Situated in the quaint and historic town of Dunsville, in generous private grounds sits Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home. Comprising of two buildings, one being a grade two listed 18th century mansion which houses a dome ceiling and has been converted sympathetically. The second being a beautiful red brick purpose-built building with an idyllic walled garden. Both providing a high standard of person centred care in a home from home setting for our clients.
✔ We offer long term residential, dementia and nursing care.
✔ We also provide day care and short term/respite stays to give home carers a well-earned break.
✔ All meals are home cooked and freshly prepared by our cooks. Daily menu choices are available, and all special diets are catered for.
✔ There is a hair salon on site which is visited regularly by a professional hairdresser.
✔ Chiropody, eye testing service and other complementary therapies are also available by arrangement.
✔ We have a full time personal activities leader who provides a varied programme of activities for our clients varying from one to one, group activities, regular outings and frequent fundraising events throughout the year.
Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home, High Street, Dunsville, Doncaster, DN7 4DB 01302 884650 01302 881801
wyndthorpehall.office@gmail.com
4 Insigneo Institute Joins Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT as Newest Partner
5 New information resource for people with cancer
6 Celebrating 10 years of vital screening programme
7 Born and Bred in Doncaster research study celebrates recruiting its 1,000th participant
You’re invited to our Annual Members’ Meeting
8 Health awareness session in our newly refurbished endoscopy department
9 Local Hospital Awarded Quality Mark for Preceptorship Programme
11 Afternoon tea served for our longest serving colleagues 12 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals achieves gold for health and wellbeing
13 Innovative health and social care careers event returns to Doncaster Dome
14 Local hospitals celebrate colleagues and NHS anniversary at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
15 Construction commences on £14.9 Million Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre, Enhancing Orthopaedic Care in Mexborough
16-17 Supporting DBTH Charity
If you have comments or want further information about any of the articles in Foundations for Health please contact the Communications & Engagement team on 01302 644244.
This magazine is produced four times a year, with three digital copies and one paper copy in August. To receive an electronic version of this magazine and invites to member events, please send us your name and email address to dbth.foundation.office@nhs.net or contact the Foundation Trust Office on 01302 644158.
South Yorkshire Local Maternity and Neonatal System are currently working to improve the pelvic health care that you receive from the NHS during and after pregnancy.
If you have recently given birth at Doncaster Royal Infirmary or Bassetlaw Hospital, please take a few moments to complete this short survey.
Pelvic health problems may include leaking of urine (pee) and/or stool (poo), prolapse (bulging or swelling), injuries and infection in the area between the vagina and anus, pelvic girdle pain (pain in the pelvic area and/or back) and abdominal rectus diastasis (tummy muscle separation).
To make sure that the care we offer meets your needs, we would like to hear about your experiences and your suggestions for improvement. The results of this survey will be used by your local service to understand what we are doing right and how we can improve. This survey has been developed with service users. The information will be collected and seen by South Yorkshire Local Maternity and
Neonatal Service and will only be shared with others in a way that would not identify you.
You can complete the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/29p999uk
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (DBTH) and the University of Sheffield’s Insigneo Institute have entered a formal partnership. On 14 July, the Trust and research organisation formally launched their partnership at the Insigneo Showcase, an event which allowed for members, funding agencies and partners to come together and see first-hand the innovative research Insigneo is working on. Through this collaboration, both will work together to enhance learning, research, development, and outreach opportunities, and, by combining efforts, aim to discover new possibilities in healthcare and medical research, benefiting both patients and the community. Insigneo offers valuable partnership opportunities with significant benefits through their involvement in large grants and industrial investments including:
• The South Yorkshire EPSRC Digital Health Hub: This initiative has been awarded £4 million and aims to unite patients, clinicians, researchers, and industry experts to develop digital technologies for addressing major diseases and health inequalities.
• Centre for Machine Intelligence: With a £3.6 million investment in Machine Learning/AI, this partnership promises to advance artificial intelligence applications and solutions across various industries.
• Data Connect: This venture brings a £1.8 million investment in healthcare data science, supporting the development of data-driven solutions to improve healthcare practices and outcomes.
transform the future of healthcare technology. They have a diverse membership of over 290 academics, researchers, and clinicians with expertise in areas such as biomedical imaging, healthcare data, computational modelling, and digital healthcare technologies.
Dr Jane Fearnside, Head of Research at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) said: “I’m thrilled about this partnership and having such an incredible partner to help achieve our vision To establish ourselves as a leading centre of research excellence. This partnership will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking advancements medical technology and drive impactful research that will benefit both our patients and the broader healthcare community.”
