UHNM NEWS
Same day emergency care unit opens
First look at Stoke’s Community Diagnostic Centre Record number of patients take part in research
UHNM named best UK employer for nursing staff
Introduction
from Simon Constable, Chief Executive
Welcome everyone to the 14th edition of UHNM News, and my first as UHNM Chief Executive.
Since joining the Trust back in September, I have been both impressed and inspired by the welcome and energy shown by colleagues across the organisation. This latest edition of UHNM News gives you just a small snapshot of all the things going on across the Trust, showcasing the amazing work our UHNM teams across County Hospital and Royal Stoke University Hospital do every day. I hope you enjoy reading these incredible stories.
Within the first couple of months of joining UHNM it has been clear to me that our teams go above and beyond to care for our patients, service users and their loved ones. Whether they are working in our busy clinical departments striving hard to bring down waiting times, or indeed all of our management and support teams enabling them to do so, I am immensely proud of the way everyone works together and with kindness, focused on providing the best care possible - excellence - for those in need.
As we enter our winter months, our services will be under immense pressure. However, we remain committed to delivering exceptional patient care and I would like to commend colleagues for their continued compassion, resilience and dedication.
2025 promises to be an exciting year here at UHNM as we will be celebrating 100 years since Stoke-onTrent was granted city status by His Majesty King George V. For the New Year we will be looking to launch our refreshed strategy which many local groups, local people, employees and stakeholders have played a key role in shaping so far. This will outline where and how our services will develop over the next five years and is focused on ensuring that we will continue to deliver the highest quality services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and beyond. We want to invest in new technology and equipment which will help us to see patients quicker and more efficiently, as well as continue to make improvements to our hospital buildings and deliver new and upgraded facilities. We want to recruit more colleagues from our local communities as well as invest in growing our own talent through training and development programmes. Most of all, we will remain committed to providing the best care possible, something we are
passionate about here at UHNM.
Finally, I would also like to thank everyone who works here at UHNM, our volunteers, patients, service users and partners for their on-going support.
The support from local people for their local hospitals is overwhelming and this warmth and affection is truly welcomed and valued by everyone here at UHNM. Your comments and feedback is really important to us. It helps us to improve and develop services to meet the needs of local people. So please remember that if you or your loved ones need any help our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team has offices at both County and Royal Stoke University Hospitals and you can drop in, make an appointment, email patientadvice.uhnm@nhs.net or call 01782 676450. Our teams really appreciate the many compliments they receive - thank you so much to all those who take the time to do this. It is very kind of you to take the time and trouble.
Thank you for all your efforts during 2024 and I very much look forward to an ever more successful 2025 with you all.
“I want to make my family proud”: Displaced nurse reflects on experience joining UHNM
A
Palestinian-Lebanese nurse who came to the UK
as part of a programme to
support
displaced nurses has spoken about his experiences and challenges whilst integrating into life at UHNM.
Mahmoud Dahsha originally trained as a nurse in Lebanon, where he worked in hospitals and even ran his own home care service before successfully applying for the Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) scheme.
The 33-year-old arrived in the UK in 2022 on a working visa sponsored by UHNM and has since completed all his exams and is now a registered nurse in the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Critical Care Unit.
Mahmoud decided to leave Lebanon, which has faced years of economic issues and political turmoil, to work abroad to further his career when the opportunity arose.
“My first dream was to be a doctor. Growing up in the atmosphere I was living in, I needed to do something to help others, and I thought I could do that through medicine. But back home it’s so expensive to go to university, and my family couldn’t afford for me to train. So, I was told that by becoming a nurse, you can reach a level that’s nearly that of a doctor, so I thought I would take this pathway and see what I can achieve next.”
Leaving Lebanon
After graduating with a degree in nursing in 2011, Mahmoud followed the advice given to him by his father, and made the difficult decision to continue his career abroad.
Mahmoud said: “My father told me, if you get the chance to live outside this country, go to the West, so I took his advice. I was searching for something to do outside of Lebanon because there were a number of political and financial crises happening in the country.. It was a harsh decision for me - leave your family behind and go look after your dreams and future or stay with your family and struggle and face what is going on at home.
“I had my own profitable business offering home care services, a new concept for a town which had a
shortage of hospital beds, but it wasn’t my long-term plan.”
He added: “I started to apply for opportunities in other countries and one day had a call from the agency to say I had an offer from a hospital in the UK. UHNM has been very helpful and supportive from the day I arrived. I told the International Nursing team what my career intentions and goals were, and said if you are able to support this, I am happy to work here.”
UHNM is one of 12 NHS Trusts across the UK to take part in the TBB scheme, initially employing six displaced nurses like Mahmoud.
Like many other internationally recruited nurses, Mahmoud had to work as a healthcare assistant (HCA) in Critical Care, prior to working as a nurse which he says helped him get used to life in the UK and the NHS.
Deeper Level of Trust
“Whilst the clinical facilities are not so different, the main difference between healthcare in Lebanon and the UK is here, there are more polices to adhere to, but also more support from colleagues. Back home, it’s just you and your patient. There is also a deeper level of trust between staff and patient here in the UK. In Lebanon, I would get asked more closed questions from patients and their families. One of the first things I worked hard on here, was expressing myself better to gain trust from the patient and their families, as you need to explain more, and talk more about their care,” he said.
In addition to his challenges settling into working in the UK, Mahmoud says he feels “devastated” to watch what is currently unfolding back home in Lebanon.
He said: “It’s very hard and devastating to watch what is happening back home. I am here as a person, by my mind, heart, and feelings are back with family and friends. I ring, call, and message on the
Whatsapp groups during every break to check what is going on, asking are you safe, have you any food or electricity- the major questions we’re not used to asking. I just want an, “I’m OK”.
“My close friend lost his nephews with an air strike attack on his house. Another friend lost his brother due to lack of hospital beds.
