United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust - ULHT

25/10/2025

Ever heard of a Kitten Scanner? Coming to hospital can be daunting for everyone, but especially for children.

The Kitten Scanner at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust - ULHT is an interactive toy and a miniature version of an MRI scanner, designed to help children prepare for hospital scans.

Sandy, a play leader at Grantham and District Hospital, said:
‘An MRI scanner is noisy, which can be difficult for young patients. Before appointments we send parents information explaining how an MRI scanner works, what to expect and how the results can help.

‘Then I show children the Kitten Scanner. They play with it and watch a video about what will happen. When they’re comfortable, we go to the MRI unit for their own scan. Afterwards, they get a certificate - which they love!’

Seven-year-old Frankie recently became the 250th patient to play with the Kitten Scanner, helping him prepare for an MRI of his head.

‘Parents are thankful for the Kitten Scanner and that their little ones don’t need to go through sedation.’

Previously, children would need to be sedated to keep them still during the scan. By helping children feel safe and confident, the Kitten Scanner means they can stay awake during the process. In just two years, this has saved the trust around £150,000 by avoiding sedation and the costs of an overnight stay in hospital.

‘We’re so grateful for this wonderful service for some of our youngest patients.’

24/10/2025

We're going up in the world🤣

24/10/2025

This week's goes to the Paediatrics Department at Grantham and District Hospital.💙

"Honestly nothing could have been done better, everything was perfect we were seen immediately, my son was treated quickly and effectively and all the staff we encountered were very professional, kind and an absolute credit to the NHS."

23/10/2025

To the Breast Unit at Lincoln County Hospital. 💙

"The service delivered was amazing, privacy and dignity supported. The clinic was clean and well organised. I felt well looked after in every aspect. Thank you."

23/10/2025

This morning, Karen Dunderdale, Group Chief Executive, visited the Lincs Hospital Radio, based at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

Today Lincs Hospital Radio received 30 DAB Radios, which were purchased following a generous donation from Pilgrim Hospital Support Group Charity Shop.

Thank you to Pilgrim Hospital Support Group Charity Shop for your support.💙

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust

22/10/2025

Well done to Kimberley Wade, Student Nursing Associate, who has won the Rising Star Award in our Group Staff Awards. 🎉

Nominated by a patient, Kimberley made an incredible difference to their journey and care. Her nomination highlights how she embodies everything a nurse should be and how she brought calmness to a place that can feel overwhelming. Not only did Kimberley support this patient, but she also supported the family, providing comfort and reassurance during an anxious time.

Kimberly said: " I honestly have no words. Finding out I have won this award, even finding out that I was nominated was such a blessing. I came into this role, honestly just to honour my grandad and carry on the care that he received and I know he would be so proud of me today. I couldn't have done it without the support from witham and RSU, the university and my friends and family."

20/10/2025

Congratulations to Jo Checkley, Community Cardiology Clinical Lead, who has won the Outstanding Leader Award in this year's Group Staff Awards. 🌟

Jo has outstanding leadership skills and inspires colleagues to go the extra mile every day. She leads the Community Cardiology team, which has excelled in delivering excellent patient-centred care and service improvement. Jo has led multiple innovations and service developments, which involve collaborative and innovative working. The team recently received national praise from Professor Simon Ray, National Director for Heart Disease, who visited to see first-hand how the team are transforming care.

Jo said: "I'm really grateful for the nomination and for the award. I don't particularly feel like I deserve it by myself, as Mo said, I always think it's good team that is behind you. I'd have never had done the things I've done if I didn't have such a good team. And as I say, I am really grateful and I'd like to thank each and everyone of them."

20/10/2025

Today is World Osteoporosis Day! 💙

Did you know that Lincolnshire has a dedicated DEXA service to support people to have better bone health? A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner helps our radiographers to do a simple test which measures bone density by using minimal doses of X-rays.

Those at risk of having low bone density are at increased risk of having osteoporosis if their condition is left undiagnosed and untreated. Our team help to prevent potential future bone fractures – keeping you healthier for longer.

➡️Read more about our DEXA service on our website: https://www.ulh.nhs.uk/news/lincolnshires-residents-encouraged-to-think-about-bone-health-this-world-osteoporosis-day/

19/10/2025

Well done to Hayley Bullard, Respiratory Specialist Nurse, who has won the Great Patient Experience and Involvement Award - Community in this year's Group Staff Awards. 🌟

Hayley has transformed patient support by creating ‘Lungs United’, a singing group for people with respiratory conditions. Singing helps improve breath control, chest clearance and confidence — and the group now welcomes 15–20 regular members. Thanks to Hayley’s passion and successful charity fundraising, patients benefit from improved health, social connection, and a supportive community that continues to grow.

Hayley said: "I'm really proud to have won the award and I'm so grateful for the Lungs United gang, without them, this wouldn't have been achievable. So thank you everybody, thank you to my team lead, thank you to George, our choir maser and ultimately, thank you to the patients. Thank you."

18/10/2025

Congratulations to Becky Taylor, Paediatric Diabetes Nurse Specialist, who has won the Great Patient Experience and Involvement Award - Acute in this year's Group Staff Awards. 🎉

When a young girl was unexpectedly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Becky became a lifeline for her and her family. She has provided unwavering support — from home and school visits to being available on the phone whenever needed. She not only ensures the patient’s care is safe and effective, but also gives her the confidence to manage life as a young teenager with diabetes. Her kindness, patience, and dedication have been truly lifechanging.

Becky said: "I just want to say a big thank you to the family that have nominated me for this award and in particular to my team. I have just been in this role about two years and without their support, guidance and education, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you, I am very happy to have won and very grateful."

17/10/2025

This week's goes to the Dermatology Department.💙

"Everyone was polite, professional, punctual and reassuring. I was given full understanding of treatment and after care required. My treatment was spot on. Thank you, everyone."

17/10/2025

Our Macmillan Personalisation Team has joined forces with the East Midlands Cancer Alliance, the EveryOne Co-production group, and The Sleep Charity to create a new resource that helps people with cancer get better sleep. 👇

Most people with cancer will experience symptoms or side-effects related to their cancer or treatment. Many of these can affect sleep.