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Welcome to the March UHNM Charity Newsletter!

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Welcome to the UHNM Charity Newsletter!

Here's what we and our supporters have been up to this March!

UHNM Charity Champions 2024

Colleagues from across UHNM came together on Friday evening to celebrate the amazing achievements of UHNM Charity’s fundraisers at a special ‘UHNM Charity Champions’ event.

Over 150 awards were handed out to fundraisers including individuals, local businesses and community groups at a ceremony held at the Double Tree by Hilton.

As well as hearing some of the fundraiser’s stories, there was also chance to see where their money has been spent for the improvement of patient care and experience across UHNM. Watch the video>

London Landmarks Half Marathon 2024: Team UHNM to tackle iconic course for UHNM Charity

There's just over a week to go until ten members of staff from UHNM are set to tackle the London Landmarks Half Marathon in a bid to raise vital funds for UHNM Charity.

A team of both clinical and non-clinical staff are lining up together on Sunday 7 April to help UHNM Charity improve patient care and experience at the Royal Stoke and County hospitals.

Directors, surgeons, nurses and sisters will be lacing up their trainers along with a biochemist, healthcare assistant, porter and secretary to race 13.1 miles through central London alongside 19,000 other runners. Visit our website and help support your colleagues. Read more>

Family and friends of cancer patient raise £3,000 in his memory

The family and friends of a cancer patient have donated over £3,000 to the areas at UHNM who cared for him

Adam Priestman was 54 when he sadly passed away last summer after a five-year battle with lung cancer.

The funds, which were raised through funeral donations and Adam’s goddaughter Beth Woolley running the Chatsworth 10k, were split between the Royal Stoke’s Cancer and Stroke Centres.

Beth said: “Uncle Ad courageously fought lung cancer for the past five years and attended appointments for treatment at UHNM were he received incredible care here. He was an inspirational, funny and much-loved son, husband, dad, brother, uncle and friend. Thank you so much to everybody for all your support.”

Adam’s wife Emma and son Joe, who is currently doing a placement on our Critical Care Unit, recently visited the Royal Stoke to hand over their cheques. Read more>

Brain surgery patient completes fundraising triathlon for hospital staff

A former patient who needed life-saving brain surgery has returned to UHNM to thank the staff who cared for her.

Almost three years ago years ago Lisa Bentham from Crewe was diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing whilst at work.

After having life-saving surgery at Royal Stoke, Lisa, who’s now fully recovered, completed in the North West Triathlon raising £1,250 for the ‘fantastic’ Neurosurgery Department who cared for her.

She said: “I didn’t realise I had a tumour, it all happened very suddenly. You read things and think people must know if there’s something really wrong with them, but I honestly didn’t. Read more>

Cultural Association put their best foot forward for UHNM Charity

Members of the Kerala Cultural Association have stepped up for UHNM Charity and raised over £1,300 to improve patient care and experience at UHNM through a sponsored walk.

Members of the association walked from Trentham Gardens to the Royal Stoke.

James Thomas Mailapparambil, KCA president said: “The Kerala Cultural Association, or KCA, was established in 2004, and is made up of members from a south-Indian state called Kerala. A significant number of nurses from Kerala have migrated to Stoke-on-Trent since the year 2000, leading to the the formation of the KCA. Over the past 20 years we have done a lot of charity work for our local communities including fundraising activities with local businesses and organisations, community clean-ups and food bank donations."

“This year we thought of doing something different for UHNM, who provide employment to 90% of our members. After meeting with UHNM Charity, we decided to take part in an EPIC Walk from Trentham Gardens to the Royal Stoke University Hospital" Read more>

New patient information videos improve experience of colorectal surgery

The experience of people requiring colorectal surgery at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been improved thanks to a donation from a former cancer patient.

Following treatment for bowel cancer in 2018, Adam Parry from Gnosall near Stafford, donated £10,000 to UHNM Charity for the benefit of other patients requiring colorectal surgery.

The money has been used to create a series of patient information videos showcasing what to expect when receiving treatment for colorectal cancer.

Adam, 34, said: “I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour that that needed operating on within a matter of days. The staff at UHNM, from surgeons to administrators, went above and beyond with what was a tricky process and required further follow-on treatment for a year. Read more>

A doting grandfather is running this year’s London Marathon to raise money to thank at staff at UHNM Maternity Unit

A doting grandfather is running this year’s London Marathon to raise money to thank at staff at University Hospitals of North Midlands’ Maternity Unit who cared for his first grandson born in December 2023.

Simon Holland, from Meir Heath, decided to apply for this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for UHNM Charity and say thank you.