“You feel more stressed and desperate, because you are here in a safe place, but your family and friends at constant risk. I feel greedy if I am eating nice food here and they’re not eating. I feel I need to apologise to them because I am enjoying my life, but I am not happy because they are not happy.
“But I need to be steadfast. Because once I enter the hospital, I need to throw everything to the back of my mind. It’s not my patient’s fault what is happening in Lebanon. I’m here to help them and focus on why I’m here. We’re human beings and human beings feel compassion for one another. I have people to work with, patients to look after.”
Now working as a fully qualified registered nurse, Mahmoud said he intends to pursue further qualifications and experiences in nursing at UHNM.
Dedication to UHNM
Mahmoud said: “ I have a commitment and dedication to UHNM, because this hospital has brought me here, and is helping me on my journey. I would like to thank both UHNM’s international nursing team and my matrons and colleagues on critical care for their support and helping me to achieve what I wanted.
“I lost my father two years before I arrived in the UK. He was dreaming that one day I would leave and achieve what I am achieving now- he believed in me. When I remember all his advice, I am doing this for him, to make him happy. And also, I’m working to make my mother and sisters proud and happy, they all believe in me.
“My childhood in Lebanon was a manhood. You need to look after your family from the age of ten, looking forward and making plans on how you can support them, because we live in an area of conflict. Once you overcome these hard moments you will be a strong, brave and resilient man. I’m proud to be raised to believe if you want something you need to find a way to go get it for yourself.
“Despite all that is going on, I need to carry on and work hard. Moving to the UK has deprived me from a lot of things, like being with family and friends, but it has made me who I am today. I have been down a lot of times, but I continue to stand up, because the more you go down, the stronger you stand back up.”
Mahmoud Dahsha, Staff Nurse
New Same Day Emergency Care Unit reduces time patients spend in A&E
A
brand-new, purpose-built Assessment Unit at UHNM is helping to reduce the amount of time patients spend in A&E.
The Acute Medical Rapid Assessment Unit (AMRAU) aims to investigate, treat, and discharge patients on the same day, freeing up space at Royal Stoke’s emergency department and other acute medical wards.
The Unit provides an additional 16 beds and 10 trolley spaces for patients referred from A&E, the community and primary care services.
Since opening in August 2024, the Unit has led to quicker ambulance handovers, less corridor care, and almost halved the time that patients spend in A&E prior to being admitted to a ward.
The Unit was officially opened earlier this year by Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive.
Speaking at the official opening of the Unit, Dr Zia Din, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at UHNM said: “By increasing the number of patients we can treat and discharge on the same day or next day, we are able to reduce the demand on our A&E department and acute wards whilst ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of care.
“Since the Unit opened, we have seen an increase in the number of patients discharged early through the better utilisation of both additional beds and our community step down services.”
Patients on AMRAU are assessed and treated in four bed bays and two trolley bays. The Unit also offers eight, en suite side rooms.
The Unit also features a comfortable and wellfurnished patient and staff breakaway room, made possible thanks to UHNM Charity funding.
Dr Simon Constable opening AMRAU
Royal Stoke anaesthetists answer life-saving plea from remote island
Four anaesthetists from UHNM responded to a plea of help from the remote island of St Helena to provide essential care
St Helena, a remote British overseas territory west of mainland Africa, requested the help of anaesthetists across the UK to maintain their anaesthetic cover to their population of around 4,500 people.
Within four days of hearing about the plea for help, a plan was co-ordinated and Dr Ben Clark, an expert in extreme medicine and Specialist Anaesthetist at
UHNM was the first to fly to St Helena to ensure their services could continue as normal.
The four anaesthetists, Dr Charlie Baker, Dr Ben Clark, Dr Scott Farmery and Dr Richard Smith all rotated and did the 5,000 mile journey back and forth so at all times there was anaesthetic cover and care across the island and UHNM at all times.
To get there, they flew to Johannesburg in South Africa and then a connecting flight to the small island of St Helena which is located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
Dr Clark said: “We cared for a number of patients from across the island including a gentleman which we were able to rehabilitate and enable a better quality of life for as when he first arrived we didn’t think he was going to survive. It’s been really great to be able to go over there and follow patients’ journeys such as this and deliver bespoke hands-on care.”
The team ended up providing six months of support for the population of St Helena alongside one surgeon, five GPs and a gynaecologist.
Their hard work and the quality of care provided has been recognised with a letter of thanks and appreciation from the Saint Helena Hospital Chief Medical Officer on behalf of the St Helena Government.
UHNM Anaesthetists
UHNM to open new community diagnostic centre in Stoke-on-Trent
Plans are progressing for a new £42.6 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Stoke-on-Trent, located in Hanley, the centre will offer a range of diagnostic services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound scans, and X-rays, all without the need for patients to travel to the hospital.
The new centre will provide people with faster, more convenient access to essential diagnostic service and is due to open in 2025.
Helen Ashley, Director of Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive at UHNM, said: “We’re making excellent progress with the development of the CDC. Our aim is to ensure that the people of Stoke-on-Trent can access a wide range of diagnostic services quickly and easily.”
She added: “The CDC is a significant step to improving healthcare and access to key diagnostic tests for our local community.” To meet increased demand during the busy winter months, a mobile MRI unit has been
in operation since August 2023 and will be relocated to the new CDC upon its opening. Once fully operational, the new facility will be able to perform an additional 85,000 tests, scans and checks yearly.
The CDC has also secured additional funding through the Alzheimers Society’s experience base design project. This partnership will provide accredited dementia awareness training for all UHNM staff, enhancing the care of patients with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia.
Patients and staff celebrate first anniversary of North Midlands Hand Centre
Members of the public were given behind-the-scenes access to the facility at County Hospital in Stafford which provides state-of-theart treatment whilst reducing the waiting list for hand surgery at UHNM.
