#OneTrustOneTeam

Say hello to Joe Hague, our Trust's new Chief Nurse, who joined us earlier this month.

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

I’d always wanted to do something helping people, but had never really been sure through my teenage years what that might be. A teacher at school had suggested nursing and it felt right. I chose London as my training destination and had my first placement on a care of the elderly ward at St Thomas’ Hospital. This was where I first learned the basics of caring for people and saw the impact that nursing could have.

What are you looking forward to at our Trust?

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the whole organisation and the people working here. I’m excited to see how we can collaborate to make a difference for the local communities we look after.

We’ve just had International Nurses Day, which recognises the work of nurses across the globe. What does a great nurse look like to you?

A great nurse for me is someone who really cares and understands what a privilege it is to be a nurse; recognising the importance of being kind and compassionate in the delivery of care and making that care specific to the needs of that individual and their loved ones – understanding what’s important to them. Equally important is working collectively as a team and showing that same level of care to each other.

How can Trust colleagues help you settle in and succeed in your new role?

Being open and honest with me will really help me learn and understand our organisation. I want to know the true picture of how it really is, what working and caring for our patients really looks like for you when you’re at work. I want to understand the brilliance that is out there but also where we need to improve and what our challenges are.

Is there a message you’d like to share with your new colleagues?

Having a psychologically safe environment is really important to me. Creating that kind of space relies on honesty and integrity, where people feel confident to raise concerns, speak up, and know they will be listened to. In large organisations, this culture doesn’t always happen naturally, so it’s important that we work together to build and maintain it.

And finally, tell us what you like to get up to when you’re not at work

Family time and self! I love travelling and exploring and try to pair this with my down time. Rest and relaxation are really important to managing my own wellbeing and mental health, as is spending time with my family. I often combine the two, and these two things really help ground me and keep me focused on what matters.

Registered Dental Nurse

Say hello to Sam Frazer, Registered Dental Nurse

Tell us about your role

As a dental nurse, my role includes assisting the clinicians by providing safe, comfortable, and efficient care across numerous different specialties within the dental field. Areas in which I assist are in restorative and oral rehabilitation, orthodontics, surgical procedures in theatres and chairside, Maxillofacial, and rehabilitation of head and neck oncology patients. This includes preparation of the area, instruments, and materials, assisting during the procedures, and supporting our patients.

How long have you worked at our Trust, and why do you like it?

I have worked at our Trust for a little over a year. I used to work in general practice, and I have found that being a dental nurse in a hospital environment to be more stimulating and insightful. I like working here because I can help patients in need of specialist care and more complex treatments, while working alongside brilliant consultants and clinicians and learning about the intricate procedures our patients may require. I am very proud to be a part of this amazing team.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

A special time I remember is helping the Dental Nurse Team implement the intraoral scanner. Since I had worked in general practice, I'd previously had training with several different scanners; however, this was new to some of the team at the hospital. Being new to a workplace can be difficult, and this gave me a chance to showcase my skills to the team. I was happy that I could contribute and help the team with this training.

Who is your role model at the Trust and why?

I admire the entire team of dental nurses. They all have such vast knowledge of the Trust and the treatments. We are a relatively small team with around 12 dental nurses, but each one has been so helpful and welcoming to me in my first year of adjusting to the hospital environment. They are all amazing!

What advice would you offer to new team members at our Trust?

Being a newer team member myself, I'd say the Trust seems like such a big place to get your head around, but after working here for a bit, the enormity seems to shrink down, and you realise that it's not so overwhelming after all. One last piece of advice in honour of National Smile Month (11 May-11 June) is to make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth at least once a day with either floss or interdental brushes. Keep smiling!

MS Specialist Nurse

Say hello to Sophy Steel, Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nurse

Tell us about your role
It’s all about supporting people at different stages of their Multiple Sclerosis (MS) journey. I often meet people when they’ve just received a diagnosis, which can be a frightening and overwhelming time. I help them understand what MS might mean for them, talk through treatment options such as disease-modifying therapies, and make sure they know what support is available. I also work closely with people who have more progressive MS, helping them manage symptoms and maintain the best possible quality of life.

