#OneTrustOneTeam

Rotational Pharmacist

Say hello to Yvonne Okereke, Rotational Pharmacist

Tell us about your role

Being a rotational pharmacist means that I moved through a number of specialities. I have the opportunity to work in many different areas of the hospital, such as surgery and mental health, supporting patients and wider multidisciplinary teams to ensure medicines are used safely and effectively. A big part of my role involves speaking with patients about their medicines, reviewing prescriptions, and working with nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals to achieve positive outcomes for each patient.

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

I joined the Trust in September 2024. One of the things I value most is the opportunity to develop. Moving through different rotations has challenged me, but it has also allowed me to discover areas of pharmacy that I might not otherwise have experienced.

I also really value the people I work with. Pharmacy is a team profession, and throughout my time at the Trust, I have worked with colleagues who have been willing to teach, support, and encourage me.

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

I don't think I could choose just one person. I have been fortunate to work with pharmacists and colleagues who have influenced different parts of my development.

I particularly admire colleagues who are extremely knowledgeable but still approachable and willing to teach others. Seeing people lead with kindness, remain calm in difficult situations and make time to support junior colleagues has shaped the kind of pharmacist and leader I want to become.

You have recently been elected as the 51st president of the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP). What does this mean to you professionally, and how will you use your election to support the career development of women in pharmacy?

Being elected is an incredible privilege, especially knowing I am part of an organisation with such a long history of championing women in our profession.

Throughout my professional journey, I have benefited enormously from women and colleagues who have encouraged me, opened doors and helped me recognise what I could contribute. That makes this role especially meaningful to me. I want other women, particularly those early in their careers or who may not naturally see themselves represented in leadership, to know there is space for their voices and ideas.

During my presidency, I want to build on the work of those who have led the NAWP before me by creating opportunities for women to connect across different stages and sectors of pharmacy. I hope to encourage mentorship and professional development and ensure we continue meaningful conversations about the barriers women may experience in their careers. Most importantly, I want women to feel confident enough to step forward, take opportunities and recognise that leadership does not have to look just one way.

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

Be curious and ask questions. Some of my biggest learning opportunities have come from asking a question, looking a little deeper or speaking to someone with more experience. I would also say, get involved beyond the immediate boundaries of your role when opportunities arise. Whether that is teaching, joining a project, representing colleagues or simply volunteering to help, those experiences can help you discover strengths and interests you didn't know you had.

Finally, be kind and considerate to the people around you, as healthcare can be demanding, and supportive colleagues make an enormous difference.

Orthopaedic Practitioner Lead

Associate Practitioner in the Cellular Pathology Department

Say hello to Natalie Nequest, Associate Practitioner in the Cellular Pathology Department.

Tell us about your role

My role is to perform a limited range of complex tasks. This includes assisting with dissecting and preparing a patient's tissue for processing. Once it is processed, I then use a microtome to create thin slices of samples called sections, so they are ready to go onto diagnostic slides and be examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

Other areas covered include non-gynae (preparing samples of fresh and fixed fluid and clots for diagnosis), special stains (dyeing slides to show tissue architecture and/or organisms), and immunocytochemistry (using antigen-antibody interaction to give us in-depth knowledge of tissue to assist with classification of tumours and determine a more specific treatment approach).

My job also includes providing support in other areas, such as health and safety, receiving specimens in the specimen reception, and answering the phone for stock orders or theatre colleagues advising about a patient's specimen.

Another part of my job which I enjoy is training new colleagues in various areas, as I have years of experience in my role and my ability to pass on my skills and knowledge to the new staff is valued. While my role covers lots of different areas, the important aspects, such as teamwork, problem-solving, training and development, good working practices, and quality, run through all of them.

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

I have worked at the Trust for 25 years. I started in the Neuropathology Department as a Medical Lab Assistant. I progressed to a Band 2 with extra responsibilities and wanted to progress further. The option to complete an NVQ Level 3 in-house was suggested to me, and I was the first person to do so and learn hands-on at the same time. As my children got older, I successfully applied for a Band 4 post and have been in that position ever since.

