foundations for health
March 2024
Major investment in robotic surgery announced at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
First patients attend Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre p4
Topping out ceremony for Bassetlaw Emergency Village p6
60 years of support from Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust p9
News for staff, volunteers and members of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home 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 2
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Contents 4-5 First patients attend for surgery as Mexborough service opens its doors
6 Topping out ceremony marks significant milestone for Bassetlaw Emergency Village 7 We’ve made it easier for you to give us feedback on our services
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8 Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust Donate Life-saving Liver Scanner to Local Hospital 9 Celebrating 60 years of support from Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust 10 Major investment in robotic surgery announced at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
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11 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals celebrates its long-serving colleagues at afternoon tea 12 Two awards presented to Midwifery colleagues at local hospitals 13 Trust hosts Special Celebration Event for Recent Learner Graduates 14 Chief Information Officer joins the Trust 15 Refurbished Macmillan support service opens at Doncaster Royal Infirmary 16-17
Supporting DBTH Charity
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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.
Subscribe to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ WhatsApp channel We are trialling a new platform with a DBTH WhatsApp channel. The channel works similar to a notification feed, where, once subscribed, you will receive updates from the Trust (updates, news and developments, but only one item or so a day). You can react to these items, however, it does not have a chat function and nobody will be able to see your phone number – the service is completely anonymous. It’s just another handy way to keep up with Team DBTH and your local hospitals. If you’re interested in joining, please subscribe here: https://whatsapp.com/chan nel/0029VaFg57dFXUuiVhzug42y Note: To be clear, this is not a WhatsApp group – you cannot see other users phone numbers, or contact anyone directly.
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First patients attend for surgery as Mexborough service opens its doors On Monday 15 January 2024, the Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence (MEOC for short) welcomed its first patients. The Dearne Valley based orthopaedic centre specialises in hip and knee replacement and other similar surgeries, including hand and foot and knee and elbow procedures, for residents within the Bassetlaw, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham areas. Housed next to the Fred and Ann Green Rehabilitation Centre on site, it comprises two state-of-the-art theatre units, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery suite, in addition to 12 inpatient beds. In all, five patients attended for surgery on the first day, with a total of 24 patients to be admitted throughout the week. Patients were treated for a range of different procedures, including a total hip replacement, knee replacement and a rotator cuff repair. Currently, the service can treat up to eight patients a day, as part of five day a week service. It is anticipated that this will increase to nine a day, six days a week by mid-2024. The MEOC will play a significant role in reducing orthopaedic waiting lists and waiting times for local people. In the first year of operation, it is anticipated the centre
will undertake around 2,200 orthopaedic procedures, equating to about 40% of the current orthopaedic waiting list. Andrea Sharpe Deacon from Doncaster was the first patient admitted for surgery at the MEOC. Andrea had a hip replacement and was keen to share her gratitude for a professional and friendly service upon returning from her surgery. Andrea said: “I cannot fault the service; everyone I have met has been caring and professional. They helped to put my mind at ease before my surgery.” As a collaboration between three hospital trusts in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, patients requiring surgery for orthopaedic procedures will be given the option of choosing to have their surgery at the MEOC service or be treated at their usual hospital. Elizabeth Copp, also from Doncaster, received surgery on her shoulder and said that she would be happy to recommend the MEOC to her family and friends. Elizabeth said: “I was hyper anxious before the operation but all the staff I met were supportive and professional and were willing to answer any of my questions. It was a really positive experience.”