These collaborations create an environment for cutting-edge research and innovation in digital health, AI, and healthcare data science.
Established in 2012, the Insigneo Institute is driving innovative research at the interface of healthcare, engineering and science to
Professor Jim Wild, Executive Director of the Insigneo Institute said: “This new partnership strengthens our ability to work collaboratively with the NHS and contribute to improving health outcomes across the region.
“We look forward to the opportunity to work with and develop research to contribute to the trust’s areas of strategic priority.”
“THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS OUR ABILITY TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE NHS AND CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES ACROSS THE REGION.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), in collaboration with Macmillan Services and Aurora Wellbeing Services, is proud to announce the launch of a new mobile application specifically designed to empower and support cancer patients throughout their treatment journey.
The HealthZone Doncaster and Bassetlaw Cancer Care app is a free to use resource that has been designed with local people in mind. It offers people diagnosed with cancer access to information and support they need whilst being treated for their condition.
The newly launched app comes as a result of the hospital’s commitment to enhancing patient care and providing comprehensive support for cancer patients. It was created in partnership with Macmillan Cancer services, based within the Outpatient Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and Aurora Wellbeing Services, a local charity who provide holistic therapy and support for people within Doncaster, Bassetlaw and Mexborough. HealthZone was funded by the SYB Cancer Alliance and builds on the work and implementation of a similar project at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Through the mobile app, patients can access information about their treatment, specialists involved in cancer care and personalised care planning. In addition, HealthZone offers practical advice on attending hospital appointments, transport options available to patients, contact information for departments and financial support. Also listed are local support groups, wellbeing and mental health services and complementary therapies available within the area.
Cancer patients were actively involved in shaping HealthZone’s functionality and usability during the development process. Patients receiving treatment within the Chatsfield Suite at Doncaster Royal Infirmary offered valuable insights and feedback, and preferences were considered to ensure that the final product caters to their needs and challenges while being treated for their cancer.
Feedback from patients were that the app is simple, visual and easy to navigate. Patients felt that having an app meant it was easier to access information in one place instead of referring to different leaflets and cards that can get misplaced once at home. A suggestion was to include a helpful guide to terms used by clinicians and healthcare professionals to help patients and their families better understand their care.
Paula Trelford, a patient involved in the review, explained that people often struggle with the terminology used by clinicians, and this forms
a barrier to processing information effectively. Paula said: “When I had my first appointment, I didn’t understand some of the acronyms used and had to ask my clinical team for an explanation. This can affect patients taking in everything that is discussed. If the app included a guide explaining the different jargon and acronyms, other patients can access this before their treatment and have a better understanding of the different aspects of their care.”
format ensures it is more accessible and can be updated at any time, however, printed information will remain available, if requested. This project has been a collaborative effort across the different organisations involved in local cancer support and we are confident that this app represents an effective way of engaging with our communities, especially those being treated in our care.”
Furthermore, Lesley Barnett, Deputy Director of Nursing for Cancer, Chemotherapy and End of Life Services at DBTH, emphasized the value of this partnership and stated: “We are immensely proud to unveil this app that exemplifies our commitment to patient-centric care. Working with the expertise of Macmillan Services and Aurora Wellbeing Services, along with the invaluable input from cancer patients themselves, we have succeeded in creating a tool that will make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. The HealthZone app reaffirms our dedication to empowering our patients.”
Toni Peet, Personalised Cancer Manager at DBTH, said: “We are excited to be able to launch HealthZone for our patients. The Cancer Services team have worked hard to ensure that patients have the information they need to make their experience with us that bit easier.”
“The app contains localised advice for patients which will prove useful to have in one place. Delivering this information in a digital
The HealthZone Doncaster & Bassetlaw Cancer Care App is now available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. For more information or to download the app, please visit: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/cancer-services/ cancer-care-app/
Alternatively, the app can be downloaded through Apple Store or Google Play by searching for ‘HealthZone UK’ and then ‘Doncaster & Bassetlaw Cancer Care’ within the app.
“WE ARE EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO LAUNCH HEALTHZONE FOR OUR PATIENTS. THE CANCER SERVICES TEAM HAVE WORKED HARD TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS HAVE THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO MAKE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH US THAT BIT EASIER.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) are pleased to announce the contract renewal for the Trust’s Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme, securing the continuation of this vital service for the local community.
The AAA Screening Programme plays a crucial role in identifying individuals with abdominal aortic aneurysms, a condition where the body’s main blood vessel becomes enlarged and at risk of rupturing.
The aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body, runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. In some people, particularly men aged 65 and over, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can weaken over time, leading to the formation of an aneurysm. The condition can go unnoticed, often with no apparent symptoms or pain, making early detection key.
