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!

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