I like working for the Trust because my work family is amazingly caring and patient-focused, which is what has kept me working here for so long. I love my job even with all the challenges we face. It is always a learning day. I enjoy working with and training people who have the same focus as me, which is to do a good job and do it right the first time.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

During my long years of service, it’s always been special when I have received acknowledgement from my colleagues for my hard work and for going the extra mile. It’s also been wonderful when I have had the opportunity to celebrate my friends getting new jobs or star awards or when they have retired. 

Do you have a role model at work?

This was one of the easiest questions to answer. There are too many to mention by name in case I forget anyone. The team I work with are all my role models. We support each other and learn from each other and are very patient-focused

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

I would say to anyone wanting to join the Trust, you need to be patient-focused, not afraid of hard work, have a caring nature, be considerate, have a passion for the job and be a team player. If you do all this, you will have as fulfilling a career in the NHS as I have.

Clinical Digital Change Lead

Say hello to Shannon McGovern, Clinical Digital Change Lead for Child Health.

Tell us about your role

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a senior Children's Nurse within the Trust and to have the opportunity to champion and advocate for children, young people and their families.

As Clinical Digital Change Lead, I am part of the Clinical Digital Team within the wider Y&S Digital Team. This is a new and exciting role that enables clinical expertise to be embedded within digital transformation programmes across the Trust. My role is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and digital technology, ensuring that our digital systems are designed with the needs of frontline staff and patients at their heart.

I am particularly passionate about ensuring paediatric services are represented within digital transformation programmes, so that the unique needs of children and young people are reflected in the systems we develop and implement. For paediatric services, this is an exciting step forward. By ensuring strong paediatric representation within the digital team, we are helping to align our services with the wider Trust while delivering digital solutions that enhance patient safety, improve staff experience and ultimately provide better care for children and their families.

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

I qualified as a Registered Children's Nurse in 2011 and, after spending the early part of my career working in paediatric services at Addenbrooke's and Leeds Children's Hospital, I joined the Trust in 2015 to pursue a career in nurse education as the Clinical Educator for Paediatrics. More recently, I have taken on the role of Clinical Digital Change Lead, supporting the digital transformation of paediatric services.

Over the past 10 years at the Trust, I have had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible colleagues and have made lifelong friendships. What I value most about working here is the shared commitment of our teams to championing and advocating for children, young people, and their families. Everyone works with the same purpose: to provide the highest quality care and continually improve the services we deliver. The Trust has also provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, develop new skills, and contribute to exciting transformation projects.

Tell us about a special moment you’ve experienced at work

Over my 10 years at the Trust, I have been fortunate to be involved in many exciting and rewarding transformation projects that have had a positive impact on patients, their families, and our staff.

One of the most special moments in my career was being part of the implementation of the new Nervecentre electronic patient record (EPR) across the Trust. This was one of the biggest transformations paediatric services have undertaken and introduced a wide range of digital improvements. It was a privilege to work collaboratively across multiple teams to bring this transformation to fruition. Seeing months of planning, engagement and hard work translate into a successful implementation was incredibly rewarding. Being part of such a significant change reinforced the importance of teamwork, collaboration and innovation, and it is a moment I am particularly proud to have been involved in during my career.

We celebrated the first National Children’s Nurses Day this week. Why would you encourage others to pursue a career in children’s nursing?

I would encourage anyone to pursue a career in children’s nursing because it is one of the most rewarding professions. Children's nurses have the privilege of caring for children and young people as some the most vulnerable times in their lives, while also supporting their families through often challenging experiences.

No two days are the same. The role is incredibly varied, offering opportunities to work across a range of specialists and teams, develop new skills, and continually learn and develop. It is a career that combines clinical expertise with compassion, communication and advocacy, ensuring that every child receives safe, high-quality, family-centred care. What makes children's nursing particularly special is the difference you can make.

