#OneTrustOneTeam

Specialist Sexual Health Nurse, YorSexual Health

Say hello to Tanya Qualter, Specialist Sexual Health Nurse at YorSexual Health.

Tell us about your role

At YorSexual Health we provide a wide range of public health services related to sexual health, from contraception services to advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In a typical day on a clinic, whether it is walk-in or drop-in, I fit coils, take smear tests, and provide contraceptive advice, which often requires me to fit implants. I also investigate various issues or discomfort patients are experiencing; we have a lab onsite, so we can diagnose and prescribe all in one appointment for certain infections. I also travel to work at various clinics across North Yorkshire – Harrogate, Northallerton, Malton, Selby and Scarborough. I provide routine and emergency care.

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

I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, beginning my training in 1984 at the York School of Nursing under Mr Darley, based at York Hospital, where the current admin block now stands. My first role was caring for elderly patients at the city hospital, now the site of the social club off Haxby Road. I then spent some time as a midwife at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which I thoroughly enjoyed, before returning to York to work as a midwife for 14 years. For the past 20+ years, I’ve focused on sexual health. I love this role more than any other I’ve had because it allows me to care for the 'whole person' through holistic practice. Sexual health is important and can be a sensitive subject, so it’s essential we get it right, as it can impact other areas of a patient’s health. I strive to reassure patients, help them feel relaxed, and provide non-judgmental support. One of my favourite aspects is running drop-in smear clinics for my colleagues at York Hospital who find it difficult to get appointments at Monkgate – a service that has been very successful.

Do you have a role model at the Trust?

I work with the best team; they are like-minded and all have patient care at the top of their agenda. Our receptionists are fantastic, as are my colleagues who book appointments for patients - they set the scene and are very kind. They all encompass Trust values.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community. I feel they have so many barriers to cross and I have met so many wonderful people. Our patients also say we offer a positive compassionate experience, so that’s great to hear. I also love being known as a ‘coil queen’! It’s a big deal for some women to get one fitted, so I do my best to make all my patients comfortable. The overall care of a patient is very important to me.

I’d like to stress to anyone reading this who is worried or has any concerns about their sexual health: please get in touch. For more details on this service, visit www.YorSexualHealth.org.uk.

Emergency Planning Manager

Say hello to Coral Ritchie, our Trust's Emergency Planning Manager.

Tell us about your role

My main responsibility is to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans to ensure that our critical services can still run if there's ever a disruption. This involves making sure our hospitals are equipped to respond effectively to various emergencies, including power outages, loss of equipment, and unexpected operational disruptions. Being prepared is the key, and I coordinate with different departments to participate in regular training sessions and drills, enhancing colleague readiness and resilience.

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

I have been with the Trust for almost five years and have had the pleasure of meeting some truly remarkable individuals. In my two roles here, I have been fortunate to engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, gaining invaluable insights and experiences. Emergency planning, in particular, is incredibly dynamic and ensures that there's never a dull moment!

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

The training and exercise components of my role stand out, especially during the opening of the new emergency department in York, where I supported staff through large-scale simulations which included a lot of role-playing and fake blood! I also supported similar exercises at the local army barracks with colleagues from both York and Scarborough emergency departments, which was extremely fun and rewarding; especially seeing how much colleagues take away from such events.

Who's your role model at our Trust?

We are a small, dedicated team of three in emergency planning, and every day I am inspired by the passion and commitment my other colleagues bring to their roles. Their relentless efforts to elevate the importance of emergency planning within the Trust are truly commendable. They consistently go above and beyond, ensuring that we are always prepared for any unforeseen challenges. Their dedication not only enhances our department, but also significantly contributes to the overall safety and resilience of our organisation. I am grateful to be part of such an excellent team.

Consultant Intensivist and Associate Medical Director

Say hello to Dr Phil Dickinson, a Consultant Intensivist and Associate Medical Director at the Trust

Tell us about your role

I look after some of our sickest patients in intensive care - providing life support, leading the team, and coordinating the input of any specialist teams that need to be involved. I also wear a couple of other hats: I’m an Associate Medical Director for the Trust, working on several projects, including how we support our colleagues to improve the services they work in (quality improvement) and how we recruit and retain the very best medical staff in our organisation. I am also the clinical lead for SHARC, the Scarborough Health and Care Research Collaborative. This involves working on research to make sure the unique health needs of our coastal communities are properly understood, and tackling health inequalities affecting the core 20% most deprived communities and those in inclusion groups.

