West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust NHS Trust managing Watford General, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans City Hospitals. Our vision is 'Excellent patient care, together'.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of ov

er 5,000 people, the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.

*This page contains information for both staff and users of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust and anyone with an interest in healthcare.

*This is not a referral system. If you have a health-related problem or concern, please contact your GP.

*If you have questions regarding appointments or a patient in our hospitals, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can find contact information here: https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/patientservices/pals.asp

Congratulations to our Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Unit (POSCU) who have been recognised as ‘Team of the Year’! 🎉 Th...
04/04/2025

Congratulations to our Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Unit (POSCU) who have been recognised as ‘Team of the Year’! 🎉

The National CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association awarded the team the title for their outstanding dedication to caring for children with cancer.

Our POSCU team provide vital cancer care closer to home, making treatment more accessible and comfortable for children and their families.

They were surprised with the award at the annual CCLG Conference Awards Dinner in Birmingham, after being secretly nominated by their Children’s Community Nursing (CCN) colleagues.

A huge well done to the team on being honoured with this award!

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3YbkWrB

Our incredible Library team held a ‘pop-up library’ at Watford General, highlighting the fantastic services they offer t...
03/04/2025

Our incredible Library team held a ‘pop-up library’ at Watford General, highlighting the fantastic services they offer to staff! 📚

Colleagues had the opportunity to learn about the service’s wide-ranging tools that all staff can benefit from - such as books, digital tools and skills training.

The Library and Knowledge Service also offers clinical guides, literature searching, departmental visits and more! The services that the team provide are integral to the Trust.

Samuel Stormont, Library and Knowledge Services Manager, said: “Healthcare is a knowledge-intensively industry, and in order to provide evidence-based care, staff must have access to the latest clinical evidence when and where they need it.

“That’s why it’s so important we use the knowledge services at our disposal.”

We recently held a One Stop Shop event at Watford FC to provide our working carers with practical tools, emotional suppo...
02/04/2025

We recently held a One Stop Shop event at Watford FC to provide our working carers with practical tools, emotional support and a chance to connect with others 💙

The event, which was also open to line managers and those who want to offer support to carers, was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together.

Organisations - including Carers in Herts, Admiral Nurses as well as departments from across the Trust – were on hand to offer invaluable resources and advice for those balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.

The event encouraged working carers to share experiences about their caring journeys and feel seen.

Here’s our Co-Chairs of the Working Carers Network - Carers Lead Nurse Andrea Hone and Lead Nurse for safeguarding Michelle Mulvaney – with EAU Senior Sister Hayley Breed and Chief Nurse Kelly McGovern.

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility - an annual event dedicated to celebrating the lives and contributions of trans p...
31/03/2025

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility - an annual event dedicated to celebrating the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the challenges the community faces.

To mark this day, we held a special lunch at Watford General giving colleagues the opportunity to show their support for the transgender and nonbinary community.

Jessica Dillon, LGBTQ+ Network Chair, said: “Here at West Herts we are proud to support our transgender and nonbinary colleagues.

"We aim to make sure the Trust is an inclusive, respectful place to work for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Events like this one help raise awareness and offer a space for people to connect over shared experiences.”

Thank you to everyone who attended!

To all our colleagues who are celebrating, we wish you a blessed and joyful Eid! May this time bring peace, happiness, a...
30/03/2025

To all our colleagues who are celebrating, we wish you a blessed and joyful Eid! May this time bring peace, happiness, and unity to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!

Great to see Toby Hyde, our Chief Strategy and Collaboration Officer, speak at an event by One Vision! One Vision is an ...
28/03/2025

Great to see Toby Hyde, our Chief Strategy and Collaboration Officer, speak at an event by One Vision!

One Vision is an organisation that brings together people from different cultural backgrounds to address the needs of the local community.

The event hosted meaningful conversations about system change, inclusion and health inequalities.

Toby was joined by community members, faith leaders and colleagues across sectors to discuss these key and important topics.

