NUH Staff Matters
Neonatal unit welcomes first babies:
QMC’s new unit
People First Recognition Awards: Meet our first award winners
Behind the scenes: Inside our maxillofacial lab
From farm to fork: The story of our patients’ meals
Langridge Homes Limited
17-21 Clumber Avenue, Sherwood Rise
Nottingham NG5 1AG
Tel: 0115 962 6626
Deborah Lofthouse: +44 7522 579759
Email: sales@langridgehomes.com
We are pleased to offer a selection of three to five bed homes currently available on the Church Farm development in the small town of Ripley. The town is based on the outskirts of Derbyshire and has a great range of shops as well as easy access to Derby City centre.
Our development is located off Deanery Way, Church Farm, Ripley DE5 3TR
One of our latest developments is nestled in the heart of Giltbrook village. The selection of four and five bed homes are all within a short drive to a range of popular towns, cities and transport links and have a range of local amenities nearby, including the ever popular Giltbrook Retail Park.
Our development is located on Acorn Avenue, Giltbrook, Nottingham, NG16 2UF.
We are pleased to offer a selection of homes on our Stable View development in Calverton. The site is within easy walking distance of the village centre. The village hosts a range of shops and amenities, including a Sainsbury’s Local, Post Office, leisure centre and library. Nottingham City Centre is also easily accessible by a range of methods, including a bus route directly from the village.
Westhouse Farm View offers a range of new one to five bed homes in Bestwood Village. Situated adjacent to open countryside, our latest development provides a village feel, is in close proximity of Bestwood Country Park and is approximately a 12 minute drive to the M1.
Our development is located Off Moor Road, Bestwood Village, Nottingham, NG6 8ZQ.
Welcome
I’m delighted to welcome you to the second issue of our NUH Staff Matters magazine. In this issue, we showcase some of the fantastic achievements of our colleagues, including those recognised at our recent People First Recognition Awards (page 4). You’ll also find information about our Values in Practice (ViP) Awards, which recognise staff who embody our Trust values of being kind, inclusive, ambitious, and one team.
As we come out of winter, I want to take a moment to thank each of you. We know this period has been particularly challenging, and your dedication has not gone unnoticed. The pressures of the past year - both operational and financial - have meant we’ve had to adapt, innovate, and make difficult decisions to ensure we remain financially sustainable. As an executive team, we truly appreciate the efforts of those who have found new ways of working and contributed to making efficiencies. Your hard work is what keeps NUH moving forward, and together, we will continue to meet these challenges head-on. At the same time, we appreciate that staff have continued to work under great pressure and scrutiny, and although we have written to staff with support, we know that at times, staff feel the pressures around them. I would urge any staff member who has concerns to please seek support and speak out.
Looking ahead, planning for 2025/26 is well underway. While the recent announcement about NHS England’s future brings an element of uncertainty, our focus remains clear. The National Planning Guidance, issued in January from NHSE, continues to outline key priorities for the year ahead that we need to work to, and teams across NUH have been working since September to develop detailed plans that ensure we deliver on these priorities and that we can provide the best possible care for our patients whilst supporting our staff through this period of change. We appreciate that this will be a challenging time for us all.
If you’d like to learn more about annual planning, our February and March Ask the Execs session provides further insights - these are available to watch back on the intranet (search ‘Ask the Execs’). There is also more information about the NHS England announcement on the latest news page on our intranet.
It’s also important to celebrate the progress we’ve made over the past year. We’ve seen the successful opening of the Geriatric Assessment Unit, Robin Hood Theatres, and our state-of-theart Neonatal Unit, as well as the relaunch of our Home Birth Service, giving families more choice in their maternity care. These milestones are a testament to the dedication, vision, and teamwork of colleagues across the Trust. And there’s more to come - this summer, we look forward to the opening of the National Rehabilitation Centre, a significant step forward in specialist care. Finally, this magazine is made possible at no extra cost to the Trust, thanks to our advertisers.
Thank you once again for everything you do. I hope you enjoy this edition of NUH Staff Matters.
Dr Manjeet Shehmar Medical Director
In November, we recognised and celebrated some of our outstanding colleagues at our first ever People First Recognition Awards. Nominations are received throughout the year from staff, patients and members of the public for our awards.
The ceremony, hosted by Emma Caldwell, local Radio and TV Presenter, brought 370 staff members, sponsors and guests together for a wonderful evening to celebrate the achievements of everyone shortlisted for the 2024 awards, and announce the winner or winners in each of our 12 new award categories.
Find out how each of our winners felt about being nominated for and winning their award.
“It means everything. Everything we do is for our patients and this award recognises them and everyone who works at Hayward House.”
Dr Simon Paine and Mr Stuart Smith
Consultant Neuropathologist/Consultant Neurosurgeon
“Winning is fantastic and it feels very special. Lots of hard work went into our project from a lot of different people and makes a big impact on patient care. Having our work recognised by the Trust is great.”
“This award means a lot. I’m really thankful to the team that I am in that support me as I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Outstanding Team Award Endoscopy Administration Team
“This means a huge amount because administration teams can be complete unsung heroes. Every single day the team books hundreds of patients and this is a phenomenal achievement for them.”
“It’s fantastic to be recognised by my peers, knowing that I’ve put my whole world into working at NUH. I’m doing my best for patients and staff alike.”