Suzy Brain England, Chair of the Board, cuts the ribbon at the MEOC’s official opening ceremony
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Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre is a great example of partnership working between Hospitals in South Yorkshire. “By working together and working differently we can better meet the orthopaedic healthcare needs of our community. This centre will play an important part in helping us to reduce reducing waiting times for surgery and we know how important this is for local people. “We are committed to providing the best possible care for our communities, and the MEOC is a practical example of how we are working together as an Integrated Care System to do this.” The MEOC is operated between Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BH) and The Rotherham Hospital Foundation Trust (TRFT), costing £14.9 million. The project started its planning phase in 2021, completed in December 2023, with the first patients admitted for surgery on 15 January 2024. For more information about the MEOC, including patient information resources and a tour of the centre, please visit: www.dbth.nhs. uk/services/meoc/
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Topping out ceremony marks significant milestone for Bassetlaw Emergency Village The Bassetlaw Emergency Village, a multi-million pound project aimed at upgrading Bassetlaw Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), last week reached the highest point of construction of the new building. To mark the occasion, Brendan Clarke Smith, MP for Bassetlaw, senior colleagues from the Trust, as well as construction partners, IHP Vinci and Archus, took part in a topping out ceremony to celebrate the end of the structural construction phase, with the focus now shifting to the interiors ahead of opening in late summer. Those in attendance signed the final panel to be placed into the building, which is now watertight and ready for the next phase of development. Brendan Clarke Smith, Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw, expressed his support for the milestone achievement, saying: “The topping out ceremony marks a crucial step towards the realisation of the Bassetlaw Emergency Village. This project, backed by the government’s substantial investment, underscores our commitment to improving healthcare services for the Bassetlaw community. “The enhanced Emergency Department will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the accessibility and quality of care for our residents – I’m looking forward to the service opening its doors later in the year.” Initiated in July 2023 with a £17.6 million
pledge from the UK government, the Emergency Village is designed to improve and expand emergency care services for the Bassetlaw community, as well as enable 24/7 inpatient paediatric care. Once opened, all urgent and emergency care services at Bassetlaw Hospital will be housed within the new facility, alongside paediatric and acute care. The footprint inhabited by the new building is within the former car park opposite the main entrance, as well as accommodation previously used by Nottinghamshire Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Innovation and Infrastructure at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) and the Project’s Senior Responsible Officer, said: “The Emergency Village at Bassetlaw Hospital is a crucial step forward for our Trust and the local community. This investment will enhance our Emergency Department, ensuring timely access to high-quality care for our patients, as well as return overnight paediatric services which were temporarily relocated to Doncaster Royal Infirmary in 2017.” To accommodate current works, a temporary ambulance route to the Emergency Department has been created, as well as alternative access points for those arriving by car via a newly created internal round. Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones reassured the community, stating, “Throughout this planned construction, our Emergency Department remains available for patients in a emergency. Please attend as usual.” To enable the construction of the Emergency Village, a ground-breaking £15 million project was completed in early 2023. This initiative involved the removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roofing panels, making Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals the first NHS trust in the country to completely eradicate this material from its hospitals.
Bassetlaw emergency village topping out ceremony
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The Bassetlaw Emergency Village project will be complete in late summer – at this point the name of the facility will revert to the Bassetlaw Emergency Department.
We’ve made it easier for you to give us feedback on our services In January, we signed up to a new feedback system which is making it easier for our patients to tell us what they think about the care they received and to share their thoughts on their experience of using our services. You may have completed a Friends and Family Test before if you have been an inpatient or outpatient in one of our hospitals. The new system will ask the same questions, but you will have a number of different ways in which you can fill it in.
IWantGreatCare, which will replace the old Friends and Family Test, will give you the option to provide your feedback via SMS, online via the website or through a paper card which you can collect from the ward or area you have visited.
think we are doing well and what we need to improve. It will provide us with advanced analysis of scores and will enable us to break this down by department and area – enabling us to pinpoint areas where we may need to make changes to improve patient experience.
The online option will also allow those who do not use English as a first language to complete the survey in other languages.
If you are an inpatient or an outpatient in any of our hospital services or wards, ask a member of your care team about IWantGreatCare and let us know how you found your experience at DBTH.
The new system will also help our staff to analyse the feedback to work out what you
Speciality and Specialist Doctors Attend Time Out Session Earlier this month, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Speciality and Specialist doctors (SAS) attended a time-out session which included important insights and updates given by DBTH’s Chief People Officer, Zoe Linton, Director of Education and Research, Prof Sam Debbage, Head of Organisational Development, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, Gavin Portier, Head of Research, Jane Fernside and Freedom to Speak Up lead, Paula Hill.
