University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

19/05/2026

Huge good luck to the fab four, now on day two!🚶

One of the walkers includes our consultant, Dr Duncan Bootland, he said: “It’s been an incredible challenge to be part of so far, both physically and mentally, but hugely rewarding. I’m delighted to be doing this alongside colleagues at KSS Air Ambulance Charity to help raise funds for the vital, life-saving work they do every day for patients across Sussex.

"It’s a tough challenge - five marathons in five days is no small feat - but it really puts into perspective the work these teams do.

Let's hope the weather improves! 🌞

Keep going team, and we might catch you somewhere in Brighton! 😉🚁

18/05/2026

STAR Awards 2026 nominations are now open! ⭐

Do you know a colleague or team who goes above and beyond every day to make a difference for patients, families and each other?

Now’s your chance to recognise them. 💙

This year’s STAR Awards guide explains:
✨ How to nominate
✨ What’s changed for 2026
✨ Our new award categories

Swipe through to find everything you need to submit your nomination and help us celebrate the incredible people across UHSussex. Nominations will close on Sunday 21 June.

Because every STAR deserves to shine. 🌟💙

For more information and how to nominate ➡️www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/star-awards

13/05/2026

Game-changing equipment has arrived at The Alex!

Our frontline clinicians and the brave young patients they care for are benefiting from a new Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), a portable tool that improves how care is delivered.

When patients need a timely scan to support diagnosis or guide a procedure, POCUS can be used right at the bedside. From guiding injections and assisting with cannulation to assessing injuries, it enables faster, more accurate clinical decision-making when it matters most.

This mean quicker diagnosis, safer procedures, and a better experience for patients and families.

A huge thank you to My University Hospitals Sussex and Rockinghorse Children's Charity for making this possible through their generous support. 💙

12/05/2026

We couldn’t think of a better day to celebrate than International Nurses’ Day.

Six of our exceptional colleagues have received prestigious Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Awards from NHS England, recognising their outstanding contribution to nursing and patient care. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

Let’s hear it for:

🥇Sam Elliott‑Olechnowicz, Senior Practice Educator for Multi‑Professional International Recruitment, who received the coveted CNO gold award for his exceptional leadership with inclusivity at its core, and his commitment to transforming the experience of internationally recruited healthcare professionals joining the NHS.

🥈Carmina Montefrio, Broadwater Ward Manager, received a CNO silver award for the transformational impact she has had on her ward, creating a culture of cohesion, confidence and safety.

🥈Netce Sia, Senior Clinical Educator, received a CNO silver award for her passion for inclusion and her long-standing dedication to developing international nurses over more than a decade. She was an internationally recruited nurse herself, arriving in the UK in 2002.

🥈Sharon Reed, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), was awarded a CNO silver award for her exceptional contribution to patient safety and quality through more than two decades of expertise in infection prevention.

🥈Claire Hunt, Divisional Director of Nursing for Women, Children’s and Clinical Support division, received a CNO silver award for her exceptional leadership within children and young people’s mental health.

🥈Registered Nurse, Bridget Nodes, was recognised for an extraordinary career of service spanning nearly five decades in the NHS with a CNO silver award. Recently retired, the award is a fitting tribute to her remarkable nursing career and the legacy she leaves behind.

The biggest of congratulations to these incredible nurses. Your unwavering commitment to inclusion, safety and compassionate care make a real difference to our patients, our colleagues and our communities. 👏

12/05/2026

Today, we celebrate our nurses and nursing support colleagues.

Thank you for everything you do. For showing up every day with compassion, respect and an unwavering commitment to providing the very best care for our patients.

Your dedication truly makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

08/05/2026

As part of Deaf Awareness Week, we were delighted to welcome students from Hamilton Lodge School and College for Deaf Children into our audiology department at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. 💙

Supported by an interpreter, our audiologists guided the students through our department, showcasing our facilities and explaining what audiology involves, including hearing tests, ear health checks, balance assessments, and ongoing hearing monitoring.

