Medical Same Day Emergency Care celebrates first birthday
The Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) at Rotherham Hospital has marked its first year since opening in June 2025. The service is for patients who need to be seen quickly by a medical team, but who may be well enough to be assessed, treated and return home on the same day. Read more on Page 4
Cancer doesn’t wait – neither can we - A message from our Chief Operating Officer
Dear colleagues,
We need to keep improving how quickly our patients receive their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Every day really does matter.
Faster tests, quicker results and timely treatment not only improve outcomes but also reduce the anxiety that comes with waiting.
Most patients referred to us thankfully don’t have cancer – and the sooner we can confirm and communicate that, the better for everyone.
Your role – whatever it is – makes a difference in this important process, and small actions across our teams add up to big improvements. Our target is to stabilise our Faster Diagnosis Standard at 80% over the next three years, building on collaboration with the South Yorkshire Imaging Network and aligning with national recovery expectations.
National standards we are working to meet or exceed:
What can you do to help?
Book tests and appointments promptly – every day saved counts. Complete referrals accurately and quickly. Escalate concerns early if something doesn’t look right or a patient is at risk of breaching standards.
Communicate clearly with colleagues to keep patients moving through the pathway. Ask your team about current cancer performance and how you can support improvements. Share your ideas – if you spot a way to speed things up, please talk to your line manager or email Lead Nurse for Cancer, Michelle Fletcher, or Cancer Services Manager, Nicola Bearman. There’s a real commitment across our Trust to improve outcomes, ease anxiety for patients and families, and ensure timely care. Please talk to your managers and team about any ideas you have – every suggestion helps.
Thank you
Sally Sally Kilgariff Chief Operating Officer
Medical Same Day Emergency Care marks one year of supporting patients at Rotherham Hospital
The Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) at Rotherham Hospital has marked its first year since opening in June 2025.
The service is for patients who need to be seen quickly by a medical team, but who may be well enough to be assessed, treated and return home on the same day. For patients and families, that can mean less time waiting, less uncertainty and, where it is safe, the chance to recover at home rather than on a ward.
Between June 2025 and June 2026, Medical SDEC cared for more than 16,000 patients, with around 44 people being seen each day on average.
This has been achieved during a busy period for urgent and emergency care, with continued high demand through the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC).
Medical SDEC is one part of that wider picture, working closely with colleagues in UECC, diagnostics, pharmacy, clinical specialties and other support teams to help patients get the care they need as smoothly as possible.
For the team, the aim is simple: to make sure patients are seen by the right people, in the right place, as soon as it is safe to do so. In some cases, that means avoiding an admission. In others, it means making sure patients who do need to stay in hospital are identified quickly.
The service has also reported encouraging performance against quality and operational measures.
Patients received treatment within an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes of arriving at the service. In addition, 15,029 patients, or 93.7%, completed their SDEC journey in under eight hours.
Andrew Woods, UECC Service Manager, said: “Behind these figures are thousands of patients who have been seen, treated and supported by colleagues who care deeply about getting things right for them. Medical SDEC has become an important part of how we support people who need urgent care, and I am grateful to everyone across SDEC and the wider urgent care pathway who has helped make that happen.”
Colleagues prepare for Peak District challenge in memory of Marj
Two colleagues are preparing for a 26.2-mile Peak District walking challenge in memory of a much-loved mum.
Laraine Lowe, Healthcare Support Worker in the Central North District Nursing Team, and Lucy Beavers, District Nurse in the Central South District Nursing Team, will take part in the Peak District Mighty Hike on Saturday 18 July 2026, alongside their friend Tracey Kendall.
The marathon-distance route, which starts in Bakewell, will follow a scenic course through the countryside.
The trio are calling themselves “Our Marj”, in tribute to Lucy’s mum, Marj. For Lucy, the hike is very personal. She and Marj used to enjoy long walks together, so dedicating the day to her mum means a great deal.
Time outdoors has also helped Lucy since Marj’s passing. Being with Laraine, Tracey and her cocker spaniel, Lola, has been an important source of comfort.
