Your Health - March 2026

Hospital at Home is a 24 hour a day service providing wrap-around care for patients in their own homes. It’s a step-up in care from GPs or community services to avoid admission and a step-down in care to enable earlier discharge from hospital.

First launched in December 2022, Hospital at Home now monitors almost 100 patients across respiratory, heart failure and frailty pathways. Supporting Hospital at Home are a range of healthcare professionals including nurses, support workers, ACPs, therapists and social prescribers.

Nurse consultants Paula Berridge and Vicki Williams have led the service since its beginning under another name, Virtual Ward. “We renamed the service Hospital at Home because Virtual Ward suggested a remote, hands off service.

“The name Hospital at Home better reflects what the service does. It’s hospital level care – including diagnostics, interventions and treatments – at home. Wherever the patient lives – it could be a house, a caravan, a care home – we come to them.”

Hospital at Home:Hospital level care wherever a patient calls home

Paula and Vicki say treating patients at home can have benefits for both patients and NHS sites and services. “It’s better for patients because it means a shorter stay in hospital or avoiding being admitted altogether.

“Being cared for at home means they are being cared for where they are most comfortable. At home, they will eat and sleep better and keep their established care plans. They will be closer to support networks like their family and friends.

“Care delivered at home means they can better maintain their independence and usual routines. That reduces the likelihood of patients deconditioning and the risk of them developing hospital acquired infections.

“For the Trust, it will mean fewer attendances

Moving care from hospital to community is one of three ‘radical shifts’ set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England set out last year. Hospital at Home is helping set the course towards this goal.

Paula and Vicki explained: “We’ve built up Hospital at Home layer by layer.

“We started with 10 patients being supported by us; we now see almost 100. We’re treating far more complex patients now than when we started. Over the last three years, we’ve developed new pathways, governance, training and infrastructure to support and care for them.

“Hospital based care isn’t a failure point: it’s an escalation point. In Hospital at Home, we’ve built the layers of care patients might need up to ensure that hospital-based care is at its most effective and most available for patients most in need.”

Being cared for at home means people are being cared for where they are most comfortable. At home, they will eat and sleep better and keep their established care plans. They will be closer to support networks like their family and friends.

A message from Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive

Like other NHS organisations across the country, we continue to face significant operational pressures. Demand for our services remains high and colleagues are working incredibly hard every day to make sure patients receive safe, timely and compassionate care. You can help us further by continuing to use healthcare services across Rotherham wisely.

There is lots of positive progress to highlight and the next few months will see some large projects come to completion. Work on our new sexual health clinic is coming along well and

it is great to see this important development taking shape. The new facility will provide a modern, welcoming environment for patients and staff at the front of the hospital, and it represents a significant step forward for sexual health services in Rotherham.

The move of sexual health services will also help unlock the next phase of our estate plans. In particular, it will allow work on the new fracture clinic to really build momentum, which will deliver improved facilities and a better experience for patients who rely on these services.

Partnership working continues to be a real strength. I am particularly pleased to see

plans progress for a new joint inpatient unit for Rotherham and Barnsley haematology patients. This builds on the already successful partnership between our two Trusts and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together for the benefit of patients.

Alongside managing day to day pressures, we are maintaining a strong focus on our financial performance. Being disciplined and realistic about how we use our resources is essential if we are to remain sustainable and continue to invest in services that matter most to our patient and communities.

Dr Richard Jenkins Chief Executive

A message from our Chair Lead Governor, Geoff Berry

It continues to be a pleasure to see the momentum building across our Trust, and I’m delighted to share a few recent highlights with you.

Firstly, I would like to warmly welcome two new Non Executive Directors, Tracy Allen and Mari Thorman, as well as Associate Non-Executive Director Aloma Onyemah, to our Board. Their experience, insight and commitment to public service will further strengthen our governance and help ensure we continue to make the right decisions for our patients, communities and colleagues.

I am also incredibly proud that our teams have once again been recognised on the national stage, with several services and individuals shortlisted for prestigious awards. These achievements reflect the dedication, innovation and compassion shown every day by colleagues across the organisation, and it is wonderful to see this work celebrated beyond Rotherham.

Another exciting milestone has been the recent ground breaking for the Chelsea garden at Breathing Space. This unique project will bring a nationally recognised garden to our local community, creating a calm, therapeutic environment that supports both physical and mental wellbeing. It is a powerful example of partnership working and of thinking differently about how we support

Looking ahead, I am very much looking forward to our Proud Awards ceremony in June. This is always a special evening, giving us the chance to pause, reflect and say a heartfelt thank you to colleagues and volunteers who go above and beyond for patients and each other. Nominations are now open and details about how your can put forward your healthcare heroes are included in this edition of Your Health.