Those in attendance were able to tour the Centre’s operating theatres as well as meet the staff who work there and browse a number of stalls.
One of the former patients to attend was Phil Rose from Cannock. The 56-year-old suffered an open fracture of his arm following a motorbike accident last year.
Phil said: “It was a glorious Saturday morning riding through Cannock Chase, as I was following a car ahead up a hill steadily. Suddenly, three deer appeared from the trees to my right, so we slowed down to let them cross the road. The first two did but the third stag stopped, looked at me, put his head down and charged straight towards me, hitting the handlebars, and knocking the bike sideways, causing the trauma- I think he thought I was another stag.
“As I was putting the bike down, I thought this is a bit weird, my hand isn’t letting go of the handlebar. I suffered two open fractures, a severely broken elbow, an open dislocation to the thumb and a couple of broken ribs.”
Phil is now able to ride is bike again after having five 3D-printed plates implanted in his arm.
He said: “If it wasn’t for the team at UHNM I would have lost my arm, all the staff have been phenomenal. I’ve been so lucky and am so glad it hadn’t happened anywhere else because I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than UHNM, they’ve just done so much for me, I was lucky.
Mr Akshay Malhotra, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Hand and Wrist Surgery at UHNM said: “I would like to thank the patients who are the reason why we are here and the wider team who have all played a part in today and the success of the North Midlands Hand Centre over the past year.”
Patients and Staff celebrating outside of the Hand Centre
New role to help improve the experience of patients and visitors with disabilities and learning difficulties
Lewis Bunn has been appointed UHNM’s first Corporate Patient Safety Champion for Lived Experience, and will work with wards and departments to improve the hospital experience from a patient’s point of view.
Lewis has been visiting clinical areas across Royal Stoke University Hospital to advise staff on how they can make subtle changes to improve overall experience.
Carol Lloyd-Bennett, Senior Nurse for Workforce and Education at UHNM, said: “Lewis was one of our interns from Project SEARCH, an initiative giving young people with disabilities and learning difficulties the opportunity to work at UHNM and gain vital experience to help with future employment prospects. It was during this internship that Lewis started to look at the accessibility issues for those who are differently-abled and availability of suitable office equipment. We discovered that things that were obvious to Lewis had been completely missed by us. There is a real move to have a patient voice in the heart of everything we do at UHNM. Lewis had some stiff competition for the post and it’s fantastic that so many people were inspired to apply to help us in our ‘enabling people’ journey at UHNM.”
Getting the Basics Right
She added: “We want to get the basics right, so Lewis’ job is now to be that voice of the patient with different needs to help influence our decisions in the future. He has already visited areas such as imaging, our Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit (AEC) and Pre-Admissions, with many more lined up over the coming weeks and months.”
One of the first departments to welcome Lewis was the Fracture Clinic at Royal Stoke.
Dawn Barker, Senior Sister, said: “It was important for us to invite Lewis into our area because we have a lot of patients who use wheelchairs or other walking aids, as well as those who are visually impaired or suffer from hearing problems.
“Lewis was welcomed across the whole department, going into any room he felt he needed to. The
only thing which Lewis identified as needing improvement was to improve access for wheelchair users at the front desk.
“We came up with a plan and sorted it straight away, it was a small change that we could make to make at no cost, that would make a big impact for our patients.
“Since the change feedback has been really positive. Patients can now get right up to the reception desk to speak to or hand over information to the clerks. It was something that Lewis could see that we hadn’t identified ourselves from a service user point of view.
“After making the change we thought it would be nice to invite Lewis back to see if he approved of the change. Having him back has been great and him giving us the thumbs up has made us really happy.”
Lewis said: “All the staff I have met have been really up for making changes, and I’m hoping to receive the same reaction across UHNM. Everyone is willing to change what they do which is great for patients like me.
“I feel good and am hoping my job in the future isn’t needed, that UHNM is accessible for everybody.”
Lewis Bunn, Corporate Patient Safety Champion
UHNM Heart Centre pacing ahead with innovative new procedure
Royal Stoke’s Heart Centre are pioneering a new pacemaker technique.
This new procedure sees the existing pacemaker attached to the heart via the nervous system rather than heart wall, resulting in more natural contractions.
Dr Thanh Phan, Consultant Cardiologist and Lead Cardiac Electrophysiologist at UHNM, said: “We fit around 1,500 pacemakers each year at UHNM, usually to more elderly patients whose heart rate has slowed down as they’ve got older.
“The new conduction system sends signals to the nerves that spread to the rest of the heart, resulting in a more synchronised, more natural contraction and reducing the risk of developing heart failure.”
The new conduction system pacing procedure will be offered to patients at UHNM with reduced heart functions who would benefit from a more natural form of pacing.
UHNM vascular team complete UKfirst elective aortic stent graft implant
Vascular surgeons are the first in the country to repair a thoracic aneurysm with the cutting-edge branched stent graft – a small mesh tube implanted through small holes in the groin and the wrist.
Patients suffering from a vascular condition are benefiting from a new type of stent which eliminates the need for invasive, high-risk surgery and leaves minimal scarring.
Mr Gary Lambert, Specialist Vascular Surgeon at UHNM said: “This is the first time this graft has been used in the UK in an elective case and is at the cutting edge of technology in this type of aortic repair.
“The new stent graft means patients now only need to have one procedure that not only treats the aneurysm, but also preserves the blood flow in the arm. Previous procedures meant we had to reduce the blood flow in the arm the catheter is inserted into, which causes reduced movement and discomfort in the arm in the future. This minimally invasive procedure also means patients no longer require potential bypass surgery and reduces the risk of spinal cord ischemia.”