Laraine, Lucy and Tracey know the route will be tough, but they are looking forward to doing it together. Laraine has completed a Mighty Hike before; despite later finding out she had walked the full distance with a fractured ankle.
This time, the group is hoping for a safer and smoother experience as they prepare for a day shaped by friendship, strength and memories of Marj. Colleagues across the Trust are invited to wish Laraine, Lucy and Tracey the very best.
Celebrating our children's nurses
Tuesday 30 June was Children's Nurses' Day 2026. Our Children's Ward was decorated to mark the occasion, featuring a wall of compliments, a teddy bear hospital in the play room and a craft table set up for children to create their own 'thank you' cards.
Children's Matron, Levi Swain said: "A big thank you to the nurses on Children’s Ward who go above and beyond everyday to provide exceptional care, compassion and support to the children and families on the ward.
"Whether it's delivering expert clinical care, offering reassurance during difficult moments or simply bringing a smile to a child’s face, you are all amazing. Your dedication, professionalism and kindness make a real difference to the lives of the children and families we care for, often at their most challenging times and we recognise that, not just on Children’s Nurse Day, but each and every day."
To all our amazing children's nurses, thank you for everything you do.
Student nurses share improvement ideas through AMU placement project
Student nurses on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) have explored ideas to improve patient care and ward experience through a placement project that supports learning, confidence and professional development.
The placement project – advanced medical understanding - was created by Krystal Cousins, Clinical Sister and Learning Education Manager, to give student nurses protected time to research a topic linked to AMU.
Three student nurses took part in the project: Tia Sheldon, Debbie Gowling and Megan Ramsden.
Tia explored how social factors can affect admission and discharge. Debbie developed a QR code resource for patients and families. Megan Ramsden looked at improving fluid balance monitoring and communication to support more personalised care.
Reflecting on the experience, Tia said: “The freedom of choice was great. If you’re not interested, you’re not going to get real engagement. Although it had to be related to AMU, we had a broad variety of things we could look at.”
Tia and Debbie said the project helped build their confidence, research skills and understanding of patient care.
Debbie focused on communication for patients and visitors, using feedback to shape the prototype around information people said would be useful. She said: “Families often have questions during admission, so it was about trying to make helpful information easier to access.”
Krystal supported the students throughout the project, helping them shape their ideas and prepare to share their findings.
“The aim is to give students time to explore an area of interest, build their confidence, and think about how their learning on placement links with patient care. Their ideas are part of that learning, and any that could be taken further would be looked at carefully with the wider team.”
Tia said: “Krystal was amazing. She genuinely wants the best for every single student. It’s clear her intention is to see us thrive.”
Debbie Gowling, Student Nurse
Tia Sheldon, Student Nurse
The students later presented their findings to senior colleagues, helping them develop their communication and presentation skills. They received a certificate at the end of the project, which they can add to their portfolio as evidence of research, reflection and development.
Tia said the project broadened her understanding of nursing beyond the clinical care she sees day to day.
Debbie added: “Being able to stand up and talk in front of people, advocate for patients, and feel like you’re being listened to was really valuable. Even as a student, people still want to know how you think things can be improved.”
The project will continue with other student nurses on AMU, giving more learners the chance to turn ideas from placement into reflection, discussion and shared learning.
Trust shortlisted nationally for apprenticeship award
We have been shortlisted for a national award recognising employers that help people build careers through apprenticeships.
The Trust is a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category at the 2026 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, following the work done to support training and career routes in Rotherham and across its hospital and community services.
Apprenticeships offer people the chance to earn while they learn, gain recognised qualifications and take their first step, or next step, in an NHS career.
The latest shortlisting follows a strong year for the Trust’s apprenticeship work. In May 2026, we won Large Employer of the Year at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards and Kirsty Wright was named Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year.
The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards celebrate apprentices, employers and learning providers across the country who are improving diversity, inclusion and opportunity. The 2026 awards received more than 600 nominations from across the UK.
