Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

27/03/2026

We're excited to share that our fantastic Jessop Wing research midwives have opened as a recruiting site for a brand-new maternity study which could improve labour experiences and care. ⭐🐣

The GILD (Glucose Control in Labour with Diabetes) trial is investigating the safest and most effective way to monitor blood sugar levels during labour in women with gestational diabetes.

Researchers will examine if less frequent finger-prick blood glucose testing combined with monitoring of a wider glucose target range is as effective as the current standard of hourly testing.

They will compare this with current standard practice which involves rapid point of care finger-prick blood glucose testing every hour to ensure sugar levels are maintained within a specified range. This is called ‘tight’ monitoring and can feel intrusive and contribute to a more medicalised birth.

Gestational diabetes is a common pregnancy complication that causes high blood sugar levels, potentially impacting both maternal and infant health.

During labour those diagnosed with the condition are typically monitored closely and may receive insulin if needed to maintain blood glucose within a recommended target range. This reduces the risk of complications for their baby, particularly neonatal hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar after birth.

Jennifer, one of the first participants to join the study at Jessop Wing, said:

🗨️It feels important to me to be part of these studies to help to improve maternity care for future generations, and perhaps one day my own children.”

1,630 participants will be recruited into the trial across the UK, meaning those going on to have more children could access the new approach if proven to be effective in future pregnancies.

It'll also help us gain a better understanding of labour experiences, making sure voices are heard and care improved.

Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either the tight or more relaxed monitoring during labour.

Amazing work team in providing this opportunity to women with gestational diabetes in Sheffield and beyond!

27/03/2026

Make sure you’re prepared for the bank holiday weekend 👇

Order your repeat prescriptions through the NHS App in advance.

🔗 Haven’t got it? Download it for free here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

26/03/2026

Today we're sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the work of Professor Jon Wadsley at Weston Park Cancer Centre. 💙

Jon has worked at Weston Park Cancer Centre in Sheffield as a Clinical Oncologist since 2004.

His specialist work supports the diagnosis and treatment of patients with endocrine cancers – thyroid cancer, adrenal tumours and neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).

From leading treatment decisions in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, to supporting patients through complex therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, his role combines science, teamwork, and compassion - walking alongside patients and their families through some of the most challenging moments.

He also works with colleagues in our nuclear medicine team and helps shape the future of cancer treatment through research and innovation.

Most recently this led to an improvement in the delivery of existing treatments for patients whose thyroid cancer is at low risk of returning after surgery.

Following the publication of the Iodine or Not (IoN) trial findings, an estimated 2,500 patients in the UK and 400,000 patients worldwide can now safely forgo radioactive iodine treatment. This means reduced treatment burden, side effects and time away from young children for this group of patients who are invariably young women.

He said: "I feel hugely privileged to have been involved in the care of patients with neuroendocrine cancers at a time when treatment options and outcomes have significantly improved, and to have worked with some great colleagues who are focused on providing the best possible care for every patient.

Follow the link in the comments to read more⤵️

25/03/2026

🚀Pioneering diabetes study aims to bring back crucial warning signs for patients

We are delighted to be leading the way with delivery of a landmark trial which aims to test new treatments to combat loss of 'hypo' awareness.

Known as the CLEAR (Closed Loop and Education for Hypoglycaemia Awareness) trial, the multinational study will compare three cutting-edge approaches to restoring the body’s natural ability to detect low blood glucose levels.

These include:

🎯An ‘artificial pancreas’ system that continuously monitors glucose and automatically adjusts insulin delivery
🎯Two specialist education programmes – MyHypoCOMPaSS and HARPdoc – designed to help patients recognise subtle symptoms and better manage their condition

For people living with Type 1 diabetes, recognising early warning signs of dipping blood sugars, such as shaking or sweating, is critical to avoiding life-threatening complications.

However, around one in four patients experience impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, meaning these vital symptoms fade over time. This significantly increases the risk of severe episodes, which can lead to unconsciousness, seizures and, in the worst cases, death.

Data shows that, even with modern glucose monitors and alarms, people living with 'hypo' unawareness still face a greater risk of severe episodes. Restoring awareness is therefore crucial to ensure patients can intervene safely before a crisis hits.

Sue Deas, 66, has been using the artificial pump as part of the trial since October. She said this has helped enormously to reduce severe hypos which had been occurring weekly.

“I’ve always found it extremely difficult to tell when I might be about to experience a severe hypo so I’m extremely happy to be on this trial and would encourage others to take part too. Anything which can help to manage my diabetes – whether through a pump or education – has got to be good.”

The study brings together world-leading diabetes centres from across three continents, with our diabetes centre acting as the recruiting site for patients in the north of England. ⭐

25/03/2026

Are you looking for extra work or work experience in the childcare sector and do you have availability during weekdays?

