It’s a form of discrimination that often goes under the radar; the use of stereotypes about a person, lack of suitable facilities or provision, or judgements made about a person based on their physical appearance or perceived abilities to do a job.

Ableism comes in many forms, affecting people with both overt and hidden disabilities across our region on a daily basis. Despite at least 1 in every 28 Hull University Teaching Hospitals employees saying they have some form of disability, sadly ableism is experienced as much in our hospitals as anywhere else; somewhere where people with disabilities should arguably feel most supported.  But that’s all set to change.

In an ongoing effort to build a more inclusive and understanding workforce, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) has launched its Zero Tolerance to Ableism Framework.

The framework reinforces the Trust’s commitment to creating an environment where staff members, irrespective of any disability or impairment they may have, can expect to be treated with dignity and respect by their patients, visitors and colleagues they work with.

Like our Zero Tolerance to Racism Framework, the Zero Tolerance to Ableism Framework reflects the Trust’s dedication to eradicating this form of discrimination and ensuring every staff member feels valued and supported.

A number of hospital workers who have been subject to ableism across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital have supported the launch by sharing their own experiences in this short video.

Elaine Hillaby, Organisational Development Practitioner and Chair of the Trust’s Disability Staff Network said:

“At HUTH we want to create a safe and accessible work environment for everyone irrespective of their circumstance. We firmly believe that no one should face discrimination or barriers to their work based on other people’s actions or perceptions. This framework is a significant step towards building a system that serves all members of our community, regardless of their individual circumstances.”

A key feature of the Zero Tolerance to Ableism Framework is the Reporting Tool. This tool, easy to access via QR code empowers individuals to report instances of ableism, discrimination or accessibility concerns.

A dedicated team known as the “Circle Group” will meet to look at reports, work with those reporting, and take action to support affected individuals. In addition, the “Circle Group” will monitor reports for trends helping the Trust to improve its accessibility culture. The aim is to eliminate the day-to-day incidents of discrimination experienced by members of staff.

By providing a streamlined mechanism for reporting such incidents, the Trust aims to ensure accountability, continuous improvement and cultivate trust.

Elaine adds:

“It’s not just a reporting tool, it’s a promise to staff members that their concerns will be addressed, and their experiences will drive the change we need to create truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.

“Our message is very clear, and that is that ableism or discrimination against anyone with any form or disability, overt or hidden, will not be tolerated.”

While the framework is primarily for staff members, patients are also welcome to use it to ensure their voices are heard.

The Trust firmly believes that every staff member, irrespective of their abilities, should arrive at work prepared to deliver excellent services to our patients. They should not encounter obstacles stemming from insufficient access or micro-aggressions from colleagues or patients.

Read the framework: Zero Tolerance to Ableism Framework – Accessible

An NHS service offering potentially life-saving lung health checks has launched in East Riding of Yorkshire

Around 350 past and current smokers in the Withernsea area have become the first people in the East Riding of Yorkshire to take up the offer of a free NHS Lung Health Check.

A lung health check can help to identify lung cancer and other respiratory diseases early, often before symptoms have occurred and when treatment could be simpler and more successful.

Current and former smokers, aged between 55 and 74, who are registered with Holderness Health or Eastgate Medical Group and live in Withernsea, Grimston, Welwick, Albrough, Fitling, Skeffling, Hilston, Easington, Ottringham, Roos, Winestead, Kilnsea, Flinton, Patrington, Patrington Haven, Weeton, Owstwick, Sunk Island, Tunstall, or Holmpton, are being invited to book a telephone assessment with a respiratory nurse.

Following the assessment, some participants will be invited for a low dose CT scan onboard a high-tech mobile unit, which arrived at Withernsea Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 8^th November 2023.

It is expected that 40,000 eligible participants living in the East Riding of Yorkshire will be invited for a lung health check as the mobile unit moves around the region in phases.

