Friday 23 May 2025
CHATTER BOX
Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events
This week we celebrated Research, Education and Improvement Week.
There is a huge amount of research and innovation happening at the Trust – often quietly, behind the scenes – and we must not underestimate the difference this is making for our patients, communities and each other. Providing high quality, safe care that is evidence-based and innovative is what we strive to do, and this week was a celebration of that.
You can watch a short video which brings to life some of the incredible research, innovation and improvement initiatives happening at our Trust.
Case study: £1 million cancer trial reaches major milestone
A £1 million research study taking place at the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Telford has reached a major milestone in its aim to revolutionise the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
The trial has now recruited more than 500 patients from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin in its study, which will reduce the amount of time patients are waiting and worrying about a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
The TRIOMIC study is developing a new test which aims to drastically reduce the number of patients who require an invasive colonoscopy. It will also take place away from a hospital setting at the CDC.
More than 500 symptomatic patients on the Colorectal Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway at SaTH have been recruited for the new test, which is quick and pain free, utilising the Oricol™ device by collecting rectal mucus samples. The samples are then tested at laboratories for abnormal cells from cancer and significant polyps.
If successful, eight out of ten patients will know that they haven’t got cancer within five days of the test, rather than having a 45-minute colonoscopy requiring full bowel preparation and a separate visit to hospital.
The innovative technology is improving the experience of patients, easing the pressures on staff who are working above capacity and decreasing costs.
Origin Sciences has provided funding for the staff and capital costs to allow development of the new pathway – three clinic rooms have been created at the CDC and 14 members of staff have been recruited.
This is just one of over 50 research studies being carried out at SaTH, with thousands of patients taking part in these trials every year. These studies are helping to shape the future of healthcare locally, and potentially worldwide.
Dr John Jones, Executive Medical Director, said: “Research and innovation helps us to determine the best treatments and play a vital role in the care we deliver. We are always looking for opportunities to improve, whether it is how we transform surgical care, reducing screening waiting times through working differently, or trialling new processes to reduce waste. Embracing new ways of working can make a real difference to the care we provide.”
Case study: SaTH improves dementia screening for patients
In August 2024 a new screening process was launched which enables patients to move through the delirium and dementia pathway.
Patients aged 75 or over should be screened for dementia by a doctor on admission to hospital.
This initial assessment can lead to an early diagnosis of dementia, which then helps to support patients and families with future care plans and improving their quality of life.
With support from the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, the Dementia Team has been working closely with medical colleagues to introduce the new screening and referral process.
It has resulted in quicker referrals for patients, quicker diagnoses and support, as well as improved partnership working.
Karen Breese, Dementia Nurse Specialist, said: “It’s great to work with our partners across healthcare to ensure people get assessed and diagnosed earlier to get the right support. We are really pleased with the improvements we’ve seen and look forward to building on this success.”
Case study: New team established to support vulnerable patients
Following a nursing review, it was agreed that there was a need to create a substantive team to provide Enhanced Care and Supervision (ECS) to patients within the Trust to address the escalating temporary staffing costs and improve the service offered to patients requiring supervision.
A clinical lead for the Enhanced Care Team was appointed in October 2022 and following that a team of health care support workers were recruited to meet the 1:1 supervision needs of patients with a higher level of risk to themselves or others.
Not only did the team make significant savings in agency, bank and overall total spend for staffing,
Case study: Falls improvements
Following a serious incident in 2020, colleagues on Ward 32 have made significant improvements to reduce the number of falls with moderate harm or above. Their goal was to reduce those falls by 50% by December 2024.
The team, led by Helen Williams, ensured all porters had the correct training in moving and handling and provided them with a handy checklist to check the patients’ mobility status. The porters now use this across the hospital to ensure patients get the support they need.
The ward also supply high risk patients with yellow slipper socks and cohorting enables colleagues to allocate higher staffing levels to those most at risk.
but they have also received some fantastic feedback from families of people they have looked after, showing the true value of the team.
The team’s next steps are to expand upon the skills training, to include mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse and wider clinical skills.
