Chatterbox - 251121

CHATTER BOX Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events Friday 21 November 2025

Remembrance Day services On Tuesday 11 November, Remembrance Day, we reflected and paid tribute to the Armed Forces personnel who have made, and continue to make, such remarkable sacrifices for our country.

Thank you to all colleagues and patients who joined us in Captain Tom’s Gardens and took the time to mark this event.

As a Trust, we support our Armed Forces personnel through being Veteran aware, signing the Armed Forces Covenant and creating Armed Forces Champions.

Parking update Big news: PRH Park & Ride gets an upgrade From 1 December 2025, our PRH Park and Ride service is changing for the better. We’re moving to bigger buses and longer operating hours to make your journey easier and more flexible.

Goodbye minibus, hello Arriva The current minibus service from Bucks Head AFC Telford United Football Club will finish on 28 November. A big thank you to the wonderful drivers that have driven so many of our colleagues and always been so friendly and helpful.

From 1 December, you can travel on the Arriva No. 4 bus service free of charge.

Parking stays at Bucks Head AFC Telford United Football Club (Haybridge Road, TF1 2NW). Just walk to the bus stop on Watling Street outside the Whitehouse Hotel.

Longer hours, more choice The first bus leaves the Whitehouse Hotel at 6.39am. The last bus departs PRH at 9.31pm.

Services run throughout the day, so you’ve got plenty of options. Check the full timetable for details.

How to ride for free Getting your free ticket is simple: 1. Email sath.prhparkandride@nhs.net for a promo code.

2. Download the Arriva UK Bus App. 3. Register and enter your promo code at checkout.

4.Select: Region: Midlands Zone: PRH Staff Ticket: PRH 4-Weekly Park & Ride 5.Activate your ticket before first use and show the QR code when boarding.

Each ticket lasts four weeks. You can request your new promo code before it expires.

Don’t forget to register your car You still need to register your car to park at Bucks Head AFC. You will only need to do this once.

Email sath.prhparkandride@nhs.net with: Your name NHS email address Car registration (with correct spacing: XXXX XXX) Wait for confirmation before using the service.

Why this matters We know parking can be tough, especially for early and late shifts. These changes mean more seats, longer hours, and a smoother journey for everyone. Please help us keep spaces free for colleagues who need them most.

Contact us For issues involving car parking at any of our hospital sites you can email sth-tr.carparking@nhs.net.

Please note we cannot help with PCN appeals

PRH Park & Ride NEW Timetable

RSH Park & Ride Timetable

Black History Month recognises, rewards and celebrates the contribution made to our society over many years by the African and Caribbean communities.

To round off Black History Month, we had food

stalls at both PRH and RSH that were enjoyed by everyone.

We also had two lucky food hamper winners, Olumide Ayodele at RSH and Claire Hickman at Atcham Business Park. Well done both!

Be Switched On, Switch Off! Across the Trust we spend a huge amount on our energy bills for electricity, gas and water.

By all working together and making small easy changes we can all help to reduce these costs and put the savings towards other things to benefit our staff and patients, and reduce our carbon emissions.

As part of our work to support our newly refreshed Green Plan we are asking all SaTH colleagues to join us and Be Switched On - Switch Off! Members of the Sustainability Team will be visiting areas across the Trust during December to distribute energy saving posters and we would love to hear what you are doing to saving energy and your ideas/suggestions.

You can help us to save energy and money by taking a closer look at your work area.

• Turn lights off if they do not need to be on • Switch lights off at the end of the working day • Close all doors and windows to keep the heat in • Switch off air conditioning and heating units when you are not using the room and when you leave at the end of the day • Switch off any non-essential electrical equipment when it is not being used Did you know?

One computer monitor left active overnight wastes enough energy to print 500 pages.

Better Together On Wednesday 19 November, senior colleagues from SaTH and ShropCom came together to discuss the next steps in our plans to form a Group.

It was fantastic to see so many colleagues sharing ideas and contributing to a vibrant dialogue about how we can work better together. You can read more about our Group journey in November Cascade.