A big part of my job is signposting people to other services, therapies, and sources of support, and we’re very lucky to have a strong relationship with the York MS Society. They do fantastic work locally, so next month I’m taking on an abseil in Whitby to help raise money for them. It’s a bit outside my comfort zone! But it feels like a small way to give something back to an organisation that supports so many of our patients.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?
I first joined the Trust as a student nurse back in 1997. Apart from a couple of years working at Leeds General Infirmary, I’ve spent my entire career here. I genuinely enjoy my role and feel proud of what I do. What motivates me most is knowing that, in small but meaningful ways, I can help improve the day-to-day lives of people living with MS.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?
Some of the most memorable came from my time as a community nurse, where you can build strong relationships with patients and their families and see the realities of their lives beyond the clinic.

Do you have a role model at the Trust?
I’ve been lucky to work alongside many brilliant colleagues who have inspired me. Our MS team is a great example of that. We work closely with our two consultants, Dr Button and Dr Wong, alongside MS nurses Julie, Rebecca, and myself. Nat and Charlotte, our neurology coordinators, do an amazing job organising treatments and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Do you have any advice for colleagues new to the Trust?
If I had one piece of advice for new colleagues, it would be this: sometimes patients don’t need you to fix everything. They just want to tell their story and feel listened to. Early on in my career, I felt under pressure to have all the answers, but I’ve learned that listening can be just as important as any treatment.

It's #MSAwarenessWeek, and the theme this year is about challenging the assumptions made about MS. Why is this important, and how does our Trust's MS Service help to confront these misunderstandings?
MS Awareness Week 2026 is about challenging assumptions about MS. Many symptoms are ‘invisible’, such as bladder issues or fatigue. It's about raising awareness of MS. We help to address the challenges faced by people with MS in the clinic appointments.

#OneTrustOneTeam

Sustainability Data Analyst

Say hello to Andrew Smith, Sustainability Data Analyst

What does your role consist of?

I am the Data Analyst for the Sustainability Team. My primary role is measuring the Trust’s carbon footprint and the progress we are making towards the NHS’s ambition to be the first net zero national health service in the world. I am involved in monitoring the Trust’s Green Plan. I work with our wonderful green champions: colleagues who are devoting themselves to help make us a net zero, low carbon organisation, alongside their day-to-day responsibilities.

Another hat I wear is administrator of Warp It, an online portal available for colleagues to advertise unwanted or surplus items that can still be used. These unwanted items are claimed by other teams, thus saving the Trust money and avoiding unnecessary waste.

How long have you been working at the Trust, and why do you like it?

I’ve been employed by the Trust for 10 years and have been in this role for two years. As a person who loves Excel spreadsheets, this job is a match made in heaven! I am profoundly deaf and it is great working for a Disability Confident employer. Previously I was unemployed and had applied for over 600 jobs before the NHS gave me a chance to prove myself, which I’m so grateful for.

Why is it important for the Trust to be as sustainable as possible, and to reduce waste and energy use?

Most of us love the NHS, and we want it to be around for our children, and for their children, and so on. The sustainability agenda is about ensuring the best possible future and not using up resources at the cost of future generations. And it is not just about resources, it is about our health, and the health of future generations. The use of fossil fuels has caused widespread health problems and is causing climate change which is a major threat to health and infrastructure.

Across the Trust, our green champions tell us about empty rooms where the heating and lights are left on overnight, or even the entire weekend. Medicines and supplies expire and are thrown away due to poor stock management. Furniture is thrown into the skip. By cutting out waste and unnecessary energy usage, we don’t just reduce our carbon footprint, we also save the NHS money.

Who is your role model at the Trust, and why?