Finally, we remain ambitious for the future. Our aspiration to achieve teaching trust status reflects the high quality education, training and development already taking place across the Trust, and our determination to grow the workforce of tomorrow. I am pleased the plans have been recently approved by the Board of Directors and we are now progressing to the next stage of the application process.

Dr Mike Richmond

Speak to your governors and have your say

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This is my second time writing to you as part of Your Health. I’m pleased to have the chance to do so once again.

This time, I’d like to talk to you about one of the statutory responsibilities of the Council of Governors; the appointment of Non-Executive Directors.

As we’re nominated by our Trust’s members, it’s our duty to act in their best interests the people of Rotherham. Within the Trust we are the voice of local people and help set the direction and priorities for the future of the hospital and community services.

We also have a wider responsibility to represent the best interests of our patients, staff, visitors and the local Rotherham community.

It’s for these reasons that we are responsible for appointing Non-Executive Directors: we are nominated by Trust members and are answerable to them.,(part of what)?

Members can reasonably expect we ensure proper oversight, provide challenge where needed and expect accountability from those involved.

This winter, it was time to fulfil our statutory responsibility as we experienced changes to

non-executive positions on our

and Hannah

each left the role. To replace them, three new non-executive appointments were needed.

Governors took part an active part in the interview and selection of the new nonexecutive appointments. We feel that new non-executives will strengthen the board of directors and bring scrutiny and challenge where needed.

Joining the board are:

• Tracy Allen (Non-Executive Director). Tracy has 30 years of leadership experience in the NHS, including more than 12 years as a Chief Executive for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.

• Mari Throman (Non-Executive Director). Mari has over 20 years’ experience in business architecture, creating and guiding teams through complex change, business innovation and creating and driving strategy.

• Aloma Onyemah (Associate NonExecutive Director). Aloma is a senior leader with 15 years’ experience of leading the development and implementation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategies and change programmes.

Teaching Trust ambition reaches key milestone

The Trust has reached an important milestone on its journey towards achieving Teaching Trust status, following approval of a proposal at the most recent Board meeting.

The decision recognises the breadth and quality of education and teaching already delivered across the organisation, spanning a wide range of healthcare professions and roles. It also reflects the sustained commitment of colleagues who support learning and development alongside the

delivery of high quality patient care.

With Board approval now in place, work will begin on the next formal step in the process; amending the Trust’s constitution. This will be brought forward for consideration and agreement by the Council of Governors.

Teaching and education are embedded across the Trust, from clinical placements and apprenticeships to preceptorship, supervision, mentoring and ongoing professional development. This milestone is the result of

103 year old Margaret still lives in her own home and never misses church on Sundays.

But Margaret’s impressive independence wouldn’t be possible without support from the Maltby District Nursing Team.

Margaret says the team, who are part of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, are like ‘angels’. “It’s that bit of independence that has kept me going. But it wouldn’t be possible without these wonderful nurses.

the combined efforts of teams and individuals working across services, departments and professions, all of whom play a vital role in supporting current and future members of the healthcare workforce.

Colleagues from clinical and non clinical backgrounds alike contribute to creating high quality learning environments, sharing expertise, and ensuring learners are supported to develop the skills, confidence and values needed to deliver excellent care.

Becoming a Teaching Trust is about more than a change in name. It is formal recognition of the work already taking place every day across the organisation and reinforces the Trust’s long term commitment to education, training and development.

‘One of a kind’

103-year-old celebrates milestone birthday in own home with district nursing team

“They’re like angels. They’ve always got a nice smile on their face and they do everything I ask them. They’re so good to me.”

The nurses regularly visit Margaret at her home to check in on her and dress her legs. But a recent visit was a special one as the team joined Margaret to celebrate her 103rd birthday.

“I’ve had lots of special visitors round for cake, the nurses have brought me lots of flowers and I’ve even had birthday cards from the local school. I felt like a celebrity!

“All of these nurses that come to see me have made it a special week. I just think it’s amazing that we are so close. Every single one of them, I know their names and their lives and I love it.”

Sharon Hunter is the Maltby District Nursing Team leader. She’s cared for Margaret since 2014. “Margaret is truly one-of-a-kind.

“She’s one of our oldest residents in Maltby, which is a massive achievement. We’re just so proud to know her. She’s funny, very sassy, caring and just a genuine pleasure.

She added: “It’s a huge privilege to be able to provide care for someone in their home. We see a lot of people in the community and to see people living independently. It does make us feel proud about what we do.”

Chief Nurse Helen Dobson said: “Margaret is truly inspiring. Her story shows the difference our community nurses make every day.

“I’m incredibly proud of the care and compassion shown by our Maltby team.”

