Membership Matters

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

April 2025

At the time of writing, a great deal of time and effort has been invested in developing the Trust’s plans to achieve the obligations that the Secretary of State for Health has required of acute hospitals in the new year starting 1 April. I suspect it will be ‘touch and go’ whether we will fully meet all of the obligations and expectations, but I assure you that if we do not it will not be for the want of trying.

You may have read in the media that our staff survey results (which were published in mid-March) are deeply concerning. A crucial priority for the Trust Board is to create the right conditions that enable all of our workforce to give of their best, both the physical and psychological environment in which colleagues work. We are clearly falling short, given that we have the 4th lowest proportion of colleagues who would recommend the Trust as a place to work of any acute hospital trust in England.

This is the second year running that we have been in the lowest 5. We are currently considering what new initiatives we need to take to ensure that things improve for our colleagues and in turn our patients, given the link between how our colleagues experience their workplace and how our patients experience their stay in hospital with us.

On the positive side, there has been a very welcome 60% reduction in the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours for a bed between December and the end of February – 1,050 to 450. Even the 450 is appallingly high compared to pre-covid levels, and in this we are not alone unfortunately. We are striving to do everything we can to reduce length of stay and avoid unnecessary admissions which will lead to beds being available on a more timely basis. Waiting times for cancer patients have also improved, and we are approaching record amounts of outpatient work and elective procedures/surgery taking place in February (the most recent data I have at the time of writing this article).

With my thanks for your ongoing interest in the work of the Trust and my best wishes.

Martin Barkley

Work begins on new hybrid theatre and MRI facility at York Hospital

York Hospital has embarked on an exciting new development with the construction of a state-of-the-art hybrid theatre and MRI facility, set to enhance healthcare services for local patients.

Located near the hospital’s South Entrance, the two-storey facility will include a cutting-edge hybrid theatre, an advanced MRI suite, and supporting offices.

The facility will be constructed using construction specialist Merit’s innovative offsite construction methods. The components for the site are already being produced at Merit’s Cramlington-based factory, enabling work to progress both on-site and off-site simultaneously.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the new facility will also be low-carbon, fully electric, and energy-efficient, in line with the NHS goals to reduce emissions and promote a greener healthcare future.

Once fully operational in November 2025, the £8m facility will become an invaluable asset to the Trust, enhancing the delivery of high-quality, efficient healthcare for our community.

Meet DAISY

Staff at Scarborough Hospital’s Emergency Department recently met their new colleague: a robot called DAISY.

DAISY, which stands for Diagnostic AI System for Robot-Assisted Accident and Emergency Triage, uses artificial intelligence to interact with patients, check vital signs, and collect early diagnostic data. This helps staff decide the next steps for the patient and frees up time for other clinical care.

DAISY is with us on a six-month trial, supported by the Trust’s Research and Innovation Team and made possible with funds from the Elsie May Sykes Legacy through York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.

Developed by consultant Dr Ol’Tunde Ashaolu and the University of York, the project explores how AI could support NHS emergency departments, help reduce waiting times, and improve patient experience.

Initially, Dr Ashaolu wishes to determine patients’ perception and how DAISY could be used in NHS emergency departments. He explained, “Evidence shows that patients survive more and live a better life when their ailment is identified and treated at the earliest stage. DAISY creates an opportunity in technological innovation.”

Visit our website to find out more about DAISY the robot.

Help us provide better support to unpaid carers

We are producing an unpaid carers improvement plan and need your help. If you care for a friend, family member, or loved one, please take a moment to complete our survey for unpaid carers.

Caring has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. This study will help us better understand and support those with caring responsibilities. 

New therapy equipment supports ICU patients at Scarborough Hospital

Scarborough Hospital’s ICU therapy team has received a new rehabilitation trolley, thanks to funding from York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity. Physiotherapist Charlotte Vamplew highlighted the impact of the new equipment in helping patients on their complex recovery journeys.

“Whiteboards aid communication, handheld mirrors assist with relearning daily tasks, and therapy bands support muscle strengthening. Gardening tools allow patients to plant seeds as a symbol of resilience, while an aromatherapy diffuser and calming lights provide comfort for end-of-life care.

“All items will be gratefully used to support our patients’ independence and wellbeing,” said Charlotte.

To find out more about York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity and find out how you can help fund further projects, visit the York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity website.

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 11 June 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 30 April 2025, 9.30am
• Wednesday 21 May 2025, 9am
• Wednesday 25 June 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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