Another reason why I love my job is that I have worked with so many great people across the Trust. My colleagues in the Sustainability Team are brilliant to work with, and great examples to follow. But if I had to choose just one person, I’d point to Jonathan Hodgson, my previous line manager when I worked in Audit Yorkshire. I wouldn’t be in this job today without his support and encouragement.

Medical Device Lead

Say hello to Jon Hunter, Mobile Device Lead

Tell us about your role

I work in the End User Computing team within Y&S digital, our Trust’s IT department. The team is responsible for the technology, devices, and applications that my colleagues use every day.

My job is to make sure that the devices that my colleagues use, such as tablets and smartphones, are the right ones for the job, and that training and support are both in place. Technology is helping to improve patient care, so it’s crucial that our devices are in the right place for the right people, and that both hardware and software work how they are meant to.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?

I have worked at the Trust for eight years, and what I really like about it is having the opportunity to work with colleagues in all sorts of different roles, doing all sorts of interesting things. I am always learning more about the Trust and the work we do, and it’s always interesting to work closely with clinical teams to see first-hand how they work.

Tell us about a special moment you’ve experienced at work

Over the last few years in my role, I have been privileged to be part of the Y&S digital teams that have received three Celebration of Achievement nominations and two wins. It was lovely to know that our own colleagues recognise and value the contribution that our IT team, Y&S digital, makes to the wider Trust.

Who is your role model at the Trust, and why?

There are too many people to mention! Let’s just say I work with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and if not for them, I would not be where I am now.

Ward Clerk

Say hello to Lyn, Ward Clerk at Scarborough Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I work on Beech Ward, which specialises in respiratory, cardiology, and some general medicine. My role is both administrative and supportive, helping the ward run smoothly, completing key admin tasks, and supporting patients and families.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?

I’ve been at the Trust for 13 months and have witnessed immense care and compassion from my colleagues in that time. I’m a change maker and a digital champion for Nervecentre EPR. I love to make a difference and am excited to help our Trust be a great place to work for all.

Tell us about a special moment you’ve experienced at work

A special moment for me is seeing the gratitude on colleagues’ faces when I thank them each week for their hard work. It means even more when new F1 doctors tell me how welcomed they feel and that I go above and beyond my usual duties. These interactions remind me that small, intentional acts of kindness and support can make a real difference to our team’s morale.

You have an additional role as a Nervecentre EPR Digital Champion. How will Nervecentre change things for our colleagues?

Nervecentre EPR means colleagues will be able to be more present with patients by replacing paper notes and frustrations with unreadable handwriting with instant, accessible digital records. It will create one clear source of truth with a full audit trail. This reduces time spent searching for information and ensures all colleagues contribute to patient records in a timely way, rather than tasks being left for the next colleague/shift. Our colleagues will feel more informed, enabling them to confidently update patients and families.

What should colleagues do if they need support during the change to Nervecentre EPR?

Colleagues can reach out to me directly or any of the other digital champions. They can also attend upcoming drop-in sessions in Pat’s Place on Wednesday mornings. It’s a great chance to see the system or ask the team any questions.

Apprenticeships Manager

Say hello to Cathy Skilbeck, Apprenticeships Manager

Tell us about your role
My main responsibility is to champion apprenticeships and lead on developing opportunities which empower staff development, regardless of role or grade. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for our employees to improve their skills while continuing to work at our trust, which ultimately brings benefits to patients with improvements in care.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?
I am delighted to say that I have been with the trust for 37 years come this October! I joined as a student nurse and since then I have been fortunate to have had a varied career, working in many different roles. Now I’m working with my amazing colleagues in the Apprenticeship team and I have seen many improvements over the years. I am proud to be part of such a friendly, caring and compassionate organisation.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?
It is such a privilege and so rewarding to be able to support staff to progress personally and professionally using the apprenticeship route. There have been many occasions where people have started their learning journey with gaining Maths and English qualifications, and progressing through apprenticeships to become, for example, a registered nurse, physiotherapist or operating department practitioner.