Nominate your healthcare heroes

Nominate a team or individual who has made a real impact on the care you or a loved one has received.

www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/proud-awards

Nominations close 11:59pm

Monday 6 April 2026

Patients, visitors and members of the public are being invited to help recognise the outstanding care, compassion and commitment shown by staff and volunteers at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust by nominating their healthcare heroes for the 2026 Proud Awards.

The Proud Awards are the Trust’s annual celebration of excellence, recognising individuals and teams who go above and beyond for patients, families and communities. Two categories are now open for public nominations:

Public Recognition Award

This award celebrates a member of staff or team who has made a real difference to a patient or family’s experience of care, through kindness, professionalism or exceptional dedication.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises one of the Trust’s volunteers who has given their time, energy and support to help patients, visitors and staff, and whose contribution has made a meaningful impact.

Members of the public are encouraged to share their stories of exceptional care –whether it was a small act of kindness at a difficult time, or ongoing support that made a lasting difference.

Nominations are open now and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 6 April 2026. Anyone can nominate – whether you are a patient, a relative, a carer or a member of the local community.

www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/proud-awards

surprise to her, and she describes the win as a ‘core moment’ in her career.

“I was in utter shock. I wasn’t expecting to win.” said Claire.

“It was such an honour just to be nominated. I didn’t even realise I’d been nominated until a colleague told me. It’s only afterwards that I realised how important and special it is.

“It’s really nice to think I made such a difference to a patient that they went out of their way to nominate me. We sometimes receive cards and acknowledgements, but someone going the extra mile to nominate you is really special.”

Claire joined the Trust as an aspirant midwife in 2020 before moving to community midwifery in 2022. She began her dual role in 2024, now spending three days a week in community and two days as an Infant Feeding Midwife.

“I love speaking to my patients, interacting with them, and becoming part of their family. Midwife means ‘with woman’, and it’s a privilege to support women through such a vulnerable but transforming part of their life.

Last year’s Public Recognition Award winner recalls ‘special’ night at the 2025 Proud Awards

“It was such an honour just to be nominated... It’s really nice to think I made such a difference to a patient that they went

out of their way to nominate me...It’s only afterwards that I realised how important and special it is.”

Proud AWARDS

“As an 18-year-old first time mum, who was absolutely full of anxiety and worry, Claire was the only person I could 100% trust. She always made such an effort with me especially when I was so worried. Claire would always give me so much information at my appointments and I knew I could always confide in her.

“When I got discharged I told her I was upset because I wasn’t going to see her again, so she wrote a note to say if I feel the need for another appointment before I see my health visitor then I can. I never felt worried with Claire. She is so amazing and deserves to win such a special award.”

Along with personal pride, Claire says it’s the reactions of those nearest and dearest to her that really meant the most:

“Showing my kids the award and seeing how proud they were, really spurred me on. I’ve got the award displayed at home, along with cards and the nomination reasons.

“It’s definitely a core moment in my career. It was such an amazing evening celebrating with friends and other nominees.”

This nomination form can be completed by patients, carers, families, visitors or other members of the public. Nominations must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 6 April 2026. Please provide as much information as possible. Proud Awards 2026 Public Recognition nomination form

1. Name of the individual or team you would like to nominate:

2. The area or department they work in:

3. Where did you/the patient receive care? Please select one: BreathingSpace Kimberworth Place Park Rehabilitation Centre Patient’s own home Rotherham Community Health Centre Rotherham Hospital

Other (please state):

4. Why do they deserve to win the Public Recognition Award?

5. Your name:

6. Your email address:

7. Please select one of the following options I am happy for my nomination to be shared with nominees I do not wish for my nomination to be shared with nominees

To submit this form, please hand it to one of our colleagues. Or you can post it to:

FREEPOST RLXB-HECA-KEBX

D Level, Communications Team, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, S60 2UD

Builders have today put the first spades in the ground to prepare Rotherham’s Breathing Space for the relocation of one of the 13 standout gardens from this year’s prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The move will see Asthma+LungUK’s Breathing Space Garden find a permanent home as a therapeutic space for patients and staff of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, following one of the world’s most famous gardening events held in London in May.

The garden has been designed for people living with lung conditions by landscape designers Angus Thompson and will feature accessible paths, therapeutic planting, and a floating platform for breath-focused practices. The design makes it the perfect fit for BreathingSpace, which is The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s specialist site for people living with respiratory conditions.

Dan Flynn, a landscape construction expert of 35 years’ experience, is leading on the garden build at Chelsea and then Rotherham. Dan, who has featured work at the Chelsea Flower Show for almost 30 years, will be supported by Rotherham based CGM Landscapes both at Chelsea and for the relocation. Following the show, Dan and CGM will work together to re-build the garden as it was presented at Chelsea.

