Friday 25 April 2025
CHATTER BOX
Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events
We are striving to provide exceptional care for our patients and be a Trust where staff are proud to work. We are making good progress on our improvement journey.
We know we have more to do to get to where we want to be, and we know how we are going to get there. It is time to refresh our ambition and direction of travel. We are aiming higher than good – we want to be excellent.
Our goals – where we want to be
• Excellence in quality, safety and experience of care
• A centre of excellence for research, innovation and education
• A great place to work
• Clinically and environmentally sustainable
• In financial balance
Our journey – how we will get there
• Driving quality
• Creating the right culture
• Transforming how we deliver services and digital capability
• Working in partnership
• Achieving university trust status
• Improving performance and restoring financial balance
You can hear from some of the Executive Team in this short video, or by clicking on the image, about what excellence looks like, and what we are doing.
Find out more about Moving to Excellence, and share your ideas, via the intranet.
Nurses Day 2025
We will be celebrating International Nurses Day on Monday 12 May and we are excited to announce a special initiative to honour our incredible nursing staff.
We are inviting you to nominate a Nursing Hero who has gone above and beyond in their service.
The nomination period will run from Friday 25 April until Wednesday 7 May.
You can submit your nominations through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/SaTHNHN25
All nominees will be notified of their nomination after the closing date and will receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion.
Let’s celebrate the dedication and hard work of our amazing nurses by nominating those who have made a significant impact!
Research, Education and Improvement Week
Research, Education and Improvement Week is taking place from Friday 16-Friday 23 May, and we would love as many of you as possible to get involved in the exciting activities we have planned.
The week starts with the Research and Innovation Conference on Friday 16 May at the Mercure Hotel, Telford. If you would like more information please
email sath.research@nhs.net and you can book your place via LMS
The SaTH Improvement Showcase will be held on Tuesday 20 May in SERII. Book your place by emailing sath.improvementhub@nhs.net or via LMS. Please see the timetable for the list of activities taking place during the week.
Administrative Professionals’ Day
On Wednesday 23 April we celebrated Administrative Professionals’ Day, a chance to celebrate all our brilliant admin and clerical colleagues who deliver crucial services across our Trust.
From clinical coders to medical secretaries, ward clerks to receptionists – our admin and clerical colleagues provide varied and crucial support to our teams and are often the first point of contact for our patients and families.
Whether you are directly in contact with patients every day or have a role that supports clinical
and managerial colleagues to provide the best care, please know that you all make a significant contribution to SaTH and to our patients.
We want to take a moment to recognise your incredible talent, commitment, and dedication. Thank you for everything that you do, you are all amazing.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month has been celebrated annually since 1992. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the causes and cures of stress.
The mission is to help individuals and organisations to recognise and reduce stress, fostering a happier, healthier and more resilient world.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Lead with Love’. It is a call to action to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance - no matter the challenges we face.
Here at SaTH, there are many resources available to colleagues to help to deal with stress. The health and wellbeing information pack contains details on services such as the Staff Psychology Service, the Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid and Occupational Health.
Staff Psychology Service
The Staff Psychology Service was launched in March 2023 and provides a range of evidence-based psychological support and interventions to staff, to enable them to manage the emotional impact of working in the NHS.
The fundamental aim of the Staff Psychology Service is to meet the psychological needs of staff and increase psychological awareness across the organisation.
Employee Assistance Programme
HELP provides confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The programme gives you access to a team of trained wellbeing and counselling practitioners to support all colleagues. It offers confidential, independent and unbiased information and guidance by telephone, in writing, online and through face-to-face appointments for a wide variety of issues.
Occupational Health
Optima Health offers a confidential advisory service for health issues relating to work, and work issues relating to health.
SaTH Talent Portal
The SaTH Talent portal has many resources available to colleagues. It provides you with the opportunity to review your own personal and career development, using self-assessments, application, CV and interview preparation materials and online learning resources. The portal also provides tips on values and behaviours, leadership and management, personal skills development, health and wellbeing advice, talent conversations and ‘scope for growth’ career conversations as well as our What’s On guides from our Organisational Development Team.
Our April People Pulse Survey is live and focuses on Engagement, Culture and Health & Wellbeing. Your feedback will enable us to understand this area deeper, so that we can implement changes to improve the way that we work for the benefit of our colleagues and our patients.