Christmas has arrived at SaTH! The festive season is here! We’re excited to kick off Christmas at SaTH with decorations, lights and plenty of cheer across our hospitals.

This is a time to celebrate together, spread kindness and bring a little sparkle to our wards and workplaces. There are plenty activities taking place, such as the SaTH Christmas star baking competitions, Christmas decoration competitions and much more.

Keep checking the intranet for more updates and details.

SATH CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

DFN Project Search Mentor of the Month Congratulations to Joe Warwick, Commercial Catering Manager who has been awarded Mentor of the Month by the Shrewsbury College and DFN Project Search tutors.

Joe Warwick from the Catering Department has been an exceptional manager to our current students (Bruno and Aaron) but also to the previous students. Joe has made reasonable adjustments for them and generally been incredibly supportive.

We also recognise how fantastic the catering department have been as a whole. The staff work closely with our students, provide them with a uniform/PPE and do everything they can to make them feel part of the team.

Well done Joe!

Be fab, get the jab We have completed seven full weeks of flu vaccinations and we are delighted to say that over 42% of SaTH colleagues have now had their flu jab. That’s an 8% jump in two weeks!

Thank you to everyone who has already had their jab!

The Administrative and Clerical teams are still in the lead with 49.1% now vaccinated. The AHP’s are in second place with 44% and Medical and Dental teams are close with 43% of their department vaccinated. A shout out to the Nursing and Midwifery teams and Estates who are also in the 40% club.

Flu cases are on the rise – this is an unusually early start to the flu season so it is more important than ever to get your flu jab! Protect yourselves, your colleagues, friends and family and most importantly please protect vulnerable patients.

Visit the intranet to see the latest flu clinics.

Occupational Therapist Week Earlier this month, we celebrated our wonderful Occupational Therapists during Occupational Therapist week.

Please click on the photos to read their case studies.

The website internationalmensday.com has interesting and helpful blogs.

On Wednesday 19 November, International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities.

Here at SaTH there is support available to men: •

It is a day to highlight the positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for 2025 is “Celebrating Men and Boys”.

The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges men face, including stigma around mental health and the importance of creating supportive environments. It encourages open conversations and reminds us that equality benefits everyone.

Take a moment to appreciate the men in your life – colleagues, friends, family – and recognise the value they bring. Even a simple thank you can make a big difference.

• • • • • •

Employee Assistance Programme Optimise for all colleagues - search for the specific subject you’d like information on in the search box and see what is available to you, some subjects include suicide, cancer, exercise, mental health, nutrition, sleep, smoking and more.

HELP – 24/7 support phone number from Occupational Health for all colleagues with varying options depending on your needs.

Occupational Health for managers and selfreferral.

PNA/PMA Support for nursing and midwifery colleagues.

If you are registered to a Union, they may offer direct support, such as Unison or NMC. Chaplaincy Support for all.

Our HWB brochure, with details of local men’s groups in Shropshire.

Movember Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

It is more than just moustaches. Every November, people across the world take part in Movember.

Movember began in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when two friends challenged 30 mates to grow moustaches to raise awareness for prostate cancer.

Since then, it’s grown into a global movement with over 6 million participants and more than 1,300 funded health projects worldwide.

Men are, on average, dying nearly five years earlier than women - often from preventable causes.

Movember encourages men to talk more openly, check in with their health, and seek support when they need it.

David and Danny who are HCA’s on AMU are currently doing Movember and are raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. If you would like to donate to their JustGiving page, click here. Well done both!

MEC Recognition Week A week of appreciation, great conversations and well-earned celebrations.

MEC Recognition Week provided a brilliant opportunity to get out and about, spend time with teams and shine a light on the fantastic work happening across Medicine and Emergency Care.

the positive difference the Zero Tolerance policy is already making in supporting a safer working environment. There was a real sense of shared purpose and pride across both sites.