“Words cannot describe how this feels and I really didn’t expect this at all. Thank you to everyone on Ward B48 because without them I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”
Charity Champion Award Hayward House
Lifetime Achievement Award
Teresa Burton Radiography Clinical Specialist
Rising Star Award Liam Newbold Healthcare Assistant
Innovation Award
Hidden Gem Award Natalie Hancox Transformation GIRFT Programme Lead
Inspirational Leader Award
Donna Jones
Head of Facilities
“I’m truly humbled to win the award. It’s a team that makes a good leader and I’m grateful to my team – they’re incredible.”
Patient Experience Award
Emma Dimmock Therapy Support Worker
“I never win anything so I’m shocked because there are so many amazing people. I love my job, the patients and the team and it means so much to be recognised for doing something that you love.”
Inclusion Award
Vignesh Murali Deputy Divisional General Manager
“Winning the award was amazing and is a testament to all the work that colleagues do. I just happen to lead some of those colleagues and I pick up this award on behalf of them so thank you!”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kevin Tate
Theatres Deputy Team Leader (ODP) and Legacy Mentor
“It’s such an honour to be recognised after all these years – thank you very much to everybody.”
Public Award
Mr Shailinder Singh Consultant Paediatric Surgeon
“It is very humbling winning the award and it is team work. I just scored the goal and there were 11 people who made the goal, so I don’t take any credit.”
Volunteer Award
Roy Brookes-Porter
“This is amazing. I’m not usually lost for words but this is amazing. It’s unbelievable when you work in an environment where everyone works so hard and you are part of it. It’s a massive privilege.”
Public Award
Paediatric Orthopaedic Therapy Team
“It’s very humbling to be nominated by a patient and we’re just very lucky to do the work that we do every day to help patients.”
Partnerships Award
East Midlands CYP Sexual Assault Service Team (EMCYPSAS)
“This is recognition for an area that people don’t always want to think about but is really important. We work with the police, social care, and health care services to provide support to children and young people in significant states of distress.”
Nominating a person or team for a People First Recognition Award can go a long way. It doesn’t take long to submit a nomination and you could really have a big impact on the person or team by doing so. You can nominate all year-round. n
More information
Scan the QR code for more information about our 2024 award winners and their work, or to submit a nomination.
Everyone is welcome here
Last year we launched our Everyone is welcome here campaign, designed to recognise and celebrate the diversity of our staff.
Everyone is welcome here has our values at its heart, promoting kindness and inclusivity in our hospitals and in the community, and celebrating the contributions of all our colleagues. At Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), we believe in inclusion, and we value diversity. Out of more than
19,000 colleagues, 5,000 can trace their origins outside the UK.
Our colleagues come from more than 130 different countries and bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills. These colleagues contribute to every aspect of our services. They book appointments, greet patients, deliver meals, provide care, keep us safe through our security services and they are an intrinsic part of the leadership and operational management of the Trust.
Discrimination of any kind and in any form will not be tolerated at NUH. We are taking steps to support and protect our employees. We will use our policies and procedures to their fullest extent, and we will work with our partners, including the police, to address racism and other forms of discriminatory behaviour in our hospitals. We will work tirelessly to make NUH a haven of care, healing, and peace. n
Can’t go to Specsavers? They’ll come to you
We caught up with Kejal Shah who has been an Optometrist with Specsavers Home Visits for 8 years. She explains to us how this much-needed service works.
So, tell me more about the Home Visits service…
Our at-home eye test is very similar to what you would have experienced in-store, just with a few adjustments and specialist equipment to make it home-friendly.
Optometrists, like myself, carry out the eye test, adjusting it to your individual needs. If glasses are needed, experienced colleagues will help with frame selection and then return to fit them. And, it goes without saying, all customers are supported with ongoing aftercare.
In response to demand, we’ve also now launched a new audiology home visits service. So far, we have home hearing services in 19 locations in the UK, with plans to expand this over the coming months.
Who is able to benefit from a home eye test?
Put simply, it’s about bringing the service to your door, if you can’t get to one of our stores. So if you, a friend, or loved one, are unable to leave your home or care home unaccompanied, due to a physical or mental illness or disability, we can come to you.
There are a wide range of conditions and reasons why someone might not be able to leave their home. You can speak to us about your situation and we can help you understand if you or your loved one qualifies. What if someone is bedbound, or struggling with communication? Can you still help them?
The Home Visits service is designed to provide eyecare which is as individual as our customers are.
Some customers might be clinically vulnerable or they might be non-verbal or living with dementia. Depending on the situation, we might use pictures instead of letters for example. Even with a customer who is bedbound, we can change the position of the chart so we’re still getting completely accurate results. All the tests are adapted to fit the customer’s environment and comfort level. We can also speak to the customer or their loved one ahead of the visit, to address any questions or talk through the process.
Given that you provide such a personal and tailored service, does your care go beyond just an eye test?
Every colleague I know sees our services as something beyond just a job. Whether it’s sharing stories over a cuppa, popping something in the post for them, or passing them something out of reach, going that extra mile is such a rewarding part of our role. I only need to see a customer’s smile to know I’ve made a difference.
That’s a big part of what we do. Provide a personal service, tailored care and expertise, right to people’s homes, no matter what their situation – in homes, care homes or sheltered housing.
How do I find out whether someone is eligible?
You can head to our website at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits which features a simple step-by-step guide to eligibility and a wealth of information. Alternatively, you can call 0800 0890144
Inside QMC’s maxillofacial lab
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in some of the specialist labs at our hospitals? The maxillofacial lab is a vital part of our hospitals’ services, combining cutting-edge science with incredible craftmanship to help restore function and confidence in patients, and the results can be life changing.
NUH Staff Matters was lucky enough to step inside the lab. Join us as we uncover the hidden world of the maxillofacial laboratory and meet the experts that make it all happen…
The NUH maxillofacial laboratory use pioneering techniques and specialist knowledge to help find solutions for patients who have been affected by congenital malformation, cancer or trauma – especially of the skull, jaw and face.
