Ambitious Caring Together
Health Your
News from Rotherham’s hospital and community health services
August - October 2019 Isssue 2 September 2025
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and education programme for people living with a lung condition who experience symptoms of breathlessness. So far, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s pulmonary rehab programme has been delivered across eight weeks at BreathingSpace, a community site at Badsley Moor Lane. At BreathingSpace, the course is led by NHS colleagues including physiotherapists and health care support workers. Now, with funding support from the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and a partnership with Places Leisure, a maintenance programme has entered a pilot. The pilot offers patients the opportunity to continue exercising in an instructor lead programme, which will run for 12 weeks until October 2026. The new second phase emphasises patients being able to self-manage their condition in the community. It runs out of Places Leisure Maltby and Rotherham. After completing phase two, patients have a lifetime offer to become full time members of the gym at a 30% discounted rate.
Pulmonary Rehab phase two extends support for breathless patients
Melissa Peters (centre) with Stephen Gilboy and Hollie Webb
If the pilot is successful, the extended pulmonary rehab programme could be further rolled out to Places Leisure’s Rotherham site. Phase one of the programme is lead by Clinical Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist, Melissa Peters: “Phase two will be great for patients to continue improving their own health within a supportive environment. For them, this should hopefully lead to improvements in their quality of life including a better ability to manage everyday activities and potential reductions in chest infections.”
The pulmonary rehab programme supports patients being managed in the community by their GPs. It is also there for patients who need it to support their safe discharge back into the community after a stay in hospital.
Respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma have a higher prevalence in Rotherham than the national average. This gives programmes like pulmonary rehab increased importance and value to the town’s community.
Haematology service for the future page 6
Rotherham Show page 7
Inside this issue Latest stage of Rotherham Helping Rotherham’s smokers Hospital’s redevelopment page 3 page 4
JANUARY 2019 ISSUE 1 Page 1
A message from our Chair This week we hosted our annual members’ meeting; a public forum where we presented our annual report for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, our key successes and challenges, and our ambitions for the future. Occasions such as these enable us to step back from the dayto-day work and see the difference we have made to patients, the improvements that have been made and where we need to focus our efforts. In our last edition of Your Health, I reflected on the hard work and dedication of our colleagues showcased through recent award successes. I am pleased to see the award wins and successes for both individuals and teams have continued over the past few months. We have a lot to be proud of in Rotherham, and we are striving to be increasingly ambitious and to lead the way for the future.
As an integrated Trust, we are already responsible for acute (hospital) and community care across the borough. With the publication of the NHS’ 10-year plan, there is an increased focus on care closer to home and, where possible, taking services out of the hospital setting. We are in a privileged position in Rotherham as we have been building our services on these principles for many years. We can now continue to work with our partners to expand our community offering, bringing care closer to people’s homes. The 10-year plan also sets out the need for neighbourhood health services. I am pleased that out of 141 applications, Rotherham has been named as one of the 43 areas chosen to take part in the first wave of the national neighbourhood health implementation programme. I look forward to seeing plans come to fruition and the benefit this will have for the people of Rotherham.
Further to this, we have an ambition to gain ‘teaching’ status. We have a strong education, development and training offer for all healthcare professions, as well as supporting non-clinical colleagues too. We work closely with universities and colleges across the north of England and beyond, providing accredited training courses and placements for students and colleagues looking to develop their skills and knowledge. I am pleased our ambition recently gained the support of both the Board and Council of Governors, and over the next few months we will be carrying out engagement activities to gain further support from partners, education providers and members of the public. If successful in our bid, teaching status will formally recognise the high standard of education we provide, and will help us to attract and retain the workforce of the future. Dr Mike Richmond Chair
The 10 Year Health Plan will make the NHS fit for the future The Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England seizes the opportunities provided by new technologies, medicines, and innovations to deliver better care for all patients – wherever they live and whatever they earn. It is making three big shifts to how the NHS works:
• from hospital to community: more care will be available on people’s doorsteps and in their homes
• from analogue to digital:
• from sickness to prevention: we’ll reach patients earlier and make the healthy choice the easy choice
new technology will liberate staff from admin and allow people to manage their care as easily as they bank or shop online
A message from our Chief Executive Throughout the year, we have made improvements to our waiting times in the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC). In addition, building works in the former fracture clinic have now concluded, providing us with increased capacity for the UECC and a stronger offer for Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC). This will support us to keep our waiting times as low as possible during the winter, while helping ensure patients are seen at the right time by the right healthcare professional for their needs. The medical SDEC unit will also allow us to treat more patients without full admission to hospital.