Simon said: "The care and support that my daughter in law, son and my grandson had before, during and after the birth was brilliant. He was delivered safely, he's healthy, and the kindness of staff was fantastic, so it was a no brainer for me when deciding who to raise funds for." Read more>

Family brave the cold with New Year's Day swim for Neonatal Unit

Ten members of staff from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) are set to tackle the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 7 April 2024 in a bid to raise vital funds for UHNM Charity.

A team of both clinical and non-clinical staff are lining up together to help UHNM Charity improve patient care and experience at the Royal Stoke and County hospitals.

Directors, surgeons, nurses and sisters will be lacing up their trainers along with a biochemist, healthcare assistant, porter and secretary to race 13.1 miles through central London alongside 19,000 other runners. Read more>

Patients and their families to benefit from new hospital day room

The experience of patients and their loved ones at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been improved thanks to UHNM Charity funding.

The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at County Hospital in Stafford has been able to furnish a new day room thanks to a grant made possible by our supporters.

Staff from the Unit were able to purchase a range of furniture including sofas and recliner chairs for use in the new room. Read more>

Patients admitted to Royal Stoke will have their inpatient stay enhanced by brand new multi-adjust chairs funded by UHNM Charity

Patients to Ward 225, an orthopaedic ward, will now be able to spend more time sitting out of bed and getting up and active.

Charlene Lawrence-Douglas, Advanced Occupational Therapist, said "We have a lot of patients with complex needs who need specialists seating and before we received charity funding for the chairs, we had to use other methods such as extra cushions, to ensure that our patients were comfortable.

“There are so many benefits of the new multi-adjust chairs. They enable more patients to sit out of bed for extended periods of time, they help reduce deconditioning by getting patients up and active, as well as spending time in the day room which is very beneficial when patients suffer with delirium or dementia. There are also the benefits of improved infection prevention due to the chairs being easier to wipe and clean." Read more>

Patient experience for young patients further improved thanks to a new "Sound Ear" funded by UHNM Charity

Patients to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Staffordshire Children's Hospital at Royal Stoke will have an improved and hopefully shortened stay thanks to a new piece of equipment which will help to reduce delirium in young children.

Children with delirium temporarily behave differently than usual and may react strangely to their environment and people around them and it is therefore, important to ensure the environment is as calm as possible to help orientate the child to their surroundings. When their physical condition improves, the confusion often lessens and eventually goes away. Read more>

Morrisons Leek appeal for Children's Hospital

On behalf of patients and staff at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Morrisons Leek and its customers for their incredible generosity with their pyjama and toy appeal.

Dozens of items were kindly donated for the benefit of UHNM’s youngest patients.

Adam Handley from Morrisons Leek explains: “Donations have come from residents of Leek and surrounding areas. The store put out an appeal for pyjamas and toys for the Children’s Hospital, and people from as far afield as Macclesfield and Buxton have responded brilliantly. Read more>

Pot Luck Winners: February 2024

Congratulations to Sharon Pointon from Ward 228 for winning February's Pot Luck top prize of £2,969. See all of February's winners and details on how to join the staff lottery. More>

Did you know you can help us to make an even bigger impact to patient care and experience at UHNM by setting up a monthly donation? Visit our website to find out more! Donate now!

Save the Dates: UHNM Charity's Spectacular Events in 2024!

Get ready for a year filled with glamour, fun, and generosity as UHNM Charity unveils its lineup of spectacular events for 2024! Mark your calendars and join us for three unforgettable occasions, each promising to be bigger and better than ever before.

UHNM Euros with Newcastle Town FC at Roe Lane

Kick off the summer with football excitement at Roe Lane on June 29th. The UHNM Euros is not just a tournament; it's a family fun day filled with thrilling matches and exciting activities for all ages. Lace up your boots, gather your team, and join us for a day of sportsmanship and community spirit. Secure your team's spot now at the UHNM Charity Shop.

UHNM Charity Ball: Hollywood Edition

Prepare to step into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood on November 8th at the exquisite DoubleTree by Hilton. Thanks to our esteemed title sponsors LD Property and WDPS Stoke Ltd, this year's Charity Ball promises to be an evening of elegance and extravagance. Walk the red carpet, mingle with fellow supporters, and enjoy an unforgettable night while supporting a great cause. Buy tickets now!

UHNM Golf Day

Tee off for charity at the scenic Barlaston Golf Club on June 14th. Back for the third year running, the UHNM Golf Day promises a day of friendly competition, picturesque views, and fundraising for a great cause. Thanks to our loyal title sponsors LD Property and WDPS Stoke Ltd, this event is sure to be a hole-in-one. Gather your golfing buddies and join us for a day on the green. Buy tickets now!