DBTH has been the trusted regional provider of the AAA Screening Programme since the it was rolled out in the area in 2013, marking a decade of this dedicated service this past February. Throughout this time, the hospital has consistently maintained a high performance against national screening standards and was among the first regional programmes to fully restore services following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a robust procurement exercise,
the recent successful bid ensures that the Trust will continue to serve as the provider of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw’s AAA Screening Programme until October 2028. As a result, DBTH will continue to offer access to comprehensive AAA screening services, reinforcing the Trust’s dedication to early detection, intervention, and long-term health outcomes.
The AAA Screening Programme has been widely praised for its positive impact on patient outcomes, with numerous success stories of lives saved through early detection and appropriate intervention. By continuing this essential service, the Trust aims to further reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease within the local community.
Alex Brown, DBTH’s AAA Screening Programme Manager, said: “We are thrilled that our contract for the AAA Screening Programme has been renewed. Our small yet dedicated team of 11 colleagues, including three members who have been with the programme since its inception, has been instrumental in our success. Around 1 in 100 men who are screened have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and we take great pride leading in this life saving detection service to support the health of our community.”
Dr Jas Sawhney, Clinical Director for Medical Imaging, said: “The AAA Screening Programme is a tremendous service with the potential to save lives. Thank you to all our colleagues involved in running the programme, the team’s expertise, dedication, and compassion have been instrumental in its success thus far and will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals at risk. At DBTH, we remain committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services, such as the AAA Screening Programme, that positively impact our communities in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. I am delighted that we can continue to deliver this care with the renewed contract.”
In England, men aged over 65 are routinely offered a screening appointment at their local AAA screening clinic. The screening process involves a quick and pain-free ultrasound scan of the abdomen. Men are told their result straight away and their GP is also informed. If you are a man who is already over 65 and have not yet been invited for screening, you can self-refer to the programme by calling the team on 01709 649100.
“THANK YOU TO ALL OUR COLLEAGUES INVOLVED IN RUNNING THE PROGRAMME, THE TEAM’S EXPERTISE, DEDICATION, AND COMPASSION HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ITS SUCCESS THUS FAR AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AT RISK.”
The Born and Bred in Doncaster (BaBi-D) research programme aims to help improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across Doncaster. Local parents are invited to participate, with the study tracking connecting health and wider data to support the health and wellbeing of their children from pregnancy through to childhood and into adult life.
Following the success of the Born and Bred in Bradford programme, it is hoped that the data provided from this cohort study will help participating organisations in gaining a better understanding of what local families want and need from healthcare services across the borough, ensuring locally commissioned services are inclusive, with consideration of additional research for further understanding and improvement for people in Doncaster and beyond.
Julie De Jonquieres, who has been serving as a is our Bentley based Community Midwife for over two years, recruited the 1,000th participant to the study. Speaking about the achievement, she Julie said: “Within my role, I recognise the central importance in identifying areas for improvement and addressing inequalities for our local families. The parents of Bentley have shown tremendous enthusiasm in signing up for the study, appreciating the potential positive influence the research could have on future communities and generations.
“I feel genuinely privileged to be part of the team supporting Babi-D and I genuinely believe it will have a real positive impact on the delivery of healthcare for local people in the future.”
Data obtained through the study can help local health organisations explore topics around health inequalities and determine measures to address these areas of concern. Such as whether there are relationships between things that happen in pregnancy and children’s future health, if children in some areas are more likely to get asthma than children in other areas, and how our genes affect our health and lives as we grow up.
Dr Sam Debbage, Director of Education and Research at DBTH, said: “We want to ensure this research study reflects the requirements and concerns of the our local community area. Therefore, we are keen to hear from our community local citizens and welcome your thoughts on any research topics you would like the programme to explore. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team to share your ideas give your suggestions and help us to continue to make a huge success of Babi-D!”
Taking part in BaBi-D is voluntary and participants are free to withdraw at any time. This research, like every research project undertaken, is checked to make sure it meets the highest scientific and ethical standards. You can find out more about the study, or provide the team with your
research ideas, on the dedicated Born and Bred in Doncaster website: www.dbth.nhs.uk/babi-d
In late May and June, the Trust hosted a number of ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ events across Doncaster for people to find out more about the study. The events were aimed at families with children aged 0-3 years old, with lots of activities for the whole family, including a picnic for the little ones. Sharing in with the sunshine and good weather, the events were a success, attracting over 100 attendees.
