of colleagues across the organisation, enhancing my understanding of different roles across the Trust and expanding my professional network.
What is the one thing at LTHT that you would change to make your job better?
One improvement I would like to see at LTHT is the optimisation of how data is recorded, both from a clinical perspective and in documentation. Coders are tasked with analysing vast amounts of information, and I always like to ensure that I’m making the most efficient use of my team’s time. Streamlining the documentation process to reduce the number of sources we need to consult would be highly beneficial. Making it easier for us to extract the necessary information would enhance our productivity. I believe that collaboratively working across teams, particularly with colleagues such as the Clinical Digital Team, is key to optimising these processes and achieving greater efficiency.
What is your best advice for a new starter at the Trust?
My best advice would be to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Working for the Trust is an invaluable experience that allows you to build your skills, meet new people, and expand your professional network. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they don’t go as planned; the learning experience is incredibly valuable. Adaptability is crucial, especially in coding and you will find that colleagues are willing to support you and encourage you to take on new challenges. Keep an open mind, ask as many questions as you can, be willing to learn from every experience, and you will find yourself growing and succeeding within the organisation.
A fond farewell to our long-serving staff
Alison Morris
Alison Morris, Chief Orthodontic Technician, hung up her Adams pliers and retired in June.
Alison has worked in the Orthodontic departments at St James’s Hospital, Seacroft Hospital and Leeds Dental Institute for the past 43 years (35 years as Chief Technician).
Alison has always been the true, consummate professional. Her default setting is always “yes” and her job enthusiasm is obvious, unparalleled and infectious. She is 100% patientcentred and is always ready “to go the extra mile”.
Alison has assisted many regional trainees win national awards for their patient outcomes as a result of the stunning case models she has produced. Back in 2005, she took on all the orthognathic surgery workload from the unreplaced maxillo-facial technician. Our surgeons never looked back! She introduced the Sleepwell appliance for our sleep apnoea patients in 2009. In more recent times, she has been involved in voluntary ‘hands-on’ teaching of BTech students as well as manufacturing titanium skull plates for Leeds’ head injury patients.
He colleagues said: “We have been fortunate in Leeds to have had one of the best orthodontic technicians in the country help us treat our Orthodontic and Paediatric patients. Alison’s attention to detail, ability to innovate and her innate problem-solving skills have helped many a clinician with their patient management problems. Alison has been a priceless asset to our Trust and the NHS. She will be a hard act to follow. All her colleagues at Leeds Dental Institute wish her a deserved long and healthy retirement.”
Chris Green
Chris Green has retired after reaching a milestone of 50 years’ service, having commenced work in August 1974. Over the years Chris has seen many changes in the Payroll Department and has been instrumental in them all.
There have been multiple changes of work locations, starting at the Financial Planning Centre in Leeds, but including moves to St. Mary’s House and Joseph’s Well, with the final move to St. James’s in 2010.
Chris is greatly respected within the department, and other departments, for his experience, knowledge, sense of humour, and for being a thoroughly nice bloke.
Chris has partially retired and his team are happy that they will still get the benefit of his 50 years’ experience but also look forward to seeing him able to relax a little bit.
His colleagues said: “Well done, congratulations and thank you for everything you’ve done for the Department and the Trust over the years.”
Jane Hughes
Jane Hughes has retired from nursing after a lengthy career of almost 40 years. Jane qualified as a Nurse 39 years ago –this picture was taken at the LGI in the Clarendon Wing just after she qualified. Jane worked in many areas of nursing during her career. Before her retirement she worked in Oncology Team One as a research nurse. Jane worked within the Neuro-oncology cancer portfolio, where she supported patients and their families through clinical trials offering new treatments and hope. Jane moved to the Renal, Bladder & Prostate cancer portfolio, where she also offered new treatments to patients, working closely with clinicians, and started to set up new clinical trials.
Jane had vast knowledge in clinical trials and research and her expertise will be missed in the team, many of the team members would ask her for advice and she always knew the answer. Everyone who knows Jane wishes her a happy retirement and hope she enjoys lots of long walks in the Lake District, gardening, going to the theatre, yoga, cooking, and many more hobbies.
Paul Bartlett
Paul Bartlett, Chief Maxillo-Facial Technician retired on 31 May 2024 after an impressive 45 years’ service to the Trust and his patients within the Trust.
Paul left school and started as an apprentice technician with a local lab in 1974. Qualifying as a technician in 1978, he continued his studies at Kitson College Leeds, completing an Advanced City and Guilds Certificate in Crown and Bridge. He learned of a vacancy in the Dental Hospital lab whilst at college, and started work there in April 1979, after which he went on to gain two further Advanced City and Guilds.
It was maxillo-facial technology where Paul’s real passion lay – he travelled widely in the search for new innovative techniques, and he was the first technician to introduce several new laboratory techniques to the Dental Hospital. Using one of these techniques,
he was even able to produce an implant retained ear for the youngest patient at the time.
Paul was the pioneer of an innovative method of artificial eye manufacturing that utilised digital photography. Alongside a multidisciplinary research team of dental photographers and clinicians, he worked on a large NIHR grant, transforming the lives of those who had lost an eye. This achievement led to him being filmed for BBC Look North in 2021, where he famously said: “anybody can do it.”
