InTouch
A warm welcome
is our space to celebrate the remarkable work happening every day across The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT).
Inside, you’ll discover stories that highlight quality, innovation and our award winners, alongside the latest updates from across the Trust and glimpses of everyday life here at PAHT. Our hospital is much more than its buildings - it is the people who make a real difference.
This magazine is our way of recognising that dedication and sharing the progress we are making together. We’re pleased to see green shoots of recovery in our performance and will feature more on this in the next edition.
I hope you enjoy reading it and see reflected in these pages the pride we all feel in being part of PAHT
Best wishes
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive
A fresh approach to delivering our new hospital
We are pleased to share an important update about our plans for a new hospital - a development that could help us deliver modern facilities for our community sooner than expected.
We want to ensure everyone - patients, visitors and staff - understands what this means and why it matters.
Why change is needed
Our current hospital estate is ageing and increasingly difficult to maintain. While our clinical and operational teams continue to work tirelessly to improve services and performance, outdated buildings make this more challenging than it should be.
Recent reporting from the National Audit Office suggested that our planned new hospital may not open before 2040. Quite simply, that is too long for our community to wait. So while we remain committed to our long-term ambition, we have begun exploring an additional option.
Exploring a new possibility
Our primary plan has been to build a brand-new hospital at Junction 7a of the M11. That remains our main ambition.
However, we are now also exploring whether we could instead redevelop our existing site. Previously, this was not considered possible because of the amount of space required for services. Thanks to our work to bring care closer to patients, that has changed.
For example, blood testing services are moving to The Harvey Centre, and our new Community Diagnostic Centre will open at St Margaret’s Hospital this spring. By delivering more services in community locations, we have reduced the overall space needed for our acute hospital. This means redevelopment of our current site may now be achievable - something that was not an option before.
National attention
On 23 January, Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive, spoke to the BBC about this new approach. The story became one of the day’s top health items on TV and online.
The coverage included supportive comments from Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, and the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care - reflecting the importance of securing modern hospital facilities for our community.
What happens next?
Our ambition for a new hospital at Junction 7a remains unchanged. However, having a second viable option gives us greater flexibility and could help us move faster
As we work through the technical details of both possibilities, we are hopeful that we can deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital much sooner for the people of Harlow and surrounding areas. We will continue to keep you updated as plans progress.
Share your thoughts with us: paht.communications@nhs.net
Relocation of blood testing service
We are making it easier and more accessible for patients to have blood tests in Harlow, following a partnership with Harlow Council.
We are relocating our blood testing services from The Princess Alexandra Hospital to a new facility at The Harvey Centre in Harlow this spring.
The service at The Harvey Centre will be delivered by the experienced phlebotomy team, maintaining the same high standards of care.
Further details about blood testing services, including for babies under one year and specialist blood tests are available via the QR code
Blood testing will continue at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping and Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford.
The Harvey Centre location will be listed on the blood test appointment booking system once the new facility opens. Please check the location details when you book your appointment.
Time to... Celebrate quality improvement
Colleagues from across the Trust recently came together for a quality improvement showcase - a day dedicated to celebrating the fantastic work taking place to enhance patient care and services.
Organised by our quality improvement team, the event brought together staff from a wide range of departments and specialties. It was an opportunity not only to highlight achievements but also to share learning, spark new ideas and strengthen collaboration across teams.
The showcase demonstrated the passion, creativity and commitment of our teams to continually improve. Topics included demand and capacity planning to ensure the best patient care and experiences, with opportunities to get involved in improvement work.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, ideas and enthusiasm, and to those who presented and shared their experiences.
We look forward to building on the momentum from the day and continuing to support improvement across our hospital.
Colleagues who joined the showcase.
We are keen to hear from our readers with your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.
Send us your readers’ letters on topics of the moment, share your stories about PAHT, or simply get in touch with your comments on the stories from this edition.
You could be in with a chance of winning a £15 Amazon voucher for the best submission from a member of the public, with another £15 Amazon voucher up for grabs for the best submission from a member of staff
Contact us at paht.communications@nhs.net.