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) recently hosted a personalised health talk for construction workers involved in refurbishing an endoscopy ward based at Montagu Hospital. The informative session was sparked by a conversation between the construction workers from Willmott Dixon Interiors and clinicians from DBTH, having seen an educational display promoting prostate cancer awareness on the Rockingham Ward. Recognising the opportunity to engage directly with a group susceptible to prostate disorders, the clinical team invited the workers to participate in a tailored health educational session covering prostate health. The workers were informed about the symptoms of prostate cancer, which can include an increased need to pee, straining whilst urinating or feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied. Whilst these symptoms should not be ignored, they can be caused by other health issues, such as an enlarged prostate. Colleagues from the construction company were informed that if they experience these symptoms, they need to contact their GP for further investigation.
Nicki Sherburn, Deputy Divisional Nurse for Surgery at DBTH, said: “The Trust takes great pride in helping not just our patients but also the people that work alongside our organisation. This is a great example of our
clinical team going above and beyond their day-to-day roles to ensure our community can learn about crucial healthcare matters.”
Michelle Corbet, Matron for Clinical Specialty Services, said: “Empowering our local community through health awareness sessions is important to us as we recognise that it makes a significant difference in helping people detect the early symptoms of cancer. With approximately 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, it is essential that we actively engage with this highrisk population. I am extremely proud of the team on Rockingham ward for the work they have done to promote health and wellbeing. This is a fantastic example of collaborative working supporting such an important topic.”
Marie Evers, Sister on the Rockingham Ward at DBTH, gave thanks to her colleagues for their help in organising and facilitating the session. Marie said: “Amanda Peck, Healthcare Assistant and Wellbeing Ambassador, has worked hard to boost prostate cancer awareness within the ward. Amanda spotted the perfect opportunity to further this awareness by initiating this session, which really engaged key members of the public who will directly benefit from this experience. We were also fortunate to have Tina Soar, Urology Nurse Specialist, provide her expertise in urology care and give her time to answer questions on prostate cancer following the session.”
Due to the success of the session, DBTH are offering further talks for colleagues from
Willmott Dixon Interiors on men’s health awareness and have scheduled an additional talk to include testicular cancer and how to identify early symptoms.
Stuart Dack, Site Build Manager for Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are delighted to have been a part of this educational session and appreciate the time given by the clinical team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. The wellbeing of our workers is important to Willmott Dixon Interiors, and we look forward to participating in future sessions on men’s health and other topics.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors have been part of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre build project where the Trust received funding of just over £9 million for the new patient and staff facilities including the development of a fully functional endoscopy suite, with training facilities and multifunctional clinic rooms including ultrasound facilities. This project forms part of a significant scheme of improvements at Montagu Hospital, including a state-of-the-art orthopaedic hub, named the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC), at an investment of £14.9 million. Groundworks have recently commenced on this project with the facility expected to reach completion in early 2024. The centre will boost the capacity of elective surgery within the South Yorkshire area therefore helping to reduce patient waiting times.
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) have been awarded the National Preceptorship Interim Quality Mark from NHS England.
Designed to bridge the gap between university study and working full-time in a hospital, preceptorship programmes help to develop the newly qualified nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to refine their skills and familiarise themselves with the role.
During this transitionary period, colleagues are given structured support from experienced clinicians and are afforded time to learn about best practice, in a setting where everyone else is also at the start of their journey.
The Preceptorship Programme at DBTH provides a minimum of 12-months of support for newly qualified registrants and those internationally educated. During this period, candidates attend 8 study days on a variety of topics, such as patient safety, Leadership, healthy lifestyles.
The Preceptorship Quality Mark serves as a national gold standard for program organizers. It enables NHS Trusts to assess themselves against the recommended framework and standards, ensuring excellence in their preceptorship programs.
Speaking of the award, Natalie McCarthy,
Education Lead for Clinical Specialties and Preceptorship at DBTH, said: “Receiving the quality mark fills us with immense pride, as it reflects the outstanding work of our team and the excellence of our preceptorship program here at DBTH.
midwives and 75 soon-to-qualified nurses. Once embedded within the Trust, these dedicated individuals will play a vital role in delivering exceptional care, contributing to the well-being and recovery of patients, and will all be enrolled within the Preceptorship Programme.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “The first 12 months after qualifying can be a very challenging time for new starters. This is why we believe it is crucial to have a smooth transition in place to ease them in. We believe that our preceptorship programme delivers just that. Not only does it help candidates through their first year, but they are also offered continued support once the programme is completed.
“We firmly believe that supporting newly registered Nurses, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals during their first 12 months is vital. It ensures a seamless transition and equips them with the necessary support and knowledge to move forward with confidence in their new roles.”