Dr Tami Byass, a GP at Eastgate Medical Group in Hornsea, said: “I welcome the news of lung health checks starting to invite eligible patients in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

“Lung cancer can often be difficult to detect in its earliest stages, as there are less noticeable symptoms until stages three or four, so I would urge anyone invited to take up the opportunity of a free lung health check – even if you feel fine.

“If you are worried about symptoms of cancer, such as a cough for three weeks or more, please contact your GP as opposed to waiting for a lung health check invitation.”

Dr Kanwal Tariq, Consultant in Chest Medicine at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Anyone invited for a CT scan as part of their lung health check can be assured that it is a quick and painless procedure, which can help us spot any potential issues early.

“Early detection of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases can make a world of difference in the effectiveness of treatment. The lung health checks could be a lifeline for some people.”

Dr Stuart Baugh, Programme Director for NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in Humber and North Yorkshire, said: “This service is a vital step towards better outcomes for people at highest risk of respiratory diseases. Not only does it help to provide most people with reassurance that their lungs are currently healthy, but it also supports people to stop smoking, if they wish to do so.

“Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent lung cancer and referrals to stop smoking services by the lung health check service has already provided many people with the support needed to quit.

“The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme was first launched in Hull in January 2020, and then in North East Lincolnshire in January 2023. Around 17,500 telephone assessments have been carried out so far, and we look forward to seeing even more people benefit from the service as eligible participants in the East Riding of Yorkshire take up their invitations. It is expected that the service will be available in all parts of Humber and North Yorkshire by 2028/29.”

Find out more about lung health checks in East Yorkshire at www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) has been awarded more than a quarter of a million pounds to improve heating systems at its hospitals.

The Trust is among several organisations to successfully bid for a share of £13.9m from the second round of funding from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).

The £251,381 Government grant will enable the Trust to undertake critical upgrades to its heating infrastructure which will not only enhance patient experience but improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

At Castle Hill Hospital, the allocated funding will be channeled towards a comprehensive overhaul of the heat network, some parts of which are more than 35 years old. The plans include the installation of advanced monitoring and management controls, the replacement and enhancement of insulation, and the introduction of additional meters and heat exchangers.

Hull Royal Infirmary will undergo similar improvements to its heating network which dates back to 1973, including an upgrade of the control system and replacement of insulation.

By modernising this infrastructure, the Trust which will fund part of upgrade, aims to improve the energy efficiency of both hospitals and reduce wastage.

Marc Beaumont, Head of Sustainability said “We are happy to receive this funding through the HNES. It is a significant step towards our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a more sustainable future. The upgrades to our heat networks will not only make us a more energy-efficient and cost-effective operation but also reaffirm our dedication to providing exceptional care in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner.”

Alex Best, Deputy Director – Major Developments said “This funding is a testament to the Trust’s proactive approach towards achieving our sustainability goals. Upgrading the infrastructure is essential to creating a more resilient and efficient heating system and will help us continue to deliver first-class healthcare while preserving our planet for future generations.”

The funding received by the Trust is part of the £288 million Green Heat Network Fund run by the Government since 2022 to support the creation of new heat networks that use a low-carbon heating sources such as heat pump, solar or geothermal energy.

The UK’s independent Climate Change Committee has recommended growing heat networks so that they meet 18% of UK heat demand by 2050, up from a current baseline of around two percent.

A team of nurses delivering an innovative programme to improve nurse numbers and patient care has won one of the profession’s top accolades.

The nursing workforce and education team at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been selected from 920 entries as winners in the Workforce Initiative category of the RCN Nursing Awards 2023. The award was sponsored by NHS Professionals.

The team found out it had won at a ceremony on Friday 10 November at Liverpool Cathedral.

Staff survey results and feedback sessions showed nurses did not feel valued, supported or empowered to improve their service or give care to the standard they aspired to. Nurse vacancies were high.

However, the nursing workforce and education team has hugely reduced them. Its innovative Grow our Own programme supports the trust’s existing and future workforce to ensure it is able to give great care.

