Friday 18 July 2025
CHATTER BOX
Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events
DFN graduation celebrations
Congratulations to the DFN Project Search interns who recently graduated in a ceremony at the historic Shrewsbury Abbey.
During their rotations, the DFN project interns have gained real world work experience, developing their employment skills and building upon their confidence. The project encourages the growth of life skills and independence.
The project is underpinned by collaboration –between interns, mentors, work coaches and the departments within which they work. The project
focuses on social inclusion and strengthens our communities
Thank you to all the teams who have hosted interns over the past year. This has opened doors for the interns, it doesn’t just offer work experience but futures.
Thank you to the interns who have shown resilience, curiosity and professionalism at every step.
We wish you all the success in your futures.
Trust Celebratory Awards 2025 are open for nominations!
We are delighted that the Trust Celebratory Awards 2025 are open for nominations.
This year we are incredibly lucky to have some of our absolutely brilliant partners sponsoring the awards. You can read about them and their support on our awards website
The Trust Celebratory Awards reflect the huge diversity of what our colleagues do, day in and day out, to support and care for our local communities. This is your opportunity to nominate and celebrate the outstanding dedication and commitment of colleagues and teams.
This year the awards ceremony will be held at The
Happy Birthday NHS
Mercure Telford Centre Hotel on Friday 17 October 2025.
The closing date for nominations is Friday 1 August. To see all the categories and details on how to nominate, please visit the awards website
To watch an overview of last year’s awards ceremony, you can watch this short video on YouTube
Thank you to the People and OD Team for sharing these photos taken on Friday 4 July at the front reception desk at PRH.
NHS Birthday cards and posters were from the very creative children at Kids Planet Apley. Many of the children’s parents and grandparents are staff at PRH.
We have been given national approval to offer colleagues the opportunity to be part of a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS).
The scheme runs from Tuesday 8 July and closes to applications at 10am on Monday 4 August, so there is a very short window for applications.
We are only able to offer MARS to eligible colleagues who are not directly providing patient care. We need to let all eligible colleagues know about MARS, and so please can all managers reach out to members of their teams who are on
It’s OK to Ask
any form of leave including, sick leave, maternity/ paternity leave, sabbatical, secondment and unpaid leave.
All of the information you need, including the application form, FAQs, and timeline can be found on the intranet page
For further guidance, please contact the People Advisory Team on sath.hradvice@nhs.net or call ext: 2891.
We are here to support you, and we will work through these changes together.
At SaTH it is important to us that our patients and the people important to them feel empowered to ask questions about their healthcare.
‘It’s OK to Ask’ is our new campaign to help build a culture where people feel safe, supported and listened to.
We want patients to know that asking questions is always welcome and can help them feel more confident and involved in their care.
The campaign and the materials were produced with our patient partners who developed four questions to prompt patients when discussing their care:
• Why am I here?
• What are my options?
• What happens next?
• What else am I worrying about?
The Patient Experience Team will be visiting your area soon to distribute leaflets, posters and to provide further information.
Wellbeing Week
During World Wellbeing Week in June, the Health and Wellbeing Team held an array of sessions including Chair Yoga on MS Teams delivered by Dr Cat O’Callaghan, Health MOTs at several locations and wellbeing roadshows at RSH and PRH.
All events were attended by almost 350 colleagues across the week and there were two lucky winners of hampers donated by Tesco, Sam Funge and Victoria Melvin.
Information and advice was received from internal
and external support including Fast Track Physio, Shropshire Carers, SaTH Charity, Unions, Telford and Wrekin Healthy Lifestyle Team, EDI and Staff Networks, SaTH Libraries, Alcohol Liaison Team, HR, Pensions, HSBC, Affinity and many more.
For information on the Health and Wellbeing offer please see our HWB pages here or contact Janine Laming, Health and Wellbeing Lead, at sath. ahealthieryou@nhs.net or Janine.laming@nhs. net
Alcohol Awareness Week
Monday 7 July marked the start of Alcohol Awareness Week.
Members of the Drug Alcohol Liaison Team (formally known as the Alcohol Liaison Team) hosted awareness stands to highlight their services, and how and where to seek help.
More information can be found on their intranet page. The website alcoholchange.org.uk has plenty of information and fact sheets to help with understanding your own relationship with alcohol.
South Asian Heritage Month
From Friday 18 July until Sunday 17 August, we will be recognising South Asian Heritage Month.
People of South Asian heritage are a significant part of the British population, with about one in every 20 people in the country being of South Asian heritage. The countries that are included in this celebratory month are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The theme for 2025 is “Roots to Routes”.
The website www.southasianheritage.org.uk highlights a number of themes that resonate with the South Asian community and embody the spirit of the “Roots to Routes” message.
• What are the roots that shaped you?
• What routes have you taken or are still taking?
