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.”

A new sensory room for neuro patients has opened on the Complex Rehabilitation Ward at Castle Hill Hospital.

The over £12,000 facility, believed to be the first of its kind in the NHS, marks a significant step forward in addressing the evolving needs of our patients and prioritising their emotional well-being during their recovery journey.

It offers a therapeutic haven for patients seeking emotional support and comfort. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and thoughtfully selected sensory stimuli, the room provides a serene environment tailored to individual preferences.

Patients will benefit from adjustable coloured lighting that creates a soothing atmosphere, as well as relaxing music and calming sounds carefully curated from specially crafted playlists to induce relaxation and inner peace.

One of the unique features of this facility is the integration of advanced technology. Patients will have access to a projector and plush seating options, allowing them to fully embrace the tranquillity the room offers.

Dr Abayomi Salawu, Consultant in rehabilitation medicine says:

“Every patient with a brain injury responds to their situation differently, and some can find it frustrating when they can no longer do what they were able to do before their injury, either physically or in terms of cognitive tasks.

Dr Abayomi Salawu, consultant in rehabilitation medicine and Ward Sister, Lisa Cunningham with patient

“Our new sensory room is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. By making use of new technologies, it represents a really positive step forward in helping patients to manage their emotions at times, encourages physical mobility and interaction, and provides a calming environment for people when things start to get a bit too much.”

He explains that the technology being used in the facility also:

“Allows us to be able to access a lot of immersive applications which will enable us to replicate features like the Northern Lights. In addition to that, to make it less overwhelming for some patients, we’ve got virtual reality headsets, so, you can wear one, sit on the chair and transport yourself anywhere.”

He further adds: “With the projector, there is also the potential to make this more interactive so we can add more applications to enable patients to physically interact with virtual items. So, if we take a virtual aquarium for instance, you can touch a fish and it will move.”

The new sensory room was inaugurated by Dr James Bailey, Medical Director for the Clinical Health Group. This significant development underscores our commitment to patient-centred care and continuous improvement.

Patients recovering from brain injury at Castle Hill Hospital now have access to new state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) equipment to aid their recovery.

An innovative multi-directional treadmill system aims to transform the way patients engage in physical exercise by providing a fun and captivating experience that stimulates real-life challenges.

Whether it’s navigating a bustling city street, trekking through a scenic mountain trail, shopping at a supermarket, or even participating in a friendly sports competitions, the treadmill can replicate these experiences within a safe and controlled environment.

Castle Hill Hospital is believed to be the first hospital in the country to begin using such a system for neuro-rehabilitation.

Dr Abayomi Salawu, Consultant in rehabilitation medicine says:

“We are excited to introduce this technology to our patients. Physical activity plays an important role in the recovery process, and this treadmill offers a unique and effective approach to rehabilitation. By transforming traditional exercises into immersive and enjoyable activities, we aim to motivate our patients and make their recovery journey both engaging and successful.

“One of the key advantages of the VR multi-directional treadmill is its ability to simulate various scenarios that patients may encounter in their day-to-day lives, like a trip to the shops or a walk in the country. The VR multi-directional treadmill is a ground breaking addition to the hospital’s comprehensive range of therapies for people with acquired brain injury who need help with both their physical and mental rehabilitation.

“The advanced technology harnesses the power of virtual reality to create an immersive and interactive environment for patients, and by combining the benefits of movement with the engaging elements of gaming, this novel approach aims to motivate patients while promoting their physical well-being and coordination.”

Also used to create scenes within the movie industry, the multi-directional treadmill boasts numerous features designed to enhance the patient experience. With its advanced motion sensors and responsive control systems, it can adapt to users’ movements, providing an unparalleled level of freedom and fluidity.

Patients aren’t required to wear any special shoes. Instead, textile overshoes are used, that are worn above regular shoes. They can walk, jog, or run in any direction, challenging themselves at their own pace while being guided by the virtual reality experience.

Additionally, the system incorporates real-time feedback and progress tracking, enabling the medical staff to monitor patients’ performance and tailor their rehabilitation plans accordingly.

In an effort to ensure that the technology reaches as many patients as possible, Dr Salawu plans to collaborate with various medical specialists, who can leverage the VR treadmill to design specialised exercise programmes.

