Bulletin Summer 2024

6 Celebrating Admin marks second year

4 The Duchess of Edinburgh visits

10 12-13

A new home for the Children’s Allergy Day Unit

New 7 Commitments launched

All systems go for Nutrition Mission

Maternity event brings people together

11 20

HSJ Partnership Award for pathology service model

The West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) and Hempsons LLP were awarded ‘Best Legal Services Partnership with the NHS at the 2024 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards in March.

The prestigious award celebrates work undertaken by staff across three acute hospitals - LTHT, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, and Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust - to secure a panpathology managed service contract.

By working together to procure a single supplier for pathology services across the three trusts, WYAAT and Hempsons LLP were able to deliver £30 million of anticipated savings as a result of combining previous, separate contracts into one.

The HSJ Partnership Awards celebrate the best of collaboration and partnership working across the NHS and wider health and care system.

Our brand-new Trust website is now live!

March saw the launch of our brand-new Trust website at https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk

Patients are our main audience for the website, so the new site is designed to make information easier to find, with fast, easy-to-use search functionality and a new, simplified site structure. We’ve also done a lot of work to improve accessibility, updating and improving content throughout the site. Find out more by visiting the site – view our index of consultants, read more about our services and specialties, and see our new homepages for each of our hospitals.

We’ve had some great

feedback so far, and a big thank you to all colleagues who have supported content review and amends. If you have a question or comment, or you’d like to request any amends or additions to content, please email the Website team -

Welcome to the Summer issue of Bulletin

There are many challenges facing the NHS as a whole this year, and not least is the financial outlook. During the pandemic the NHS had an unprecedented increase in funding, and this year we are being asked by the Government to live within much lower levels of growth. Consequently, the whole NHS is facing a significant challenge and we, alongside many trusts across the country, are having to take steps to reduce costs.

Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care and we are committed to delivering timely and safe treatment to every patient, every time. Our annual 7 Commitments help focus our combined efforts to ensure we are making a difference where it matters most so that we can achieve our vision. This year, our commitments include reducing healthcare acquired infections, reducing waits for patients, as well as delivering on our financial plan –all are equally important.

No doubt this is an enormous challenge to balance and get right, but we have delivered on similar challenges before and I am confident we can do so again. It is important that every colleague feels empowered to contribute to our 7 Commitments, so please take a look at page 12 for an introduction to the commitments for this year, along with how you can make a difference – thank you.

Kind regards

Prof. Phil Wood Chief Executive

The Duchess of Edinburgh returns to Leeds Children’s Hospital

Staff and patients on Neurosciences

Ward L52 at Leeds Children’s Hospital were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh when she visited in March. This was the Royal Patron’s first opportunity to visit as Duchess of Edinburgh and her first inperson visit to Leeds Children’s Hospital since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Duchess was welcomed to LTHT by Dame Linda Pollard and Prof. Phil Wood before being welcomed to Leeds Children’s Hospital by Colin Holton, Clinical Director; Laura Whelan, Head of Nursing; and Julie Cooper, L52 Ward Manager.

Ward L52 is the dedicated Paediatric Neurosciences Ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital that sees more than 350 patients each year. It is a specialist unit caring for children and young people requiring neurosurgical and neurological care and expertise from across the region and as far afield as London, Manchester and Newcastle. The ward is staffed by specialist paediatric nurses, doctors, and support workers with many years of experience and specialist knowledge.

Children on this ward might have brain and spine tumours, be treated for epilepsy or fluid on the brain and due to the long-term nature of their conditions, have some of the longest stays in hospital.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness met with patients and families including two-year-old Astrid who is recovering from a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Astrid’s Mum Ingrid said: “It was lovely to be visited by The Duchess, she was very attentive to Astrid, very kind and caring. We felt really privileged to have such a long chat with her. Astrid loved her little gift and insisted on taking her new shopping bag to the shop straight away! We’ve had such a tough time over the last

month but today was really special and something positive we will take away from Astrid’s hospital journey.”

The Duchess also met Lisa Beaumont, Therapeutic and Specialised Play Manager, and Lucy Dove, VR Play Specialist, who demonstrated some innovative Virtual Reality Distraction Therapy (VRDT). 13-year-old patient Brayden demonstrated the technology supported by Lucy. Brayden has been on Ward L52 for three weeks, recovering from a spinal abscess. With funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, Leeds Children’s Hospital employ the UK’s first VR Play Specialist – leading the way in the use of VRDT nationally.

Ward Manager Julie Cooper led the tour of Ward L52. Julie said: “It was an honour to have The Duchess of Edinburgh join us and speak to some of our families. The children on this ward are some of the most unwell in the hospital, many needing a high level of support and rehabilitation due to

the conditions they have. Some are here for longer stays and so we have the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with our children and with their families, and so for them to meet Her Royal Highness was something quite special and uplifting.”

The visit was enjoyed by patients and their families and resulted in some fantastic coverage in local and national media, helping to raise the profile of Leeds Children’s Hospital and one of our specialised children’s services.

During the visit The Duchess also heard that since her last visit, the Government has confirmed the Trust’s plan to build a new state-of-the-art hospital will be fully funded and can proceed. The scheme, to build a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital, a new adults’ hospital and one of the largest single-site maternity and neonatal centres in the country at the Leeds General Infirmary by 2030, is part of the national New Hospital Programme. Find out more on page 18.

Flexible working guidance and support relaunched to colleagues

The Flexible Working procedure at LTHT has recently been relaunched, offering more support, clarity and accessibility.

Jenny Lewis, Director of HR and OD, explains more.

When implemented well, flexible working brings benefits to teams, individuals, and services across our organisation. It can bring about new opportunities and contribute to enhancing our people’s mental health, wellbeing, and their engagement within their role. We know that having more engaged staff leads to better care and service delivery, as well as improving staff retention across our Trust.

Anyone, in any role, at any time has the opportunity to explore flexible working. That said, flexible working arrangements can only work around the needs of the service, and these needs may well change over time. This means, where possible, flexible working conversations should involve the whole team, and any arrangements should have regular reviews to ensure things are working for everyone.

Any colleague may now make a request for flexible working arrangements without needing to have worked a minimum amount of time beforehand. All flexible working preferences should be considered equally and fairly and no longer require justification, such as caring commitments, as it’s important we place equal value on people’s time. Of course, different options will be available depending on the role and service, and not all teams will have the same options available to them. The most important thing is to explore what’s possible alongside your team in The Leeds Way to find a solution for you, your team, the service, and your service users.