Vascular Surgical Team
Heart Centre Team
Record number of patients take part in clinical research at UHNM
Latest figures from UHNM’s Research and Innovation Department reveal more than 2,000 patients took part in a clinical research trial at either the Royal Stoke University Hospital or County Hospital in Stafford during the period April 2023 to March 2024. This represents a 25 per-cent increase on figures from the previous year.
In total 2,035 patients agreed to take part in one of 262 studies taking place across UHNM.
Jackie Sears, Clinical Research Matron at UHNM said: “We’re delighted to have exceeded our patient research recruitment target for the past year. This shows our continued commitment to providing the best possible patient care to our local population through innovative research, and I would like to thank our UHNM patients who have taken part for the benefit of others.
“Our Research Practitioners work closely with clinical teams in areas right across UHNM including oncology and haematology, cardiology, and paediatrics, but also acute care such as trauma, stroke, and neurology to gather the evidence needed to transform and improve patient outcomes. We give patients involved with research at UHNM the opportunity to receive treatments they wouldn’t ordinarily receive as part of their standard treatment pathway, for example, in oncology this could be testing a new immunotherapy or therapy drug.”
Forty one new research studies also opened across UHNM during the last 12 months.
One of the patients involved in motor neurone disease drug trials at UHNM is Stephen Barker from Shifnal in Shropshire.
The 67 year-old, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in April 2022 said: “I’m taking part in research at UHNM because it will help add to a body of knowledge. I’ve got children and grandchildren so it might help them in the future.
“I enjoy taking part in the trials and look forward to coming into the Royal Stoke and meeting the team. They always make me feel very welcome and treat me as a human being, not just a number in a computer.”
As a ‘research active’ Trust, clinicians from UHNM work in collaboration with leading professors and research scientists from Keele University, Staffordshire University locally and other universities nationally, as well as conducting studies funded by fellowships and grants awarded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). UHNM also supports national studies and trials run by other NHS researchers.
UHNM supports commercial research, a study that is fully sponsored and funded by a commercial company (independent pharmaceutical or medical technology company). Figures from UHNM’s Research and Innovation Department show the Trust ranks in the top three trusts regionally with 127 patients taking place in commercial research during the last year.
UHNM has also created a Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and AHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE), providing support to hundreds of UHNM nurses, midwives and allied health professionals who want to engage with and lead research in their clinical practice through work-based projects and academic and research development across UHNM.
Stephen Barker and Motor Neurone Disease Team
First UHNM patient to receive life changing treatment for advanced Parkinson’s
The treatment, called Produodopa, uses a small, automatic pump to release medicine around the clock and help manage patient’s symptoms with fewer side effects.
It works by turning foslevodopa into the chemical dopamine, which helps transmit messages between the parts of the brain and nerves that control movement, helping to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, such as excessive movement or freezing. This new device is completely portable, with the infusions taking place under the skin. There is also the option of a manual boost if needed.
UHNM has a team of four full-time and two part time Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists who manage a caseload of around 2,500 patients from across Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
Helen Jackson was the first patient to receive Produodopa at UHNM.
The 54-year-old from Holmes Chapel said: “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when I was 40. I thought I’d trapped a nerve in my shoulder or my arm, so went to the doctors who referred me to the neurologist who diagnosed it.
“I don’t think I’d fully understood that I was going to be the first patient to receive this new treatment at UHNM. But I’d seen the benefits of it online and was chuffed I was going to get the chance. The closer it’s got, the more I’ve realised what the benefits are and I’m over the moon.”
UHNM Stroke Thrombectomy Service receives national praise
Andrew Gwynne MP, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, and NHS England Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, have thrown their full support behind UHNM’s life-saving stroke thrombectomy service.
Stating the Stroke team – based at Royal Stoke University Hospital – had done Stoke-on-Trent and the country proud Andrew Gwynne MP backed the 24 hour, seven day a week service available for patients.
Ten per cent of stroke admissions are eligible to be treated by mechanical thrombectomy in the UK. UHNM treats 12.8 per cent of stroke admissions with thrombectomy, which is four times higher than the national average of 3.3 per cent in England and successfully meets the national target by treating all thrombectomy-eligible stroke patients admitted directly to Royal Stoke.
At a Thrombectomy Awareness Event supported by UHNM Charity, Penumbra and Medtronic, Mr Gwynne said: “I want to congratulate Dr Sanjeev Nayak and the whole team at University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust for the pioneering work you have done to become the first centre in the UK to provide 24/7 thrombectomy services.
“You’ve done Stoke proud and you’ve done our country proud. Helping more people in the North Midlands receive the life-saving treatment they deserve.”
Royal Stoke University Hospital was one of the first UK site to have a dedicated 24/7 team to provide specialist care and treatment for patients who have a potentially life-changing stroke.
Helen Jackson and the Parkinson’s Team
Professor Sir Stephen Powis and Dr Sanjeev Nayak
UHNM cancer patients first in UK to take part in pioneering clinical trials
UHNM has signed up for two global anticoagulation trials for patients who develop blood clots like deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism during cancer treatment.
The MAGNOLIA and ASTER trials will test the use abelacimab, a new drug shown to be up to 80 per cent more effective than previous standards of care.
UHNM became the first hospital Trust in the UK to recruit a patient to the MAGNOLIA trial, with a focus on kidney and gastric cancers. Patients enrolled on the trials will either be injected with abelacimab or existing drugs for six months.
Organ Donation at UHNM
To mark the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donation Register, UHNM’s team of specialist organ and tissue donation nurses spent Organ Donation Week visiting areas across the Royal Stoke University Hospital including the Critical Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke, to thank staff for their support and involvement in organ and tissue donation and retrieval.
Since 1 April 2024, UHNM has had 16 completed organ and tissue donors, including four hearts, one pair of lungs, twelve livers alongside thirty kidneys. Patients have also gone onto donate corneas, which are used to restored peoples eyesight. As well as for the purposes of transplantation, patients and families can opt to donate organs and tissues for the purposes of research.
