A message from Janelle
Welcome to the latest edition of the In Touch Staff Magazine which shares the highlights from the past three months.
First of all, a huge well done for all the efforts with the Staff Survey. We achieved a 47% response rate which is a positive increase on last year and means the results are reliable and will better inform our improvement work. For full details on the survey results please see page 3.
Throughout this edition there are lots of great patient stories showing excellence in areas such as research and innovation, the pilot at Wirral Limb Centre and a digital app helping surgical patients back to recovery.
There are also many amazing staff stories, showing examples of personal achievements and winners of our Employee and Team of the Month awards. The health and wellbeing of our staff is vitally important, and we have signposted where to access wellbeing support, which can be found on page 16.
Keep up the excellent work and I hope you enjoy the latest edition.
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive
Win a family ticket to Portmeirion!
Congratulations to Liz Waters, AHP Therapy Manager - the lucky winner of a Kindle after entering the Wordsearch competition in December’s magazine.
This issue’s fabulous prize is a family ticket to Portmeirion in North Wales. Go to page 19 to fill in the Wordsearch and send your entry to wih-tr.communications@nhs.net. Good luck!
2024
WUTH has achieved an impressive 47% response rate in this year’s NHS Staff Survey – a significant increase from 38% last year. This rise reflects the commitment of our staff to shaping the future of our Trust and follows the launch of our ‘It Starts With You’ campaign, which encourages every staff member to share their voice and drive positive change.
A higher response rate gives us a greater understanding of what is happening across the Trust – helping us to listen, learn, and act on the issues that matter most to our people. This feedback is invaluable in helping us improve the working environment and deliver better care for our patients.
Key highlights from this year’s results show staff feel:
• There is more compassionate leadership, with staff feeling valued and supported by their immediate managers.
• The Trust is fairer in career progression, and individual differences are more respected.
Flexible working opportunities are more openly discussed, helping staff manage their work-life balance.
Areas for improvement in 2025/26 include:
• Improvement for All – empowering staff to drive positive change.
• Staff Safety – strengthening measures to reduce violence and challenging behaviours.
• Reporting Concerns – improving staff confidence in raising issues.
Paws for thought
How dogs boost our health and happiness
For many of us, our pets are more than just animals—they’re family, fitness instructors, and therapists, all rolled into one.
In celebration of National Pet Month in April, WUTH staff share how their dogs have helped them stay happier, healthier, and more connected to the world around them.
When Dr Jude Joseph lost his father, walking his Cavapoo, Olli (photographed), gave him a reason to step outside, breathe, heal and even lose weight.
Their daily strolls along the Wirral Way became a source of calm, helping both through difficult times. Ollie, too, was struggling—his confidence had been shaken after being chased by bigger dogs. Together, they rebuilt their resilience, step by step.
“Those healing walks helped me de-stress, unpack my thoughts, and connect with him in a way I hadn’t before,” said the consultant paediatrician.
For Juliet McShane, a clinical coder who has lived with vision loss due to Stargardt disease, a juvenile form of macular degeneration, her rescue dog Jim gave her something she thought she’d lost - independence.
“Before Jim, I rarely walked for pleasure,” she said. “But knowing he loves it makes me push through my fears. Walking with him is freedom.”
A helping hand
Julie’s life-changing journey with cutting edge prosthetics
Born without a right hand, Julie Griffin has spent her life adapting. But thanks to a groundbreaking NHS policy, she’s now experiencing independence like never before.
Julie is the first congenital upper limb patient at Wirral Limb Centre to receive a multi-grip prosthetic hand under the NHS England Multi-Grip Hand Policy. This advanced technology allows her to perform tasks she once found frustrating—like tying shoelaces, drying her hair, and even gardening.
“I always had what I called a ‘dress arm,’” Julie said. “It never did anything—just for show. Now, after all this time, I have a hand that works.”
After months of training to build muscle strength, she finally received her new hand. “It was emotional. I could tell it what to do—it felt surreal.”
Julie credits the Wirral Limb Centre team for their support. “They were just as excited as I was. We were all on this journey
Now, everyday tasks are easier, and her love for gardening has flourished. “I can hold a bucket, use a lawnmower—it’s lifechanging.”
Photo: Julie Griffin
Film therapy
How movies are bringing comfort to vulnerable patients
For patients at Clatterbridge Hospital’s Ward M1, film is proving to be a powerful source of comfort and connection.
To make hospital stays more engaging, staff have created themed movie afternoons.
On 14th February, the ward’s dining room was transformed into a cinema, where patients enjoyed a classic film, after being treated to a heart-themed afternoon tea.
