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.

CT Team Leader, Scarborough

Tell us about your role

I’m one of the clinical leads, overseeing the CT team and operations. We are part of the emergency department, providing scans for the acutely ill, and we also offer an outpatient service – both of which can be physically and emotionally demanding in very different ways. My role is to ensure everything runs smoothly and to support those who care for our patients.

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

29 years! I was rostered as a student in Scarborough, as the radiographer team and facilities were highly regarded. We were essentially sent there to learn radiographic techniques at the highest level. With that in mind and the lure of the coast (I’d always wanted to learn to surf), I applied for a 2-week temporary contract after qualifying. I spent a year in the nurses' home (now Trust Headquarters) and never left! The local radiology management is close-knit, with many talented individuals, and in CT, the acute nature of our work strengthens our bond as a team. I’ve always been proud to lead such a dedicated group of professionals.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Falling head over heels for a new colleague the moment she walked through the door, and her becoming my amazing wife, was truly special!

From a clinical perspective, there have been many memorable moments, but one stands out. A delirious young woman, accompanied by her father, was brought to CT for a scan. I could see from the images that something was seriously wrong, and her symptoms raised significant concern. I called the surgical consultant, who was on her way home. She asked if my concerns justified turning around, and I confirmed they did. Upon her arrival, she took the young woman straight to theatre for what turned out to be a lifesaving operation.

Over ten years later, I walked into the waiting room and saw a young child playing. An elderly gentleman pointed at me and said, “That’s him!” (which was a bit alarming at first, as you can imagine). I didn’t recognise him, but he explained that the woman was his daughter, the young girl, and with them was his grandchild. He recounted everything after the operation - weeks in ITU and more. As a father myself, his emotion and gratitude were overwhelming.

What stands out most, though, is the mutual trust and respect. When a medical professional you hold in the highest regard trusts your judgement enough to go the extra mile, it fills you with pride. That’s what makes Scarborough so special – so many highly skilled individuals going above and beyond every day. I have a great deal of respect for that.

Do you have any role models at work?

Yes, many, though all would be too modest to be mentioned - which makes it all the more important to do so. At the top of the list is the quiet, unassuming Mr Ken Kay. He’s the strong Scottish 'glue' that keeps everything together, a friend and colleague who has supported me through many 'adventures.' We’ve achieved a great deal, and fighting adversity together to continue the service through Covid remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

John Stobo Smith stands out for his patient care ethic and his support not only for his team but for everyone around him. He leads by example, ensuring his team is always ready to support others. James Robertson and Spiros Stavropoulos are cut from the same cloth - putting patients at the forefront of care, dedicated and supportive. These are individuals who don’t shy away, even on your darkest days. They are true leaders, and their character is invaluable.

These, and many others, prove that a title doesn’t make you a leader, being a leader does.

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

This one is quite poignant, as one of our newest recruits will soon be my youngest daughter, Molly!

My advice would be something I often share with the team when they’re struggling and we need to dig deep: Treat that person as if they were your own - your mum, dad, grandma, or grandpa and you won’t go far wrong.

And for Molly, try to have at least half as much fun as I’ve had along the way!

Staff Nurse and Clinical Learning Facilitator

Say hello to Jacob, a Staff Nurse and Clinical Learning Facilitator at York Hospital

Tell us about your role

My role is providing hands-on nursing care in the fast-paced emergency care environment, ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment. Additionally, I support the learning and development of student nurses, newly qualified staff and other colleagues by offering guidance and mentorship.

What is a clinical learning facilitator, and what benefits does this part of your role bring for patients?

A clinical learning facilitator is someone who supports the education, training and professional growth of healthcare staff. This part of my role ensures that staff are well-prepared, competent and confident in their abilities, which directly benefits patients by enhancing the quality and safety of care.

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

I have been working with the Trust for two-and-a-half years, and I truly enjoy being part of a supportive, dedicated and skilled team. The Trust values kindness, openness and excellence, which goes hand-in-hand with education, development and high standards of care, which align with my passion for both nursing and teaching. Working in the emergency department is incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding, and I appreciate the opportunities for professional growth and making a real difference to patients’ lives.

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

For patients, it means they are treated by knowledgeable and well-trained healthcare professionals, and for staff, it means they feel supported and confident in their practice. Seeing a newly qualified nurse develop into a competent and compassionate professional is incredibly fulfilling, just as much as seeing a patient leave the emergency department with the care and reassurance they need.

Any special moments that you’ve experienced at work?

It’s so hard to pick just one, so I have two in particular. The first was winning the Celebration of Achievement Award for Patient Choice as a student nurse in the emergency department. It was such an incredible honour to know that the care I provided had made a real difference to the patient and her family.

The second is having the honour and privilege of looking after those in the last days of their life, being able to provide comfort to them and their families, ensuring they are able to pass free of pain and around those they love.