With the days getting shorter and the signs of autumn setting in, we are ramping up our preparations for the winter period, which typically puts health services under additional pressure. Page 2
Despite the improvements we have made, we still need your help. There are steps you can take to avoid coming to the hospital, which in turn will help us treat those most in need. This can range from keeping your medicine cabinet stocked or visiting your local pharmacist for help and advice, to contacting your GP or using NHS111 online or by phone. You should only attend the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre in a life or limb threatening emergency, or if directed by a healthcare professional. You can also help yourself stay well by having your flu vaccine to help reduce the risk of serious illness. Check the NHS website or speak to your GP practice to see if you are eligible to receive the vaccine. Our colleagues continue to work incredibly hard for our patients all year round and I am really focussed on supporting them. Winter pressures do increase waiting times and the number of people accessing our services. We know this is not pleasant for those who are unwell or injured, and this can lead to frustration and anger. However, we do not tolerate violence, abuse or aggression, and we
are proud to work closely with South Yorkshire Police to help protect our colleagues, patients and visitors. Nobody should be at risk of any form of abuse while carrying out their job caring for others. We have continued to listen to your feedback to make improvements in other areas too. Feedback from surveys conducted on a regular basis by the Care Quality Commission has helped us build action plans to address any themes. Our teams are continuing to take steps to improve our inpatients’ experiences, ensuring patients are given the information they need about their care and treatment, they are kept up to date with plans for their discharge, and that they are able to sleep at night while in hospital. In our next edition of Your Health, we will provide you with more information about the actions we have been taking. Dr Richard Jenkins Chief Executive
Work on latest stage of Rotherham Hospital’s redevelopment begins
Building work has officially begun on the latest stage of an ambitious scheme to refurbish and redevelop a number of areas across Rotherham Hospital. This stage of the project will see the former Pre-operative Assessment Centre, beside the hospital’s main entrance, transformed into a brand new home for the Sexual Health service. The start of this work coincided with Sexual Health Week. This year’s theme is ‘chronically online’, focusing on the impact of social media, digital culture and online misinformation on sexual health and relationships. The team in Rotherham supported the week by promoting safe and informed online practices related to sex and health. They also promoted the importance of having regular sexual health screenings to help reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Dr Nadi Gupta, Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, said: “This is an exciting time for our service. We have been working closely with our Estates team and contractors to create a welcoming, modern environment for our
Pre-operative Assessment Centre
UECC
patients, while ensuring we maintain privacy and dignity at all times. The new location is right at the front of the hospital, making us easy to find. We’re really looking forward to moving in later in the year.”
place, by the right healthcare professional, at the right time.
The overall scheme of works, funded by £7million of government funding to increase urgent and emergency care capacity, began at the start of 2025. While the overall aim of the scheme has been to create an expanded Urgent and Emergency Care Centre with a dedicated Medical Same Day Emergency Care Unit, a series of other moves and developments were needed to create the space required. This has had a knock on effect with a number of services and departments benefiting from newly refurbished facilities.
Once the new Sexual Health Clinic opens later this year, work will begin on transforming the area it is currently in to create a brand new fracture clinic with dedicated X-ray facilities. Sally Kilgariff, Chief Operating Officer for The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our success in securing the funding to invest in
a number of our services was great news for Rotherham. We are dedicated to improving the care, treatment and experience of our patients and visitors. A modern environment to deliver the best healthcare is a key priority for the Trust. This scheme has enabled us to improve the environment in multiple locations and we look forward to welcoming patients as the developments progress.”
