CHATTER BOX
Every Penny Counts
The weeks and months ahead are so important for all of us, as we make one final push to hit our financial plan for 2025/26.
We are working towards stepping down from NHS England’s Recovery Support Programme (RSP) at the highest level of intervention at the end of March 2026, which we have been in for nearly a decade.
This is how we move out of ‘organisation in difficulty’ and into a place where we are trusted to run our own services. While it won’t magically fix everything overnight, it would be a major milestone and recognition of the improvements we have all made.
So why should this matter to you? This affects your day-to-day working life. It affects how much change is done to us versus with you. It affects whether we are constantly firefighting or finally able to plan properly. It affects morale, pride, and whether people feel this is a place they want to stay, grow, and recommend to others.
#TeamSaTH has delivered a phenomenal improvement this year and delivering our financial plan is the last step. We are so close! We’ve delivered 98.5% of our plan but the 1.5% is critical. If we miss our target, we could have a bigger reduction target for next year and we will have to give back money, impacting on our cash position.
If we don’t take some urgent action, we will have a £10m gap at year end, but in a Trust that spends £2m every day, this is achievable. It is not about one dramatic cut - it’s about thousands of small, sensible decisions adding up. Momentum matters now more than ever.
Thank you for everything you are doing. Together, 8,000 people CAN make a difference!
For more information on our journey to financial balance, please visit the intranet
World Cancer Day – supporting Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal
On Wednesday 4 February (World Cancer Day) SaTH will be supporting the Sunflower Appeal launched by Lingen Davies Cancer Support.
The appeal aims to raise £5m to bring a dedicated cancer treatment centre to Princess Royal Hospital –which will provide the space to double the capacity of chemotherapy provision in the region.
To show your support we are asking colleagues to wear an item of yellow clothing on Wednesday 4 February. If you can, you can make a donation to the Sunflower Appeal through the link: https:// lingendavies.enthuse.com/worldcancerday#!/
Please do share pictures of you and your teams in yellow with sath.commsteam@nhs.net
Lingen Davies have also created a helpful pack for those wanting to hold their own coffee morning for World Cancer Day and raise funds for the Charity.
Packs, which include posters, price lists, and decorative bunting can be downloaded by clicking here
Time to Talk Day
Thursday 5 February 2026 is marked nationally by Mind and Rethink Mental illness as ‘Time to Talk Day’.
As your Staff Psychology Service, this Time to Talk Day we’d like to spotlight some attention on connection and how experiences of this can be increased through moments of talking and listening. As a Trust, we have Schwartz Rounds and Peer Listening, both initiatives centred on being human and fostering connection and we’ll talk a bit more about them below.
Working within the NHS presents many challenges that we all face in different ways and during periods of uncertainty, pressure, and change, individuals may find it more difficult than usual to maintain a sense of connection both with themselves and their colleagues. This can lead to feelings of isolation and the perception that one is alone in encountering specific challenges or emotions.
Schwartz Rounds and Peer Listening acknowledge this and create a space for safely sharing how we feel in relation to life’s challenges and how they can impact us professionally and personally. When we connect with one another we may feel less isolated, more understood and more valued as a person.
Schwartz Rounds are a safe and nurturing space within which to drop anchor, take a breath, rest and digest some food, and importantly share our experiences of how it feels to work in healthcare – and to be human. Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of job role, work area, or banding. In fact, this is one of the things that makes them so unique – that in a Schwartz Round we are relating to one another as human beings rather than as job titles. To join the mailing list, please email: sath.schwartz@nhs. net
Our next Schwartz Round will take place at SERII (RSH) on Wednesday 15 April, 12.30-2.00pm, and in that time you will hear colleagues share their stories relating to the theme: “I’m human too: When feelings surface”.
Peer Listening is a network of trained Listeners who, within their areas, can make themselves available to have a confidential conversation that gives space for colleagues to explore their emotions, perspectives and challenges with a focus on understanding (not advice or problem solving). As a growing initiative, you may not yet have any trained Listeners in your area though this is aimed to increase over time
– if you are interested in training to become a Listener yourself, please email sath. staffpsychology@nhs.net
Schwartz Round testimonials:
• “I believe Schwartz Rounds are precious especially through the way in which they were originally created. It’s vital that as humans we connect and share empathy and compassion with our fellow humans especially for our patients and our work colleagues.”