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

I’ve been at the Trust for 11 years now, and I love living at working in Scarborough - it gives me the perfect mix of diverse clinical work (our geography means a real variety of cases present to Scarborough, some of which would go straight to a tertiary centre in more urban areas) and a great quality of life. Outside the hospital, I live on a working smallholding with my wife, family… and a menagerie of animals, including a small herd of alpacas (always a good conversation starter!). My happy place is on my tractor, out for a trail run on the moors, or on my bike in Dalby forest, switching off from the intensity of work.

Have you experienced any special moments at work?

One of the highlights of my career so far has been helping design and then open the new UECC at Scarborough earlier this year. I’m especially proud of the Enhanced Care Unit, which has raised the bar for patient care and is now inspiring change across our sites. But honestly, what makes me proudest is the team I work with. When passionate people come together with a shared vision, you can achieve something really extraordinary.

Do you have any advice for new colleagues at our Trust?

To be the best we can be, we need your fresh eyes on our organisation. If you see things that you know can be done better, tell someone and help us improve the services for the benefit of all our staff and patients. We are aspiring to be excellent, and we need to look outside (as well as inside) for ideas. Those with experience from other Trusts (or outside the NHS) can really help us with this.

Domestic Assistant, York Hospital

Say hello to Jane Thompson, Domestic Assistant at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

The main part of my role as a domestic assistant is ensuring all the areas I’m responsible for are clean and safe for patients, visitors, and colleagues.

I start the day early by cleaning the car park area. Most people would be surprised to read it's someone’s job to clean the car park – but that’s my role!

I make sure the lifts and stairs are clean and litter free, ready for car park users. It’s the first area some patients and visitors see, so it’s very important to have a good first impression. I also do the security office in the car park building, then I transfer to Ward 15, which is a big ward and keeps me busy for the rest of the day. I clean all the areas in the bays and toilets.

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

I have worked at the Trust for 11 years. I used to be a receptionist at Nestlé, so I’m a people’s person. I love meeting the patients on Ward 15, who are mostly on the ward long-term, waiting to be transferred into care. I like to look my best too for patients while I work - I’m known as the ‘glamourous cleaner’!

As I work on the ward through the week, I make sure each patient gets a smile and a hello. I also try and chat to those who want to talk while I am working; people may recognise me with a mop in my hand chatting away to patients! I have met so many patients and families, it’s hard not to care for those who are in our hospital. I love talking to them and hearing their interesting stories – you get to learn about so much!

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I was visiting my local Tesco and a person came up to me and thanked me for all the care I had showed their loved one. The lady said seeing me had been an ‘answer to her prayers’ as she had been thinking about the lasting impression I had made on the family.

She didn’t think an opportunity would ever come along to thank me, but she did… in a supermarket car park! I thought that was so lovely - being remembered for making a difference.

Who's your role model at our Trust?

I think all the cleaners who work at our Trust hospitals are stars and genuinely make a difference day in, day out. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes that gets unnoticed. Just think about how important our job was throughout the pandemic.

Without domestic assistants, the hospitals couldn’t open, so we do a very important job. My manager, Lindsey O’Donovan, also springs to mind. Funny enough, I trained her when Lindsey started as a domestic assistant. She’s terrific, I can go to her about anything. The sisters on the ward are also lovely and make my job a pleasure.

Junior Medical Engineer

Say hello to Ben Ives, Junior Medical Engineer

Tell us about your role

I support the maintenance of medical devices and equipment, which involves assisting with testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and safety standards. Our team improves the reliability and performance of medical devices used in patient care. It’s a role that combines technical skills with a focus on healthcare impact, and I’m continually learning about both engineering principles and the unique challenges of the medical field.

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

I’ve worked at the Trust for four years. What I really appreciate about working here is the strong sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do directly supports patient care. I’ve had the opportunity to grow both technically and professionally, and the team environment is very supportive. There’s a real focus on continuous improvement and innovation, which makes it an inspiring place to work.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

One special moment that stands out for me was when I was nominated for a colleague recognition award. It was for going above and beyond to supply equipment to the community team at Easingwold, after I had finished my shift. They needed the equipment for a community patient urgently, and I knew how important it was to get it to them on time. It felt great to be recognised for stepping up and supporting patient care, even outside of normal hours. Moments like that remind me why I’m proud to work for the Trust.

