Operational
1,000
New concessionary car parking for patient and visitors
Governor opportunities in 2025
Stroke
New
Aquablation
New
welcome to ambassador
Ambassador is our way of communicating with you, our Trust members. We want to ensure that we keep you up to date with developments at the Trust and how you can get involved. We now have more than 26,000 members and we are keen for as many of you as possible to play an active role in shaping how the Trust is managed and developed for the future.
Dear Members
We have another packed Ambassador for you.
In my view, our allied healthcare professionals are unsung heroes. I like to think of Occupational Therapists as ‘Enablers’, and Opeyemi confirms this as he writes in ‘A Day in the life of an Occupational Therapist’ that OTs ‘enable patients to become as functionally independent as possible’ to ‘live the life’. What a fantastic role! Read more on page 12.
This edition highlights some of the new services aimed at improving the environment of care within the Trust, such as the Blossom Room and Primrose Wellbeing Room and Garden (Bedford). Further environmental initiatives can be found on page 16. The Trust is delighted to report recognition for the L&D Emergency Department after their success at winning the National Youth anti-violence Educational Award. (p14).
Read updates on the new Cardiac CT scanner at Bedford (p7) and new treatment options for patients with prostate cancer (p11). Stroke patients will receive quicker care through video assessments – see page 7.
Do read the article on pages 13 and 19 from the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity. There are plenty of ways that members can support the hospital, from fundraising to volunteering. Please consider this if you have time to spare, your help is invaluable and hugely appreciated.
Our next Medical Lecture on Liver Disease is on 20 May in Flitwick, and the Annual Members Meeting will be held in Bedford on 17 September. Further details on pages 20 and 21.
Best wishes for a healthy 2025.
Dr Jacquie Farhoud Public Governor and Chair of the Membership
& Communications Committee
Contents
3. Chair’s Message
4. Operational update – Coping with winter pressures
4. Executive Board responsibility changes
5. 1,000 Robotic surgery procedures achieved
6. Primrose Cancer Wellbeing Room officially opened at Bedford Hospital
7. New Cardiac CT Scanner at Bedford
7. Stroke patients to receive quicker care through video assessments
8. Redevelopment Update
11. Aquablation – a new treatment for benign enlarged prostates
11. L&D Eye Clinic team highly commended
12. A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapist
13. Celebrating Community Support
14. Emergency Department wins National Youth Anti-Violence Educational Award
15. New concessionary car parking for patient and visitors
15. Patient Experience Hub at the L&D
16. Sustainability Update
17. A Day in the life of Mr Tapan Mehta, Consultant Vascular Surgeon
18. Blossom Room opens for patients
19. Volunteer Update
20. Diary Dates
21. Next Annual Members’ Meeting, 17 Sept
21. Governor Spotlight
22. Winter staff engagement event
We hope you enjoy our Membership Magazine. If we have your name or address incorrect or the person to whom we have sent this magazine no longer lives at the address mentioned in the address label please let us know by emailing us at FTMembership@ bedsft.nhs.uk. If you have already informed the hospital of any changes but we have not updated our Membership database please accept our apologies – this is because our Membership database is not linked to the Patient database.
If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the Ambassador in the future please send your email address to FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk
Contact us:
The Foundation Trust Membership Department Email: FTmembership@bedsft.nhs.uk
Post: Membership Dept – Nova House, Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ Governors can be contacted by email at Governors@bedsft.nhs.uk or write to the Membership Department as above. This publication is produced by the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Membership Department
Chair’s Message
Dear Members
It has been a tumultuous period for the NHS that has impacted on all of its constituent parts including our Trust. NHS England is to be merged into the Department of Health, with only half the number of employees they currently employ. Integrated Care Boards have also been told that they are to cut their staff numbers by 50% within a few months and they will lose some of their current functions, especially passing the performance management role they have had in respect of Trusts to the regional bodies – in our case, the East of England. Provider Trusts have also been told to review their growth in corporate costs since pre-Covid. At this point there is a lack of clarity in a number of areas. The next few months will be interesting.
We also have the ten-year plan that should be published during May by the government. No doubt it will also include some significant changes to the NHS, not least in the emphasis already given to what is called the left shift – a move away from acute care towards community services, an increased focus on population health measures, and moving more quickly to a digital future. Governments have made attempts to make these shifts in the past but the demand for acute services has continued to increase so resources have continued to be focussed on hospitals rather than on services in the community and public health.
In the meantime, we have been focussed on achieving a break-even position for the 2024/5 year and a break-even budget for 2025/6. As I write this, we are hopeful that we shall achieve both. A few months ago, they looked very difficult to achieve. For the first six months of last year, we showed a deficit position every month. We established an internal turn-around team to gain more traction and that team, all of whose members covered this role on top of their dayto-day jobs, have managed with the support of our service lines and senior management to set us on the road to a financially sustainable future. We are not there yet – most of the reductions in spending could be called grip and control, most obviously exercised through a very significant reduction in agency and locum staff. The next stage, especially applicable during the year ahead, will be to find more transformational changes. Tough decisions will need to be made.
I wrote in the last Ambassador publication about the work being conducted intensively in our maternity services. This has continued and will do so for many months yet. The pressure on maternity has not abated and we are one of the few areas in the country where the number of births has not reduced. At the same time, a growing number of women using the services have health issues that require greater interventions and for whom the risks are higher. You will read later on how winter has gone in our hospitals and the unremitting pressures on our staff.
On 1 April 2025 we celebrated five years since Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital merged to become Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. A good time to reflect and look back on everything we have achieved together in such a short period of time. While it has not all been plain sailing, I believe that our commitment to a “best of both” spirit has empowered staff from both sites to come together, share ideas and expertise, and as a merged Trust, we were in a much stronger position to navigate our way through the pandemic and now to weather the difficult times ahead. The last five years have flown by, and we can look forward to building on the foundations we have laid to achieve much, much more in the future. We are stronger together and that is down to the determination and hard work of more than nine thousand employees. Our thanks go to them.
Kind regards
Richard Sumray
Operational update –Coping with winter pressures
By David Carter, Chief Executive and Cathy Jones, Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chief Executive
2024 was the busiest year ever for A&E and ambulance services in England – with December recording the highest number of ambulance incidents ever in one month.