It was a genuinely uplifting week - full of quick catch-ups in corridors, honest chats on the wards and plenty of moments where colleagues took the time to recognise each other’s hard work.

One of the standout moments was presenting our very first MEC Star Award to Alisha Morgan from the Renal Unit at Hollinswood House. Alisha was recognised for outstanding leadership, compassion, and her commitment to delivering exceptional care while supporting her team – a brilliant and very well-deserved achievement.

Teams spoke proudly about the improvements they’ve been part of, how the Behaviour Framework is helping to set clear expectations, and

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, shared your experiences and helped make the week so positive.

Our very first MEC Star Award presented to Alisha Morgan from the Renal Unit at Hollinswood House.

Disability History Month As we recognise UK Disability History Month (14 November – 14 December), we reflect on the progress made towards disability inclusion and the work still to be done.

awareness, and influence positive change across the organisation.

We invite all staff whether you identify as disabled, have a long-term health condition, or are an ally to join our DAWN meetings This is a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and be part of our growing community. Your and contributions of disabled people both within voice and perspective matter, and together our Trust and across society. we can continue to build a more inclusive and understanding workplace.

At SaTH, we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, demonstrating our To join or find out more about DAWN please commitment to creating a workplace where contact sath.dawnstaffnetwork@nhs.net everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be or visit our page where you will find detail of supported to reach their full potential. our bi-monthly meetings. We look forward to welcoming you in the near future.

The DAWN (Disability Ability Wellness Network) plays a vital role in driving this vision forward.

The network provides a safe and supportive space for staff to share lived experiences, raise

World Radiography Day On Friday 7 November we celebrated the incredible Radiology and Imaging teams at SaTH - the experts who help diagnose, treat and care for our patients using cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.

From X-rays and CT scans to Ultrasound, Mammography, Fluoroscopy, and Interventional Radiology, their work is vital and often unseen. We also want to recognise our colleagues in Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and the Cath Lab - each playing a crucial role in patient journeys across our hospitals.

Thank you to every member of our Radiology and Imaging teams - your dedication makes a real difference every single day.

Leaton Forest Christmas tree offer for NHS Staff Leaton Forest Christmas Tree Barn in Shrewsbury is offering NHS staff a 10% discount on Christmas trees as a thank you. Simply ask and show your NHS staff card to claim the discount.

They are also running a Christmas craft fair this weekend, Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November at the Christmas Tree Barn. They have stalls from local vendors, delicious baked goods and Christmas music to enjoy. Admission is free and they are open from 9am-5pm.

You can also learn how to create your very own festive wreath using a variety of freshly cut and locally grown foliage in a festive wreath workshop. For more information please contact them by email: trees@ leatonforest.co.uk

Last week, SaTH proudly joined communities across the UK in celebrating Inter Faith Week 2025, a national initiative dedicated to building bridges and celebrating the rich diversity of faith and belief.

With this year’s theme - “Community: Together We Serve. Serving others, sharing values, building belonging” - our Multi-Faith & Belief Staff Network hosted two uplifting events that brought colleagues together in meaningful ways.

A Warm Welcome at Telford Central Mosque – Wednesday 12 November On Wednesday, staff were graciously welcomed to Telford Central Mosque by SaTH Hospital Chaplains Suleman Bhamji and Ashia Miah. Over tea and light refreshments, colleagues explored the mosque’s beautiful space, learned about Islamic practices, and engaged in open, respectful dialogue. Many stayed to observe the early afternoon prayers, gaining insight into the spiritual rhythms of the community.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, curiosity, and mutual respect - a true celebration of connection in community.

Street Pastors at PRH – Thursday 13 November Thursday saw another inspiring moment as Revd Keith Osmund-Smith, SaTH Hospital Chaplain, welcomed Telford Street Pastors to Princess Royal Hospital. Outside the Main Entrance, staff and visitors met the volunteers who serve tirelessly in Telford’s nighttime economy - offering care, compassion, and practical support to those in need.