The team focuses on demonstrating that it values staff by supporting their development and career progression, looking after their health and well-being, and providing pastoral care.

Nursing support workers and internationally educated nurses have been supported to become registered nurses.

When asked how the team felt winning this award, practice development matron Karen Mechen said: ‘This is such an honour and an outstanding achievement, not just for the Practice Development Team who have moved these projects forward, but also for the wider teams who have been instrumental in supporting, delivering training, providing funding and allowing the team to use their own initiative and developing the project to meet the needs of the service, investing in our staff and providing future development.’

‘Not promoting our successes is something we have been guilty of in the past, therefore being recognised for the great work we are quietly achieving is amazing.’

Chair of the judging panel Joanne Bosanquet, chief executive of the Foundation of Nursing Studies and Fellow of the RCN, said: ‘The Hull nursing team’s recruitment and retention programme really stood out. At a time when there is a workforce crisis it has managed to turn their vacancies around through investing in local and international recruitment, supporting existing staff to progress and retain essential skills. The nursing team has transformed lives as well as improving outcomes for patients due to the reduction of supplementary staffing. This could be replicated in other organisations and have a huge impact UK-wide.

A charity appeal to bring the magic of Christmas to the area’s sickest children and older patients spending time in hospital is back! This year we have a little added help from Santa, courtesy of our friends at Holderness and Humberside Rotary Club.

WISHH, the official charity of Hull Hospitals, would like to invite members of our community, schools and local businesses to get involved, helping us to spread the festive cheer to patients across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager said, “We love bringing festive spirit to patients looked after across Hull Hospitals. This year we have teamed up with the fantastic Rotary Clubs of Holderness and Humberside to be part of their Santa Fun Run, taking place on the 10^th December at Pickering Park.  We are encouraging as many people as we can to get involved in the event to support our appeal.

“The Hull Santa Run will then kick start our WISHH National Elf Service Week from the 10^th to the 17^th December, as we encourage budding elves to discover their ‘Inner Elf’ and take part in a range of themed activities to support Hull Hospitals. From festive bake sales and elf-themed days, to festive wear and crafting, there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities!”

“Funds raised from this appeal will enable WISHH to buy gifts for children cared for in the Children’s Emergency Department, Eye Hospital, Anlaby Suite, Woodland Ward, Paediatric High Dependency Unit, Acorn Ward, and other specialist areas across our hospitals.

“We would also like to provide gifts for older patients, to include slippers, toiletries, arts and crafts, and reminiscence gifts for dementia patients. These gifts and other items for the wards will help make their hospital stay more comfortable. Some older patients may not receive gifts or have visitors if family live far away, and we want them to have something to open on Christmas day.”

Wendy Page, Interim Deputy Chief Nurse said, “We remain under pressure trying to support all patients who require our services. By supporting the National Elf Service appeal, funds donated will enable WISHH to give patients a bit of extra Christmas cheer. WISHH will take the strain out of buying and delivering gifts for you as they work alongside the wards to select ideal gifts for patients in their care. It’s a great way of helping local clubs, businesses and other members of the community make a difference to patients in our care.”

Other ways to support the appeal include our Christmas WISHHes, in lieu of writing Christmas cards. For a £5 donation a WISHH star can be personalised with a message and displayed on trees at Hull Royal Infirmary or Castle Hill Hospital, at home or in the workplace, to support our Christmas appeal. Get in touch with us if you would like to buy a star or discuss how your workplace or organisation can become involved. WISHH Festive Greetings posters are also available, for workplaces to leave messages for colleagues as a card alternative!

To become involved in the Hull Santa Run visit: http://hullsantarun.org/ (Entry includes Santa outfit!)

To help us make this Christmas special and to get involved, visit our website https://www.wishhcharity.org.uk/ways-to-give/christmas-fundraising/ Call Lisa Whitton or Abby Wardill on 01482 622299 or drop us an email at lisa.whitton3@nhs.net and we will send you a fundraising pack full of festive fun ideas to get involved in.