We look forward to hearing from you.
My Alex Health: Your digital gateway to personalised care
Last March (2025), we took a major step forward in digital healthcare with the launch of My Alex Health, a secure, web-based patient portal designed to put patients in control of their care.
Since its launch, over 50,000 patients have registered, reflecting how much our community values accessible, modern healthcare.
Getting started is easy and free. Patients can register using the QR code or the link on our website from any internet-connected devicecomputer, tablet or smartphone. All you need is an up-to-date browser such as Chrome or Safari. Online support is available for anyone who needs help, so no one is left behind.
While My Alex Health is not an app, it works seamlessly alongside the NHS App. Think of the NHS App as the front door to your NHS information, with My Alex Health providing direct access to your care at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT).
Once registered, you can view appointments, test results, reports, and hospital letters digitally. The portal also allows you to complete assessments and questionnaires and sends SMS reminders for upcoming appointments.
The rollout is ongoing, with new specialties and appointments being added regularly. If you register and don’t see any appointments yet, there’s no need to worry; your specialty will be included soon.
For those who prefer traditional communication, letters and appointment details will continue to be sent by post.
More than just a digital tool, My Alex Health reflects our commitment to patient-centred care, convenience and transparency. As it continues to evolve, it will help make healthcare more accessible and responsive for everyone.
It was a very quick response from seeing the GP to ending up having minor surgery at the hospital.
Communication through the patient portal was very quick and easy to use.
Visit pah.nhs.uk/patientsvisitors/alex-health/ or scan the QR code
Sign up now
Visit myalexhealth.pah.nhs.uk or scan the QR code.
Smoking or vaping on hospital sites is illegal and a risk to the health and safety of patients, visitors and colleagues. Please do not smoke or vape.
Our Amazing People Award Winners 2025
Before Christmas, we came together for one of the most inspiring dates in our calendar - the Our Amazing People Awards 2025
This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the colleagues, volunteers and teams who truly bring PAHT’s values to life. From everyday acts of kindness to extraordinary efforts that go far beyond their roles, the awards recognise those who make a lasting difference to the people and communities we serve.
Congratulations to all of our winners...
Peter Linden Kindness Award
Kirsten Dalby and Alana Whipp Safety Award
Lauren Chappell Speaking Up Award
Dan Richardson (colleague collecting) Learning Award
Claire Eels Commitment Award
Caroline Hockett Improvement Award
Shahid Sardar Engagement Award
Teresa Dunn Inclusion Award
Nagalakhsmy Bhagavathiappan Managing for Excellence Award
Katy Kay Emerging Leader Award
Dr Jane Snook Inspiring Leader Award
Dr Kapila Gunasekera Patient Panel Champion Award Lister Ward Teamwork Award
Long Service Awards 2025
We also proudly honoured the dedication of our long-serving colleagues at a special awards ceremony The event recognised those reaching an incredible 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service - a collective milestone of 4,440 years between them.
Each award represents decades of care, compassion and teamwork that have shaped our organisation and touched countless lives.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all our long-service recipients. Your commitment continues to make a meaningful difference every day.
Our Monthly Staff Awards winners
The Our Amazing People Monthly Awards are our opportunity to celebrate a clinical colleague, non-clinical colleague, and team who goes above and beyond to make a real difference for our patients and people.
Congratulations to all our winners, since the last edition of InTouch magazine, these are:
December Award winners
Non-Clinical Award: Johanna Burge, Business Change Manager for Medicine Division - Quality First Team
Clinical Award: Geraldine Woodley, Outpatients’ Department Manager Team Award: Anticoagulation Monitoring Service team
January Award winners
Non-Clinical Award: Graham Parker, Catering Manager
Clinical Award: Shwetha Rosenberg, Internal Medicine Trainee Team Award: Critical Care Team
February Award Winners
Non-Clinical Award: Angela Weeks, Volunteer for the Patient Panel
Clinical Award: Ashraf Patel, Associate Specialist - Breast Surgery, Surgery and Critical Care Team Award: Critical Care Outreach Team
We are proud to showcase our Monthly Award winners at a special display at our hospital, in the main corridor by Radiology (pictured below) - look out for updates as new award winners are announced.