The Trust currently has 146 apprentices, including 10 from multicultural backgrounds. A further 378 apprentices have completed their programmes, including 20 from multicultural backgrounds.
The shortlisting also follows individual recognition for Trust apprentices. Kulsoom Khan was successfully nominated for a Multicultural Apprenticeship Award last year.
Graham Travis said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award for the second year running. Apprenticeships can change lives, helping people gain skills, confidence and a career in the NHS. This shortlisting is a real credit to our apprentices and to the teams who support them.”
Roles are available in both clinical and non-clinical areas, helping local people develop practical skills while contributing to patient care and services across Rotherham.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 6 November 2026.
Farewell and thank you to Craig
Next Tuesday, we will say farewell to Craig Patchett, Emergency Planning and Business Resilience Manager, as he retires after a long and distinguished career in public service.
Craig joined us in 2016, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained during 30 years with South Yorkshire Police as an Inspector in Specialist Operations.
Over the last decade, he has played a vital role in ensuring the Trust is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and major incidents, helping to keep our patients, colleagues and services safe.
Reflecting on his time at the Trust, Craig said: “Throughout my time at the Trust, I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues who are united by a shared purpose: providing the very best care and support for our patients and one another.
“Any success or achievement during my time here has been the result of teamwork and the support of others. Nothing is ever accomplished in isolation, and I am sincerely grateful for the encouragement, friendship and guidance I have received from colleagues across the Trust throughout the years.
“As I prepare to retire, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated individuals. I wish the Trust and all my colleagues every success in the future.“
Paying tribute to Craig, Chief Operating Officer Sally Kilgariff said: “Over the last 10 years, he has supported our teams to ensure they are prepared in the event of an incident whether that be business continuity or a major incident.
“He is dedicated and committed to his work and ensuing things are done in the right way to keep the organisation, our teams and patients safe. He is isn’t someone who shouts about what he does, he goes about his work diligently and with the utmost professionalism.
“He supports our frontline teams to ensure they are adequately prepared and trained and have plans in place should the unexpected happen, including preparing for CBRN type incidents.
“Through his leadership the Trust has also achieved Substantial EPRR Core Standards compliance which mandates how health organisations prepare for and respond to emergencies. Craig has worked diligently to ensure we are prepared.
“He is a credit to the NHS and someone who should be proud of their contribution to public services. On behalf of all your colleagues, the Executive Team and the Board, thank you, Craig, for everything you have done for this organisation.”
We wish Craig a long, happy and healthy retirement and every success for the future.
Thank you, Chantil, for a decade of care
We are proud to celebrate the dedication of a familiar face from our Healthy Hospitals team, who is bidding a fond farewell to the Trust this month.
Chantil Calvert joined the Trust on 1 August 2015 as a Wellbeing and Nurse Advisor in Occupational Health. She spent years looking after our own people, pioneering staff wellness programmes and health campaigns.
When the pandemic hit, Chantil worked on the frontline of our colleague COVID-19 vaccination programme, before moving to the Healthy Hospitals team four years ago to deliver vital patient support and MECC training.
Reflecting on her time with us, Chantil described the Trust as a “friendly, united” place powered by passion. As she prepares to step down to focus on supporting family, she has one final message for the team: “Never stop caring.”
Chantil was celebrated by her colleagues at her leaving fuddle that took place in the B Level Seminar room.
Thank you and a fond farewell to Jez
Jeremy “Jez” Reynard, a Consultant within the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre and The Care Group Director for Care Group 1, is leaving the Trust after more than 20 years of service.
Jez joined the Trust in 2003 and became a consultant in 2011. He went on to become the Clinical Lead for the UECC and continued to lead the service as the department grew and changed, eventually becoming part of Care Group 1.
Before settling in Rotherham, Jez travelled across the country as a doctor. He decided to stay here because it was “the friendliest place” he had worked and “the patients are the nicest” that he had met.
Throughout his time with the Trust, he loved seeing new colleagues join the Trust and find ways of working together. Jez said it was inspiring and shows what can be done with cooperation and a willingness to work together, for the patients.