Dr Salawu continues:

“We are dedicated to pushing boundaries of medical innovation and providing the highest quality of care to our patients. The treadmill represents a significant breakthrough in-patient rehabilitation, offering a different and exciting approach to physical rehabilitation that promotes engagement, motivation, and overall well-being. We are collaborating with software specialists to create bespoke VR apps with local flavour and content to use with the treadmill”

The team on Castle Hill’s Complex Rehabilitation Ward are aiming to start using the equipment with patients when the bespoke VR apps are ready, and look forward to witnessing the positive impact this state-of-the-art technology will have on patients’ recovery from brain injury.

Hospital staff are urging people to look closer to home for medical care as doctors prepare to go on strike again next week.

Some junior doctors and hospital consultants will be taking part in 72hrs of industrial action next week, starting at 7am on Monday 2^nd October and concluding at 7am on Thursday 5^th October.

The two groups will take strike action at the same time, meaning only a level of medical cover equivalent to that which would be in place on Christmas Day will be guaranteed, with many planned procedures and clinic appointments having to be rescheduled.

Mr Peter Sedman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“This latest period of industrial action comes just nine days after the most recent strike by junior doctors ended.

“During the last strike, there was a significant amount of pressure felt across our hospitals but in particular, in our Emergency Department, where a high number of patients continued to attend with routine or minor health complaints despite reduced staffing levels.

“For example, within just a couple of hours of each other one morning, our staff saw a patient who had forgotten to order a repeat prescription and another who had been experiencing mild health problems for over six months.

“These are just two examples of the kinds of issues which can easily be addressed within primary care, and without diverting limited emergency care resources away from seriously ill patients.”

Throughout the forthcoming strike period, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will be sharing advice through its social media channels on how and where to access the most appropriate care.

While Hull Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department will remain open for the most seriously ill and injured, hospital pressures during the strike period could mean people attending for minor issues are redirected to other services such as their GP, walk-in centre or a nearby urgent treatment centre.

Mr Sedman continues:

“A number of hospital appointments and routine procedures are regrettably having to be rescheduled, and we’d like to apologise in advance to anyone affected. We are in the process of contacting those patients now to rearrange, but our advice to anyone with an appointment next week who does not hear from us is to attend as planned, as some work will still be going ahead.

“We’d also like to take the opportunity to thank those staff who continue to support our hospitals and who will be helping to maintain essential services for our patients throughout the forthcoming strike period.”

More information on industrial action by hospital doctors and advice for the public can be found on the NHS England website.

Details of alternative local healthcare services can be found at www.letsgetbetter.co.uk

Health workers are being encouraged to take up their seasonal vaccinations as part of Hull Hospitals’ preparations for winter.

Starting this week, thousands of staff working for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust including nurses, doctors and other frontline health workers are being offered free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.

The vaccination programme is being rolled out to staff through two specially established vaccination hubs at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham. To make the jabs more accessible, a number of clinical staff across various wards and departments have been trained to vaccinate their colleagues, and members of the vaccination team will also offer a roving service for staff finding it difficult to be released from clinical duties.

Fewer than three days into this season’s vaccination campaign roll-out, and almost 1,000 healthcare workers have already booked in for the jabs. It’s all part of the Trust’s efforts to protect staff and patients from the worst the winter has to offer, as Jo Ledger, Acting Chief Nurse at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust explains:

Jo Ledger, Acting Chief Nurse

“Winter always poses significant challenges for the NHS and so our preparations begin far in advance. One of the ways in which we look to protect both our staff and our patients from serious illness is by offering the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations free to our staff. As well as helping to protect health workers from the viruses, vaccination will extend some of that protection to their loved ones at home and to the patients in our care, many of whom already have ongoing health conditions or weakened immune systems.

“For most healthy people, the effects of flu or Covid-19 will last a few days or a week at most, but in people who are already ill or clinically vulnerable, catching one of the viruses could be really serious or potentially even fatal.

“The protection offered by the vaccines is not just personal either, as a better protected workforce means more reliability and resilience within our services, and that means everything from outpatient clinics and diagnostic tests to those working behind the scenes in the laboratories, catering and estates teams for example.”

The new strain of Covid-19 has caused enough concern this year for the winter vaccination programme to have been brought forward by NHS England. While the virus itself poses less of a risk to otherwise healthy people, there is still significant concern among health experts about the new  BA.2.86 variant and the potential risk to people who are already vulnerable, living with ongoing health conditions or who are immunosuppressed.

Vaccinations for the public

Eligibility for free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations is determined by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation each year, and typically includes the over 65s, carers and those in clinical ‘at risk’ groups.

Those who are eligible will be informed when it is their turn with an invitation to be vaccinated, and should therefore wait to be contacted.