With such an exciting career, it is hard to imagine how Paul is ever going to fill his time. But between going to the gym, golf course, cruising the high seas, taking Frank, his dog, out for walks, and any outstanding jobs that Jill, his wife, has lined up, he has more than enough to occupy himself. Whatever he gets up to, his colleagues and friends wish him a long, happy retirement.
Yvonne Lewis
Yvonne Lewis retired in July, following a nursing career that spanned nearly half a century. She began in 1977 as a nurse auxiliary and completed her training at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in 1979. Her career took root in paediatrics at Leeds Children’s Hospital, where she served as a ward sister.
Yvonne then pursued a degree in Nursing Practice at the University of Leeds, and in 2009, she became a Royal College of Nursing steward, a role in which she has excelled for over 16 years. Yvonne has been crucial in representing staff in consultations, resolving workplace issues, and always ensuring members are supported in the Leeds Way. Yvonne received commendation in the Royal College of Nursing’s Steward of the Year award.
Yvonne has mentored countless individuals in nursing and through her role as a steward, sharing her vast knowledge and experience. Her ability to listen, respect diverse viewpoints, and engage in healthy debate has earned her the respect and admiration of staff, members, and managers alike.
Yvonne plans to spend more time with her family and friends during her retirement, enjoying long dog walks and embracing the joys of life outside of work. Yvonne’s nearly 47 years of service leaves a legacy of excellence, dedication, and compassion – she will be greatly missed by all who knew her worked with her.
Sharon Brooks
Registered Nurse Sharon Brooks has retired from her role on Ward L16 with the Cardiac Surgery team following a long career caring for patients who have had cardiac surgical interventions and supporting their recovery for home.
During the course of her career, Sharon worked in cardiac intensive care and then within the community, returning to the hospital again to work on the Cardiac Surgery ward.
Sharon is a warm and friendly colleague supportive and thorough, often downplaying her abilities but always giving excellent care to her patients.
Her team said: “We say a sad farewell but wish Sharon all the best for a happy and relaxed retirement. We will certainly miss Sharon on L16 - Happy Retirement from us all!”
Leeds Hospitals Charity news
New vinyls spotlight funding benefits to staff and patients
In June, Leeds Hospitals Charity were proud to launch the first of their new charity vinyls across St James’s Hospital. These new creatives highlight the messaging of ‘Together, we can’, focusing on the power of everyone coming together to support our NHS.
This has been a collaborative project with LTHT, and it was developed following research with staff, patients and supporters, which directly informed the vinyls’ look and feel.
The imagery includes real life patients and staff, including Lewis Ellis, who works at the hospital, but spent time on the Neonatal Unit with his partner Millie, who also works at the Trust, and their premature twins, Billy and Ivy.
The family directly benefitted from equipment funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity on the Neonatal Unit. The twins were able to stay in special twin cot, funded by the charity so they could stay together on the unit, reducing anxiety for the new parents.
Millie remembers feeling helpless as her little ones endured countless procedures. She said: “The staff on the ward were our saving grace, they made me feel at ease at a really scary time. That’s why we
wanted to support the charity and share our story, so they can continue to fund projects that make a real difference to families like ours.”
This project has been a collaborative effort, and we would like to thank everyone involved, including the Trust Communications Team, Estates and Facilities, the Patient Experience Team and the staff and patients featured in our photography. We’re excited to be revealing the remaining vinyls over the coming months.
2024/25 Funding Programme
We have recently closed our Q1 funding calls and were pleased to see an increase in new applications from a wider range of CSUs to ensure we are supporting as many patients and staff as possible.
Visit our website to see further details on our Q1 funding calls, and sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest information about funding opportunities: www.LeedsHospitalsCharity.org.uk/ funding-opportunities
The Rob Burrow Centre for MND
We were deeply saddened by the news that our Patron, Rob Burrow CBE, died at the start of June. Despite facing his own challenges, Rob was devoted to raising awareness and funds to support people living with MND. He leaves a legacy of tremendous inspiration. The recent support and fundraising efforts from the community has been incredible. Together, we have raised over £6.3m, with £500k left to raise to reach our target of £6.8m.
One of our incredible supporters, Ian Flatt, has recently completed his ‘7 Mountains, 3 Countries, 1 Goal’ Challenge. Although Ian was diagnosed with MND in 2019, he completed all seven mountains in his off-road wheelchair to raise funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Together we can shape the future for patients with MND. Find out more: www.LeedsHospitalsCharity. org.uk/MND
Ian Flatt and his team of supporters during their climb of Roseberry Topping
Chris Kelly, Associate Director - Estates Compliance & Risk and LTHT staff who feature across the vinyls, Lewis (Dad), Millie (Mum) and Billy and Ivy.
60 seconds
Tommy Lee
Tommy is Departmental Secretary in Adult Therapies and has worked at the Trust since March 2024.
What do you do to wind down and relax after a hard week at work?