• “It has been therapeutic to look back on and reflect on experiences and to hear other people’s stories and how they were impacted personally.”
• “It was a great process - I learnt from preparing the story, from fellow story tellers and also from colleagues comments and reflections.”
• “It brings us together helping connection and understanding of what challenges and different circumstances one another has encountered.”
Peer Listening testimonials:
• “During my time as a nurse working in Sath, there have been times when I would have benefitted greatly from having someone to allow me the opportunity to share how I was feeling and act as a sounding board and doing so in confidence”.
• “I’m drawn to the idea of contributing to a healthier workplace culture. It matters to me that people feel supported, valued, and not alone in whatever they’re dealing with. Peer Listening gives me a way to make a meaningful difference in a very human, everyday way”.
• “Often, having the space to articulate thoughts aloud helps people gain perspective and feel less alone, even without advice or solutions being offered”.
• “I think it helps people feel less isolated. When someone feels heard, it can ease stress, bring clarity, and help them feel more grounded. It also encourages people to seek support early, before things build up too much”.
We know that maintaining motivation, energy and wellbeing amidst constant - and at times overwhelming - challenge is tough, though doing so alone is tougher - if talking about how things are for you isn’t what you normally do, why not give it a try today and share something with a trusted colleague or friend on this Time to Talk Day?
SaTH reusable cup relaunches on Monday
The SaTH reusuable cup scheme, where staff and visitors were able to purchase the cup and return it when they finished and swap for a clean one, is to be relaunched on Monday (2 February).
It will mean there will now be a 50p fee to pay on top of the hot drink for those people who do not bring a reusable cup when they buy their drink.
Similar to the carrier bag charges in supermarkets, there will be a charge for each disposable cup. People have two options to not incur the additional charge - either bring their own reusable cup or make a one-off payment and join the SaTH cup scheme.
Help us to help you one sip at a time with this reusable cup scheme - each cup and lid can be reused 1,000 times. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions, it also significantly reduces the amount of waste going into incineration.
For more details visit the intranet
The new SaTH reusable cup Soft launching on Monday 2 February 2026
COMING SOON: Scheme for reusable takeaway containers
Be Switched On, Switch Off!
Across the Trust we spend a huge amount on our energy bills for electricity, gas and water.
By all working together and making small easy changes we can all help to reduce these costs and put the savings towards other things to benefit our staff and patients, and reduce our carbon emissions.
As part of our work to support our newly refreshed Green Plan we are asking all SaTH colleagues to join us and Be Switched On - Switch Off!
Members of the Sustainability Team will be visiting areas across the Trust to distribute energy saving posters and we would love to hear what you are doing to saving energy and your ideas/suggestions.
NHS Excellence Awards – nominations now open
You can now nominate a team or colleague for this year’s NHS Excellence Awards.
The awards celebrate local teams who are delivering the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan and helping to improve access, quality and patient experience across the NHS. They’re run by the NHS, free to enter and there’s no cost for shortlisted teams to attend the ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo on 10 June.
There are ten categories covering innovation across health and care. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 6 March.
If you know a team or individual doing great work, please encourage them to put themselves forward. If you’d like to submit a nomination, email sath.commsteam@nhs.net
LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month is a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, and non-binary (LGBT+) history.
2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month, the first UK LGBT+ History Month was in 2005. The month highlights the incredible things LGBT+ people in all our diversity have achieved throughout history, in all areas of life.
With events taking place all over the world, it is important that we claim or past, celebrate our present and create our future as an inclusive environment in the NHS.
The theme for 2026 is Science and Innovation. Science and innovation impacts our daily lives, from the technology we use to developments in healthcare, as well as helping us to address global challenges such as climate change and access to clean energy.
Diverse teams are essential for the development of solutions which benefit everyone, yet we might often struggle to name LGBT+ scientists and innovators. The 2026 theme for LGBT+ History Month aims to highlight the contributions of LGBT+ people historically and today, and to raise awareness of the people behind them.
Alongside celebrating LGBT+ people, it is important to highlight the harm that LGBT+ people have historically faced as a result of the ways in which science has been explored and misapplied in the past, such as through the medicalisation and pathologisation of LGBT+
identities, and how we still need to address this today.