The total number of falls has reduced and falls that do happen are now far more likely to result in no harm rather than low harm.
There has been an overall reduction in falls between 21/22 and 23/24 of 34% and a reduction of falls with moderate harm and above of 66.7%.
Sharing Showcase award winners
The Improvement Team received over 100 case studies from across the Trust of incredible improvements being made on our Moving to Excellence journey.
The standard was very high, but with a strict marking criteria, the Improvement Team was able to pick out some winners.
Moving to Excellence Awards open for nominations!
The Moving to Excellence Awards will shine a spotlight on colleagues and teams that are providing exceptional care for our patients and those who are helping us to move to excellence by improving our performance and helping to deliver value for patients.
Do you know someone who goes over and above expectations? Someone who changes the lives of those around them for the better? If so, please consider nominating them for a Moving to Excellence Award.
Every two months there will be five winners, one from each division (Medicine and Emergency Care; Clinical Support Services; Women and Children’s;
Surgery, Anaesthetics and Cancer; and Corporate Services). Simply fill out this form, which takes no more than five minutes, with the necessary contact details and the reason why they are so excellent.
Nominations close on Thursday 29 May.
Winners will be announced in June’s Cascade and will be presented with a special certificate and prize.
Saurav Chakravartty Dr Radhi Al-Shaharli
Abi Kelly
Catherine Bates, Ayodele Olumide and Rachel Woods
Leonie Sager
(Rebekah Tudor from the Improvement Hub accepted the award on Leonie’s behalf)
Nurses’ Day
On Monday 12 May, we celebrated International Nurses’ Day by visiting wards and departments.
During life’s challenging times, our skilled nursing colleagues here at the Trust are saving and changing patients’ lives every single day.
Whatever the setting, wherever the location, whomever the patient, the one thing they have in common is their unwavering commitment to make a difference to people’s lives.
We hope you took the time on Monday, and indeed every day, to thank nurses for all that they do.
Dementia Action Week
This week, to celebrate Dementia Action Week, the Dementia Care team has been visiting patients on the wards.
On Ward 9, they played balloon tennis with two ladies. Irene was very excited to play and came out of her bed to sit in the chair, she said it felt good for her shoulders and hands to keep them moving.
Roger was the overall winner; he was so pleased he asked for a copy of the photo so he could show his wife and was given a winners certificate.
They played card games. Ron showed the team a new game and HCA Acqua was the overall winner. The games are good for patients as they encourage movement and also provide some fun for all.
Everyone belongs here
We’re proud to share the launch of a powerful new campaign across the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System: ‘Everyone Belongs Here’.
To mark World Day of Cultural Diversity on Wednesday 21 May 2025, this campaign celebrates the rich diversity within our workforce and communities and sends a clear and united message: We’re all different. We’re all unique. Everyone belongs here.
Currently in development by colleagues across the NHS, local councils, and care partners, this initiative reflects our shared values of respect, inclusion, and compassion. Whether on the front lines of care or in support and leadership roles, every one of us matters.
Together, we are taking a stand against discrimination in all its forms and we’re hoping you can help.
Why this matters
Executive Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Vanessa Whatley, says: “Everyone Belongs Here is grounded in our values. It champions kindness, celebrates difference, and recognises the vital role every member of our team plays.
“We are proud to have a workforce that spans cultures, backgrounds and experiences - each bringing unique perspectives that enrich the care we provide every day. This campaign is about making sure everyone feels seen, valued and protected, now and always.”
Get involved
To bring this campaign to life across our sites and services, we’re calling for colleagues to help shape the visual identity of the campaign (through the marketing assets we plan to produce) and share their views on the importance of diversity in a simple quote.
While our primary focus is on addressing racism, we are equally committed to ensuring that all communities are represented. We therefore welcome input from everyone involved in any aspect of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
Likewise, if you’re passionate about EDI, or simply want to help create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, by being a visible advocate in your team or department or getting involved in our staff networks, we would love to hear from you.
