CHATTER BOX
SaTH celebrates success in endoscopy training
Care for local patients using endoscopy services is being improved as clinicians are benefitting from high-quality teaching and training.
SaTH is an appointed Joint Advisory Group (JAG) training centre, and its annual report has shown that all seven key areas of quality have been met, and the Trust has demonstrated an appropriate governance structure to deliver high-quality training courses.
JAG is the UKās leading accreditation scheme for endoscopy services. It sets rigorous national standards across patient experience, clinical safety, training, and leadership.
As a JAG training centre, SaTH is a specialised, accredited facility that delivers high-quality endoscopy training for the gastrointestinal (GI) workforce.
The latest JAG Training Centre annual report highlights:
ā¢ Over 70% of attendees highlighting the course was above expectation
ā¢ The ambition to expand into different procedures and the strong multiprofessional approach from the faculty
ā¢ Active engagement with external faculty for courses
ā¢ Assistance of courses by local faculty regionally and nationally
ā¢ Admin available five days a week
Dr John Jones, Medical Director, said: āThis endorsement of our endoscopic training programmes reflects the Trustās ambition as a University Trust hospital. The report showcases excellent trainee feedback, a wide multidisciplinary faculty and an expanding portfolio of endoscopy related learning ā reinforcing our reputation for high quality, clinically led education that directly enhances patient care.ā
SaTH turns yellow for World Cancer Day
On World Cancer Day, our teams added a splash of yellow to the workplace in support of the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal.
By wearing yellow, colleagues showed their commitment to improving cancer services and standing alongside patients at every step of their journey.
The Sunflower Appeal will fund a new Cancer Treatment Centre at Princess Royal Hospital, set to open in 2029. Thank you to everyone who took
Pay day update
part and helped turn the day yellow - your support really does make a difference.
There a number of ways colleagues can continue to show their support for this fantastic campaign. Lingen Davies have a range of events planned for this year, which include the Sunflower Sprint and secret suppers ā thereās something for everyone.
Find out whatās coming up on the Lingen Davies website
During December-March, we have been trialling an earlier pay day of the 23rd of the month.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback, which has helped us to understand how we can best support colleagues. Your feedback showed us that moving to a fixed day is the right way forward, but you asked us to make the date later in the month.
From April 2026, we can confirm that the new pay date will be the 26th of the month. If the
āDraculaā fund for the renal unit
A fundraiser for a life-saving piece of equipment is well and truly underway after a Ludlow pub landlord found himself in hospital.
In January, Tim Vaughan, one half of the husbandand-wife duo behind The Queens in Lower Galdeford, spent nearly a month in hospital after contracting sepsis, leaving him on a dialysis machine.
During his stint in the hospital, he and his wife Janeās children affectionately named the dialysis machine āDraculaā.
After receiving outstanding treatment from staff at the hospital, the couple are now on a mission to get locals to donate to their āDraculaā fund for the renal unit, with contributions going directly to SaTH
26th does not fall on a working day, the pay day would be the closest working day before the 26th (usually a Friday, unless it is a Bank Holiday). The next four pay days will be as follows:
ā¢ Monday 23 February
ā¢ Monday 23 March
ā¢ Friday 24 April (26 April falls on a Sunday)
ā¢ Tuesday 26 May, and so on.
For more information, please read the message from Jo Williams, Group Chief Executive, which can be found on the intranet
Charity. Donors can donate to the coupleās Just Giving page here
Jane said: āWe have witnessed firsthand how vital resources and support can make a difference to patients, and the renal unit plays an essential role in providing life-saving treatments.
āWe are profoundly grateful for the superb care provided by the NHS staff at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital. Together we can show our appreciation for the dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly every day.ā
Every Penny Counts
There are just over six weeks to go until the end of the financial year 2025/26 ā this is the final stretch to hit our financial plan.
We are working towards stepping down from NHS Englandās 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.
While it wonāt 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? Well, this affects the day-to-day working life of every colleague.
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.
Delivering our financial plan is the last step and we are so close! Weāve delivered 98.5% of our plan but the 1.5% is critical. It is not about one dramatic cutitās about thousands of small, sensible decisions adding up over the coming weeks.
Together, 8,000 people CAN make a difference! For more information on our journey to financial balance, please visit the the intranet
Case study: Adding value by going digital
A huge thank you to the Access to Health Records Team, which sits within Legal Services, who have significantly reduced their printing and postage costs.
