University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Our hospitals include Southampton General Hospital, Southampton Children's Hospital and the Princess Anne Hospital. Contact us on communications@uhs.nhs.uk
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University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust provides local hospital services including maternity and emergency medicine to south Hampshire, and is a regional centre for specialist services such as neurosciences. We also provide services at the New Forest Birth Centre, the Royal South Hants Hospital and Lymington Hospital. If you want to come and work with us, all our current vacancies are

online at careers.uhs.nhs.uk

We use this page to post information and content related to our services, and relevant to our community. We hope it gives our community members a place to connect with us and each other. This page is not monitored 24/7, but during working hours (Monday to Friday) we strive to respond to direct messages regularly and promptly. Our community standards for this page:

We are committed to promoting an inclusive community that reflects our values at UHS. This extends to our online community where we expect contributors to respect and value each other. Therefore, we will not tolerate any form of abusive, discriminatory or derogatory comments that could cause upset or offence. We reserve the right to hide or remove comments which breach these standards, including defamatory content. We also reserve the right to block accounts from posting on our page where comments or contributions are deemed to be abusive or hateful towards our staff, members of the public and those with protected characteristics. This action may also be applied to accounts which are:

- Abusive or threatening towards any individual
- Violating any law or individual's rights
- Using profanity
- Repetitively posting spam or off-topic content
- Using our page for advertising

Any feedback or concerns regarding care received at University Hospital Southampton should be directed to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service, details of which can be found on the UHS website. (www.uhs.nhs.uk)

Users should not share personal medical information or information about patients in our care on this platform. All medical and clinical inquiries should be directed to the teams who are giving patient care. This page is maintained by the communications team at UHS.

01/05/2026

On Wednesday we were proud to officially open a new carers’ shower and dressing facilities within our Patient and Family Support Hub, as part of Patient Experience Week 🚿

This new facility offers carers and relatives a dedicated space to pause, refresh and take a short break during what can often be incredibly challenging times. It’s a simple but meaningful addition that recognises the vital role carers play, often while putting their own needs last.

The project is the result of months of hard work by our patient experience team, working closely with colleagues in estates to bring the space to life.

The opening was marked with a special ribbon cutting event, joined by staff and volunteers from across the Trust, as well as University Hospital Southampton League of Friends, Healthwatch Southampton, Unpaid Carers Support Southampton and Carers Together.

Jenny Milner, associate director of patient experience, said: “Too often carers put their own needs aside. These new shower and dressing room facilities are a recognition of that quiet sacrifice. They are a statement that we see you, we value you, and your wellbeing matters too.

“Having a place to step away, even briefly, from the ward environment can make a meaningful difference – a space to gather your thoughts and refresh, offering dignity, privacy and a moment of peace.

“As we open these facilities, we do so with a simple but powerful intention: to care not only for patients, but for those who care for them.”

🙏 Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

UHS Experience of Care

Patient Tom enjoys milestone moment in the sun! 🌞Tom came into our hospital in March for a planned operation, but his re...
29/04/2026

Patient Tom enjoys milestone moment in the sun! 🌞

Tom came into our hospital in March for a planned operation, but his recovery took an unexpected turn, leaving him on a ventilator in intensive care for around six weeks.

With the support of our therapy teams, Tom has worked tirelessly to rebuild his strength and is now back on his feet, taking those long-awaited first steps.

Reaching this milestone meant Tom was finally strong enough to be taken outside - feeling fresh air and the warmth of sunshine on his face for the first time in 42 days. A moment he’d been dreaming of throughout his stay.

Last week, Tom celebrated his 76th birthday in our rehab gym, complete with balloons, banners and the same determination that has carried him so far.

Tom still has a journey ahead, but he’s going from strength to strength. Thank you to the brilliant teams at UHS who are supporting him every step of the way 💙

Don't forget to order your repeat prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend 💊Some pharmacies will be open over the...
28/04/2026

Don't forget to order your repeat prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend 💊

Some pharmacies will be open over the bank holiday weekend, and will be able to help you with minor illness advice and can treat a range of conditions such as sore throats, infected insect bites, earaches and sinusitis.

🕓 For pharmacy opening hours in Hampshire this coming bank holiday Monday, visit this page:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours/

A huge step forward in tackling some of the world’s most devastating diseases has been unveiled today with the first des...
28/04/2026

A huge step forward in tackling some of the world’s most devastating diseases has been unveiled today with the first designs of the University of Southampton's new Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI).