Toby said: “It was a real privilege to spend time with local community and faith leaders discussing how we work together to tackle shared problems and to ensure our services meet the needs of local residents. Thanks to Enoch and One Vision for hosting a great event”

Congratulations to Dr Shiva Namdeo – one of our surgical doctors – who recently was invited to present his scientific po...
28/03/2025

Congratulations to Dr Shiva Namdeo – one of our surgical doctors – who recently was invited to present his scientific poster at the ASiT conference in Belfast!

The ASiT conference is the largest in the UK for surgeons in training, and Shiva presented an interesting case study about appendicitis originating from trauma, which is rare.

Shiva said: “It was an incredible experience to share this unique case and engage with colleagues from across the country. I learned so much from the insightful presentations and discussions. Thank you to ASiT for a well-organized and impactful conference!”

Our incredible Chief Nurse, Kelly McGovern, has her own monthly column with Watford Observer and The Herts Advertiser. L...
27/03/2025

Our incredible Chief Nurse, Kelly McGovern, has her own monthly column with Watford Observer and The Herts Advertiser.

Launched today, the feature – ‘Life on the Wards’ – gives an insight into the positive impact and difference our teams make every day when it comes to caring for our patients.

Kelly’s first column focuses on dementia and how we look after the growing number of people with the condition. As a carer to two family members with dementia – it’s also a personal issue for her.

At West Herts, we take a personalised approach to each and every person, organise a programme of social, fun and creative activities, as well educating our staff and volunteers with ‘Dementia Friendly’ training.

Kelly describes her experience on the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ bus, which simulates what it’s like to have dementia.

Follow this link to read more: bit.ly/4j8MNkA

20 years ago, in March 2005, our Dermatology Unit at Watford General officially opened its doors to patients. Pictured i...
27/03/2025

20 years ago, in March 2005, our Dermatology Unit at Watford General officially opened its doors to patients. Pictured is the current dermatology team in 2025 and the original team in 2005! 🎉

The new department was a great boost for patients and staff. The multi-professional unit joined together all the services required to manage patients with skin disease.

Since then, the department has flourished. They are now a team of 22 consultants, skilled specialist dermatology nurses, four specialty doctors and four dermatology specialist training doctors, along with an amazing administration team.

One constant over the last 20 years has been Dr Kapila Batta – Dermatology Consultant – who was present when the unit opened in 2005.

Dr Batta said: “I am very proud of our hard-working team who collaborate to support each other and strive to provide excellent care for our patients.”

Watch this space as we bring you more information about how our clinical photography team is helping dermatology to triage, diagnose and assess skin conditions using digital images.

Congratulations to Steph – our latest Stars of Herts winner! ⭐ Our Stars of Herts awards celebrate our colleagues throug...
26/03/2025

Congratulations to Steph – our latest Stars of Herts winner! ⭐

Our Stars of Herts awards celebrate our colleagues throughout the year who shine as staff members and embody our Trust values.

Steph was nominated for demonstrating our Trust value of Compassionate. She is a valued member of the team on Katherine ward at Watford General, and staff and patients alike appreciate her hard work, friendliness and compassion.

Comments include: “Steph, thank you for everything, always with a big smile”. Others say: “Nothing is too much for Steph, she treats everyone on the ward with the same compassion.”

Well done and thank you for you care and dedication, Steph! ✨

Our birthing rooms in Watford General Hospital’s Delivery Suite have benefited from some fantastic new changes – helping...
26/03/2025

Our birthing rooms in Watford General Hospital’s Delivery Suite have benefited from some fantastic new changes – helping women in labour and their partners to relax in calmer environment 🤰

New sensory lights, battery operated candles and a projector that beams stars and constellations onto the ceiling create a comforting room for our expectant mothers 🌟✨

The projector can also link to the patient’s devices via Bluetooth so that they can play music of their choice. And a peanut ball is on hand to help birthing experience.

In addition, some of the rooms now also have wireless heartbeat monitors, meaning that women can move freely around the room while being cared for without restrictive wires.

Justine Chung, Matron for Delivery Suite, said: “The changes to our birthing rooms are small but make a huge difference to the patients in our care.

"We’ve already heard from women who have found the adaptations to the room really helpful while giving birth and during what can be a challenging time.”