A large part of Access to Health Records is to supply patients, solicitors, the police and others with copies of medical records in line with their requests. This means that, historically, the team uses a significant amount of paper and ink.
More recently, the team is only printing what is absolutely necessary (and double sided only), sending out copy records electronically and making better use of digital scanning. Not only is this saving the Trust money, but it is reducing waste and is a more efficient way of working too.
They have changed their process so that as a default, any records are sent out via secure email as opposed to recorded delivery. This means they are no longer spending money on recorded delivery post or courier. A typical batch of records sent via courier can cost up to Ā£200 per delivery!
SaTHās Legal Services as a whole have now gone paperless. Colleagues are only responding to clinical negligence claims and inquests via email or electronic means, and are actively looking at creating electronic bundles for court rather than physical bundles.
Thank you to the team for adding value and making a difference for patients. What can you do in YOUR area?
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
This week we marked National Apprenticeship Week - a chance to shine a light on the wide range of apprenticeship routes available across SaTH and the wider NHS.
This yearās theme, Skills for Life, highlights how apprenticeships help people gain valuable knowledge and experience while also strengthening our future workforce.
At the moment, SaTH supports more than 240 people who are either on an active apprenticeship programme or are existing staff completing a qualification alongside their current role. The opportunities cover a broad mix of professions, including accounting, finance, legal and associate project management.
To find out more about apprenticeships at SaTH, click here ā you can also set up job alerts for new vacancies throughout the year. Read on to meet some of our apprentices and hear their stories.
Aravind: āI was fortunate enough to undertake two apprenticeship programmes at the Trust: the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree and the BSc Nursing. Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that the apprenticeship was incredibly enriching and provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge. Unlike traditional schooling, apprentices gain knowledge and skills from real-life experience, which helps them engrave and embed these learnings in their daily practice. The support I received from the team was exceptional, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this path to anyone looking to advance their career, without having to worry about the financial burden it could bring.ā
Emily: Emily started as an HCA before starting a Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship. She has now completed a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. She said: Professionally, the apprenticeship style of learning whilst working has been invaluable, nothing can replace real world experiences, it also helps that you learn about local policies and procedures etc as a student before you need to know them as a registrant, it prepares you better. Personally, and I know this is the case for a lot of my student colleagues along the way, my development to becoming a registered NA/RN would not have been possible without the apprenticeship funding and having a wage whilst studying.
Karen: āMy journey began with a simple but powerful motivation: I wanted to make a meaningful difference in peopleās lives. As an HCA, I saw the impact that skilled, compassionate nursing could have, and I knew I wanted to develop the knowledge and responsibility to contribute at that level. Over time, that initial spark grew into a deeper commitment to professional growth, patient advocacy and becoming a role model for others coming through the same pathway. Moving from HCA to Nursing Associate and now to Registered Nurse has strengthened my confidence and reinforced that progression is possible with the right support, determination.ā
Kurran: Kurran completed a BSC in Healthcare Science with University of the West of England. He said: āThe apprenticeship has been an amazing experience and Iāve learned so much since starting. Rotating through Medical Engineering Services at PRH and RSH, as well as Renal, helped me become a wellrounded engineer and build strong connections across the department. Having previously tried the university route, Iām really glad I took the leap into the apprenticeship at SaTH. Iāve gained both mechanical and electrical engineering skills and a strong understanding of their medical and clinical applications on patient care, supported by fantastic mentors throughout. No two days are ever the same and it never feels like work - I get to do what I love with great people, which is incredibly fulfilling. I couldnāt ask for a better career path.ā
Tessa: āThe apprenticeship pathway for me was the best support I could have had. Personally, it allowed me to follow my dreams and show my children that anything is possible. Professionally it allowed me to progress through the bands and make my way to a registered nurse with the support of a great team by my side. It allowed me to gain experience and knowledge first as a Nursing Associate then progress to Registered Nurse, always with support.ā
Hannah: Hannah is the Educational Support Unit manager and started a Level 4 Business Administration qualification when she started at the Trust in Resus Services. She said it has led to a successful career and it is a different development pathway to either college or university.
Thank you for donating
plastic tubs
to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support
Thank you to all those colleagues who dropped off empty plastic confectionary and cracker tubs at RSH Estates ā a whopping 185 tubs were collected.
