York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Pharmacy assistant Indiana Brown sitting at a desk in the pharmacy reception at York Hospital

Joanna at work in the labs, standing in front of a row of lab coats on coat hooks.

Faith at work, sitting at the nurses station on Ward 16.

Franco holding his John White Award for Health and Safety and Wellbeing Rep of the Year

David at the entrance to Scarborough Hospital's Digital and Information Service Training Office.

Srinivas Chintapatla sitting on a sofa in an office.

Pharmacy Assistant

Hello, I'm Indiana Brown and I am a Pharmacy Assistant at York Hospital.

What does your role consist of?

My role is super varied, but generally I'm either in reception or out delivering. Requests for pharmaceuticals come in through the reception desk, and I distribute the requests throughout the pharmacy department. I’m always busy! I do a lot of 'bag runs' to deliver medication all over the hospital, from the maternity ward to the renal unit. Other than that, I’m an extra pair of hands, supporting the team however I can, to help things run smoothly.

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

Three months, but I've had a lot of fantastic experiences already. Everyone I've met has been friendly, fun, kind and hardworking. There's a sense of community here; we're all working towards the goal of helping people in need, no matter our role. And I appreciate that it gives me room to grow both career-wise and as a person, with new challenges and lessons every day.

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

One of the best things about being a pharmacy assistant is the people. You talk to so many different people every day. There's endless opportunity for you to share your humour, kindness, and compassion, and for other people - staff, patients, or visitors - to do the same. We raise each other up when we work together and communicate openly, and this Trust is full of such human moments. Helping others is the core of the pharmacy assistant role, and that is perhaps my favourite quality of it.

Any special moments that you’ve experienced at work?

Many! Earlier this week a ward sister told me that she was so busy that she hadn't had a moment to herself to get anything to drink all day, so I brought her a glass of water. She was so thankful that she told my colleague about it, and it eventually got back to me. I felt very proud. You make your own special moments when you help people, and that's what this job is all about.

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

The top technicians and supervisors are excellent leaders, and they keep very calm under pressure. Everyone I work with has qualities I admire, but I do want to give a special shout out to my pharmacy colleague, Graeme Kelly, for taking me under his wing, showing me the ropes and looking out for me. He's a fantastic mentor and an endless source of wisdom; not just about our work, but also about life.

Network Lead for Blood Sciences

Say hello to Joanna Andrew, Network Lead for Blood Sciences, Scarborough York Hull Pathology Service (SYHPS).

SHYPS provides diagnostic tests for primary and secondary care across a wide geography and incorporates a range of laboratory disciplines across four acute hospital sites: Hull Royal Infirmary, Castle Hill Hospital, York Hospital and Scarborough Hospital.

The service is divided into the following specialist departments: Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Blood Transfusion Immunology, Point of Care Testing (POCT), Microbiology, Virology and Cellular Pathology.

Tell us about your role

My role is to lead the blood sciences department and oversee the 295 staff who work in the laboratories across SYHPS. Blood sciences process up to 10,000 blood samples a day across the network as well as providing essential blood transfusion services.

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

I started working at York Hospital in 1998 as a biomedical scientist. I’m proud of the work we do, our laboratories diagnose disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments by analysing fluids and tissue samples from patients. 70% of diagnoses in the NHS are based on pathology results provided by our services. I’m proud of our contribution to the patient journey.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

My proudest moment must be becoming the President of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in 2024, which is a worldwide professional body, with over 20,000 members in 74 countries. I was proud to be elected and I’m very grateful to the Trust to be able to do this alongside my job. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career was when I became the training officer for the biochemistry department. I have seen staff go full circle from joining us as a graduate to becoming valued senior members of the department.

This week marks the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, do you have any scientific role models?

I have had various roles models throughout my career, in various departments and roles across the Trust. Today is a special day to promote women in our workforce. I have always admired the work of the chemist Rosalind Franklin, whose insights into DNA fascinate me. She paved the way for science we all use today, but didn't gain the recognition she deserved during her lifetime.

Deputy Sister, York Hospital

Hello, I'm Faith, a Deputy Sister on Ward 16 at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

As a Deputy Sister, I work alongside several colleagues to oversee the running of Ward 16. In my role, patient safety is at the forefront of what I do, as well as adhering to Trust values and supporting my colleagues in their day-to-day work. It is important in my role to ensure I am up to date with best evidence-based practices and guidelines, act as a role model, and of course give the patients the best care we can!

How long have you worked at the Trust?

I have worked in the Trust for over 11 years. As a teenager, I started my journey as an imaging support worker alongside working as a call handler for Yorkshire Ambulance Service. I was one of the first people to be employed as a Band 4 Associate Practitioner at our Trust and became Deputy Sister in May 2024.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Any day you are making a difference to someone's life is special. Working alongside people I consider my closest friends in a job where you care for people in their darkest and lightest moments is a blessing. Helping with lifesaving treatment or just being a warm hand to hold is what I truly consider the greatest gift of being a nurse. On a personal level, the day I qualified as a Band 5 would be my greatest achievement to date. I worked very hard to finally achieve that goal!

