Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

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

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

Senior Phlebotomist

Maintenance Worker, Scarborough Hospital

Hi, I'm Tom Allen, a Maintenance Worker who specialises in plumbing with Scarborough Hospital's Estates Department.

Tell us about your role

I'm currently in my second year at York College, studying for a plumbing apprenticeship. I manage a mix of routine maintenance and urgent repairs, such as fixing blocked toilets and leaking taps. I enjoy knowing my work contributes to a more comfortable stay for patients and a better environment for staff.

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

Since joining the NHS 17 years ago, I have held various roles up to this one, in catering and portering. What I love about my job is I’m always learning something new.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I received the titles of ‘Employee of the Month’ and ‘Most Informative Apprentice’ in our internal awards. As part of my apprenticeship, I go into schools and talk about different career routes. I was recently thanked by a teacher for sparking interest in a few pupils. I share information about NHS career opportunities, highlighting the many support roles beyond clinical positions, children are staggered it’s not just doctors and nurses who work in hospitals. It’s nice to know you might have inspired someone to join the NHS, some of the pupils had never considered our apprenticeship route as a way of entering a trade.

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

My role models are the people who have helped me get where I am today – they have all been fantastic. I credit my journey to the support of my line manager, supervisor, and apprentice team. Thank you all.

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

I’m passionate about mental health. As a Facilitator for Andy’s Man Club, a national men’s mental health charity, I co-host free sessions every Monday at Scarborough Library. Having lost two friends to suicide, one of who was a colleague, I am committed to supporting others, and encouraging any man who needs help to come along.

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.