Ward M1 cares for patients who are medically fit but awaiting social care support, often resulting in extended stays. Many have dementia or are frail, and staff are committed to creating meaningful moments.
Building on the success of Valentine’s Day, more film events are planned. Organisers are also exploring colour therapy afternoons, where patients will be able to participate in colouring activities to help stimulate them during their stay on the ward.
Ward Manager, Adele Boyle said: “Watching movies and engaging in meaningful activities like these themed movie nights can help stimulate patients’ cognitive and communication skills. This not only enhances interactions with staff, family and friends but can also contribute to reducing any anxiety in a clinical setting.”
Left to right: Clara Jomon, Adele Boyd, Anita Jones
WUTH’s heart heroes
Peter Murdoch, a 63-year-old physiotherapist from Wallasey, returned to Arrowe Park Hospital to thank the emergency team that saved his life with a rare Clamshell Thoracotomy. Suffering from a cardiac tamponade, Peter received the life-saving procedure before being transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Grateful for the care he received with us, he said, “I understand how fortunate I am to be here. It’s a humbling experience.”
Dr Ryan Ghodrat, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Trust Trauma Lead, highlighted the importance of quick action and teamwork: “Mr Murdoch’s survival is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together.”
Dr Joe Clarkson also made a significant impact outside of work. Last year, while in Liverpool, he saw a runner collapse outside. Without hesitation, he performed CPR, keeping the man alive until paramedics arrived. The runner, Grant Williams, later tracked Joe down through a TV programme, and today, they run together, raising awareness about heart health and CPR training.
Arrowe Park Hospital’s dedicated staff work tirelessly to prevent, detect, and treat heart disease—the UK’s leading cause of death.
Oli McNab, Cardiology Consultant Nurse, stressed the importance of early detection and prevention: “Early detection is key. A heart attack caught early gives patients a far better chance of recovery.” He emphasized maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction.
Photo (left to right) Dr Ryan Ghodrat, Peter Murdoch and Dr Ananda Arasarafnam
Celebrating a legacy of kindness
As it marks 71 years of compassion and dedication, the Friends of Clatterbridge continues to transform lives at Clatterbridge Hospital. Established in 1954, the charity has supported patients, families, and staff, fostering a culture of kindness.
“Our charity, originally known as the Clatterbridge Hospitals League of Friends, was established in February 1954,” said President Dave Adams. “The first committee introduced services from car outings for the elderly to a Linen League repairing clothing.”
In the 1990s, the Dove Appeal funded the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, a place of peace for patients and families. Volunteers raised funds through campaigns like “Buy-A-Brick” and a concert that raised £10,000. Completed in 1997, the chapel symbolises compassion.
The charity thrives on volunteer dedication. “We need more volunteers,” said Dave. “Joining Friends of Clatterbridge makes a real difference—one act of kindness at a time.”
Apply for a grant
The Arrowe Park League of Friends Grant has gifted a whopping £204,000 to boost patient care at Arrowe Park Hospital via WUTH charity. Applications are closed, but fear not. The Patient Wish Small Grant Round is offering up to £2,000 per project. Submit by 31st March. A panel will review in mid-April, with decisions announced by the month’s end. More details can be found in the Charity section of the WUTH website.
Transforming knee surgery recovery
Robert Lundy, 71, from Irby, shared how the MyMobility app supported his knee surgery recovery at the Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre.
Rob, an active volunteer, had suffered worsening knee pain before being referred for surgery in June 2024.
“I was really happy with the MyMobility app,” he said. “I’d never heard of it before, but once it was explained to me, I was fully on board. It was the best thing I could have done – it made such a difference.”
The app provided tailored exercises, checklists, and direct communication with his care team. “I felt really connected to the team and well looked after,” Rob added. “The messaging system meant I could ask questions, and Alison, one of the nurses, even called me a couple of times to check in, which was really reassuring.”
When Rob faced a setback after overexerting on a walk, the app proved invaluable. “Thanks to the app, I sent a photo and message to the team at Clatterbridge. Nurse Alison Roberts got back to me straight away. Without it, I might have panicked and ended up in A&E.”
Now back to regular walks, Rob called it “the future of medical care,” urging others to use the app.
Robert Lundy
AWARD STAFF RECOGNITION SCHEME
Congratulations to all our Staff Recognition Scheme winners in December, January and February 2025. Thank you for your outstanding contributions.
To nominate a colleague, visit the Your WUTH/Rewards section of the staff intranet or use the QR code on page 11.