The team work closely with both the patient and the surgeon to produce 3D treatment plans prior to surgery, designing corrective implants to replace bone and soft tissue, as well as make prostheses that exactly match the patient’s existing features.
The prosthesis can be anything - a finger, eye, ear or patch of skin - and is designed using specialist software alongside CT scans and photographs. This process has become quicker and more accurate due to our investment in emerging technology such as 3D printing. The team pioneered the use of 3D printers in a hospital department back in 2008.
The next stage is to sculpt a wax version of the 3D printed prototype in the clinic with the patient, making sure they are happy with its shape and fit.
The final version of the prosthesis is produced in silicone, a soft, skin-like material that is coloured to match the patient’s skin. In 2011 NUH became one of the first departments to use a photospectrometer, a device that takes pictures of a patient’s skin to provide an exact colour match.
The final prosthesis is then ready for fitting and the patient is taught to use, clean and care for it. They provide feedback until they are happy with how it looks and feels, a process that aims to increase their comfort and confidence, an important step in their recovery.
Jordan Abbasi is a Reconstructive Scientist at NUH. She said: “The work can be very stressful, treating patients who have undergone life changing surgery, dealing
“I have worked for 34 years in this role. It is the complex innovative work, my incredible colleagues, and our patients, who all keep me coming back every day.
Jason Watson, Consultant Clinical Scientist leading the team
A medical device for a baby born with a jaw deformity
with emergency trauma and oncology each day and having to adapt your work to provide the best service is difficult. But when you get to step into your clinic room with your patient, no matter what work or life stresses you might have, talking to patients, helping them, supporting them to try to improve their life, it is a great feeling and the best part of my job.
“I gave a patient in his 50’s a new silicone nose prosthesis. He had his nose surgically removed due to cancer and was struggling to adapt to his new life without it. His silicone nose prosthesis helped him recover his confidence in social situations. He said to me that the best part of having cancer was getting to meet you. You don’t forget something like that.”
During a tour of the lab the team show us two small medical devices they are working on for a seven-month-old baby girl born with a jaw deformity. Her jaw is very small and is restricting her breathing. The devices are custom shaped and adapted to a 3D printed model of her actual jaw, allowing her bone and soft tissue to be stretched in a process called distraction osteogenesis.
In surgery, the jawbone is cut, and the devices attached. An arm protrudes from under the skin allowing the devices to be turned by nursing staff. The jaw will stretch approximately 1.5mm each day. In twelve days, the jawbone will be almost double its original size. The protruding arms will then be removed and the device left in place to hold the new bone in position until it is fully healed.
Jason Watson is the Consultant Clinical Scientist leading this specialist team. He said: “This is not just a job, it’s a vocation. You come into this profession, the NHS, wanting to help patients who are facing severe challenges in their lives. We all work in the NHS because we believe in its ability to help people in the most challenging circumstances.
“I have worked for 34 years in this role. It is the complex innovative work, my incredible colleagues, and our patients, who all keep me coming back every day.
“Our patients require life-long treatment and support. You become a big part of their life, and the patient becomes a big part of your professional life. That connection really adds something that enriches both of us.” n
An eye prosthetic A finger prosthetic
Getting patients home: how TOCU is transforming hospital discharge
We all know too well the challenges of winter in a busy hospital and the importance of getting our patients back home when they’re medically fit. Not only does it help patients recover in the comfort of their own space, it also means that we can be ready to take care of more patients who need a hospital bed.
Everyone can play a part in helping patients to get home and making space for a patient waiting in our Emergency Department. Every team member plays a role in making this happen - and thanks to our Transfer of Care Unit (TOCU), we’re making it easier than ever to streamline discharges and support our patients.
Introduced last winter, TOCU acts as a dedicated discharge lounge. It’s a comfortable space where medically fit patients can wait for final arrangements, such as prescriptions, family, or transportation, without occupying a ward bed. This simple but effective resource has already made a big difference for patients, families, and staff.
“Every patient transferred to TOCU creates a ripple effect across the hospital,” explains Lisa Wells, Ward Manager for TOCU. “It opens up beds on the wards for patients waiting in assessment and frees up space in ED for those who urgently need care. It’s all about ensuring that every patient is in the right place at the right time.”
TOCU does more than just create space and improve patient flow - it helps to relieve pressure on ward staff while improving the discharge experience for patients and their families.
In March 2025, more than 1,700 patients were discharged through TOCU.
This is good, but we have capacity to do more
“We take care of the practicalities,” Lisa shares. “That might mean ensuring the patient has keys to their home, food available, or transport arranged. We even meet families at their car so they don’t have to worry about parking or navigating the hospital. It’s all about making the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.”
This support allows ward staff to focus on their sickest patients, confident that discharged patients are well looked after. “Our goal is to have TOCU full all of the time,” Lisa says. “This would mean more beds available for those who need them most, helping the hospital run more efficiently.”
Help your colleagues and our patients
TOCU’s success relies on all of us working together to identify and transfer patients efficiently. Some things that you can do to help yourself, your colleagues, and provide a good and safe patient experience include:
• Identify patients for TOCU early: start preparing patients for discharge the night before if possible, and flag them for transfer as soon as they’re medically fit
• Communicate with patients: talk to patients about their journey when they are first admitted and let them know about TOCU and how it works so they’re ready for the transition
• Make it part of your routine: transferring patients to TOCU not only eases the strain on your team but also creates space for patients waiting for urgent care or a bed in a specialist area
Lisa emphasises the benefits of early preparation: “If we can identify and prepare patients early, it helps the entire hospital flow more smoothly. Plus, TOCU is a great space for patients - it’s comfortable, welcoming, and designed to make the final stage of their hospital journey as easy as possible.”