Donations can be made online via our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/nationalelfservice2023 or by cheque made payable to “WISHH Charity” and posted to us at, WISHH Charity National Elf Service Appeal, WISHH Office, First Floor Administration Block, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ.  We also accept bacs transfers. Call us for details.

Your support will enable WISHH to brighten the hospital experience for both young and old this festive season.

Essential works will be taking place on Wednesday 8^th and Thursday 9^th November 2023 to repair a water leak on the Castle Hill Hospital site. To carry out these works, we will need to close the main road at the top of the Castle Hill site which forms part of the main East Yorkshire bus route; the exact location is just to the rear of the Cardiology Building  (no.90 on the map below).

The location of the forthcoming two-day road closure

The road will be closed to traffic on both Wednesday 8^th and Thursday 9^th November, all day. This means there will be no vehicular access at all through this part of the site. Bus companies and ambulance service colleagues have been informed.

At the current time, the work is scheduled to take no longer than 2 days, with the road due to reopen and access restored from Friday 10^th November.

Bus service users

Please be aware that no service buses will be able to access the site on either day. Without the through road around the top of the site, there is no practical location on site for buses to turn around. This means that all bus stops on the hospital site will be out of use on the 8^th and 9^th, and all journeys will start and end at the bus stops outside the hospital on Castle Road.

Bus companies have been advised and service updates will be provided to passengers e.g. through the East Yorkshire Buses app.

Specific bus services will be affected as follows:

East Yorkshire

• 154 (from HRI) – will drop passengers off outside CHH and then changes to service 104
• 154 (to HRI) –  board at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road to the hospital, in the lay-by between Green Lane and Entrance 3 (as it changes from service 104)
• 63 (from HRI) –  bus will use the roundabout at top of Castle Road to drop off outside CHH
• 63 (to HRI) –  bus will stop outside CHH

• 105 – bus will simply use the roundabout at the top of Castle Road and drop off/pick up outside CHH

Stagecoach

• C83 – bus will simply use the roundabout at the top of Castle Road and drop off/pick up outside CHH

Staff shuttle (Mercure park and ride) users

Please see the staff intranet (Pattie) for details of drop off/pick up points in use during this period.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works take place.

Hundreds of thousands hear from new mum, Grace Jopling, as she shares her experience at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital

Over a third of a million people have shared in a Hull mum’s positive experience of planned caesarean section.

Grace Jopling, 24, has created a short video charting her journey from late pregnancy to proud new mum of baby Billy Isaac – named after her late grandad – and posted it on TikTok.

Grace upon admission to hospital, just a few hours before Billy was born

The video comprises a series of still photos, charting Grace’s final hours of pregnancy at 38+4 weeks, through her planned C-section at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital to her first few days as a proud parent.

Caesarean sections, whether planned or carried out in an emergency, can be daunting for many women and birthing people, but Grace’s video also contains reassuring words and messages for others who may go through the same experience.

Grace even described her experience as “amazing”, and her positivity seems to be striking a chord with many, as her video has received almost 369,000 views in just five days.

Grace says:

“I created the video to share what was the most positive experience for me, and to go against the horror stories that you always seem to hear about.

“I was admitted to the ward at 7am, and in theatre by half past ten. I’d already spoken to the surgeon earlier on the ward who was able ease my worries, and within 14 minutes of the surgeon starting, I was holding my new baby in my arms.

Baby Billy Isaac

“I was able to have skin to skin contact that’s so important for bonding, and I received lots of help from the midwives with breastfeeding. I was able to choose a song for Billy to be born to, and even though it was a caesarean section, Billy’s dad and I still got to cut the cord.

“I was discharged the following day and within just two days, I was moving around with ease and out showing my baby off to the world.