Flexible working on Ward C1, Chapel Allerton Hospital

Matron Jayne Davies explains how flexible working was explored on Ward C1 at Chapel Allerton Hospital.

What was the situation before flexible working was considered?

“Flexible working has been introduced over several years at Ward C1, a complex rehabilitation ward at Chapel Allerton Hospital with a staff team of 47. The ward had a higher than usual number of vacancies which resulted in relying heavily on bank staff to fill shifts. Despite this, shifts were not always filled, particularly midweek, even though staff were willing to be flexible with the days they worked.”

What solutions did you find?

“The ward created more flexibility by changing some of the ‘normal’ shift times. For example, some shift start times were amended from 7 am to 8.30 am to assist with childcare in the morning. This change provided more cover as the shift ended at 4 pm rather than 3 pm. For late shifts, one member of staff now starts an hour earlier and leaves an hour later, which again assists with shift cross cover. Handovers were also recorded which allows for information to be shared at different start and finish times.”

What challenges did you face when implementing flexible working?

“Some challenges were initially raised around staff handover if start and finish times varied to accommodate flexible shift patterns. However, Ward Manager Michelle Kemp found solutions to these challenges with no detriment to the service.”

What was the impact of flexible working on the service?

“The change in flexibility of shifts has positively affected patient care because the ward is staffed safely. The impact on staff wellbeing by offering flexibility of shifts has been really positive and has supported workforce retention. Overall, the team ethos on this ward is incredibly strong due to the flexibility. Continuity of care for the patient can be impacted. However, I believe this to be minimal and well managed with a robust handover system in place.”

What lessons did you learn and what recommendations would you make to others?

“People do not need to give a reason for requesting flexible working, as an employer it is important that we recognise this and support staff where we can. It has been implemented for a few years now with no detriment to the service and we are using this example to expand flexible working practises elsewhere due to the benefits seen by the patients, service and staff.”

Access the new guidance and toolkit

A refreshed flexible working procedure and toolkit, including case studies and supporting resources, has been developed and can now be accessed on the Intranet. Search “Flexible working” for more.

Celebrating our administration colleagues for the second year

Launched in 2022, LTHT’S Celebrating Admin initiative, is back for another year, to recognise the vital role our administrative professionals play to make the smooth running of the Trust’s operations.

Admin professionals work in a wide range of roles including ward clerks, receptionists, and personal assistants to name a few. They are the backbone of any organisation and each of the different roles require different skill sets, and Celebrating Admin is aimed to recognise and celebrate the different diversities each role brings.

The programme includes several initiatives aimed at recognising and rewarding administrative professionals, including the Celebrating Admin Awards for outstanding performance, and the Excellence in Admin programme for professional development.

In April, members of the Executive team joined the Trust’s administration

colleagues to celebrate the fantastic work they have achieved over the past year in our second Celebrating Admin Awards.

This year, administrators at the Trust again received a fantastic number of nominations from staff to highlight some of the excellent work our admin teams do.

“Congratulations to the winners and shortlisted nominees in each of the awards categories. Our admin colleagues play a vital role in the smooth running of our hospitals, and everyone nominated should be very proud of themselves.”

The awards ceremony and celebration in April were held at St George’s Conference Centre in Leeds, where nominees and those who had submitted the nomination were invited to afternoon tea and got to

hear more about the fantastic work of colleagues living The Leeds Way and what they have achieved over the last year. Some of our Executive team attended the event and presented awards to the winners of the six different categories.

The celebrations did not stop there, Dame Linda Pollard, Trust Chair; Prof Phil Wood. Chief Executive; and Clare Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive; had the pleasure of meeting some of this year’s participants of our Excellence in Admin programme who recently completed the course and attended a celebration ceremony to recognise their commitment to their profession and their roles within the Trust.

Prof. Phil Wood said: “Congratulations to the winners and shortlisted nominees in each of the awards categories. Our admin colleagues play a vital role in the smooth running of our hospitals, and everyone nominated should be very proud of themselves.”

Shape Up 4 Cancer Surgery marks first six months

Shape Up 4 Cancer Surgery marked six months in April since the initiative launched to support cancer patients ahead of their surgery with exercise, diet and lifestyle guidance.

With more than 100 parents accessing the pathway, and a positive number already through the other side of their surgery, the project is looking forward to developing and expanding over the next six months.

Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support for two years, Shape Up 4 Cancer Surgery is delivered by LTHT in partnership with Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds programme and with additional support from the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. This is the first partnership of its kind in Leeds.

Ahead of their surgery, patients are invited into St James’s Hospital and spend their session meeting the small but dedicated team of specialists that includes a dietitian, a clinical nurse specialist and a specialist fitness trainer who has enhanced qualifications to support people with health conditions such as cancer.

Patients have given some really positive feedback to date about how they’ve benefitted from the programme, and the team is doing an excellent job in tailoring care around each individual, which is providing the greatest impact.

Patient Stories

Stewart, 75 years old

“I was invited to join the Shape Up 4 Cancer Surgery by the cancer nurse specialist following my bladder cancer diagnosis just before Christmas 2023. It was explained that I was having major surgery with a long recovery time – six and a half months in my case. I was told that the fitter I was, the more robust I would feel during the recovery period.

“This would prepare me physically and mentally for my journey through the process with the support of a small but dedicated team.

“I decided that I could let the diagnosis control me or I could take positive steps to take control and live with it.

“I was given access to a team, easily accessible, offering clinical, dietary and fitness advice, who could answer every question I asked and the response was centred on me, Stewart, not a generic patient.

“The whole process helped me to prepare physically and mentally for my operation. Through the membership I met with others in exactly the same situation. We now have a small club able to compare experiences.

“Whilst I thought I was fit, Sam Bennet from Active Leeds clearly demonstrated that there was much room for improvement.

“It has demonstrated to me that there are many wonderful people at St James’s Hospital doing wonderful things for patients. Behind these people there are small groups of talented people providing great assistance to concerned patients. The Shape Up 4 Cancer programme is one of these groups. I strongly recommend the Shape Up 4 Cancer programme.”