The start to 2025 was very challenging. Winter pressures peaked much earlier than usual –with very cold weather in January. There was increased demand at the front doors of our Emergency Departments at both hospitals with high numbers of very ill patients needing admission to a ward.
The relentless prevalence of winter viruses –particularly flu and other respiratory illnesses – in the community and on our wards, meant that we had to restrict visiting on some wards, and reintroduce mask wearing for staff in clinical areas, something we have not done since the COVID pandemic.
To manage the demand on our services, and on beds, we had to open a high number of additional escalation areas to accommodate all the patients who needed beds, and this unfortunately meant that we had to reschedule some outpatient appointments.
Despite the immense pressure, we ended the year in December with only 19 patients waiting over 65 weeks on planned care pathways. After completing treatment for approximately 600 patients in December, there are now no patients waiting over 65 weeks for elective treatment.
We would like to pay tribute to all our staff who have been working so hard throughout this challenging winter period.
We are looking forward to a number of
redevelopment projects that are due to be completed later this year, including the Acute Services Block at the L&D, which will be the new home for Theatres, Critical Care, Maternity and Neonatal services, and a Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit on the Bedford site (see pages 8-10). Both of these will have a positive impact on patient care.
On a national level, Spring will see the publication of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS. This will be underlined by three big shifts in healthcare: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. It follows a consultation launched in October of last year when members of the public, NHS staff and experts were invited to share their experiences and help shape the NHS of the future.
Executive Board responsibility changes
We would like to say a big thank you to Catherine Thorne, our Director of Quality and Safety Governance, who retired in November. Catherine was appointed to the L&D in 2018 and has been responsible for steering quality and safety through the challenging periods of the Trust merger and the pandemic.
Liz Lees, our Chief Nurse, took over the
management of the quality and governance responsibilities. We believe this will streamline our processes and give more flexibility given the interface between the senior nursing and clinical governance teams. As part of this change, the oversight and responsibility for Pharmacy was moved from Liz Lees to Paul Tisi, Medical Director.
1,000 Robotic assisted surgery procedures achieved in two years at Bedfordshire Hospitals
More than 1,000 Robotic Assisted Surgical procedures have been carried out at Bedfordshire Hospitals in two years, making it one of the most successful programmes in England.
In March 2023 a da Vinci Xi robot was installed on each of the Trust’s two sites at Bedford Hospital and at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D). Unlike in many other hospitals in the UK, they are used across a range of different specialties, treating patients with conditions ranging from bowel and renal cancer to endometriosis, uro-gynaecology, bariatric, general surgery and biliary surgery, and complex head and neck conditions.
Robotic assisted surgery brings many advantages for patients. Operations are safe, accurate and less invasive and bring more precision, flexibility and control than is possible compared with traditional procedures. It allows for small, pinpoint incisions leading to less pain, a shorter stay in hospital and a quicker recovery time.
At Bedford Hospital, the 500th procedure was carried out in April by Mr Kanapathi Rajaratnam, Consultant in General and Colorectal Surgery, who said: “Reaching the 500th case at Bedford, and over a thousand in total across both our hospitals, is a milestone and a considerable achievement in such a short space of time. It has been a really exciting two years. Introducing this new technology has brought so many benefits for our patients, and the commitment to innovation – and the training, education and research it brings – will help us retain and attract high calibre staff and trainees, establishing a place in the nation’s healthcare map.”
The robot at Bedford Hospital was bought with the help of a £900,000 donation from Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends, and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity raised money for the console element of the robot at the L&D.
A total of 15 surgeons across both our hospitals are now trained to use the da Vinci robot. The robot technology and training has been supplied by Intuitive Surgical.
The Robotic Assisted Surgical team at the L&D
The Robotic Assisted Surgical team at Bedford
Robot in action
Primrose Cancer Wellbeing Room and Garden at Bedford Hospital officially opened
A Wellbeing Room and Garden has been created for the Primrose Unit at Bedford Hospital, which will provide vital support and information for our cancer patients.
This new area includes an information corner, a refreshment bar, a calm wellbeing room with a massage chair, and a refurbished garden.
The psychology service, dietitians, clinical nurse specialists and navigators will all be able use this space to see patients and run bookable informative sessions that will be available to all cancer patients in Bedford Hospital’s care.
As an extension of the existing Primrose Unit, it is designed to continue the support of outpatients in the Bedford area through their cancer journey – from iniitial diagnosis, to treatment, wellbeing financial support, emotional support, prosthetics,
New ReSPECT form roll out
Our hospitals have rolled out a new form called ReSPECT at both Bedford Hospital and the L&D to replace the current ‘Do Not Attempt Resuscitation’ (DNACPR) form for patients being discharged.
‘ReSPECT’ (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) forms are designed to provide clear and personalised guidance about a patient’s preferences regarding emergency treatment and care.
While the current DNACPR forms focus specifically on whether or not a patient should receive CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory failure, they do not address other aspects of emergency care or medical treatment.
The ReSPECT form provides a more detailed plan, allowing for tailored recommendations for individuals’
and much more. The Primrose Unit supports thousands of patients every year and have a dedicated team who are regularly trained on the latest treatments and support processes to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity have been able to fund this project with thanks to the generous individual and community donations, including patients who are part of the current support group or those who have left gifts in their will.
Karen Jackson, General Manager for Cancer Services at Bedford Hospital said: “These areas will provide a much needed respite for patients undergoing various stages of treatment. Allowing them easier access to information and support which will help each patient navigate their personal health journey. The Wellbeing Centre is designed to be a calming space and I think this has been perfectly achieved, we can’t wait for patients to start using the space.”
clinical care in future emergencies. It reflects a move towards more comprehensive and person-centred care, respecting both patient preferences and clinical judgement.
It aims to do this through empowering patients to express their care preferences, guiding healthcare professionals in emergencies, encouraging open communication, ensuring continuity of care, and supporting ethical decision-making by prioritising patient autonomy while aligning with best clinical practices.
Staff are being trained in the use of the ReSPECT form, and will be able to answer your questions about what the change will mean practically. More information about ReSPECT, along with answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the Resuscitation Council UK website.