In our Trust, we have over 100 SAS colleagues. SAS doctors are a diverse group of colleagues within the Trust with a wide range of skills,
experiences, and specialities. They have at least four years of postgraduate training, two of which are in a relevant speciality. A career as an SAS doctor is a rewarding alternative to becoming a consultant or GP and it usually offers the opportunity to focus predominantly on providing direct patient care and less on the other clinical and nonclinical responsibilities required of a consultant or trainee. Becoming a SAS doctor allows a myriad of opportunities including: • Working within a subspeciality which suits them • Typically, offers the opportunity to focus
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predominantly on providing direct patient care and less on the other clinical and non-clinical responsibilities required of a consultant or trainee.
•A n opportunity for a better work-life balance as hours are typically more regular than a consultant •W ork more flexibly without needing to meet the formal requirements of a training programme SAS doctors at the Trust are also encouraged, depending on their experience and availability, to be involved in teaching, research and leadership roles.
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Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust Donate Life-saving Liver Scanner to Local Hospital Patients at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) will now benefit from significantly enhanced liver health assessments thanks to a donated Fibroscanner, or transient elastography machine, by Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust (DCDT). The £92,000 Fibroscanner enables clinicians to diagnose liver disease by measuring inflammation, stiffness and fatty changes in a patient’s liver, in a non-invasive, painless scan which takes less than ten minutes. The main causes of liver disease relate to combination of risks including Diabetes, high cholesterol, increased weight, alcohol and viruses. Over the years, the rates of chronic liver disease in the UK have risen dramatically, and it is now one the main causes of death in people under the age of 65. Dr Anu Agrawal, Divisional Director of Medicine at DBTH said “It is estimated that up to 55,000 patients would benefit from a Fibroscan in Doncaster. Chronic Liver disease whether its advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is silent, underdiagnosed and often diagnosed at
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a late stage. There are several life threatening complications linked to liver disease and one of them is a risk of developing liver cancer. “The scanner will play a crucial role in helping to diagnose liver disease at an earlier stage. With early diagnosis, patients can make different life-style choices, and we can offer more effective treatments to help reverse the damage, allowing patients to fully recover. “That is why we are so thankful to the Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust. Their donation will make a real difference in improving patient outcomes and saving lives in Doncaster.” The funding for the mobile scanner also includes a comprehensive training package for four dedicated DBTH colleagues. This investment in expertise ensures that the technology will be used to its full potential, providing the best possible care to the patients of Doncaster. Andy Collins, Public Health Practitioner from the Doncaster Alcohol Alliance said: “The introduction of the mobile scanner to DRI is an extremely positive development for our
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communities. Admissions for alcohol related liver disease at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) have increased significantly over the last ten years. “Previously patients in Doncaster identified as requiring a scan would have been placed on a long waiting list. The donation of the mobile scanner to the hospital means that some of the most at-risk, including alcohol-dependant patients, can be scanned whilst they are in hospital for care and treatment.” Yvonne Woodcock, Chair of the Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust said of the donation: “Liver cancer is on the rise and is known as one the less survivable cancers. We’re pleased to be able to donate the Fibroscanner to DBTH which will support early diagnosis of liver diseases and in doing so reduce the risk of patients developing liver cancer. “At the DCDT we’re proud to have delivered many pieces of equipment, like the Fibroscanner, to the front line of our hospitals, and we’re thankful to all our amazing supporters who continue to support us in our fundraising efforts.”
