#OneTrustOneTeam
Click on the photos below to read our stories
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Click on the photos below to read our stories
Say hello to Shannon McGovern, Clinical Digital Change Lead for Child Health.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be a senior Children's Nurse within the Trust and to have the opportunity to champion and advocate for children, young people and their families.
As Clinical Digital Change Lead, I am part of the Clinical Digital Team within the wider Y&S Digital Team. This is a new and exciting role that enables clinical expertise to be embedded within digital transformation programmes across the Trust. My role is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and digital technology, ensuring that our digital systems are designed with the needs of frontline staff and patients at their heart.
I am particularly passionate about ensuring paediatric services are represented within digital transformation programmes, so that the unique needs of children and young people are reflected in the systems we develop and implement. For paediatric services, this is an exciting step forward. By ensuring strong paediatric representation within the digital team, we are helping to align our services with the wider Trust while delivering digital solutions that enhance patient safety, improve staff experience and ultimately provide better care for children and their families.
I qualified as a Registered Children's Nurse in 2011 and, after spending the early part of my career working in paediatric services at Addenbrooke's and Leeds Children's Hospital, I joined the Trust in 2015 to pursue a career in nurse education as the Clinical Educator for Paediatrics. More recently, I have taken on the role of Clinical Digital Change Lead, supporting the digital transformation of paediatric services.
Over the past 10 years at the Trust, I have had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible colleagues and have made lifelong friendships. What I value most about working here is the shared commitment of our teams to championing and advocating for children, young people, and their families. Everyone works with the same purpose: to provide the highest quality care and continually improve the services we deliver. The Trust has also provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, develop new skills, and contribute to exciting transformation projects.
Over my 10 years at the Trust, I have been fortunate to be involved in many exciting and rewarding transformation projects that have had a positive impact on patients, their families, and our staff.
One of the most special moments in my career was being part of the implementation of the new Nervecentre electronic patient record (EPR) across the Trust. This was one of the biggest transformations paediatric services have undertaken and introduced a wide range of digital improvements. It was a privilege to work collaboratively across multiple teams to bring this transformation to fruition. Seeing months of planning, engagement and hard work translate into a successful implementation was incredibly rewarding. Being part of such a significant change reinforced the importance of teamwork, collaboration and innovation, and it is a moment I am particularly proud to have been involved in during my career.
I would encourage anyone to pursue a career in children’s nursing because it is one of the most rewarding professions. Children's nurses have the privilege of caring for children and young people as some the most vulnerable times in their lives, while also supporting their families through often challenging experiences.
No two days are the same. The role is incredibly varied, offering opportunities to work across a range of specialists and teams, develop new skills, and continually learn and develop. It is a career that combines clinical expertise with compassion, communication and advocacy, ensuring that every child receives safe, high-quality, family-centred care. What makes children's nursing particularly special is the difference you can make.
Whether it's helping a child recover from illness, providing reassurance to anxious parents, or simply bringing a smile during a difficult hospital stay, even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact. I feel incredibly proud to be part of a profession that makes such a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families every day.
Say hello to David Humphriss, Consultant Endocrinologist in Scarborough and Chairman of Trustees for Hospital Arts for North-East Yorkshire.
I’m a Consultant Physician in General Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology. Alongside my colleagues, I support the medical on-call rota, care for medical inpatients, and run specialist outpatient clinics for people with diabetes and other endocrine conditions. We also work closely with our specialist diabetes nursing team to provide expert inpatient care.
Alongside clinical work, I contribute to a number of additional roles - serving on committees, acting as an appraiser, and providing educational supervision for resident doctors in training. I’m also Course Director for the Scarborough Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course and a staff-side member of the BMA Local Negotiating Committee.
I qualified in Medicine in Liverpool in 1985, and this year marks my 40th year working in the NHS. I came to Scarborough as a consultant in 1996, so in April 2026 I’ll be celebrating 30 years here. When I first arrived, the Scarborough North East Yorkshire Healthcare Trust was still very new, and the merger with York didn’t take place until 2012. Scarborough is an incredibly friendly place, and the hospital has always worked hard to provide good healthcare for our local community - and for the many visitors who come to the area each year.
There are lots of ways I could answer this. Professionally, when I arrived in 1996 the diabetes team was involved in the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which went on to shape how Type 2 Diabetes is managed worldwide. A few years later, Scarborough became one of the founding members of the DAFNE collaborative, adapting a successful German education programme that now underpins modern Type 1 Diabetes care, particularly around matching insulin to food.
On a personal level, I’ve been very happy living in rural North Yorkshire. Scarborough is where I met my wife, got married and raised our two children, who are now grown up. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve also enjoyed contributing to the wider hospital community, including founding the Hospital Art Project, HAFNEY (Hospital Arts for North East Yorkshire), to help make our spaces more welcoming for everyone.
HAFNEY is a registered charity, guided by trustees from the local arts community, hospital staff and patients. The idea goes back to my time as a medical student at the newly built Royal Liverpool Hospital. A consultant surgeon there, John McFarland, had a real passion for the arts and strong links with the Liverpool Arts School. His training years overlapped with people like John Lennon, Stuart Sutcliffe and the Liverpool Poets, and when the Royal Liverpool was built with long, bare corridors, he drew on those contacts to fill the space with murals and artwork - something that really stayed with me. I later trained in Newcastle, where art was visible, but when I arrived in Scarborough there was very little. I’d also become interested in evidence-based hospital design, and there’s now good evidence that thoughtful design and engaging art can aid recovery.