By making full use of TOCU, we’re improving hospital efficiency and enhancing patient experience. Patients get home safely and comfortably, families feel supported, and staff on the wards can focus their attention on those who need it most.
Together we can ease challenges and provide the best possible care to our patients, wherever they are on their journey. n
What our patients say about TOCU…
“This unit is a nice area, everyone is friendly, and it feels different from the ward, in a good way. I must do more things for myself here and not use the call button, which is good as it’s getting me ready to go home.”
“Every patient transferred to TOCU creates a ripple effect across the hospital.”
Lisa Wells, Deputy Clinical Lead for Admitted Care
TOCU facts
• Provides 24-hour discharge support, seven days a week
• 32 beds and 32 chairs between QMC and City
• Located in South Block, A Floor at QMC and Berman 2, South Corridor at City
• Nurse-led with a pharmacist
• The unit has its own staff to transfer patients, which makes it easier to transfer patients from wards and out to transport or their family
Hello, my name is…and I am a Resident Doctor!
In September last year, doctors who were formerly known as “junior” doctors marked their official transition to the title “resident” doctors. One of our resident doctors, Dr Viola Hellen Asimba-Muchiri tells us how this name change has been a long-time coming and what it means for her, her colleagues, and our patients.
As we went into 2025, it got me thinking about my role as a ‘junior doctor’, especially now as I am coming towards the end of my training years. I have been a ‘junior doctor’ for 11 Years and have made my way up the ladder. I have been through four monthly rotations every year, six different hospitals, multiple exams, making life altering decisions for patients, leading cardiac arrests and resuscitation attempts. But yet, even with just under a year left to becoming a consultant, I was, until recently, still referred to as a ‘junior’. But this has changed, with junior doctors now being called resident doctors.
A change in title: Junior Doctors to Resident Doctors
For years, the term ‘Junior Doctor’ has felt, for some, misfitting. It didn’t capture the depth of what doctors do. While the term was used to describe medical professionals in the early stages of their careers, ‘junior’ didn’t feel like an accurate reflection of our expertise and responsibility. One of my colleagues summed it up well: “We’re making critical decisions, juggling complex cases, and handling the emotional weight of patient care. Being called ‘junior’ made me feel like I wasn’t qualified enough to do the job when, in reality, I was holding the whole thing together.”
The title ‘Junior Doctor’ has now been retired and replaced by Resident Doctor, a change that’s more than just cosmetic. It’s an emotional nod to the work we do every day.
The new title of resident doctor is more than just an upgrade in nomenclature - it’s a statement. It aligns with what doctors are called in countries like the U.S. and Canada. It’s not about ego, it’s about recognition. We’re residents in this system, living and breathing healthcare.
The impact on perception
This change is emotional for many doctors. Some doctors have said: “Finally! It feels like someone is seeing us for who we truly are - not trainees, but crucial members of the healthcare team.” There’s a palpable sense of pride in these words, a feeling that has been building for years.
There is also the possibility that patients might feel more at ease being treated by a doctor with the title Resident Doctor than they would Junior Doctor.
A step toward reform
This title change feels like something bigger than just a word swap. It’s an emotional milestone. It’s a reminder that words matter. That how we speak to and about people can shift perceptions and build trust. For resident doctors, this new title isn’t just a badge of honour—it’s the recognition that we feel we’ve long deserved.
At NUH we have more than 900 resident doctors, who all now go by this new title. We should all bear this name change in mind when referring to our resident doctors. n
More than just wheels: meet the wheelchair services team
For thousands of patients at NUH, a wheelchair is more than just a piece of equipment, it’s the key to independence and a lifeline to the world. But behind every wheelchair is an entire team of specialists who do more than simply give out wheels - they are dedicated to finding the perfect match for each user.
Based at the Mobility Centre at City Hospital, our wheelchair services team is made up of a specialised multi-disciplinary team of therapists, engineers, and technicians - all working together to ensure that each chair is perfectly suited to its user’s needs.
The team is led by Lead Occupational Therapist, Fiona Roberts, who has worked with wheelchair users for 32 years. Looking back, Fiona said: “Back then, equipment was basic and heavy. Wheelchairs were designed to get people from A to B and little more. Fortunately, the experience for wheelchair users is now very different, with us being able to meet the specific needs of each individual patient and help them to live their life to the full.”
Every month, the team meets around 130 patients face-to-face for assessments, tailoring solutions to meet a wide range of needs and ages. Their patients span generations, from a three-month-old baby to someone who is nearly 100 years old –proving that mobility has no age limit.
During the assessment, the team look at:
• Mobility - How much of their body can they move?
• Posture - Have they got a stable sitting position?
• Skin Integrity - Will they be prone to pressure ulcers?
Once the needs of the patient have been identified, the team gets to work ordering a suitable wheelchair – whether it’s a specially-designed buggy for a baby, a custom-fitted chair for an adult, or a motorised power chair for older adults. But their role doesn’t stop there. Fiona added: “When unique challenges arise, the team are able to come up with bespoke solutions, crafting equipment or parts to meet individual needs. We have a fully equipped workshop that enables us to produce tailored items quickly, affordably and even access parts that are out of stock elsewhere to get our patients back on the move.”