Wayne, aged 55

“In September 2023 I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. I had lost two stone in weight and had difficulty eating, so I was fitted with a feeding tube and began treatment of FLOT chemotherapy before and after a two stage oesophagectomy operation.

“Shape Up 4 Cancer was recommended to me in order to maintain my fitness

during the treatment and aid my recovery after treatment. I would definitely recommend the program for the following reasons.

“It helped me mentally - being told I had cancer and the treatments I needed played on my mind a lot and I worried about surviving and about my family.

“Being off work for a long period of time was something I hadn’t experienced before and I needed to do some normal activities that I could manage. I found even on days I didn’t want to get out of bed, the programme helped motivate me to get up and go to the gym for an hour in the morning a few times a week. After going to the gym, although I felt tired, I found my mood had improved and I was able to do other things in the day.

“I found all the people in the gym helpful if I needed help, but also respectful of my personal space if I wanted to just shut off and get on with things. I was worried about other people’s reaction going to the gym as it was very clear from my appearance that I was ill, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all when I visited.

“My fitness levels improved and I am sure this not only aided my recovery from surgery but also my mental state. I plan to continue visiting the gym after I finish my treatments.”

Find out more at leedsth.nhs.uk/shapeup-4-cancer-surgery

How did we do? Our 7 Commitments for 2023-24

In March this year we completed the first full cycle of our annual 7 Commitments, that we introduced for the first time in 2023. Newly created when Prof. Phil Wood took over as Chief Executive, the 7 Commitments are about focusing our collective efforts across the Trust to make progress in what matters most.

With big challenges facing all of our services in addition to many competing priorities, our annual 7 Commitments give us clarity over the most important priorities for the year. We all have a role to help deliver these commitments – in every role across the Trust with everyone making their contribution to the delivery of our annual commitments and ultimately to achieving our vision.

The 7 Commitments refresh every year, and align with our multi-year goals – 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.

Our 7 Commitments for 2023–24:

• Effective development and deployment of new assets (buildings, equipment, IT)

• Reduce healthcare associated infections

• Improve staff retention

• Deliver the financial plan

• Reduce average length of stay by 0.5 days per patient

• Achieve the Access Targets for Patients

• Support a culture of research and innovation

How did we do?

At the end of the first year, we have learnt a great deal and we will continue to listen to colleagues to refine this piece of work, so that each and every member of staff can make the connection to what they do.

Here’s just a snapshot of how we got on as a Trust over the past year. There are so many positive stories of what teams have done over the past year to make a difference.

A few highlights from the past year

In effectively develop and deploy new assets – just one area that’s having an impact is the new flexible working spaces. This isn’t just work stations and computers, this is multiple sized spaces which can be used for different purposes. The physio team who now have access to spaces at the LGI have particularly talked about how this has made a difference for them. New spaces are coming soon at Seacroft Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospital.

The new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service is playing an important role in managing patients through the Emergency Department. This new development was part of a £5.5m capital scheme designed to maximise patient pathways in the Emergency Department and provide a modern, purpose-designed environment for both patients and staff. In the first full month of operation more than 130 hospital admissions were avoided, getting patients to the right place for their care.

The new eye clinic at St James’s, which opened in December 2022, has now had a full year of operating, and the change in ways of working afforded by the new location has supported the whole Ophthalmology service to offer over 40% more appointments in 2023/24 (compared to 2019/20). The space was designed with the needs of partiallysighted patients in mind, as well as maximising efficiencies for patient flow. This included the placement of different treatment areas to complement the

patient journey, double-doored rooms for onward progression through the department, and multiple colour-coded waiting areas.

Nurturing a culture of research and innovation will really set the Trust apart as a leading provider of healthcare. It’s encouraging to see in the first year that we’re a leader in recruiting patients to research studies - with over 20,000 recruited last year - and that we are using new technologies to improve patient care. What’s next? Turn to page 12 for the focus of this year’s 7 Commitments.

A new home for the Children’s Allergy Day Unit - after 14 years on the move!

Leeds Children’s Hospital recently celebrated the official opening of a new Children’s Allergy Day Unit (CADU). CADU is used predominantly for conducting diagnostic allergy ‘challenges’ which involve monitoring patients whilst they undergo graded challenges to assess their tolerance to allergens in a controlled environment, supported by Allergy Nurse Specialists.

For the last 14 years, the Children’s Allergy Service has had no permanent home in which to conduct challenges and has been temporarily housed on Ward L49, L11, L47 and the Children’s Clinical Research Facility.

With a newly repurposed, dedicated, four-bed unit for CADU, the team hope to see significantly more patients, with fewer cancellations, meaning shorter waits. CADU is right in the heart of Leeds Children’s Hospital in Clarendon Wing at Leeds General Infirmary so patients will benefit from easy access to other children’s services and a family friendly welcome.

At the celebration event in CADU, former Children’s Allergy Nurse Specialist and longest serving team member Brenda Dewitt cut the ribbon and officially opened the new unit.

Children’s Allergy Service Clinical Lead

Dr Aida Semic-Jusufagic said: “Access to designated Children’s Allergy Day Unit will significantly increase our capacity to deliver diagnostic food and drug challenges and will directly benefit our patients by reducing challenge waiting times.”

On the day of the official opening three-year-old Grace from Guiseley was in clinic with her mum Nikita. Grace has been coming to the Children’s Allergy Service since she was nine months old. Grace was attending CADU for a half-day egg challenge which involved Grace eating a measured quantity of cupcake containing egg at regular intervals, monitored by the team. Nikita reflected on how the new CADU is already benefiting patients like Grace: “We’re regular visitors and it’s a huge help to know where you’re going each time and don’t have to worry about finding the way. I think it’s really beneficial for the service to have a dedicated home – allergies are serious conditions for children and the team provide a great service, they deserve a proper home!”

Leeds Maternity Services highly rated in annual patient survey

Maternity Services run by the Trust have been highly rated by patients in the Care Quality Commission Maternity Survey (2023).

The survey is based on real life experiences and showed that those surveyed were very satisfied with their experiences overall. Leeds was in the top five best scoring Trusts in the region for several themes and there have been continuous improvements to survey results since 2022.

Patients said their experience was best in several areas including being provided with information about feeding their baby, being involved in the decision to be induced, concerns being taken seriously during labour and birth, and support with managing their pain.