During the first phase, the Pre-operative Assessment Unit gained a new home in a fully refurbished building close to Day Surgery. This was followed in June with the opening of the dedicated Medical Same Day Emergency Care Unit and expanded facilities for the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre. This has increased the capacity of the UECC to enable patients to receive the right care, in the right Sexual Health Services under construction
“This is an exciting time for our service. We have been working closely with our Estates team and contractors to create a welcoming, modern environment...We’re really looking forward to moving in later in the year.” Dr Nadi Gupta Clinical Lead for Sexual Health
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Helping Rotherham’s smokers to kick the habit Stoptober is not too far away. Smoking remains a significant issue, costing the NHS £2.4 billion each year and leading to various cancers, including lung cancer. In England, a person is admitted to hospital due to smoking almost every minute. This highlights the urgent need for action, but it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to quit. The good news is, if you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. Stopping smoking not only improves your health, but it can also save you over £2,000 a year, which can be a huge help with the current financial pressures on household budgets. In Rotherham, every colleague working at the Trust knows the importance of prevention. Together, we aim to help you understand that a quitting attempt will be more successful with the right support.
Just ask one of our Tobacco Treatment Advisors, Sally Arundel, who has been with the team since its beginning. She draws from their own experience as a former smoker to offer support to patients. Sally said: “With more people coming into the hospital with smoking-related illnesses, our team helps by providing information about the tools available to help someone stop smoking.” Sally also noted that some people feel worried about stopping. She explained, “We know it’s hard. We’re here to help, not to judge. We take the time to understand the pressures people are under before giving information and advice.” A female patient, who successfully stopped smoking after intervention by the Tobacco Treatment Team, said: “When you’ve waited for a long time, like me, you start to think “what’s the point?”. But, when you realise there is support to help you realise it’s not as hard as you think it is.”
Another patient, who understood the importance of how their health can improve quicker than expected after stopping smoking, said: “Life’s important. There’s help to stop smoking. The time to quit is now. Please use the help available. Please use your head. It’s time to breathe.” If you are thinking about quitting this Stoptober, a variety of free products are available to help you quit. These include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), vapes, and Varenicline. You can find NHS support on the Better Health website or, if you are in the hospital, ask the Trust’s Healthy Hospitals Tobacco Treatment Team for help. Take the first step to better health this Stoptober and follow the team’s advice, support is always available you just need to ask for it!
How midwives are creating a new start for a healthier family For many, the journey to quit smoking feels impossible, but for one local mum, it was a decision that not only changed her life but also secured a healthier future for her children. With the support of our team of smoking cessation specialist midwives, she has remained 10 months smoke-free. The patient’s motivation was simple:
“I wanted to stop smoking to save money but also to benefit my children.”
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She knew she needed help and found it through our service where she was given leaflets and links to information available online, alongside nicotine replacement therapies. After being 10-months smoke free, the patient has seen incredible results: “I’m able to run around after my toddler a lot more and I’m able to walk further without having to stop and getting out of breath.” Ultimately, her success was for her family. Her words are a powerful reminder of a mother’s love and commitment: “I’m even proud of myself because I’m managed to do it for my
kids. They’re going to need me and I want to be around for them.” Smoking Cessation Specialist Midwife, Wendy Griffith, believes that quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health and the health of their family. If you are an expectant mum and need help with a quit smoking attempt, Wendy advises: “Our specialist midwives team is here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about the support available to you. You’re never alone and we will do what we can to help you on your journey.”
Community colleague turned patient praises hospital colleagues for exceptional cancer care Community Matron Barbara Kelly says care from haematology colleagues was “fantastic” during her cancer treatment.
throughout treatment as she regularly tackled park runs. Barbara set herself the aim of completing 50 before the end of 2024: “I was determined not to give in and let this awful disease beat me.
Barbara, who joined the Trust in 2004, was diagnosed with high grade 4 non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in February 2024. In December, Barbara was told she was cancer free.