Let’s make this campaign more than a message. Contact sath.edi@nhs.net for more information.
To express interest or to learn more about the ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ campaign, please contact the Communications and Engagement Team at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin at stw.communications@nhs.net. We’re hoping to hear from colleagues before Friday 30 May 2025 so we can begin the next phase of the campaign.
Pathology Eurovision party
The Pathology team has been celebrating equality and diversity in the workplace –inspired by Eurovision.
Rosa Zapater Requena, Associate Practitioner of Biomedical Science, said: “Eurovision is more than just a song contest – it’s a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and unity across cultures. Every year, it brings together people from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences, showing us the beauty of self-expression and the power of coming together.
“In the workplace, we strive to embody those same values. Just as Eurovision embraces different voices and celebrates individuality, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Diversity fuels creativity, and inclusion strengthens collaboration – and together, they make us all stronger.
“Let’s take inspiration from Eurovision and continue building a workplace where everyone belongs.”
Mental Health Awareness Week
From Monday 12 – Friday 16 May we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week. At SaTH, there are many resources available to colleagues, which can be found on the intranet page.
Mental Health Lead, Charlotte Lloyd-Davies, filmed a short video, with some tips on how to look after your mental health.
In the fast-paced environment of acute healthcare, physical symptoms often take centre stage, but mental health is just as critical to patient wellbeing and recovery. That’s where your Mental Health Liaison Team (MHLT) comes in.
The MHLT is a dedicated, multidisciplinary service offering expert mental health support to patients admitted to the emergency department and acute hospital. Our team includes mental health nurses and psychiatrists, who work alongside ward staff to provide timely, compassionate, and specialist input.
The team also provides formal training sessions to a variety of professionals and students
throughout the acute hospital. The team will also where possible accommodate students/staff from the acute trust for bespoke days.
Holly (pictured left) is a Mental Health Liaison Practitioner working in the Mental Health Liaison Team at PRH, working with people aged16 years upwards.
Clare (pictured right) qualified as a mental health nurse 18 years ago and has worked in different roles and settings such as addictions, CAMHS, eating disorders and aged care.
She said: “Every day is very different, and I spend my time seeing children and young people who present to A&E or on the Children’s ward with mental health difficulties. Providing them support and advice and signposting to other support in the community.”
Study Day
A Movement Matters Ambassador study day was held at PRH and RSH where specialists were invited to come along and speak on a variety of topics about the impact of falls and how keeping patients moving in hospital can help.
At the end of the day staff were invited to complete a pledge on what they will do to prevent deconditioning and falls.
Jo and Georgina, Parkinsons Nurses, spoke about the different types of Parkinsons, what happens when medications are not given on time and how exercise is medicine for everyone, but especially Parkinsons patients.
Osteoarthritis, pain management and how movement can help was talked about by Sheila from Community Resource.
Christina from Elevate who provides strength and balance exercises in the community got the group moving by demonstrating some practical chairbased exercises that can be used with patients and some neuro exercises which can help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.
At RSH, Tracy from Shropshire Community Health and Gail from the Paul Brown building also got
the group moving with chair-based exercises and talked about the different falls services available to patients post-discharge.
Therapy Assistant Ali spoke about the importance of early and daily mobilisation of patients in helping reduce harm caused by deconditioning and also how maintaining activities of daily living in hospital helps the patient return home quicker and reduces the need for packages of care post-discharge.
Sam, Clinical Lead for ECS explained the role of the Enhanced Care Support Worker. She spoke about how it has improved care for our patients along with the importance of completing regular risk assessments and how collecting information through behaviour observation charts helps in providing this service.
Karen, Lead Nurse for Dementia, give some top tips on looking after patients living with dementia and how our facial expressions and mood impact patients and the positive difference a smile can make.
The moving and handling team held an interactive session on how to retrieve a patient from the floor after a fall, using specialist equipment.
Happy retirement to Richard
Richard Stephens, Service Improvement Business Partner, has worked for the Trust for 14 years, following a very successful military career.