When I was co-opted onto the liaison group for the Holly, Ash and Willow wards, I asked whether the new build would align with the Trust’s art strategy - knowing there wasn’t one. The architects confidently said it would, because design and art mattered. That conversation prompted me to set up a hospital arts group and, in 2002, register HAFNEY as a charity.
Before the Trust merger, York Hospital was also exploring an arts project, and HAFNEY was able to share advice and support. From the outset, I knew no artwork would be universally liked - but that isn’t the point. Art sparks conversation - brings the outside world into the hospital and helps make our spaces feel more human.
Over the years, we’ve built a varied collection of paintings, ceramics, photography, glass and sculpture, alongside artist residencies where people worked with staff and local schools to create pieces for particular areas. Scarborough Hospital welcomes more visitors each year than many regional galleries, which helped us secure early external funding and develop a collection featuring both local and national artists.
The trustees still support the Trust’s Art Coordinator, and the project’s impact was recently recognised when York hosted the annual National Arts in Hospitals Network conference. Looking ahead, we’d love to welcome one or two younger staff or arts community members to help carry HAFNEY forward - and I’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested.
My grandfather used to say, “look after yourself because nobody else will.” I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but I do think a sensible work-life balance matters, or you’ll burn out. One question I’ve found really helpful is: “What do we normally do in these circumstances?” The Trust is full of knowledgeable people, and if you don’t know the answer, someone nearby will. Know your limits - and if in doubt, ask.
Say hello to Jamie Baxter, Programme Manager
I am a programme manager working in the Programme Management Office based at York Hospital. I work on priority programmes that support our Trust strategy so they are focused on specific outputs and therefore are generally for set periods of time.
I have been at the Trust for nearly three years and I came here straight from the Army. My last military job was in York and my family really loved being here so we decided to settle down and make this the last (for now!) of 15 moves that we have had. The great thing about my work is the variety of projects and programmes which is giving me a real insight into the workings of the Trust, from Board level all the way to operational delivery.
I have been involved in a number of capital projects in my time here and they are often complex and can be frustrating in some ways. What makes all of that worthwhile is taking clinical and operational staff to show them a new facility and feeling the excitement when they see a brand new, modern and well-equipped environment. We know that we are making a difference to people's working lives by providing a suitable working environment and that will translate into better patient care.
When I was transitioning from the Army to civilian life and deciding on my career options, it was clear to me that I needed something with a moral purpose. This organisation gives me that and the work that we do is a real inspiration. When you talk to colleagues - domestic, operational and clinical - who are dedicated to providing the best service that they can, it is a real motivation and the best type of role modelling. I would not say I had a specific role model, but the NHS and this Trust and its people make coming to work easier and are a real incentive to do the best work for colleagues and patients.
Ex-Military staff bring a huge amount to the Trust and are hugely valued so I want to raise their profile and allow them the recognition but also - while working for the Trust is really satisfying - there are aspects of military life that many veterans miss, so I want to provide some of that through the Network. Armed Forces Day is a key date in the national calendar and allows to celebrate the great work that the Armed Services do, and recognise the contribution that veterans have made and continue to make, especially in the NHS.
Say hello to Jenny Hammond, Catering Retail Supervisor.
I am based in Ellerby’s, which is the restaurant and coffee shop at York Hospital. It’s open to patients, colleagues, and hospital visitors, so as you can imagine, it’s a busy place to work. As a supervisor, I’m there to ensure the smooth running of the service for all our customers. We open at 7am, so I go around with a checklist to make sure we are ready for the breakfast rush, then again for lunch. I support my colleagues while it’s busy, and I’m always happy to jump on a till to keep the queues moving. As a supervisor, you have to have eyes everywhere and ensure the shift goes smoothly.
I joined in June 2017, and my background is in hotel and retail catering. I love seeing our customers happy, and I do try to make Ellerby’s a happy place to work for my colleagues. Great customer service is a passion of mine, and it’s really rewarding when I can see everything running smoothly, and Ellerby’s is full of people enjoying their meals.
I recently received a colleague commendation, and the citation reads: “I put in a late minute request for catering from Ellerby's for a retirement party, and had a couple of things to check. Jenny was very helpful and on hand if I had a query. I can't thank her enough for her help and advice on the catering. Everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time at the party. Thank you so much again for all your help, Jenny.”
Today is also National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day, when we celebrate the contribution that estates and facilities teams all across the country make to their organisations. So, it’s always really lovely to realise how much your efforts are appreciated by the people you help.
My current manager, Marta Kupinska, who always helps me to go above and beyond. She takes the time to offer support when I need it, and she shares her wisdom with me! I also very much miss Liz Higginson, a former colleague, who was able to get the best out of me and show me how I could improve the way I do my job.
Knowing that all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes has paid off gives me a great deal of job satisfaction. Everyone in the team works hard to make sure that the restaurant is clean and tidy for service, and, as a supervisor, it’s my responsibility to make sure we always comply with environmental health standards.
Say hello to Joe Hague, our Trust's new Chief Nurse, who joined us earlier this month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Say hello to Sam Frazer, Registered Dental Nurse
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
Say hello to Andrew Smith, Sustainability Data Analyst
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.
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.
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.
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.
Say hello to Jon Hunter, Mobile Device Lead
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.
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.
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.
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.
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