Becky Musgrave, Head of Midwifery said: “The improvements in maternity care

in Leeds are down to our hardworking team who, despite the pressures they are under, strive to provide the very best care for patients. We are proud to work

in collaboration with partners across the city and alongside the Leeds Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership to develop our services with families who have first-hand experience of maternity care in Leeds.”

While overall results of the survey were positive, the Trust has identified some areas where improvements will continue to be made.

The result that showed a decrease in satisfaction was patients’ experience of partners being allowed to stay overnight on postnatal wards. This reflected the Covid-19 visiting restrictions that were in place at the time which have now been lifted.

A total of 359 people shared their experience of Leeds Maternity Services which includes babies born at St James’s Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary or at home.

Eid al-Fitr celebrated by colleagues

Eid at the Trust was celebrated throughout March and April and saw many of our Muslim colleagues and other colleagues come together in celebration.

Ramadan and Eid are a very special time for Muslims around the world and our Trust wanted to make the celebrations memorable for our staff whilst they were working and fasting. The Chaplaincy team and many others came together to arrange various events to mark this important religious festival.

At the beginning of Ramadan, Paul Jones, Chief Digital Information Officer and Executive sponsor for our faithbased networks, joined Friday prayers to hand out Iftar packages, a post-

fasting evening meal sponsored by local company, Mullaco, as well as dates and bottled water kindly donated by Leeds Hospital Charity.

Throughout the month the Trust encouraged staffs to join Muslim colleagues and take part in ‘fasting with a colleague’, this was for staff to experience and reflect on what it is like to fast whilst still carrying out their daily tasks. Below is a reflection on fasting from Reverend Jo Jones, Deputy Head of

Chaplaincy and Children’s Chaplain: “Every time I felt a pang of hunger, which wasn’t until it was getting towards midday, I said a prayer for strength and prayed for anyone who was living with hardship.”

Leeds Children’s Hospital also took part in the Trust’s celebrations, our Play and Chaplaincy teams supported by Leeds Hospital Charity handed donated gifts to some our inpatient children who unfortunately were spending their Ramadan in hospital, away from their family and friends.

A finale held at the Bexley Wing Faith Centre saw the delivery of 150 donated meals from MyLahore handed to staff of all faiths and beliefs.

All systems go for the Nutrition Mission

Nutrition Mission around the Trust is in full swing, with multiple wards pledging to ensure our patients get the essential nutrition and hydration care they require.

Nutrition and Hydration Week

March saw Nutrition and Hydration Week marked across the Trust. Teams focused on the importance of nutrition and hydration for patients, including ensuring staff know the process for ordering food when a meal has been missed and raising awareness about the range of menus available for patients to choose from.

Staff were also encouraged to look after each other by supporting meal breaks and keeping hydrated at work. Good nutrition and hydration improves wellbeing, reduces stress and enhances concentration.

And on the Wednesday afternoon during the week, the Trust catering team delivered special Nutrition and Hydration Week cupcakes to patients staying in hospital so that they could take part in the Global Tea Party.

Meanwhile, Ward J15 was the first ward team to achieve Bronze accreditation since they pledged their ward to the Nutrition Mission back in November. Chief Nurse Rabina Tindale presented the team with a Bronze certificate of accreditation.

Patient Partners supporting Nutrition Mission

Patient partners have also been joining the mission alongside ward teams, with patient partner and volunteer for the Trust, Rebecca Sutton, recently visiting wards J14, J16 and J17 to speak to patients around their experiences during mealtimes.

Our patient partners are vital to projects like the Nutrition Mission as they strengthen our patients’ voice which leads to better future development and outstanding care of our patients.

Accreditation for wards on the Nutrition Mission

Wards at LTHT can now apply for one of three levels of accreditationBronze, Silver or Gold - showing their commitment to outstanding nutrition and hydration for their patients.

Ward teams may apply for an assessment of their area – accreditation will be certified to a certain level depending on the number of standards the ward area meets. Teams are encouraged to read the each of the standards and ensure they can provide evidence to support their assessment.

How to apply for assessment:

• Ensure you have a Nutrition Champion for your ward.

• Complete a Nutrition Mission Pledge for your ward and upload onto the Padlet.

• Check where you are with accreditation standards and complete the form with your team’s details.

It’s a brilliant way to demonstrate your commitment to achieving outstanding nutrition and hydration care – so why not reach for the stars today! To find out more, search “Nutrition Mission” on the Intranet.

Introducing our new 7 Commitments for 2024-25

Chief Executive Prof. Phil Wood talks about the Trust’s annual commitments for the year ahead – and how everyone can play their part.

We know that this year there are big challenges ahead, and of our services are faced with many competing priorities. Our annual 7 Commitments are there to provide our teams with clarity over which are the most important priorities to focus on for the year ahead – they’re about focusing our collective efforts across the Trust to make progress in what matters most.

The 7 Commitments refresh every year and align with our multi-year goals – 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. We’ve listened to your feedback and so this year’s annual commitments are largely building on the fantastic work we achieved last year – focusing on refining and developing our work – alongside a couple of new additions.

Our new 7 Commitments

This is our commitment to build on the excellent work we have achieved as a Trust last year, where we successfully made an average half-day reduction in length of stay per patient. We’re committed to deliver better care, quality and experience focusing on all aspects of the patient’s pathway, not just the constitutional standards.

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).

This is a new commitment for this year, to ensure we are doing our bit to help mitigate the climate crisis, progress towards net zero carbon emissions, and become a more sustainable organisation overall.

Also new for this year is our commitment to effectively manage our existing resources, specifically our digital systems and ensuring we are using them to their full potential, including understanding their importance and impact to enhance quality and timeliness of care.

We recruited 20,000 patients to research studies in Leeds last year, and this year we are continuing our commitment to research and innovation, strengthening participation and encouraging growth in the number of live research projects, grant applications, training academies, and AI. We want to become a global R&I leader delivering outstanding research and innovative practice, and we will enhance the visibility of R&I across all areas of the Trust.

This is our commitment to continue to find and embed cost-saving measures across the Trust, to ensure we are delivering the best value for taxpayers. We will continue waste reduction programmes, financial incentives, and drive efficiencies at all levels.

We our committed to make strides towards our goal of being the best place to work. We will promote an open culture with a “You say, We listen” approach, act on Staff Survey feedback, and act on our strengthened Freedom to Speak Up governance structures.