He retired on 20 May, to spend time travelling with wife Jane in their motorhome.
He has been a valued member of the Improvement Hub Team in the years he has worked here and will be sorely missed.
CYPU certificate of recognition
Emergency Department Children’s and Young Persons Unit at PRH has received a Certificate in Recognition for support given to preceptees to ensure completion of the SaTH Preceptorship Programme.
Zara Stubbs, Paediatric Lead Nurse for ED, said: “I am very proud of my team, the care, dedication, enthusiasm and compassion they show for their new starters and students is outstanding.”
Pictured: Sr Jacqui Shuker, SSR Zara Stubbs, Sr Meg Holden and Jeena from SaTH Education.
Mayor’s Award for Finley-Jay
Finley-Jay Stubbs was presented with a Mayor’s Award in the Community category at a recent award ceremony.
The eight-year-old makes special trips to RSH to hand out goody bags to ambulance crews in ‘hits’ – random acts of kindness.
Need some assistance with the Windows 11 upgrade?
Not sure about upgrading your device to Windows 11? Don’t stress, just drop by to one of our Windows 11 drop-in sessions and the Digital Services Team will handle the upgrade for you.
This may mean you are without your device for up to three hours, however, you are able to use the library devices whilst at the hospital sites. After the session you’ll walk away with a fully updated device and peace of mind. Book your session on the intranet
SERII (RSH)
• 27 May - 9am-12noon
• 17 June - 9am-12noon
• 09 July - 9am-12noon
• 22 July - 9am-12noon
No hassle or stress of completing the upgrade yourself - just pop in, plug in, and the Digital Services Team will do the rest.
Official opening of the OWEN room
Earlier this month we celebrated the official opening of the OWEN room in SECC.
The OWEN room has been provided for staff dealing with bereavement, to be able to have important conversations in a calm, inviting, comfortable and safe space.
It forms part of the OWEN model, which was created by Jules Lewis, Swan End of Life Care Facilitator, Lead Nurse and Lead for Staff Bereavement Support Service, and Jules Lock, Lead Swan End of Life Care Volunteer.
Jules Lewis said: “Staff often need time and space to have support following a personal bereavement or if affected by a colleague or patient death.
“To our knowledge this is the first Staff Bereavement Support room; we know it’s the first ever OWEN Room. The room is making such a difference to our staff at SaTH.”
The room is in memory of Joan Owen and was opened by Joan’s husband, John, his daughter Linsay and grandson Oliver. The opening of the OWEN room was made possible by donations o SaTH Charity.
SaTH Charity football tournament
On Sunday 1 June the third SaTH Charity football tournament will be held at the Shrewsbury Sports village from 10am to 4pm.
This year we have 16 teams taking place and around 160 people taking part, please come along and support your colleagues. The money raised from the event will be going to the Dementia Appeal and the Neonatal Unit. Last year the event raised nearly £5,000.
We have teams taking part from all around the Trust including a team made up of Keele Medics and two teams from the West Midlands Ambulance Service. Here is a little bit about the teams taking part:
Keele University: Matthew Hough, Team Captain, said: “We are a mix of medical students and FY1 doctors from Keele University currently on placement in SaTH this year. We do a regular 5-a-side kick about at the Croud Meadow pitches every Wednesday night.”
Still Haven’t Jota Clue: Gemma Lewis, Captain, said: “The girls are at it again. Last year we raised an incredible £1191 and we would love to top that this year. We have added a few new additions to the team who will be a great asset and will help us in getting further than last year. Wish us luck!”
Fantasy First Responders and Vital Signs Vigilantes: For the first time ever, we have West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) have two teams playing in the tournament. The teams are called Fantasy First Responders and Vital Signs Vigilantes.
Jonny Roberts, Team Captain, said: “All of us at Shrewsbury Ambulance hub are very excited to be taking part in the SaTH charity football tournament this year. It’ll be the first year we’re competing in this competition and we’re looking forward to seeing all of our colleagues from the hospital in a different environment to what we normally see them in. We’re also very happy to be raising money for such a worthy cause, the charity provides such a brilliant service so whatever we can contribute we’re delighted to donate. See you all on the pitch!”