Right (right): Katie Beale, Anaesthetic Specialty Lead
Above (right): Jared Skeaping, Volunteer
Above: Sophie Bellis, HR Advisor
Use this QR code to nominate a colleague
Right (left): Leanne Burke, Cancer Care Co-ordinator
Above: Janet Jones, HR Assistant
Left (right): Craig Jones, Porter
Above: Jane Glover, Lead Nurse for Endoscopy
A commitment to inclusive care
The Trust recently marked Autism Sunday on 9th February by reaffirming its commitment to supporting autistic patients.
We’re working hard to ensure that people with additional needs receive the same high-quality care as other patients by listening directly to their experiences and making meaningful adjustments.
To better understand patient needs, WUTH’s Patient Experience Team runs Patient Promise Groups, workshops designed to gather feedback from autistic people.
Helen Newell, Safeguarding and Complex Care Lead, emphasised the importance of open communication. She said: “If anyone with additional needs comes into hospital, we urge them to let staff know so that we can make reasonable adjustments to ensure their needs are met.”
A flagging system ensures that autistic patients who request extra support receive it during future visits. Additionally, WUTH has appointed two specialist nurses, Helen Templeton and Nicole Baines, to oversee autism care.
Staff training is also a priority. WUTH has implemented the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism to equip employees with essential knowledge. Other initiatives include sensory care bags for emergency and admission units, a carer’s passport offering additional support, and ongoing collaboration with the autistic community to drive improvements.
Photo (left to right) Helen Templeton, Helen Newell, Nicole Baines from the Safeguarding Team
WUTH joins groundbreaking research initiative
WUTH has been named as one of 10 ‘spoke’ sites for the new NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), bringing cuttingedge clinical research to Cheshire and Merseyside. Hosted by Liverpool NHS University Hospitals Group (UHLG), this initiative is part of a £100M government-private investment to accelerate access to pioneering treatments.
With the launch of the Wirral Research and Innovation Centre, WUTH is well-placed to deliver commercial studies offering advanced healthcare technologies. Sarah Dyas, WUTH Research and Innovation Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this important regional initiative because it will offer even more opportunities for the Wirral population to take advantage of new treatments and healthcare technologies.”
One patient taking part in research at WUTH is Carole Clayton, 77, who survived a severe stroke thanks to her pug, Tilly. Because Carole’s daughter was staying with her to help tend the little dog’s post-op wounds, she recognised Carole’s stroke symptoms and ensured she was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital.
Carole is now participating in LIBREXIA, a trial for Milvexian, a blood-thinning drug aimed at preventing recurrent strokes. “I’d do
Photo: Carole Clayton
A will of iron
A WUTH consultant is preparing for her first Ironman Triathlon— after surgery and a serious cycling accident.
Dr Anne Noglik, 55, will compete in Ironman Tallinn on 23rd August 2025, tackling a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. Once unimaginable, the challenge now feels within reach. “I never considered this a possibility,” she said. “But when you physically can’t do something, that’s when you start wishing you had taken those opportunities.”
Anne’s journey began through her husband, Dr Martin PritchardHowarth, an experienced Ironman competitor. After completing a half Ironman in 2014, spinal surgery in 2017 forced her to stop running. Then, in 2023, she was knocked off her bike by an aggressive driver.
“I didn’t want to cycle again. My confidence was gone,” she admitted.
With support from her triathlon clubs and husband—who once gifted her a marathon entry for Valentine’s Day—she rebuilt her strength.
“To those who think they can’t do it, I can relate,” she said. “But doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
Now, she’s ready to take on her toughest challenge yet.
Photo (left to right): Dr Anne Noglik, Dr Martin Pritchard-Howarth
Going for global gold
Helen Hislop, a WUTH physiotherapist, has achieved global recognition in ice swimming.
Crowned Age Group World Champion in the 1000m Freestyle at the International Ice Swimming Association World Championships, Helen secured gold in Molveno, Italy, competing in waters below two degrees Celsius.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country,” said Helen, who works at Arrowe Park Hospital.
Balancing her career with training, Helen’s journey was marked by determination. Reflecting on the race, she explained, “Getting to the end safely was my main focus—taking it steady, swimming my own race, and staying in control.”
Helen trained in open water as temperatures dropped, alongside indoor pool sessions for endurance. Safety was paramount. “I needed to pass a medical before competing in the British Ice Swimming Championships in December, where I qualified for the GB team. Mentally, I was extremely nervous—I’d never swum in water below 2 degrees before—but I reminded myself I’d done the preparation and training to get through.”