After the initial assessment, the wheelchair is delivered to the Mobility
Centre, where Ronnie Fitzsimmons, Senior Rehab Technician, and his skilled team, ensure that the wheelchair is ready for the patient’s next appointment. Their work ranges from straightforward adjustments, like adding basic equipment, to activating some of the more technical kit required and configuring specialist software.
Not every patient requires a face-toface appointment. Each month, more than 100 patients with less complex needs are also assessed by phone, with their wheelchairs delivered directly from existing stock to their homes and set up for them.
For the wheelchair services team, every patient is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s crafting a bespoke solution in their workshop or delivering a wheelchair to a patient’s doorstep, their role is so much more than mobility – it’s about working together to change lives. n
Preparing a new wheelchair for a patient.
The Mobility Centre at City Hospital has a fully equipped workshop that enables us to produce tailored items quickly.
From farm to fork – the story of our patients’ meals
If there has ever been a time when eating tasty but nutritious food is important, it’s when recovering in hospital. That’s why at NUH we are proud to be one of few hospitals in the country that offers a choice of delicious meals to our patients that have been cooked on-site with ingredients sourced from British butchers, farms and food suppliers.
We caught up with Assistant Head of Facilities at NUH, Chris Neale, to find out how our patients’ meals get from farm to fork.
“At NUH, we serve up more than 6,000 meals every day to the patients on our wards and we make sure that at least 65% of the raw ingredients that we use in these meals is sourced locally. Meat, fresh produce, bakery products and milk are all sourced from within Nottinghamshire, or if that isn’t possible, from neighbouring counties,” said Chris.
“The majority of our meals for patients are cooked from scratch in our Central Production Unit (CPU) at City Hospital. Most people don’t know our production unit exists and think we bring all of the food in from outside suppliers. There are very few units like ours at hospitals around the country and we’re proud of ours.”
The meat that we use in our meals at NUH is supplied by Owen Taylor and Sons butchers, who deliver almost 1,000kg, the same weight as a walrus, of fresh meat to us each week. The company prides itself on providing quality products sourced from local ‘Farm Assured’ farms in the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire area.
Chris said: “We’re proud to say that the meat that makes up our patients’ meals comes from this local butcher and that the meat our patients are eating can be traced back to the farm that it came from. Of course, we provide a varied menu, including vegetarian meals and menus to
“Nutrition is a form of medicine – if patients are eating well, it can help them with their recovery.”
Our 19 chefs work with a bank of self-cleaning combination ovens.
meet a wide range of patient needs, but we still strive to use as much local produce as possible in all meals on our menus.”
The journey of a patient meal
Every day, 19 chefs, 35 assistants, stores, and helpdesk staff, as well as 350 staff in food services work together to produce and deliver meals to patients across City Hospital and QMC. Preparation starts early in the morning, when fresh produce is delivered at 6.30am to the CPU. It is checked for quality before being stored in fridges and storage areas ready to go into making the day’s meals.
Our catering assistants, with support from clinical colleagues, set up for breakfast by getting cereals and porridge ready for serving at 8am. Orders for lunch are also taken using an iPad on the wards and submitted electronically to the catering teams at 9am.
Chefs work with a bank of self-cleaning combination ovens and 300ltr boiling kettles to cook up patients’ favourite meals from our main menu, which is known as our Memory Menu. The menu was developed in 2017 after feedback showed that people wanted their favourite, comforting meals from their childhood while in hospital.
Talking about the Memory Menu, Chris said: “The menu really makes a difference in helping promote better recovery for patients. If people like what they are eating and are given some options in choosing what is on offer it will help. Nutrition is a form of medicine – if patients are eating well, it can help them with their recovery.”
Our chefs can be found cooking meals such as traditional roast dinners, stew and dumplings, and pies, which are then blast frozen into multi portion containers to retain the nutrients.
When patients have made their orders, meals are picked from a large holding freezer before being delivered to wards by our logistics team. They are then reheated on the wards before being served to patients by our food service assistants with the support of clinical teams. The team also make 1,000
portions of puddings, like sponges and crumbles, every day for our patients.
Orders for supper are also taken and submitted before 2pm so that afternoon/ evening shift staff can begin getting prepared for cooking and serving evening meals when they come on shift at 3.30pm. Supper is delivered to wards at 5pm so that they can be served to patients.
The team work with NHS England, the Hospital Caterers Association, a chief dietetic technician and dietitians across the Trust to come up with the best meals and processes for patients.
Weekly shopping list
Every week, local suppliers deliver:
330kg of beef
180kg of diced pork
2000 chicken fillets
125kg of diced chicken
12,800 pints of milk
1,750 loaves of bread
2,000 bread rolls
500 jam and cream scones
1,200 butterscotch tarts
650 chocolate muffins
134kg of diced onions
80kg of mushrooms
320 bags of mixed salad leaves
120kg of cherry tomatoes
150 cucumbers
350kg of bananas n
Owen Taylor and Sons Managing Director, Richard Taylor, with NUH’s Chris Neale.
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Celebrating three decades of transforming lives through audiology
From newborns to older adults, the audiology team at Ropewalk House provides vital care to support hearing throughout every stage of life. This dedicated service includes testing, rehabilitation, and case management, as well as is home to the renowned Nottingham Auditory Implant Programme, which offers life-changing cochlear implants to patients. Last year marked 30 years of the service’s incredible work, during which the team have transformed the lives of thousands of people across our region.
Jason Smalley is head of Audiology and a consultant clinical scientist. He explains more about the Audiology service, which has around 80 staff and manages approximately 70,000 outpatients appointments each year.
Jason is particularly proud of the work the service does with children and babies experiencing hearing loss, as the team join the young patients and their parents on their journey. Parents are often anxious about what sort of life their child will have, but the team is able to reassure them.
