Membership Matters

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

June 2022

Surgical robot set to transform cancer operations in York

Surgical procedures at York Hospital are due to take a giant leap forward with the purchase of a new robotic surgical system, which enables surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions.

The surgical robot has been funded by local charity York Against Cancer with a generous donation of £680k over the next two years to enable the operation of the robot.

The innovative technology is less invasive than open surgery and allows more precision in difficult to access areas than traditional key-hole surgery, leading to fewer complications. It is suitable for a wide range of procedures including cancers in hard to reach areas.

Praminthra Chitsabesan, Colorectal Surgeon at the Trust, said: “The surgical robot is a brilliant surgical instrument and by investing in this advanced technology we will improve services across the board. It will permit us to provide more complex surgery minimally invasively, build up our services and help with recruitment, allowing us to catch up with other hospitals in the area that are already using this technology.

“It will be the next step in the evolution of our services - and hopefully we will be on the way to developing a regional cancer unit of excellence and an advanced minimally invasive surgery unit. We know how valuable it will be for certain procedures, such as for low rectal cancers, and the great news is that patients needing complex surgery will be treated nearer to home. ”You can read the story in full here.

The search is on for new governors for the local NHS Trust

The Trust is looking to recruit new governors to help influence the future of its health services.

A great opportunity has arisen to become the ‘voice’ of local people in Selby, Hambleton, York and the East Coast of Yorkshire constituencies.

The Council of Governors meets four times a year in public and is chaired by the Chair of the Trust, Alan Downey. Responsibilities include providing support and advice to ensure that the Trust delivers services that best meet the needs of patients and the communities and provides high quality, effective and patient-focused services.

Alan Downey, Chair, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Governors have two very important roles - the first to provide an important link between the Trust and the community, helping the Trust to gather views from local people and feeding back to them what is happening, and the second is to appoint the Non-Executive Directors to the board and to maintain an overview of their contribution to the effective leadership of the Trust.

“The position requires some time and commitment, a passion for the NHS and the key issues facing our Trust.”

The Council of Governors consists of 16 public governors and five staff governors, who have all been elected by the membership of their constituencies. It also includes nominated representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, University of York and other partnership organisations, including the third sector.

If you are aged over 16 years old, live within any of the above constituencies, are a member of the Trust, you are eligible to apply. If you would like to influence and contribute to your local health services, the Trust would be keen to hear from you.

New governors are appointed by election and anyone interested can apply from Monday 11 July 2022.A nomination form can be obtained from the Returning Officer, Sonali Campion, by calling 0208 889 9203 or emailing:[email protected], or online at www.cesvotes.com/YSTHFT22

Nominations close 5pm on Monday 8 August 2022.

Anyone can stand for election - all you need is a real interest in the Trust and a little spare time to help influence the continued development of our important local services.If you are not already a member of the Trust you can join for free at www.york.nhs.uk/membership.

The elections, which are run by the Civica Election Services, will be a secret postal ballot and voting packs will be sent out to members on Thursday 1 September. Members can only vote for governors who represent their constituency.

Governors are appointed for a three year term but, subject to reappointment at the end of each term, can serve a maximum of nine years.

For more information about becoming governor please contact Tracy Astley on [email protected], or visit our website www.york.nhs.uk/about-us/council-of-governors/governor-elections/. Or why not join us at our briefing session due to be held online on: Monday 25 July 2022 at 12.00.To book a place, please email: [email protected] or call 01904 721925.

Visiting restrictions

We have updated the Trust visiting restrictions. In summary, for most inpatient areas, visiting has reverted to pre-pandemic guidance, in most circumstances, with the exception of the high risk ward areas and some departments. You can familiarise yourself with the latest visitor guidance on the Trust’s website.

Hospital Charity launches appeal to support new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has launched an appeal to raise £400,000 to support the new centre to enhance patient care and experience and support staff wellbeing in the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre at Scarborough Hospital.

The appeal will help provide the extras over and above the funding allocated to the scheme. Plans include a specialist mental health crisis room, gardens, artwork and wayfinding as well as two ensuite relatives’ rooms within the new critical care department.

There are lots of ways people can get involved and support the Urgent and Emergency Care Appeal - from making a donation, taking on one of the charity’s challenges, involving your workplace or school or taking a collection tin for a local pub, fish and chip shop or newsagents for their counter. Anyone holding their own fundraising event will be supported by York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity with advice, encouragement and practically with marketing and promotional materials.

Visit the website for more information and appeal updates. www.ScarboroughUECAppeal.co.uk

Get involved

Public Council of Governors meetings

These meetings are held throughout the year and give you the chance to see first-hand the workings of the Council of Governors speaking up and representing the views of their constituents.

Public Board of Directors meetings

These are held every other month and give you the opportunity to observe the Board of Directors on how decisions are made and what the challenges are of managing a NHS Trust.

Details for both meetings are available on our website. Everybody is welcome.

Star Award finalists

All our staff and volunteers deserve recognition - but there are many that go above and beyond the call of duty to make the Trust a better service - with hard work, exciting new ideas and simply by putting patients first.Click here to read why they were nominated and learn how they made a difference. If you would like to nominate someone for a Star Award complete the online form.

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