Their stories of quiet service and late-night presence were a powerful reminder of the unseen acts of kindness that help keep our communities safe and supported. Both events were warmly received and deeply appreciated by those who attended. They offered not just education, but connection, reminding us that across all beliefs and backgrounds, we share a common commitment to compassionate care, service, and belonging.

Members of SaTH’s Multi-Faith & Belief Staff Network were present at each event, and we’re excited to continue growing this inclusive space for dialogue and support. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

With thanks from your Co-Chairs, Srini Gopalakrishnan & Kevin Place

The Big Yellow Book Box A new mobile library initiative, The Big Yellow Book Box, was started by the stroke therapies team as a way to alleviate boredom and to provide cognitive stimulation to patients.

The team take their library around wards 15 and 16 on the stroke department twice a week and provide books, magazines and puzzles for patients to enjoy. They would like to expand the selection as the service relies solely on donations (which can be handed in to any of the therapies team on the ward) and Book Box was very kindly funded by SaTH Charity.

The scheme has been very successful so far and some comments include: • “Oh, I’ve been waiting for something like this, I’ve been so bored.”

• “The magazines and books provided are easy to look through, pick up and put down. You’re doing a brilliant job.”

• “It’s something to distract.”

• “I love it! It’s a lovely idea.”

Currently the team is focusing on providing this service to ward 15 and 16 although we think it would be a great idea for other wards to jump onboard and provide their own schemes.

New consultant/GP system welcome The new consultant/GP system welcome event brought newly appointed Integrated Care System (ICS), SaTH Consultant and GP colleagues together for an educational event held over the course of two days.

The event ran by the Medical Director Services Team continues to give colleagues educational and networking opportunities, enhancing the understanding of ICS and SaTH strategic directions which supports collaboration across healthcare boundaries.

The event was opened by our Chief Executive, Jo Williams, who welcomed delegates to the Trust and featured presentations from our system senior leaders Dr John Jones, Executive Medical Director, Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Medical Officer (ICS), Simon Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer (ICB) as well as discussions with key service leads.

There was an open discussion with Andrew Morgan, Chair in Common and Non-Executive Directors Prof. Heidi Fuller and Rosi Edwards which stimulated dialogue about how the Board

functions with Non-Executives and Executive Directors and the role of our consultant colleagues in leadership.

Session participants had an opportunity to hear firsthand from Katie Russell, founder of Poppy’s Promise and Patient Experience Advocate, which was described as poignant and a very impactful experience.

Overall feedback was positive and constructive.

Thank you to everyone who was involved and thank you to SaTH Charity for their support.

New catering provision at SECC We have partnered with The Real Catering Company, a professional and well-established Shrewsbury-based catering provider, to enhance catering services at the Shropshire Education and Conference Centre (SECC).

The Real Catering Company is providing high-quality food and beverage services for all room functions and events/meetings held at the SECC (RSH site).

How to Order: Please direct all current menu requests and catering orders to the SECC Reception team.

• Email: sath.seccreception@nhs.net • Phone: 01743 492500 (Ext. 2500)

Number Confidence Week Number Confidence Week is an annual UK campaign organised by the charity National Numeracy to help people feel more confident with numbers and improve their numeracy skills.

At SaTH we have two Numeracy Champions. Numeracy Champions support colleagues to feel better at maths and to improve confidence through removing barriers and anxieties about numbers and data. Click here to hear why numeracy is important to them.

Interested in a National Numeracy Challenge? Check your level, boost your confidence, build your number skills: www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/challenge/sthnt In partnership with Telford College there will be two maths taster courses taking place for colleagues at SaTH and ShropCom (free to attend). The taster sessions are aimed at individuals who haven’t got a maths qualification above a Level 2 already (i.e. a GCSE Level C/ Grad 4 or above). Click here for more information.

Sandy takes on the world championships Sandy Bebbington, Breast Theatre Team Leader at PRH, has qualified for the Deka Fit World Championships in Fort Lauderdale, USA, this December.

What started as a fun fitness challenge at a Deka Fit event in Derby in September turned into an incredible achievement when her time in the 55-59 age group earned her a place on the global stage.

