University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

03/12/2025

UHNM Maternity services in November 2025!👶👣

Have you had your baby with us in November?

Let us know in the comments below and share your pictures.

02/12/2025

🏆✨🏥 UHNM Team of the Month: UHNM Site Teams

Staff from UHNM have received praise for maintaining safe and effective patient flow across the Royal Stoke and County hospitals.

UHNM’s Site Teams have been awarded November’s Team of the Month in recognition of their “dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support to patients and colleagues”.

The Site Teams play a vital role in keeping both the Royal Stoke and County hospitals running safely, overseeing real-time patient flow, bed capacity and supporting operational decision-making around the clock.

The teams were nominated by Lisa Duncan, integrated discharge lead.

🗣 Lisa said: "I work with the teams both daily within my discharge role, but also on a strategic on-call capacity. The team can be under extreme pressure, supporting the Emergency Departments (ED) and managing complex site flow and bed management.

"They cover a 24-hour period and handle a huge volume of work, often having to make difficult decisions to keep our sites safe. They do this with dedication, professionalism, and often a smile, ensuring patients are at the forefront of everything they do."

"Their roles are fast-paced and demanding, requiring them to remain alert and focused for long periods. I feel confident and safe in my own role because I trust their decision-making and the peer support they provide.

"They are often the link between our system partners in the Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and West Midlands Ambulance Service, always showing respect, understanding and a commitment to finding solutions that support everyone."

🗣 Rebecca Glanville, senior patient flow coordinator at County Hospital, said: "I feel very proud that we’ve been recognised for the work that we do, particularly during the tough winter periods. It’s thanks collectively to the team at County Hospital that we can continue to support patients safely and effectively."

The teams at Royal Stoke and County were presented with their awards on behalf of the Executive Team by Helen Ashley, deputy chief executive.

02/12/2025

Are you aged 40 to 74? Book your FREE NHS Health Check in the Everyone Health - Staffordshire mobile van or one of the pop-up clinics.

It’s a quick and simple way to check your:
✅ Blood pressure
✅ Cholesterol
✅ Risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
✅ General health and wellbeing

These checks can help spot early signs of health issues before they become serious.

They are open to eligible people who haven’t had one in the last five years and don’t already have certain pre-existing conditions.

Pop-up and mobile van NHS Health Checks are available at:
• Gnosall Health Centre (patients only), Stafford, ST20 0GP, 1-3 December, 10am - 4pm (van)
• St Paul's church, Leek, ST13 6NU, 3 December, 9am-5pm (walk-in)
• Lichfield Market Place, WS13 6LH, 4 December, 9am-4pm (van)
• Ellerbeck shops car park, Tamworth, B77 4JA, 8-9 December, 10am-4pm (van)
• Exley car park, Belgrave, Tamworth, B77 2LA, 10 December, 10am-4pm (van)
• Stone Leisure Centre, Stone, ST15 8QW, 15-16 December, 9am-3pm
•The Maltings car park, Silver Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 7QD, 22 and 23 December, 10am-4pm (van walk-in and bookings)
• Alderwood Medical Practice, Longford Road, Cannock, WS11 1QN, 5-7 January, 10am-4pm (open to all community)

There will also be some pop-up clinics that are by appointment only and need to be booked:

• Kidsgrove Library, Meadows Road, ST7 1BS, 31 December, 9am-4pm (bookings only)
• St Peter’s Community Church, Silver Link Road, Tamworth, B77 2HH, 22 December, 9am-5pm (bookings only)
• Kidsgrove Library, Meadows Road, ST7 1BS, 15 December, 9am-5pm (bookings only)

Text: HEART to 60777 for a call back
or
Call: 0333 005 0095

01/12/2025

Protect yourself this winter from Flu, Covid-19 and RSV.

💉 Vaccinations are your best defense this winter.

📅 Book your vaccinations online or through your GP.

01/12/2025

UHNM is proud to announce that staff nurse Joanne Blackburn has been named ‘NHS Hero’ at this year’s Your Heroes Awards. 🏆✨👏

Joanne, who works on the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, continues to deliver care to some of UHNM’s most seriously ill patients while awaiting a double organ transplant of her own.

🗣 She said: “I am truly honoured and grateful to be named the NHS Hero award winner. I want to thank my amazing colleagues, who support me every single day, both emotionally and physically, especially on the days when things feel tougher.