I am keen to visit neighbouring areas as I am still getting used to life in the UK. Not only do I want to explore vibrant cities, but I also want to experience natural scenery in national parks. It is preferable to have fresh air and sunshine on weekends after spending the week stationed in the office.
What is your ideal holiday destination and why?
Morocco in North Africa, definitely - a country with snowy mountains and deserts at the same time. I embrace cultural diversity and love to explore how different people live. Moreover, it has a tropical climate that I miss a lot, as I grew up in Hong Kong.
What is your favourite food?
Seafood, which is fresh enough to taste even without much sauce.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A correspondent who reports news from a particular country. Imagine how amazing and fulfilling it is to get paid while living and understanding foreign cultures. It turned out that I became a news editor and teacher before I moved to the UK.
What is your favourite film?
The Father, which shows a man suffering from dementia who fights to stay living alone in his beloved
home. Everyone has precious memories with their beloved parents. It reminds me to cherish every single moment before it is too late.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
My close friends in my hometown, as they accompanied me as I grew up and developed into the person I am today. I hope we can keep in touch regardless of how far we are separated and cheer for each other’s success in the future.
What is your favourite book?
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. This bestselling book has changed my perspective on perceiving every aspect of life, including money, health and relationships. Happiness arises from within, and the best is yet to come.
Tell us something we don’t know about you …
I took a barista training course and received a distinction last year. I did not know beforehand that I would be able to manage it so well.
Thank you to Pink Events for the purchase of a new patient couch
In June, fundraisers Pink Events purchased and presented a new patient couch for the Breast Imaging department at St James’s Hospital, as well as some new softie prostheses. Colleagues from the Breast Unit were delighted with the donation. This is the latest in a long line of generous donations from Pink Events which has gone towards purchasing equipment for the Breast Unit, including new seating
for the waiting area, specialist x-ray equipment, a Vectra 3D imaging system, and electronic beds.
Pink Events is a breast cancer charity established in 2014 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and the Breast Unit at St James’s. Co-founder Sarah Pattinson very sadly died from breast cancer last year, but her legacy continues to make a difference to patients’ lives through the charitable activities of Pink Events.
Can’t go to Specsavers? They’ll come to you
We caught up with Kejal Shah who has been an Optometrist with Specsavers Home Visits for 8 years. She explains to us how this much-needed service works.
So, tell me more about the Home Visits service…
Our at-home eye test is very similar to what you would have experienced in-store, just with a few adjustments and specialist equipment to make it home-friendly.
Optometrists, like myself, carry out the eye test, adjusting it to your individual needs. If glasses are needed, experienced colleagues will help with frame selection and then return to fit them. And, it goes without saying, all customers are supported with ongoing aftercare.
In response to demand, we’ve also now launched a new audiology home visits service. So far, we have home hearing services in 14 locations in the UK, with plans to expand this over the coming months. Who is able to benefit from a home eye test?
Put simply, it’s about bringing the service to your door, if you can’t get to one of our stores. So if you, a friend, or loved one, are unable to leave your home or care home unaccompanied, due to a physical or mental illness or disability, we can come to you.
There are a wide range of conditions and reasons why someone might not be able to leave their home. You can speak to us about your situation and we can help you understand if you or your loved one qualifies. What if someone is bedbound, or struggling with communication? Can you still help them?
The Home Visits service is designed to provide eyecare which is as individual as our customers are.
Some customers might be clinically vulnerable or they might be non-verbal or living with dementia. Depending on the situation, we might use pictures instead of letters for example. Even with a customer who is bedbound, we can change the position of the chart so we’re still getting completely accurate results. All the tests are adapted to fit the customer’s environment and comfort level. We can also speak to the customer or their loved one ahead of the visit, to address any questions or talk through the process.
Given that you provide such a personal and tailored service, does your care go beyond just an eye test?
Every colleague I know sees our services as something beyond just a job. Whether it’s sharing stories over a cuppa, popping something in the post for them, or passing them something out of reach, going that extra mile is such a rewarding part of our role. I only need to see a customer’s smile to know I’ve made a difference.
That’s a big part of what we do. Provide a personal service, tailored care and expertise, right to people’s homes, no matter what their situation – in homes, care homes or sheltered housing.
How do I find out whether someone is eligible?
You can head to our website at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests which features a simple step-by-step guide to eligibility and a wealth of information. Alternatively, you can call 0800 0890144
Advertising opportunities available in our staff magazines, care directories, and independent living guides
MATTERS
CARE DIRECTORIES
County, City and Borough Council care directories are comprehensive guides to nursing care, residential care and independent living support. Created for individuals and their families exploring the possibility of moving to nursing/ residential care or seeking advice and support to continue living independently at home.
Hospital at Home: supporting patients in their own homes
NHS STAFF MAGAZINES
NHS publications are circulated throughout hospitals to staff, patients and visitors on a regular basis. Advertising within the publications enables companies to promote their services to NHS employees and are an excellent way to Increase their customer base within this very targeted audience.
OPTIONS CARE AND INDEPENDENT LIVING GUIDES
Options provides older people with important information from health organisations such as CQC, ICB and the NHS. Circulated through various healthcare professionals including Council social work teams, NHS hospital discharge, community nurses, and various age related charities.