Bob Kirton, Managing Director at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s great to see so many of our partners come together today at BreathingSpace and take a step forward to this becoming an exciting reality for our patients and for Rotherham. I would like to thank everyone for their support for this amazing project in Rotherham”

The garden is sponsored by Project Giving Back – a grant-making scheme giving charitable organisations the chance to apply for a fully funded RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Other local companies such as Cadeby Stone Ltd and Jewson.

for RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden arrival

Dan Flynn said: “I’m delighted and feel very privileged to be able to build this garden at Rotherham’s BreathingSpace. The collaboration between the Trust’s staff, designer (Angus Thompson) patients and wider community has been fantastic. Almost every person I’ve dealt with has in some way been affected by issues supported by Asthma+Lung UK or has had friends or family’s visit and use BreathingSpace.

“Already the support from the local business community has been incredible. Lee from CGM Landscapes, suppliers such as Jewsons, Cadeby Stone Ltd, E.ON and Parkway Sheet Metal have been very generous in suppling materials and equipment. The community as a whole seem to be filling this garden with care, support and kindness before we’ve even built it, so I’m very proud to be a small part of it.”

In addition, the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity secured a £25,000 grant from the Greener Communities Fund, delivered by NHS Charities Together. Rachael Dawes, Head of Charity and Engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said:

“The health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature are well known, and the Greener Communities Fund exists to help change this by creating and improving green spaces that support the wellbeing of patients, NHS staff and local communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to NHS Charities Together for helping make this lasting therapeutic space possible for Rotherham.”

from Tuesday 19 May to Saturday 23 May 2026

Porter shortlisted for national award

A porter working at Rotherham Hospital has been shortlisted for the Porter of the Year category in this year’s MyPorter Awards.

The MyPorter Awards are an annual event celebrating hospital porters and portering teams throughout the UK, who demonstrate excellent teamwork and consistently go above and beyond in their roles.

Jake Wolstenholme, one of four finalists selected from 512 nominations across the country, was nominated because of his dedication to his team, hard work across the hospital and the support he provides to patients.

Jake was nominated by his colleagues who said: “Jake is known for balancing humour with professionalism, making him a popular member of the team. He has a talent for making even the most challenging shifts enjoyable.”

“Jake connects well with patients, understanding that a friendly gesture or a light-hearted comment can be just as important as their medical care. Patients have shared positive feedback telling us Jake has improved their time in hospital.”

Jake was completely surprised to find out he was a finalist for the award. He said: “I didn’t know much about it. So, to be told be told that someone had picked me out and took time to nominate me… it feels great to be honest.”

Scott Dickinson, Director of Estates and Facilities, added:

“Jake is the kind of porter every hospital hopes for. He’s caring, adaptable and always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed across the hospital. I’m not at all surprised he’s been shortlisted for this award. He absolutely deserves the recognition!”

Trust shortlisted for two HSJ Digital Awards

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is a finalist for two awards at this year’s HSJ Digital Awards.

These awards recognise NHS projects, services and teams that use technology to improve services for local communities.

The Trust has been shortlisted in the ‘Digital Literacy, Education and Upskilling’ category for its Data Essentials programme and its work with Multiverse to build the Rotherham Data Academy.

This platform has created opportunities for staff to take apprenticeships to learn important data skills using Excel and Power BI. By teaching staff to use data more efficiently, the Trust has significantly reduced the time spent on manual tasks providing staff with more time to care for patients. The Trust was also shortlisted in the ‘Driving Change through AI and Automation’ category for the work it has done alongside Netcall to build an AI system to help reduce the number of missed appointments.

By using the new system, the Trust used data on habits and local travel challenges to send targeted reminders to patients, ensuring those requiring assistance with transport

to appointments receive the necessary support.

James Rawlinson, Director of Health Informatics, said:

“It’s great to be shortlisted for two awards. By enabling staff to build skills and increase confidence with our data and digital tools, we are seeing the learning applied, with more service level insights and more time for our staff to care for patients

“Meanwhile, through the new AI system, patients can manage appointments and make it easier for them to communicate with us if there is a problem. These improvements mean that our patients are better able to access the care they need.

“With better data and efficient systems, we can make quicker, safer decisions, reduce missed appointments, and help more patients sooner.”

The winners of both categories will be announced at the HSJ Digital Awards ceremony later this year.

From unforgettable challenge events and inspiring community fundraisers to brand-new opportunities for local people to get involved, the year ahead is packed with ways to make a difference in your local community – all while having a great time!

Every ticket bought, every mile walked and every pound raised will help fund projects that go above and beyond what the NHS can provide — enhancing care, improving environments and supporting those who need it most.

Take a look at our exciting line up of charity events – there’s something for everyone.

You can make a donation using the QR code, https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity/donate Every donation big or small helps to make a