Moving to excellence: Exiting Special Measures
Thanks to your hard work, determination and dedication – SaTH is no longer in special measures.
• This is a significant milestone and is a proud moment for TeamSaTH
• It recognises substantial and sustained improvement in performance, finance and governance
• This is not the end of our improvement journey
• We have a plan which sets out how we will continue to move forwards – Group, hospitals and digital transformation
• We will be marking this incredible achievement – more details coming soon
Moving to excellence: Our performance
How we are doing
Key updates
• SaTH ranked 78/134 Trusts in Q3 NOF results – and moved up to Segment 3. An incredible achievement!
• Cancer FDS – 80.2% in Jan, upper quartile nationally
• Cancer 62-day – 68.3% in Jan, out of bottom quartile
• Elective 52ww – almost eradicated
• Elective 18w RTT – 63.1% ahead of local target
• Diagnostics - DMO1 (6 week waits) 86.44% in Feb
• UEC month to date - 4 hours 53.1% and 12-hour type
1 79.4% - best 12-hour performance since Aug 24
• Average Ambulance Handover time is to-date 61 minutes - best performance since Aug 2025
• We welcomed CQC inspection team across Medicine and UEC
• New Vanguard unit in place at RSH ED to support next phase of HTP
• Internal reconfiguration within RSH ED completed
– inc. the opening of the new ambulatory majors
• Piloting UEC improvements through March and towards Easter to reduce waits for patients –seeing positive results
• Working with partners to reduce NCTR
Ward 5 reopens for elective orthopaedic surgery
We have fantastic news to share - orthopaedic joint replacement surgery which requires an overnight stay has resumed at PRH.
Vital work to create a safer environment for our patients has been completed. It includes modern ventilation units, lighting and windows on Ward 5, where patients stay to recover after having their procedures.
It now means we are able to treat all joint replacement patients. We also had our first day zero patient on day 4!
Adding value for patients: Let’s keep going!
• THANK YOU!
• On track to deliver financial plan – first time in 10 years!
• Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) on track to deliver £41.4m, our highest improvement plan to date.
• We are not complacent – we are still £4.1m overspent and must hit our financial target this year.
• If we don’t hit our financial plan, this could have an impact on our funding for 26/27.
• Exiting the Recovery Support Programme (RSP) has huge impact on our finances – more autonomy, but more to lose.
• 2026/27 won’t be easy, but we have foundations and earlier planning in place.
Adding value for patients: Every Penny Counts
• Teams at Douglas Court are making the small things add up!
• Taking a practical approach to reducing costs while encouraging more sustainable behaviours.
• Focusing on simple, everyday actions.
• Paper towels were phased out where possible and staff encouraged to switch off lights/monitors at the end of the day.
• Consolidating workspace and co-locating staff into shared areas on certain days - reducing energy consumption.
• 10% reduction in energy costs.
• Simple adjustments ARE making a difference.
With just a couple of weeks to go until the end of the financial year, Adam Winstanley, Acting Director of Finance, provides an update in this short Q&A video.
Better Together
We’re getting ready for an exciting change and are in the process of formalising our Group model ahead of April 2026 when SaTH and ShropCom will officially come together as Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Community and Hospitals NHS Group
How we are working together
• All on track to formalise our Group on Wednesday 1 April
• Together, we will be the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Community and Hospitals NHS Group
• We will keep sharing updates as details emerge
• We plan to hold the first private Boards in Common meeting on Thursday 9 April
• Great to see teams already working together
• We have more engagement events planned to listen to colleagues about opportunities
• 1 April is just the start – 2026/27 is our transition year!
Our Schwartz Round teams are coming together to benefit colleagues across the Group… Schwartz Rounds are a reflective practice forum which fosters the health and wellbeing of colleagues, no matter what role they are in. 85% of staff who participate in Schwartz Rounds report feeling better able to care for their patients.
The Schwartz Round teams have come together to strengthen the offer for colleagues across the Group, including building a stronger peer support network. Find out about the upcoming Schwartz Rounds on the intranet.
Our Vision: To provide excellent care for the communities we serve
Hospitals Transformation Programme
ED Refurbishment
We have completed
• New majors area – March 2025
• New resuscitation department – September 2025
• New ambulatory majors – 4 March 2026
Next stage
• Relocation of Ambulance Receiving Area (ARA) building at front of department – expected April
HTP Together
• Our new quarterly newsletter is now available on the intranet
– please share with colleagues
• Visuals such as posters, MS Teams backgrounds and email signatures are now available for teams to use –please get behind this campaign to ensure we are ready for 2028
• Save the date: 13-17 April – HTP walkabouts at PRH. A full timetable of where we are visiting each day is available on the intranet
• We understand that major transformation brings both opportunity and uncertainty, and we are committed to supporting every member of staff at every stage of the programme
Moving to Excellence: Staff Survey 2025 results
The NHS Staff Survey results 2025 are out. Thank you to everyone who has taken part
Thank you to everyone who participated - your feedback is vital for guiding improvements across our Group and supporting both staff and patients. With 46% completion, we are committed to acting on your input to improve work life and care.
We have improved in the following areas:
Survey results show steady progress but also highlight ongoing challenges, especially during a demanding year. We remain dedicated to fostering a supportive environment amid transformation and financial pressures, ensuring staff wellbeing is always a priority.
