Membership Matters

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

January 2025

To all our members, Happy New Year! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.

Stay well this winter

Winter can be difficult for many of us, and that includes an increase in all sorts of seasonal illnesses. There are some things you can do to help your self stay well this winter, including getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

It’s also important at this time of year to look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, and to seek advice if you or a loved one feels unwell. You can get help and advice from a pharmacy or your GP. If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you’re likely to get better.

Visit the NHS website to read more on staying well this winter. 

Help us keep our hospitals safe for those most vulnerable

While viruses are active year-round, winter is a prime time for norovirus, colds, and influenza, commonly known as flu. These infections are highly contagious and can easily spread to staff and vulnerable hospital patients.

With this increase in seasonal illnesses, our hospitals are extremely busy – we are currently seeing more than 450 people a day in the emergency departments.

If you do need to attend our emergency departments, we ask you to come alone if possible. There is a high volume of poorly patients and department can become overcrowded – we need as much space as possible for those in need of treatment.

Due to the high volume of patients, some people are waiting a very long time to be seen. We understand this is frustrating and would like to say thank you for your patience, understanding, and respect and kindness towards staff.

#OneTrustOneTeam

Across the NHS, thousands of dedicated individuals provide compassionate care to countless patients. Whether on hospital wards, out in the community, or working ‘behind the scenes’, each roles plays a vital part in patient support.

Our #OneTrustOneTeam series shines a light on this diversity, including some of the remarkable people who guide, support, and care for us every day.

Meet some of our team members who have taken part in the #OneTrustOneTeam campaign and find out about their roles here.

Celebrating 20 years of York's Vascular Imaging Unit

York’s Vascular Imaging Unit (VIU) has been treating patients for 20 years! The occasion marks a pivotal moment for the Trust, as preparations are ongoing for the unit’s relocation to a larger, purpose-built facility, expected to open in 2025.

The current unit serves almost 3,000 patients per year, delivering life-saving treatment for a range of vascular and cardiac conditions.

Matron Nicky Kerslake said, “Our current location is somewhat tucked away, but the new unit will be much more accessible, and the biggest change will be our capacity to treat even more patients.”

The upgraded unit will feature two vascular laboratories, two cardiac laboratories, and an ultrasound suite. To support the expanded services, a major recruitment drive will begin in 2025, with plans to hire 12 additional registered nurses, radiographers, and administrative staff.

Start 2025 with a challenge for charity

Looking for an adventure in 2025? Take on an exciting challenge and make a difference by supporting York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity. Whether you're a walker, runner, or swimmer, there's an event perfect for you!

Great North Swim

Friday 13 - Sunday 15 June 2025

Windermere, Lake District

Yorkshire Three Peaks

Saturday 19 July 2025

Yorkshire Dales

York 10K

Sunday 3 August 2025

The Knavesmire, York

Great North Run

Sunday 7 September 2025

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Ready to take the leap? Visit www.YSHospitalsCharity.org/challenge to find out more and register for one of these incredible events.

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.

The Council of Governors acts as the voice of the community, ensuring local people have a say in the running of their hospital. Governors are either elected by member of the Trust or appointed by appropriate stakeholder partners, which includes nominated representatives from the Local Authority, University, and other partner organisations.

You can read all about your local governors on our website. If you would like to contact any of the governors, email [email protected], including the name of the governor you wish to contact. 

The next meeting takes place on Thursday 13 March 2025. See all governor meeting times on our website.

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.

Upcoming dates:

• Wednesday 29 January 2025, 9.30am
• Wednesday 26 February 2025, 10am
• Wednesday 26 March 2025, 9.30am

More details on Board of Directors Meetings can be found here.

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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