Diabetic Retinal Photographer, based at York Hospital

Say hello to Jo Blackman, Diabetic Retinal Photographer, based at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I am part of the team for the North Yorkshire NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme - a national programme designed to screen diabetic patients to check for changes to the retina. These changes, known as diabetes-related retinopathy, are usually detected long before eyesight is affected.

The service I work for delivers screening in a variety of locations throughout the area, including GP surgeries, hospitals and opticians. It is essential NHS patients have checks with our digital cameras, as diabetes is one of the main causes of preventable blindness. In a nutshell, my role is the first step in the process to prevent sight loss, by taking photos of the patient’s eye.

We have team staff based at fixed sites across the county, but some are mobile too – we cover as far north as Whitby, Easingwold, Bridlington, across to Boroughbridge and the Harrogate area. We are busy!

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

I live and breathe photography. I was a photographer for the RAF until I joined the NHS. I photographed everything from medal presentations to the cast of the TV show Heartbeat visiting a RAF station - out of work I’m also a wedding photographer! I have been in the role for two years. I have to say the advent of digital photography has changed my job for the better. When I had the role previously, back in 2005, we took photos on wet film, there was no knowing if the patient was looking where we need if they blinked!

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

The Coronation of King Charles III comes to mind. We screen plenty of patients who were children around the time of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. I enjoyed talking to patients who were reminiscing, they had some interesting stories – one lady was given a train ticket to see the coronation in London and did get to see Queen Elizabeth II.

Do you have a role model within the Trust, and why?

This is a hard question, but I have to say all NHS staff are phenomenal. From ambulance drivers to staff in doctors’ surgeries, we all work extremely hard for patients. They all make a difference.

Bereavement Officer, Scarborough Hospital

Say hello to Carol South, Bereavement Officer at Scarborough Hospital.

Tell us about your role

My role is mainly to make sure that families have all the information they need to move forward with what is an emotional time for them, while offering support and empathy.

I also organise funerals for adults who may not have any next of kin, and I work closely with the bereavement midwives to support women going through baby loss and help in organising a baby's funeral if needed.

Sometimes I also offer a listening ear for staff to come in and chat and in a quiet, welcoming space, while keeping a selection of sweets for anyone who wants one!

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

I have been with the Trust just over 24 years. I started as a ward clerk, then worked in the General Office as the bereavement officer and cashier before becoming the full time Bereavement Officer in 2016.

I enjoy working here as I get to support a wide range of departments and colleagues, and I have made many friends over the years. I feel that there is a family feel at Scarborough Hospital, and I always receive a smile and a ‘hello’ when walking around the building.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

There have been many special moments over the years, but one particular time was during the pandemic. This was a terrible time for everyone working, and for me personally it was extremely challenging. The Palliative Care Team were so supportive; checking in with me and making sure I was OK, while they were dealing with all they had to cope with. The relationship that formed is just as strong now, and for that I feel so appreciative of them all.

It's Armed Forces Day on 28 June. As a former member of the Armed Services, what does the day mean to you?

Armed Forces Day is very important to me. I come from a military background; my grandad was in the RAF in the World War II, and my dad was a medic in the army. I am a veteran, having served in the RAF as a dental nurse and I made friends for life. Armed Forces Day is a time for all serving personnel, veterans, and the public to get together and celebrate, and to remember all those have fallen.

I am also a part of our Veterans’ Staff Network, which is important because we have many ex-service personnel in the Trust, and it helps us to share our experiences and give each other support. Once you've served in the forces, you become part of a big family that lasts a lifetime, where there is friendly banter and support always available.

Advanced Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Outpatients and Head of AHP Research

Say hello to Dr Frances Butler, Advanced Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Outpatients and Head of AHP Research

Tell us about your role

My clinical specialist role involves leading the Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Outpatients services in delivering specialist input for patients which chronic respiratory disease. 