Information Governance: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the NHS
Guidance for healthcare workers:
• Data can lawfully be used to support AI developments. Your IG lead, Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Caldicott Guardian should be involved in any decision to implement or share data to develop AI technology. Additionally, you can contact the NHS IG Policy Team if you require further IG support for individual projects.
• SaTH has instigated an AI working group, led by Sevina Tzortzis (Chair) Chief Clinical Information Officer, where all AI related matters and future initiatives are reviewed and discussed.
Staff are to be aware that any AI related projects are to be brought to the AI group’s attention, prior to any use or deployment of AI within the Trust. If you would like to request a new AI project please follow the link: New Project request | MSM Self Service
• People may have questions about how their information is used by AI products or processes. You should discuss any concerns with them or refer them to your IG lead, DPO or Caldicott Guardian. Our organisation’s Privacy Notice will also provide details about how information is being used, shared and the choices people have. (Artificial Intelligence - NHS Transformation Directorate)
Update from the Risk Management Team
The risk management team supports teams Trust-wide with clinical and non-clinical risks. We provide assurance that the Trust is providing high quality care in a safe environment and that it is complying with legal and regulatory requirements. Below is a table that demonstrates how each division is managing its risks that affect its achievement of the Trust’s strategic objectives. Please sign up to receive Risk Management Training via LMS.
Meet the Team: Group People & OD Senior Leadership Team
Rhia Boyode
Group Chief People Officer
Jake Mairs Deputy Group Chief
People Officer –joining 1 April 2026
Simon Balderstone Director of Workforce Operations
Dawn Thompson
Associate Director of Culture
Sabeena Khanna
Associate Director of Transformation and Business Partnering
Vacant role
Associate Director of Education
People & OD have now concluded phase 1 of their Management of Change and are pleased to introduce their new senior leadership team.
The team now has offices at Shrewsbury Business Park and the three headquarters across Shrewsbury and Telford from Monday to Friday.
We are still to recruit to the Associate Director of Education role.
We've seen some valued team members leave, and we know there will continue to be changes over the coming months. This will undoubtedly bring a sense of loss, increased pressure, and uncertainty. Whist colleagues are moving on to new opportunities, that doesn’t diminish the contributions they’ve made here or the gap their departure leaves.
A special thank you to Emma Wilkins who leaves the Trust after five years in April 2026.
Our Vision: To provide excellent care for the communities we serve
Inclusion
Disabled Insight Leadership Programme
The Disabled Insight Leadership Programme will commence on Thursday 30 April and run until September 2026.
Anyone interested may request an application form and further details from: sath.leadership@nhs.net
Closing date for all completed applications is midday Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Ramadhan and Eid
Ramadhan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of generosity and compassion. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, it is a deeply spiritual period centred on selfdiscipline, gratitude, and inner growth. The month emphasizes empathy, generosity, and community — values that strongly align with a positive and respectful workplace culture. Recognizing the significance of Ramadhan fosters inclusivity, strengthens mutual understanding, and supports an environment where diversity and shared human values are genuinely appreciated.
Eid
Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in Islam, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.
Ramadhan is a period during which Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection, self-discipline, prayer, and charitable giving. Eid ul-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” celebrates the completion of this month of devotion and the values it encourages, such as compassion, generosity, and gratitude.
Upcoming staff network meetings
Multi Faith & Belief staff network meeting
MS Teams, Thursday 23 April, 12-12.45pm
DAWN staff network meeting
MS Teams, Wednesday 13 May, 12-1pm
Race, Equality & Inclusion staff network meeting
MS Teams, Wednesday 22 April, 10-11am.
LGBT+ staff network meeting
MS Teams, Friday 17 April, 1-2pm
Schwartz Rounds
A safe forum to share and reflect on the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare. Come, listen, and share your story.
Schwartz rounds benefit you and your team by:
• reducing feelings of stress and isolation
• providing staff with a greater sense of teamwork
• reducing the sense of hierarchy in the workplace
• supporting a strong and open culture
• improving patient care
• supporting staff CPD
The next rounds are at 12:30 – 2.00pm on:
• Wed 15 April SERII
• Wed 10 June PRH
• Wed 16 Sept SERII
• Wed 25 Nov PRH
Recognising our Colleagues: International Women’s Day
Thank you to all our colleagues on this International Women’s Day!
Congratulations to our Moving to Excellence Award winners
Corporate Winner
Sophie Green
Matron for Capacity and Flow
SAC Winner
Suzie Jervis Consultant
Highly Commended
Amy Jones
Assistant Operational Manager
CSS Winner
Dan Jenkins
Radiology Systems Manager
MEC Winner Indwelling Plural Catheter team
Highly Commended
Georgina Hughes
Health Care Assistant
Women and Children’s Winner
Claire Carr
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Highly Commended
Yvonne Humphreys
Care Group Business Manager
Looking forward: Key messages
Please get involved with, and support, Moving to Excellence and Stronger Together
Share your ideas –sath.strongertogether@nhs.net
Please familiarise yourself with the finance communications
Please continue to use the two Park & Ride services and be mindful that patients are using it at RSH
Our Group model will be formalised on 1 April 2026
From April 2026, pay day will change to 26th of the month.
Did you know there is a Loop app? Download now via your app store
Please consider joining our Staff Networks
Familiarise yourself with the health and wellbeing support available – details on the intranet
