York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

02/10/2026

Happy retirement to Sandra Cooper, Specialist Nurse Safeguarding Children, who reached the end of her career this week!

Sandra first started at Scarborough Hospital way back in 1990, working in the Pathology Department before beginning her nurse training. After qualifying, she worked across a range of clinical settings, including surgical wards and the Special Care Baby Unit, building up a wealth of experience caring for children, young people and their families.

Her career then took her to Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, where she worked as a School Nurse before moving into roles as a Health Advisor for Looked After Children and a Paediatric Liaison Nurse.

In 2016, Sandra returned to our Trust as a Specialist Nurse in the Safeguarding Children Team. Since then, she has played an important role in helping to keep children and young people safe, working closely with colleagues across the Trust, social care, police and other partner agencies.

Sandra’s knowledge, experience, compassion and commitment have made a real difference to thousands of local children, young people and families, as well as to the colleagues she has supported over the years.

We’d like to say a huge thank you, Sandra, for everything you have given to the NHS and to the children and families you have cared for and advocated for throughout your career 💙

And what better way to start retirement than by taking your sister on a cruise? We hope you have an absolutely wonderful time and wish you a very happy retirement. You’ve certainly earned it!

30/09/2026

Say hello to Jessica Tong, Sister in York Hospital’s Critical Care Department 👋

🤔 Tell us about your role
I work both clinically and managerially in York’s Critical Care Department, so my role varies greatly. Clinically, I help run the department alongside a very varied team, supporting nursing and medical handovers, ward rounds, patient flow, admissions and step-downs, as well as providing hands-on patient care when needed.

Alongside my clinical role, I oversee a team of around 25 nurses and Allied Health Professionals. My responsibilities include the day-to-day management of shifts and absences, completing appraisals and regular supervisions, and supporting my team with their aspirations, goal setting, health and wellbeing.

A big part of my role, and how I make a difference day to day, is being present. I work with a large volume of staff from a wide variety of specialities, and each of them requires something different from me. Being present makes a huge difference to how my colleagues feel about their interactions with me — they feel listened to, understood and valued. I want my colleagues to know they can come to me and ask me anything, and if I don't know the answer, I will find out or we can work it out together. This approach also extends to caring for our patients and their families and friends.

⏰ How long have you been at our Trust?
I have worked for the Trust since September 2016, which sounds like a long time, but it has honestly flown! I have worked in some sort of caring/healthcare role for most of my life, starting in the NHS as a healthcare assistant.

I completed my nursing degree in 2016 and have worked in my current department as a Registered Nurse, Deputy Sister and Sister. I have taken a couple of detours along the way, working in another critical care unit and for NHS Blood and Transplant for 12 months during the second wave of the pandemic.

💙 Tell us about a special moment you’ve experienced at work
I have had many successes and achievements throughout my career; however, the most special moments I have at work are all related to Team ICU. I get the most job satisfaction when I observe my team in action, working together cohesively to care for patients and their families, learning a new skill and becoming competent and autonomous in their role – nothing compares to that sense of accomplishment on their faces! I love observing staff stepping up and leading their colleagues, moving through the job from novice to expert. I have never known another team that will hold each other up like our team do when the job is difficult. The empathy, understanding, kindness and care they have for each other is humbling. They are a truly great team.

🧠 Do you have any advice for new colleagues at our Trust?
We have all been new to a job or role, give yourself time to settle in, engage with your preceptorship/study days as these will help you find your feet.

Ask questions! If you are unsure about something, someone will be able to help you find your way. We are all here for a collective purpose to help and care for others in need and learning from each other helps us be great at our role for both us and the people we care for in our roles.

27/09/2026

Star Award: John Norman, Specialty Registrar ⭐

John was nominated for a Star Award twice by his colleagues, who describe him as an exceptional clinician, mentor and colleague, and a shining example of excellence in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

Both nominations highlighted John’s unwavering commitment to his patients and colleagues, and his willingness to go above and beyond, particularly during demanding on-call shifts. His calm and approachable manner provides invaluable support to junior doctors, while his teaching, mentorship and encouragement give them the confidence and space to develop their skills.

John is also praised for his patient-centred approach, taking the time to build excellent rapport with patients and put them at ease, particularly ahead of complex and daunting surgery. He is a strong advocate for his patients and consistently steps forward when the team needs him.

One colleague described it as a “true privilege” to work with John, while another said that if there was one person they could nominate for the award, it would be him.

Congratulations, John, and thank you for being part of Team Y&S 👏

26/09/2026

Three of our teams have been recognised at the Healthwatch York Making a Difference Awards. Congratulations to our Dermatology, Magnolia Centre and ICU teams!

What makes these awards particularly special is that they’re based on feedback from members of the public, giving patients and relatives the opportunity to recognise the people and teams who have made a difference to their experience of care.

Our Dermatology Team received a five-star review after a patient attended a weekend clinic, organised to help improve waiting times. The patient praised the warm welcome, timely care and clear explanations from the consultant, saying they “couldn’t fault the service”.