The competition will see Sandy complete a tough series of challenges, including RAM reverse lunges, rowing, box jumps, med ball throws, ski erg, farmers carry, air bike, sled push/pull and burpees.

She said: “I’m on my way! A big thank you to my family, colleagues and managers for making this possible by swapping shifts and covering duties.”

Congratulations - we’re all cheering you on!

A melodious night for a cause This past weekend, the air was filled with the harmonious sounds of the Jackfield Brass Band and as they took the stage for the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity’s first concert in aid of the Children’s Hospital Services.

In collaboration with the talented Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby Jazz Band, the event was a resounding success, raising vital funds to create a calming sensory space and a sky garden for the children we care for.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this heartwarming event! Your generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Children in Need donation £121 was raised on Friday 14 November for Children in Need. Thank you to everyone at William Farr House who generously donated and to Marilyn Chitty, Clerical Officer in Booking and Scheduling, for organising.

Running for a cause Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity (SaTH Charity) are so grateful to Jane France for completing the Chester Triple, which consisted of completing a 10K in March, half marathon in May and a metric marathon in October.

Jane has raised £1,679 for Breast Cancer Services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) and decided to take on this exceptional challenge after visiting the department after discovering a lump.

Jane said: “I’ve chosen to raise money for SaTH Charity to show my grateful thanks to the department. In October I was referred there with a lump, and the outcome was thankfully nothing to worry about.

I was so grateful for the speed of appointments, and care of the department that I really felt like I wanted to show my thanks.

“I’d always put off/avoided the mammogram screening invite letters as I’m ashamed to say, I thought I would feel embarrassed having one, but NOW because I HAD to go there for a few things (including a mammogram) I now realise how silly I was. It was absolutely fine! So now when I receive my next screening invite letter - I will be there!”

Christmas stickers For the fifth consecutive year, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity is delighted to announce the availability of IPC-compliant Christmas stickers designed specifically for clinical areas.

These festive additions aim to bring joy and Christmas spirit to our healthcare environments.

How to Request Stickers If your area would like to receive these Christmas stickers, please complete this form. When filling out the form, you will have the option to select a small, medium, or large pack of stickers depending on the size of your area.

Please note: We are prioritising the distribution of stickers to clinical areas to ensure that our patients enjoy a festive atmosphere. There are a limited number of decorations available and once they are gone they are gone.

Once you have decorated your clinical area with these festive stickers, we would love to see how you have used them. Feel free to capture the holiday spirit by taking a picture of your decorated space and emailing it to us at: sath.charity@nhs.net.

We are excited to share this joyful tradition of celebration with you and look forward to seeing the cheer these stickers bring to your clinical areas.

Thank you to Oddballs Motorcycle Club We are grateful to the Oddballs Motorcycle Club for their generous donation of £1,500.

This contribution will make a significant difference in our efforts to support those impacted by dementia.

The club has raised money via football cards, raffles at a rally, bingo and the Christmas party.

Karen Breese, Dementia Care Clinical Specialist, shared her appreciation: “This generous donation from the Oddballs Motorcycle Club will help us provide resources that give comfort and distraction to people living with Dementia while they are in hospital. This donation will enable us to purchase more single use items like teddies, domino’s, playing cards, fidgets, puzzles for our activity boxes.”

Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “Thank you to everyone at Oddballs and their supporters, for your kindness and commitment to our cause. Your donation provides valuable support to our patients living with dementia and will bring comfort and calm to many.”

Jane Harrison, Oddballs Motorcycle Club Vice chair, said: “We always fundraise for three charities for a period of two years.

We try to ensure they are local charities supporting local people.

Support to our community is very important to us. We all need help and support at times when we least expect it and Dementia touches the lives of many.”

Colleague Notice Board

See It My Way PRE-REGISTRATION PEF TEAM

ROAD SHOW RSH/PRH AREA VISITS Week commencing Monday December 1st

Join us for an educational session.