More details are available on the NHS England website.

More patients are having surgery at Goole and District Hospital and going home on the same day thanks to a new approach developed by medical teams at two local NHS trusts.

From last month, suitable patients in orthopaedics and urology have been able to have their operation at Goole and get up and about a couple of hours after they have left the operating theatre.

This has enabled them to start their recovery quicker so they have been able to go home without having to stay in the hospital overnight.

Kerry Owen, Outpatient Department and Surgery and Critical Care Matron at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG), said: “Research shows patients recover better from surgery in their own homes with their home comforts and families around them.

“Whilst this isn’t suitable for all patients, when it is appropriate we have been working with our teams to make sure we can support patients in and out of the hospital on the same day. This has also enabled more operations to take place and patients to be seen sooner.”

The work is part of a plan developed by staff at NLaG and Hull University Hospital Trust (HUTH) to treat more patients and reduce waiting lists in some areas of work. The plan has been to set up a Surgical Hub site so patients from across the Humber area can have their operation at Goole even if it is not their nearest hospital, meaning they will get their operation more quickly.

Since 7 August, the theatres at GDH have been available for use for both NLaG and HUTH operating teams to undertake hip and knee replacements and low complexity urology operations five days a week. In the first four weeks 44 orthopaedic patients have had their operation done following this change of approach and, of those, six patients have been able to go home on the same day. Another 30 patients have been able to go home the day after their surgery.

One of those six same day patients was Kathleen Bruce from Epworth in North Lincolnshire. She said: “The whole team are amazing, they really put me at ease and nothing was too much trouble for them. I was worried about going home the same day but they put my mind at ease and it was fine.

“I was given lots of information, including contact numbers, when I went home and I received a call the next day which was very efficient and helped to answer any questions I had. I would not hesitate to come back to Goole Hospital if I needed to.”

Collaborative working between NLaG and HUTH teams has been crucial to getting the new approach launched and working so well.

Mr Ricardo Pacheco, a Consultant Surgeon at NLaG, said: “I am immensely proud of what our joint teams have been able to achieve in the first few weeks. We know getting patients up and about swiftly when they have a knee or hip replacement can really help them recover more quickly.

“We have been working to be able to reduce the length of time many patients stay in the hospital since last October and now working to develop this new pathway and to have some patients go home on the same day has been fantastic.

“We need to keep learning and refining what we do so we can see and treat even more patients and start to give them back their quality of life after living with pain and hearing their feedback has been extremely positive.”

Mr Tom Symes, Clinical Lead for Orthopaedics at HUTH, added: “Having this Surgical Hub at Goole means patients in Hull can get seen and operated on more quickly than waiting for an operation at Castle Hill Hospital or Hull Royal Infirmary. Working together on projects like this is the way we need to go if we are to help more patients across our area get the operations they need. I’m looking forward to seeing the project build in the weeks and months ahead.”

Kerry concluded: “All the team have worked tirelessly to get us to where we are now. Patients have already seen the benefits and more will as we continue with this work.

“Hearing comments like those from Kathleen and others have made it all worthwhile. We know this approach works and we are committed to continuing this patient pathway, we have great facilities and staff at Goole, all enhancing the service that we offer.”

Healthcare across the Humber will see more services disrupted in the coming days due to industrial action by hospital doctors.

For the first time ever, junior doctors and consultant members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will be coordinating their strike action, resulting in four days’ service disruption from 19^th to 23^rd September. On Wednesday 20^th September, action by the two groups will overlap, with both consultants and juniors providing only a ‘Christmas Day’ level of cover for 24hrs.

Simon Nearney, Director of Workforce for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust says:

“We’ve never seen doctors take this type of coordinated industrial action in the health service before, so this does give us cause for concern and will understandably concern our patients too.

“On any one of these four days there will be disruption, but on the 20^th in particular, consultants and junior doctors plan to take industrial action together, providing only emergency cover equivalent to that provided on Christmas Day.

“Once again, we will be using other skilled health professionals, such as clinical nurse specialists and advanced care practitioners, to deliver some services where safe and appropriate to do so, and their support continues to be invaluable to us.

“Ultimately, however, we could see hundreds of doctors walking out over the next few days and the operational impact of this, along with the personal impact on patients and their families who may have been waiting months to be seen, cannot be underestimated.”