Primrose cancer wellbeing room opening
Primrose wellbeing room
New Cardiac CT Scanner at Bedford
On the topic of improving care for our patients, our Chair, Richard Sumray and Director of Finance, Matt Gibbons attended the opening of a new cardiac CT scanner at Bedford.
The scanner is just one of six in the country and has the ability to scan the heart whilst it is beating, and therefore moving continuously. It does this by monitoring split-seconds between beats so it can scan at just the right moment. The scanner is future-proofed with the ability to constantly improve its scanning quality.This will improve patient experience and outcomes with staff able to understand and diagnose a range of conditions so they can be treated appropriately and far more quickly, without the need to travel to other hospitals.
We had planned to replace our CT scanner with the standard model, however Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends donated £600,000 allowing us to upgrade it to this newer and more advanced CT cardiac scanner. A huge thanks to all involved in making this happen.
Stroke patients to receive quicker care through video assessments
From Monday 31 March, the stroke team at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) has been working with colleagues at East of England Ambulance Service Trust to assess suspected stroke patients before they are admitted to hospital through a video assessment.
Paramedics are able to video call the stroke team at the hospital to facilitate clinical evaluation of stroke patients and to identify potential acute intervention. As time is critical, these video assessments will ensure the patient receives faster access to life-saving treatment.
The stroke team will also be able to prepare for the arrival of the patient and determine the most appropriate care needed, including requesting imaging and tests.
Jimy David, Lead Nurse for Stroke, said: “At the L&D we have a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit meaning we provide specialist services for those with a suspected stroke. We are really excited to be launching this new project through the use of technology, enabling us to work with our ambulance colleagues to understand the most appropriate pathway for patients.”
Dr Alwis, Consultant Stroke Physician, added: “Having a stroke can be life-changing and it can
happen to anyone. It is crucial that treatment for a stroke is provided as soon as possible, and through video triage we hope we can improve the outcome for patients.”
This initiative ensures that patients are taken to the most appropriate location for treatment first time, reducing pressure on our Emergency Departments as fewer patients will need transferring elsewhere and we will be able to treat patients faster.
Feedback from patients has been very positive with patients feeling that their specialist care has begun before they have even left their home.
Cardiac CT Opening
Stroke team at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Redevelopment Update
Overview
In July 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned Lord Darzi to conduct an immediate and independent investigation of the NHS. The review highlighted the need for investment in modern buildings and equipment to boost productivity, enabling faster patient care at a lower cost.
Capital investment is key to achieving the government's health goal of moving care from hospitals to communities and transitioning from analogue to digital systems. For over ten years, the NHS has faced a lack of capital funding, resulting in too few scanners, limited investment in digital automation for labs and pharmacies, inadequate digital tools for staff and poorly maintained buildings.
The estate is a key enabler to clinical productivity and the current severe shortage of capital funding, planned and allocated in a strategic way, is preventing hospitals from being more productive. This funding is essential not only for acute hospitals but also for improving facilities, equipment, and digital systems in primary, community, and mental health care, which are key to the government's vision of earlier intervention and prevention. Aside from the importance of developing a productive estate, patients and staff expect better conditions and should not have to ask for this.
Despite the challenge of funding, the Trust has had some success, working with health partners, in securing capital funding to progress important healthcare projects that serve to address poor and/or inefficient hospital estate, improve the patient and staff environment and underpin the clinical strategy which focuses on improving healthcare access and care outcomes for our patients.
Bedford Hospital
Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC)
Patients, staff and the local community are set to benefit from a new Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) on the Bedford Hospital South Wing site, with construction work already underway.
The SDEC will allow healthcare specialists, where appropriate, to assess, diagnose and treat patients on the same day of arrival, who would otherwise have been admitted to the hospital.
The NHS continues to pursue more efficient models of care that drive improvements for our community, ultimately providing the right care, in the right place, delivered by the right healthcare professional. The proposed SDEC unit will enable this to happen and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
The building, which will be located opposite the Emergency Department (ED), is expected to open in the Autumn.
Dr Tom Larsen, Clinical Director of the Emergency Department at Bedford Hospital, said: “With the creation of the new SDEC, not
only will we be able to treat patients in the most appropriate way on the same day, but the patient experience will improve without the need to be admitted into the hospital.”
The new SDEC facility will be constructed using advanced Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with more than 80% of this technically complex build taking place off-site. This approach will shorten the construction time on the busy hospital grounds, minimising disruption and enhancing project efficiencies, resulting in a faster, more efficient, and more sustainable building process.
CGI of the new SDEC at Bedford
Gilbert Hitchcock House
A topping out ceremony was held for a new Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) at Gilbert Hitchcock House in Bedford.
Staff from Bedfordshire Hospitals joined the Ashe Group team, Bedford Hospitals Charity and Friends and other key stakeholders to celebrate the milestone, with the final tile being placed on the building.
Building work started at the end of March 2024 and once complete in Autumn 2025, will improve access to healthcare and vital diagnostic tests, helping to diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and stroke more quickly. Therapies, phlebotomy and diagnostic services including MRI, CT, ultrasound, x-ray and cardiology will be housed in the refurbished and modernised building.
East West Rail (EWR)
A new Railway linking Oxford and Cambridge is under development and will go through Bedford at various points, including via St.John’s station. St John’s station is currently located within close proximity of the hospital, and there are proposals to move it nearer to the hospital as the railway line is realigned.
A non-statutory consultation was launched by East West Rail, the organisation established by the Department of Transport, to deliver the new East West Railway. The Trust are a statutory consultee in this process.
L&D Hospital
L&D Emergency Department officially opened
The newly refurbished and expanded Emergency Department (ED) at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) opened in December 2024 and is now fully operational to patients.
This complex and multi phased project which began in 2021 has been delivered in and around a live clinical environment throughout a number of phases, each creating the lynchpin that allowed the next important phase to progress.
The official opening was attended by the Trust’s executive team, clinical staff, redevelopment and estates teams, key partners including the Trust’s design team and main contractor, Willmott Dixon, and special guests, Gary Sweet, Chief Executive and Mick Harford, Chief Recruitment Officer at Luton Town Football Club.