Celebrating 60 years of support from Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust The Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust is a registered charity which raises funds to assist with the detection, prevention and treatment of all kinds of cancers and associated diseases and impairments. They have been fundraising for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals since the early 1970s – assisting us with the purchase of numerous pieces of life-saving equipment which has helped us to stay ahead of the curve for cancer care and diagnostics. The first donation from DCDT in the 1970s was for £3,000 (a significant amount back then) and enabled the hospital to buy a bronchoscope. A diagnostic tool, the bronchoscope was used to look inside patients’ lungs and take biopsies for further analysis. Over the next five decades, DCDT would go on to raise an incredible £10million which funded around 80 pieces of equipment, including the latest liver scanner (see page 6 for details). Last year, the local charity raised funds to purchase two specialist pieces of equipment used during mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) operations. The locking post – which is a device specifically designed to help keep the area of the body a surgeon is working on in the best place while the patient is under anaesthetic, reduced the need for an additional person to be present in the operating room. This meant that more patients could be seen, and healthcare professionals had more time to spend improving patient experience. A year earlier, in 2022, we were able to open a new CT scanning suite at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, with fundraising from DCDT enabling the purchase of a brand-new scanner. This suite came at the perfect time with the Covid19 pandemic heavily impacting waiting lists for diagnostic services and the new suite affording us additional scanning capacity of around 50%. The scanner cost around £500k and was
Donation of ultrasound machine to Urology
raised by DCDT through their local connections and the generosity of Doncaster residents. The scanner which was donated in 2022 was the second such machine that the DCDT had funded at DRI. The first state-of-the-art machine was purchased for £600k and was installed in 2012. At the time, this was the first CT scanner of its kind to be fully operation in a hospital outside of London. In 2021, DCDT were able to raise £142k to complete the purchase of a specialist ultrasound machine which improved care for our Urology patients. The BK3000 enabled the Urology team here at the DRI to perform precision-point prostate biopsies in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic,
Members of Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust at the opening of the new CT Suite
reducing the need for day-case surgery. This helped us to free up theatre capacity for other procedures, reduced patient risks associated with general anaesthesia and allowed patients to get home and comfortable following a biopsy. Richard Parker, Chief Executive at DBTH said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust, who over the years, have helped to improve the outcomes for many of our patients through their donations. I want to extend our thanks to all of their amazing supporter who continue to raise funds for transformational pieces of hospital equipment which in many cases save lives.”
CT scanner opening in 2012
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Major investment in robotic surgery announced at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity will fund a £3.6 million Intuitive Da Vinci Xi surgical robot to support cancer surgery for patients at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH). It is envisaged that the investment in the state-of-the-art surgical robot will transform the way DBTH performs certain procedures, specifically for colorectal cancer patients in the first instance. Colorectal surgery is the field of medicine that deals with repairing damage caused by colorectal diseases. Surgery can be necessary due to a variety of health problems along the gastrointestinal tract, in your rectum, anus and colon. Operated by a surgeon, the system uses a 3D camera and robotic arms are controlled from a console using an advanced set of instruments to achieve minimally invasive surgery. Working this way allows for greater precision than traditional laparoscopic (also known as ‘keyhole’) or open surgery. Colorectal Consultant Surgeon and Lead Clinician for Gastrointestinal Surgery, Miss Antonia Durham-Hall, said of the development: “This is one of the most significant investments made in the advancements of surgery at DBTH and it will transform colorectal cancer surgery for our patients.
significantly improve outcomes for patients following their surgery, such as faster recovery times, reduced length of stay, and a reduction in the chance of a conversion to open surgery. In some types of tumour, there will also be improved cancer outcomes, and a decrease in patients who experience problems with urinary and sexual function and a reduction in those needing a long-term stoma.
robotic cancer surgery as soon as the robot arrives early next financial year, as a member of the DBTH Colorectal Team is already a trained autonomous robotic surgeon. Three additional colorectal surgeons are due to begin training next month, and, once proficient, all four colorectal surgeons will be able to operate independently on the machine within six months.
“As improvements are made in the early diagnosis of cancers it is extremely important that advancements are also made in how we treat them, so patients can go on to have a good quality of life post cancer surgery.
“I’m extremely pleased that we will be able to offer this to our patients in the near future and thankful to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity for such a significant investment.”
“The introduction of robotic surgery will
Colorectal patients are set to benefit from
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at DBTH, said: “Investing in robotic surgery is not only important for improving outcomes of our colorectal cancer patients, but also absolutely critical to attract and sustain anaesthetists, surgeons and theatre staff at DBTH now, and in the future. Robotic surgery will soon become part of the core curriculum for surgeons, and without the robot, we could lose the ability to train some specialist surgical trainees. “At DBTH we’re very proud to train 25% of the medical workforce in South Yorkshire and providing good quality trainee experiences are central to our workforce and recruitment plans. We know if trainees have a positive experience at DBTH we will go on to be their employer of choice when they qualify. “We want to express our thanks to all the supporters of the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, and especially the Fred and Ann Green legacy – their support has helped to facilitate a transformative investment in care for our communities.” If you have any other questions about how you can get involved with supporting DBTH, you can contact the Fundraising and Communications Team on 01302 644244 or dbth.charity@nhs.net.