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

When I began my career, I really struggled with people accepting the new job role and found myself very apprehensive and began doubting myself. Ward 16's Rachel Cooke always believed in me and was a champion of my abilities and what I could bring to the team. I watched her in a leadership role and knew that was what I wanted to do. I qualified as a registered nurse with her support and as she progressed her own career, too. I still turn to her daily for support as a role model and friend. Rachel encompasses what a nurse and leader should be and I only hope to be half the nurse she is.

Next week is National Apprenticeship Week. Why do you think an apprenticeship was right for you?

100% the apprenticeship was the right path for me. I was unable to complete my journey as a Registered Nurse in London due to personal circumstances, but I was able to take what I had and finish my degree through the apprenticeship course at this Trust. I had the support of all my colleagues, and it gave me a foundation of knowledge and experience to build on. I wouldn’t be in this position with the knowledge I have and the desire to progress in my career without the apprenticeship. Anyone considering it, please reach out for reassurance that this is a decision you wouldn’t regret.

Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Hello, I'm Fatima Kuddus. I'm a Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Tell us about your role

My role is to help make sure the Trust is a fair and equal workplace for everyone, particularly those colleagues with the protected characteristics around, for example, age, disability, race, and sexual orientation. I help ensure everyone is respected and valued at work so we can be a fair and equal employer.

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

I have worked at the Trust for more than 8 years, in a range of roles from ward clerk to project support officer. I have been in this role since last April, and my favourite part is meeting and engaging with people from right across the Trust, and getting people involved in equality, diversity, and inclusion projects. I feel like I can make a difference, and I want equality for everyone who works for the Trust.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

My most special moment was being involved in the launch of our See ME First campaign, which asks staff to take a pledge to promote diversity and respect within our organisation and highlight our fight against racial discrimination. It’s been fantastic to see so many colleagues making that commitment.

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

I don’t have one specific person, because many people have encouraged and inspired me over the years. I think the people I admire most are those colleagues who work in ‘behind the scenes’ roles and keep the rest of the organisation running.

Next week is Race Equality Week. Why is it important that it is marked by the Trust?

We mark a number of awareness weeks at the Trust, including Race Equality Week, LGBTQ+ History Month and UK Disability History Month. I think Race Equality Week is important because it shines a light on race equality and encourages all of us to think about what we can do in the future.

Pathway Navigator for Rapid Diagnostic Centre

Hello, I'm Laura Trout, Pathway Navigator for the Trust's Rapid Diagnostic Centre

Tell us about your role

The RDC is a rapid diagnostic pathway for patients with symptoms that could indicate cancer. Pathway navigators are a relatively new role in the Trust designed to support patients on suspected cancer pathways before diagnosis. My job is to be a single point of contact for patients, coordinating their care and providing practical and emotional support. I speak to every patient referred to us and it’s a privilege to support them along their journey. It can often be a very anxious time for patients so anything I can do to make that process easier for them is important to me.

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

I have worked in the Trust since 2017. I initially worked in admin for the Speech and Language Therapy Department and for the Head and Neck Department. I joined the RDC at its inception in 2020. My role was the very first pathway navigator in our Trust, so it was exciting to pave the way. I was born and raised in York, born at York Hospital in fact, so it’s great to give back to the local area in a small way.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

One of the special moments I am lucky enough to experience as a pathway navigator is being able to reassure some patients there is no evidence of cancer on their investigations. Being able to give them a call and give them the news as quickly as possible, even before they receive a letter or appointment with the clinical team, is special every time and can often lead to happy tears from the patient. I was able to tell a patient he didn’t have cancer just before Christmas and he said it was the best Christmas gift he had ever received!

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

I am fortunate to work in a small team full of passionate individuals from doctors and nurses to other admin team members. I couldn’t pick only a single role model - when work is pressured and busy, I am inspired and encouraged by my colleagues and their tenacity and dedication. If you ask me, everyone who works for the NHS is a role model in their own way!

Maintenance Engineer, Bridlington Hospital

Hello, I'm Franco Villani. I work as a Maintenance Engineer at Bridlington Hospital.

Tell us about your role

My job is about keeping Bridlington Hospital working safely and efficiently. This involves everything from fire alarms and water quality to lifts and patient call alarms.

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

I've worked for the Trust for 28 years and I like it most because of the people I meet and work alongside in a whole variety of ways. I'm privileged to be a Staff Governor, representing colleagues and patients, a Fairness Champion, a Mental Health First Aider, and a safety representative for the Trust.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

Being awarded the John White Award for Health and Safety and Wellbeing Representative of the Year was a very special moment I will always remember. Another was seeing Bridlington Hospital being upgraded and becoming one of the first net zero hospitals in the country!

Do you have any role models in the Trust?