Here at SaTH we are marking the month with a cooking competition to celebrate the diverse cultures that our staff represent.
These will take place on the below dates: Thursday 24 July 2pm-4pm in the Conservatory at PRH and Monday 28 July 2pm-4pm in Mytton restaurant at RSH.
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of each event with your goods plated up and ready to be tasted.
• Please do not reheat any food items – all items must be served chilled.
• Upon arrival, fill in a name card and remember to include your email address and ward or department. Please have a portion ready for the judges.
• Your head judge is Jo Williams, Chief Executive.
• Please be mindful that your food needs to be refrigerated on the day up until competition time and please ensure that you have the facilities to keep it chilled at 4�C or below.
• Items are not to be distributed to patients or the public.
• Please familiarise yourself with the rules and code of practice, which can be found on the intranet
• Please also complete an allergen sheet
• DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CORRIANDER IN ANY DISHES DUE TO ALLERGIES.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Join the REIN Whatsapp group
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance engagement and connectivity within the Race, Equality and Inclusion Network (REIN), an informal WhatsApp group has been created for REIN members.
The aim of the group is to:
• Foster a stronger sense of community
• Share REIN and EDI-related news, events, and opportunities
• Encourage discussions and collaboration across departments
If you would like to join this group - the WhatsApp link is available for any interested person through sath.edi@nhs.net, sath.reistaffnetwork@nhs.net or any of the REIN co-chairs.
Severn Hospice Dragon Boat Festival 2025
This weekend, the Women and Children’s Division is taking part in the annual Severn Hospice Dragon Boat Festival.
The team will be amongst thousands of people taking to the banks of the River Severn in 40ft dragon boats to race head to head as they row to be crowned Dragon Boat Festival champions 2025.
Severn Hospice provides specialist care and emotional support for families in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales living with an incurable illness.
Donna Moxon, Centre Manager for Gynaecology,
Paediatrics and Fertility, said: “We’ve pulled together a true dream team with champions from every corner of the division - Maternity, Gynaecology, Neonates, Paediatrics, and of course, our Operational and Governance Team.
Though let’s be honest, the operational crew might want to bring a snorkel as we fully expect the clinical teams to accidentally ensure they end up wetter than the river itself! All for a fantastic cause, come and cheer us on - or just come for the inevitable splash zone!”
If you’d like to support the team, you can donate to their JustGiving page here.
SaTH Peer Listening Service
The Staff Psychology Service has now launched SaTH Peer Listening, a peer-support system created in the spirit of the Trust’s previous initiatives (P2P Listening and Mental Health First Aiders).
Peer-Listeners will offer support to colleagues in their areas by giving a listening ear, helping to talk through what’s going on for them and if necessary, exploring signposting routes for further support.
All Listeners will be trained in Mental Health First Aid and will be offered a package of support in the role, including access to monthly reflective practice sessions and ad hoc supervision support.
If you are interested in joining the SaTH Peer listening services, please email sath.staffpsychology@nhs.net
Peer-Listening Service
Need someone to talk to?
Your area has trained SaTH PeerListeners ready to offer a confidential listening ear, no matter what is going on for you at the moment SaTH Peer-Listeners can share information and explore options for further support
British Menopause Society Conference Prize
On Friday 27 June, Dr Karola Meunier, a SaTH foundation year 1 doctor and Keele medical school graduate, won a national prize at the British Menopause Society conference.
This was for an oral presentation on a project looking at how to improve education and guidance around pre-operative HRT.
The aim is to now improve national NICE guidance, which does not specify the different types of HRT and has led to patients unnecessarily being told to stop their transdermal HRT before they have an operation.
She did this during her placement in the Gynaecology department alongside Dr Sabitra Gurung, Dr Jessie Johnson and SaTH Consultant Dr Jo Ritchie.
Well done to Dr Meunier.
Love from, George and Ada’s Foundation Cupcake Day
Last month, Love from, George and Ada’s Foundation have donated their 100th Wellbeing Box to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
This means that over 100 families have heartbreakingly suffered the loss of their baby since the foundation started in November 2022.
To honour the incredible support given to George and Ada’s families and others, they wanted to offer a small gesture of thanks to the midwives at the hospital - 100 cupcakes, lovingly homemade by a very special mum who has used their boxes and comes to the support group.
A sad milestone to reach, but the families are thankful that they can continue supplying the boxes and run a support group as they understand how much it helps.
REIN Network walkaround
The Race, Equality and Inclusion (REIN)
EDI network visited colleagues at PRH on Tuesday 24 June to promote the work they are doing across the Trust and to boost their membership.
They also gave out snacks and drinks, kindly donated by SaTH Charity.
The staff networks engage with our staff to help us drive diversity and inclusion within SaTH
and, in line with our new People Strategy. We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation and ensuring that we harness the talents of all our staff fully. These networks will help create a sense of belonging for all staff and an inclusive and safe work environment.