In June 2022, six modern Majors cubicles were created to support with the isolation of patients attending with potential infections, monitoring
In principle, the Trust support the development of the new railway and the benefits it brings in terms of improved connectivity and opportunity. Collaboration with key stakeholders is considered essential to find mutually beneficial solutions that support the region’s transport needs, critical healthcare infrastructure and wider public sector infrastructure requirements, such as housing and highway improvements. The Trust’s priority is to safeguard the needs of the hospital and ensure the railway development does not negatively impact or hinder access to the hospital, service delivery or the progression of development plans now and in the future.
The final tile being placed on the roof of Gilbert Hitchcock House
Colette Ginger, Head of Nursing for Acute and Emergency Services, cutting the ribbon alongside staff from Bedfordshire Hospitals, key redevelopment partners and Luton Town Football Club.
Gary Sweet, CEO and Mick Harford, Chief Recruitment Officer at Luton Town Football Club
of higher acuity patients, as well as providing a quieter treatment area for the most vulnerable patients.
In July 2023, a brand new entrance and waiting area, a dedicated paediatric area and nine new Majors cubicles opened, increasing the ED capacity and improving visibility and flow of patients.
The final phase of works has seen the final expansion of the department providing increased capacity, including assessment and triage rooms and sensitively designed mental health care rooms.
The bright, modern and spacious areas has already made a huge difference to patient dignity and experience when attending ED, and patients are already benefitting from the resulting improvement in performance.
The ED often has over 300 attendees each day, and the expansion of the department supports the Trust with the increasing demand for emergency care.
Acute Services Block and New Ward Block
It has been more than three years since our contractor Kier started work onsite and we are excited to receive handover of the building later this year. The project continues to be delivered on programme and within budget, despite facing challenges of designing and procuring in the midst of a global pandemic and delivering the project through the war in Ukraine, and the significant impact this and other events have had on construction inflation and the supply chain.
Recent progress on the project has included:
n External works progressing, including canopy and paving workings to entrances
n Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work in theatres, neonatal and maternity ward areas
n Installation of operational lights in theatre suites
n Snagging work and commissioning
Staff and patient groups have spent time viewing the progress and walking the site, planning for Go Live, with positive feedback continuing to be received as the plans come to life.
Once the buildings are handed over to the Trust by Kier, the Trust will have approximately three months to install thousands of items of equipment and IT systems, and allow staff to familiarise themselves with the buildings.
We will then start moving clinical services into the new building towards the end of this year.
External shot of the acute services block
Four bedded postnatal ward
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) High Dependency (HDU) and Intensive Therapy (ITU) area
Theatres first stage recovery area
New treatment area within the Emergency Department
Aquablation – a new treatment for benign enlarged prostates
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has become only the tenth unit in the UK to offer a revolutionary procedure for men with benign prostate enlargement.
The Urology department at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) are now offering the new and increasingly popular treatment called Aquablation.
Aquablation is a robotic system that uses high pressure, heat-free, blasts of water to remove tissue from an enlarged prostate. It targets only the necessary areas and ensures the tissue is removed precisely.
This leads to fewer side effects than the more traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) procedure that involves cutting away the section of the prostate using heat, which normally requires patients to stay in hospital for 2-3 days.
As well as improving urinary symptoms, the added benefit of Aquablation is its ability to preserve male sexual function. These aspects of men’s health are increasingly important in discussions centred around treatment options for patients suffering with symptoms from an enlarged prostate.
It can also be performed more quickly, with the new technology meaning the average procedure takes around 40 minutes which is a major improvement on the more traditional surgery which can take up to three hours.
The majority of patients will also suffer less pain and fewer complications after surgery, being able to leave hospital the same day or after just one night.
L&D consultant urologist Mr Farooq Khan leads the new treatment. He said:
“As clinicians we are always very keen to provide our patients with holistic care and the best that modern technology and innovation has to offer. The new treatment of Aquablation has the added advantage of providing an effective treatment for benign (non-cancerous) enlarged prostates while also preserving sexual function.”
He continued: “At Bedfordshire Hospitals, we strive to bring the best treatments for our patients so they benefit locally without needing to travel long distances to other units.”
L&D Eye Clinic team highly commended at Luton Community Awards
Congratulations to the Ophthalmology team at the L&D for their Highly Commended award at this year’s Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards. They were nominated by a patient in ‘The Caring Hero’ category who said: “Staff in the Eye Clinic have provided expert care with professionalism and efficiency and this nomination is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the exceptional service they provide. They go above and beyond for everyone who walks through the door. Thank you so much.”
Matron Sharon Hanniffy added: “I’m so proud of the team who have worked so hard to provide an excellent service to our patients. This award is recognition for the team – it’s amazing.”
Farooq (seated, centre) and the surgical team after the first Aquablation procedures
A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapist
By Opeyemi Ogunleye
I began working at L&D in 2023, transitioning from a mental health setting to an acute care environment having trained in Nigeria. This role has been incredibly rewarding, as I have the opportunity to make a significant difference in my patients' lives.
I help them find easier ways to accomplish tasks they previously struggled with, whether due to physical, mental or sensory processing challenges.
I believe that while a doctor can save a patient's life, an occupational therapist helps a patient truly live the life by providing therapeutic activities and adaptive devices. These tools enable patients to become as functionally independent as possible in performing their Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
My day begins at 8:00am with the start of my shift and team briefing.
The next is the Morning Brief: I attend a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to address patient updates, discharge plans, and today's priorities while working with Physiotherapists, Therapy instructors and Therapy assistants, as well as Independent support workers, Doctors, Nurses and Social workers.
I then carry out a Patient caseload review when I examine patients’ notes and prioritise examinations or treatments for the day.
At 9:00am the Morning Patient Assessments start. We begin with patients who require an assessment of what they are currently able to do, set goals and make discharge plans, focussing on functional assessments such as mobility, self-care, and cognitive abilities.We assess patient's mobility and transfer ability and prescribe devices such as toilet raising equipment or a walker to ensure safe discharge.
ADL Assessments: We may work with patients with neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons Disease, by assessing their ability to do ADLs such as dressing and eating and other functional-related tasks.