Turn to page 16 for a pull-out and keep poster of this year’s 7 Commitments.

What now?

Embracing our 7 Commitments is about creating a ripple effect of positive change, empowering each of us to make a tangible impact together. We all have a role to help make this happen – regardless of the job you do, everyone can contribute to the delivery of our 7 Commitments and ultimately to achieving our vision. There are actions we can all take to support the 7 Commitments this year:

• Align your individual goals with the 7 Commitments at your annual appraisal conversation. It’s a great way to prepare yourself for the year ahead.

• If you’re a manager, talk to your teams about how you can make a difference towards the 7 Commitments. There are plenty of resources to help you plan this – as well as celebrating successes – in our toolkit on the staff Intranet.

• Share your success stories with us! We want to know all about what you and your teams are doing to support this year’s commitments.

Find out more: Search ‘7 Commitments’ on the staff Intranet.

Research & Innovation news at LTHT

Through April 2023 to March 2024, the Trust managed and delivered a complex and diverse research portfolio, recruiting 25,695 participants into 131 active research studies and 22,113 participants taking part in National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio studies.

In England, the Trust has an impressive record for research recruitment. We are the leading Trust for recruitment to specialist cancer studies; the highest adult acute hospital for recruitment to medical device studies, the highest recruiter for complex interventional studies and the third highest for portfolio studies (second in the north of England) and commercial studies.

Innovation Pop Up XR Health Hub Launch

The LTHT Innovation Pop Up are thrilled to announce the launch of the Leeds XR Hub, a dynamic collaboration between over 60 innovation Pop Up members and leading health tech organisations across West Yorkshire. The Leeds XR Hub provides an innovative platform for Trust staff and teams to harness the potential of new immersive technology.

LTHT’s

From virtual reality to augmented reality applications the possibilities are limitless. This initiative marks a significant joint venture between the Innovation Pop Up and University of Leeds Centre for Immersive Technologies with support from Leeds Hospitals Charity.

‘De-label’ hope for people who mistakenly believe they have penicillin allergy

Researchers from LTHT, University of Oxford and University of Birmingham

have found that people who mistakenly think they are allergic to penicillin could be “de-labelled” –without undergoing expensive allergy tests by being safely offered a dose of the antibiotic to check for any adverse reactions, research suggests.

Dr Louise Savic, Consultant Anaesthetist and Drug Allergy Specialist at LTHT, and co-chief investigator of the study, said: “This study demonstrates that a routine programme of de-labelling people who believe they are allergic penicillin, outside the setting of a specialist allergy clinic, is potentially achievable.”

Owls providing opportunities in research for young people

Leeds Young Research Owls at LTHT is a Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) established in September 2019. Owls advises healthcare researchers on their projects, by providing a young person’s perspective on a researcher’s work, acting as advisors but not as participants.

Working with researchers, YPAG members can influence research projects at any stage of development. This can include providing their thoughts on prioritisation of work, help researchers design their projects, or guide investigators on methods of consent for patients being recruited into studies. They can advise on patient experience, including administration of tests and checking that information sheets going out to potential participants are understandable. Sometimes members can work even closer with researchers by co-writing papers, or even presenting the work they have done at conferences and trusts.

For Libby Watkins, who is 18 years old and the member secretary for the group, the work with Owls has helped get experience of medical research and making connections.

“I joined the group after being recommended last year in the hope of gaining experience in the world of healthcare research and the chance to speak with people in the industry,” Libby said.

“As well as meeting new, young people with similar interests, I believe the group also provides the chance to learn and comment on various different

trials and projects. For example, we provided feedback on the ‘scan-me project’, which involved looking into how children and their families felt about having scans after brain tumour treatment and ways in which this could be improved,” she added.

Libby highlights particular opportunities which can include looking at some cutting-edge research programmes using the latest technology.

She said: “We also got to speak with a Cardiac surgeon, who demonstrated 3D printed heart models and holograms. As well as getting to try these out for ourselves, we learnt about the importance these provide for improving the accuracy of surgery. I love being a member of the Owls as we are given lots of opportunities to learn about health research and to make an impact on future generations.”

To find out more about Leeds Owls YPAG contact Heather Rostron leedsth-tr.lyro@nhs.net

Microsoft 365 skills sharing: supporting digital transformation

In March, our DIT team partnered with Leeds Health & Care Academy to host the Trust’s first Microsoft 365 Skills Sharing Day. The event looked at our Microsoft 365 toolkit in more detail, helping to make sure we’re getting the most from the systems we have available at LTHT, from Microsoft Teams to Power Automation. Designed to support our new Digital Commitment - Use our existing digital systems to their full potential - colleagues across the Trust presented their experiences of using 365, explaining the different ways it supports their work, with opportunities to network and learn from other’s experiences throughout the day.

The day was a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, and events like these play a crucial role in supporting digital transformation across the Trust. The conversation continues in the dedicated Office 365 community on Viva Engage, which is open to all colleagues to join.

Elective Care Hub work continues apace at Wharfedale

Work to create the £10m Elective Care Hub at Wharfedale Hospital is continuing at pace.

A new phlebotomy and anticoagulant area and a new theatres staff rest area are now open, along with a staff room predominantly supporting colleagues on Ward 1, the new admissions unit, the new discharge area, and administrative staff.

The Elective Care Hub is currently under construction, and as well as the areas above, includes two new operating theatres and a recovery area. The investment is within the existing building footprint of the hospital and is aimed at reducing waiting times and protecting space for planned operations to take place.

The new hub is expected to open in October 2024 and will provide space for operations including cancer procedures, urology and benign gynaecology. These are operations where a post-operative stay is required. There will also be a dedicated hysteroscopy treatment suite, and overall the clinical footprint of the site will increase.

The development demonstrates the Trust’s vision of maintaining Wharfedale Hospital as a vital part of the Trust, playing an important part in delivering timely patient care.

The Trust has also been trialling a shuttle bus service to make it simpler for colleagues who live in Leeds to get to Wharfedale Hospital for their shifts.

Thank you to Leeds Hospitals Charity for a donation towards artwork and furniture for the patient waiting and discharge areas.

The Wharfedale Hospital Outpatients nursing team has been supporting and adapting to the new changes in the department. The team is proud to be part of the Elective Care Hub’s new Outpatient Hysteroscopy service and look forward to welcoming patients to its new purpose-built suite.