You can find out more about the EDI Networks on the intranet.
Jackfield Brass Band concert
Join SaTH Charity on Saturday 15 November for an unforgettable evening of music and giving back.
Featuring performances by the Jackfield Brass Band and the Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby Jazz Band, raising vital funds for Children’s Services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.
Enjoy a night of fantastic live music, take part in our charity raffle and support a cause that helps local children and families.
• Location: Haberdashers’ Abraham Derby, Ironbridge Rd, Telford TF7 5HX
• Date and Time: 7pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 15 November 2025
• Price: £12 per ticket - link to tickets here
Bring your friends and family and help make a difference - every note played supports better care for our children.
UK Imaging and Oncology Conference success
In June, Heather and Becky from the non-medical education team were invited to speak at the UK Imaging and Oncology Conference at the ACC Liverpool to present to student radiographers on preceptorship.
They were invited to speak by Sam Pilkington, one of our newly qualified diagnostic radiographers based at RSH, who is currently on the SaTH Preceptorship Programme herself. Alongside her clinical role, Sam is a part-time research assistant working remotely for UWE, Bristol, primarily on a project to support autistic and neurodivergent radiography professionals in clinical and academic workplaces around the UK.
Sam developed the student sessions for the UKIO conference which included topics on enhanced/advanced and consultant practice and career progression, recruitment and preceptorship. Sam also showcased a novel, “game show” style session featuring tasks and games on some topics that students reported finding challenging this year, such as X-ray physics, research and clinical communication.
Alongisde the student sessions, Sam undertook data collection for her autism and neurodivergence project in the Research Hub and elsewhere had two projects accepted for presentation as e-abstracts. One of those e-abstracts was awarded top 10 of all project submissions for UKIO 2025 and was invited for verbal presentation, which took place during the Tuesday afternoon sessions. Well done Sam!
New acorn badges for the Preceptorship Team
The preceptorship team has introduced a new acorn badge for all newly registered practitioners to wear for the duration of their preceptorship period.
The badge is to help other members of staff recognise those that are newly registered who may feel vulnerable because of their limited experience and may need some extra help, support and guidance.
The badges were initially introduced by the midwifery team and received great feedback from preceptees and their teams. We hope the initiative will help all newly registered staff trustwide to feel welcomed and looked after by their SaTH family.
Swan Fund celebrates its 10th birthday
SaTH Charity’s Swan Fund celebrates a milestone birthday, turning 10 years old.
Thanks to the generosity of the public the fund has now raised over £100,000 since it was created in 2015 with a £500 donation collected at the funeral of Jules Lewis’ father, Harold, who died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH). The money raised is used to support last hours and days care for patients and their loved ones.
To celebrate, we invited the volunteers and knitters to a thank you café to thank them for their ongoing support.
Jules Lewis, End of Life Care Facilitator/Lead Nurse, said: “It is so lovely that we have turned the date of my lovely dad’s death into the Swan Fund Anniversary, a joyful and hopeful thank you café to celebrate the dedication of volunteers and knitters to our ‘one chance’ work - dad would have loved that. The day was such a heartwarming morning celebrating our volunteers and knitters.”
Jules had some thank yous to share:
“A big thank you to Linda Parker, Ward Clerk on Ward 32 and Swan EOLC Volunteer / Champion for her service over the years, especially during the pandemic, we wish you a very happy
retirement, we will miss you.”
“Thank you to Jules Lock our lead Swan EOLC Volunteer for making the Swan Fund 10th Birthday thank you café cake”.
“Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket for the event. The winner of first prize, the beautiful painting by Roy Lilley (Health Writer / Commentator & Artist), was Jackie Payne - well done Jackie”.
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “We are so grateful to the people who donate to the Swan Fund and our wonderful volunteers and the knitters who donated knitted kindness hearts.
We would also like to thank our staff for their commitment to provide the best possible care to their patients and their loved ones.
The Swan Fund is used to provide extras that are not provided within the national contract like skylights in the Swan Rooms, reclining chairs for relatives to sleep on, mood lights, they also provide Swan folders and Swan bereavement bags to loved ones that include vital information. Everyone involved is supporting those who are going through the hardest moment of their lives”.
The opening of the Library Wellbeing Zone at RSH
On Wednesday 25 June, during Wellbeing Week, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital celebrated the official opening of a very special new space - the Library Wellbeing Zone, designed especially for Trust staff and students.
Funded by SaTH Charity, this tranquil corner within the hospital library offers a much-needed area of calm amidst the busy hospital environment.
The Wellbeing Zone was created with the aim of providing staff and students with a dedicated space for relaxation and stress relief during their hectic days.
Jennifer Fry, Senior Library Assistant, who made the application for the funding said: “Already stocked with an inviting collection of books, the zone now includes activities such as Lego and jigsaw puzzles, the area invites visitors to take a mindful pause.”
