Month

Memories of Peter will live on through his photographs

Many of you may by now be aware of the sad news that PRH recently lost one of the most wonderful and well-liked staff members, Peter Finch.

Peter worked at PRH for over 21 years and in that time he forged many friendships across all areas of the hospital while working as a Porter. Peter was the kindest and gentle man and always took time for people and smiled his way through life. He was much respected. Peter’s wife Linda would like to send a very special thanks to everyone who has sent her best wishes. Linda has been overwhelmed by how many people have contacted her and how so many people loved Peter. Linda has provided us with some amazing photographs, some of which you can see here, that Peter had taken over the years which we plan to display in an area so staff can visit and spend some quiet reflection time. Peter’s funeral will take place on the 23 February at 10.30am at the Telford Crematorium. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 30 family members. However, colleagues are invited to line-up (socially distanced) outside the Crematorium to see Peter end his journey and pay their respects. For those who cannot attend and would like to pay their respects, Linda has requested that the funeral service be broadcast online via a webcast, the code for which is below:

www.obitus.com

Username: Noge0614 Password: 431889

LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month is an annual, month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of gay rights.

The overall aim of LGBT+ History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. This is done by:  Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community  Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community  Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT+ communities  Promoting the welfare of LGBT+ people, by ensuring the education system recognises and enables LGBT+ people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole If you are interested in getting involved then please contact kal.parkash@nhs.net. More information can be found here.

Gallery owner and artist donate ‘Superman’ NHS art as thank you for relative’s treatment

A gallery owner has teamed up with an artist to donate an incredible piece of art to SaTH as a thank you for the treatment given to a family member.

The artwork, donated by Jonathan Soden and artist Nick Veasey (right), shows the x-ray of an NHS worker, complete with face mask, in the famous Superman pose, with the NHS logo replacing Superman’s S. Nick’s work is an adaptation of one of his pieces which depicts an x-ray of Clark Kent transforming into the Man of Steel. The artwork donated to SaTH shows a male body on a female skeleton. One of the pieces now has pride of place outside the Radiology Department at RSH, while the other will soon be on display PRH. Jonathan, who owns the Soden Collection in Shrewsbury, said: “The X-Ray Department holds a very special place in my heart as a family member recently underwent treatment and the Radiology team played a huge part in their recovery, so it seemed fitting that this donation was made to the Trust. “It’s dated 2020, which is a year none of us will ever forget, and I am humbled that the picture will be in the Trust for many people to see, even if it’s just for a few moments, to take their mind away from sitting in a waiting room. “I know how nervous people can get in hospitals and how unsettling places like this can be at times, so to be able to do this means a lot to me.” Claire Baker, Lead Superintendent Radiographer at SaTH, who is pictured above with Jonathan, said: “We are very appreciative of the support shown to the Radiology department in recent months. To receive this recognition from Nick Veasey and the Soden Collection is an honour. “The art has already entertained and delighted many patients and staff, and we are sure that it will continue to do so in the years to come.”

Rare disease day

Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year with the main objective of raising awareness amongst health professionals, researchers, policy makers, the public and patients about rare diseases and their impact on daily lives.

Building awareness of rare diseases is so important because 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their life. Despite this, there is no cure for the majority of rare diseases and many go undiagnosed. Rare Disease Day improves knowledge amongst the general public of rare diseases while encouraging researchers and decision makers to address the needs of those living with rare diseases. Since Rare Disease Day was first launched in 2008, thousands of events have taken place throughout the world reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Every year this global, patient-led awareness campaign brings together millions worldwide in solidarity with the 300 million people living with a rare disease worldwide. Simona Bellagambi, Member of the EURORDIS Board of Directors, said: “Everyone can participate in Rare Disease Day and show how as a global community we are stronger together, even during the COVID-19 global pandemic. ‘As part of the planning for Rare Disease Day 2021, the National Alliance international partners have been working together to develop a suite of high quality, high impact digital materials to effectively tell the story of Rare Disease patients.” More information can be found at www.rarediseaseday.org.

Work at Mytton Restaurant

The Mytton Restaurant seating area at RSH is due to undergo essential work to replace the ceiling from this Sunday (21 February) until 6 March. This will mean that the seating area will be unavailable – and the restaurant will only be open for takeaway meals. Colleagues will be able to use the outdoor heated seating areas, and the Catering Team is exploring other alternative seating areas. The work will mean that access via the external back door at Catering will not be able to be used as a thoroughfare. Staff will need to use the loading bay entrance. The Amazon lockers will also be out of use during this time. The Restaurant will remain open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am7.30pm and from 9am-4pm at the weekend. Caffé Bistro at RSH is open Monday to Friday, from 11.30am-2pm.

The Orthoptic Department is sad to be saying a fond farewell to two much loved colleagues as they retire.

Gwyneth Cliffe and Jane Mcloughlin have worked at SaTH for 48 years and 25 years. They have been the cornerstones in the Orthoptic Department for many years and are experts in their field of specialities. They have supported patients and colleagues with their care and wealth of knowledge, and treated thousands of patients with Orthoptic problems. Gwyneth has been the Lead for low-vision services in Ophthalmology, developing a better service and supporting many people who have sight loss. Jane is a specialist in paediatric orthoptics, working in paediatric contact lenses, visual stress and helping to raise more awareness of cerebral vision impairment. The difference they have made to the quality of their patients’ lives is immeasurable. All the staff will miss them terribly and wish them a long and happy retirement.

Fertility Services lead appointed to national board

The Head of Fertility Services at SaTH has been appointed by the Government to the board of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

As a member of the HFEA, the body that governs and regulates assisted conception treatment and human gamete and embryo research, Professor Jason Kasraie, Consultant Embryologist and Head of Fertility Services, will play a vital role in helping to shape the future of fertility treatment, regulation and embryo research in the UK. As part of his role Jason will also sit on the Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory committee, which considers advances in science and clinical practice that are relevant to the Authority’s work. The HFEA is the UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment and research using human embryos. A world-class expert organisation in the fertility sector, the HFEA was the first statutory body of its type in the world. Jason said “It is a real honour to have been appointed as a member of the board of the HFEA. I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues on the board to help shape the future of assisted conception treatment and embryo and gamete research regulation. “The position should be synergistic with my role as HFEA ‘Person Responsible’ for the service and help the team at SaTH to further strengthen regulatory compliance in assisted conception.” Louise Barnett, Chief Executive at SaTH said “On behalf of the Trust I would like to congratulate Jason on his appointment to the board of the HFEA. We are very proud of Jason’s achievement which will add great value to his role leading the Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre.”