“It’s not as scary as people first fear,” said Jason, talking about the positive impact
of deaf role models, such as Rose AylingEllis on Strictly Come Dancing, and Jodie Ounsley on Gladiators.
There has often been a stigma in the past around NHS hearing aids, and Jason is here to myth-bust this. He said: “A common misconception is that NHS hearing aids are big, beige bananas. They’re absolutely not anymore. Yes, they still sit behind the ear but they are fully digital, they are small, they can control background noise, and they are fully Bluetooth compatible with multiple devices and things can be streamed to your phone.”
AI is increasingly being used to develop hearing aid sophistication even further.
“Hearing aids will keep getting smaller and smaller,” said Jason. “And Apple has just released airpods that can act as a hearing aid – people don’t want to walk around with a hearing aid but are happy to walk around with air pods in.”
Most of the team’s work is supporting those with age-related hearing loss. Jason explains why it’s so important to have regular hearing tests: “We’re very good at saying you should have your eyes checked, and you should have a dental
check-up. But you should also have your hearing checked – that also starts to go as you get older. Never be afraid to recommend to an adult that they go and have their hearing checked.”
Hearing loss – and the subsequent lack of engagement in social situations – has been linked to dementia and depression. “Getting hearing aids absolutely changes people’s lives – they can participate in everyday society again,” says Jason.
Jason’s message to colleagues is: “It is really important to establish whether a patient has hearing aids – and make sure they wear them, because otherwise being on a ward and not able to hear is incredibly isolating. Looking at people as you speak is important, but mask-wearing presents its own issues.” n
“I hope my story encourages people to believe they have the potential.” – Nick Carver shares his story from porter to Chair of the Board
From wheeling patients through busy hospital corridors as a teenage porter, to steering and guiding a team of senior colleagues as NUH’s Chair of the Board, Nick Carver’s story of how he has progressed his career in the NHS is one that’s inspiring, but is also a powerful reminder that this story could be yours too. Whether you’re wanting that next step or dreaming of leading a team, at NUH we offer the support to turn aspirations into achievements.
We spoke to Nick, who joined NUH as Chair of the Board in 2022 having worked in the NHS for 42 years, to find out more about how his career grew, and his tips for staff who want to progress in the NHS.
Starting as a porter in the school holidays at just 16-years-old, Nick finished his A Levels and knew that he wanted to stay in the NHS and so trained as a nurse.
“I knew that I wanted to do something practical but at the same time make a difference. Having worked in a hospital, which brought home the importance of team working and made me very aware of all the roles needed to make a hospital run smoothly, I decided I wanted to train in nursing,” said Nick. “It’s a period in my career that I really enjoyed and liked the feeling of having a common purpose. I transitioned into nursing smoothly and my previous role definitely helped me to do that, but there were also lots of new skills to learn, which I enjoyed.”
Nick later decided to go to university to study politics, but he kept his hand in nursing alongside his studies by picking up bank shifts at his local hospital, where he already felt part of a team. When he finished his course, he was keen to continue his career in the NHS, a place where he felt a strong affiliation, and was successful in securing a place on the NHS management scheme. From there Nick has worked his way up the ladder, having held several senior roles in the NHS, including being Chief Executive of East and North
Hertfordshire NHS Trust for 19 years before retiring in 2021.
“Throughout my career I have found the health service to be an organisation where I was able to come in at a relatively junior level, develop myself and be developed,” said Nick. “I don’t think I’m especially skilled. But what I do have is a determination to succeed, and I think that’s found in many of our best people.
“I also think that the fact I have held various different roles in the NHS has helped me to be a strong, relatable leader. Hospitals are much busier today than they were back when I was in a portering or nursing role, but I like to think having that experience means that I have a good understanding of the reality of working on the frontline and I can empathise with our teams. That’s something unique about people who work their way up through an organisation – they get to experience what it’s like to be the person that they will one day lead.”
If you’re someone who has an aspiration to progress at NUH, it’s more than possible. There is lots of support through our Widening Participation team to help you develop, but there’s also the people that you are surrounded by who are key in your development. Nick has found people like this the biggest help throughout his career.
“The key is to talk to people and ask for advice. It’s very rare to encounter a leader
who says they’re not interested in sitting down with you and talking about your career. My experience is that most leaders are very generous with their time. You can talk to people who are further down the path than you and it helps develop a belief in yourself.
“I have always been passionately committed to leadership development. I think there are many other organisations in the public and private sector that manage their talent better than the health service. That’s not due to a shortage of talent, we have some of the most spectacularly talented people anywhere in Europe, we just don’t necessarily give those people the belief that they can be successful – but they can be.
“The leadership pipeline in the health service is still not representative of the communities we serve. Part of this is people not having belief in themselves. Saying, ‘If not me, who?’. What has been crucial to any success I’ve had is enthusiasm and showing a willingness to enquire. Not just pushing yourself forward, but contribute, contribute, contribute.
“I hope that my story encourages people to believe that wherever they’re currently working in the organisation, they have the potential to go on and lead health service organisations in the future.” n
At NUH, we offer development opportunities for everyone, at every stage of their career. You can find out about these on the intranet.
• Apprenticeships
• Leadership and Management Development courses
• An on-boarding programme for firsttime people managers
• An Essential Leadership Day
• Mentoring opportunities for clinical and non-clinical staff
• Staff Network Peer Support and Mentorship
Putting your wellbeing first – how we can help
At NUH we have a nationally recognised staff wellbeing programme. We know that colleagues can often face challenging and demanding periods when at work, as well as in other aspects of their lives too, like rising bills and the cost of living. It’s essential that we take time to look after ourselves and each other.