Complete your survey here: www. nhspeoplepulse.com
Your purr-fect pets
To celebrate National Pet Month, please give a round of a-paws for your beloved pets…
Reina Heidi Arlo Ruby Rose
Bonnie Thierry Loki Buzz
Arty & Nutmeg Bear
Arnold Bella
Bonnie Sheila & Jenny Brook Missy
Bomba & Boba Beau Reggie Hunter
Bert, Walter & Freddy Oakley
Larry Millie
Luna Nigel Dexter Mondo
Dotty
Yume & Lilium
Sonny Moonwatcher
Marusa
Chiana Callie Harriet, Speedy & Sadie
Arthur Zeus Axel Thumbs
Jess & Isla Walter Stockwell Sushi
Bailey, Frankie & Blue Penelope
Bailey Roger
Millie & Bailey
Joan
Martha Molly
Cleo
Nutmeg
Crumpet
Ruby
Bernard & Geoffrey
Ruben
Milo & Molly
Monty
Milo
Maisy
Coco Revie
Bella Chewy, Obi, Tilly & Leia
Theo Nell
Thank you to everyone who sent in pictures of their furry (and not so furry) friends!
Bertie Freyja, Nox & Lilas Noodle Tripp
Monica Coco Crowley Banjo
Bentley Maebh
Lottie Sparkles
Ross Phoebe Alfie Louis
Steel Magnolias blooms in Shrewsbury
Two SaTH colleagues have stepped away from the hospital and behind the scenes with local theatre group Curtain Call, in aid of SaTH Charity.
Natalie Smith, Communications and Engagement Officer and Becky Gwynne, Superintendent Radiographer are bringing the beloved play ‘Steel Magnolias’ to life at The Barnes Theatre next month. Natalie and Becky will be directing and stage managing this fantastic play.
This heartfelt production promises laughter, tears, and a healthy dose of hairspray. Set in a smalltown Louisiana beauty salon, Steel Magnolias tells the story of six strong southern women as they navigate life, love, and unimaginable loss. It’s a powerful tale of resilience and the unbreakable bonds of female friendship, made all the more poignant by the real-life friendship of the women bringing it to the stage.
The play will be performed on Sunday 25 May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and the group has chosen to raise funds for SaTH Charity with a collection during both performances.
The Barnes Theatre provides the perfect intimate setting for this emotional rollercoaster of a play. Expect witty banter, warm southern charm, and performances that dig deep into the complexities of friendship, strength, and vulnerability.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film, a lover of powerful storytelling, or just in need of a good laugh (and maybe a good cry), this is one show you won’t want to miss.
Sunday 25 May, 2:30pm & 7:30pm at Barnes Theatre, Shrewsbury, presented by Curtain Call Theatre Group.
Click the link for your tickets and don’t forget the tissues.
April is PMDD Awareness Month
PMMD is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
PMDD is a cyclical mood disorder whereby symptoms are triggered by normal hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which means that symptoms occur usually two weeks before a person has their period and usually improves with their period.
In PMDD, symptoms are severe, these symptoms can vary person to person, but may include extreme low mood, anxiety or anger, which can make usual activities such as going to work more difficult.
Why is PMDD awareness important?
PMDD is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, many people with PMDD feel alone and unheard. The diagnosis is made with the use of symptom diaries and there are lots of different treatments available to help improve symptoms.
For more information, please click here
Leadership Programme close down’s
Well done to our colleagues who have recently completed their SaTH Leadership Programmes - SaTH1 concentrating on becoming efficient, confident leaders, SaTH2 focusing upon Team Leadership and SaTH3 Change.
Feedback from colleagues continues to be positive and we are now gearing up for our new 2025 cohort groups. If you are interested in a future programme, please reach out to the OD & Leadership Team on sath.leadership@nhs. net.
Alongside this, our new 2025 cohort group commenced their FOSTAL journey recently. A five day programme over the next five months focusing on developing those aspiring to step up to a Supervisor/Team Leader role in the future here at SaTH. Welcome to all the delegates on our first cohort group for 2025.
We are also taking applications for our September cohort group – please reach out to the OD & Leadership Team if you are interested: sath.leadership@nhs.net
Thank you to our DFN interns
As part of the DFN intern project within the Trust, Maria Lee and Joe Baker have been a part of the Catering Team at PRH for a number of months now.