“I couldn’t do any of this without my family, my husband Ian and my children who are my biggest cheerleaders. They keep me smiling, keep me going, and inspire me to get up every morning and do my best for the people we care for.

“This award has made me realise just how many lives I’ve been able to help over my 22 years in the NHS and I truly hope I can continue to inspire others in the future. I also hope it shows that even with a life-limiting illness, you can still carry on, find joy, and make a difference to others.”

Joanne was nominated for the award alongside Sadie Bennett, cardiac clinical scientist, and staff from UHNM’s Maternity Centre, who were presented with a highly commended certificate celebrating the positive impact they have made.

The trio received their awards from former British middleweight champion boxer Nathan 'Hitman' Heaney.

Joanne said: “I wish I could personally thank everyone who has sent me messages of support which means the world to me, and a huge congratulations to all my UHNM colleagues who were nominated, every single one of you deserves recognition.”

The Your Heroes Awards celebrate individuals and teams across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire who make extraordinary contributions to the community.

01/12/2025

Since March 2025, UHNM has offered potentially lifesaving opt-out testing for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like HIV in both Royal Stoke and County hospital's emergency departments, resulting in 31,731 tests and 51 positive cases.

The initiative will also screen for hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV).

Read more ⬇️

Ten thousand patients at UHNM have been tested for HIV and hepatitis during the first two months of a national research project. 🏥🔬

Since 3 March, patients aged 16 and over attending UHNM’s Emergency Department (ED) and in need of a blood test have received screening for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) unless they ask to opt-out.

The screening, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has led to almost 30 patients who otherwise would not have been aware they were living with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C receive a potentially life-saving diagnosis.

🗣 Dr Andrew Bennett, specialist doctor in emergency medicine, said: “Opt-out testing in ED is a vital public health measure, helping to identify HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in people who might not otherwise get tested, many of whom have no symptoms and are unaware they're living with an infection.

“By making testing routine, we break down barriers to diagnosis, reduce stigma, and ensure more equitable access to care. The programme is already making a significant impact in diagnosing individuals in our area and connecting them with the treatment they need.”

Staffordshire has been chosen to take part in the programme as it has local authority areas with a high prevalence of HIV, with 2.2 cases per 1,000.

Data from 2021 suggests an estimated 4,400 people in the UK were living with an undiagnosed HIV.

The initiative is expected to see the Royal Stoke’s virology laboratories screen up to 86,000 patients a year.

🗣 Gareth Pierce-Wilding, virology service lead said: “The number of HIV tests processed weekly by our virology team at UHNM has risen from around 800 to over 2,100, which reflects the enormous effort that’s gone into delivering this vital initiative safely and effectively.”

The national HIV action plan published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has committed to ending HIV transmissions in England by 2030, reducing HIV transmissions by 80 per-cent between 2019 and 2025.
Posters and leaflets are available in ED to inform patients about the testing. Patients not required to have a blood test during their visit will not be tested.

🗣 Debbie Lowe, associate directorate manager for emergency medicine, said: “Evidence shows that an opt-out approach leads to significantly higher testing uptake compared to opt-in. Importantly, this programme doesn’t interfere with the usual care patients receive in the Emergency Department, it simply involves taking an extra blood sample during routine tests. Clear information about the screening will be visible throughout the department and shared with patients when they arrive.

“Test results are anonymised for research, and only those with a positive initial result will be contacted for confirmatory testing and offered specialist support.”

30/11/2025

It is important to remember that help is available. If you need medical assistance, call NHS 111 for advice or 999 if it's an emergency.

Don't delay seeking help if you need it.

29/11/2025

Patients at UHNM needing treatment for kidney stones, urinary infections, prostate problems or urological cancers are set to benefit from a newly relocated unit that makes specialist care quicker and easier. 🏥💙

The nurse-led unit Urology Ambulatory Unit (UAU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital supports patients who are well enough to remain mobile and do not require an inpatient bed.

By bringing patients directly to specialist staff in a dedicated space close to the main wards, the UAU helps people receive timely assessments, treatments and follow-up without the need for an overnight stay.

The move not only improves the patient experience but will also up much-needed beds during the busy winter period improving patient flow across UHNM.

🗣 Kay Willard, lead urology nurse and lead advanced clinical practitioner, said: “The UAU is for patients who don’t need a hospital bed but still need fast, specialist urology care. By seeing people in a dedicated space, we can treat them quickly and safely while freeing up beds on the wards.