Marie Devitt, from the Sustainability Team, took them to her local Greene King pub with the help of her son as part of the Tub2Pub campaign.
All tubs taken to Greene King will be collected and taken to a plastic reprocessing centre where theyāre shredded, before being sold onto plastic manufacturers to use in place of virgin plastics.
All money raised from the sale of Tub2Pub plastics will be given directly to Macmillan Cancer Support, helping them provide care and resources to individuals affected by cancer.
The collection point at Estates has now closed, but the campaign ends on Sunday (February 15), so you still have time to drop off any tubs at your local Greene King pub.
For more details visit: https://www.tub2pub.co.uk/tub2pub/
SaTH reusable cup makes a comeback ā help the planet one sip at a time
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, has been relaunched.
It means that 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 at the Trust. 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 latest DFN newsletter is available to read on the intranet here.
Helpforce event highlights great work at SaTH
A Helpforce-led gathering of over 80 leaders from across the NHS, government, and the voluntary and community sectors, marked a milestone in the evolution of healthcare volunteering.
The event at the House of Commons, which took place on Thursday 5 February, heard how volunteers are already having a transformational impact across the NHS and community services, with huge potential to go āfurther and fasterā.
The Volunteer Discharge Driver service, which was launched in May 2025, was highlighted as an example of how volunteers can safely perform essential duties that alleviate pressure on doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants ā enabling medics to focus on delivering quality care.
The service, co-designed with Helpforce, provides transport for patients who qualify for nonemergency hospital transport and those unable to get home independently.
Over six months, the service completed 666 journeys across at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and
London Marathon
Exciting news ā 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 Ā£2,000 and the application is easy, simply
Princess Royal Hospital, with Helpforceās evaluation finding that:
ā¢ 98% of patients were collected within 30 minutes or less post-discharge, improving patient flow
ā¢ 40% of journeys served patients from the most deprived areas, supporting health equity goals
ā¢ 99% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service
ā¢ The service would have cost the Trust over Ā£86,000 if hospital transport and taxis had been used
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, attended the event with Hannah Morris, Head of Public Participation. Julia said: āOur Volunteer Discharge Drivers are doing incredible work to support patients, improve their hospital experience, and support timely discharge so that they can get back to their homes sooner.ā
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.
Donāt miss out ā apply by 1st March 2026 for your chance to run the London Marathon for our charity!
Colleague Notice Board
Our First Joint Shropcom & SaTH Group Schwartz Round Come to a Schwartz Round & connect with colleagues across both organisations!
Wednesday 15th April ā 12.30-2.00pm āIām human too: When feelings surfaceā SERII (RSH) ā Room 1
For more information, please email us on: SaTH Staff: sath.schwartz@nhs.net Shropcom Staff:shropcom.schwartzrounds@nhs.net Or visit:
A Service of Blessing & Distribution of Ashes in our Multifaith Rooms: PRH 7.30am RSH 12.00pm
Ashes will remain available for our staff and visitors up to an hour after the service in our multifaith rooms, and then ashes will be distributed to patients who have requested them on the wards. Tel. RSH: 3638 PRH: 4519 E-mail: sath.chaplaincyteam@nhs.net
STAFF LOTTERY
This monthās winners...
1st Ā£700
Cecile Pollitt, Women and Childrens 2nd Ā£325
Corinne Smith, Recruitment 2nd Ā£325
Neville Griffiths, Facilities 3rd Ā£175
Sinoj Varghese, AMA 3rd Ā£175
Steven Doley, Medical Engineering 4th Ā£125
Lee Merrick-Davis, Theatres 4th Ā£125
Laura McGregor, Theatres 5th Ā£75
Lisa Price, Ward 22 5th Ā£75
Linu Thomas, Ward 5 6th Ā£60
Dominador Gemino, PRH Pre-Op 6th Ā£60
Rachel Hughes, Theatres 6th Ā£60
Becky Hodgson, Neonatal Unit 6th Ā£60
Megan Eardly, Women and Childrens
JOIN THE STAFF LOTTERY AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
14 CASH PRIZES EVERY MONTH!
Tickets only Ā£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&Cās and enter the staff lottery
I am writing to thank the staff on duty last night for their kindness and quick response in attending and treating my son after a head injury.
In particular, I would like to name Sally Jones, her colleague who took one and brought tea and the gentleman who explained the CT scan in detail.
I am sincerely grateful to you call and cannot thankyou enough for your kindness and professionalism.