Organ Donation Team
The Cancer Multi Disciplinary Team
UHNM Celebrates Success
Midlands Imaging Training Academy (MITA) at County Hospital, Stafford, were winners in two categories at the HSJ Digital Awards:
• Digital Innovator of the Year
• Enhancing Workforce Engagement, Productivity and Wellbeing through Digital
UHNM was named ‘Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff’, at the Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards.
UHNM claimed two HSJ Patient Safety Awards:
• Patient Safety Pilot Project of the Year’ award
• Improving Care for Older People Initiative of the Year
UHNM Older Adults Diversional Therapists were announced as the winners of the ‘The Care of Older People’ category at the prestigious 2024 Nursing Times Awards.
Patients recover from an illness better in their own environment. Many people with acute care needs will never need to be admitted to hospital and can be treated safely at home.
Infection
The risk of cross infection is usually lower at home where there are fewer unwell people under one roof. We do everything we can to prevent you from developing an infection but more than one in 10 older people will get a hospital associated infection during their admission.
Rest
Most people sleep better in their own homes. Good sleep is essential when recovering from an injury or illness. Hospitals are busy places with lights, talking and noises from equipment which does not help sleep.
Blood clots
One in 100 older people will develop blood clots (thrombosis) in the deep veins of the legs and lungs following an admission to hospital. This is because you are probably moving less in hospital. Daily movements at home such as a short walk between rooms or pegging out the washing can reduce the risk of clots.
Mental wellbeing
With the right support at home, many people can return to their life the way that they want to. Hospitals are unfamiliar and can be very confusing which increases your risk of delirium (sudden confusion). A third of older people will experience delirium at some point during their hospital stay.
Physical strength
If you stay in bed for long periods, you lose the ability to move easily, fitness and muscle strength which makes it harder for you to regain your independence. This is known as deconditioning and is experienced by more than half of older people following a hospital admission.
Cancer patient given three months to live reunites with surgeon after 18 years
A cancer patient at UHNM who was told he had three months to live has had an emotional reunion with his surgeon after 18 years.
Albert Hall, 88, thought he was suffering from gallstones, but after being referred to UHNM by his GP in 2006, was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Albert, from Bignall End, was reunited at the Royal Stoke University Hospital with Mr Anurag Golash, Consultant Urologist, who performed a keyhole operation to remove the cancerous tissue from his kidney.
Albert said: “I was getting this terrible pain in my stomach, which I thought was gallstones. I told my wife Irene and went to the GP who referred me straight away to UHNM. But it was cancer in both my kidneys. Without treatment, the consultants gave me three months to live, and upon hearing the news,
Irene fainted on the floor.
“Later that week I received a letter referring me to Mr Golash. He told me he’ll have a go at it and explained what had got to be done. It was a new keyhole procedure at the time, but there was no guarantees about the outcome.
“Mr Golash and his Urology team took one kidney out, and whilst the other kidney had cancer cells in it, it wasn’t growing that quickly, so I was told I’d be able to manage that with drugs, which I’m still on today.
“The staff on the cancer ward were very good and looked after me well. I remember the man in the next bed to me was called George. He told me that after I came out of theatre, the doctors never left me all night because I was that poorly. All the patients in the ward were in the same situation and we looked after one another, they were nice people.”
Albert, a former miner, ammunitions worker and bin man, credits Mr Golash and his team for giving him many more “happy years” with his late wife Irene.
Speaking after being reunited with Albert at the Royal Stoke, Mr Golash said: “Seeing Albert again after all these years has made my day. We do all sorts of difficult things in our job, but it’s for people like Albert.
“It’s great to see him doing so well after all these years. He had cancer growing outside from his left kidney, and we did a keyhole surgery to take that cancer out, leaving the rest of the kidney behind for longevity, and seeing Albert today is the proof it worked. It was quite a unique and complex procedure to do at the time.”
Reflecting on meeting Mr Golash again, Albert said: “I feel champion now I’ve seen him, it’s nice to see somebody that’s done something to help you. I’ve had 18 years I wouldn’t have had with my wife and family if it wasn’t for Mr Golash and his team, he was so good to me.
“Many a time I think if it wasn’t for Mr Golash I wouldn’t be here.”
Albert Hall and Mr Golash
Cancer patient credits UHNMdeveloped app for saving his life
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patient receiving treatment for throat cancer has credited a UHNM-developed app for saving his life.
Kyle Jones from Stafford is one of thousands of patients to receive faster diagnosis thanks to the Endoscope-i mobile app, developed and trialled at UHNM.
The app can turn a mobile phone or tablet into a portable diagnostic device used by nurses to detect throat cancer.
The device captures live endoscopy examinations of the throat, which can then be instantly shared with specialist head and neck consultants via a secure data cloud. A consultant then reviews the video footage and can rapidly detect any traces of cancer reporting this back directly to the patient.
Kyle credits the new pathway with saving his life following a diagnosis of aggressive form of vocal cord cancer in June 2024.
The 31-year-old from Stafford needed to have his voice box removed to prevent the cancer spreading further and can now only speak with the help of a speech valve.
Kyle, who was seen at UHNM within 20 days of his GP’s referral, said: “My first appointment was with a nurse using the Endocscope-i. I remember everything being very detailed, and the team was able to show me pictures and video from the inside of my throat. After my diagnosis, the original plan was a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however after a following CT scan, I was told that as the cancer had spread, there was no other option than surgery and there was no saving my voice box.”
“It was crazy, a big shock to us all, but the care at UHNM has been amazing, I can’t fault anybody. I’ve had
multiple stays and clinics and the staff were always so comforting and accommodating.