Jez will miss many people across the Trust but he doesn’t want to mention names. There are simply too many and he does not want to leave anyone out. However, he wants to give a special thank you to Caroline Johnson for looking after him, describing her as one of the Trust’s “many unsung heroes.”
His last day was 9 July. As for what comes next, Jez told us: “I will sleep, drink some tea, spend time with my dad and run up some mountains. Then it’ll be time for something new.”
Relaunching our LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Dear colleagues,
As Director of Operations and Executive Sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, I wanted to share how we are relaunching the network and making it more visible, welcoming, and easier for colleagues to get involved in.
We will relaunch the LGBTQ+ Staff Network at a TRFT Pride event on Wednesday 15 July 2026, from 11am to 1pm, in the fully accessible Wellbeing Garden on D Level at Rotherham Hospital.
The garden is in the courtyard, with access opposite the stroke unit or from the management corridor. All colleagues are welcome to drop in.
The event will include music, refreshments, a quiz, Pride flag painting, information stalls, and a display of staff networks, with representatives from LGBTQ+, REACH, and the Women’s Network in attendance. There is no need to book.
Future meetings and coffee mornings
Network meetings and quarterly informal coffee mornings are also planned from September 2026 to August 2027. These are now on the Hub.
Days, times and formats will vary to help more colleagues attend. Posters will also be shared for colleagues who do not regularly access the Hub or email.
Keeping the space safe
To help keep the event and network spaces safe and supportive, we ask everyone attending to be respectful and considerate of others. Any behaviour that causes distress or makes colleagues feel unsafe will be addressed appropriately.
How to get involved
You can support the LGBTQ+ Staff Network by dropping into TRFT Pride, sharing details of the event, or joining a future meeting or coffee morning.
If you have any questions or want to get involved, please send an email to the LGBTQ+ Staff Network inbox.
Jodie
Jodie Roberts Director
of Operations
Everyone is welcome at Pride
The EDI and Wellbeing teams will host a Pride celebration in the Wellbeing Garden on Wednesday 15 July, creating a welcoming space to celebrate inclusion and support LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies.
The event comes during Pride season and offers colleagues a chance to come together and reflect on the Trust’s yearround commitment to helping every colleague feel safe, valued and respected for who they are.
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or want to show your support as an ally, please join us in the Wellbeing Garden on D Level of Rotherham Hospital between 11am and 1pm.
There will be music, refreshments, a Pride quiz, flag painting, information stalls and more. Please come along to celebrate diversity, connect with colleagues and support a welcoming environment for everyone.
Upcoming staff network meetings
16 September at 12pm
Microsoft Teams
Joining link is on the Hub
8 October at 10.30am
Rooftop Restaurant A Level, Rotherham Hospital
27 November at 1pm
In-person meeting
Venue TBC
22 July at 2pm
Microsoft Teams
Joining link is on the Hub
17 August at 10am
Microsoft Teams
Joining link is on the Hub
22 September at 1pm
Microsoft Teams
Joining link is on the Hub
Our staff networks provide support and spaces for connection, and we want everyone who wishes to attend to have the opportunity to do so. To ensure patient care is not affected, please chat with your department manager well in advance of any scheduled meetings. Giving early notice allows managers to look at the roster and work with you to arrange suitable cover.
Brannagh Palmer, a Rotational Physiotherapist in the Inpatient Therapy Team, has completed her Physiotherapy Apprenticeship and graduated with First Class Honours while working full time.
She said: “I chose the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship because I have always had a strong interest in rehabilitation. From receiving physiotherapy as a child to completing a degree in Physical Activity, Sport and Health, I have consistently been passionate about this field.
“I enjoy helping others, and being able to play a part in someone's rehabilitation journey is something I find extremely rewarding. The apprenticeship provided an excellent opportunity to combine my academic background, personal experiences, and passion for patient care into a career in physiotherapy.
“Balancing the apprenticeship with working full time was challenging at times, but it taught me the importance of organisation, time management, and asking for support when needed.”