Colleagues at DBTH have recently undertaken a highly successful recruitment campaign, resulting in the appointment of over 40 soon-to-qualify
I want to share my thanks with colleagues who have put in the hard work to achieve this accreditation, and I can’t wait to see how we will further develop this programme in the future.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of Yorkshire’s leading acute trusts, serving a population of more than 420,000 across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and the surrounding areas. The Trust provides a wide range of hospital-based services, including emergency and critical care, maternity, cancer, surgical, and medical specialties.
“I WANT TO SHARE MY THANKS WITH COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE PUT IN THE HARD WORK TO ACHIEVE THIS ACCREDITATION, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HOW WE WILL FURTHER DEVELOP THIS PROGRAMME IN THE FUTURE.”
Each year we invite our members to a meeting, giving an update on the Trust’s performance and progress within the year. During the meeting we will cover:
• Our response to COVID-19
• Our overall operational activity
• Our highlights and challenges throughout the year
• Our financial performance
Membership of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals is divided into constituencies. Each constituency votes for its representatives on the Council of Governors. The constituencies are:
• Public Members
• Bassetlaw (Bassetlaw District Council)
• Doncaster (Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council)
• Rest of England and Wales (Any other electoral area in England and Wales with the exception of the above)
Anyone can become a member as long as they are over the age of 16. If you would like to join 8,000 others and register as a member of DBTH, you can do so on our website at: dbth.nhs.uk/ about-us/become-a-member
We encourage as many people from our constituencies as possible to become members to fully reflect the diversity of our community in terms of its geography, as well as gender, ethnicity, health status and social economic groupings. Please note - Whilst Members have the ability to influence the developments of the Trust, they do not get preferential treatment as patients – this is determined on clinical need.
• An update on local, regional and national developments in health and social care
• An update from our Lead Governor
Speakers will include:
• Suzy Brain England OBE, Trust Chair
• Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive
• Jon Sargeant, Director of Finance
• Lynne Schuller, Lead Governor
• Along with other senior colleagues throughout the Trust.
At 6pm on 28 September you will be able to watch the event using a YouTube link which will be made available on our website (dbth. nhs.uk)
The Trust laid on afternoon tea yesterday (3 July) to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our longest serving colleagues as part of broader celebrations to mark the NHS’ 75th birthday.
The event took place at Ye Olde Bell in Retford and brought together approximately 70 health professionals who have dedicated at least 40 years of their careers to the NHS, primarily at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital, and Montagu Hospital.
The occasion was a testament to the remarkable commitment and expertise of these extraordinary individuals, whose combined experience exceeds an astonishing 3,000 years. The majority of the honoured guests were nurses, midwives, administrators, and various other healthcare professionals, each having played an integral role in delivering exceptional care and service throughout their careers. Guests at the event were treated to a delectable selection of sandwiches, scones, and other traditional afternoon tea delights, whilst members of DBTH’s Board of Directors warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to the longstanding colleagues for their unwavering dedication and commitment to patient care.
Commenting on the event, Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer, said: “We are immensely grateful for the extraordinary commitment and expertise demonstrated by our longest serving colleagues. This special afternoon tea event provided an opportunity to acknowledge their immense contributions and express our sincerest thanks for the impact they have made throughout their careers. It was a truly fantastic day filled with camaraderie, a superb celebration of their remarkable achievements.”
One of DBTH’s long serving colleagues is Elaine Merrills, Matron for Recruitment, Retention and Pastoral Support within Maternity. The Doncaster resident started her career in 1978 as a 16-year old Nursing Cadet, before qualifying as a nurse in 1983, and subsequently a midwife in 1984. Since that time, Elaine, like so many of her colleagues, has supported countless patients, as well as helping to deliver thousands of babies throughout her career.
Speaking about her time at the Trust, Elaine said: “When I reflect upon my career, I’m proud of so many things – primarily the fact you’re giving something back to our community. I’ve never worked anywhere else –I belong here and I’ve enjoyed every minute of caring for patients.”
One of the largest providers in the region, DBTH hosts three main hospital sites in Bassetlaw, Doncaster and Mexborough, and annually cares for, on average, 110,000 inpatients, 500,000 outpatients and supports in the delivery of 4,500 babies.
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board at DBTH, said: “I echo the sentiments shared by Zoe. The unwavering dedication, resilience, and compassion shown by our colleagues have touched the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues. The NHS has been built on the shoulders of individuals like these, who have selflessly devoted themselves to the betterment of others and for that, I simply want to say ‘thank you’.
“Your insight, knowledge, and expertise have shaped the very fabric of our organisation, guiding us through both triumphs and challenges. The lessons you have learned and the wisdom you have gained are invaluable treasures that continue to inspire and will continue to do so for many years to come.”