The Magnolia Centre was also recognised after a patient described the team as “extremely caring, friendly and professional”, adding that the whole experience was “outstanding” during what was understandably a stressful time. Katy Maskell and Louise Dunn accepted the award on behalf of the team.

And our ICU Team received recognition after a relative shared how they were treated with “kindness and reassurance” when they called at 4am to learn that their husband was in ICU. Helen Elcock and Annabel Search represented the team at the awards.

Hearing directly from patients and relatives about the difference our colleagues make is incredibly special. A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone across these teams for the compassion, professionalism and dedication they show every day.

25/09/2026

After an incredible 44 years in the NHS, we’re saying a very fond farewell to Sue Wilson as she begins her well-deserved retirement 💙

Sue has spent her entire career with our Trust, starting out as a student nurse at Scarborough Hospital and never leaving! Over the years she has cared for patients across geriatrics, paediatrics, surgery and medicine, before dedicating the last 22 years of her career to respiratory nursing, both in hospital and in the community.

It’s hard to put into words just how much Sue has contributed to respiratory nursing. From caring for patients with complex needs and spotting those unusual respiratory symptoms, to mentoring new members of the team and even organising emergency oxygen deliveries overseas. Sue really has done it all!

In the words of colleague Sarah Moss: "She is one of a kind, utterly indispensable and, quite simply, going to be impossible to replace."

Sarah and other team members were delighted to celebrate Sue with a lunch on Monday and to have the chance to say thank you properly for everything she has given to her patients, colleagues and the NHS over the past 44 years.

So, Sue, as you cruise off into the sunset, we wish you a very happy retirement. You’ve more than earned it! 🥂🌅

23/09/2026

A reminder that our AGM takes place online this evening, 5.30 to 6.30pm 💻

At this meeting, you can hear more about your local NHS, the progress made over the past year, and our priorities for the year ahead. There's also a live Q&A session.

Find out more information and join the session via the news page ➡ https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/news-amp-media/latest-news/find-out-more-about-your-local-nhs-at-trust-annual-meeting/

Join us at our upcoming Annual Members' Meeting and AGM 💻

During the online event, you can hear more about your local NHS, the progress made over the past year, and our priorities and challenges ahead. You can also put questions directly to members of the Trust Board, either in advance or during the session.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday 23 September, 5.30 to 6.30pm. Find out more on our website 👉 https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/news-amp-media/latest-news/find-out-more-about-your-local-nhs-at-trust-annual-meeting/

21/09/2026

Could you go 100 miles this October to support people affected by breast cancer? 🏃

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is asking local people to commit to 3.2 miles a day in October and help raise money to support breast cancer care at our Trust.

In the UK, 59,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Whether walking, running, cycling or swimming the distance, every mile counts - and so does every pound raised!

Find out more via the charity's post ⬇

Sign up to our virtual 100 mile challenge this Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💖🚶‍♀️

Join our 100 Miles in October Challenge and complete 100 miles in 31 days.

That's just 3.2 miles a day, and you can complete your miles in a way that suits you. Whether you prefer walking, running, cycling or swimming, every mile you complete and every pound you raise will help support people affected by breast cancer in our local community.

Sign up today and make every mile count this October! https://ow.ly/UA3l50ZNSpE 🌟💖

19/09/2026

Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place next month. With support from our bereavement midwives, we're holding a few events to give families affected by baby loss a moment to reflect and remember their much-loved babies who died too soon.

🩷 From 6.30pm, 10 October, Scarborough Beach
💙 12 to 2pm, 15 October, Scarborough Hospital Chapel or York Hospital Chapel

No need to book a place - just join us at the times outlined above.

18/09/2026

Star Award: Asmita (Ash) Chatterjee, Physiotherapist ⭐

Ash was nominated twice for the difference she makes to the patients she cares for. She consistently shows kindness, compassion and determination, and will go the extra mile to make sure each patient’s individual needs are understood and supported.

Both nominations highlighted Ash’s work with a complex patient who had additional needs, respiratory difficulties and a challenging social situation. Ash took the time to truly listen, understand what mattered to the patient and identify the support they needed to maintain their independence. She worked closely with colleagues across the wider multidisciplinary team and external services, while advocating for the patient and challenging barriers along the way.

For another patient on Beech Ward, Ash played a key role in developing a clear rehabilitation and discharge plan. She recognised how overwhelming the hospital environment was for the patient and worked patiently with them to set clear, achievable goals. She gave them the time and space they needed, while bringing colleagues together to make sure their specific needs were understood and considered.

What really stands out is that Ash does not give up when things become difficult. Her determination to achieve the best possible outcome for her patients remains constant, even when there are challenges along the way.

Her impact goes beyond the patients she supports. Ash is a valued colleague who brings compassion, patience and resilience to her work, and her commitment to advocating for patients inspires those around her 👏

15/09/2026

There may be some delays at the Blood Taking Service at York Community Stadium today. This is due to staff shortages.

The service is still running, but may be slower than usual.

Alternative services are available at Malton Hospital, Selby War Memorial Hospital, York Hospital, and Askham Bar Community Diagnostic Centre 🩸