“I worked in retail, went to lots of gigs and festivals, and did a lot of gaming, all which used my voice. For the first seven months I couldn’t eat or drink anything, I was tube fed into my stomach. I haven’t quite been able to return to work yet, but thanks to the help and encouragement of the team I’ve been able to return to gigs and festivals. As I’m massively into my music, throughout my treatment I kept saying, “get me back to the festivals next year”, that was my goal. I still need regular check-ups, but to see my friends, have some drinks and food has been really good.
“I love the app, it’s essentially saved my life. It’s really important that we embrace new technology like this because when time is essential, anything that can speed up a diagnosis helps.”
Kyle Jones and Mr Ajith George
Walking footballer thanks off-duty UHNM nurse for saving his life after collapse
An off-duty UHNM nurse has been thanked for helping to save the life of a man who collapsed during a walking football session.
Roy Walley, 76, suffered a cardiac arrest whilst he was taking part in the activity at Longton Rugby club in May 2024.
Bank nurse Karen Stonier was taking part in a nursing training session at the club when she was alerted to somebody collapsing on the pitch outside.
Without hesitation, Karen sprinted to the scene and started performing CPR on Roy and was able to use a nearby defibrillator to restart his heart three times following a cardiac arrest before paramedics arrived.
Karen and Roy were reunited at the Royal Stoke University Hospital when Karen was presented with a Daisy Award, given out to extraordinary nurses for their exemplary, compassionate care provided to patients and families.
Karen said: “I was attending a tissue viability training meeting and had just finished lunch, when a gentleman ran into the room to say somebody had just collapsed on the pitch outside during a walking football session.
“Along with colleagues, I ran onto the pitch and found Roy lying facedown on the grass not moving or breathing. I started to perform CPR, luckily there was a defibrillator at the club which I was able to use to shock him three times before the ambulance arrived.
“I wasn’t thinking about anything other than trying to get him back. I kept talking to him and asking him to squeeze my hand. My job was to keep him alive. It was a weird feeling, the other nurses attending the training with me asked if I wanted them to take over, but my adrenaline had kicked in, and I wouldn’t stop until help arrived.”
Roy, a lifelong Stoke City supporter, was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Stoke where surgeons fitted an implantable cardioverter
defibrillator (ICD), used to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Roy, from Porthill, said: “I’ve been taking part in walking football for about 10 years, it’s like being a kid again, having a kick about with your friends. On that day I parked my car, had a jog around the pitch to warm up and started to kick a ball about, but after that I can’t remember anything. I’ve been told people saw me collapse face-first onto the pitch.
“It hasn’t bothered me because I can’t remember anything about it. I now take all my pills as required, but the bit I don’t like most was not being able to drive for six months. I’ve tried to carry on life as normal since being discharged by my cardiac nurse, even managing to walk to the top the Great Orme in Llandudno with my wife Linda. With the new ICD implant, I’ve got my own paramedic in my chest, and hopefully it never goes off.”
Roy’s wife Linda added: “I think about Karen and what she did for Roy every day.”
Karen Stonier and Roy Walley with Chief Nurse Ann-Marie Riley
Racism, verbal
and physical
abuse
or any other form of discrimination will not be tolerated.
We’re People Too
UHNM Charity fund mural for Critical Care Unit
Relatives of patients in critical care are benefiting from a new informative mural thanks to hospital charity funding.
The mural is displayed in the Critical Care Unit reception area at Royal Stoke University Hospital and features a patient journey from admission to discharge.
The project aims to improve hospital experience for relatives of patients who are admitted to the unit, using simple and engaging designs.
Sandra Barrington, UHNM Critical Care Matron, said: “We know how difficult and overwhelming it can be to have a relative in critical care particularly when you see all the machines when you first visit.
“We wanted the mural on display in our reception area to show what a patient journey can look like and what to expect. We are so happy with the final design. We worked with the illustrator, adding things in we thought would be useful for our patients’ relatives.”
The design also includes Staffordshire links such as a bottle kiln and the Staffordshire Knot.
Peter’s pedal power helps improve experience of Critical Care patients
A 70-year-old from Tamworth has completed a year-long cycling challenge raising almost £5,000 for UHNM Charity.
During 2023, Peter Seedhouse completed 70 cycle rides, each 70k or more, to thank the staff on UHNM’s Critical Care unit for the care provided to son Daniel.
Peter said: “My son was involved in a major accident in 2019 and his life was saved by the Critical Care Unit. The 24/7 care that Daniel recieved was fantastic. The staff tired everything with him to try and get him recovered as quickly and much as possible.”
Funds raised from Peter’s challenge helped the Unit purchase technology called an ‘EyeGaze’, which uses a camera to track patient’s eyes to tell what symbols and answers they are looking at, without them needing to verbally answer.
Esther Norton, Speech and Language Therapist at UHNM said: “Eyegaze is a huge step forward in supporting a patient’s confidence and improving how much they are able to communicate with staff and take part in their own care and decision making.”
Peter Seedhouse and son Daniel
The Critical Care wall mural
After providing for your loved ones, leaving a gift in your will to UHNM Charity is a wonderful way to support a cause you care about and can help transform the care and experience for hundreds or even thousands of local patients for years to come. Whatever the size of your gift, you can help to provide extra state-of-the-art equipment, new facilities, pioneering research and all the extras that make our care so special.
Whatever your reasons for supporting UHNM Charity, by including a gift in your will you’re helping us to go above and beyond what the NHS can provide. We work hand-in-hand with doctors, nurses and other medical experts from UHNM to ensure that every gift bequeathed to the Charity is put to good usemaking the greatest possible difference to patient care.
Whichever ward or service is close to your heart, we want you to know that we will hold your donation in a charitable fund that supports the area of your choice, or if you’d prefer to leave a gift for general charitable purposes we will ensure that it is spent where it is needed the most.
We are truly grateful to all those who consider leaving a gift to UHNM Charity in their will.