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Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals celebrates its long-serving colleagues at afternoon tea Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals has hosted a series of wholesome afternoon tea events to honour and celebrate long-serving employees who have dedicated their time and expertise to the hospitals and the NHS. These three special afternoon tea celebrations, hosted at Mount Pleasant Hotel, Ye Olde Bell and Pastures Lodge, were a thank you gesture to colleagues who had recently completed milestones in their service, for their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to healthcare. Colleagues who had achieved the 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 year milestones within the last two years were invited to the exclusive events, hosted by members of the Trust’s Board of Directors. Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Throughout the years, these dedicated
professionals have demonstrated a remarkable level of devotion and dedication, providing exceptional care to patients and their families, or working in support roles to keep services running smoothly for those who need them. They are the backbone of our Trust and these afternoon tea events were just one of the ways we express our gratitude and admiration for their hard work.” Guests at the events were treated to an array of finger sandwiches and sweet treats including cakes and scones which they enjoyed whilst reminiscing about their time at DBTH, milestones in their careers and cherished memories of working in the health service.
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Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals has recently relaunched its Long Service programme which, as well as the afternoon tea events, presents members of the team with commemorative badges for milestones in service and gift vouchers for those who reach 40 years and 50 years of service.
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Two awards presented to Midwifery colleagues at local hospitals Two NHS England awards have been presented to midwifery colleagues at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals to mark their incredible achievements and dedication to their practice. Katrina Hall-Evans and Kelly Roberts, both Midwifery Support Workers at the Trust, received the prestigious Chief Midwifery Officer Award. Katrina and Kelly were both nominated by their colleagues for their work to improve the infant feeding provision at DBTH for women who were having feeding difficulties. They worked with the infant feeding lead midwives to develop a dedicated infant feeding team. Thanks to this work, women who gave birth at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals are now more likely to breastfeed, have better education about the process and benefits of breastfeeding and have access to appropriate support through the Trust. Lois Mellor, Director of Midwifery at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said: “I’d like to congratulate Katrina and Kelly on their well deserved award win. Research shows that 8 out of 10 women in the UK give up breastfeeding before they want to due to pain or lack of support. Thanks to Katrina and Kelly’s dedication, we have seen this number improve at DBTH which shows great improvement for not only patient experience, but also for over child health in general. It’s certainly an achievement to be recognised and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.” Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said: “I would like to extend proud congratulations to Katrina and Kelly on winning these accolades. They are truly are deserved and the nominations from their colleagues clearly demonstrate how much of a positive impact they all have on patient care and colleague development in maternity. On behalf of the board of directors here at DBTH, and on behalf of the communities who use services which are better for your input, thank you for all that you do.” The Chief Midwifery officer award is to recognise the vital contribution of Maternity support workers in England and their exceptional support of nursing and midwifery practice. The awards were presented on Thursday 24 November to mark Midwifery Support Worker Day which is a national celebration of all Maternity Support Workers.
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DBTH hosts Special Celebration Event for Recent Learner Graduates Colleagues at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) recently hosted a special celebration and graduation event for the Trust’s latest cohort of learners. This ranged from graduating apprentices to those who have completed specific caring qualifications, as well as individuals achieving functional skills in English and maths. In 2022/23 DBTH hosted over 1,180 students, including nurses, and allied health professionals (physios and therapists). In addition, the Trust currently has over 400 apprentices studying on programme, across a range of specialities, including nursing, admin and clerical, leadership and other caring roles. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the organisation’s learners, their mentors, peers and managers, the celebratory event took place in Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s Lecture Theatre in December. Each of the successful learners were presented with a certificate detailing their
achievement as well as a special pin badge. Graduates were then able to enjoy a selection of refreshments, as well as being able to interact and share experiences with colleagues and leaders who have supported them whilst on their learning journey. Joining colleagues at the celebration event was the Trust’s Director for Education and Research, Professor, Sam Debbage, Deputy Director of Education, Dr Ann-marie Steele, Associate Chief Nurse for Safe Staffing, Kirsty Clarke, and the Head of Education for Widening Participation, Kelly Turkhud. Speaking after the celebration, Sam said: “Ensuring that we acknowledge and celebrate the incredible achievements of our learners here at DBTH is hugely important to us. Our learners are the future of our Trust and are essential to helping us build a strong and diverse workforce. “I am confident that our learners will thrive in their roles, and we wish them the very best of luck for a long and fruitful career. We hope
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that their stories and journeys will serve as an inspiration for others looking to complete their own learning.” The Vocation Education Team at the Trust have a range of learning opportunities available at DBTH. From apprenticeships, to work experience, we have something to suit everyone’s skills, passions and ambitions. To find out more about the opportunities available at DBTH contact the team at dbth. vocationalsupport@nhs.net. 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. Hosting three main hospital sites and a number of additional services, the Trust is one of only a small number of Teaching Hospitals in Yorkshire and trains 25% of all medical students and 30% of all other healthcare professional students.