Sunshine Day Nurseries are an early years provider with two nursery sites at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital with a baby unit, toddler unit and pre-school unit at each site.

The nurseries offer flexible contract options for users who are unable to fix days such as shift workers.

For this reason it is important to have a pool of workers that can be called upon as needed to cover any shifts where we may have more children than expected.

If you are interested in joining this pool of workers please complete this form to register your interest.

By completing the form below you are consenting to our team contacting you and sharing your contact information with NHS Professionals 👇

🔗 ℹ https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO42HoyQUf3SxAgYB0TwPZmdJUOFVLUlVRRlBZQk1TSUg5TzdHSVMxRlhKMSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

🔗 ℹ More information can be found on this page - https://www.sunshine-day-nursery.co.uk/work-bank.html

24/03/2026

⭐Making a difference to the lives of people who have swallowing difficulties following a stroke ⭐

Congratulations to Dr Nicola Martindale, a clinical academic speech and language therapist, on winning the best Oral Presentation prize at the biannual UK Swallowing Research Group conference. 🎉

Her award-winning presentation highlighted learnings from the Clear Water Protocol study.

This protocol allows patients with swallowing difficulties who are recommended thickened drinks or nothing by mouth to have plain water between meals in carefully controlled conditions.

The study has been developed in response to NICE stroke rehabilitation guidance and could change how patients who have swallowing difficulties after a stroke are cared for in the future.

Our thanks to the Stroke Association who funded the research as part of a postdoctoral fellowship awarded to Nicola's colleague Sabrina Eltringham PhD and to Sheffield Hospitals Charity for the support they have given Nicola too.

Fabulous to see this just days after national - the study aims to improve quality of life for people who have swallowing difficulties following a stroke 💙

24/03/2026

Today is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 📢

Each year we mark World TB awareness day on 24 March. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can affect individuals of any age or background. Risk is higher in people who have lived in or travelled to countries with high TB incidence.

Typical symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fever, night sweats, fatigue and reduced appetite. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improve outcomes.

Here in Sheffield, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and highly supportive team of Community TB Nurses who support patients through treatment. The team also perform screening for latent TB of people aged 16-35 who have arrived in the UK from a country of high incidence in the last 5 years.

ℹ For more information on our service please visit https://www.sth.nhs.uk/a-z-all-services/tuberculosis-service-tb/

🔗 You can also watch an information video produced by our very own TB team by following this link - https://youtu.be/y4aXE7Hq9Ak

23/03/2026

20/03/2026

Wishing all our patients, colleagues and communities who are celebrating

20/03/2026

Today we have our final Cancer CNS profile of the week, which is Kristy Eggington, Clinical Endoscopist 👋

Kristy Said:

💬 "I love the variation of being a clinical endoscopist, one day I am scoping, next I may have a clinic, or I am following up on test results - all of these aspects are patient facing and I love that I support our patients right at the front end of LGI & UGI suspected cancer pathways.

💬 When you become a CNS, the level of nursing takes on a different aspect, be it research, advanced practice, teaching or leading a CNS team. It all requires a higher level of thinking and adopting a new set of skills. If you aspire to make a difference for our patients or support our wider MDT and clinical teams then being a CNS is the right choice for you.

Thanks so much for speaking to us about your role Kristy and for all of your support to our patients ☺️

That rounds up our celebrations of National Cancer CNS day! We hope you have enjoyed hearing from our amazing teams this week as much as we have - such a fantastic role! 💙

19/03/2026

📢Temporary disruption to hearing aid repair service

👂Due to essential maintenance, our hearing services and audiological science departments will be operating a limited service from Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th March.

This means there will not be any ability to undertake any hearing aid repair/issue service other than for urgent battery or tubing replacement on these dates. Apologies that there may be longer waits for those patients who do attend during this period and we will do all we can to limit delays.

Normal services will resume on Monday 30th March.

Thank you for your understanding.

19/03/2026

Continuing with our celebrations of National Cancer CNS day - we spoke with Ricki Jackson, who is a Personalised Care and Support Lead Nurse 🤩

Ricki Said:

💬 "What I value most about my role as Macmillan Personalised Care and Support Lead Nurse, is working with our fabulous Cancer Nurse Specialist teams to embed personalised care at critical points in the cancer pathway.

💬 Supporting CNS colleagues to strengthen holistic needs assessments, shared decision-making and care planning ensures patients feel heard, informed and empowered during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.

💬 I feel genuinely inspired by our CNS teams; their energy, compassion and commitment to continually enhance patient care motivates me daily and reinforces the importance of the work we do.

💬 It is incredibly rewarding to collaborate with such dedicated professionals to improve patient experience and outcomes."

Great to speak with you Ricki! Thank you for everything that you and your CNS colleagues do 💙