Well done to Anita and Razia, two of our fab volunteers, who have gone from ‘volunteer to career’, recently obtaining pa...
25/03/2025

Well done to Anita and Razia, two of our fab volunteers, who have gone from ‘volunteer to career’, recently obtaining paid roles at West Herts! ⭐

Following their volunteering at Watford General Hospital, they both had great success in applying for roles at the Trust. Anita is now an Assistant Radiographer while Razia is a Healthcare Support Worker.

Anita and Razia are proof of the value of volunteering and how it is an excellent way of gaining experience, meeting new people and learning in a healthcare setting.

Well done to both of them! Interested in volunteering with us? Find out more here: bit.ly/4kv9TTP

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week last week, we celebrate Stef Harvey – one of our amazing Healthcare Assistants 💙...
24/03/2025

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week last week, we celebrate Stef Harvey – one of our amazing Healthcare Assistants 💙

Stef was left with a brain injury following an accident nine years ago and suffered complications. Stef says: “Raising awareness of neurodiversity is so important. A week needs to become a month needs to become an accepted way of life.

“Having open and honest conversations with your workplace is crucial. It’s so important to talk about your skills and abilities, challenges and issues in the workplace. It’s about making things work for everybody.

“My brain injury may have left me with challenges, but I know that I can give so much care in my role. I want to help people. I want to give the same kindness and support that I have experienced from frontline staff and let patients know that they matter as a unique person.

“Because whatever your neurodiversity, you have something special and unique to offer - the world from your perspective. You can use neurodiversity to make the world better (safer, more accessible, more comfortable) for staff, patients and the public in ways other people won't have thought of. And that feels good.”

Here’s Stef with her incredible manager Jane!

Here’s Wendy - our amazing volunteer and longest serving member of the Patient Panel – who recently celebrated 24 years ...
24/03/2025

Here’s Wendy - our amazing volunteer and longest serving member of the Patient Panel – who recently celebrated 24 years of volunteering at West Herts! 👏

Wendy, who is local to Watford, prides herself on prioritising patients. She is a real advocate for elderly patients, with a special interest in and passion for end-of-life care.

Her 14 years on the Patient Panel shows how her caring, compassionate and inclusive approach is valued by many. The Patient Panel is a group of local people who volunteer their time and skills to work with us on improving the experience for all patients. The panel meets monthly to discuss the Trust’s services and developments.

Wendy takes time to visit patients on the wards on a regular basis, providing a listening ear and a person to chat to.

Wendy is non-judgemental, friendly and really wants to make a difference. She lives and breathes the Trust’s values. Thank you, Wendy, for your dedication to West Herts!

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week! A week that recognises the many skills and talents of neurodivergent indiv...
21/03/2025

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week! A week that recognises the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals.

Today we shine a spotlight on Alice who is a Physio Assistant at Watford General Hospital and has autism.

Alice shares how using coping strategies can really help her at work: “I work with my manager to help me communicate when I am stressed by using traffic light colours system to show the colleagues I am working with if I need help.”

“I found that telling my manager about my diagnosis and coping strategies that I already use and work together really helped me in my role.”

She adds: “It's important to celebrate neurodiversity because it raises awareness of the different way neurodivergent brains think.”

20/03/2025

“The most important thing is treating our dementia patients as individuals, holistically, and remembering that one size does not fit all.”

Listen as Katie Pardy – our Dementia Specialist Nurse – and colleagues from around the Trust speak about their experiences of the Virtual Dementia Tour training bus.

The bus provides an immersive experience, and our staff found the event eye-opening – giving them an insight into how people with dementia view the world and the challenges they face.

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“The most important thing is treating our dementia patients as individuals, holistically, and remembering that one size does not fit all.” Listen as Katie Pardy – our Dementia Specialist Nurse – and colleagues from around the Trust speak about their experiences of the Virtual Dementia Tour training bus. The bus provides an immersive experience, and our staff found the event eye-opening – giving them an insight into how people with dementia view the world and the challenges they face.