The month is important because it gives us a chance to continue to educate ourselves on LGBT+ history and reflect on the privileges we may have and also a chance to look at what hasn’t changed, whether that’s in the UK or worldwide, and what we can do to really embody the spirit of those LGBT+ heroes that came before us.
Useful resources via links below:
• LGBT+ History Month
• How to celebrate LGBT+ History Month in the workplace
• How to support LGBTQ+ colleagues in the workplace podcast
• LGBTQ+ Archives - Inclusive Employers
What’s happening at SaTH during LGBT+ History Month?
The PRIDE Network will be hosting its monthly meeting on Friday 13 February on MS Teams between 1-2pm.
Join the meeting here
You can find out more about the PRIDE Network on their intranet page
There will be a PRIDE bake sale on Tuesday 25 February outside the Chaplaincy Office, RSH.
Disabled Insight Leadership Programme
The Disabled Insight Leadership Programme will be launched in April 2026 until September 2026.
We are working in partnership with Disability Rights UK to deliver the programme, where facilitators all have lived experience. Modules will be delivered on-line and each participant will be allocated a personal mentor.
The Disabled Insight Leadership Programme in partnership with Disability Rights UK is open to individuals who:
• Identify as having a long-term health condition or disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010. This includes any physical or mental condition which you feel has a substantial or long-term impact on your ability to carry
It’s OK to Ask
At SaTH it is important to us that our patients and the people important to them feel empowered to ask questions about their healthcare.
‘It’s OK to Ask’ is our new campaign to help build a culture where people feel safe, supported and listened to. We want patients to know that asking questions is always welcome and can help them feel more confident and involved in their care.
The campaign and the materials were produced with our patient partners who developed 4 questions to prompt patients when discussing their care:
out normal day-to-day activities. There is no minimum or maximum level of impairment required.
• Are aspiring to develop and progress your career. You may already be managing people, be aspiring to become a line manager, or have responsibility for a larger or more complex area of work.
• Are motivated to develop your leadership skills, confidence and self-awareness in order to support your ongoing career development and progression.
Anyone interested may request an application form and further details from: sath.leadership@nhs. net.
Closing date for all completed applications is 12.00noon Monday 2 March 2026.
• Why am I here?
• What are my options?
• What happens next?
• What else am I worrying about?
The Patient Experience Team will be visiting your area soon to distribute leaflets, posters and to provide further information. To find our more and download the leaflets and posters now see our intranet page here
The Great Tommy Sleep Out
Our Hospital at Night Team including Clinical Lead Jason O’Neill and the Quality Matron and her team, are proud to be taking part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out to raise vital funds and awareness for homeless veterans.
By sleeping out for one night, they are standing in solidarity with those who have served our country and now face homelessness, helping to support access to safe accommodation and essential mental health services through Royal British Veterans Enterprise.
If you are able to support the team, you can donate to their fundraiser here.
Thank you Melissa
Thank you to Melissa who has raised over £1,000 for the Neonatal Unit at the PRH.
Her son Henry spent several weeks on the Neonatal Ward after his birth and Melissa wanted to give something back to the amazing team on the Neonatal Unit who cared for them both.
Melissa ran the Chester Marathon in October, and whilst doing her training she had Henry alongside her in a running buggy. Melissa started her training just four months after having Henry, and stated ‘…after having children, it was the hardest but proudest achievement, especially only 11 months after having a baby!’ She ran the marathon in under six hours, and her children and husband were proudly waiting for her to cross the finish line.
Her amazing fundraising efforts will make a real
London Marathon
Exciting news – Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity has secured a coveted place in the TCS London Marathon, on Sunday 26 April 2027.
The London Marathon is a world-class event that attracts thousands of runners each year; beginning in Blackheath and ending in Westminster. The route takes you through the heart of London on the iconic 26.2-mile route.
This exciting opportunity is being offered exclusively to staff members, so if you would like to be the lucky person who secures the spot, all you need to do is apply.
There will be a Minimum Fundraising Target of £2,000 and the application is easy, simply
difference for other families who need our specialist care.
We are so grateful for this generous donation, which will help us continue providing the very best support to our tiniest patients and their loved ones.
click the link here, fill out the form by Sunday 1 March 2026 and tell us why you would love to be the person who gets to fill this unbelievable spot.