Documentation: We keep track of patient progress and update MDT members on the outcomes by documenting in written notes and updating the electronic handover system.
Other interventions we may complete with patients could be:
n Conduct an individual session with a patient recovering from a brain injury, concentrating on upper limb rehabilitation and fine motor skills.
n Functional Assessments: To determine a patient's capacity to properly wash and dress, toilet, feeding.
n We may help patients develop techniques to compensate for cognitive limitations such as refer to social support, refer for environmental modification and assistive devices.
n Family support: meet with a patient's family to discuss progress and educate them about home adaptations like shower chairs, grab rails, hospital beds and stair lifts.
After 1pm we might continue working on the ward in the afternoon, or complete home access visits if needed:
We may need to carry out a Home Assessment and visit a patient’s home if there are any concerns about space or furniture being compatible with the equipment we are prescribing.
Discharge planning: We coordinate with the patient and their family, and make onward referrals to external settings such as Rehab, Respite or to community therapy and social care, depending on the patient’s current needs.
At 3:00pm we wrap up, complete
documentation carry out final patient checks: We then plan for the next day by ensuring documentation and handover sheets are completed and revisit any patients requiring follow-ups or reassessments.
As the end of the shift at 4pm approaches, I do administrative work like completing detailed notes, updating care plans, and responding to emails or referrals. Any patients still outstanding at the end of the shift can be handed over to our late shift worker.
I understand that helping patients restore their physical function and independence is only one aspect of occupational therapy; another is enabling them to regain their sense of identity, dignity, and purpose.
There are certainly frustrations that come with my role as an Occupational Therapist. One of the greatest challenges I encounter is the lack of awareness about Occupational Therapy. Many of the patients, and even some staff members, are unfamiliar with what Occupational Therapy entails. Some mistakenly refer to me as "occupational health," others think I help them find jobs, and some even call me a Physiotherapist. I always make an effort to explain my role whenever I encounter such misunderstandings, ensuring that both patients and colleagues have a clearer understanding of the unique services Occupational Therapy provides.
At the end of the day I have time for reflection - I consider the lessons I've learnt and the progress I've made with my patients as the day comes to an end.
I feel so content and fulfilled as I gather my belongings and leave for home. Even though it may not seem like much, I am confident that I have improved my patients' lives. As I go to sleep, I'm excited for another day of doing what I love, which is assisting others in living life to the fullest.
Celebrating Community Support and Inspiring New Beginnings: A Heartfelt Thank You from Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our community for the generosity and kindness shown over Christmas by individuals, families, and local businesses to both Luton and Dunstable University Hospital and Bedford Hospital.This has had a profound impact on our patients and medical staff.
A Season of Giving
Throughout December, we witnessed an outpouring of donations—from thoughtful gifts and festive treats to essential supplies that brought joy and comfort to those in our care. Local businesses went above and beyond, organising fundraising events, donating items, and rallying their teams to support our ‘give a gift appeal’, jolly jumper days and light up a life appeal. Your contributions not only brightened the hospital environment but also reminded our patients that they are not alone during this challenging time.
The smiles shared, the warmth spread, and the sense of community created during this season have been nothing short of inspiring. It is because of you that we can provide a more compassionate and supportive atmosphere for our patients and healthcare heroes alike.
Looking to the New Year
As we fully embrace the New Year, we invite you to join us in continuing this spirit of support and giving. There are many ways you can get involved:
n Challenge Events: Whether you’re passionate about running, cycling, hiking, or any other activity, participating in a challenge event is a fantastic way to raise funds for our hospitals. Gather your friends, family, or co-workers, and take on a new challenge together. Your efforts will make a tangible difference in the lives of our patients.
n Become a Volunteer: If you’re looking for a rewarding experience, we encourage you to consider volunteering with us. Your time and talents can enhance the quality of care for our patients, lift the spirits of those in our facility, and forge meaningful connections in our community. For further information on volunteering, see page 19.
n Spread the Word: Share your experiences and stories about the hospital charity on social media or within your networks. Your voice can inspire others to get involved and support our mission to provide exceptional care to our community.
Together, We Make a Difference
Every contribution – no matter how small or large – makes a significant difference. Your support allows us to continue providing enhanced services and resources for those who need them most. As we move forward into 2025, let’s carry the spirit of giving and community connection into the months ahead.
From all of us at the hospitals Charity and Voluntary Team, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our cause.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and fulfilling year!
You can contact us at fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk or by calling 01582 718 289 or visit our website at https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity/
Let’s make this year a remarkable one by supporting each other and uplifting our community.Together, we can achieve great things!
Emergency Department wins National Youth Anti-Violence Educational Award
The Emergency Department (ED) at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) has been awarded a National Youth Anti-Violence Educational Award.
The award was given to the emergency department for their work within Luton and Bedfordshire to address the national knife crime problem, as well as the support they provided in assisting the UK tour of the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression – known as the Knife Angel.
The team were nominated for the award by Luton Borough Council and Wingman Mentors, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting young people across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Dave Kirby, ED Consultant and Deputy Medical Director, and Amir Reyahi, Emergency Medicine Specialist, were named as being instrumental in advocating for violence prevention. This includes their involvement during the Knife Angel visit in August and Dave Kirby’s work with Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) on the ‘Just Drop It’ campaign, encouraging young people to surrender knives.
Dave Kirby said: “Amir, myself and indeed our entire Emergency Department family have been undertaking work with local charities, agencies, anti-violence groups and young people for many years in our passion to reduce the number of our children who are affected by violence, and particularly knife crime.
The ‘Little Journey’ app
The ‘Little Journey’ app launched at the L&D in August 2024 to support parents of infants being cared for within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Originally designed to help reassure children before they go to hospital for an operation, the app has since been specifically modified to meet the needs of parents and carers with babies in NICU. The app aims to help lessen anxiety for families visiting NICU, and has virtual tours of our unit, clinical information, research information, support
“We both see it as our duty to not only treat those who become injured, but also to do our best to prevent those injuries in the first place. To have this recognised makes us honoured and very proud to be part of our team.”