“This has been the best, most positive, amazing experience of my life. I have always been in admiration of all the amazing individuals who work within the NHS. Following my incredible experience of my Caesarean section I have a whole new level of admiration for all the doctors, midwives, nurses and nursing assistants for bringing Billy into the world safely and keeping me safe too. It was a tough journey, but these are real life superheroes.”

Grace was very quickly able to go out and show Billy off to the world

Grace’s video prompted much discussion too, with hundreds of people offering their congratulations and both new and expectant parents commenting just how reassuring it had been to share in her story.

“This puts me at ease. This is the same hospital I’ll be at for my elective section so thanks for sharing,” said one of her followers.

“Love how positive this was” and “I needed to see this!” said others.

Lorraine Cooper, Director of Maternity at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“It’s so wonderful to see someone like Grace sharing her positive experience at our hospital and offering reassurances to those who may be nervous or worried about an upcoming C-section.

“While there are always risks associated with this type of procedure, I’m so pleased Grace’s section went well and she’s been blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

“This is such a valuable thing for her to have done, and seeing her share her story in this way will serve as a real boost for our staff too.”

Grace’s video can be viewed in full on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gracejopling1/video/7295153342647455009

Patient praises local team for transforming her life

Doctors in Hull are leading the way when it comes to potentially life-changing, day case surgery.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been named as having the best performing Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) Day Unit in the country, conducting almost 1,200 minimally invasive treatments in a single year.*

One woman who has benefited from the service is Helen Fox, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. She says she’s been ‘given her life back’ by staff from the Hull-based team after she underwent treatment for peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral arterial disease is a debilitating condition caused by the narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that supply the legs with oxygenated blood. It can lead to difficulties in walking and even gangrene, leading to amputation in its more advanced stages.

Helen, 69, an avid walker found herself unable to engage in one of her greatest passions due to the progression of this condition. She and her husband love to take long walks, especially during vacations where they enjoy exploring new areas.

Helen says: “My husband and I always do an awful lot of walking and I never had any problems. We could walk for miles – especially on holidays, we love going somewhere different and exploring the whole area. We like to sit on the beach sometimes, but that is not the best part of holiday for us. Getting out and about and seeing what needs to be seen was, and we always took the longest route anywhere.

When Helen noticed slight difficulties while walking in 2016, she initially dismissed it. However, in 2019, she sought medical advice, leading to a referral to a physiotherapist in the hopes that exercises would alleviate her symptoms. Unfortunately, the exercises provided limited relief. Later that year, after undergoing scans and evaluations, Helen received a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. She anticipated receiving treatment a few months later but was thwarted by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures.

In February 2021, hope emerged when Helen received a call from Prof Duncan Ettles, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at the Trust. Despite some ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Prof Ettles inquired if Helen still wishes to have her condition evaluated and treated. She agreed without hesitation.

Known for its transformative approach to patient care, the Trust’s Radiology Day Unit promptly arranged an appointment for angioplasty and stenting, ensuring her safety by isolating the area where the operation would take place.

Under the expert care and guidance of Prof Ettles and his team, Helen underwent a procedure that involved the insertion of stents to open the blocked arteries which supply blood to the legs.

Helen recounts her experience: “I watched everything they did on a large television monitor, and I thought, this is really good. And after the stents had been fitted, I went back to recovery, laid there for a couple of hours, my husband picked me up and I went home. A week later my husband took me to Cleethorpes, and we walked three miles. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. They gave me my life back. It is a fantastic thing to have happened.”

Prof Ettles, at the forefront of this transformative care, emphasises the team’s commitment to developing advanced technologies in interventional radiology to provide patients with the best possible care.

He says: “Helen’s case is a great example of the life changing impact we can have on patients with minimally invasive treatment. Almost two-thirds of patients who are suitable for angioplasty and stenting are able to come into hospital, receive the treatment and go home the same day.”

He continues: “And that can now be for many conditions, from difficulty in walking, to patients who are having the aorta replaced inside their abdomen to treat potentially fatal aneurysms. We bring in patients on a day case basis and they have a major operation, which 20 years ago would have meant staying in hospital for weeks with a big scar. Now, they come in, have the procedure and go home later that day.”