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

My role model at the Trust is Amy Herrington, Senior Sister in the Emergency Department. Amy is an incredible leader who consistently demonstrates professionalism, clinical excellence and genuine compassion for both patients and staff. She has a way of keeping the team motivated, even in the most challenging situations, and she leads by example, always putting patient care first. Her support and guidance have had a huge impact on my own career, and she continues to inspire me to be the best nurse and mentor I can be.

Fundraising Manager, York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity

Say hello to Emma Sargent, Fundraising Manager for York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.

Tell us about your role

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is the official charity of our Trust. It funds everything from small improvements to large-scale changes in hospital environments and services, going beyond what the NHS can provide. In my role, I have the privilege of working alongside a fantastic fundraising team who organise charity events and campaigns, collaborate with fundraisers both within our Trust and in the wider community, and manage charitable donations, including our charity lottery.

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

I’ve been with our Trust since early 2022, and since then, our charity team has grown, allowing us to do even more for our hospitals and community. I enjoy working alongside a dedicated team who are passionate about making a positive difference. I also love connecting with the incredible supporters across our Trust who choose to fundraise for our charity. I appreciate the variety in my role and enjoy attending fundraising events to cheer on our supporters. I’m especially excited to launch our first charity golf day this year!

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Since joining our Trust, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many special moments. One that stands out was welcoming some of our donors to Scarborough Hospital for a preview of the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC). This event followed the charity’s Urgent and Emergency Care Appeal, which raised over £800,000 to enhance the UECC. It was a great day, and it was incredibly rewarding to show our donors the positive impact of their generosity.

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

I meet so many people doing wonderful things in my role that I don’t think I can choose just one! I’m always inspired by the effort our fundraisers put in, many of whom are Trust staff, to improve the experience for patients and families visiting our hospitals. It really shows how passionate our staff are about delivering excellent care.

If you’re interested in making a donation, taking part in a fundraising challenge, or learning more about the projects the charity has funded, visit the York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity website: https://www.yshospitalscharity.org/.

Porter, York Hospital

Say hello to Richard Edwards, a porter at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I transfer patients to appointments, X-rays, scans, and visitor transfers to see patients on the wards. I also deliver blood, collect specimens, and change the gases used by departments when they run out, to name but a few of the jobs I do. There is no such thing as a typical day for me, but this makes it an interesting and enjoyable job.

I work three main shifts: either earlies, lates, or nights. During the day, the hospital is always busy and there's plenty to do workwise. Nights can have a different atmosphere, and I have my set tasks, and I also watch the front desk to help the public.

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

I’ve been a porter at York Hospital for 21 years. I find every day different because we are a responsive department. So, I never really know that I’m going to be involved in that day or the people and patients I’m going to meet. What I enjoy most about portering, is that it’s the perfect job if you like helping people. The most rewarding aspect of the job for me is if I can ever bring comfort to anyone who needs it.

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

Recently, I have taken up several champion roles, such as being a Green Champion and a Fairness Champion. I am also a Change Maker. Being a champion, for me, is another way of helping people. As a Change Maker, I am part of a team that is working hard to try and implement positive change across the Trust, to make it a better place to work, learn, and develop. This is for all staff, including YTHFM staff.

What advice would you offer to new team members?

The advice I would give to a new team member would be to get involved in what’s happening within the Trust in addition to your day-to-day role. For example, I have volunteered as a Trust Fairness Champion, and in this role, I work to help make sure the Trust is a fair, equal, and inclusive place to work. I feel that I've learnt and grown a lot by volunteering within the Trust, while meeting some fantastic people along the way. Together, I really believe we can make work a good and safer place for staff and our patients.

Interim Acute Paediatric Matron

Say hello to Gemma Granger, Interim Acute Paediatric Matron at York and Scarborough hospitals

Tell us about your role

No two days are ever the same! As a matron, I oversee patient flow and help ensure the smooth running of acute paediatric areas, including inpatient wards, clinics, the paediatric surgical day service, and paediatric ED in York. While I’m based in York, I also work in Scarborough each week. A key part of my role is maintaining high standards of care, ensuring patient safety, and working closely with paediatric teams and other departments across the Trust.

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

I qualified in 2016 and have worked at the Trust ever since. Nursing had always been my dream, but it wasn’t until my youngest child started school that I finally pursued it. Balancing university, placements, and three children was tough, but worth it!

My final placement was on the children’s ward at York Hospital—I loved it so much I never left! From day one, I felt part of a supportive team, and that feeling continues today. Nursing is all about teamwork, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated group.

The Trust values—kindness, openness, and excellence—resonate with me both personally and professionally. I’m incredibly proud of my journey here, especially being offered the ward sister and matron positions. These were huge milestones, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

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

There are so many! Seeing patients I first met as a student grow up, building relationships with long-term families, and even working alongside parents who were inspired to become nurses themselves—these moments make the job truly special.

I’ve also had the privilege of supporting people through incredibly difficult times. Being an advocate for patients and families is an honour, and there’s no other profession like it.