“Instead of patients waiting in a bed for a specialist to visit them, they now come directly to our team. It reduces delays and means they get the right care straightaway.

“Launched in 2016, the service has grown from a team of four to almost 34 posts, supporting patients with everything from urological cancers to kidney stones and chronic urinary problems. Our new and more accessible location brings our whole urology team together with consultants and the Central Treatment Suite (CTS), creating the joined-up working the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme champions.”

“The space also allows experienced and newer staff to work side by side, helping us build a strong, sustainable workforce. I’m incredibly grateful to our managerial colleagues who made the move possible, their support has helped us create a unit we’re proud of.”

🗣 Tracy Harrison, senior sister, said: “Patients immediately comment on how bright, spacious and welcoming the new unit is. This bright, spacious environment gives us the opportunity to grow, innovate and continue improving outcomes for our patients.”

One of the first patients to benefit from the new unit was James Winning, who was diagnosed with a rare pe**le cancer more than 15 years ago. James, a former chauffeur from Cheadle, now attends the Unit each month to have his catheter changed.

🗣 James said: “The care has always been brilliant, but this new unit is even better. It’s larger, easier to get to, has better facilities and the staff are second to none. They’re a fantastic bunch of people and so organised. I actually enjoy going there.”

🗣 David Jinks, directorate manager for general surgery, said: “We’re extremely proud of the team, and while we’ve moved out of the original ward location, what we’ve gained is a co-located, modern, collaborative space which is hugely beneficial to both patients and the team.”

29/11/2025

If you are feeling unwell this weekend but it is not life-threatening, please use NHS 111 online in the first instance to get help or to be directed to the best place for your needs.

28/11/2025

The festive season has officially begun across UHNM! 🎄

This week we have turned our Christmas tree lights on at both Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, bringing a little sparkle and joy to our patients and staff.

A special thank you to Steve Bagnall, Senior Estates Manager at County Hospital and patient Robyn Meigh for taking part and pushing the big red button. ✨

Those in attendance were also treated to a special performances from St Thomas Aquinas school and Open hands signing church 🙌

A big thank you to everybody who took the time out to be part of our Christmas service which was led by UHNM's Chaplaincy team.

27/11/2025

💜Have you experienced reduced movements during pregnancy? Your story could help make safer, more informed maternity care.💜

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is looking for families who are willing to share their experiences of reduced fetal movements. With your consent, your story will be used directly in staff training, helping midwives and clinicians understand what families go through and how to provide the best possible support.

Your voice has the power to change practice, strengthen empathy, and improve outcomes for others.

If you're open to sharing your story, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Please message us or email sasot.mnvp@nhs.net to get involved.

Thank you for helping improve care for future families.

26/11/2025

🏆✨🏥 UHNM Employee of the Month: Dr Meghana Pearson

A consultant paediatrician at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke has been recognised for her dedication to improving hospital care for looked-after children.

Dr Meghana Pearson has been named UHNM Employee of the Month for November for her dedication to improving services, securing medical resources and making sure local vulnerable children get safe, high-quality patient-centred care.

🗣 Dr Varsha Sadavarte, consultant paediatrician who nominated Meghana for the award, said: “As UHNM’s designated doctor for looked-after children, Meghana has worked incredibly hard over the last five years to improve the services we offer to looked-after children locally.

"She’s been committed to making sure these vulnerable young people get timely, high-quality care. She also played a major part in securing important funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for extra staff which has helped us cut waiting lists and meet the deadlines for health assessments.

“Her leadership has been exceptional and has made a real difference for the children and families we support. A real highlight this year was the engagement event she organised in June, which brought together teams from UHNM and our health and social care partners. The event gave everyone a chance to come together, share ideas, and find better ways to work as a team ensuring smoother and more joined-up care for our patients.”

Dr Pearson was presented with her award on behalf of the Executive Team by Mark Oldham, UHNM’s chief financial officer. Mark was joined by Dr Caroline Groves, consultant paediatrician and clinical lead for community paediatrics. 👏

🗣 Dr Pearson said: “I want to say a big thank you to both my medical and admin colleagues for their dedication, passion and hard work. They are the real heroes, and I wouldn’t be receiving this award without them. I’m incredibly grateful, and I don’t think they’ll ever know how much this recognition means to me.

"My aim has always been to advocate for looked-after children, who are so often a forgotten group, and I’m proud to play a part in improving the care they receive.”