Whilst working within the team they have both gained valuable learning experience and new skills, integrating with staff and colleagues, helping to serve our patients their meals at ward level and supporting the chefs with food supply to our retail outlets.
Maria and Joe have had a positive impact on the team and ultimately helped to provide our allimportant patients with their nutritional meals.
The team noticed that this has given Maria and Joe confidence moving on to their next rotation, the Catering Team would like to wish them luck in the future.
Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for Morgan’s Army
Megan Phillips, who works on Ward 20 at RSH, is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with her partner Steve and his colleagues from Emed Hospital Transport this June.
The group is raising funds for Morgan’s Army, a charity founded in 2023 to support families in South Wales affected by childhood cancer. Their mission is to ensure no family faces a diagnosis alone.
Morgan’s Army provides crucial support, including financial hardship and equipment grants, peer events for families, and awareness campaigns to help improve early detection and outcomes.
Megan said: “As someone who’s not typically sporty, this is the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about pushing myself out of my comfort zone for a cause that really matters.
“We’ve chosen this charity because it’s close to our hearts, and we want to help raise awareness for the vital work they do in supporting families through incredibly difficult times.”
If you’d like to support them, you can donate via the JustGiving page.
Changes to HR policies – briefing sessions
Some of our HR policies have been amended and we have arranged a series of briefings to go through the changes, along with an introduction to our new Employee Wellbeing and Attendance Policy and Guidance.
The dates and times of the sessions are as follows:
• Tuesday 6 May, 3-4pm. Join here
• Thursday 8 May, 2-3pm. Join here.
• Monday 12 May, 11am-12pm. Join here
• Tuesday 13 May, 9-10am. Join here
• Wednesday 14 May, 3-4pm. Join here
• Friday 16 May, 12-1pm. Join here
Experience of Care Week
Experience of Care Week is from Monday 28 April to Friday 2 May and is an opportunity to celebrate the people who have a positive impact on the patient experience.
This week is designed to be a focused time for celebrating achievements in patient experience, re-energising and inspiring those who impact patient care, and recognising the individuals who contribute to a positive experience every day.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘Building the Foundations of Experience’ which aligns to
the SaTH Patient Experience Strategy 2024-2029 which has recently been published.
Throughout the week there will be opportunities to meet the Patient Experience Team, to take part in national and local events including a session with the Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Find out more here
Telford & Wrekin Libraries will shortly be changing their eBook/ eAudiobook supplier and any leaflets held on wards will need updating.
In the interim, please advise anyone who asks to check T&W libraries’ website for more information, as on the existing posters in wards.
New leaflets will be available soon Watch this space.
Sarah Rochelle, Telford Health Library 4440 sath.telford.libraries@nhs.net
For
STAFF LOTTERY
This
month’s winners...
1st £550
Mathew Meredith, Pharmacy 2nd £275
Lesley Cannon 2nd £275
Rosa Zapater Requena, Biochemistry 3rd £125
Sophie Rawlings-Jones, Communications 3rd £125
Rachel Leek, Gynaecology 4th £100
Kimberley Caldecott, Critical Care 4th £100
Carrie Wade, Ward 9 5th £50
Emily Lovell, Communications 5th £50
Dr Gemma Styles, Improvement Hub 5th £50
Pamela Williams, Corporate Nursing 5th £50
Julie Griffiths 5th £50
Gemma Dunseith, Pharmacy
JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
12 CASH PRIZES EVERY MONTH!
Tickets only £1
Payment will be deducted from your salary; winnings are paid into your salary the following month.
Why join our staff lottery?
50% of profits are given out in prizes and the other 50% is adding to our Small Changes Make a Big Difference Fund which is all spent on items for staff.
The SaTH Small Things Make a Big Difference Fund aims to improve the working environment and amenities for all employees.
Click here to download the T&C’s and enter the staff lottery
On Wednesday 23 April I attended a Treadmill stress test at the Cardio centre PRH. I was a bit apprehensive about what was going to take place but was soon chatted down to a relaxed state by the two lovely girls who were to monitor the test, it all went well and all my questions were answered in the detail I wanted. I just can not say how reassured I feel about the competency of the staff this morning and also previous help the cardio teams have provided for me, Dr Kundu in particular and the staff of the cardio ward. I understand the problems SaTH face, but today you vastly exceeded my expectations they got it exactly right.