The Knife Angel is a 27 foot sculpture crafted from 100,000 seized blades. It is a visual reminder of the impact of violent crime and emphasises the importance of multi-agency working in the national fight to reduce knife crime.
links and relaxation games for anxious carers and siblings.
Claudia Chetcuti-Ganado, Consultant Neonatologist and Executive Coach at the L&D played a key role in designing the app and said: “We worked with NICU parent focus groups to understand what could lessen the anxiety of having their baby go through the NICU journey. This inspired the Neonatal Journey of this app to support parents navigate the challenges from first admission to beyond discharge.”
Claudia worked with colleagues from the East of England Neonatal Operational Delivery Network.
ED award Amir Reyahi & Dave Kirby
New concessionary car parking for patient and visitors
At the beginning of February, Bedfordshire Hospitals introduced new concessionary car parking offerings at Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital in line with mandatory NHS car parking guidance.
Free car parking is provided to those most in need, including disabled patients and visitors*, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, parents of patients in the neonatal units, bereaved parents and carers of patients with dementia or learning difficulties.
Manager or Matron and then taken to the security kiosk/office for validation.
The Trust’s concessionary car parking offering extends beyond the national mandatory parking concessions for those in greatest need. The Trust also operates the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme which allows for the refund of travel and parking costs for those who are in receipt of certain benefits. You can find details of this on the NHS national website.
Patients and visitors can speak to a member of staff to on how to access concessionary car parking.
Those eligible will need to request an authorisation form when attending the hospital with authorisation provided by a Ward
*Disabled patients and visitors will not need an authorisation form and should place their blue badge in the window in the designated disabled parking spaces.
Patient Experience Hub launch at the L&D
In November, the new Patient Experience Hub at the L&D was opened.
The hub provides a new space for patients to drop in and chat to a member of our Patient Experience team and pick up useful information about resources available, including Carers packs, Interpreting services and much more.
The Hub is the perfect environment to hear the voices of patients and their families, and in hearing these we have a powerful tool to improve existing services and identify new ways to meet our community’s needs.
The new hub complements the one already open on the Bedford Hospital site.
Sustainability Update
The Trust’s celebrated a year of innovative environmental and well-being initiatives across both sites
n The L&D site unveiled plans for restorative garden spaces in the soon to open Acute Services Block (see p10), which will include a maternity courtyard and general staff, patient, and visitor courtyards. These spaces will be constructed using repurposed materials like cable drums and pallets, as well as low-maintenance plants to ensure year-round usability. Designed to reduce stress and enhance staff and patient well-being, these gardens aim to improve retention and overall experience, embodying the Trust’s commitment to sustainable healthcare practices.
n Staff can now cycle between Leagrave Station and the L&D using free App-bike rides, and we hope this scheme will be extended to Bedford.
n September’s TravelWise Week promoted carfree travel, featuring workshops, competitions by Govia Thameslink, and ‘Dr Bike’ repair sessions. The Wildlife Trust also hosted a guided walk through Bedford’s Wardown Park, inspiring staff to embrace green travel and enjoy local nature.
n From August 2023 to September 2024, food, liquid, and oil waste at the Luton site fell by 60%, with a remarkable 53% reduction in one month alone, aligning with the Trust’s sustainability goals.
n The introduction of reusable DaisyGrip tourniquets reduced waste by 85% from May to August 2024. This led to an estimated carbon reduction of 1,620.55 kg CO2 and £1,661.52 in savings across both sites.
n Meanwhile, our Procurement Team is ensuring 100% recycled paper use, reducing deforestation and conserving natural habitats.
n Nitrous oxide emissions were targeted through equipment upgrades, with 80% of point-of-use units replaced at the L&D site. Leak repairs and routine monitoring will support compliance with Greener NHS targets, while Bedford is in early stages of reviewing nitrous oxide waste reductions.
n Staff engagement has been bolstered by the revitalised be a new Green Champions scheme whereby passionate volunteers are embedding sustainability daily operations to address the climate emergency’s impact on public health.
Through these achievements, the Trust is setting an example of how sustainability can enhance healthcare while reducing environmental impact.
App-Bikes at the L&D
Travelling to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital; App-Bike is an app based self-serve bike hire system provided for the use of residents. Bikes are located in and around Houghton Regis and at the following designated points:
n Luton and Dunstable Hospital
n Leagrave Railway Station (Station Road)
All the designated points can be viewed within the App-Bike app.
For further information visit the website https://www.app-bike.co.uk/ or scan the QR Codes
Travelling to Bedford Hospital – Elstow Park and ride
Park and ride makes a lot of sense. Easy to use, easy on your pocket and easy on the environment
Just park in the spacious car park in Elstow (in Progress Park) and the easy access buses will whizz you quickly along Ampthill Road into the town centre via the hospital in Britannia Road, Borough Hall and Bedford College in Cauldwell Street and St Paul's Square.
Further information available on Bedford Borough Council website: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roadsand-travel/public-transport/park-and-ride
A Day in the life of Mr Tapan Mehta, Consultant Vascular Surgeon
I have been a consultant vascular surgeon at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since September 2010. I cover both Bedford and Luton sites. I would like to share with you a day from my life. It is the day I was on ITV’s television quiz show ‘The Chase’.
I have been a huge fan of quiz shows since my childhood. I grew up in Mumbai and my favourite show on TV was the equivalent of University Challenge. I have enjoyed quizzes on UK TV as well, and ‘15 to 1’ and ‘The Weakest Link’ were some of my old favourites. The toughest quiz on telly is still University Challenge and Mondays 8.30 pm on BBC2 is a must see.
If I get more that five questions right, I consider myself a genius. In the last decade I have grown to love ITV’s ‘The Chase’. It’s a simple quiz programme with emphasis on general knowledge and no element of luck required to win. The 5pm slot suits me as I’m back from work and sipping my tea whilst I watch the show. The host Bradley Walsh is a national treasure and is very entertaining.