SaTHLetico Madrid (Surgical Dept.): SATHletico Madrid is a team made of friends and colleagues
who work mainly within the surgical department at SATH. They welcome any member of staff to come and play with them and regularly take on new members due to doctor’s rotations and to allow for shift patterns. They have been lucky enough to play every Wednesday evening since starting the team and have yet to cancel a match.
SaTHampton FC: On 1 June 2025, after months of unforgiving training and iron-willed preparation, the titans of healthcare will clash again in their efforts to raise funds for the SaTH Charity during the annual football tournament. The new club on the block gathers ICU Nurses and Doctors, Porters and Physios, to challenge their opponents to the title. Jakub Ekert, Team Captain, said: “I would to like to wish everyone a fantastic day. Let’s have fun whilst raising money for a good cause.“
Radiotherapy Department: Nisham Chempayil, Team Captain of Radiotherapy Department, said: “As a Radiotherapy team, we’re used to working together under pressure on and off the field. Taking part in the SaTH Charity cup is not just about the game; it’s about showing unity, raising support for a great cause, and having fun while representing the care and dedication we bring to our patients every day.”
The teams taking part on the day (and their just giving pages) are:
Group A:
• Paris-cetamol St Germain
• Manilla United
• Fantasy First Responders
• Real Estates
Group B:
• Still no Jota Clue
• Vital Signs Vigilantes
• SaTHampton FC
• SaTHletico Madrid
Group C:
• Drongos United
• Jaw Patrol
• Step & Sheet
• Team ED
Group D:
• AMFC
• Barely Athletic
• Keele Medics FC
• Not So Athletico UTC FC S# a T
Highly commended award for Dr Herman
A huge congratulations to Dr Herman, Emergency Medicine Consultant, who has been Highly Commended in the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching by an Individual category at the 2025 Medical Educator Awards.
The commendation was a surprise to Dr Herman, who was nominated by the Trust’s Postgraduate Education Team.
Dr Herman said: “This recognition represents far more than a personal milestone. It stands as a testament to the profound power of education and the extraordinary efforts of the brilliant teams and individuals I have been fortunate to work alongside.
“For me, teaching is not merely about imparting knowledge. It is about lighting a spark - one that inspires others, ignites their natural curiosity, and empowers everyone to realise their fullest potential.”
Mo, Practice Education Facilitator is pictured on the left and Dr Herman, Emergency Medicine Consultant on the right.
Run for SaTH Charity at the Shrewsbury Half Marathon
Whether you’re a keen runner or someone who is new to running and would like some motivation to conquer a challenge – we have purchased two places for the 2025 Shrewsbury Half Marathon for staff.
The Shrewsbury Half Marathon taking place on 28 September. We have secured two places for the metric half marathon (8.1 miles).
Places are subsidised by the charity and we ask that you support SaTH Charity with your fundraising with a minimum of £100 raised. The charity will help you raise awareness of your run and suggest ways of making your fundraising successful.
To secure your place please email sath.charity@nhs. net by 1 June 2025.
Proud father completes the London Marathon for Neonatal Unit
Luke Butler successfully completed the London Marathon on 27 April in 3 hours 11 minutes and raised £3,161 for SaTH Charity. Luke wanted to give back to the Neonatal Unit where his daughter, Ella was cared for in 2022.
Ella was born at the Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham at 24 weeks and four days gestation, weighing 1lb 10oz. She spent 108 days at three different neonatal units, one of which was the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Ella is a happy and healthy three-year-old and celebrated her 3rd birthday in April. Ella and Luke came into the unit to present the cheque to the team who treated Ella during her 8 week stay in the unit, including Corrine Dacosta the Neonatal Ward Manager, Ashleigh Stevenson, Lead Clinical Practice Educator and Eilidh Greer, Practice Education Facilitator.