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Chief Information Officer joins the Trust Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) has appointed Dan Howard as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Dan joined the Trust in January, following the departure of our interim CIO, Andrew Pope. The Chief Information Officer is responsible for developing, managing and supporting all information technology services and Digital Transformation within Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital and ensuring computer systems support health professionals in the delivery of high quality care and treatment. Dan, who lives in Staffordshire with his family, joins DBTH from University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, where he has served as the Digital Director. With nearly 25 years of experience leading digital strategies across various NHS organisations including acute, community, mental health and specialist, Dan
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has a proven track-record of elevating Trusts and improving digital maturity.
Commenting on the appointment, Jon Sargeant, Chief Financial Officer at DBTH, said: “We are pleased to welcome Dan as our new Chief Information Officer. His wealth of experience and leadership in digital transformation within the healthcare sector aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. Dan’s innovative approach and commitment to using digital to improve patient outcomes make him an excellent addition to our team.” At University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Dan spearheaded a comprehensive portfolio, overseeing a large and diverse digital team. Under his leadership, the two trusts achieved notable milestones, including improving clinical engagement in digital, the implementation of a new combined digital service, and securing significant national funding for a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system.
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Dan is an advocate of excellent clinical engagement and has a keen interest in how digital, technology and data can support the pioneering transformation of clinical services. Reflecting on his appointment, Dan, said, “I am excited to join Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals at this pivotal time in healthcare digital transformation. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams at DBTH to use digital to transform our delivery of high-quality patient care.”
Dan’s appointment comes as DBTH continues its commitment to advancing digital innovation, improving clinical engagement, and ultimately providing enhanced healthcare services to the community. The Trust is also currently working towards the implementation of an Electronic Patient Record, having been accepted into a national programme, driven by NHSX, in 2021.
Refurbished Macmillan support service opens at Doncaster Royal Infirmary Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) announces that a newly refurbished Macmillan ‘Space Oasis’ area has opened at Doncaster Royal Infirmary to support those affected by cancer. The dedicated area which provides support, information and advice, has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity which helps people affected by cancer through their journeys. The facility has an open area with information available to collect and a private consultation room for those more personal, confidential conversations. Previously, the onsite Macmillan cancer information service was situated in the outpatients seating/reception area of Doncaster Royal Infirmary. However, during the COVID19 pandemic, this area was converted into a COVID-restricted zone, prompting the removal of the pod due to its size and lack of use. Since then, the on-site Macmillan information and support service, tucked away in a side room within the outpatients 2 area, was lacking valuable visibility for patients seeking support and a quiet space. The newly refurbished space is recognisable in the Macmillan’s green branding with open-access walk-in area, making it a welcoming and comfortable environment for all. Space Oasis will now offer a friendly, private environment for patients, carers and family members affected by cancer, to access appropriate information and support, from managing symptoms to advice on benefits and financial support.