Prof Ettles explains the wide range of conditions the Radiology Day Unit addresses, ranging from difficulty in walking to using specialised equipment to remove blood clots from patients’ arteries in the legs and in the brain for acute stroke treatments.

The Unit also specialises in treating cancer patients, patients with kidney failure, major trauma after road accidents and obstetric haemorrhage, a condition that causes uncontrolled bleeding after childbirth.

Prof Ettles explains: “In years gone by, if a patient experienced bleeding after having a baby, all the surgeons could do was to remove the womb whereas we, as interventional radiologists, are able to go in, find and treat the bleeding and often preserve fertility. And it stops women from having a major operation. Lots of hospitals in the country cannot provide this service, but we do. Everything you can think of in terms of interventional radiology, we do that here.”

Helen’s story is just one of many success stories emerging from the Trust’s Radiology Unit. The Unit’s commitment to excellence has led to its recognition as the highest performing interventional centre in the UK for 2022, as acknowledged by the National Vascular Registry.

As a teaching hospital, the Radiology Day Unit plays a pivotal role in training future radiologists. By actively participating in research and innovation, the Unit contributes to advancements in the field of radiology, improving patient outcomes and driving progress in healthcare.

The Trust takes immense pride in the transformative work accomplished by the Unit. Through unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and dedication to advancing the field, the Unit continues improve the lives of patients like Helen.

* Vascular IR data can be found at National Vascular Registry 

Hull York Medical School (HYMS) is celebrating two decades of training medical students.

It was 20 years ago when the first cohort of medical students commenced their studies with HYMS. Since then, countless students have studied and gone on to have careers within the NHS.

As well as sites at Hull and York universities, HYMS also has a presence at Hull, Castle Hill, Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals. This is one of the most important partnerships for us as a Group, and part of our ongoing strategy to train and develop the doctors of the future in our hospitals.

Kath Hallam, Undergraduate Education Manager at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG) said: “HYMS was brand new when it first opened, there was nothing else like it. We started with 16 students on each site. We now have around 90 in Grimsby and 100 in Scunthorpe, with more than 540 individual student places.

“It has grown so much in the last 20 years. The most important thing for us is recruitment and retention, so it’s great to see students who now work in our hospitals. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the staff and tutors, as we see so much positive feedback about friendly and welcoming staff, as it’s everyone involved who makes it work.”

Carl Fenton, Orthopaedic Consultant at NLaG, was one of the first students in 2003. He said: “I studied at HYMS for five years. We were like the guinea pigs, as it was all completely new.

“I think the mix of academic studying and practical work is the most important part of it. It’s really good that you can learn in the classroom and then put those skills into practice out on the wards. My career has taken me to various places but I’ve come full circle, as I’m back at NLaG.”

Maddy Hover, a Speciality Registrar in Paediatrics at NLaG, said: “I was a student at HYMS from the beginning. It was something new and fresh at the time. I am Irish but grew up in France and I specifically chose to come and study at HYMS.

“It was challenging but I really enjoyed my time there. It was a really interesting way of learning that worked for me. Like Carl, I have also returned to my roots as I’m back working at NLaG.”

Ajay Chawla, Clinical Dean at NLaG, said: “I have been involved with HYMS since it started. Everyone is so passionate, including the students and the tutors. It has evolved so much since 2003 and I want to congratulate everyone on this terrific milestone.”

The impact HYMS has had on the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) is immense.

Alec Ming, Consultant in Neurology, HUTH and Clinical Placement Tutor at HYMS, said: “I have been involved in HYMS teaching from the beginning and have seen the developments. When speaking to my two older children, both of whom are doctors and trained/worked in Sheffield, Birmingham and Leeds, they and others in their departments have often stated that the year one and two foundation doctors who trained at HYMS are efficient and know their ‘stuff’. This makes me proud of the programme that we have.