On Wednesday 5 July, the NHS will celebrate its 75th birthday. Treating over a million people a day in England, when it was founded in 1948 the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery.
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) has been awarded ‘gold’ as part of South Yorkshire’s ‘Be Well @ Work Award’, recognising the exceptional efforts made by the Trust to support the health and wellbeing of colleagues.
The accreditation invites organisations to submit evidence across thirteen categories, highlighting the efforts made to support teams in areas such as mental health, longterm conditions, and healthy eating. DBTH’s submission showcased the organisation’s dedication to promoting a healthy and supportive work environment for employees.
In recent years, the Trust’s health and wellbeing initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, with a range of initiatives such as: Complementary therapies, Reiki Seichem, menopause awareness sessions and support, physiotherapy, wellbeing trolleys, counselling and mental health support, as well as financial support and signposting.
Other achievements have included:
• Colleague smear clinics: Often times it is difficult for individuals to attend routine cervical screening appointments, as such the team have set up smear clinics for colleagues who are due, or overdue. These sessions are also accessible at weekends and in the evenings. To-date, more than 150 colleagues have been seen, resulting in eight referrals to the Colposcopy team and 13 requiring a repeat sample in 12 months.
• Know Your Numbers: These are routine blood pressure checks, offered by the Health and Wellbeing Team. Since their introduction in 2021, a total of 495 colleagues have been assessed, with 53 individuals with raised blood pressure referred to their GP for further evaluation and support.
• Thunder the Therapy Dog: Thunder has recorded 40 visits to-date, providing comfort and support to colleagues,
as well as patients, across the Trust, including high-pressure areas such as the Emergency Department.
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at DBTH, expressed her delight at achieving the Gold level for the ‘South Yorkshire Be Well @ Work Award’, stating: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for our commitment to colleague health and wellbeing. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Health and Wellbeing team – their efforts have made a significant impact and, on behalf of all colleagues, I want to share my thanks with them.
“Our approach to Health and Wellbeing is a core pillar of our newly launched People Strategy. A key focus of this five year document is to ‘Look after our people’ – this strand describes a number of key commitments of which looking out for the physical and emotional wellbeing
of our colleagues is of paramount importance. I can’t wait to see how we can continue to develop in the future, ensuring DBTH is the very best employer it can be for the people of Doncaster, Bassetlaw and beyond.”
Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Congratulations to Doncaster Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital for achieving Gold accreditation for the South Yorkshire Be Well @ Work Award. Achieving this award demonstrates the commitment made to investing in employee health and wellbeing, that it is well embedded across the organisation with good engagement from staff.
“It was evident how dedicated the Health and Wellbeing team are to improving health and wellbeing and the level of enthusiasm and commitment they provide. The programme of support, initiatives and campaigns offered continues to promote, inspire, and provide a positive influence across the three sites of the Trust.”
In 2023, the Trust achieved an impressive response rate of 65.2% (approximately 4,252 colleagues) within the national Staff Survey. Evidencing improvements in health and wellbeing, highlights from the questionnaire revealed that the Trust had improved its scores for ‘We are Safe and Healthy,’ with a rating of 6.0 compared to 5.9 pre-pandemic. Additionally, 67% of all colleagues (higher than pre-pandemic levels) reported that the organisation took a positive interest in health and wellbeing, surpassing the national average of 57%.
DBTH is now working to achieve a Menopause Friendly Accreditation, and has been working closely with Channel 4’s Dr Dawn Harper to support colleagues.
Earlier this month, hundreds of young people in Doncaster were given the opportunity to attend a unique health and care careers event at Doncaster Dome, where they were introduced to a diverse range of job prospects within the health and social care sector.
Organised by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), Hall Cross Academy, and various health, social care, and educational organisations within the city, the ‘We CareInto the Future’ event welcomed year eight (ages 12 to 13) students from schools across Doncaster, offering them the chance to explore hundreds of career options, with 50 different interactive stalls to visit.
The day aimed to provide local students with a realistic understanding of the rewards and challenges of working in the health and social care field, and what qualifications are needed to undertake specialist roles, particularly within the health service.
Building upon the previous successes of the ‘We Care’ event in Doncaster, this year’s edition was thoughtfully designed to provide an engaging and immersive experience. Around 500 attendees were taken through a simulated hospital corridor that depicted a patient’s complete journey – beginning with community services and moving through the emergency department, operating theatres, a hospital
ward, and back following discharge. Students then had the opportunity to engage with specialists from a range of different careers via a number of interactive stalls and booths, hosted by health professionals, showcasing examples of their work, and offering hands-on activities such as games, quizzes, and interactive models and displays.