My journey to appear on ‘The Chase’ started one lonely evening towards the end of lockdown. I had never been on a TV quiz show before, and I don’t know what came over me, but I decided to apply online to be a contestant. I didn’t hear anything for several months, but once the world opened up post COVID, I was contacted by a junior producer. They had run out of episodes to show and were catching up on filming new ones. I had to undergo a rigorous selection process over several months including written, oral and video testing. I finally made the final cut and then had to wait for my turn to be filmed. That day was a cold morning in February 2022. Filming occurred in a large studio in Elstree and Borehamwood and we were put up in a hotel the night before. I met my fellow contestants the following morning. There were two women and another man in my team. They were all younger than me and had diverse backgrounds. The morning was quite laborious, going through the rules of the game and choosing final outfits (we were asked to bring three, from which the producer would then choose).
The actual filming began at 10am. We were dressed and had light make-up. We were eventually led into the large studio and met Bradley Walsh. He was a genuinely nice guy, humble and
interested in us. We chatted casually so as to relax us from this daunting experience.
The quiz show has three parts with the individual cash builder, followed by the one-to-one with the Chaser on the table and the final chase. My favourite Chaser is Paul Sinha and I was fortunate to have him for my episode. Paul and I are the same age. We are both of Indian origin and doctors (although Paul is no longer a practising physician). Paul was born in Bedfordshire at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (he mentions this at the end of the show). Paul has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which my father suffered from and eventually died of. I have seen Paul’s stand-up comedy show in Moggerhanger Park and he is brilliant.
The show is filmed over 2-3 hours and is quite slow, with frequent cuts and breaks. There was a constant banter with Bradley Walsh and the production team. During the introductions each contestant is asked the three standard questions. What do you do? To this I answered that I was a vascular surgeon, operating on blood vessels or pipes in the body. I likened myself to a plumber, much to Bradley’s amusement. The second question was about interests and hobbies. To this I answered that I was interested in films, especially Bollywood films (being brought up in Mumbai, the home of Bollywood). Bradley asked about the biggest Bollywood star, who is now a quiz show presenter on the Indian version of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’. The final introductory question is what I would do with any money I won? I replied that I would use any money won to visit my mother in Mumbai, because you can never see enough of your parents. When they are gone, they are gone.
I was third on the team, with the two other contestants in 2nd and 4th place, both of whom were eliminated in the second round. Matt and I were in the final chase with £11,000 as prize money. However, we were defeated by Paul Sinha in the final chase and didn’t win any money. It was still a very memorable day and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photo: Left to right, Mr Mehta and Bradley Walsh
Tobacco Dependency Treatment Services
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment for everyone, we would like to maintain a smoke free site. A reminder to all staff, patients and visitors that we do not allow smoking or vaping on either of our sites at Bedford Hospital or Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.
The Trust now offers a Tobacco Dependence treatment programme to all staff and patients and we can also direct them to the best treatment and support that’s available to quit smoking for good.
For advice and support to quit smoking, contact the Trust’s Tobacco Dependence Team Text STOP to 60066
Blossom Room opens for patients in their final days
A Blossom Room has been created for patients to spend their final days with their loved ones on Shand Ward at Bedford Hospital.
The calming, comfortable and private room features a blossom themed sky panel, television, pink furnishings and a reclining bed chair for relatives to stay close by.
The idea of the Blossom Room was spearheaded by Jane Arnold, in memory of her father Barry Gilbert, who was extremely grateful to be able to spend time with him during his last days in May 2020.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity have delivered this project thanks to Jane and other supporters including Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends.
The Blossom Room will also be welcomed by Blossom Volunteers who provide support and companionship to those receiving end of life care and their loved ones. They help to ensure that, wherever possible, no-one dies alone.
Jane Arnold said: “The room looks absolutely fantastic, and I know that it will bring great comfort to both the patient and those who find themselves having to say goodbye to their
loved ones. I hope this room shows people how important end of life/palliative care is, not just for those who are dying, but for those who are left.”
Annie Tucker, Blossom Service Co-ordinator at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance patient care and relatives experience for our end of life patients and the Blossom Room does exactly that. A huge thank you to our donors for making this happen. We really hope we can create more rooms like this for our patients in the future.”
Liz Lees, Chief Nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals said: “Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most difficult things to do, but having the Blossom Room available will really make such a difference to our patients and their relatives. We are so grateful for all the support in making this possible.”
Blossom room on Shand Ward
Staff at the Blossom Room opening ceremony
Volunteer update
Time is a gift!
Giving a bit of time can be a powerful thing and it’s in many people’s gift.
Offering a simple chat, smile and helping pair of hands is what volunteering at our hospitals is all about and what a difference it can make to our patients, visitors and staff.
If you can give a bit of your time to support your local hospital, we have volunteer roles to suit everyone. We are looking for support with a number of new roles including:
n Forget-Me-Not volunteers to support our patients living with dementia, engaging them with a simple chat, puzzles, colouring, music and more
“Some people feel that when their hair turns grey they become invisible. Each time I volunteer on the ward I hear some of their wonderful stories and lives. It doesn’t take much to get folks talking, you always find a connection.” Colin - Volunteer
n Deconditioning Prevention – supporting our patients to keep those allimportant muscles moving with some simple bed or chair-based exercises, or a gentle stroll.
n Patient Appointment Reminder Calls – a quick call to patients with upcoming appointments to check they can attend, reduce the number of no shows and make the best use of clinical time
n Basic Clerical Tasks – with so many letters to post, it’s great for many teams to have some extra hands to help fold and envelope
n Chaplaincy Ward Visitors – volunteers who can offer a listening ear and a wellbeing boost for patients of all faiths and none
Little acts of kindness make a big difference… Volunteer Jackie’s story
Spotting a very elderly lady who was looking glum, Jackie sat down for a chat. The lady started off by telling her that she’d been thinking about her life and was full of regret that she hadn’t really done much with it. After a bit of friendly coaxing, she told Jackie a bit more about herself. It transpired that she’d had an amazing life as an opera singer and had performed in the West End and on Broadway! The more she chatted, the more she smiled and chuckled about days gone by.
“It was so wonderful to see this lady come to life as she talked about her career”, says Jackie. “And it was so uplifting and rewarding for me to know that I did that – simply by listening and chatting, I made a difference to that lovely lady’s day and her time in hospital.”