You will be supporting the hospital and our users, friends, families and supporters in a capacity that is life-changing to not only the individuals receiving care, but the NHS family of staff as well.
Don’t miss out – apply by 1st March 2026 for your chance to run the London Marathon for our charity!
Colleague Notice Board
Monday 13th April 2026
SECC, RSH
Who is the conference for?
The course is aimed at LED’s (locally employed doctors) & Clinical Fellows
The purpose?
Boost your career aspirations with expert advice and support
Connect with senior medics, consultants, and an external speaker to gain valuable insights to promote your excellence/skills
To help aspiring applicants with ‘Specialty training applications’ to sharpen up your CV and improve interview techniques for future jobs/career
Those who want to improve their skills with QIP (quality Improvement) & Research, How to start, How to publish And much more!
Lunch & refreshments provided!
Register now to secure your place! Please link in with your rota coordinator’s. Register to attend asap: sharon.percival1@nhs.net
January 2026 Newsletter Conference for LED Doctors
from Catering (RSH), our Mentor of the Month! Joe has been an incredible support to both staff and students and plays a vital role in helping our learners build confidence and independence in the workplace. Congratulations also to Lee Herkes (RS H), who received his welldeserved certificate for Mentor of the Month – thank you for everything you do!
Women and Children’s Division (PRH)
One of our interns has been completing a placement in Ward 6 as a Housekeeper. Since November, he has gained valuable experience supporting the ward team.
“Kyranisalwayspolitetowardsanyoneontheward.Herespondsenthusiasticallyandinawellmanneredway.”
Julie Gerrard, Intern’s Mentor, Housekeeper
Jared is completing a placement as an Administration Assistant in the Women and Children’s Department. He works with medical secretaries managing case notes on CareFlow and has shown excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
“Jaredisaverypoliteandwillingindividual.Hehasshownaconsistentandappropriateattitudetotheteamandtasksassigned.”
Debbie Regan, Intern’s Mentor, Administration Manager
Pharmacy Placement Success (PRH)
We are pleased to share fantastic feedback from our Pharmacy team. Since starting his placement in November, Ethan has been excelling!
“Ethanhasbeendoinglotsoforderpickingandtheteamhaveremarkedhowaccuratehisworkis.”
Charlotte Scott, Senior Pharmacy Technician for Medicines Optimisation
“Ethanhasveryquicklybecomeoneoftheteam –theguysallloveworkingwithhimandwishhecouldjoin uspermanently.”
A Big Well Done To (RSH):
STAFF LOTTERY
This month’s winners...
1st £700
Emma Martin, Stroke 2nd £325
Louise Jenkinson, Respiratory 2nd £325
Dominador Germino, Pre-Op Assessment 3rd £175
Kathy Gough, Emergency Department 3rd £175
Beccy Heron, Microbiology 4th £125
Kaye Renshaw, Orthodontics 4th £125
Jay Cooke, Women and Children’s 5th £75
Jacqueline Doughty, ITU/HDU
5th £75
Sheila Gould, Women and Children’s 6th £60
Verity Alldridge, Digital Services 6th £60
Caroline Cross, Communications 6th £60
Gerry Lee, RSH Theatres 6th £60
Beks Tudor, Service Improvement 6th £60
Lauren Dorsett, Patient Flow
JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
14 CASH PRIZES EVERY MONTH!
Tickets only £1
Payment will be deducted from your salary; winnings are paid into your salary the following month.
Why join our staff lottery?
50% of profits are given out in prizes and the other 50% is adding to our Small Changes Make a Big Difference Fund which is all spent on items for staff.
The SaTH Small Things Make a Big Difference Fund aims to improve the working environment and amenities for all employees.
Click here to download the T&C’s and enter the staff lottery
Please can you pass on my thanks to the team on shift during my time in paediatrics A&E with my daughter. We were there from 8am-5pm and they were all great with both of us.
I appreciate the care given and checks done to ensure my daughter wasn’t really poorly and cover all bases, before sending us home. The staff all worked so hard, in very busy conditions. If they were stressed, they didn’t show it (and it must have been stressful at times).
A special mention to Harri (from Orthopaedics) for his patience with a hungry and fedup daughter, and to Cat for getting her some food to see her through the rest of the day. Thanks all for making her experience one that was calm and appropriate for her.