Whether it's helping a child recover from illness, providing reassurance to anxious parents, or simply bringing a smile during a difficult hospital stay, even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact. I feel incredibly proud to be part of a profession that makes such a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families every day.

Consultant Endocrinologist

Say hello to David Humphriss, Consultant Endocrinologist in Scarborough and Chairman of Trustees for Hospital Arts for North-East Yorkshire.

Tell us about your role 

I’m a Consultant Physician in General Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology. Alongside my colleagues, I support the medical on-call rota, care for medical inpatients, and run specialist outpatient clinics for people with diabetes and other endocrine conditions. We also work closely with our specialist diabetes nursing team to provide expert inpatient care.

Alongside clinical work, I contribute to a number of additional roles - serving on committees, acting as an appraiser, and providing educational supervision for resident doctors in training. I’m also Course Director for the Scarborough Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course and a staff-side member of the BMA Local Negotiating Committee.

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

I qualified in Medicine in Liverpool in 1985, and this year marks my 40th year working in the NHS. I came to Scarborough as a consultant in 1996, so in April 2026 I’ll be celebrating 30 years here. When I first arrived, the Scarborough North East Yorkshire Healthcare Trust was still very new, and the merger with York didn’t take place until 2012. Scarborough is an incredibly friendly place, and the hospital has always worked hard to provide good healthcare for our local community - and for the many visitors who come to the area each year.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

There are lots of ways I could answer this. Professionally, when I arrived in 1996 the diabetes team was involved in the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which went on to shape how Type 2 Diabetes is managed worldwide. A few years later, Scarborough became one of the founding members of the DAFNE collaborative, adapting a successful German education programme that now underpins modern Type 1 Diabetes care, particularly around matching insulin to food.

On a personal level, I’ve been very happy living in rural North Yorkshire. Scarborough is where I met my wife, got married and raised our two children, who are now grown up. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve also enjoyed contributing to the wider hospital community, including founding the Hospital Art Project, HAFNEY (Hospital Arts for North East Yorkshire), to help make our spaces more welcoming for everyone.

Can you tell us more about HAFNEY, its importance and the work it does?

HAFNEY is a registered charity, guided by trustees from the local arts community, hospital staff and patients. The idea goes back to my time as a medical student at the newly built Royal Liverpool Hospital. A consultant surgeon there, John McFarland, had a real passion for the arts and strong links with the Liverpool Arts School. His training years overlapped with people like John Lennon, Stuart Sutcliffe and the Liverpool Poets, and when the Royal Liverpool was built with long, bare corridors, he drew on those contacts to fill the space with murals and artwork - something that really stayed with me. I later trained in Newcastle, where art was visible, but when I arrived in Scarborough there was very little. I’d also become interested in evidence-based hospital design, and there’s now good evidence that thoughtful design and engaging art can aid recovery. 

When I was co-opted onto the liaison group for the Holly, Ash and Willow wards, I asked whether the new build would align with the Trust’s art strategy - knowing there wasn’t one. The architects confidently said it would, because design and art mattered. That conversation prompted me to set up a hospital arts group and, in 2002, register HAFNEY as a charity. 

Before the Trust merger, York Hospital was also exploring an arts project, and HAFNEY was able to share advice and support. From the outset, I knew no artwork would be universally liked - but that isn’t the point. Art sparks conversation - brings the outside world into the hospital and helps make our spaces feel more human. 

Over the years, we’ve built a varied collection of paintings, ceramics, photography, glass and sculpture, alongside artist residencies where people worked with staff and local schools to create pieces for particular areas. Scarborough Hospital welcomes more visitors each year than many regional galleries, which helped us secure early external funding and develop a collection featuring both local and national artists. 

The trustees still support the Trust’s Art Coordinator, and the project’s impact was recently recognised when York hosted the annual National Arts in Hospitals Network conference. Looking ahead, we’d love to welcome one or two younger staff or arts community members to help carry HAFNEY forward - and I’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested.