“I love my job but I couldn’t work while having treatment. So what did I do? I got out my trainers and A community colleague, Barbara spent time decided to continue to do the in Rotherham Hospital during treatments. “I park runs. I sometimes walked, want to really thank Wards A6 and A7 for the and sometimes it felt like a crawl, care they gave me. but I was determined to complete “A6 were the first people that I met, the Haematology ward. When I first went up 50 park runs by the end of 2024 for my treatment in February it was quite – and I smashed it!” daunting, but everybody made it so nice. Because of the way they’d made me feel, I wasn’t as worried about going after that first time. “I then ended up on A7 as an inpatient. I had a couple of inpatient stays there for about four days at a time and they were all lovely as well. They’ve always been there to help me understand things and shown such compassion. “They’ve really been fantastic - I want to say a big thank you to them all.” Positive thinking Barbara amazed friends, family and colleagues with her resilience
Barbara continues to rack up the miles, having recently completed her 80th park run as she prepares to take on the Sheffield 10K. Chief Nurse Helen Dobson said: “Barbara’s resilience and positive attitude throughout her treatment is truly inspiring. “I’m pleased to hear how our haematology colleagues were able to put Barbara at ease during such a worrying time. “Their compassion is a fine example of the care we strive to provide for all patients.”
Barbara celebrates beating cancer by ringing the bell after completing her 50th ParkRun
Delivering a haematology service for the future Proposals are now underway for a combined haematology inpatient facility, located at Rotherham Hospital, in partnership with Barnsley Hospital. Haematology services currently provided by both Trusts include the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders such as leukaemia and lymphoma, inpatient care, chemotherapy and outpatient support. The launch of a haematology partnership programme was agreed between The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2023 to address current and future challenges in providing consistent, high quality and clinically sustainable haematology services across both communities.
The proposals are based on detailed data analysis. Views from patients and colleagues from both Trusts have been sought and heard, with patient engagement a key part of the planning process to gather feedback and shape the model of care. Consolidating services into a single unit at Rotherham Hospital aims to centralise specialist clinical expertise, improving care and treatment available to patients from both towns, while reducing reliance on agency staff and attracting permanent consultants to a more robust and future-proof service model. The new combined inpatient unit will provide care for both elective and emergency admissions for Rotherham and Barnsley haematology patients.
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Celebrating our award-nominated healthcare heroes Thanks to the dedication, teamwork and care shown every day, a number of our teams and colleagues have been shortlisted for several local and national awards. We’re proud to be finalists for several awards, with the HSJ Awards and Nursing Times Awards standing out as the flagship events in the healthcare calendar. In addition, we are recognised in other valued award programmes, including the HSJ Digital Awards, HSJ Patient Safety Awards, National BAME Health & Care Awards, and Nursing Times Workforce Awards, which further showcase our commitment to person-centred care.
Virtual Ward team
Nursing Times Awards These awards celebrate the best in nursing across the country. The Inpatient Pain Team is up for the Patient Safety Improvement award, the Virtual Ward team is shortlisted for Team of the Year, and the Paediatric Virtual Ward is shortlisted for both Technology and Data in Nursing and Nursing in the Community awards.
Here’s a closer look at the awards: HSJ Awards Now in its 45th year, the HSJ Awards are among the most prestigious in UK healthcare, celebrating projects and innovations that are shaping the future of the NHS. Our Paediatric Diabetes team is shortlisted in the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families category.
Pharmacy
HSJ Patient Safety Awards These awards recognise people and teams who go above and beyond for patient safety. The Safeguarding team is up for Best Use of Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety, the Community Ready Unit is shortlisted for Harnessing a Human Factors Approach to Improve Patient Safety, and the Virtual Team is up for Virtual or Remote Care Initiative of the Year. HSJ Digital Awards These awards highlight teams and organisations using technology to improve care. Our Pharmacy team was shortlisted for two of these important awards; Improving Medicines Management and Pharmacy through Digital and the Digital Clinical Safety Award.