Based at Southampton General Hospital, this £100m state of the art facility will bring together researchers, medics, engineers and computer scientists – speeding up discoveries and turning them into life changing benefits for patients.

David French, Chief Executive Officer, UHS, said: “This investment supports the development of new and innovative treatments that deliver real benefits for patients and reinforces the powerful circle of research: where outstanding facilities attract the best people, leading to improved patient outcomes, that in turn attracts exceptional talent.

"Together, these partnerships demonstrate how collaboration and research excellence go hand in hand to improve lives.”

With a major fundraising campaign now underway and plans progressing, the IMI is on track to be fully operational by 2030 – transforming research into better lives for patients.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/first-glimpse-of-pioneering-new-medical-institute-planned-for-uhs

🎉 Celebrating Long Service at UHS 🎉We’re delighted to recognise Amelia, Senior (Advanced) Biomedical Scientist in Haemat...
28/04/2026

🎉 Celebrating Long Service at UHS 🎉

We’re delighted to recognise Amelia, Senior (Advanced) Biomedical Scientist in Haematology (Laboratory Medicine), and her amazing career at UHS, which began in 1996.

Starting out as an auxiliary nurse, Amelia went on to train and specialise in Haematology, building extensive experience across multiple sites, including specialist transplant work and an international secondment to the Falkland Islands.

Since becoming an Advanced Biomedical Scientist in 2010, Amelia continues to make a huge impact through quality management, supervision, and education, including her valued involvement in Harvey's Lab Tours.

Amelia’s long‑service award was presented by Steve Harris, our Chief People Officer, celebrating a truly outstanding contribution.

Thank you, Amelia, for your dedication and commitment 💙

27/04/2026

Patient Experience Week kicked off at UHS today!

Our Smile Mile is now live, with nominations for Experience of Care Hero Awards lining the corridors of B Level and C Level Centre Block at Southampton General Hospital and D Level and E Level at Princess Anne Hospital.

Over the last year patients, their families and carers have taken the time to say thank you —sharing stories of compassion, kindness and dedication. All of this week patients, staff and visitors can see those messages of thanks and the real difference colleagues make every day. 💙

👉 Know an individual or team who has gone above and beyond? Nominate them as an Experience of Care Hero and help us recognise the moments that matter most: https://forms.office.com/e/Z0misQjAVS



UHS Experience of Care

Patients and teams in our radiology department are seeing the benefits of new motorised lateral transfer equipment. Full...
24/04/2026

Patients and teams in our radiology department are seeing the benefits of new motorised lateral transfer equipment.

Fully funded by Southampton Hospitals Charity UK, the Atle 180 uses a motorised system to support smooth sideways transfers between beds, trolleys, and CT/MRI tables — requiring just two staff members and minimal physical effort.

✅ More comfortable, controlled transfers for patients
✅ Reduced strain and injury risk for staff
✅ Safer, smoother movement with dignity at the heart of care

Daniela Vicente, CT Superintendent, said: “The Atle 180 is a simple yet highly effective piece of equipment that benefits both staff and patients alike. It significantly reduces physical strain for staff carrying out multiple transfers each day, while offering patients a safer, smoother and more comfortable experience.”

The equipment also supports colleagues with musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, helping them to continue working in environments that involve patient transfers and easing pressure across the wider team.

👏 A huge thank you to Southampton Hospitals Charity for making this possible.

💙 Can exercise before heart surgery help patients recover? 💙Researchers at UHS and the University of Southampton are lea...
24/04/2026

💙 Can exercise before heart surgery help patients recover? 💙

Researchers at UHS and the University of Southampton are leading a pioneering new study called CardioFit.

This is exploring whether supervised exercise before heart valve surgery can improve recovery and long‑term outcomes for patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Delivered through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and supported by the Heartbeat charity, the trial is breaking new ground by applying prehabilitation – already proven in cancer care – to cardiac patients.

Participants take part in a tailored, closely monitored exercise programme before surgery, guided by our expert clinical teams.

💬 Graeme from Southampton, who is taking part in the trial, said: “It’s been a very interesting experience and not as hard work as I thought it would be. If I can help others in the future by being part of this study, then that would be a great outcome.”

This study is another exciting step in Southampton’s internationally recognised prehabilitation research, helping more people prepare for surgery in the best possible way. 💪

🔗 Find out more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/researchers-lead-pioneering-trial-to-boost-heart-surgery-recovery-through-exercise

Researchers have launched a new pivotal trial to protect people against potential influenza pandemics such as avian flu,...
23/04/2026

Researchers have launched a new pivotal trial to protect people against potential influenza pandemics such as avian flu, also known as bird flu 💉

Bird flu is currently transmitted between affected birds and various mammals. Whilst the virus does not easily spread to humans, and transmission between people is very rare, there is a risk that the virus could adapt and become more transmissible to or between humans.