We offer a wide range of services to support your mental health, assist with
your financial wellbeing, and help you to work on your physical health. Scan the QR code for more information and to access support:
Your employee assistance programme
We have partnered with Health Assured who provide all employees with free, confidential access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Health
Assured can help with both personal and professional problems that could be impacting your general health and wellbeing. This includes mental health (including counselling), finances, work issues, and personal life.
0800 028 0199
Find out more about the Health Assured helpline by scanning the QR code. n
Inside Your Hospital
Over the past year, you may have seen our Inside Your Hospital news feature series in partnership with the Nottingham Post. It takes readers behind the scenes of our hospitals.
From doctors and nurses to support staff and administrators, it offers an in-depth
look at the dedicated professionals – youwho make it all happen.
Thank you to all of our staff who have been a part of this series so far. The series has been incredibly well received and has helped us highlight some of the unsung heroes who
keep our hospitals ticking over, day after day.
Here are some of the areas where the Nottingham Post has gone behind the scenes so far – scan the QR code to read them in full. n
Inside
making a ‘massive difference’ by freeing up beds and ambulances
Watching the birth of a baby while selling apples – life of a Nottingham hospital greengrocer
the Nottingham hospital unit
The 1,000-strong army that keeps Nottingham hospitals running
Inside the huge hospital kitchen making surprisingly good food for QMC and City Hospital
My newborn was wrapped in the linen my team cleaned – it was unforgettable
Keeping our hospitals moving – the vital role porters play
When patients need to move within a hospital, porters ensure journeys are safe and efficient. Working closely with medical staff, their role is crucial in maintaining hospital flow. Without them, operations would quickly grind to a halt.
Ashley Storey, Patient Movement Services Team Manager oversees a team of 72 porting colleagues. Together they make around 125,000 journeys within the hospital each year and they can each walk anywhere from 15,000 to 22,000 steps a day.
Ashley says: Porters need to have a thoughtful, caring personality as well as patience and the right set of soft skills. It’s a job where you are constantly on the go and things can change at a moment’s notice. You need to be able to go with the flow”.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team. They do a difficult job well and it was an
Spend a day with a porter
Chris Isaacs has been a porter at QMC for three years. We spent a day with him to see what life is like in his busy shoes – comfortable shoes are a must!
7:15am: Although his shift starts at 8 am, Chris arrives early to grab a coffee and log into his handheld device, where jobs are assigned.
8am: Chris’ first task is taking a patient for an MRI scan. He introduces himself, checks their identity, and waits for the patient to finish breakfast. Using a bed mover, he safely navigates the patient to the scan.
9am: Chris escorts a stroke unit patient for an ultrasound, later returning to collect them. He values these return trips for the continuity they offer patients.
10am: Chris moves a patient from X-ray to Ward C30. Though assisting the patient into bed isn’t standard porter duty, Chris helps position him comfortably with a pillow under his
honour to see that recognised when the Patient Movement Services Team won a Team NUH United Award in 2023”.
Porters are responsible for transferring patients between wards, diagnostic departments, the Emergency Department, operating theatres and discharge areas. Whether a patient is being moved in a wheelchair, on a stretcher, or in a hospital bed, porters ensure that transitions are seamless, safe and tailored to individual needs.
The team carry out other tasks besides transfers, including the sensitive and difficult task of moving deceased patients to the morgue as well as delivering pharmacy requests to wards so patients can be discharged home. They are also responsible for the changing of medical gases.
Asked about working as a porter Lindsey Caullay, who has worked in
leg. “Ward staff are busy,” Chris explains, “and we’re all one team. The more I can do to help, the better.”
10:45am: A quick 15-minute break allows Chris to rest his feet and grab a drink.
11:00am–12:30pm: Chris continues steady tasks - transferring patients, returning equipment, and meeting people from all walks of life, even sharing a laugh with a patient who turns out to be a joker.
2:45pm: Chris tackles a different task, delivering an oxygen cylinder to Children’s Surgical Day Case before returning the empty one to gas stores. 3:10pm: Chris’ final task involves transferring a patient he had previously moved who was very unwell at the time. She is now looking much better, which is nice to see. He returns his equipment, charges his bed mover, and logs out, completing his shift at 4pm.
Total step count for the day: 21,213. That’s approximately 10.5 miles! n
the role the past five years said: “It’s the best job in the world! I recently got to be involved with helping move premature babies from our old Neonatal Intensive Care unit to our brand-new cutting-edge unit.
“No two days are the same. It’s a privilege to meet so many people and be able to put them at ease, especially when the experience of being a patient in a hospital can be a difficult one”.
Be fire aware while you care
Ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why last year we launched our fire safety campaign, be fire aware while you care. The campaign aims to remind everyone across our hospitals of the crucial role they play in preventing fires and maintaining a safe environment.
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and even small actions can make a big difference. With your help, we can ensure our hospital remains a safe place to work and receive care. Below are some key aspects of fire safety to keep in mind. Let’s work together to protect what matters most.
Kitchen safety: stay vigilant
FIRE EXIT
Never leave food you are cooking unattended, as this may cause fires or unintended fire alarm activations
Book your fire drill
FIRE
Regular fire drills are essential for ensuring staff know exactly what to do in an emergency. If your area or department hasn’t had one in a while, make sure that you schedule one in. You can do this by contacting the fire safety team.
Whether making a quick coffee or heating up lunch, never leave cooking appliances unattended. Unwatched food can burn quickly, producing smoke and triggering alarms. Kitchen doors should also always be kept closed.