Receiving positive feedback from patients and families is always a highlight. Sharing their kind words with the team reinforces the great work we do and reminds us why we’re here.

What advice would you offer to new team members?

Dream big, take every opportunity to learn and improve, and always strive to be the best version of yourself.

Ward Manager

Say hello to Jade Barnes, Ward Manager at St Monica’s Community Inpatient Unit

Tell us about your role

I lead a small team of nurses and healthcare support workers, caring for up to 12 patients at a time. This includes patients from the acute hospital, from their own homes, and end-of-life patients. My role involves implementing change, monitoring compliance, and driving standards to provide safe and effective care.

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

I’ve worked for our Trust since I qualified as a nurse in 2016, working on different wards, including orthopaedic and elderly, before taking on the role as Ward Manager at St Monica’s. What I enjoy most is the people I work with, so I’m grateful to have worked as part of many different teams, meeting and getting to know more of my colleagues. The ward teams may be on the frontline, but they’re the backbone of the workforce. My experience has shown that if you have a good team on a ward, then there’s improvement in both job satisfaction and patient satisfaction.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

My special moments are the success stories. When you can follow a patient’s journey from the moment they arrive to the point of discharge, witnessing their progress during their time with you. An advantage of a community hospital is that we have a lot of staff who either live locally or have worked here for a long time, so our patients are often known to us. This adds that extra personalised aspect and our patients know we’re genuinely cheering them on as they leave the building, too.

Who is your role model?

My role model, and the reason I am the person I am today, is my mum, Elaine. She’s also a band 7 nurse in the NHS, and we completed our nurse training with only a year between. She inspired both me and my sister to become nurses, and her encouragement and support helped me to follow my aspirations to be where I am now. When I started my nursing career, I wouldn’t have dreamed that within five years I would be band 6 or 7, but I was given the confidence to take every opportunity that was offered. We share so much; the good, the bad, the achievements, the stress. She encourages me and understands it better than anybody else. Her love and support have taught me that nursing’s not just my profession; it’s in my blood.

Associate Chief Operating Officer

Say hello to Liz Hill, Associate Chief Operating Officer.

Tell us about your role

I am Associate Chief Operating Officer for our Trust's Surgery Care Group. This means that I work as part of a team to ensure that our surgical services are delivered for patients safely and effectively. I am responsible for improving services, workforce planning, communicating and engaging with staff, and ensuring that our patients are treated in a timely manner.

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

I have worked at the Trust since 2012, starting out as a management trainee on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. It is cliched but the reason I enjoy working here so much is the people. I have the privilege of working with wonderful teams who are absolutely dedicated to providing the best patient care.

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

In my role I get to support innovation, which really benefits patients directly. An example of this is the development of robotic surgery at the Trust, which has meant patients experience fewer complications, recover quicker, and can go home sooner.

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

There have been many special moments in my career at the Trust but the one that stands out is how we managed to offer patients surgery safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to deliver urgent operations for patients at our local independent sector hospitals to ensure that they could receive their treatment. This was a huge undertaking and needed the support of so many people both within and outside of the Trust.

You are the Co-Chair of our Women's Network, which gives a voice to our female workforce. Why do you think International Women's Day, happening later this week, is important?

80% of our Trust’s workforce is female and this is one of the reasons it is so important to celebrate International Women’s Day, and the contribution that women make to the care of our patients every day. I think it’s more important than ever in 2025; some women face discrimination and bias in their lives and in the workplace. It is crucial that NHS organisations like our Trust work with staff and patients to challenge this so women can feel safe and valued at work, to deliver the best possible care for our patients.

Facilities Supervisor, Malton

Say hello to Jezz Kipling, Facilities Supervisor at Malton Community Hospital.

Tell us about your role

In my day-to-day role I work alongside the estates team, supervising all the facilities staff here at Malton, which includes all the maintenance, cleaning and catering staff. 

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

I started in July 2001, 24 years this year!  I like the community aspect of my role, working alongside our staff, visitors and patients. I like offering support and help to our patients if they need it.

I regard the hospital as the heart of the Ryedale community, it really is a ‘jewel in the crown’. I enjoy working here as it has a unique family feel to it.  I take pride in looking after patients to a high standard, ensuring they have well balanced meals and are well looked after during their hospital stay.

I’m passionate about what the hospital stands for. I used to be the Chairman of the Malton Hospital League of Friends for many years and helped to provide funding for essential hospital equipment.

One aspect I really like is gardening in the grounds.  I organise the hospital planters and tidy the plant beds with my partner.  It makes the grounds look tidy and welcoming; it shows the hospital is cared for.

I’m also well known for my flapjacks and scones, the staff really appreciate them!

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Receiving acknowledgement for my work and job is always special.  I received an award for the York Teaching Hospital Facilities Management’s ‘Employee of the Month’ last year and over my career have received three internal Star Award nominations. This makes you feel appreciated.

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

Mickey Sewell, Catering Manager. He is very supportive in my job role and always gives positive advice and feedback.  He makes us all feel valued – thank you!