“Also, HYMS with the attitude of offering places for older graduates doing a second degree have produced excellent doctors.”

James Lloyd, Clinical Teaching Fellow at HYMS, said: “Having held the role of clinical teaching fellow for a number of years as a junior doctor within HUTH, I have loved the near-peer experience of sharing experience and knowledge to students and colleagues going through the same process as I did. It is an honour to make such an impact to the lives and careers of our students.

“HYMS has shaped thousands of students, as much as shaped the hospital we work in, education is an integral part of our values because of the impact it has on the future of healthcare.”

Housekeeping – a role that can go overlooked, underestimated and underappreciated. It is a profession that goes unnoticed by many, especially in the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital.

But for one extraordinary individual, it has been a lifelong vocation filled with unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and an unbreakable desire to serve others.

At 75, Jeannette Robinson is not just any housekeeper. She is a shining example of commitment, a source of inspiration, and the embodiment of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.

In her youth, she embarked on a career that many would shy away from – a career dedicated to cleaning, organising, and ensuring that our hospital rooms were immaculate.

Jeanette, (back row, fourth from left) with some of the trust’s first housekeepers in 2002

“People don’t realise what housekeepers do, but you’re not just a housekeeper; you are part of a ward. The sister’s right hand, you’re everyone’s right hand. Housekeepers are so needed, and it’s the best job I’ve ever done.

“I just love it. Of all the roles I’ve been in, from theatres at Castle Hill and even night shifts, there’s nothing I’ve not loved about it.”

Since joining the NHS 51 years ago, 42 of which she has spent with Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, she has cleaned, handled maintenance, delivered food and collected dirty mops from our wards. First she worked on Ward 9 at Castle Hill Hospital and then Ward 12 at Hull Royal Infirmary, where she is currently supporting staff and patients coming in for orthopaedic procedures.

In all those years, Jeannette says there’s not been a day she has felt the need to move into any other role.

For her, cleaning and housekeeping were never mundane tasks; they were essential to patient care and comfort. She acknowledges that while she may not have the skills or training of a nurse, her role in patients’ lives is a crucial part of the healing process, and she approaches work with this in mind every day.

“I am fortunate; I can go home and go to bed. I can get up and come to work, and they stay here. As hard as it gets some days, I can go home, they can’t go home. Imagine spending days or weeks in the hospital; I can only offer to serve.

“Of all the posts I’ve been in, this has been the best. I was a supervisor and then a manager. Yet, I was happy to come down the ladder to become a housekeeper again. Being a manager was fine, but that wasn’t me. I didn’t get the contact I wanted with the patients. For me, it is not about the badge but the person and the job.”

Jeannette is immensely grateful to her colleagues, whom she credits for creating the perfect and best working environment for someone like her to thrive.

“You cannot do this job alone; it is done as a team. If you have a good team, you can do it, and here, we have a good team, and good manager. Without a good manager, the boat sinks. These people have been wonderful.”

As Jeannette approaches her well-deserved retirement, the legacy she leaves behind is immeasurable. Had she not promised to retire with her husband she’d have stayed on longer.

“I can’t put into words how fulfilled I am in this role and how privileged I feel to be able to do what I’ve done but I’ve promised to retire when my husband does next year that’s why I have to go. But I do feel honoured to think that I’m part of this hospital.”

Jeannette with her manager Kerry Wheeldon

Describing her as one of the best people in the role, Kerry Wheeldon, Ward Sister, said Jeannette is one of the best people on the ward.

“She is always happy, never miserable. She always makes sure everyone is alright. She does her job well and always ensures the patients and the rest of the team gets all we need. I wish we could make her stay but she is such an amazing person.”

Lesley Gorcik, clinical support worker has worked with Jeannette for 20 years, said: “She’s been a credit to this team. In 42 years, she’s only been off sick once. She is always bubbly on the ward and willing to help people, always happy and willing to help. She is one in a million and will be really missed.”