Who is your role model at the Trust, and why?
I have worked with so many inspiring people throughout my career, but I want to give a shout out to my colleagues in the Apprenticeship team, who inspire me on a daily basis with their enthusiasm, energy, dedication, hard work and support.

National Apprenticeship Week is taking place next month. Why is it important, and what would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship to develop their career?
I’d say, ‘You don’t know what you are missing!’ There are so many apprenticeships available – 65 across clinical and non-clinical roles – all fully funded, and you get paid to learn. They’re a fantastic way to grow your own skills and knowledge, support career progression, enable teams to develop workforce ambitions and contribute in some way to providing the best possible care for our patients.

Global Majority Nurses Team Leader

Say hello to Liz Alinaitwe, Global Majority Nurses Team Leader

Tell us about your role

I support internationally recruited and global majority nurses through the Stay and Thrive programme, helping them settle, build confidence and reach their potential. My role includes OSCE support, induction and preceptorship, plus making sure new colleagues feel genuinely welcome through buddying and tailored wellbeing support.

Building a sense of belonging is key. We help colleagues feel included and connected, with networks where people with similar backgrounds can support each other. Integration can be hard, so what we offer needs to be personal, person-centred, and focused on colleagues' growth at work and in their personal lives.

We also support with interview skills, because interviews here can be very different from those in other countries. We go through techniques and common questions, and how to prepare, helping make the process fair and giving everyone the best chance to succeed.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?

I joined in October 2019, and I absolutely love it here. I’ve found a real community - not just at work, but in my life outside of it, too. I’ve felt so supported, and the people who’ve helped me along the way have shaped who I am. I’ve made so many friends, and I’ve really grown here. At my wedding, over 150 of the guests were people I’d met since joining - that says everything. I feel a real sense of community and feel loved here.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

My standout proudest moment was being awarded the Chief Executive’s Award in 2023 at the Celebration of Achievement Awards. I was simply overjoyed - I felt so moved and honestly couldn’t quite believe it. I even slept with my trophy in my bed that night!

Do you have any role models at work?

My role model would be Emma George, Assistant Chief Nurse. I just love her compassion. And when she says she’ll do something, she does it. She’s so easy to work with. Also, Matron Sam Soulsby - she has supported me and worked with me so much. She’s a really good listener, and she’s very inclusive and compassionate. She gave me so much time, especially when it came to helping me with my interview techniques.

What advice would you offer new colleagues at our Trust?

Be kind and be compassionate. We don’t know what people are going through in their day. As my grandma taught me, even just a smile can brighten someone’s day.

Information Governance Officer

Say hello to Jenn Haggerston, Information Governance Officer.

Tell us about your role

I lead on Freedom of Information requests, helping to ensure transparency and accountability. Every request tells a story - whether it’s about public spending or patient admissions. I also play a role in safeguarding patient data. Protecting information isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a commitment to safety and confidence in the care we provide.

How long have you been at the Trust and why do you like it?

I’m approaching five years with the Trust and have truly found my home in the Information Governance Team. I’m fortunate to work with a team that values growth and collaboration. The work can be challenging yet fascinating, giving us the chance to engage with every department. Being York-born, the Trust holds a special place in my heart. I was an inpatient last year and experienced exceptional care firsthand. That reinforced why our work matters - protecting patient data and supporting safe, transparent care.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

One of my proudest achievements was gaining my qualification as a Practitioner in Freedom of Information - it was top of my goals list. Recently, I was promoted to Information Governance Officer, which has been an exciting step forward. I’m also proud of the impact I’ve made on FOI compliance. When I started, compliance was just 42%, but through hard work and collaboration, we’ve consistently maintained figures in the 90s. It’s a real testament to strong processes and teamwork, and seeing those results has been incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you offer new colleagues at our Trust?

Network! Take the time to connect with colleagues beyond your own team. We have so many amazing people with a wealth of experience, and learning from them has made a huge difference to my role. I wouldn’t have achieved the results I have without building those relationships. Don’t be afraid to push yourself forward.