How We Care Into the Future – I have no doubt that we will be back again in 2024.” At the event was supported by representatives from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, BPP University, Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, City of Doncaster Council, Age UK, and Opportunities Doncaster, while local MP, Nick Fletcher, also attended to show his support.
Dr Sam Debbage, Director of Education and Research at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) said: “We are thrilled with the ongoing success of our We Care Into the Future events, and believe that these sessions will have a profound impact on inspiring and educating the next generation of health and care professionals.
“I also want to extend my sincere thanks to all the presenters, organisers, and participants who contributed to the success of Sharing
Simon Swain, Principle for Hall Cross Academy – A Foundation School in Health, said: “This event offers an incredible opportunity for our students to actively engage and expand their knowledge about a wide range of roles with the health and care industry that they may not have been previously aware of, igniting inspiration for their future career pathways. These events play a crucial role in helping our students explore their options for Key Stage 4 and beyond, enabling them to consider their career aspirations and how they can make a positive impact on their local community.”
This annual event has gained nationwide attention, inspiring other healthcare trusts to organise similar careers events and for the first time this year, DBTH has expanded this event to Bassetlaw.
“I ALSO WANT TO EXTEND MY SINCERE THANKS TO ALL THE PRESENTERS, ORGANISERS, AND PARTICIPANTS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF SHARING HOW WE CARE INTO THE FUTURE – I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL BE BACK AGAIN IN 2024.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) organised a ‘thank you’ event at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday 1 July, as part of the nationwide celebrations honouring the National Health Service’s (NHS) 75th birthday, as well as a ‘thank you’ to colleagues for their hard work. The event, which was funded by charitable donations, was attended by approximately 3,000 colleagues, their friends, and family members, who came together to commemorate the remarkable contributions of the NHS throughout the years, as well as enjoy the many animals at the park including the UK’s largest group of polar bears, lions, tigers and other endangered and beautiful species. The clement weather was an additional bonus. Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board at DBTH, expressed her heartfelt thanks to all the attendees, saying: “We are immensely proud of our colleagues and their exceptional service to our communities. This event was an opportunity for us to come together and
celebrate the NHS’s 75th birthday while recognising the incredible efforts of our healthcare heroes. We hope that everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed this well-deserved day of appreciation.”
To kick off the event, Executive and NonExecutive colleagues warmly greeted attendees at the gates of the venue, extending a welcome, a pack of Haribo and wishing them a fantastic day.
One of the largest providers in the region, DBTH hosts three main hospital sites in Bassetlaw, Doncaster and Mexborough, and cares for, on average, 110,000 inpatients, 500,000 outpatients and supports in the delivery of 4,500 babies.
With over 6,600 members of staff, every colleague has been gifted with one free pass, and two half-priced entries, with those unable to attend on the day in receipt of a voucher that can be used at a time of their choosing. John Minion, CEO at Yorkshire Wildlife Park reflected on the event: “It was a beautiful day and we were really proud to be part of this thank you to the NHS, who do such an amazing job. We all hope that everyone who came enjoyed the facilities and the animals of the Park, it was a well deserved day out and we were delighted to celebrate with them.”
Following a ground-breaking ceremony, construction works have officially begun on the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC) at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough.
The £14.9 million project represents a significant step toward improving orthopaedic services within the region and reducing associated waiting lists.
Working in partnership with Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BH) and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT), colleagues at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) are leading the programme to implement a new, dedicated orthopaedic hub for the people of South Yorkshire, with health professionals undertaking hip and knee replacement inpatient procedures alongside foot and ankle, hand and wrist, and shoulder day case surgery.
Known currently as the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC), the facility will feature two state-of-the-art theatre units, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery suite, in addition to 12 inpatient beds. Construction is being overseen by a project team which includes colleagues from all three participating NHS trusts, as well as construction experts IHP Vinci.
Overseeing the ground-breaking ceremony, Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at DBTH said: “Today is a historic moment for Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster as it marks the first time our three hospital trusts have come together to collaborate on such a significant project.
“By pooling our resources and expertise, we are setting a precedent for future collaborations, demonstrating our commitment to delivering the highest quality healthcare to our communities.
The Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre represents a transformative milestone in our collective efforts to enhance patient outcomes and experiences and I’m very pleased that we have been able to come together in this way.”
The project is expected to take approximately six months to complete. The main theatre unit will be sited in September, followed by the installation of fittings and fixtures, set for completion in December. Following final checks, it is envisaged that the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre will welcome its first patients in January 2024.
Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive at both Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This collaborative effort is a testament to our shared
commitment to improving healthcare services for the people of South Yorkshire. I want extend my thanks to the dedicated project team who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this significant milestone and look forward to welcoming our first patients in the new year.”
Analysis provided by South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) outlines that the region’s waiting list has increased by approximately 43% since March 2020. Currently, over 2,500 patients have waited for more than 52 weeks, with twothirds awaiting orthopaedic procedures.
Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “This innovative endeavour signifies our commitment to improving healthcare services and reducing waiting lists across the region. The Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre is a testament to our collective efforts to deliver patient-centred care and improve health outcomes across our region. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities and the tangible benefits it will bring to those in need of orthopaedic procedures.”
It is anticipated that, with shared staffing and additional capacity, the centre will operate on patients from across the region from January 2024.
Bassetlaw Hospital has received a donation of a new electrocardiogram (ECG) machine from the League of Friends, helping to enhance patient care and monitoring on Ward A4.
The new piece of monitoring equipment was gifted to the Trust by the League for Ward A4 as part of the charity’s continued generosity with supporting patient care at the hospital. Fundraised at the cost of £2,088, the machine records the electrical activity of an individual’s heart and can be used by healthcare professionals on the Ward to diagnose and monitor the Trust’s most vulnerable patients. Over the past number of years, both patients and staff have benefited enormously from the long-standing support of the League of Friends, which was founded over 50 years ago and raises thousands of pounds annually for patient comforts at Bassetlaw Hospital.
Clare Bowns, Ward Manager on A4, said: “On behalf of all my colleagues and our patients on Ward A4, I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the League of Friends for their continued support, it means so much to us. This invaluable piece of equipment will undoubtedly enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients by helping us to provide more efficient diagnosis and treatments.”
Through their continued annual fundraising initiatives, the League has donated a number of valued items to Bassetlaw across all areas. These not only include medical equipment and mobility aids, but also personal comforts such as televisions, armchairs, pillows, toys, specialised furniture, and even cooling fans during hot weather conditions. Their dedication to supporting the patients of Bassetlaw is emphasised through their
long-standing tradition of donating a gift to each patient spending Christmas Day in the hospital, a heart-warming gesture that has brought joy to countless patients and their families over the years.
The League of Friends has also made notable contributions towards the development of the Rainbow Garden at Bassetlaw, further showcasing their dedication to improving the hospital environment and providing visitors with a quiet and peaceful space for reflection.
Mary Payne, League of Friends Secretary, said: “The League of Friends fundraise on behalf of the people of Bassetlaw for their local hospital. We are proud to support the hospital teams by providing equipment such as this, and remain committed to serving the needs of the community we have been privileged to support since 1949.”
Primary schools, healthcare workers and Doncaster businesses have raised a combined £3,500 for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity as part of NHS 75 celebrations. During the weeklong anniversary celebrations (3 – 9 July), health service well-wishers hosted tea parties, bake sales and completed a 15,000 ft tandem skydive to raise funds for the NHS.
Luke Hughes, a Healthcare Assistant in Children’s Outpatients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), raised money from his skydive to fund a sensory room for the department. Speaking about the skydive, which took place on Friday 7 July, he said: “Today was awesome. It’s the best experience I’ve ever had.
“I was nervous but when it got to it, and I jumped out it was amazing. Thank you to everyone who donated.”
Luke managed to fundraise an astonishing £2,284.
Also jumping was Richard Somerset, Head of Procurement at DRI. His fundraising, which amount to an impressive £615, will also go towards children’s services at the hospital. The Trust also celebrated the NHS Big Tea on 5 July, the official birthday of the NHS.
the Eye Clinic at Bassetlaw Hospital and Clinical Therapies at DRI and Bassetlaw Hospital. Funded by DBTH Charity, each department and area within the Trust was gifted a box of Yorkshire Tea, to prompt hard-working colleagues to take five together.
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at DBTH, said: “On this special anniversary, it is so important that we celebrate and champion the people who make the NHS great.
Tea parties and bake sales were hosted throughout the week, raising a fantastic £600. Schools taking part included Tornedale Infant School, Roseacre Primary Academy and Crookesbroom Academy.
Departments Trust-wide also partook in the fundraising efforts, including bake sales within
“The people at DBTH are determined and loyal and have worked through some of the most challenging years of their careers in recent times. These celebrations, and the gift of a box of tea to share, are just some of the ways in which we show our gratitude to them.”
In addition to these fundraising events, colleagues were rewarded with free entry to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park for a day, and an afternoon tea for colleagues serving more than 40-years in the NHS.
“ON THIS SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY, IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE CELEBRATE AND CHAMPION THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE NHS GREAT.”
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