University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust The page of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. The Trust runs Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford.
(2359)

To get in touch please visit www.uhnm.nhs.uk/contact-us/ Each year we care for over 900,000 people who come to us for emergency treatment, planned operations and medical care. We are a teaching hospital in partnership with Keele University and we have a patient-centred clinical research facility providing state-of-the-art facilities. Our new £370m hospital became fully operational in 2015. Development work on County Hospital will be completed in late 2017.

💙UHNM has launched a new online breastfeeding tool to help maternity patients access clear and accessible infant feedi...
05/05/2026

💙

UHNM has launched a new online breastfeeding tool to help maternity patients access clear and accessible infant feeding information in one place. 📱👶

Developed by UHNM’s Infant Feeding Team in partnership with the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) and the Breastfeeding Network Stoke, the online portal was created in response to feedback from families who wanted easier access to trusted information alongside printed materials.

The portal is now live and available to all UHNM maternity patients via an online link or QR code provided by staff, allowing information to be accessed quickly on mobile devices at home, on the ward or on the move.

🗣 Aimee Hodgetts, lead infant feeding midwife at UHNM, said: “This gives families one simple place where they can access trusted, evidence-based infant feeding information whenever they need it. During pregnancy and after birth families are often given a lot of different information at once, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming or difficult to know where to go back to.

“We’ve brought everything together in one clear, easy-to-navigate space, this includes antenatal information, infant feeding support such as positioning and attachment, skin-to-skin contact, tongue-tie information and common feeding challenges, along with videos and guidance that families can return to as often as they need.

“It’s particularly helpful in those early days when things can feel very new. Being able to scan a QR code and instantly access trusted support, whether you’re still in hospital or back at home can make a real difference to confidence and reassurance. It also links directly to wider national and local support so families know exactly where else they can turn if they need additional help.

“The portal also brings together information on local antenatal classes, support services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and resources hosted through the Baby Friendly Initiative. It supports families from pregnancy through to the postnatal period and complements an existing neonatal Padlet already in use within UHNM services.”

Information is also available in seven languages including Polish, Arabic and Urdu.

🗣 Nikki Gallagher, service manager for the Breastfeeding Network Stoke, said: “Support across the whole journey from pregnancy through to going home and beyond is really important. Families don’t experience maternity care in separate parts, so it makes sense that information should be brought together in one place that is easy to access and easy to understand.

“It also means families can access support in their own time, revisit information when they need to, and feel more confident about where to go for help.”

🗣 The Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) lead for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The idea for the Padlet came directly from what families told us. They wanted breastfeeding information and support that is easy to access, at a time that suits them. This resource has been designed with and for local families, bringing together trusted information in one place.”

Aimee added: “Staff across UHNM maternity services now have QR codes available on lanyards and posters so families can access the Padlet easily during their care. We’ve also added the QR code to maternity leaflets to make it even easier for families to access the information when they need it.

“We are also continuing to promote our breastfeeding telephone support service, delivered in partnership with the Breastfeeding Network. Launched in November, the service provides follow-up support calls for families in the Stoke-on-Trent postcode area after discharge from hospital.”

Today is International Day of the Midwife 💙👶🏼Meet Becky Springett, labour ward coordinator and flow coordinator at the R...
05/05/2026

Today is International Day of the Midwife 💙👶🏼

Meet Becky Springett, labour ward coordinator and flow coordinator at the Royal Stoke’s Maternity Centre, who has been caring for local families for more than 20 years. 👋

A proud Stokie, Becky trained as a midwife after having her own children and qualifying in 2004.

🗣 She said: “I’ve always wanted to work locally, looking after women and families from our area, the midwives who cared for me inspired me to do the same.

“Over the years I’ve worked across maternity services, from community and clinics to labour ward, even leading improvements in induction of labour.

“People sometimes think midwifery is just about delivering babies, but there’s so much more to it. Every woman comes to us with her own story, and we’re here to support them and give every baby the best possible start.

“It’s about empowering women and supporting the staff who care for them. If we look after our teams, they can give the best care.

“My message to expectant parents is to enjoy your pregnancy. There’s so much information out there, but if you’re worried speak to your midwife. We’re rooting for you and your baby every step of the way.”

A Stoke-on-Trent mum is encouraging other parents to stick to their child’s asthma treatment plan and not rely on blue i...
05/05/2026

A Stoke-on-Trent mum is encouraging other parents to stick to their child’s asthma treatment plan and not rely on blue inhalers alone, after seeing the difference the right support has made to her son’s health.

Victoria Williams, 27, from Stoke-on-Trent, said her six-year-old son Elliot has struggled with his breathing since he was a baby, leading to repeated hospital visits and uncertainty around his condition.

UHNM is supporting families this by sharing practical advice to help children manage their asthma more effectively at home.

🗣 Victoria said: “This has been a years-long battle. We’ve been back and forth to urgent care, A&E and hospital admissions since he was little. It’s been really difficult at times because his asthma can change so quickly.”