We appreciate this can be a difficult subject, but if you would like to discuss how your legacy could have an impact on local patients or any wishes for how the money is spent please get in touch with one of our friendly team on 01782 676444.
UHNM Charity’s big summer of sport raises over £15,000 for patient care and experience
Local celebrities, businesses and members of the public all came together to raise over £15,000 for patient care and experience by taking part in UHNM Charity’s big summer of sport.
Supporters had a tee-rrific time at UHNM Charity’s third annual fundraising golf day at Barlaston Golf Club, whilst the inaugural UHNM Charity Euros kicked off at Newcastle Town Football Club.
Ex-professionals and current players joined the 24 teams who took part in the seven-a-side football tournament, which also featured a family fun day and live entertainment. Congratulations to PCT Coaching, playing as the Czech Republic, who took home the trophy.
Gavin Appleby, Chairman of Newcastle Town FC said: “We were delighted to host the UHNM Charity Euros, supporting UHNM further enhance local NHS services. We’re all going to need UHNM at some point in life, and I think on that basis, everyone should get involved.”
The sun shone at Barlaston Golf club, as teams of four took part in a shotgun round of golf followed by and evening of food and entertainment. The event, which was sponsored by LD Property and
WDPS Stoke Ltd, was also attended by sportspeople including boxer Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney, former Stoke City FC midfielder Carl Dickinson, and former Wales international footballer Dean Saunders.
Dean said: “I’m delighted to attend in benefit of a great cause, we know how good the NHS is. Barlaston was a lovely but tough course with lots of ditches and water.”
Paul Bentham runs to raise money for UHNM Charity!
Running a total of 26.5 miles in the Manchester Marathon, Paul raised a total of £1,264.44.
Paul said: “I really enjoyed it, the atmosphere was brilliant, the crowds certainly got me around. Its amazing to be able to continue to give back to the hospital and to contribute towards future treatment.”
Julie Eaton, Children’s Oncology Nurse Specialist at UHNM said: “Donations like this really helps us to replenish things on the wards that get tired and worn out, it helps us improve equipment and things which are like home comforts which really do help the patients feel more settled and at home.”
Colourful wall murals help improve hospital experience
Treatment and waiting rooms in the Endoscopy Unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital have been given a new lease of life using giant wall murals.
As well as helping to transform the look and feel of the Unit, UHNM Charity has also funded the purchase of special lighting and a new radio, helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of a hospital visit for younger patients and their loved ones.
Scott Taylor, Endoscopy Deputy Manager said: “The improvements made across the Endoscopy Unit at Royal Stoke, thanks to support of UHNM Charity, will benefit thousands of patients and their loved ones each year. The murals and lighting have changed the whole look and feeling of the rooms, helping to distract from the hospital setting.”
Running club raises over £2,000 in memory of Dr Alison Brind
Dr Brind, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and avid runner and walker, sadly passed away in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Wishing to honour her memory, Master Marathoners, a local running club, set about a series of fundraising initiatives during spring and summer.
Dr Indira Natarajan, Consultant Stroke Physician at UHNM and member of the Master Marathoners, said: “Alison was a longstanding member of the running club, and all of us knew her as a person, runner and friend. So, we as a club decided to do something for her.
“The money has come from a series of efforts by everyone at the club. We sold her book of memoirs and special Parkrun running t-shirts, and also raised funds by competing in the ‘Spring Treble’, which were three different hilly races.”
EDS: The Raw and Honest Truth
EDS: The Raw and Honest Truth’ is a poignant and inspiring documentary that provides an intimate look into the lives of individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of rare connective tissue disorders that often go unseen and misunderstood. Through powerful personal stories, the film explores the daily challenges faced by those with EDS, from chronic pain and joint dislocations to the emotional toll of an invisible illness that is frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed.
The documentary features candid interviews with a diverse group of individuals who share their journeys of struggle, resilience and hope. Their stories are of courage and determination as they navigate a world that is not always accommodating of their needs. Interwoven with these personal narratives are insights from leading clinicians and experts in the field, who shed light on the complexities of diagnosing and treating EDS. These medical professionals discuss the broader implications of living with an invisible illness, including the stigma that patients often face, and the need for greater awareness and understanding within the medical community and society at large.
‘EDS: The Raw and Honest Truth’ is more than just a documentary; it is a call to action. It urges viewers
to rethink their perceptions of invisible illnesses and to empathise with the unseen struggles of those living with EDS. By highlighting both the pain and the perseverance of its subjects, the film ultimately delivers a message of hope, emphasising the importance of advocacy, support, and compassion in the journey toward greater recognition and better treatment of EDS and similar conditions.
Scan the QR code to watch the film
Filipino fundraising fiesta raises
almost £1,200 for
UHNM Charity
There was dancing, singing and food at Royal Stoke as colleagues from both UHNM’s hospitals celebrated 23 years since the first cohort of Philippine staff started working at the Trust.
Nadine Opiniano, Head of Nursing for UHNM’s Medical Division said: “A Filipino Fiesta is about building friendships and celebrating diversity, as well as raising money for UHNM Charity in the generous spirit of ‘bayanihan’.
“Filipinos like giving something back, and its heart-warming to know that people from various backgrounds attended to support this noble initiative.”
Ma Theresa Cusay, Pleural Nurse Specialist who organised the event said: “The event was about sharing joy, love and unity to all through music, dancing, and food.
“It was a team effort from our diverse Filipino workforce at UHNM ranging from nurses to healthcare support workers to porters and we are delighted to have raised so much money for UHNM Charity.”
UHNM colleagues at the fiesta
Join
us at
our events in 2025
Whatever you love doing, doing it for UHNM Charity will help us provide the best care for our patients at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. Whether that is running, playing cricket or golf our calender of events for 2025 has something for you!