Do you have a role model at our Trust?

Edward Hewitt and Daniel Brown in the Medical Engineering department have been incredibly supportive throughout my training. They’ve always been patient, approachable, and willing to share their knowledge, which has made a big difference in my development.

Darren Carmichael, my manager, has also played a key role in helping me transition from the equipment library to my current role in medical engineering. His guidance and trust in my abilities have really helped me build confidence and grow professionally.

Play Leader

Say hello to Tracey Cleminson, Play Leader at Scarborough Hospital

Tell us about your role

I plan and provide play activities on Rainbow Ward at Scarborough Hospital for all children who visit, including inpatients, siblings, and outpatients. We have a fantastic playroom, which we set up with toys and activities. It can be daunting and scary for children to come into hospital, so we aim to make it better for them through play, and then, hopefully, they will remember it as a happy experience. I also deliver specialised play to children with needle phobia, working with them on their fears and helping them feel more relaxed about blood tests.

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

I have worked in our Trust for 36 years. I love my job and the team that I work with. I am now seeing children who used to come into hospital when they were younger coming in with their children, which is lovely, especially when they say they remember me.

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

The hospital is a different environment from a lot of other workplaces, and, at first, it might seem daunting, but you must persevere as the job is so rewarding. The team on Rainbow Ward are fantastic and we all work closely together as a team. I always try to make new starters feel welcome and help them wherever I can.

It’s PlayDay today (6 August). Could you tell us a bit about the importance of play in hospital?

Play is vital, especially in hospitals, as it helps to make a scary experience a happier one. The playroom is a safe space for the children to play in – it’s somewhere where no medical interventions take place and they have access to toys, arts and crafts, games, tablets, and more.

Through preparation and play therapy, we can usually get the child to cooperate and have successful outcomes for procedures. A lot of our work is providing distraction for children having blood tests. It is important for us to be there, as we have usually already built up a rapport with the child. We use items such as bubbles and books to distract the child, and they are then more relaxed, so the doctors can do their job, and the experience is better for everyone.

Tell us about a time you’ve felt proud to be in your role

When children are booked to have an appointment for an MRI, they come to see me before their slot. I go through what is going to happen and show them an MRI machine Lego model. This helps the child to understand how the machine works and what happens during and after their scan. I then show a short film about the MRI and play the noises it makes. We practice with the headphones used to block the noise and do a mock MRI with a bed and a soft play circle. The child then drives our battery-operated car all the way to the MRI.

It is a fantastic feeling when the child can go into the machine and have a successful scan. This has proved to be a positive experience for children, and I have got children as young as three years old through their scans. When an audit was carried out on MRIs, my monthly success rate was 96-98%, which I am so proud of.

Say hello to Kim Hartnett, Bereavement Midwife at Scarborough Hospital

Kim is also soon to be our new cross-site Bereavement Lead Midwife, supporting families at both Scarborough and York.

Tell us about your role

I support bereaved parents and their families following the loss of a baby during pregnancy or infancy. This includes helping with physical recovery, emotional support, and guiding them through the legal and practical aspects of their loss. I work closely with labour ward, screening, and community midwives, as well as bereavement services, the hospital chaplain, funeral directors, and mortuary staff.

A big part of my role is continuity of care, especially for families experiencing another pregnancy after loss, often referred to as a ‘Rainbow baby’. I also organise two important remembrance events each year: a June service, now in its 32nd year, and a candle-lighting ceremony on Scarborough’s North Bay beach during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

I’ve been providing bereavement support for 10 years, driven by my personal experiences, where I know the difference that high-quality, compassionate care can make.

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

I’ve worked in the Trust for 23 years, starting as a cadet nurse in 2002 when I was just 16. I always knew I wanted to be a midwife, but trained as a nurse first, qualifying in 2009. I then completed my midwifery training in 2015.

From my early days as a newly qualified midwife, I began building bereavement packs. This was the first step in what has become a deeply meaningful career. I’ve spent the past seven years balancing community midwifery with bereavement work, and I’m proud to now be stepping into this new full-time role. There’s such a need for this service, and I’m passionate about helping it grow. If we can reach a five-day service at both Scarborough and York, that would be amazing.