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

My grandfather used to say, “look after yourself because nobody else will.” I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but I do think a sensible work-life balance matters, or you’ll burn out. One question I’ve found really helpful is: “What do we normally do in these circumstances?” The Trust is full of knowledgeable people, and if you don’t know the answer, someone nearby will. Know your limits - and if in doubt, ask.

Programme Manager

Say hello to Jamie Baxter, Programme Manager

Tell us about your role

I am a programme manager working in the Programme Management Office based at York Hospital. I work on priority programmes that support our Trust strategy so they are focused on specific outputs and therefore are generally for set periods of time.

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

I have been at the Trust for nearly three years and I came here straight from the Army. My last military job was in York and my family really loved being here so we decided to settle down and make this the last (for now!) of 15 moves that we have had. The great thing about my work is the variety of projects and programmes which is giving me a real insight into the workings of the Trust, from Board level all the way to operational delivery.

Any special moments that you’ve experienced at work?

I have been involved in a number of capital projects in my time here and they are often complex and can be frustrating in some ways. What makes all of that worthwhile is taking clinical and operational staff to show them a new facility and feeling the excitement when they see a brand new, modern and well-equipped environment. We know that we are making a difference to people's working lives by providing a suitable working environment and that will translate into better patient care.

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

When I was transitioning from the Army to civilian life and deciding on my career options, it was clear to me that I needed something with a moral purpose. This organisation gives me that and the work that we do is a real inspiration. When you talk to colleagues - domestic, operational and clinical - who are dedicated to providing the best service that they can, it is a real motivation and the best type of role modelling. I would not say I had a specific role model, but the NHS and this Trust and its people make coming to work easier and are a real incentive to do the best work for colleagues and patients.

It’s Armed Forces Day this Saturday, and as well as your day-to-day job, you also chair the Trust’s Veterans’ Network. As some who has served in the Army, what does the day mean to you, and how does the network support colleagues who have served their country?

Ex-Military staff bring a huge amount to the Trust and are hugely valued so I want to raise their profile and allow them the recognition but also - while working for the Trust is really satisfying - there are aspects of military life that many veterans miss, so I want to provide some of that through the Network. Armed Forces Day is a key date in the national calendar and allows to celebrate the great work that the Armed Services do, and recognise the contribution that veterans have made and continue to make, especially in the NHS.

Catering Retail Supervisor

Say hello to Jenny Hammond, Catering Retail Supervisor.

Tell us about your role

I am based in Ellerby’s, which is the restaurant and coffee shop at York Hospital. It’s open to patients, colleagues, and hospital visitors, so as you can imagine, it’s a busy place to work. As a supervisor, I’m there to ensure the smooth running of the service for all our customers. We open at 7am, so I go around with a checklist to make sure we are ready for the breakfast rush, then again for lunch. I support my colleagues while it’s busy, and I’m always happy to jump on a till to keep the queues moving. As a supervisor, you have to have eyes everywhere and ensure the shift goes smoothly.

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

I joined in June 2017, and my background is in hotel and retail catering. I love seeing our customers happy, and I do try to make Ellerby’s a happy place to work for my colleagues. Great customer service is a passion of mine, and it’s really rewarding when I can see everything running smoothly, and Ellerby’s is full of people enjoying their meals.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I recently received a colleague commendation, and the citation reads: “I put in a late minute request for catering from Ellerby's for a retirement party, and had a couple of things to check. Jenny was very helpful and on hand if I had a query. I can't thank her enough for her help and advice on the catering. Everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time at the party. Thank you so much again for all your help, Jenny.”

Today is also National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day, when we celebrate the contribution that estates and facilities teams all across the country make to their organisations. So, it’s always really lovely to realise how much your efforts are appreciated by the people you help.

Who is your role model at the Trust and why?

My current manager, Marta Kupinska, who always helps me to go above and beyond. She takes the time to offer support when I need it, and she shares her wisdom with me! I also very much miss Liz Higginson, a former colleague, who was able to get the best out of me and show me how I could improve the way I do my job.