Clair Woodrow, Matron - Outpatients and Phlebotomy, said: “The ability to support one another through significant upheaval within the department shows a commitment to the collaborative spirit of LTHT and The Leeds Way. Having a proactive approach to problem solving and the desire to maintain high standards of care fosters a positive working environment, with a passion for improving patient outcomes. Well done Wharfedale Outpatients nursing team!

Creating positive together

Creating positive change together

Our new hospital update – preparing for construction

The Building the Leeds Way (BtLW) programme team is continuing to move forwards with a second phase of enabling works being actively planned with the primary purpose to support preparation for the commencement of the main construction works of the new hospitals at LGI.

The Enabling Works projects will include a second phase of demolition, the completion of services infrastructure works and the establishment of a temporary entrance for the Jubilee Wing. Uninterrupted patient care and

staff wellbeing will be of paramount importance during the planning and delivery of this second phase of enabling works.

Sharing our vision with Royalty

The BtLW programme team were delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, in March to share plans for the new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The Duchess, who is patron of Leeds Children’s Hospital, visited the Trust to meet with staff, patients and representatives from Leeds Children’s Hospital and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness was updated that the plan to build a new state-of-the-art hospital will be fully funded and can proceed. She also met with BtLW Senior Project Manager, Alec Musson, who provided a summary of the plans and the exciting vision for our digitally-enabled hospital.

Showcasing our vital work with NHS England Chair Richard Meddings

Trust Chair, Dame Linda Pollard welcomed NHS England’s Chair, Richard Meddings to see firsthand the vital work LTHT is doing to advance improvements and innovations, hear about plans for the new state-of-the-art hospital and vision for heath innovation.

Dame Linda and members of the Executive team provided an overview of the Trust’s new hospital development plans and LTHT’s commitment to harnessing innovation before embarking on a wider tour of LGI and St James’s where they met colleagues and patients.

The visit included a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Centre for Laboratory Medicine where the Pathology leadership team, Mike Philpott, Steve Stephenson and, Olorunda Rotimi along with Emma Storey (Project Manager for the new CfLM) showcased the new healthcare facilities.

Lord Carter visits the Centre for Laboratory Medicine to see his dream become a reality

Labour Peer, Patrick Carter, Lord Carter of Coles, paid a visit to the Trust in April to see first-hand the strides that are being taken to harness innovation and spearhead healthcare for the future.

Lord Carter has advised the Government on a wide range of issues, particularly healthcare and information technology and paid a special visit to the new Centre for Laboratory Medicine to see how the state-of-the-art facility will lead the way in pathology services.

The visit was particularly poignant as in 2008, Lord Carter published his report which recommended consolidating and re-organising NHS pathology services across the UK into a regional ‘hub and spoke’ model to improve quality, patient safety and efficiency. His subsequent report in 2016 defined the basis for the national focus on pathology consolidation.

The new Centre for Laboratory Medicine was inspired and influenced by Lord Carter’s recommendations and, once fully operational, will become a regional hub supporting the delivery of innovative testing and diagnostics, using the latest advancements and technologies.

Lord Carter was delighted to hear from Mike Philpott, Steve Stephenson and Emma Storey, as they showcased the specialist laboratories and highlighted the pioneering innovations and automations that will be used to deliver faster results to help speed up diagnosis across Leeds and West Yorkshire. The

team had the opportunity to discuss how staff have played a critical role in the design of the building and how the facility has been carefully developed to accommodate the latest advancements now and in the future.

Lord Carter met with colleagues in the Pharmacy Aseptics unit at Bexley Wing, St James’s, to see first-hand how they are leading the way in this service, delivering first in the world clinical trials and complex medication regimes.

The visit also included meetings with senior team members to hear about the Building the Leeds Way new hospital developments and the Trust’s commitment to harnessing innovation.

Lord Carter commented: “This visit to Leeds Teaching Hospitals was incredibly inspiring. The Trust is leading the way in many areas, particularly in its use of healthcare technology, its pathology and aseptics specialisms, and I was hugely impressed by the passion of the teams I met.

“In particular, it was wonderful to see my dream of a highly efficient pathology service, become a reality in the Centre for Laboratory Medicine. Leeds Teaching Hospital’s approach to bringing vital pathology services together across West Yorkshire, bolstered by leading technology and innovations, will ensure it is ready to meet the demand for specialist treatment and care now and in years to come. I look forward to seeing it become fully operational in the coming months.”

A step closer to a fully operational Laboratory

Since the official event marking the completion of the works for our new Centre for Laboratory Medicine at St James’s University Hospital in September 2023, the Building the Leeds Way programme team has continued to support colleagues across the Trust and external partners to ensure that the new lab is fully operationalised this calendar year.

Equipment partner, Siemens Healthineers, have been planning, designing and getting ready to install all of the new highspecification equipment over the coming months. The BtLW programme team has been supporting Pathology staff to ensure the new lab will be fully equipped alongside the development and implementation of new operating processes ready for the new lab facilities to be operationalised.

The very first teams, Point of Care, have been welcomed into the Centre for Laboratory Medicine and more teams will follow suit in the coming months.

This reflects significant progress for the Trust as we take another step closer to transforming diagnostic services for patients across West Yorkshire.

Maternity team collaborate with Women Friendly Leeds for community listening event

The LTHT obstetric teams collaborated with Women Friendly Leeds to host an event focused on sharing experiences of maternity care.

The event, called ‘maternity concerns’, saw 65 women from communities across the city come together with healthcare and community engagement professionals at Thackray Medical Museum.

The event used art as a tool for connection and communication to disrupt hierarchy and build trust crosscommunity. Women Friendly Leeds staff and community group leaders facilitated roundtable conversations between women from culturally diverse communities and healthcare professionals. Whilst conversation took place, there was an art project on each table that came together to build a bigger art piece.

Discussions were anchored around a number of key questions including ‘do you feel heard’ and ‘what would make a difference’ to empower culturally diverse women to express themselves, especially with language relatable to them. By sharing their own experiences, this helped to create tangible outcomes and key asks that healthcare professionals could take back into their workplace.

Jenny Roddy, Consultant Midwife Health Equity at LTHT, said:

“Listening to our patients is incredibly important in shaping and improving the care we provide. The event provided really valuable insights into many aspects of maternity care and we are grateful to the women in our local communities for coming along and speaking so openly about their experiences. I look forward to further opportunities to collaborate and share the improvements we have made.”