Thank you to all the local school children who kindly sent in their drawings of what the NHS means to them! 👏 The pictures have been displayed in our corridor in the Emergency Assessment Unit at Watford General Hospital and certainly to brighten up the area. Your wonderful imaginations and colouring skills made our day, and the pictures will bring a smile to our colleagues, patients and their relatives as they come down the corridor. Watch as some of our colleagues say thank you for the amazing artwork that the children have provided! 🎉

‘Boombastic, Fantastic and Amazing’ ‘I have been at the Trust for almost 30 years, so if that isn’t love, what is?’ This Valentine’s Day, we’re feeling all the love! ❤️ Watch our special film to hear why our incredible team is head over heels for what they do. Watch the film, tag your work bestie, and spread the love!

💙West Herts with Love at Watford General Hospital 💙 Our amazing teams at Watford General Hospital are celebrating gratitude and positivity! They’re recognising the colleagues who bring joy and make a difference every day. Have someone in mind who deserves a special mention? Give them a shout-out in the comments! 💬👇

💙 West Herts with Love at St Albans City Hospital 💙 Our incredible team at St Albans City Hospital is celebrating kindness and appreciation! They’re sharing the love for colleagues who make every day brighter. Know someone who deserves a special shout-out? Tag them below! 💬👇

💙 From West Herts with Love at Hemel Hempstead Hospital💙 With Valentine’s Day around the corner, our amazing staff at Hemel Hempstead Hospital are celebrating and appreciating their fantastic colleagues! Tag a colleague who deserves a shout out! 💬👇

We marked nearly 4,000 years of NHS service by dedicated colleagues at a special event at Watford Football Club! ✨ Our 2025 Long Service Awards event celebrated colleagues who have over 20 years' NHS service. We even had two colleagues with an incredible 45 years' service each. Listen as recipients Paula, Ann and Stef speak about what they love about the NHS and West Herts. Congratulations to all! 🎉

“Tea brings everyone together.” Watch us as West Herts comes together to celebrate the Lunar New Year! 🎉 We had tea experts, JY House London, demonstrate a tea ceremony, explain why tea is such an important part of the Chinese culture and how it plays an integral role in the celebrations.

Calling all dogs! We need four-legged volunteers for paw patrol at Watford General Hospital and to become therapy dogs 🐾 Are you a friendly and calm dog who just loves company? If so, patients and staff at Watford General Hospital would love to meet you! Our Voluntary Services team is calling for canine companions to join its paw patrol and help lift the spirits of both patients and staff. You will help lower stress levels in humans being cared for in hospital. In return for providing paws-itivity for patients and reducing stress levels for staff, you’ll get your own ID badge and a huge fan following from ward to ward. There will be plenty of treats to be had and lots of attention! Watch the video to see a day in the life of a therapy dog. Sounds like you? Ask your owner to get in touch at [email protected] for further information.

Watford General Hospital’s A&E is extremely busy. If you need help, please consider the following: • Calling NHS 111 – they can point you to alternative places for treatment, and you could receive treatment faster • Visiting your pharmacy or contacting your local GP practice for minor illnesses – they can offer advice and treatment close to home • Getting vaccinated for flu and Covid to prevent falling unwell this winter. Our Chief Operating Officer Rachel Thorman has this advice if you’re considering using A&E.

Watford General Hospital’s A&E is extremely busy. If you need help, please consider the following: • Calling NHS 111 – they can point you to alternative places for treatment, and you could receive treatment faster • Visiting your pharmacy or contacting your local GP practice for minor illnesses – they can offer advice and treatment close to home • Getting vaccinated for flu and Covid to prevent falling unwell this winter. Our Chief Operating Officer Rachel Thorman has this advice if you’re considering using A&E.

Watford General Hospital’s A&E is extremely busy. If you need help, please consider the following: • Calling NHS 111 – they can point you to alternative places for treatment, and you could receive treatment faster • Visiting your pharmacy or contacting your local GP practice for minor illnesses – they can offer advice and treatment close to home • Getting vaccinated for flu and Covid to prevent falling unwell this winter. Our Chief Operating Officer Rachel Thorman has this advice if you’re considering using A&E.

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