We provide exercise and education sessions across community and hospital sites to improve patient access, along with 1:1 appointments for specific clinical needs such as breathlessness, airway clearance, breathing pattern disorders, and self-management support. We’re working towards national Pulmonary Rehabilitation accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and aligning our service with national standards.

We’re also a research-active service. I was Principal Investigator for the IMPROVE study on using Pulmonary Rehabilitation buddies to support uptake and adherence, and I’m currently PI for the PERFORM study, which looks at rehab and self-management outcomes in patients with multiple long-term conditions.

In my role as Head of AHP Research, I work alongside the Research and Innovation team as well as the Head of Nursing Research and the Head of Midwifery Research to embed a research culture within the trust. I support AHP colleagues in developing and working to achieve the Research pillar of practice. This involves developing research related policies, career pathway documents and supporting AHP colleagues in accessing research related grant applications or training and development programmes. 

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

I’ve worked in the Trust since 2006. I joined after qualifying as a physiotherapist and have since held various physiotherapy roles across a wide range of clinical areas throughout my career progression.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I love supporting patients to improve their quality of life and to manage their chronic lung conditions independently. My favourite part of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme is the post-course assessments, where patients show improvement in physical outcome measures, such as walking distance, as well as in their health-related quality of life.

It’s fantastic to hear how patients are able to become more active, often surprised by how much they enjoy the course. Recently, one patient shared that he wasn’t initially planning to attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation but decided to come along - and he thoroughly enjoyed it, making some fantastic improvements.

Do you have any role models at work?

I’ve always admired Tracey Daniels, the non-medical clinical lead for cystic fibrosis at the York Hull Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre. Having worked with Tracey for many years, she has been instrumental in helping me develop my clinical specialist skills and knowledge. Tracey is a dedicated member of the AHP workforce, embodying a passion for clinical expertise and fostering a strong research culture. She continually pushes the boundaries for AHPs working at advanced levels within the Trust.

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

The Trust is a friendly place to work, don’t be afraid to ask questions from others. Take the time to explore your clinical area and get involved in both clinical practice and research development - the two go hand in hand in delivering outstanding experiences for both patients and staff.

Say hello to Michael Scott, Learning Disability Liaison Assistant.

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

I’ve worked with the Trust for five years - three as a volunteer and two as a Learning Disability Liaison Assistant.

I love my role because I get to make a real difference for people with learning disabilities, inspired by an event in 2018 when a person with learning disabilities sadly died from sepsis.

The best part of my job is being able to support all the hospital staff, as well as the families and carers of people with learning disabilities. I’m there to provide a friendly face, some company, and a bit of much-needed reassurance to them, especially when they’re feeling scared or uncertain. It’s great that everyone knows me on the wards - it really feels like I’m part of the team.

Plus, I have access to the equipment library, so I can loan out activities, iPads, and DVDs to help patients pass the time while they’re on the wards.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I’ve seen many special moments, seeing the incredible work ward teams do every day, and following patients on their journey through the hospital. It makes me proud to see them go home.

Do you have any role models at work?

My role models are the amazing learning disability liaison nurses and wider teams that I have the privilege of working with.

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

To anyone joining the Trust, I’d say don’t hesitate to ask for advice - everyone is happy to help if you need anything.

Chaplaincy Volunteer, Selby Hospital

Say hello to Reverend Nick Garside, Chaplaincy Volunteer at The New Selby War Memorial Hospital

Tell us about your role

As a member of the chaplaincy team, my main role is to offer pastoral support to anyone who comes into the hospital. Many of the people coming here are worried, and in emotionally stressful situations. Often, they want someone to talk to at a difficult time. It’s not important whether someone has faith or not: the most important thing is for me to listen.

There is one inpatient ward at the hospital, and when I am here, I always go to up to the ward to say hello to everyone, and to ask how they are. A patient could ask me to pray for them, and sometimes I sing hymns with them. I am also able to give Holy Communion to patients. But it’s all about offering support and comfort.

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

I have been volunteering here for the last 18 months. I was already a parish priest here in Selby, but I have always had an interest in chaplaincy, with experience at HM Prison Wakefield and with a housing association in Leeds.