Full details of the action are as follows:

Simon continues:

“We have been reviewing our services ahead of time to work out which clinics can continue, but there will inevitably be procedures postponed and appointments rearranged. Our key advice to patients is, if they have an appointment on the 19^th, 20^th, 21^st or 22^nd and they do not hear from us to reschedule,  they should continue to attend as normal. We will be in touch directly with anyone whose appointment needs to be rescheduled.

“Emergency care is also likely to find itself under pressure, so please only use our Emergency Departments if there’s a threat to life or limb, and for all other health complaints, please use NHS111 or other nearby community health services. “

WISHH, the official charity supporting Hull Hospitals, has received a significant boost from a kind donor who has offered to match fund donations made to our “Space to Grow Appeal”, up to the sum of £25,000.

This generous pledge is to inspire and encourage members of the community, local businesses and Charitable Trusts to get on board to help WISHH reach our Appeal target of raising £100,000 before the end of March 2024 so the much-needed work can be done.

Funds raised through the Appeal are to support Hull’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), based at Hull Royal Infirmary. The aim is to create a Sensory Room for some of the most vulnerable long stay infants, develop a siblings’ play area and create a quiet private space for parents of these tiny and often very poorly infants to reflect and gather their thoughts. The funds will also be used to develop a specialist learning facility for staff reducing the time spent travelling off site to training sessions.

The Appeal builds upon the Hull University Teaching Hospital Trust’s planned expansion of Hull NICU to increase the size of NICU with an additional five intensive care cots.

Hull NICU currently provides care for over 500 babies each year. Some stay for hours or days, whilst others stay for weeks and months. The unit cares for babies from 22 weeks gestation up to 49 weeks.

Since the formal launch of the Appeal, hospital staff and new supporters have taken part in an array of activities, including Hull Run for All, WISHH NHS Big Tea, coast-to-coast challenges, and a wide range of sponsored events to raise funds. Donations made in collection tins at till points at Home Bargains stores have also added to the current total, together with incredible support from local schools, businesses and charities. Collectively, all of these activities and support have helped us reach the current £50,000 figure, which is halfway to our £100,000 target.

Sue Lockwood, Chair of WISHH Trustees said, “I would like to sincerely thank our generous donor for coming forward and making this matched funding opportunity a reality.  This will enable new supporters to double their donation to help us reach our fundraising target, to make an incredible difference to the premature babies, their families and staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

“Babies in Neonatal Intensive Care at Hull Royal are the most vulnerable of all newborns and they need our help to grow. We are delighted that the WISHH Charity “Space to Grow Appeal” got off to a good start and thank everyone who helped us to reach the halfway mark of £50,000”.

“With your help the incredibly generous pledge of a donation of up to £25,000 can be a game-changer in us reaching the Appeal Target of £100,000. We have been given a golden opportunity to make a difference in neonatal facilities and I encourage everyone who can to get on board and help us rise to the challenge we have been given”.

How to double your donation through matched funding!
Donations can be made via the Appeal’s Just Giving page rebrand.ly/SpaceToGrowDonate – include the words ‘WISHH matched fund’ in your donation message and WISHH will double your donation. Cheque donations can be made payable to “WISHH Charity”. Please include ‘Space to Grow Appeal – Matched Fund!’ on the reverse of the cheque and post to: WISHH Charity Space to Grow Appeal, First Floor Administration Block, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ.

All donations made to the appeal from September until the £25,000 has been reached will qualify for matched funding. All donations will be formally acknowledged, so please include your email address/contact details.

How your donation will make a difference

«  £5 will become £10 – this could provide books and distraction items for siblings.

«  £25 will become £50 – this may provide a range of games and toys.

«  £100 will be come £200 – this could provide a range of sensory items for parents to interact with their premature babies.

«  £500-£1000 donations will be matched to support sensory lighting and bubble tubes.

«  £2000-£5000 will be matched to contribute towards the upgrading of rooms, provide furniture, artworks and equipment.

Become a fundraiser of our Appeal!
Keen to fundraise and need inspiration? WISHH has a range of fundraising ideas for supporters to take part in. Our fundraising pack can be downloaded by visiting our appeal webpage: https://www.wishhcharity.org.uk/get-involved/help-with-our-latest-appeals/space-to-grow-appeal/ We also have events and activities planned from now up until Christmas, which you can become involved with. Contact WISHH for further information on 01482 622299 or email us at hyp-tr@hellowishh@nhs.net

Are you a business and would like to become involved?
We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available to businesses, if you are considering becoming involved contact Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager lisa.whitton3@nhs.net or call on 01482 622299 or for further information.