Contact our Charity team for information on how to get involved.
Babies and families benefit from charity cash
Sleeper chairs and extra storage
Ten new sleeper chairs and bedside storage available in the high dependency and special care areas of NICU were purchased thanks to UHNM Charity.
Julia Wilkinson, Ward Manager on NICU said: “The Unit currently only has a limited number of overnight rooms, so parents were having to sleep on older fold-out beds, chairs or they might even decide to go home for the night. These new sleeper chairs and improved storage solutions help support our family integrated care model, working in partnership with families to encourage them to stay by the bedside and take care of their babies.”
The experience and comfort of parents whose new-born babies are receiving care has been improved thanks to UHNM Charity funding.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital has been able to refurbish its patient and visitor kitchen after receiving a grant from UHNM Charity. Funding has enabled staff from NICU to install a brand-new fitted kitchen and improve seating and dining facilities.
Katy Edwards, NICU Matron, said: “We’ve completely redesigned the kitchen and seating area using parent advice and feedback. The new layout puts a lot more emphasis on family meal times and sitting together in a restful and peaceful space positioned within the Unit, so parents can quickly return to their baby if they are needed.”
New Neonatal reception area opens
Patients, staff, and visitors to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital are benefitting from a newly-refurbished reception area thanks to support from UHNM Charity. The Unit was able to redecorate, add new furniture and install a ‘digital wall of hope’ showcasing pictures of former patients to its reception area thanks to a grant from UHNM Charity.
Receptionist Lynda Rothwell said, “It’s so important that our patients and visitors are welcomed by a friendly face, who can help them during their most difficult times. We wanted to create a warm and friendly environment that was a break away from the clinical setting of the Unit.”
UHNM consultant donates leaving collection to UHNM Charity
UHNM consultant Dr Narasimha Rao donated his leaving collection to UHNM Charity for the benefit of future patients. The consultant neonatologist left UHNM after five and a half years on the Royal Stoke’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and donated the £350 gifted to him by his friends and colleagues at his leaving dinner to UHNM Charity.
Dr Rao said: “UHNM Charity means a lot to me. It’s funded several projects on the Unit that I have worked on, including the SIM Baby training model and vCreate app.”
Keep Stoke Smiling Campaign Wins Best Charity Initiative
The Keep Stoke Smiling campaign has won the prestigious Best Outreach or Charity Initiative at The Probe Dental Awards 2024. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the campaign, which has made a significant impact on the oral health of the Staffordshire community.
Originally conceived in 2018, Keep Stoke Smiling aims to improve oral health awareness and habits across Staffordshire. The campaign has reached diverse segments of the community, targeting those in need as well as the broader population. By providing education and resources, Keep Stoke Smiling has helped individuals of all ages adopt better oral hygiene practices, resulting in a noticeable improvement in community health.
The judges at The Probe Dental Awards praised the campaign, stating, “The judges described the Keep Stoke Smiling outreach campaign as a breath of fresh air. Originally conceived in 2018, they not only target an audience in need, but reach an entire community in all its diversities, whether vulnerable or otherwise. Continually promoting the importance of good oral health, a real benefit has been achieved in both changing habits and increased awareness.”
Steve Rushton, Head of UHNM Charity, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the award. He said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from The Probe Dental Awards. The success of Keep Stoke Smiling is a reflection of the
collective efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and community partners. This award inspires us to continue our mission of improving oral health and well-being across Staffordshire. We are committed to reaching even more people and making a lasting impact on their lives.”
This award highlights the importance of communityfocused health initiatives and reinforces UHNM Charity’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing. Keep Stoke Smiling has been instrumental in organising free dental check-ups, distributing oral hygiene kits, and conducting workshops in schools and community centres. These efforts have not only educated the public on the importance of oral health but also provided practical tools to maintain it.
Orthodontic colleagues with Pottermus
Welcome from Lisa Thomson, Director of Communications and UHNM Charity
As we head into the festive season I want to pay tribute to UHNM colleagues, patients, service users, local businesses and members of the community who have gone out of their way over and above to raise funds and support our UHNM Charity.
Thanks to them the UHNM Charity Team has been able to support more upgrades to patient areas, purchase more state of the art equipment and invest in research and innovation, all aimed at improving the experience for our patients. Here at UHNM Charity we have been blown away by the challenges people have set themselves from coast to coast cycle rides, head shaving, go karting racing, football matches and open water swims to making goodie bags, supplying presents and holding quizzes all to raise money to support us in our quest to help make coming into our hospitals the best experience possible. Quite simply, you are all ‘Epic’.
We are thrilled to be able to support projects large and small and over the past few months including developments in our impressive neonatal facility, by providing bed-chairs which enable parents to sleep next to their baby, locker facilities for parents and an upgrade to the parent kitchen.
We have purchased dementia clocks, reusable water bottles, a new eye gaze machine and a colourful mural for the walls in our endoscopy department. Our work continues as we look to purchase the latest chairs for patients having chemotherapy and state of the art beds for patients who require additional support and mobility in critical care.
We rely on all of our supporters, who are continuing to grow in numbers. There are many reasons why you may have chosen to give to us. Some people choose to remember us in their will and some choose to leave us a donation in the memory of a loved one. Others choose to hold events, take part in sporting challenges and even set records! Whatever you choose to do, 100 per cent of the money you raise goes to providing services that are above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide, touching lives and making a huge difference to the people in our care. We want to encourage more people to get involved and join many of our UHNM colleagues in fundraising. Our expert fundraising and charity team is on hand to help and support whatever you choose to do.
In this edition of our magazine we feature just a small sample of what some our supporters have been doing, along with how this is making a real difference to our patients and the UHNM team. I hope you enjoy reading it and above all I hope it encourages you to get involved!
Raising funds for your local hospitals
Making a difference for our patients