Information at the bedside
Teams across the hospital have collaborated to create a new suite of communication materials designed to better support and inform our inpatients, with information at the bedside.
The resources cover key topics including pain management, involving loved ones in care, preparing for discharge, and understanding meal options. A dedicated flyer has also been developed for patients in the Emergency Department who are being admitted to a ward, outlining what to expect during the admission process.
This initiative supports our ongoing commitment to improving patient experience and communication.
Members of staff can nominate colleagues for a Monthly Staff Award via AlexNet.
The focus areas were shaped by feedback from our most recent Inpatient Survey, ensuring the materials reflect what matters most to our patients.
Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to life.
Digitising pre-operative assessments
We have digitised our pre-operative assessment service to make surgical care safer, more efficient and patient-centred.
The new electronic pre-operative assessment system allows patients to complete health questionnaires online from home, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and enabling early identification of clinical needs.
This supports safe, rapid triage, helping clinical teams prioritise urgent cases, plan procedures more effectively and reduce last-minute cancellations. Patients benefit from fewer hospital appointments and less travel, saving time and minimising disruption.
Secure digital access means admissions and procedure information can be accessed in one place, at any time.
For staff, the system reduces paperwork and automates routine tasks, freeing up valuable clinical time.
Real-time access to assessment data supports better decision-making and more efficient use of resources. Similar NHS digital initiatives have shown improvements in patient satisfaction and reductions in surgery cancellations.
By embracing digital innovation, we are setting a new standard for preoperative care, focused on safety, efficiency and patient needs.
Educational videos and online resources are also available via our website, helping patients feel informed and prepared for surgery. Please scan the QR code below or visit: www.pah.nhs.uk/patientsvisitors/appointments/electronic-pre-operativeassessment/
A conversation with... Anna Jebb, Chief Operating Officer
Tell us a little about your career background and what led you to become Chief Operating Officer? I did a history degree and initially thought I might want to work in journalism or publishing, but I tried this out for a couple of years and realised that what I really liked was working with people. A lot of my family had worked in the NHS and when I saw a stand at a careers fair for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme I realised that this was the career for me. I’ve never looked back.
I have done a number of operational management roles over my career and have absolutely loved every single one. The Chief Operating Officer role is the pinnacle of a career for an operational manager, I get to bring everything together in one role, and lead some truly amazing teams to deliver amazing care to patients.
What does a typical day look like for you? It is very varied and busy and no one day is the same. Some days the flow through the hospital may be really tricky, and that will need to be my focus. Some days I might be looking ahead at what the hospital and its teams will need over the coming years, from a staffing, resources, estates and partnerships perspective. There is a lot of communication, management and leadership in my role, with discussion and bringing people together. This is the bit I love the most, because I see my role as enabling clinical teams to be empowered and energised to deliver the care they need to.
What are your key priorities for the Trust over the next few years?
My priorities are:
People and engagement – connecting with our staff across the organisation, understanding what they and their services need to thrive and then working out how to make that happen with them. Also engaging with our patients, GPs, and community partners to ensure we are communicating all the time about what we’re doing and what we’re trying to do differently
Waiting lists – we have some long waits for elective treatment and cancer at PAH and my absolute goal is to bring these down, working with our teams, to ensure that within 2-3 years’ time all our patients get treated within 18 weeks.
Flow – ensuring that we are all working together to maintain good patient flow through the hospital.
How do you balance day-to-day operational pressures with longer-term improvement and transformation?
We need to transform and do things differently to deliver the best patient care. A good example is with waiting lists – we need to work with our primary care and community colleagues to make sure patients are treated as quickly as possible by the right professional.
We have trialled this in Dermatology where most of our patients now are triaged by and seen in a community dermatology service.This has been really successful and has significantly improved our waits for patients with and without cancer.
What makes you most proud of our teams across the Trust?