Paulette, Community Conversation Worker at Women Friendly Leeds, said: “We believe that we can make a difference to maternity services, but that can only be done by working together. This event was the first step towards a longer conversation around maternity care and we would like to say a big thank you to all our contributors and collaborators. It is community that makes Women Friendly Leeds and the work we do so brilliant.”

Alec Musson

Building the Leeds Way Senior Project Manager, has worked at the Trust for 24 years

What are the main aspects of your role?

As Senior Project Manager in the Building the Leeds Way programme team, I am responsible for contributing to managing the efficient delivery of our new hospitals at the LGI site, ensuring the Hospitals of the Future project is delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality.

The plan to build a new state-of-the-art hospital at the LGI site is a significant and complex project with many competing and moving parts. The new hospitals will benefit patients and staff both here in Leeds and across the wider region, so communicating and engaging with people right across the Trust and with our partners and communities is key to ensuring our plans are fit for the future and deliverable. I spend a lot of time engaging with colleagues and stakeholders and developing relationships to support the organisational change and transformation needed to prepare teams for the future healthcare environment and ultimately revolutionise our healthcare facilities for the future.

Robust governance underpins all our work and is a key part of my role reporting on

project progress and managing risks, issues, and opportunities.

What else have you done in your career so far?

I started working at St James’s as a junior physiotherapist in 1996 and progressed my career in paediatrics working at St James’s, Dewsbury Child Development Centre, and then back to LTHT. Eventually, I worked as the clinical service manager for the Paediatric Physiotherapy team while still working clinically and specialising in paediatric neurology, specifically movement disorders and injecting botulinum toxin for muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy and supporting the development of the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy service.

In 2015, I moved away from clinical work and started as a service manager in the Children’s CSU management team supporting several services such as Neonates, Paediatric Intensive Care amongst others.

My passion has always been in children’s healthcare and looking for a new challenge in 2020, I moved into the Building the Leeds Way team at the Trust to support the construction of our new hospital which will include a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love engaging with teams across the Trust alongside external stakeholders and especially patients and their families. They are the reason we’re transforming our healthcare services and facilities. Plus, playing a part in a once-in-alifetime opportunity to create a new hospital is inspiring.

What is the one thing you would change at LTHT to help you do your job better?

Anything to reduce the number of emails I receive, especially whilst on leave. I’m starting to use Teams calls a lot more instead of an email. It’s good to talk (as the old advert went).

What’s your best advice to a new starter at the Trust?

It often takes months to settle into a new role so don’t panic and don’t rush things. Absorb everything, ask questions and enjoy your work –plus, make sure you do some social activities with your new team to get to know each other.

If you are interested in being featured for ‘My Job’ in a future edition of Bulletin, please email the Communications team at communications.lth@nhs.net

A fond farewell to our long-serving staff

Andrea Burley

Andrea Burley, Staff Nurse, retired earlier this year after 37 years in children’s nursing. Andrea – better known as ‘Mrs Burley’ – started her training in Halifax in 1984. She has worked at LTHT since 1987 and on Ward L50 (Liver and Renal) since 2012.

In addition to a distinguished career in children’s nursing Andrea has been a stalwart of the Leeds Children’s Transplant Team as a volunteer for many years.

Ward Manager Lejla Gredelj said: “On the outside she’s the toughest spirit but on the inside she has the biggest, softest heart.”

Andrea will be missed by her patients, their families, and her colleagues, who all wish her the best for a long and happy retirement. Many patients have grown up knowing Andrea and looking forward to seeing her on visits to Ward L50. Some patients who are now in their teens, Andrea cared for as babies!

Matron Clare Hazlegreaves said: “Thank you Andrea for all your hard work and dedication over the years. You’ve made a huge contribution to the lives of so many children and their families. You’ll be greatly missed!”

Jayne Pentin

Jayne Pentin has retired in March 2024 after a committed and rewarding career at LTHT. She started her nurse training in 1978 in Lincolnshire and then, through taking on exciting opportunities and following her passion for learning, she started in Leeds Children’s Hospital in 1999.

Jayne set up the Paediatric Education Centre, which has now become home for our clinical educators, training and education throughout the hospital. Jayne is the lead Professional Nursing Advocate ambassador in LCH and has successfully set up a flourishing service to support the teams within the hospital.

Jayne is a dedicated children’s nurse who has made a difference to patients, families and staff over her fantastic career. Jayne always had an ‘open door policy’, willing to help everyone and offering a helping hand whenever needed.

Jayne has retired with her husband David, who also worked at LTHT and they plan to enjoy their retirement with exotic holidays and lots of walks. It is only a ‘see you soon’ to Jayne, who will be back every Christmas to volunteer as Mrs Clause for all the children in the hospital.

Russell Booth

Russell started work in July 1977, 47 years ago, as a junior laboratory technician in the Pathology laboratory at St James’s. He rotated around pathology disciplines microbiology, haematology, biochemistry and histology, choosing his career to be in microbiology. Russell started in bacteriology and later moved over to virology where he was the operational lead for the latter part of his career. Russell retired and returned two years ago to support Pathology with relocating to the new Centre for Laboratory Medicine.

When Russell first started at LTHT everything was based on manual processes and handwritten reports and now, as Russell leaves, everything is automated.

Russell’s wife Julie (who he met at a Pathology Christmas party when he was resident DJ!) retires shortly after him after working 42 years in histology. They have exciting plans to go to the four tennis Grand Slams, as well as other holidays around the world. They are also very excited to welcome and help look after their first granddaughter! DIY and gardening will also be a big part of their retirement plans.

Russell has enjoyed all of his roles in microbiology and the challenges they have brought and will miss working with all his colleagues and for LTHT.

Carolyn Parsons

Carolyn retired from the Trust in February after 43 years working as part of the Payroll team. Carolyn started off at Clarendon Road before moving to St Mary’s House, then to Joseph Well, and finally moving to St James’s.

Carolyn will be greatly missed by all of her team, and intends to spend her retirement enjoying travelling the world to many destinations, spending time with family and celebrating her wedding later this year.