The catering department in York Hospital has recently received 5 stars from an Environmental Health Officer audit. What does this achievement mean to you?

Knowing that all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes has paid off gives me a great deal of job satisfaction. Everyone in the team works hard to make sure that the restaurant is clean and tidy for service, and, as a supervisor, it’s my responsibility to make sure we always comply with environmental health standards.

Say hello to Joe Hague, our Trust's new Chief Nurse, who joined us earlier this month.

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

I’d always wanted to do something helping people, but had never really been sure through my teenage years what that might be. A teacher at school had suggested nursing and it felt right. I chose London as my training destination and had my first placement on a care of the elderly ward at St Thomas’ Hospital. This was where I first learned the basics of caring for people and saw the impact that nursing could have.

What are you looking forward to at our Trust?

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the whole organisation and the people working here. I’m excited to see how we can collaborate to make a difference for the local communities we look after.

We’ve just had International Nurses Day, which recognises the work of nurses across the globe. What does a great nurse look like to you?

A great nurse for me is someone who really cares and understands what a privilege it is to be a nurse; recognising the importance of being kind and compassionate in the delivery of care and making that care specific to the needs of that individual and their loved ones – understanding what’s important to them. Equally important is working collectively as a team and showing that same level of care to each other.

How can Trust colleagues help you settle in and succeed in your new role?

Being open and honest with me will really help me learn and understand our organisation. I want to know the true picture of how it really is, what working and caring for our patients really looks like for you when you’re at work. I want to understand the brilliance that is out there but also where we need to improve and what our challenges are.

Is there a message you’d like to share with your new colleagues?

Having a psychologically safe environment is really important to me. Creating that kind of space relies on honesty and integrity, where people feel confident to raise concerns, speak up, and know they will be listened to. In large organisations, this culture doesn’t always happen naturally, so it’s important that we work together to build and maintain it.

And finally, tell us what you like to get up to when you’re not at work

Family time and self! I love travelling and exploring and try to pair this with my down time. Rest and relaxation are really important to managing my own wellbeing and mental health, as is spending time with my family. I often combine the two, and these two things really help ground me and keep me focused on what matters.

Registered Dental Nurse

Say hello to Sam Frazer, Registered Dental Nurse

Tell us about your role

As a dental nurse, my role includes assisting the clinicians by providing safe, comfortable, and efficient care across numerous different specialties within the dental field. Areas in which I assist are in restorative and oral rehabilitation, orthodontics, surgical procedures in theatres and chairside, Maxillofacial, and rehabilitation of head and neck oncology patients. This includes preparation of the area, instruments, and materials, assisting during the procedures, and supporting our patients.

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

I have worked at our Trust for a little over a year. I used to work in general practice, and I have found that being a dental nurse in a hospital environment to be more stimulating and insightful. I like working here because I can help patients in need of specialist care and more complex treatments, while working alongside brilliant consultants and clinicians and learning about the intricate procedures our patients may require. I am very proud to be a part of this amazing team.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

A special time I remember is helping the Dental Nurse Team implement the intraoral scanner. Since I had worked in general practice, I'd previously had training with several different scanners; however, this was new to some of the team at the hospital. Being new to a workplace can be difficult, and this gave me a chance to showcase my skills to the team. I was happy that I could contribute and help the team with this training.

Who is your role model at the Trust and why?

I admire the entire team of dental nurses. They all have such vast knowledge of the Trust and the treatments. We are a relatively small team with around 12 dental nurses, but each one has been so helpful and welcoming to me in my first year of adjusting to the hospital environment. They are all amazing!

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

Being a newer team member myself, I'd say the Trust seems like such a big place to get your head around, but after working here for a bit, the enormity seems to shrink down, and you realise that it's not so overwhelming after all. One last piece of advice in honour of National Smile Month (11 May-11 June) is to make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth at least once a day with either floss or interdental brushes. Keep smiling!