I am proud of all our staff every day, but what I think is particularly unique at PAH is the kindness of teams and the care that people put into working together and looking after patients.
How do you think patients and the local community can help shape the future of our services?
Patient feedback and input into how we deliver and design care is critical. I would ask patients and the local community to give us feedback constantly, tell us how we are doing. We want to know what you think.
Outside of work, how do you like to relax and recharge?
I have four children, and outside of work they occupy me and ensure that I am grounded. I also like to read a lot. I read compulsively and find that it is the best way of switching my brain off, and I love to swim.
Can you share one fun or surprising fact about yourself that most people at work might not know?
I have two fun facts. I love music and particularly Nina Simone, I actually went to her last concert in Paris which was amazing.Also, as a teenager, I used to do Latin public speaking. I’m not sure how I managed to get into this, but I did.And if you bump into me in the corridors then I can give you a rendition on request. Obviously not very useful, as nobody speaks Latin, but it is a good party trick!
Patient raises over £25,000 to enhance cancer care
A dedicated patient has raised an incredible total of £25,145 for The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity to support cancer care services at the Williams Day Unit.
Lee Beetles, who is currently undergoing a two-year course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer at the hospital, was inspired to fundraise after learning that the WDU only had one scalp-cooling machine, which can serve two patients at a time, despite treating around 70-80 chemotherapy patients daily.
Through his online fundraising page and a series of community events, including a dinner and dance evening and a charity football match, Lee raised this fantastic total.
This has funded an additional scalp-cooling machine, which is a clinically proven method to help reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, as well as additional patient-care improvements. These include a flexible-arm vein finder to assist clinicians when cannulating patients whose veins are difficult to access, as well as a TV for one of the treatment areas, offering entertainment and a welcome distraction during chemotherapy sessions.
The donation will also support ongoing wellbeing services delivered by the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, providing complementary therapy for patients at the WDU, and Cancer Hair Care, which offers on-site advice and support for those experiencing hair loss during treatment.
Stay connected
Follow us on social media to see the impact of your support, hear inspiring stories, and stay up to date with our latest news and events.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Charity @paht_charity
Lee donating the scalp-cooling machine.
I wanted to give something back to the team who supported me through some of my toughest days.
If this equipment and support can make treatment even a little bit easier for someone else, then every step of the fundraising journey was worth it.
- Lee, fundraiser and patient
Natalie Tarrant, Head of Charity, added: “We are incredibly grateful for Lee’s generosity, determination and kindness. His fundraising will have a direct and meaningful impact on patients receiving cancer treatment, providing comfort, dignity and vital support at a time when they need it most.”
Louise Edwards, Lead Cancer Nurse at PAHT, said: “Lee’s fundraising will significantly enhance the experience of patients receiving treatment at the Williams Day Unit. The new equipment will allow us to offer more patients access to scalp-cooling therapy and improve the quality of care we provide. We are so grateful for Lee’s remarkable efforts and to everyone who supported his campaign. His contribution will have a lasting and positive impact on cancer services at PAHT.”
How you can help
Every donation helps us provide the best possible care for everyone who needs it.
Together, we’re making a real difference. Scan the QR code to donate now or visit pah.nhs.uk/charity to explore other ways to get involved.
Parking arrangements for Blue Badge holders at The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Free parking is available at The Princess Alexandra Hospital for patients who are registered Blue Badge holders.
There are 41 marked disabled bays across the site, and Blue Badge holders may also use standard parking bays.
Since August 2025, a new system requires Blue Badges to be scanned at a payment machine at the end of each visit.
What to do each visit
1. Display your badge - show the clock section of your Blue Badge in your windscreen and take the badge with you.
2. Go to a payment machine before leaving - located outside the main entrance, in maternity, opposite Car Park 3 and outside Gibberd Ward.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number
4. Select the Blue Badge option and scan the barcode on your badge (the scanner is on the left-hand side of the machine).
If you experience any issues, please speak to the security team located opposite M&S Simply Food (enter via the main entrance, turn left at the red marble wall, and walk towards M&S Simply Food - the security desk is behind the seating area).
