Our weekly news round-up returns, featuring stories of appointments, awards, new websites, celebrations, and more.
Here’s the latest updates from across the health and care sector…
HCT recognised as armed forces-friendly organisation
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) has been recognised as an armed forces-friendly organisation.
The trust, which signed agreements that recognise the value serving personnel, veterans and military families bring to the workforce, has been awarded the Bronze Award by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and Step Into Health Pledge.
HCT will uphold the key principles of the Covenant, which say no member of the Armed Forces Community (staff member or patient) should face disadvantage in the provision of public or commercial services.
As part of the agreement, the trust will also support the employment of veterans, recognising military skill in the recruitment and selection process, support armed forces charities with fundraising, and provide flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners.
UCLan awards academic title to Preston cancer specialist
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has granted a prestigious academic title to a Preston-based cancer specialist.
Dr Ruth Board, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS FT, has been made Honorary Clinical professor.
Dr Board, who has more than 20 years’ experience within her chosen field, is the oncology lead for the treatment of various skin cancers across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
On her new academic title, Dr Board commented: “This is such a fantastic honour for me. I’m absolutely thrilled to be recognised by UCLan with an honorary clinical professorship.”
LCHS launches website to support parents and families
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) is launching a new website for parents and families seeking to support their children’s development.
The website gives Lincolnshire parents professional advice about the steps they can take to ensure their children are healthy and well.
The advice includes information on what typical development looks like for specific age groups, as well as describing some neurodevelopment difficulties and how they can be managed.
Katie Clements, Children, Young people and Specialist Care Clinical Service Lead, said: “This is such an exciting piece of work and we are so pleased with the website. It means that families can now have instant access to early advice, support and ideas to help their when it is most convenient for them.”
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS FT staff praised in national survey
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has been rated highly in the latest Children and Young People’s Patient Experience Survey.
The national survey, conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), showed significant praise to hospital staff who took steps to ensure families were involved in the treatment of their children during the height of the pandemic.
Melanie Johnson, the trust’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “We are incredibly proud of the services we offer to our younger patients and the expert staff who deliver such a wealth of care for children and young people across South Tyneside, Sunderland and indeed further afield.”
Bolton NHS FT celebrates 15th year of Bowel Cancer Screening
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s (BFT) Bowel Cancer Screening service is celebrating its 15th year in operation.
The Screening Service, which offers screenings to patients from Bolton, Wigan and Salford, work with teams that have a variety of expertise including laboratory medicine, endoscopy and radiology.
George Lipscomb, Consultant Gastroenterologist at BFT, said: “We are incredibly proud of the work that we have done over the last 15 years, making early diagnosis of bowel cancer and removing thousands of pre-cancerous colonic polyps from thousands of people and saving many lives as a result.”
LUHFT appoints new Medical Director
Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) has appointed Dr Jim Gardner as its new Medical Director.
Dr Gardner is the current Medical Director at Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and has extensive experience in health service delivery, clinical leadership, and governance.
On his appointment, Dr Gardner said: “I am delighted to be joining LUHFT as its Medical Director. This is an organisation with real ambition and a sincere commitment to providing the best patient care possible, and I look forward to joining the team.”