With plans to add even more items catering to a variety of sensory needs, the Wellbeing Zone promises something for everyone - whether they want to unwind through reading, creative play, or simply a quiet moment.
Located in the main area of the library, the team requested two calming lamps to brighten the space and make it more welcoming and soothing. Soon,
a new door system with a keypad code will be installed, allowing 24/7 access exclusively for Trust staff and students, ensuring that this zone is always available when needed most.
Nicola Brockley from SaTH Charity, Janine Laming, Health and Wellbeing Lead, Adebolu Oni, Equality and Diversity Practitioner, Kate King, People Promise Manager, and Gavin Moore, Library Services Manager officially ‘pulled the ribbons’ opening the Wellbeing Zone. Their presence underscored the importance of everyone’s part in supporting mental wellbeing alongside physical health in the hospital community.
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “The Wellbeing Zone is a wonderful addition that will truly support the wellbeing of our staff. It’s vital that everyone has access to a quiet, comforting place where they can recharge, even for just a few moments. We are so grateful to the library team for championing this initiative and creating such a welcoming environment. Thanks to SaTH Charity and the Small Things Fund, we can continue to invest in projects like this that make a real difference to our staff’s day-to-day lives.”
As the space continues to grow and evolve, it will remain an area of calm, reminding all who enter that their wellbeing matters.
Disability Pride Month
Thank you to the RSH Library for sharing this image of their Disability Pride Month display with us.
SaTH Charity thank you daisies are back
In honour of the NHS birthday on Saturday 5 July, SaTH Charity spread some serious sunshine with their annual Thank You nominations.
This year, an amazing 270 people received these special daisies at both PRH and RSH - each one came with a card revealing their nomination and who put them forward.
Colleagues have been buzzing with excitement,
reading their cards and discovering who has taken the time to appreciate them.
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, personally signed every card and said: “Congratulations to all the SaTH Charity Daisy recipients. Your nominations were so well deserved. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague. These daisies are a beautiful way to say thank you for all the dedication and care you show every day.”
Colleague Notice Board
Nursing, AHP and Midwifery Conference
NEW LINK to step by step guides now available at www.library.sath.nhs.uk/ebooksforpatients
for use on wards and in waiting areas.
For more information, updated posters or multiple copies of leaflets
contact Sarah Rochelle at Telford Health Library ext 4440 sarah.rochelle@nhs.net
For more information please contact: sally.childs5@nhs.net
Leaflet compiled by Shrewsbury and Telford Health Libraries
The library service has created a reading list of books about disability and neurodiversity for Disability Pride Month.
All of the books on the list are available to borrow Visit our website www.library.sath.nhs.uk for more information about joining the library.
Scan the QR code to find the full reading list on our library catalogue.
IMPORTANT
LIBRARY INFORMATION
As from 7th July 2025 Due to available staffing Telford Health Library will be reducing the staffed hours to: 08:30 16:30 Monday to Friday
Out of hours access is still available to eligible members Please ask library staff for further information Or call ext: 4440
If you need to speak to a member of library staff after 16.30 Mon Fri, Shrewsbury Health Library will remain staffed until 17.00 Contact Shrewsbury Health Library on ext: 2512
We apologise for any inconvenience and will regularly be reviewing our opening hours
STAFF LOTTERY
This month’s winners...
1st £600
Lindsay Barker, PALS & Bereavement
2nd £300
Charlotte Harris, Ophthamology 2nd £300
Charlotte Goddard, Cancer Services 3rd £150
Donna Berry, Therapies 3rd £150
Andrea Hughes 4th £100
Imogen Brown, Pharmacy 4th £100
Kelsey Williams, Clinical Placement Team 5th £75
Kai Farmer, Communications 5th £75
Nicole Cowlishaw, Medical Secretary 6th £50
Sherrie Nuarin, Children’s Outpatients 6th £50
Lyn De Leon, A&E PRH 6th £50
Rachel Cornes, ED RSH 6th £50
Caroline Cross, Communications
JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
Payment will be deducted from your salary; winnings are paid into your salary the following month. Tickets only £1 13 CASH PRIZES EVERY 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
Thank you
I would like to express my thanks to all the staff in the breast cancer department. My 81-year-old mum was diagnosed with breast cancer about 10 weeks ago, which was quite as shock as you can imagine.
We cannot fault the speed and care of all the staff at SaTH who have been involved. They have been incredible with their time and care from diagnosis to operation. They listened patiently to all the family concerns and no question was left unanswered (and we threw quite a lot of questions at them). Nothing was too much trouble. Thankfully they managed to remove all the cancer and now she just needs a short course of radiotherapy.
Please pass our very grateful thanks to the teams involved, without them we really don’t know where she would be right now.