The dedicated support space can provide expert help and has a wide-range of booklets to take away, aiming to increase support referrals and improve awareness of services available to those affected by cancer. The support desk will be staffed by members of the local Macmillian Support Team, as part of the services funded by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), who will be on hand to guide any affected by cancer in accessing the support they need. To contact the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, you can telephone 03000 214853 or email at rdash.macmillan-infodoncaster@nhs.net Lesley Barnet, Deputy Director of Nursing for Cancer Services, said: “We are so pleased to be opening this refurbished space at Doncaster
Royal Infirmary. Space Oasis will not only bridge the gap left by the removal of the previous Macmillan cancer information pod but will also enhance the way we deliver cancer information services, making further help more accessible, visible, and supportive for patients and their families.” DBTH has also recently introduced the Doncaster & Bassetlaw Cancer Care App, a one-stop resource for local people with cancer and their families. Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer, or are you supporting someone who has, the app provides access to information about cancer care locally and the support available to help through treatment and recovery such as financial support, jargon busters and local therapies and support groups. You can download the HealthZone Doncaster & Bassetlaw Cancer Care App here.
Remembering Jasper update
Late last year, we announced the sad passing of our beloved Bassetlaw visitor, Jasper. In the days that followed, just over £2,000 was raised (surpassing a target of £1,000) to create a memorial to our much-missed feline friend. In the next few weeks we will take delivery of a special bench, complete with plaque memorialising Jasper, which will be placed appropriately on site, as well as a small statue which will feature as part of our Rainbow Garden, which is open to patients, colleagues and visitors. Overall we anticipate a spend of around £1,500, with the remainder put forward to our general charitable funds, from which colleagues at Bassetlaw are able to use to bid for projects and developments which will benefit our patients. We will update further in the coming weeks.
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Supporting DBTH Charity
Charity marks ‘impactful year’ following prestigious award win and royal visit From an award-winning campaign to a royal visit and the NHS’s birthday, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity marks an ‘impactful’ 2023.
and donated to the Trust during the festive season.
The hospital charity raised £7,410 in honour of the 75th birthday of the NHS across three main events: the NHS Big Tea, a nationwide tea party, and two sponsored skydive events.
One supporter, Mitchell Carrigan, donated £4,110 to DBTH Charity, following a mammoth 59-mile, overnight trek from Nottingham to Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) in honour of his late wife and babies.
An additional celebration came in the form of the award-winning campaign, the Serenity Appeal, which opened its maternity bereavement suite in June and was visited by Her Royal Highness, Anne, Princess Royal, in September. Sarah Dunning, Fundraising Manager for DBTH Charity, said: “I am incredibly proud of the journey we’ve undertaken in the past year. “It has been an impactful year, marked by unwavering community support, a royal visit, and the notable success and conclusion of our award-winning campaign, the Serenity Appeal, to name a few highlights.” In addition, festive fundraising activities, such as the Children’s Ward’s ‘Winter Wonderland’, the ‘Our Shining Stars’ campaign, Festive Sock Day and various independent fundraisers have raised a huge £27,485 for DBTH Charity. Approximately 2,000 gifts were delivered
2023 was also a year of exceptional individual fundraising efforts, Sarah explained.
Laura Bradie raised an exceptional £6,500 for the Serenity Appeal, using her community connections to host an epic raffle. There were several instrumental donations made this year to the appeal, including funds from The Lions Club (Thorne Rural and Tickhill & District), Carla Spence and couple Daniel and Dannielle. About the Serenity Appeal, Sarah said: “Together, we’ve not only surpassed our fundraising goals but, more importantly, we’ve made a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. “We can’t say thank you enough to every single individual who helped us surpass our £150,000 goal.” In recognition of this incredible feat, the campaign was recognised as ‘Campaign of the Year’ at this year’s Doncaster
Members of the DBTH Charity team and the maternity team celebrate winning Campaign of the Year at Doncaster Chamber Awards
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Business Awards. The charity also received several generous physical donations, ranging from smart TVs and games consoles to Easter eggs, children’s toys and food hampers for colleagues. Donors included Doncaster College, Currys and Muscle Foods. Such donations can make a huge difference to the quality of a patient’s stay or visit, boosting morale and improving their overall experience and comfort within a department. Hosted by the Children’s Ward at DRI, the department’s bi-annual events, the Winter Wonderland and Summer Carnival of Care, raised £1,144 and £1,775 respectively. Not content with only being exceptional in their sport, the Trust was also visited by several sporting groups and individuals over the year. This included World Boxing Association (WBO) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Super-Welterweight Champion, and local legend, Terri Harper. The Trust was also visited by rugby players from the Doncaster Knights. Over Christmas, the Children’s Ward at DRI was visited by Grant McCann, Manager of Doncaster Rovers, Richard Wood, Captain of Doncaster Rovers, Brad Hey of the Doncaster Rugby League and Chloe Brannan of the Doncaster Belles.