Ongoing research aims to better understand potential risks and preparedness needs. Acting quickly will be key to bringing any outbreaks under control and protecting at-risk individuals.

Prof Saul Faust, from UHS and the University of Southampton, said: “By launching this bird flu vaccine trial, we are strengthening the resilience of the NHS in our region, and our national and international readiness.”

Learn more here 👉 https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/bird-flu-vaccine-trial-launches-to-prepare-for-potential-pandemic

The study is being delivered at various community clinics across England and Scotland.

Clare (pictured) is taking part through Wessex Research Hubs in Shirley.

For more information, visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research service: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/trial-details/trial-detail?trialId=60326&location=&distance=

UHS has cut waste from anaesthetic gases by 87 per cent through a major upgrade to the pipework entering our operating t...
22/04/2026

UHS has cut waste from anaesthetic gases by 87 per cent through a major upgrade to the pipework entering our operating theatres.

To coincide with Earth Day today, the Trust has announced it has reduced the amount of nitrous oxide (N₂O) being released into the atmosphere by around 600,000 litres a year – preventing 354 tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted (CO₂e) annually.

The saving is comparable to around 175 return flights between London and New York, the annual energy use of around 40 UK homes, or driving around the Earth more than 30 times in a typical petrol car.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is used as part of anaesthetic care during some surgical procedures as well as for pain relief.

Traditionally, the gas has been supplied to theatres through central pipework connected to large storage systems, known as manifolds. Evidence shows these systems are prone to leakage, meaning substantial volumes of gas can be released into the atmosphere even when theatres are not in use.

The Trust has now decommissioned its piped nitrous oxide manifolds and is instead using small portable cylinders attached directly to anaesthetic machines in theatres where the gas is required regularly.

This has eliminated leakage and significantly reduced waste while ensuring patients continue to receive safe anaesthetic care through the alternative supply arrangements.

Andy Fox, deputy chief pharmacist at UHS and project lead, said: “By switching off an outdated system that was leaking gas around the clock, we’ve delivered a major carbon saving without compromising patient care.

“Cutting nitrous oxide leakage by 87 per cent is a significant step forward for sustainability at UHS and shows how modernising hospital infrastructure can make a real difference.

“The change has also delivered cost savings for the Trust and improved staff safety by reducing occupational exposure to nitrous oxide.”

🔗 Read more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/hospital-trust-cuts-caron-emissions-through-major-theatre-upgrade

Today is National Administrative Professionals Day.Our admin teams play a vital role in how our organisation functions d...
22/04/2026

Today is National Administrative Professionals Day.

Our admin teams play a vital role in how our organisation functions day to day. From coordinating services and managing pathways to keeping systems running smoothly, their dedication enables our doctors, nurses and wider healthcare teams to focus on diagnosing, treating and caring for our patients 💙

Behind every clinic, ward and service is an admin professional making it all possible. Their expertise, organisation and commitment support the whole organisation and make a real difference to patient care, every single day.

📸 Here are just some of our amazing admin professionals and how their roles support UHS as a whole — thank you for everything you do 🙏

Health Research Southampton

This week is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week.MS is a condition that affects nerves in the central nervous system,...
21/04/2026

This week is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week.

MS is a condition that affects nerves in the central nervous system, causing a range of symptoms such as blurred vision and problems with how we move, think and feel.

Our team were at the main entrance alongside MS Society UK earlier today, which was an opportunity for patients, staff and visitors to learn more about MS.

🔗 Further information on MS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/

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University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust provides services to 1.9 million people living in Southampton and south Hampshire as well as specialist care to more than 3.7 million people in central southern England and the Channel Islands.

We run services at Southampton General Hospital, Princess Anne Hospital and the New Forest Birth Centre. We also have a few services at Royal South Hants Hospital and Lymington New Forest Hospital.

This page is maintained by the communications team and monitored during office hours, Monday to Friday. We are unable to give medical advice over social media – please get in touch with your GP, healthcare team or call NHS 111 for appropriate advice.

While we read all comments and messages and try to respond where possible, we are not able to respond to every individual comment. We do regularly give feedback to relevant teams including common themes and suggestions from our audiences.