Happy new year and welcome to our Partner Brief for January 2025.
The past few months have been a busy time for the NHS, but once again, colleagues across DBTH have risen admirably to the challenge, delivering care for our communities. As we move into the year ahead, we are excited to make progress on several key initiatives.
This includes the major redevelopment works now underway at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, the introduction of Music Therapy within our Stroke Rehabilitation Service, and the continued success of the Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence, which has already transformed over 1,300 lives through its services.
We are also thrilled to highlight the introduction of ground breaking robotic rehabilitation technology for stroke patients at Montagu Hospital. This pioneering initiative, a first-of-its-kind for the UK, uses state-of-the-art robotics to support individuals in their recovery journey, further enhancing the exceptional care we provide.
Finally, I’m pleased to officially welcome Sam Wilde, our new Chief Finance Officer, whose expertise will support our future ambitions. Thank you to all our partners for your ongoing support—we look forward to working together in 2025.
Montagu Hospital to provide first of its kind robotic rehabilitation for stroke patients
The robotic devices, procured at a cost of £700,000, funded by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, will enable patients to engage in highly intensive, focused therapy sessions. Equipment includes robotic gait trainers, devices for upper and lower limb mobility, and interactive tools to improve cognitive and motor skills. These technologies, combined with virtual reality-assisted features, make rehabilitation more engaging and effective by focusing on repetitive exercises targeting mobility, balance, and coordination.
This innovative facility at Montagu Hospital represents a major leap forward in stroke rehabilitation, offering advanced robotic equipment and virtual reality-assisted tools that will transform the way patients recover.
As the first NHS service to introduce this technology, DBTH is setting a new benchmark for stroke care in the UK.
Major redevelopment works begin at Doncaster Royal Infirmary
Works have officially begun on a significant redevelopment at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, marking another step in Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ (DBTH) ongoing focus on improving facilities and services
The project, part of a wider £19.8 million investment, will see the relocation and refurbishment of key areas, including the Surgical Same Day Emergency Care (SSDEC) department and the former Discharge Lounge, as part of a broader redevelopment plan for the site.
As part of this work, the current Discharge Lounge in the East Ward Block will be transformed into the new SSDEC, with the lounge itself moving to the former Hydrotherapy department at the front of the site’s West Ward Block.
These changes are the first phase of a larger project that will eventually see the Department of Critical Care relocated to a new, purpose-built space to enhance accessibility and improve patient care.
Music Therapy joins Stroke Rehabilitation Service at Montagu Hospital
Stroke patients at the Trust are set to benefit from an innovative two-year pilot programme introducing Music Therapy to the Stroke Rehabilitation Service at Montagu Hospital.
Funded by the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, the service will be led by newly appointed Neurologic Music Therapist, Abbie Jean-Baptiste, whose work is set to inspire hope and progress among patients.
Music Therapy is an established psychological and clinical intervention designed to help individuals affected by illness, injury, or disability. It meets psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, and social needs through music-based activities tailored to each patient’s goals.
Celebrating one year of exceptional care at the Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence
The Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence (MEOC) is celebrating its first year of service, marking a significant milestone in reducing waiting lists and improving patient care across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.
Since welcoming its first patient in January 2024, the MEOC has helped transform orthopaedic care in the region, providing over 1,300 life-changing surgeries for local people.
The MEOC is a pioneering collaboration between our Trust, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and The Rotherham Hospital Foundation Trust.
Operating from a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility at Montagu Hospital, the centre specialises in elective orthopaedic procedures, including hip and knee replacements, as well as foot, ankle, hand, wrist, and shoulder surgeries.
Sam Wilde takes up post as Chief Finance Officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
The Trust is pleased to announce that Sam Wilde has now officially started as the Trust’s new Chief Finance Officer.
Sam joined from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust in late 2024, where he served as Director of Finance and Business Intelligence since 2018.
As Chief Finance Officer, Sam is a key member of the Trust’s Executive Team, responsible for all aspects of financial management. His role involves ensuring robust financial governance and supporting the Trust in achieving its strategic goals while maintaining financial sustainability. Sam will lead the finance team, manage budgets, oversee financial reporting, and ensure that resources are used effectively to deliver high-quality healthcare services.
Additionally, the role includes oversight of Estates and Facilities, Information Technology and Digital Transformation, and the Project Management Office.
Media and communications
Every month, the Trust publishes a number of items via its external channels to highlight developments at the Trust.
Contact the team
The Communications Team looks after media and stakeholder relations, digital communications, internal communications and patient information for the trust. The Communications Team should be the first point of contact for all media requests.
Thank you for reading!
The next edition of this newsletter will be available in mid-September. If you have any questions, please contact emma.shaheen@nhs.net or call 01302 644244.
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