Erica Worley
Safeguarding team
Nursing Times Workforce Awards These honours shine a spotlight on projects and people who make the NHS a great place to work. This year, we are is up for Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion, and Erica Worley, a Clinical Educator in our Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, is shortlisted for Practice Educator of the Year.
Community Ready team Page 6
Colleagues from The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust supported Rotherham Show recently, promoting health awareness as well as opportunities to get involved in local health services. The Trust’s information stand attracted large numbers of visitors, drawn in by handson demonstrations of CPR and visual aids showing how much fat is in some of our favourite foods. Also present was the Trust’s breast screening team, promoting the importance of regularly checking breasts for lumps, and attending NHS breast screening appointments when invited. Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives a year. It uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for early signs of cancers that are too small to see or feel, when they have the best chance of being successfully treated. The Education and Development team talked attendees through how to do CPR and discussed the wide range of career opportunities available in the NHS. Volunteering opportunities were also promoted. The Trust’s Children’s Public Health Nursing Service also had a presence at the show promoting the Children’s Health Service app, with teams highlighting the importance of
good oral health, weaning and introducing solid foods. The Infant Feeding Team promoted the benefits of breastfeeding and answered questions local people had, directed to local feeding support services and provided information on breast milk donation.
Supporting the local community at Rotherham Show
Bob Kirton, the Trust’s Managing Director and Executive lead for Rotherham Place, said: “Rotherham Show provides us with a fantastic opportunity to meet members of our community, discuss our services, promote healthy lifestyles and invite people to become more involved in their local health services, whether that be through careers, volunteering or becoming a Member or Governor of the Trust.
“We want to create a healthier future for Rotherham, and in line with the NHS’ 10-year plan, aim to educate people to live healthier lives, preventing many health conditions occurring.”
Bob Kirton with the Children’s Public Health Nursing Service
Rotherham Show is one example of how the Trust engages with members of the local community. If you’re interested in joining the Public Panel, contact rotherham.patientengagement@nhs.net.
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New Autumn Memory Walk offers families a special way to remember loved ones together Find out more and sign up on our website: https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity/ autumn-memory-walk or scan the QR code. Sponsored by
Three South Yorkshire NHS charities have come together to launch a brand-new community event, the Autumn Memory Walk, offering a chance to bring South Yorkshire families together who have lost a loved one. The 5km walk will take place on Sunday 19 October 2025 at Manvers Lake, bringing people together from across the region to share memories, reflect and walk side by side in support of each other. The event has been created by Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, Barnsley Hospital Charity, and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, who are united in their mission to provide comfort, remembrance and togetherness for families during what can often be an isolating time. As part of the day, participants will be invited to leave a written message or memory for their loved one, creating a special tribute to those who are no longer with us. There will also be food and drinks available to purchase, as well as stalls and entertainment on the day. Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising at Rotherham Hospital and Community
Charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be launching the very first Autumn Memory Walk. It’s a special opportunity for families and friends to come together in a beautiful setting, reflect, and celebrate the lives of those they hold dear. “What makes this event even more meaningful is that every step taken will support our Dementia Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to transform the hospital experience for people living with dementia and their families. Dementia can make a hospital visit especially overwhelming, and with the help of our community, we can create spaces and fund resources that bring comfort, dignity and reassurance. “Our hope is that the walk becomes an annual tradition — one that not only honours loved ones but also helps us change the future of dementia care for local people.” Tickets are available now, with early bird prices set at £12 per adult and £8 per child (under 15). Each registration includes a t-shirt, medal, and fundraising pack and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship in memory of their loved ones. By taking part, you’ll be helping the NHS do
Pop inmore, and say for everyone.
Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity funds projects and equipment giving additional support to your NHS services. Caring for patients and families is at the heart of everything we do. We exist to give every patient the extra care they deserve, whilst supporting our colleagues to do what they do best.
The money we raise goes towards enhancing the health, happiness and8 wellbeing of our patients. Page
Charity hub, Rotherham Hospital, opposite Boots. Make a donation However big or small, every penny counts.