The championships were held in Molveno, with its turquoise lake framed by snow-capped mountains. “It was a privilege to compete in such a stunning location,” Helen said. Competing in two events, she secured a silver medal in the 500m and gold in the 1km, cementing her place among the elite.
Photo : Helen Hislop
Supporting our staff
At our Trust, your wellbeing is our priority. We are committed to ensuring our teams feel supported both physically and mentally.
Our flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme ran from September to February, helping protect staff and patients. If you haven’t yet had your flu jab, you can still book an appointment through Occupational Health.
On 12th March, we marked No Smoking Day, reminding staff, patients, and visitors of the benefits of quitting smoking— more time, money, and energy. ABL is available to support those who want to stop, text ABL on 260777. We continue to enforce our strict no-smoking policy across all hospital sites.
For emotional, psychological, financial and practical advice, there’s a 24 hour helpline from Health Assured to support you through any of life’s issues or problems. Call 0800 783 2808 to speak to a confidential professional. Alternatively you can download the Wisdom app to access resources for mental health, wellbeing, and practical advice. You’ll find free access to this resource and more in the Your WUTH, Occupational Health section of the staff intranet.
Whatever challenges you may face, WUTH is here to help you stay healthy and well.
Keeping you in the know
The Communications Team is here to keep you up-to-date on everything happening at WUTH. We bring you the latest Trust’s news, ensuring you’re always kept informed. From breaking updates to heartwarming patient stories, we bring you the latest through our quarterly magazine, twice-weekly bulletin, social media, global emails, website articles and more.
If you’re looking for something to brighten your day, our news reels are packed with feel-good stories showcasing the incredible work happening across our hospitals. Whether it’s celebrating staff achievements, sharing important updates, or keeping you informed about relevant events, we have it covered.
Stay connected and please get involved. If you have a great story, we would love to shout about it. Email us at wih-communications@nhs.net
Check the news section of our website
The twice-weekly In Touch Bulletin is sent by email to all WUTH staff and volunteers. It contains all the very latest news around the Trust. You can also view the most recent issue using the QR code. Please contact the Communications Team if you’re not receiving your copy.
Easter celebrations at WUTH
Easter is a time when WUTH’s caring and compassionate staff go above and beyond to make it a special time for patients.
Nik Hardwick, a senior nurse on the Neonatal Unit, spoke of the importance of supporting parents and carers by helping them to celebrate Easter and other occasions with their babies, no matter how poorly they are. She said: “Last year we received a donation of knitted chicks, so I placed one in each baby’s cot and took their photo as a memento for the parents and carers to keep. We put the photos in a gallery on the ward. They absolutely loved it.”
On Ward 21, a ward for older patients, Ward Manager Sijee Sabumathew talked of the special activities that take place each year. “The staff bring in hot cross buns and Easter eggs, and we decorate the ward with bunting. For our patients with dementia, it helps evoke happy memories which improves their sense of wellbeing. It’s also an opportunity to help create more social connections amongst our patients”, Sijee said.
Rev Malcolm Cowan is looking forward to welcoming patients, staff and visitors to WUTH’s Easter services. He explained: “The Good Friday service is a quiet, reflective one. We clear the chapel of adornments and they are put back for Easter Day when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ.” Services will take place in the Chapel at Arrowe Park Hospital on Good Friday, 18th April at 2pm and on Easter Sunday, 20th April at 10am.
Photo (left to right): Nik Hardwick with Hannah Harper, Ward Manager
Wordsearch Competition
Thoracotomy
Healthier
Friends
Complete the wordsearch and send your entry (this page) by email to wih-tr.communications@nhs.net, or by post to Communications Department, Arrowe Park Hospital. Please include your name and contact details. Entries must be received by Friday 11th April 2025. By sending your entry, you are agreeing to have your photo taken for publishing. The winner will be featured in the next issue of the In Touch Magazine.
Join us at our upcoming events. We’re counting on your support.
Sunday 6th April - Egg Run, Wirral Scooter Club at Arrowe Park
Sunday 13th April - BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K
Sunday 11th May - Aintree 5K, 10K and Half Marathon
Sunday 18th May - Chester Half Marathon
Sunday 8th June - BTR Port Sunlight 5K and 10K
Friday 13th June - 80s Night at the Onyx Club, Heswall
Saturday, 28th June - BAZFEST live music with Johnny Pye, Heswall
Sunday, 6th July - Wirral Coastal Walk
To get involved contact the Charity Team on wuth.charity@nhs.net or call 0151 482 7788.