Corrine Dacosta, Neonatal Ward Manager, said: “We are grateful to Luke for taking on the London
Marathon to give back to the unit where his daughter was treated three years ago. We are always looking to improve the department for our parents and caregivers so this money will be used to improve the area patients use for expressing and preparing milk for their babies.”
Luke’s JustGiving page remains open so you can still donate.
Bumper gift of crayons for our youngest patients visiting our Emergency Department
The Children and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) in the Emergency Department at RSH recently received a bumper pack of crayons from their Amazon Wishlist.
The area has posters up in the unit advertising their Wishlist and this time a grateful parent purchased the team 144 crayons.
Emma Millington, Play Practitioner, said: “We are so grateful for every item we receive from our Wishlist; these crayons will be used daily by our young patients, providing a great distraction for them at a difficult time. Keeping our youngest patients calm is a top priority, and these will go a long way to help them.”
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “We are so grateful for the ongoing support that our patients and relatives show both CYPUs through their Amazon Wishlists.
The Amazon Wishlist is an easy way for patients and their relatives to send in a simple thank you and because the lists have been tailored by the department, they are always receiving exactly what they would like.”
Please see the links below if you would like to purchase an item from one of the Amazon Wishlists.
• RSH Wishlist
• PRH Wishlist
Colleague Notice Board
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Medical Device Training Team
Lead
Resuscitation Officer, Quality Manager and Bowel
Cancer Screening Programme Manager
Carmel Whiting
Previous Critical Care Nurse and PEF
The recently expanded Medical Device Training Team are introducing a new study day focusing on all infusion devices in one day. This will supersede the existing Infusion device training session or SSU updates.
The following devices will be part of the morning session:
• BBraun Infusomat (Volumetric pump)
• BBraun Perfusor (Syringe pump)
• T34 (End of Life/Palliative care pump)
• Abbott FreeGo Enteral feed pump
The afternoon session will focus on:
• BBraun PCA pump
• Epidural pump
The new training programme will commence W/C 19th May. Managers and/or staff can book via LMS on the morning or afternoon session, or if required, both. All infusion devices are high risk equipment and therefore require 2-yearly face to face training. Train the Trainers, (TTT) and PEFs can continue disseminating training and send attendance records to LMS/Medical Device Training Team There will be specific training sessions for PEFs/TTT only. We hope this will make attending training easier for Managers and staff as all infusion devices can be updated in one day If you require any assistance with Medical Device Training, please contact the Medical Device Training Team sath.medicaldevicetraining@nhs.net, Ext 3224.
Morning session: 09:30 – 13:00
Afternoon session: 14:00 – 16:00
STAFF LOTTERY
This
month’s winners...
1st £600
Linu Thomas, Ward 5 2nd £300
Elaine Powell, People Systems Team 2nd £300
Karen Plume, Therapy Services 3rd £150
Rachel Byrne, Cancer Services 3rd £150
Jane Bason, Diabetes & Endocrinology 4th £100
Stacey Reah, Radiology 4th £100
Thomas Bishton, Ward 6/CCU 5th £75
Srini Gopalakrishnan, Corporate Nursing 5th £75
Katie Bennett, Chemo Day Centre 6th £50
Philippa Downes, Orthoptics 6th £50
Charlotte Goddard, Cancer Services 6th £50
Annmarie Griffiths, Dementia Team 6th £50
Philip Probert, Estates
JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
13 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
I have just returned home after spending a week in the care of the staff of the NHS in Shropshire and I wanted to give feedback. I am still reeling from the experience, which was a positive one. I was treated with unparalleled respect and care throughout by every level, whether doctors or nurses or otherwise, regardless of their cultural origin or age. It was a tremendous experience which fully compounded the successful outcomes of the surgery in every way.
They were always an inspiration and an example to all of us of how all humans should treat one another. I am so grateful to all of them especially bearing in mind the pressure they were under within a practice so tested by the demands at the present time. I am so happy with the outcome of the NHS’s extensive attention to my needs. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My heart goes out to you and everything you have done for me. You are an inspiration and an amazing example to the whole of the culture in these hard times.