If you’d like to make a difference to someone’s day in hospital, come and volunteer with us. For more information contact: voluntaryservices@bedsft.nhs.uk
Diary Dates
The next Medical Lecture is on ‘Liver Disease.’ Tuesday, 20 May 2025. All are invited – RSVP by 15 May 2025
Come along to find out more about Liver disease.
The liver is the largest organ inside our body. It helps our body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many different types of liver disease. You will hear about the symptoms and causes, diagnosis & tests, and finally the management and treatments.
The lecture will be presented by Clinical teams from Bedford hospital, L&D hospital and NHS system partners.
This will take place at 5.30pm for a 6pm start and finish at 7.30pm on 20 May, at Rufus Centre, Steppingley Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1AH. There will be time for questions
following the presentation and the opportunity for informal discussions with our Trust Governors, from 5.30pm. If you would like to attend the lecture, please contact us in order to book a place, as spaces are limited. To book a place you can contact us at FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk
Great Barford Good Neighbour Scheme
Community Support for Local Residents
The Great Barford Good Neighbour Scheme is a local village voluntary group dedicated to providing assistance to residents, much like a "good neighbour" would. The volunteers, who are all DBS checked, offer their services for free, although some expenses, such as petrol, may require a contribution.
Services Offered
The scheme provides a range of services to help local residents, including:
n Picking up prescriptions
n Providing lifts to doctors and hospital appointments
n Providing lifts to activities such as hairdressing appointments, village social activities
n Dog walking
n Befriending services – for example, visits for a chat or craft/puzzle activities
Limitations
While the scheme is able to assist with many daily tasks, it is unable to help with those that require skilled tradesmen. For instance, volunteers cannot service central heating systems.
Funding and Support
The Great Barford Good Neighbour Scheme is part of a network of similar schemes in the area. These initiatives are funded by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and supported by the Parish Council and donations.
The Great Barford Team
We formed a committee during the summer 2024 and brought 12 volunteers onboard. We’ve had very positive engagement amongst the village residents. Requests for assistance were slow to get going, however picked up towards the end of the year with a number of lifts to and from Bedford for elderly and disabled residents to hospital, clinics and for hairdressing appointments. Our befriending sessions have been well received and we organised a rota for dog walking for a few weeks for a young lady who had fractured her foot. We look forward to more activity in 2025.
We can be contacted on 07746 534558
Next Annual Members’ Meeting – 17 September 2025
Come along and find out all you need to know about how Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been performing over the past year, and learn more about our strategy for the future. If you are a member this is your opportunity to meet your governor representatives and hear from the Trust Leadership team.
Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025, 5.30pm for a 6pm start, 7.30pm finish Venue: King's House Bedford, 245 Ampthill Rd, Bedford MK42 9AZ Refreshments on arrival: Tea, Coffee and refreshments will be provided.
RSVP: To register, email FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk
Governor Spotlight
Role of a Governor: Governors have a general duty to represent the interests of members of the public and staff who have elected them. Governors therefore interact regularly with members of the public and staff to ensure that they understand their views, and to make sure that they clearly communicate information on trust performance and planning. The public governors can be contacted via email at governors@bedsft.nhs.uk and staff governors on their staff email addresses. If you wish to know who your governors are please visit the Trust website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals. nhs.uk/ and the staff intranet.
Governor opportunities in 2025
Have you ever considered becoming a Public Governor or a Staff Governor of Bedfordshire Hospitals?
Elections for 2025 will start in June 2025 and notices will be displayed on the Trust website and sent out to our public members around that time. There are seventeen seats to be contested. Elections are to be held for the following constituencies:
Eleven Public Governors vacancies in the following constituencies:
n Public: Luton (5 vacancies)
n Public: Central Bedfordshire (1 vacancy)
n Public: Bedford Borough (5 vacancies)
Six Staff Governors vacancies in the following constituencies:
n Nursing &Midwifery (L&D 1 vacancy),
n Nursing &Midwifery (Bedford 1 vacancy),
n Prof&Tech (L&D 1 vacancy).
n Volunteers (cross site 1 vacancy)
n Medical & Dental (Bedford 1 vacancy),
n Non-clinical (L&D 1 vacancy)
Vote In July 2025 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Why is the Trust having elections each year? The Trust holds Governor Elections each year to fill any vacant seats to its Council of Governors or for those Governors whose term of office is ending.
The elected Governors represent members in our public and staff constituencies.
Governors are your voice. They are accountable to you! Please vote for your governor representative.
We hold one to one Governor Awareness virtual briefing sessions which give you the opportunity to find out more about the Governor roles and provide you with information on the procedure for applying to be a governor at the Trust. Each session lasts an hour. Kindly let us know if you are interested in attending the session by emailing us at FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk. If you cannot attend the briefing sessions, do not worry, they are not mandatory.
The voting packs/ballot papers will be sent to eligible members in July. Please cast your vote each year for your next governor representative. Governors are your voice!
Email Membership Department at FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk if you wish to know about your eligibility to vote.
Winter staff engagement events a great success
Our winter staff engagement events were held at the beginning of December across both our hospital sites.
Thousands of staff found time out of their busy schedules to drop in for a well deserved break, have something to eat and take part in activities focussing on their mental and physical wellbeing.
There were 26 different stalls in total that included our chaplains, smoking cessation services, therapies and dietitian colleagues, clinical psychologists, arts and crafts with take heART – our art and wellbeing group - our Charity team, our governors and Non-Executive Directors and many more. One of our key focuses in the tent was starting the conversation around our work to develop a framework for our approach to improvement and how we continuously improve as an organisation.
It was good to be reminded of some of the brilliant work we have already done and read suggestions from colleagues for areas where we could look to make improvements. We will take these away to consider and feed back to staff at our summer engagement events.
Can you spot yourself?…
Photos of staff from Bedford Hospital
Photos of staff from L&D Hospital
Your email…
We are looking to save on printing and postage costs for Ambassador magazine and invitations by creating digital versions and sharing these via email instead of producing paper copies.
Please email us at FTMembership@bedsft.nhs.uk with your updated email address in order to receive these.
For those who have not provided us with an updated email address, we will add a copy of the magazine and invitations to lectures and meetings on our website so that you can view it on the FT Membership website page on the website. https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/
Home » Get involved » FT Membership
Thank you.