Important: Blue Badge rules on private property differ from public roads. Parking on double yellow lines is not permitted and will result in a penalty charge notice (PCN).
Staff with Blue Badges
Staff parking arrangements for Blue Badge holders differ. Please see AlexNet for further information.
Further information
For full car parking information, visit: www.pah.nhs.uk/hospitals/princess-alexandrahospital/parking/ or scan the QR code.
Blue Badge system before August 2025
If you registered your Blue Badge and vehicle details before August 2025 (via main reception, Emergency Department or security):
Your vehicle remains valid for free parking until your Blue Badge expires or you change your vehicle (whichever comes first). When your badge expires, or if you change vehicles, you must move to the new scanning system outlined above.
If you are registered under the old system and attempt to scan your badge at a payment machine, you will receive an error message.
This month’s award has been presented to Titilayo Kazeem (known as Fatima), a registered nurse on Netteswell Ward from Harlow.
thank you to Fatima for all she does to not only support her patients but their extended family too. Celebrating outstanding care: December 2025 DAISY Award® winner
A Nurse ‘born to care’
Fatima was nominated by a patient she has supported on several occasions in recent years. The heartfelt nomination praised not only her professionalism and commitment but also her deeply empathetic approach.
The patient shared how Fatima takes the time to truly understand the individual needs of those in her care, adding that she was “born to be a nurse and truly deserves this recognition.”
A special surprise
Fatima was surprised on the ward on 10 February by Interim Chief Nurse Jo Ward, who presented her with a DAISY Award® certificate, the hand-carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture from Zimbabwe, a DAISY Award® pin badge, a copy of her nomination, a gift bag, and cinnamon rolls - a meaningful tradition of the award.
- Jo Ward, Interim Chief Nurse
If you would like to nominate a nurse or midwife who has made a difference to you or your loved ones, visit: www.pah.nhs.uk/DAISY.
You can also scan the QR code to find out more and nominate.
Fundamentals of Care standards: Our commitment to you
We launched our Fundamentals of Care recently - a set of standards that describe what kind, dignified and respectful care looks like and what patients should experience every day
The Fundamentals of Care are designed to:
Guide daily practice
Inform quality improvement
Support meaningful conversations with patients and families
To support this, we have introduced eight key focus areas (listed right), which set out what matters most to patients and what they can expect from us.
Please visit the relevant resources (for staff and patients/visitors) to find out more about our Fundamentals of Care.
For staff
Mouth care
Nutrition and hydration
Enhancing safe movement
Managing pain
Bladder and bowel care
Maintaining skin integrity
Personal hygiene
Communication and information
We support regular mouth care and check for dryness, soreness or infection.
We help you eat and drink safely and monitor intake when needed.
We encourage safe movement and independence to prevent loss of strength.
We assess pain regularly and treat it promptly. Please tell us if your pain worsens.
We support toileting needs, maintain dignity, and monitor for constipation or retention.
We check skin, support repositioning, and help prevent pressure damage.
We support washing, dressing and grooming to maintain comfort and dignity.
We listen, explain clearly, and involve you in decisions about your care.
For patients and visitors
Word search corner
Take a moment to relax and enjoy our word search, made for our readers. Every word you’re searching for can be found somewhere in this issue - whether it’s a department or a topic we’ve covered.
It’s a fun way to explore the magazine and maybe even learn something new about our hospital community. Grab a pen, get hunting, and see if you can find them all. D A I S Y
DAISY PHARMACY CHARITY OPERATE AWARD BLOOD P H A R M A C T E R E P O C H A R I T Y A W A D O L B E U F Y R W P Q M I V B K O J G F S O C H W P O S D A I H C L N
Share your PAHT memories
Got a photo from your time at PAHT?
Whether it’s an old building, memorable event, a first day at work/in your profession, or a moment thanking our teams once you’ve left the hospital, we’d love to see it!
Send your photo and a short caption to paht.communications@nhs.net. Include your name and the year the photo was taken if you can.
Your memories could appear in future editions - help us celebrate the PAHT community.
@princessalexandranhs