Her achievement marks the end of three years of study, clinical learning and practical experience through the apprenticeship route.
She said: “Completing the apprenticeship has put me in a great position for future career progression. It not only enabled me to achieve a degree but also gave me the opportunity to apply theory to practice throughout my studying.”
She said: “If apprenticeships had been available when I completed my first degree in 2016, I would have chosen that route. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn, as they allow you to apply your knowledge directly in practice while studying.”
Brannagh said the apprenticeship had helped her build confidence, knowledge and clinical skills, and encouraged others to consider the same route.
Graham Travis, People Experience and Development Manager, said: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Brannagh for this amazing result. Brannagh excelled in all areas of her apprenticeship throughout the three years, and Sheffield Hallam University regularly mentioned how she was a role model for the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship.”
If you have been inspired by Brannagh's journey, more information about apprenticeships can be found on the Hub.
South Asian Heritage Month
It is South Asian Heritage Month (1 - 31 July), and we are proud to celebrate the vibrant contributions of our South Asian communities and colleagues. This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity, encourages us to reflect on the shared values, histories and commitment to community and belonging, while celebrating the strength of diversity.
Our REACH Network supports black and minority ethnic colleagues across the Trust through providing a space to share experiences, promote inclusion and help shape work to improve equality, diversity and belonging. The network’s Chair, Ustadah Maysoon Shafiq and co-chair, Susan Douglas, have shared what South Asian Heritage Month means to them and why it is important to celebrate, learn and reflect.
Maysoon said: “South Asian heritage month is about celebrating the diverse cultures and religions traditions and histories across South Asia. We want to come together and celebrate how our shared experiences, values, cultural influences and migration stories. The awareness month is also an opportunity for people to learn more about South Asian heritage and culture in everyday life. By taking the time to listen, learn and celebrate, we can all help to build greater understanding and respect for South Asian communities.”
Susan Douglas, co-chair of the REACH Network, said: “For me, South Asian Heritage Month is about respect, taking time to understand the journeys, contributions, and creativity of South Asian communities, and recognising the impact they’ve had on the world around us. It’s also a moment to practise allyship to listen deeply, challenge bias wherever it appears, and stand alongside South Asian communities in ways that are active, intentional, and rooted in solidarity.”
For those who wish to sign up and be added to the mailing list for the REACH Network please send an email to the Chair: maysoon.shafiq2@nhs.net
A look back at Red4Research Day 2026
On Friday 19 June, the Research Team marked Red4Research Day, celebrating the vital role research plays in improving care for our patients.
During the week, the Research Team launched their ‘Research engagement packs’, delivering them to clinical areas around the Trust. The packs are designed to be quick and easy to use, encouraging departments to get involved with research wherever they can.
How can research benefit me?
Improves clinical knowledge and skills: Engaging in research helps you to stay up to date with the latest evidence based practice and it strengthens your critical thinking and decision-making skills. You can either support studies that are already running at the Trust or contact the Research Team with your own ideas.
Enhances career development: Research involvement helps to open up career progression pathways (Funding for clinical academic roles, academic modules, courses) Subject to availability and support from your clinical areas.
Increases job satisfaction and motivation: Colleagues often report that their roles feel more engaging and meaningful when they engage with research. Helps to reduce burnout by adding variety to your role with the opportunity to contribute to improvements in care delivery.
Strengthens teamwork and collaboration: Research helps to build your communication skills and fosters a culture of shared learning amongst your teams. Research creates opportunities to network both within and outside of the NHS.
How can I get involved in research?
Identify potential patients: Help the research team find potential participants by identifying individuals who fit the study criteria within your clinical areas. Your contribution in this phase can greatly impact the success of a study.
Support research activities: Collaborate with Research Nurses/Fellows to facilitate study related activities during participant visits – training may be required.
Be a Research Champion in your area: Become a Research Champion within your ward or department, advocating for the importance of research.
Be supported to develop your own research ideas: Be supported to turn your ideas into research projects. Support with applications is available within team.