Elliott was formally diagnosed with asthma after a series of tests and is now supported by UHNM’s Children’s Respiratory Service at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke.

With the right treatment in place, Victoria says his condition is now more stable.

She said: “He still needs medication morning and night, and we have to stay on top of it, but he’s a lot better now the treatment is right. When we follow the plan properly it really does make a difference.”

Victoria is now urging other parents to stay consistent with preventer inhalers and follow their child’s care plan closely.

She said: “Stick with the treatment and follow it through, and make sure you’re using the preventer inhaler morning and evening and following the plan exactly. When we haven’t done that, he’s needed his blue inhaler much more.

“And if you’re worried, keep pushing, you know your child best.”

UHNM is using World Asthma Day to highlight the importance of preventer inhalers, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and lower the risk of serious asthma attacks.

🗣 Sadie Clayton, consultant nurse in the Children’s Respiratory Service at UHNM, said: “Blue inhalers are important for quick relief, but they don’t treat the underlying inflammation that causes asthma. If children are relying on them regularly, it is a sign their asthma is not well controlled.

“Preventer inhalers, which contain inhaled corticosteroids, should be taken every day as prescribed, even when a child feels well. They reduce swelling in the airways, help prevent flare-ups and significantly lower the risk of severe attacks and hospital admission.

“If a child needs their blue inhaler three or more times a week, or if more than two blue inhalers are needed in a year, an asthma review should be arranged. With the right treatment and support, most asthma attacks are preventable.”

Victoria also praised the care her son has received at UHNM, particularly the support from the respiratory team.

She said: “We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. The care, communication and support have been amazing. They really care about the children and making sure families understand how to manage asthma properly.”

Sadie added, “I encourage families to speak to their GP or asthma team if they have any concerns about their child’s symptoms or treatment plan.”

Happy International Day of the Midwife! 💙Today we celebrate the vital role that midwives play every day of the year. Tha...
05/05/2026

Happy International Day of the Midwife! 💙

Today we celebrate the vital role that midwives play every day of the year. Thank you to all of our fantastic midwifery colleagues across UHNM for everything that you do 👏 👶🏻

Thank you to everyone working across the NHS this bank holiday Monday. 💙If you need medical help, please use 111, or for...
04/05/2026

Thank you to everyone working across the NHS this bank holiday Monday. 💙

If you need medical help, please use 111, or for a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999.

01/05/2026

Earlier this week we welcomed our first patient to our brand new, purpose-built Breast Care Unit at County Hospital in Stafford. 🏥🩷

The new unit brings together one-stop clinics, diagnostic imaging, outpatient care and support services in a dedicated space, helping provide a more joined-up and streamlined service for patients.

It includes four consultation rooms, an enhanced treatment room, three counselling rooms, two mammography rooms and two ultrasound rooms, alongside state-of-the-art imaging technology.

It replaces the previous breast unit at County Hospital, which was no longer able to meet the demands of modern breast care.

The purpose-built unit has been designed with clinical teams to improve patient flow and privacy, reduce the need for patients to move between different areas and create a calmer and more welcoming environment.

UHNM Employee of the Month: Dr Biju Thomas 🏆💙🏥A consultant radiologist who came in on his weekend off to carry out a lif...
29/04/2026

UHNM Employee of the Month: Dr Biju Thomas 🏆💙🏥

A consultant radiologist who came in on his weekend off to carry out a life-saving procedure has been awarded UHNM's Employee of the Month.

During a challenging on-call period, a critically unwell patient required an urgent interventional radiology procedure that could not be delayed. Although not on duty, Dr Thomas immediately came into the Royal Stoke to carry out the procedure which quickly improved the patient’s condition.

Dr Biju Thomas was nominated by Dr Haroon Khan, a gastrointestinal radiology trainee, in recognition of his “exceptional commitment to patient care and his consistent demonstration of UHNM’s values”.

🗣 Dr Khan said: “Despite not being rostered and being at home on his weekend off, Dr Thomas came straight in to help. His timely intervention can genuinely be regarded as life-saving.

“This was not a one-off, Dr Thomas has a track record of stepping in during complex or time-pressured situations to make sure patients receive the best possible care. He consistently supports colleagues and strengthens the service through his expertise and reliability.

“He demonstrates compassion, professionalism and collaboration every day, and sets a standard that inspires those around him.”

🗣 Presenting the award, Dr Simon Constable, chief executive, said: “This is exactly the kind of care and commitment we want to see. Helping someone in really difficult circumstances and going above and beyond when there was no obligation to come in, not everybody would do that, but Dr Thomas did, and that is really special.

“It’s also important that this nomination has come from a doctor in training. That role modelling, showing others what great care looks like and what going above and beyond means is incredibly important.

🗣 Dr Thomas said: “The easiest way to approach situations like this is to think of the patient as your own family member. If you would want a doctor to come in for them then the answer is simple.”

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in good time to avoid any delays in gett...
29/04/2026

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in good time to avoid any delays in getting your medicines.