Tim Haywood

Tim Haywood, Consultant Anaesthetist, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, and previous PICU Clinical Lead at LTHT, has retired. This year Tim has celebrated 40 years of service in the NHS and over 23 years of service in PICU. Tim is widely known in the Trust through his anaesthetics, PICU and clinical lead roles. His colleagues are sad to see him go but hope that he enjoys a wonderful and well-deserved retirement: “Best wishes to Tim from all of us at LTHT.”

Lynne Lodge

Matron Lynne Lodge has retired after 36 years of dedicated service. Lynne joined the Trust back in 1988 following her nurse training and started her nursing career in orthopaedics. After a couple of years Lynne moved to general medicine gaining experience, and from here moved to Ward 68/69 which back then was medical oncology.

Following a short stint at Pontefract Hospital, Lynne rejoined St James’s in 2001 on the Haematology Day Unit (she couldn’t keep away for too long!) and this is where her love for oncology nursing really began. Apart from a short secondment stint as a clinical site manager, Lynne has since been devoted to oncology, working on J96, Oncology Outpatients as Senior Sister with the highlight of being promoted to matron for the surgical specialties in 2015.

Lynne’s team thank her for her dedicated service and wish her all the very best as she starts her new ‘retirement’ chapter.

Val Nolan

Val retired at the end of January after working 38 years within Payroll. Over the years Val has seen many changes happen within the Payroll Department: the merger of Leeds West and Leeds East payroll teams, the implementation of Agenda for Change, and the introduction of ESR. During her 38 years and in everything she did, Val strived to embody the Leeds Ways Values. Val will be greatly missed by all of her team. She plans to spend her retirement enjoying travelling and time with her family.

Samantha Rushworth

Samantha retired from the Trust in March after 38 years working as part of the Payroll team.

Over the years Samantha has seen many changes within the Payroll department, including the merger of Leeds West and Leeds East payroll teams, the implementation of Agenda for Change, and the introduction of ESR. Throughout all of this and her day-to-day work, Samantha has always done her best to achieve the Leeds Ways Values.

Samantha will be greatly missed by all the team in Payroll, she is now looking forward to travelling and spending time with her family.

Leeds Hospitals Charity news

The Rob Burrow Centre for MND

Thanks to incredible fundraising efforts and thousands of supporters who have generously donated to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease appeal, there’s just over £1 million left to raise to reach the target of £6.8 million.

All pieces of the puzzle are now fitting into place and building starts this month at Seacroft Hospital, following the appointment last July of architects Costorphine & Wright and the building contractors I&G last month.

Planning was submitted earlier in the year following extensive stakeholder and engagement sessions with clinical staff, Leeds Hospitals Charity and patients, and the approved designs were met with positivity by all involved, including the Burrow family. The building is arranged in three joined forms - an East and West Wing, which house the primary clinical spaces, connected via a central atrium, which has lots of light. This central space has been designed as a community focused area with reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity and dining areas. It will be a place for those accompanying appointments to use and will enable staff to observe patients in a more informal setting.

An important vision for the centre is long-term sustainability, as the building needs to be able to adapt to new treatments and innovations for MND patients, and hopefully research too. A behind the scenes blog from the Trust, Leeds Hospitals Charity and all partners involved can be accessed on the Leeds Hospitals Charity website leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/mnd

2024/25 Funding Programme

Leeds Hospitals Charity supports NHS staff to deliver the best care for over a million patients and their families each year. Working with local communities, schools and businesses, each year we provide over £4 million in additional funding to LTHT.

Since the launch of our strategy in 2021, we’re proud to have provided over £26m of additional funding to Leeds Teaching Hospitals taking the total over the past six years to over £50m. This includes a wide range of projects, from tackling health inequalities to supporting

treatment of rare diseases and ensuring innovation and health technologies can continue to drive improvements to patient care and experience.

We are excited to be launching a new approach to how we offer funding opportunities throughout 2024/25. These will be open to all staff across all hospitals.

Find out more and sign up to our funding newsletter to receive up to date information about funding opportunities when they become available: leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/ funding-opportunities

CHORAL - Children’s Health Outcomes Research at Leeds

Earlier this year, Leeds Hospitals Charity were really proud to attend the CHORAL launch and be able to support this world class research with a commitment of £2.6 million towards this revolutionary work.

Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity said: “Leeds Hospitals Charity is committed to supporting innovation and research, encompassed in our values of transforming lives and working together. CHORAL is a project that embodies both of these values, and we are thrilled to be part of this project contributing to a future where every child has the chance to live a healthier, brighter life. By collaborating with LTHT, University of Leeds, and other charities, together we can bring hope to families.”

Find out more: leedshospitalscharity. org.uk/choralresearch

60 seconds

Ian Kildin

Head of Data Centre & Infrastructure, has worked at the Trust for just over a year

What do you do to wind down and relax after a hard week at work?

Even in my spare time, I don’t escape from computers! I enjoy image and video editing and look after social media for a small tourism business, Visiting North Yorkshire (shameless plug!).

What is your ideal holiday destination and why?

Aside from anywhere in North Yorkshire (!) - New York, Jamaica or St. Lucia. All amazing in their own ways.

What is your favourite food?

Good old fish & chips – can’t beat it.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An astronaut.

What is your favourite film?

Deadpool. I’m not normally into

superhero films, but this is different and so funny – if you’ve watched it, you’ll know why.

Who would you most like to meet and why?

Churchill (not the dog). He was a man of amazing vision and backbone.

What is your favourite book?

I’m a big classic Doctor Who fan, so Doctor Who and the Daleks by David Whittaker was my childhood favourite. I also loved the 10th anniversary magazine special in 1973 and have read it cover to cover literally hundreds of times.

Tell us something we don’t know about you …

I’ve flown an RAF jet – the nearest I’ve come to my astronaut dream, so not too shabby! And nearly crowned the Queen with a glass of Buck’s Fizz – let’s not talk about that one…

Nurses celebrate completion of Nurture You programme

In March, LTHT celebrated the achievement of 47 globally trained nurses who successfully passed cohort two and three of the Trust’s Nurture You Leadership Programme.

The programme has been designed to support, develop and nurture leadership skills for Band 5 and 6 nurses employed at the Trust whose original nursing qualification is not from the UK.

Successful graduates completed the Mary Seacole leadership development programme, a Quality Improvement project in their respective clinical area, and gained confidence in their roles through career coaching.

LTHT is one of the few NHS organisations to run this programme, which makes an important contribution to improving employee retention and investing in the skills and development of staff.

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