Arrange an informal visit: We welcome and encourage staff or students to come and spend some time with us to discover more about what we do. Become a Research Champion within your ward/department, advocating for the importance of research.
Attend training and workshops: We welcome and encourage staff to attend our inhouse journal club and evidence into practice group to support conservations on how research can be practically applied to clinical practice.
Rachel Radford, Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, and Developing Research Leader (AHP), describes how the Research Team helped her:
“The Research and Development department helped me set up a study evaluating the experiences of service users who used video consultations and online resources in Speech and Language Therapy. They helped with the ethics process, along with internship funding, participant questionnaires and information sheets.
"Without them, my service evaluation would have stayed within the Trust. Their support meant that I could turn this into research, present my findings nationally, gain research skills, and submit my outcomes to be published.
“As a result, I began my journey as a clinician and researcher which led to my current role as AHP Research Leader. We all want to improve outcomes for the people we work with and show that what we do works. When projects become research, they can be generalised beyond Rotherham, shared more widely and others can use it to shape their practice.”
You can see a list of the current Research projects that the team are supporting on the Research and Development hub page.
You can also find out more about Research at the Trust on the Research and Development website.
The results of the Library and Knowledge Service survey are in!
Colleagues who completed this year’s survey praised the Library and Knowledge Service and suggested how it could improve.
Key findings
25 colleagues responded to the survey, compared with 20 in the previous survey. Respondents gave the service an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. 88% gave the service the maximum overall rating.
Respondents asked for more clinical outreach, training support and resources, including exam books.
On behalf of Daniel Park, who manages the service, we would like to say thank you to everyone who shared feedback in this year’s survey. Your responses show strong satisfaction with the service and give the team clear areas to focus on next.
The Library and Knowledge Service supports colleagues to find reliable information, use study spaces, access training, request literature searches and borrow books. The survey results showed that colleagues valued study spaces, meeting rooms, literature searching support and book loans. They also praised the team’s friendliness, responsiveness and expertise.
What you said, and what we will do next
The themes below are based on feedback from colleagues who use the service. They show what respondents valued most and where they would like to see further development.
You said:
You asked for more support in clinical areas, including greater visibility at lectures and clinical meetings.
We will:
Build links with clinicians and researchers where capacity allows
Look for opportunities to make library and knowledge support more visible to frontline teams, including at lectures and clinical meetings where useful
You said: We will:
You value our training, literature searching and research support, and want us to build on these services.
Continue to invest in information skills training and evidencesearching support.
Explore whether AI could support appropriate parts of this work
Any use of AI would be carefully reviewed and would not replace professional judgement or quality checks.
You said:
You said quick access to library resources and services remains important.
You said:
You asked for additional resources, including more medical student and resident doctor exam books
Looking
ahead
We will:
Keep a visible presence at the library issue desk and focus on the services staff value most, including study spaces, room bookings and book loans.
Keep reviewing room bookings so users can access spaces as quickly and easily as possible.
We will:
We will review these requests and use the feedback to help prioritise future resources where demand is greatest and resources allow.
Your feedback will help the Library and Knowledge Service focus on the improvements colleagues asked for, including clinical outreach, training, access to services and additional resources.
To share a suggestion or ask for support, more information is available on the Library and Knowledge Service page on The Hub. Alternatively, you can email daniel.park1@nhs.net
Win FREE travel for NHS colleagues
Stagecoach are celebrating the NHS’ 78th birthday by rewarding an NHS worker who deserves to win a month of free travel.
To enter the competition, you must complete and submit an online entry forms. Only entries submitted via the forms below will be counted:
Enter now >
Enter now >
The competition launched on Sunday 5 July and entries will close on Friday 31 July 2026.
The winner will be announced by w/c 3 August 2026.
Datesforyourdiary
Lunchtime Lecture: “National emergency briefing”
Tuesday 14 July
TRFT Pride celebration event
Wednesday 15 July
Lunchtime Lecture: “Rheumatology”
Tuesday 21 July
Thrive staff network meeting
Wednesday 22 July
You can find more upcoming events like these on the Hub’s events calendar