I meet so many people in different roles, it's hard to choose just one. We have fantastic people working in our clinical teams, and I value the work of our safety leads who all work together to achieve the best and safest experience for our patients.

Digital Nurse, Scarborough Hospital

Hello, I’m David Hamilton, a Digital Nurse at Scarborough Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I support all my nursing and Allied Healthcare Professional colleagues to use digital technology effectively to improve care for patients and the effectiveness of our services.

Digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in care, which is very exciting, and I use my clinical knowledge to influence change. For example, I am helping with the design and implementation of a new electronic patient record system called Nervecentre, which will support clinicians and services to provide better and safer care with improved data.

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

I have worked at the Trust for nearly nine years as a nurse in acute medicine, on Cherry Ward and then on Lilac Ward. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place to work, plus I love the seaside and all the amenities that are here.

Have you had any special moments at work?

A special moment which springs to mind is representing the Trust at Scarborough Pride. When we share what we love, who we are, and where we come from, we flourish as individuals and as an organisation.

Do you have a role model in the Trust?

I have met many inspirational and outstanding individuals over the years. They all have different attributes that I admire or can aspire to. These are people from all different areas and roles within the hospital. We’re blessed to have many very talented and positive people in all parts of the workforce!

Consultant Surgeon

Hello, I’m Srinivas Chintapatla, a Consultant Surgeon at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Tell us about your role

For the last 20 years, I’ve been doing various roles, predominantly that of a bowel cancer surgeon. Right now, I do mainly abdominal wall hernias and reconstruction surgery. I also do colonoscopy and am interested in treating complex polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous.

Why do you like working at our Trust?

I’ve been here since 2004 and it’s a lovely hospital offering varying jobs. I love the work I do. I really enjoy being a surgeon and endoscopist.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

You come to work and never know if it will be a special moment or not. We can have good special moments – such as a patient who I recently saw with a complex hernia. They contacted a complex hernia support group and said we’d given them confidence to do things they didn’t think they could do.

I’ve also enjoyed having a small part to play in building the Trust’s amazing endoscopy unit, which has dramatically reduced our waiting lists. It’s given me a lot of satisfaction.

What’s the best advice you could give to a new starter?

Make connections. That’s so important. Spending time on your relationships will help you work with other people and make your work more effective, and sometimes easier!

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on gaining national (and international!) recognition for York Abdominal Wall Unit. I feel so proud we are creating research training and a service delivery for the York and Scarborough patients, and our work on quality of life has gained an international reputation.

DIS Team

Hello, I'm Sue Bennington. I'm part of the Digital Information Service (DIS) team, which looks after the Trust's IT needs, training, and skills development.

Tell us about your role

Almost everyone in the Trust uses IT as part of their working day. As the Learning and Development Manager for DIS, my role involves leading the strategy and delivery of digital learning initiatives, to support staff in effectively using digital systems and tools.

My team and I design and deliver high-quality training strategies to benefit both patients and staff. For example, I am focused on delivering a new electronic patient record system, which will give our clinicians faster access to patients’ information.

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

With nearly eight years in this role, I am deeply passionate about training and take pride in making a difference within the NHS. Despite not being in a clinical role, I find it very rewarding to empower colleagues so that they can provide excellent patient care.

What special work moments have you experienced?

A highlight of my year was participating in the reverse mentoring programme, where I gained valuable insights into my own work, and formed an inspiring partnership with my mentor that I hope will continue.

Tell us a little about your role as Change Maker

As well as my day job, I am also a dedicated volunteer in our Change Maker programme, which is all about improving our Trust culture and the way we do things. By learning from feedback, we aim to enhance the working environment for staff and, ultimately, the care provided to patients. I feel that I can really make a difference by being part of this conversation. I am inspired daily by the resilience, patience, and kindness of colleagues—qualities that I strive to emulate and promote through my work. Making a positive impact is what drives me every day.

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#OneTrustOneTeam

Pharmacy Assistant

Network Lead for Blood Sciences

Tell us about your role

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

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

This week marks the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, do you have any scientific role models?

Deputy Sister, York Hospital

Tell us about your role

How long have you worked at the Trust?

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

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

Next week is National Apprenticeship Week. Why do you think an apprenticeship was right for you?

Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Tell us about your role

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

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

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

Next week is Race Equality Week. Why is it important that it is marked by the Trust?

Pathway Navigator for Rapid Diagnostic Centre

Tell us about your role

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

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

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

Maintenance Engineer, Bridlington Hospital

Hello, I'm Franco Villani. I work as a Maintenance Engineer at Bridlington Hospital.

Tell us about your role

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

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

Do you have any role models in the Trust?

Digital Nurse, Scarborough Hospital

Tell us about your role

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

Have you had any special moments at work?

Do you have a role model in the Trust?

Consultant Surgeon

Tell us about your role

Why do you like working at our Trust?

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

What’s the best advice you could give to a new starter?

What are you currently working on?

DIS Team

Tell us about your role

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

What special work moments have you experienced?

Tell us a little about your role as Change Maker

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