Her Royal Highness, Anne the Princess Royal visits the Serenity Suite in 2023
Tragic loss inspires Doncaster resident to raise thousands for hospital charity A Doncaster resident has raised over £8,000 for baby loss charities this year, £4,110 of which he has donated to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity.
ever. So would I.” Following Chloe’s passing in January 2023, Mitchell, along with family and friends, donated £500 to DBTH Charity – funds raised at her funeral. Speaking about the support he received during this difficult period, Mitchell, who has since become a facilitator at Andy’s Man Club in Hemsworth, said: “I’m amazingly lucky to have some of the best family and friends around me. These lads [at Andy’s Man Club] have been brilliant and a massive support this year. I had people who backed me all the way. I know I have them for life.”
Mitchell Carrigan, who is an avid supporter of baby loss support groups, recently completed an ultramarathonlength walk of nearly 59 miles in memory of his three babies and late wife, Chloe Carrigan. After the heart breaking loss of their three babies, affectionately known as Avery, Baby C and Little Bean, both Mitchell and Chloe found solace in the DBTH Charity campaign, ‘The Serenity Appeal’: a campaign to improve maternity bereavement services at the Trust. Talking about what motivated him, and his group, to complete such a gruelling fundraiser, Mitchell said: “We’ve all seen in one way or another how painful it can be to lose a baby and hopefully families going through that now have this amazing facility to be able to start to process it.” Despite aches, rain, and injuries, the group finished the overnight trek in under 19 hours. The non-stop journey began from Nottingham Station, the last place Mitchell spoke to Chloe, to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, a place of significance for them both. Vicky, Carrie, and Ryan, who formed the core walking group with Mitchell, were instrumental in helping with fundraising and rallying one another throughout the trek. Mitchell said: “I doubt I would have got through it Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.
without them.” With a goal of £2,500 on Just Giving, Mitchell, was ‘blown away’ when he realised they had far surpassed it. He said: “We were all blown away with the total. The thing that struck me was how many people who donated had their own experiences with baby loss, many of whom have never spoken about it.” As part of the ‘Our Shining Stars’ campaign by DBTH Charity, Mitchell dedicated a star at DRI to Chloe, to shine out over the hospital grounds during the festive period. Sarah Dunning, Fundraising Manager at DBTH Charity and lead of the Our Shining Stars campaign said: “We are honoured to have one of our stars in dedication to Chloe.
“She has done so much to raise awareness of baby loss, and her legacy continues by bringing together communities of people experiencing the same heartbreaking grief. “We cannot express our thanks enough to Mitchell, for his incredible strength and dedication to fundraising for us, throughout this difficult period.” Following the loss of her first two babies, Chloe became a staunch supporter of the Serenity Appeal, completing a 100km sponsored dog walk, with beloved pugs Bulo and Jax. Chloe raised over £350 for the appeal with her efforts. When asked what the dogs meant to Chloe, husband Mitchell said: “Those dogs were Chloe’s entire world.They would say they miss their absolute favourite person
The teams at DBTH, including the bereavement team and chaplains, were also amazing, Mitchell continued. Bereavement midwives, Rhian Morris and Matthew Procter, supported Mitchell every step of the way. He said: “Rhian has been amazing throughout, when we lost Avery, Little Bean and Baby C, and after I lost Chloe. She’s a credit to the hospital and deserves more applause than any of us can give her.” Mitchell went on to thank Revd Andy, the Chaplain who hosted Chloe’s funeral and had previously given blessings when the couple lost baby Avery. About Revd Andy, Mitchell said: “He was amazing from start to finish.” Completing his sponsored walk was an opportunity to carry on what Chloe began, Mitchell explained.
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