FIRE
Incase of an emergency call 2222
Who are your fire wardens?
Fire wardens play a vital role in ensuring swift and safe evacuation during an emergency. Each area must have at least one fire warden to help with evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. Make sure your team’s fire wardens are up to date and trained. You can find out more about training on the Fire Safety page on the intranet.
Think fire safety
Never wedge or prop open fire doors This could compromise your means of escape and lead to smoke and fire spread in the event of a fire
Incase of an emergency call 2222
By following these guidelines, you can help create a safer hospital for everyone. Thank you for staying fire aware while you care. n
Fans and heaters
Portable fans and heaters have caused fires in some areas of our hospitals in the past. Before using them, please ensure that:
• they are in good condition
• check that they have a current PAT test sticker
• do not use them next to combustible items (such as paper, cardboard, or curtains)
• do not leave them running when nobody is around
• Make sure that they are cleaned regularly (unplug them first)
• If you are using a heater, it is recommended that oil fire heaters are used and not fan heaters
If you’re unsure about their safety, ask the fire safety team for advice.
More information
Don’t overload electrical sockets
Overloaded sockets can quickly overheat and cause fires. Use only one plug per socket and avoid daisychaining extension leads. Extension leads can only be used for temporary purposes for a maximum of six months. Avoid using block plug adaptors as these can become heavy and pull the adaptor out of the wall socket, increasing the risk of fire.
Fire doors: Keep them closed
Fire doors are designed to stop the spread of fire and smoke. Never wedge or prop them open, as this could put lives at risk. If a fire door is damaged or difficult to close, report it immediately to our estates team by calling extension 85000.
Incase of an emergency call 2222
For more information or support with fire safety, contact the fire safety team by emailing nuhnt.fireteam@nhs.net. You can also find out more on the intranet by scanning the QR code. In the case of an emergency, call 2222
Do you have a story to share that you think would make a great feature? Tell us!
Get in touch with the NUH internal communications team at nuhnt.internalcomms@nhs.net. You might see yourself or your team in our summer magazine later in the year.
There’s lots of ways that we share news and information with staff at NUH. Look out for:
• Staff intranet latest news
• Trust Briefing (lands in your inbox every Thursday)
• Staff app
• Ward packs (delivered every quarter to wards)
• We Are #TeamNUH Facebook group
• Computer screensavers
• Posters
• Digital screens n
QMC Neonatal Unit officially opens and welcomes first babies
On 10 December 2024 we were pleased to officially open our newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The unit, which is now the largest in the East Midlands in terms of cots and footprint, is four times the size of the original one and has been designed to be a home-from-home for babies and their families.
An opening event, which was attended by around 100 people and included internal colleagues, stakeholder representatives and families took place on 10 December with Anthony May, Chief Executive, Jenni Twinn, Programme Director for MNR, and Dr Lleona Lee, Consultant Neonatologist and Clinical Lead for MNR speaking at the event. They paid tribute to the hard work and dedication to the teams involved in bringing the new unit to life and also thanked those who have supported throughout the MNR journey.
Two days later the first baby to be transferred to the new NICU was Jasmine Khan, who had been an inpatient at QMC since her birth in November. Jasmine was delivered by an emergency caesarean section at just 34 weeks gestation, weighing 1.23kg.
First time mother Halimah Khan, from Lenton, had expected to carry Jasmine to full term, before finding out that she wasn’t growing at the predicted rate. Jasmine was delivered early so that she could receive specialised care on the QMC’s previous neonatal unit.
Halimah, said: “We have been taking each day as it comes. There have been some ups and downs with Jasmine having some good and bad days, but recently she has been doing well and has been more awake.”
Ahead of the transfer to the new unit from the old one, Halimah and other families were given tours to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
Halimah said: “The new unit looks wonderful and will be so much better for families, especially those visiting with children as there are lovely play areas for them. I was a little nervous about the move, but am excited now I’m here”
Coincidentally, Halimah herself was also cared for by NUH’s neonatal team 24 years ago. She was joined by her mother, Maniza Begum Khan, for Jasmine’s transfer to the new unit. Reflecting on her own experience, Maniza said: “The new unit is so much better. The facilities and equipment are wonderful, with each baby having their own trolley for the things that they need. There is just so much more space, and it feels really really homely.”
Key features include larger cot bays, providing more space for families when
visiting and staying with their babies; glass screening between bays to provide acoustic barriers and privacy; several retractable glass dividers for families with twins and triplets; family accommodation and kitchen and lounge areas for those staying overnight; and two play areas so that siblings have their own space to play.
As a result of the new facility, the QMC will become NUH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the neonatal unit at City Hospital will become a Local Neonatal Unit – where babies can continue to receive intensive
care for a short period of time, before being transferred to the QMC for longerterm care, if needed.
Nottingham Hospitals Charity have provided more than £322,000 in fundraising support as part of their Big Appeal to support some of the enhancements included on the neonatal unit to help it to feel like a home from home. This includes the frosted glass partition screens for the bays, the children’s play areas and televisions for the family rooms. n
Inside the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
First time mother Hilimah Khan and her mother, Maniza Begum Khan
The opening of the new unit
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T: 01949 485500 / 0115 855 7918
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Could you share your life: a rewarding opportunity with financial benefits?
Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Council Shared Lives Scheme needs:
• Individuals or families with a spare room and a big heart
• People from all walks of life – no specific qualifications needed
• Those willing to undergo an assessment process with training and ongoing support provided Interested? For more information contact: sharedlives@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or sharedlives@nottscc.gov.uk
