York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Araziah smiling for the camera while wearing her yellow 'Hello my name is' NHS badge.

Tessy working in majors at York Hospital's emergency department.

Bronwyn at work next to an x-ray machine.

Eve Odiwe, Practice Education Facilitator, in her work uniform.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator

Hello, I'm Azariah Smith, the Trust's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator.

Tell us about your role

I support anyone with a protected characteristic, such as a physical disability, or who could be limited by healthcare inequalities, to use our services in the same way as everyone else. Much of my role is helping colleagues improve things, whether it's easy-read letters, sensory needs, or clear language.

What makes your role special?

As a wheelchair user, I have learnt that the attitudes of people are just as important as the support in place to help people. My role allows me to change perceptions, create inclusive environments, and be the voice for those who may not have one. It might not seem like much, but someone advocating for you gives people so much confidence.

I was able to show a blind gentleman and his carer the new dog spending area that has been created at York Hospital, and their excitement was overwhelming. I finished that day feeling amazing, and that I had improved the experience of two people and one dog!

You are part of the Trust's Enable Staff Network which is supporting #DisabilityHistoryMonth. Why is this important to you?

The month highlights the disabled people before us who fought for disabled rights: rights to travel on public transport, to work, even just to enter a building. This year’s theme is Disability and Livelihood, and through our ENABLE staff network we know the future is accessible, and we are putting in the work to help that happen.

HCA, York Hospital

Hello, I'm Theresa Justine-Bisong, but I like to be called Tessy or Tess. I am a healthcare assistant in the emergency department at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I am a healthcare worker who prides herself in administering bespoke care to patients who come into the unit. I also assist both nurses and doctors in carrying out some clinical tasks all aimed at improving the health of the people I look after.

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

I have been in the trust since May this year and I have loved it every step of the way. I have acquired a lot of clinical skills which have boosted my confidence in the role and propelled my desire for nursing.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

Every day at work is a blessing for me especially because I am confident of the impact I make and the smile I put on the faces of both patients and my colleagues. No two days are the same but my passion for the job keeps me going and at the end of the day my gratitude is 100%.

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

I have been blessed to have a phenomenal team in the emergency department and everyone from the Matron to the healthcare assistants have been supportive. I couldn't have asked for a better team.

Radiographer, York and Selby

Hello, I'm Bronwyn Wood, a Radiographer based at York and Selby. The department has over 300 staff and I am one of 139 qualified radiographers.

Tell us about your role

I take X-rays in various locations across the Trust. In any one day, I work with inpatients, on A&E, or go to a ward or theatre to take X-rays. Radiographers go to a wide range of clinical areas.

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

I graduated with a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography in 2023, so this is my first radiographer post. I love my role as it involves the first part of a patient’s journey, and often our images provide the patients’ diagnoses.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I have a lot of them. Over the past year, I completed my first year as a newly qualified radiographer. Occasionally, we get thanked by reporting radiographers for spotting something subtle - it’s a good feeling to know your attention to detail has helped. Making a difference is a big part of what we do, and I think this will always be the best part of what I do.

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

I have been incredibly well-supported by all my colleagues across the Trust, it really is a nice place to work. I am in the last month of finishing my Preceptorship programme, which supports clinical staff just starting their NHS careers. I am inspired by all of my colleagues, whether it is their communication or knowledge, I look up to everyone I work with.

Practice Education Facilitator, York Hospital

Hello, I'm Eve Odiwe, Practice Education Facilitator at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I am responsible for ensuring our non-medical undergraduate students have a safe and effective practice learning environment when they're on placement with our Trust.

This includes making sure our nurses have the training they need to develop their clinical practice skills and progress their careers. I signpost to learning and development opportunities and support them when they are studying on a placement at the hospital, making sure the placement is right for them.

I work closely with local universities such as York St John University. My role is essentially about helping nurses to fulfil their potential.

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

Three years and four months. I first worked as an Adult Nurse then applied for this job because I am passionate about inspiring and educating others. I've been in my current role for 18 months.

I love seeing students and newly qualified nurses thrive. It is so rewarding when they fulfil their potential and progress well, especially as this promotes great patient care.

I also believe there is also room for me to grow professionally and progress my own career and skills. The team I work in is very supportive and I feel that I can develop at this Trust.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

When I receive feedback from my colleagues saying that I’m doing a good job, and people thank me for helping to make a difference. For example, I have presented in front of a room full of my peers, which was very nerve-wracking, but they gave me a round of applause at the end. That meant a lot and gave me the confidence to do more presenting and speaking.

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

My Ward Sister was fantastic when I joined the Trust. Moving to a new country and starting a new job in a new place was a lot to take on in one go, and she was extremely supportive. I hope that I have been able to model this kind of supportive behaviour and attitude for the people I work with now.

You have supported the Trust's work to mark this year's #BlackHistoryMonth. Why was that important to you?

I come from the eastern part of Nigeria, and I will always value and be proud of my country’s culture and values. I saw Black History Month as an avenue to share these values with others across the Trust, and to share my experiences of coming to the UK and beginning my career in the NHS. Relocating to the UK has been very rewarding, and I hope others find it just as rewarding as I have.