An artist's impression of the outside of the new cancer support centre.

Membership Matters

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

August 2025

A message from our Chair

I am pleased to inform you that we have been able to appoint a new Chief Executive who will join the Trust on 24November 2025. Her name is Clare Smith. She is a very experienced senior manager who is currently the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - a trust more than twice the size of ours. Our present Chief Executive Simon Morritt retires on 30 September. For the intervening period, our Director of Finance/Deputy Chief Executive will act up until Clare joins us.

As I write this message, I am looking forward to this evening’s members' constituency meeting taking place at Malton Rugby Club. We had a lively, good-natured constituency meeting in York last month. The last of this year’s members constituency meetings takes place at Scarborough Hospital in the Post Graduate Medical Education Centre, on Thursday 11September, starting at 6.30pm.

Some aspects of the performance of the Trust are improving. A recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission at York Hospital has led to improved ratings of York Hospital, which are shown below:

Safe: improved from 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement'
Effective: remained at 'requires improvement'
Caring: remained at 'good'
Responsive: remained at 'requires improvement'
Well-led: improved from 'inadequate' to 'good'
Overall rating: improved from 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement'

In addition, NHS England has recognised the consistent improvement in our emergency department and emergency admissions performance, as well as much faster handover of patients to emergency department staff by ambulance crews.

Their confidence in our plans for further improvement has meant they are no longer going to have regular progress meetings with us – to use the technical language, we have been taken out of “tiering” for urgent and emergency care. We remain in tiering for cancer and elective care services.

As always, I thank you very much for your interest and support of the Trust.

Martin

York Hospital unveils £2.4 million Macmillan Cancer Support Centre

A first look at the estimated £2.4 million investment to improve a vital cancer support service for patients and their families has been unveiled.

The York Cancer Centre is about to undergo a major expansion and refurbishment programme to meet growing demand, thanks to a new partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and our Trust.

The new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre will significantly improve support services for local people living with cancer and their loved ones. Artists impressions have revealed the look of the new purpose-build, which will feature a homely feel, creating a welcoming, holistic space that reflects the collaborators' commitment to passionate, patient-centred care.

Art support for patients at Bridlington Hospital

An art group for patients recovering from stroke has launched at Bridlington Hospital.

The new art group on Waters Ward, run by Occupational Therapists Meg and Lisa with support from therapy assistants, offers stroke patients a unique way to express themselves during their recovery.

Each art group has a different theme, and patients are encouraged to create artwork representing their stroke journey. Taking part can support patients' motor recovery, as well as boost attention, problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing.

Occupational Therapist Meg Armstrong said: "It's a joyful space. And a big thank you goes to Rachel, our occupational therapy student, who first set this group up during her placement. Without her, it might not have happened."

Consultant receives national award for cancer research

Jenny Piper, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, has received a Medipex NHS Innovation Award for her role in a groundbreaking study using breath tests to detect breast cancer early.

Working with Dr Theo Issitt from Respiro Diagnostics, the pilot at York Hospital showed 98% accuracy in distinguishing between normal, benign, and cancerous breast tissue.

The test is quick, painless, and provides results in a timely manner, and could become a complementary tool for mammography in the future.

First 'Asthma Friendly School' in York

Danesgate Community has proudly become the first state school in York to be awarded Asthma Friendly School status.

The new initiative, developed in partnership between Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and our Trust, provides schools with clear guidance, training, and support to help improve asthma management.

Danesgate Community, a specialist setting in Fulford for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH), arranged specialist asthma training for over 100 staff. As a result, their teams now feel confident and empowered to effectively support pupils living with asthma.

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 Wednesday 10 September 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 24 September 2025, 9.30am
Wednesday 22 October 2025, 9am
Wednesday 26 November 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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