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

I delivered two baby boys (brothers) two years apart, one sadly stillbirth and one livebirth. Seeing those parents take their baby home after such a journey was really special. Being at both sons’ births and being able to support them through their whole journey made such a difference to them, and I felt privileged to be part of it.

Another special moment was welcoming my niece, Rey, into the world. My sister experienced a very traumatic pregnancy, and we were told Rey would not survive till term. Rey is nearly three now and in perfect health – she is our miracle baby. I’m so grateful I was able to support my sister and her partner through their journey.

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

I have so much respect for the labour ward coordinators - they’re all brilliant! If I had to choose just one role model, it would be Sue Finnigan, Antenatal Clinic Midwife. She has always gone above and beyond for the women and families in her care, and she’s inspired me throughout my career.

What would you say to new colleagues at our Trust?

It's hard work but very rewarding, I could not imagine working anywhere else. I have dedicated all my working life to the NHS.

Matron for Workforce and Education

Say hello to Vicky Angell, Matron for Workforce and Education

Tell us about your role

I feel very fortunate to be a senior member of a team that supports so many staff who care for patients. In April, several work streams involved in non-medical education and training came together to form a new, unified team, now known as the Practice Development and Education Team (PDET).

Our priority is to provide a structured and standardised approach to education and training for our staff. This includes supporting students and colleagues as we deliver on our key priorities, helping individuals to develop competence and confidence in their roles. I'm proud to have contributed to building a fantastic, supportive team who will be visible on our wards and in departments.

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

I joined the Trust as a student nurse in 1994 and qualified in 1997. I started my career in orthopaedics, working across both elective and trauma. I loved working in this field of practice and how it enabled me to collaborate closely with other professions, developing my understanding of the value of multiprofessional working.

For the last eight years, I have worked on the corporate side of nursing, leading various projects and training initiatives - most notably the Trust’s preceptorship programme, which supports newly qualified nurses as they transition from student roles. Watching their careers thrive on the wards gives me immense pride.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

I feel my job is such a privilege. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness newly registered nurses grow from feeling nervous and, at times, overwhelmed on their very first shift to, just a year later, thriving with skill, confidence, and professionalism on the wards. Many have even progressed into senior nursing roles, and it’s been a privilege to be part of that journey.

It’s fantastic to witness their transformation and is one of my career highlights. It’s amazing to work as part of a team that has been able to help individuals begin their nursing journeys in the NHS.

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

I am fortuitous to have worked with so many inspiring people over my career. I have witnessed the way they have cared for patients, developed colleagues, and strived to do the best they can. My line managers, peers, and colleagues have taken time to support me and I believe have shaped the nurse I have become. If I was to mention one person, it would be our Lead Nurse for Medicines Management, Jennie Booth. Jennie, I feel, epitomises Trust values, always taking time to listen to and support others.

Autism Liaison Practitioner

Say hello to Alex Manson, Autism Liaison Practitioner.

Tell us about your role

I offer holistic support and guidance for autistic and neurodivergent patients of all ages, so that they have exactly the same access to care as everyone else using our services.

I don’t diagnose patients and as a service we are not diagnosis-led, but I work to make sure that reasonable adjustments are made to the care environment, and that carers and families receive advice and support too.

I also work closely with clinical colleagues across the Trust, signposting them to training about autism that is available, and letting them know that the Autism Liaison Service is always on hand to offer guidance on best practice. My hope is that as a service we can improve the experience of patients and instil a willingness to learn from each other.

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

I have been working at York Hospital for three years. Since joining, I have truly come to appreciate the hardworking and supportive people I work both directly and indirectly with. This is both beneficial for day-to-day practice, but also when it comes to my own professional development. I feel valued as a member staff, which is motivating and inspiring for my ongoing growth.

Have you experienced any special moments?

It’s hard to pick one example. Hearing positive feedback from patients about the adjustments that the service can make never gets old. For example, a colleague recently arranged for a patient’s appointment with a consultant to take place outside in the car park at Scarborough Hospital, due to their complex sensory needs. Small changes can have such a significant impact on a person’s experience at our hospitals.

Do you have any role models at our Trust?

I want to give a shout out to the Complex Needs Team, which is full of hardworking and personable colleagues that have welcomed me with open arms. They are on hand to provide specialist advice and support for patients with a wide and diverse range of needs, and live the Trust values in every aspect of their work.