Hear a patient story and take part in a reflective discussion

We endeavour to support you to provide high quality placement experience for your learners

September 2025 2pm

December 2025 2pm

March 2026 2pm

Support - Signposting - FAQ’s PA/PS quiz- Prizes to be won!

PRH - 9th RSH - 11th TEAMS - 10th

PRH - 9th RSH - 11th TEAMS - 12th

PRH - 10th RSH - 12th TEAMS - 13th

sath.pre-regnursing@nhs.net PRH 4455/5813 RSH 3212/3111

All sessions 2pm - 2.45pm Book a place via LMS For info call ext 5126 or e-mail sath.patientexperience@nhs.net

Colleague Notice Board

Supporting you to a smoke free site in 2026 What does this mean?

No one will be allowed to smoke on any SaTH premises.

What support is available for staff?

Confidential service tailored to individuals in onsite clinic at RSH. Free NRT for 4 weeks and 12 weeks behavioural support.

A selection of new arrivals now available at

Shrewsbury and Telford Health Libraries.

For more resources visit us online at: https://www.library.sath.nhs.uk

Every Wednesday SERII, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

2pm - 5pm (offsite appointments are available, out of these hours) How do I book an appointment?

01743 254237 or 07977381165 katie.laffey@nhs.net

A Massive

Thank to our HCSWs, You are all amazing! you!

They are very supportive and help support in carrying out therapeutic activities for patients. they are valuable part of the healthcare service.

- from a Physiotherapist

The ward could not run without our HCA’s. They are all team players and work very hard - Sister at PRH

Thank you for all your support! From Doctor at Ward 8

I wouldn’t have been the nurse I am without them.

They always pull together as a team - from a Housekeeper

Our support workers are vital to our role; without them, I do not think we can do our role properly

Integral members of the team; without whom it would all fall apart

Our patients get loving care off our healthcare staff and wouldn’t be the team we are without them.

Thanks to all HCAs! Their contribution & dedication is noted alongside all the care given to all the patients.

-from a Ward Manager

- from a Matron

- From a PEF -From Ward Clerk

Collect your

Christmas Card Making Kits

from 9am on Monday 1st December from either Shrewsbury or Telford Health Library – while stocks last!

The kits contain blank cards, gift tags and a selection of craft materials including buttons and ribbon

Provided with funds from the SaTH Charity Small Things Make a Big Difference fund.

They are brilliant and amazing! Couldn’t exist without them!

- from an RN

They are very helpful with helping us mobilise patients and ensure they are comfortable throughout the day.

-From a Physiotherapist

HCSWs mean a lot to everyone, they play an important role in the hospital. They are hard working, compassionate and caring!

Work offͲsite?

Email sath.shrewsbury.library@nhs.net on Monday 1st December and we will post a kit to your work address.

STAFF LOTTERY This month ’s winners...

JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN 13 CASH PRIZES EVERY MONTH!

1st £650 Tracie Pell, Radiology 2nd £325 Kerry Rushton, Women and Children’s 2nd £325 Katie Ward, Maternity 3rd £175 Lee Wyatt, Estates 3rd £175 Amy Harmsworth, Corporate Nursing 4th £125 Heidi van Duivenbooden Phlebotomy 4th £125 Lynne Jones 5th £75 Katie Ford, Pathology 5th £75 Becky Holland, Undergrad Med School 6th £60 Thomas Tanner, ED PRH 6th £60 Becky James, Quality Governance 6th £60 Kate Weston, Paediatric Haem/Oncology 6th £60 Rob George, IT Service Desk

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

Thank you

After a recent stay at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, I hope you can help me pass on my thanks and compliments to all the amazing staff who looked after me when I had an emergency appendectomy.

At the age of 34 this was my first hospital admission and I honestly had no idea what to expect, but I can only describe the care I was given as five star - I was blown away by how well everything worked and how brilliant every single member of staff was. Everyone I came into contact with was just outstanding and I cannot thank you all enough for looking after me pre and post surgery.