Volunteering here is a natural continuation of that, and I feel that I am supporting the wider community in Selby, as well as patients and relatives in the hospital. The most rewarding part of my volunteering role is providing that pastoral care: feeling that I am walking alongside people, sometimes at the most difficult times of their lives.

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

I don’t have one role model, because everyone in the chaplaincy volunteering team plays an equally important role. We’re a small team, and the other chaplaincy volunteers do a fantastic job. Several of them have been volunteering here for many years and their dedication is exemplary.

This week is national Volunteers’ Week. Why is volunteering important?

I can only speak from a chaplaincy perspective, but it is what I am called to do. Chaplaincy is a vocation, and by providing pastoral support I can both support patients and the community of Selby as a whole. Volunteering here gives me the opportunity to continue with my chaplaincy vocation, and combining it with my role as a parish priest in Selby.

Staff Health and Wellbeing Lead

Say hello to Rachel Marson, Staff Health and Wellbeing Lead at our Trust

Tell us about your role

My role mainly consists of ensuring that staff have access to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives that support them to be well both at home and in the workplace. I support, guide and encourage our staff to maintain good health by making healthier lifestyle choices relating to their physical and mental wellbeing.

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

I have worked in the Staff Health and Wellbeing Team for just over nine years now.

I love being able to support staff with their health and wellbeing. Empowering staff to feel confident enough to maintain good health, as well as equipping them with the knowledge and information to be able to seek further support, is really rewarding. It ensures a more resilient, engaged workforce, which ultimately helps to improve the patient care we provide as a Trust.

Any special moments that you’ve experienced at work?

I can honestly say that no two days are the same, which is great! I love engaging with staff, learning all about each team member and learning all about the roles and departments they work in. We have been successful in providing lots of rewarding wellbeing initiatives for staff, including a range of menopause support, various men’s health initiatives and even a staff gym at Bridlington Hospital.

However, by far the most rewarding part of my role is recognising the amount of trust that staff place in us, knowing that they trust us with their health and wellbeing, and that they often turn to us in their hour of need is incredibly humbling.

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

I have many role models within the Trust, working across a variety of roles. The qualities that I admire most within these individuals is their dedication, passion, kindness and compassion to both patients and colleagues alike. I’m proud to work alongside these amazing people and I hope that we continue to be stronger together.

Healthcare Assistant

Say hello to Jason Angus, Healthcare Assistant in York Hospital's Paediatric Emergency Department.

Tell us about your role

I’m a Healthcare Assistant in the Paediatric Emergency Department at York Hospital – and unofficially, the Chief Morale Officer of the Trust! I try to spread kindness and positivity every shift – with a smile, a high five, a kind word, or on hot days, ice lollies.

I joined the NHS during the first lockdown after a long career in IT. It was a huge change, but easily the most enjoyable and rewarding role I’ve ever had.

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

Four years in, I’m still learning every day. I try to make a positive difference – whether that’s supporting colleagues, calming anxious parents, or using simple magic tricks to distract and engage young patients.

If I can help parents relax, their children often do too. Small moments of connection really matter.

The NHS has supported me throughout my life, and I’ve always wanted to give something back. As a child, I was scared of hospitals – they usually meant I was being admitted. Now I do what I can to help children feel safe and happy, so they won’t be afraid if they need to come back.

Are there any special moments that have stayed with you?

One moment I’ll never forget was with a teenager in crisis – frightened and overwhelmed. I sat with her and helped her make sense of what was happening. That moment of connection, of helping someone find hope, is what makes this job meaningful.

Another was helping a deaf child who used Sign Supported English. I learned BSL over 25 years ago and used what I remembered to support communication. His mum said it was one of the first times he felt truly included outside of home or school. It really stayed with me. I’d love to see BSL training offered so more deaf patients feel equally supported.

I also take extra care with autistic children and those with learning difficulties – using patience, clear communication and calm to help them feel safe.