GP practices and pharmacies may have different opening hours, so it’s best to plan ahead and not leave it until the last minute.

Find out how to order your repeat prescription here, including via the NHS App: https://nhs.uk/.../how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription/

Please only attend A&E if absolutely necessary and remember:▶️ Minor Injuries is now located at Haywood Hospital There a...
25/04/2026

Please only attend A&E if absolutely necessary and remember:

▶️ Minor Injuries is now located at Haywood Hospital

There are a number of A&E alternatives available in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire:

⏺ Walk-in centres - These can treat minor injuries and ailments.
⏺ NHS 111 - available online and over the phone, it's a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.
⏺ GP - For medical advice or for illnesses you can't shake off. Call your GP to book an appointment
⏺ Pharmacies - Provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.

🚨 Keep A&E for the real emergencies 🚨

UHNM Team of the Month: Clinical Technology 🏆🏥💙The team responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of medical d...
24/04/2026

UHNM Team of the Month: Clinical Technology 🏆🏥💙

The team responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of medical devices across UHNM has been named UHNM Team of the Month after achieving a significant national accreditation milestone.

Clinical Technology was nominated by Lorraine Whitehead, director of estates, facilities and PFI, after successfully passing their BSI ISO 13485:2016 surveillance audit with zero non-conformities.

The internationally recognised standard sets out strict requirements for how medical devices are managed and maintained.

Achieving a zero non-conformity result shows the consistency of the team’s work and gives real confidence that everything is being done to a high standard.

🗣 Lorraine said: “This is an exceptional achievement, particularly given the stringent requirements of ISO 13485. It demonstrates that the team consistently meets regulatory requirements and maintains high standards of safety, reliability and performance. It not only enhances our external reputation but also provides strong internal assurance that our systems and practices are of a consistently high standard.

“I’m incredibly proud of the whole team. It reflects their commitment to excellence, which they demonstrate time and again, and they are a real source of pride across UHNM.

“It’s about everything they do every day. They set the standard for the rest of our estates, facilities and PFI services.

“It’s not just the accreditation, it’s the way the team works together, supports one another and maintains those high standards consistently. That really comes across and makes a big difference.”

The team were presented with their award by Dr Simon Constable, chief executive.

🗣 Dr Constable said: “The team was nominated following the success of their ISO accreditation, which is a significant achievement.

“It provides real assurance across the organisation and reduces pressure by giving confidence that those standards are being consistently met. External accreditation like this makes a real difference, particularly in services that support critical infrastructure.

UHNM is supporting Katharine House Hospice in Stafford by providing inpatient space for patients while the hospice carri...
24/04/2026

UHNM is supporting Katharine House Hospice in Stafford by providing inpatient space for patients while the hospice carries out a major refurbishment. 🤝🏥🔧

From Tuesday 5 May the hospice’s inpatient unit will move to Ward 8 at County Hospital, Stafford, to allow for a refurbishment and expansion of the hospice’s nearby Weston Road site.

Care will continue to be delivered by the specialist hospice team.

🗣 Katy Thorpe, UHNM chief operating officer said: “We are proud to support Katharine House Hospice by providing space on Ward 8 during this important redevelopment.

“This partnership helps ensure continuity of care for patients while improvement works take place.”

All community services provided by Katharine House Hospice will continue as normal during the works, and patients and visitors will receive clear information ahead of the move, including details on parking, signage and access arrangements at County Hospital.

🗣 Carina Lowe, hospice lead nurse at Katharine House Hospice, said: “This temporary relocation allows us to carry out essential improvements while continuing to support patients and their loved ones without interruption.”

The upgraded hospice inpatient unit is expected to reopen by the end of November.

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are set to benefit f...
23/04/2026

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are set to benefit from a new programme led by UHNM aimed at improving care and reducing hospital admissions. 🫁🏥💙

UHNM has secured £250,000 in national funding from the Respiratory Pathway Transformation (RTP) Fund to improve how respiratory care is delivered across communities with a historic mining heritage.

The project will bring together partners from across the local health system, including primary care, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and local mining charities to focus on earlier diagnosis, better specialist support in the community and closer working between services.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire currently have the highest COPD admission rates in the country, with around 950 admissions per 100,000 people each year.

🗣 Dr Ajit Thomas Consultant Respiratory Physician, said: “COPD is a major challenge locally, with admission rates significantly higher than the national average. This funding will allow us to build on the work we’ve already started with our partners to improve how respiratory care is delivered.

“By working more closely with primary care, community services and local mining charities, we want to identify patients earlier, provide more specialist support in the community and help people stay healthier for longer.

“This project has the potential to make a real difference to respiratory patients across our communities and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.”

The work will be supported by the Health Innovation Network and Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley, who will help evaluate the project and measure improvements in patient outcomes.

Address

University Hospitals Of North Midlands NHS Trust, Newcastle Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST46QG

Telephone

+441782715444

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category