Just as importantly, we learned from the students themselves. Students and staff shared valuable feedback and suggestions on how our service can better meet the needs of the Deaf community, helping us continue to improve the care we provide.

This visit was a fantastic opportunity to highlight how our department supports patients and to inspire future careers too. We were especially thrilled to be asked whether you can be a Deaf Audiologist — and the answer is yes, you absolutely can! We loved helping to shape an exciting future for the next generation of audiologists.

We hope to continue offering these sessions, working in partnership with the Deaf community to shape how our audiology services care for them and to enhance their experience with us.

07/05/2026

We were saddened to hear of the passing of our long-standing supporter, Malcolm.

Malcolm was a passionate and generous champion of Southlands Hospital, giving so much of his time, energy and commitment over many years. His dedication spanned the hospital's radio, the League of Friends, where he served as chairman and volunteered for more than 40 years, and his wider involvement with local charities.

Through his kindness, leadership and tireless service, Malcolm made a real and lasting difference to the hospital and the community he cared so deeply about. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and valued his friendship.

Our thoughts are with Malcolm’s family. 💙

We are honoured to pay tribute to Malcolm, a long-standing hospital volunteer for Shoreham and Worthing

07/05/2026

Everyone has the right to be treated with compassion and respect, free from violence, harassment, or abuse. However, nearly 2,000 incidents of verbal and physical abuse from patients and visitors at our hospitals were reported by colleagues in the past year.

Today, the BBC has reported on the rising levels of violence against NHS staff, and the programme of work we're developing to protect and support our colleagues, because no one comes to work expecting to be threatened or harmed.

Our staff are here to care.

We're asking you and our local community to please act with kindness when visiting our hospitals. Thank you. 💙

06/05/2026

Want to help shape the future of care for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
You may be able to take part in an important research study right here at UHSussex.

The OCEaN trial is exploring whether a specific nutritional approach before surgery can improve outcomes for people with Crohn’s disease.

You may be eligible if you:
• are 16 or over
• have a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease
• are being considered for bowel surgery

By taking part at UHSussex, you could:
• help improve care for future patients
• contribute to important medical research
• play a part in advancing NHS treatments.

Find out more by contacting the OCEaN trial team at freya.galt@nhs.net or l.ortiz-ruizdegordoa@nhs.net

We’re committed to improving access to research opportunities and expanding our clinical research facilities so more people can take part in studies that shape the future of NHS care. 💙

06/05/2026

Thank you to our incredible midwives across our hospitals and in the community for your expertise, compassion and care you show our families and babies every day! 💙

05/05/2026

Meet Clare, a Community Midwife in our Harbour Team.

The Harbour Team is dedicated to providing continuity of care for people who need extra maternity support across Brighton, Hove, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

This means ensuring women and people from minority or marginalised groups — including asylum seekers, non English speakers, those experiencing anxiety, and trans and non binary people — feel supported throughout their pregnancy.

We know how powerful it is to have consistent support from a midwifery team you know and trust. It helps build confidence, strengthens relationships and ensures people feel respected and understood.

With the Harbour Team, you’re cared for by a midwife who knows you, your history and your story. It’s a team where interpreters are routinely available, and where strong, trusting relationships help people feel safe, supported and listened to.

Clare supports people from booking their first appointment, right through to birth and the postnatal period at home. Based in our midwifery hubs across Brighton and Hove, she is committed to building meaningful relationships with the families she cares for.

She said: “We’re a great team of sixteen midwives who are building great relationships with our service users so they can have a good experience throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

“As a continuity midwife, looking after women all the way through their pregnancy, you get to know them, and they get to know me and I feel they can enjoy their pregnancy more. If they have any concerns they know they can contact me and it’s just nice looking after them and seeing them flourish, as I help see them into parenthood. It’s just lovely to support them, so that they feel safe and supported.”

(Please note, Clare isn't working clinically for this video)