I’ve received some lovely feedback through PALS, social media and Star Award nominations – but my favourites are handmade cards from the children themselves.

Who has inspired you along the way?

I was inspired to join the NHS after volunteering at a homeless kitchen with Clare Sherwood, Advanced Clinical Practitioner and one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met.

Senior Sisters Margaret Locker and Sharon Sleightholm have also had a huge impact. They supported me through a difficult time, and I’ll always be grateful for their kindness and encouragement.

The Emergency Department (adult and paediatric) is full of amazing humans. I’m proud to be a small cog in such a brilliant, hardworking team.

Security Officer and CCTV Operator

Say hello to Karsten Weston, Security Officer and CCTV Operator

Tell us about your role

My role involves a variety of responsibilities, including dealing with patients who suffer from mental health issues, some of whom are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. I conduct internal and external site patrols, perform ward checks to ensure everything and everyone is okay, and relay any issues back to the control room. Additionally, I monitor the site via CCTV in our on-site control room, taking calls from staff, visitors, and other external agencies. I work within a dedicated team focused on maintaining the security and safety of staff, patients, and visitors. By conducting these patrols, either on foot or via CCTV, we help ensure a secure environment.

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

I have been with the Trust for nearly three years now. The variety in our work means no two days are the same. Some days are steady, while others are busy with continuous tasks. I enjoy meeting different people every day or night; some are pleasant, and others less so, but everyone has a unique life story to share. It's this diversity and the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives that make the job fulfilling.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Special moments for me often involve patients who have experienced mental health issues and self-harm. Having personally faced these challenges and having lost my older sister to sepsis, I find it meaningful to sit down and speak openly with these patients. Some of them were once regulars at the hospital, and after our conversations, I hope they have received the help they needed to find a better path.

There are also moments when I simply sit with an elderly person who is scared because it's her first time in the hospital. These instances remind me of the caring side of our job and why we do it. It's not just about security; it's about providing comfort and support to those who need it, and at a time when they need it most.

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

My advice to new team members is to come into the job with an open mind, be a team player, and treat each situation uniquely. Working in hospital security is a completely different experience compared to other security roles. If you need advice or guidance, don't hesitate to ask. Stay positive in everything you do, as your actions leave a lasting impression on everyone. Be open, honest, and professional. Remember, we have a caring side, and it's important to show empathy and support to patients, staff, and visitors. This is why we do the job - to make a positive impact on people's lives.

Healthcare Assistant

Say hello to Susan Burrows (Sue), Healthcare Assistant in the Outpatient Department at Bridlington Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I work alongside a fantastic team supporting doctors, consultants, and (most importantly) our patients in a busy clinical environment. Our work includes assisting with procedures such as biopsies and ECGs across various specialties like cardiology, gynaecology, and ENT. A large part of my day involves delivering our phlebotomy service. We visit wards in the morning and then open up to the public for everything from pre-treatment and surgical pre-assessments to paediatrics and GP-requested bloods.

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

I’ve been in this department for about three and a half years after a very different career as a surgical equine nurse! I love the complexity and variety of the role and the chance to learn new skills like phlebotomy. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things interesting and rewarding.

What makes your role special to you and the patients you care for?

I find it incredibly rewarding when a patient leaves with a smile and tells us how lovely and personal their experience has been. That happens a lot here in Bridlington - we’re a small hospital with a big heart. I’ve received Star Awards over the years, but for me, the greatest reward is the job satisfaction that comes from knowing patients feel supported.

Are there any special moments you’ve experienced at work?

There have been many, but the best moments are the daily ones. When patients comment on how friendly and caring the team is. It really reaffirms the impact we’re making.

Do you have a role model within the Trust, and why?

All the team I work with are role models in their own way. Each person brings something different, and we all support each other. That’s what makes our department so strong.

Any advice for new members of staff?

Never be afraid to ask questions! No question is ever a daft one. We’re all on a learning curve, and the best way to grow is by being curious and open.