DBTH opportunities: Emergency response roles

We have exciting opportunities to join the Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals.

The team plays an important role in ensuring the organisation is ready to respond to major incidents, emergencies, and service disruption, supporting colleagues across our hospitals to maintain safe services for patients.

Working across clinical and corporate teams, the EPRR function helps coordinate plans, training and exercises, ensuring the Trust meets national requirements for emergency preparedness and business continuity.

If you are organised, proactive, and interested in helping healthcare services remain resilient during both planned and unexpected events, we would encourage you to apply.

Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Officer

Band 5 | Full time (37.5 hours) | Permanent

Based primarily at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, the EPRR Officer will support the operational delivery of the Trust’s emergency preparedness programme.

Working across clinical and corporate services, the postholder will help coordinate planning, training, exercises, and documentation to ensure the organisation is prepared for incidents and maintains compliance with national EPRR standards.

The role also includes operational leadership of the Trust’s FFP3 Fit Testing programme, supervising delivery across sites and ensuring appropriate safety and compliance standards are met.

• Find out more and apply here.

EPRR Clinical Resilience Officer

Band 6 | Full time | Fixed term (24 months)

This role focuses on strengthening digital and clinical resilience across the Trust, supporting services to maintain continuity during disruption or system changes.

Working closely with clinical teams, digital services and programme teams, the postholder will help develop and test business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements linked to the Trust’s electronic patient record programme and wider digital infrastructure.

The successful candidate will help ensure services have robust downtime and recovery processes, coordinate testing and exercises, and support teams during major system deployments or incidents.

• Find out more and apply here.

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The survey is carried out independently and anonymously by research organisation IQVIA, allowing colleagues to speak openly about their experiences at work and helping the organisation understand both its strengths and where improvements are needed.

The results show the Trust, which operates hospitals in both South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, is performing above the benchmark for six of the seven areas used across the NHS to understand workforce experience.

These include whether colleagues feel respected at work and feel safe and supported in their roles. The Trust is in line with the average in the seventh area, which focuses on teamwork.

Colleagues responding to the survey highlighted strong opportunities for learning and development, progress with flexible working, and positive experiences around health, safety and wellbeing at work.

Many also reported feeling supported by their immediate teams and managers, with overall morale comparing favourably with similar NHS organisations and survey measures such as bullying and harassment also remaining lower than in comparable organisations nationally.

The survey also highlights areas where further progress is needed.

Feedback around engagement, involvement in decisions and whether colleagues feel comfortable raising concerns will help shape the Trust’s priorities over the coming months, with a focus on strengthening communication and involving teams more closely the development of improvements within services.

Mark Bailey, Interim Chair of the Board at DBTH, said: “We are very grateful to the almost 4,000 colleagues who took the time to share their experiences. Because the survey is anonymous and independently run, it gives people the confidence to be open and candid about what it is really like to work here, and we genuinely value that honesty.

“This survey builds on the work we have already been doing to listen to colleagues through previous surveys and engagement across the organisation. Together, it gives us a rich insight into the experiences of services, staff groups and individuals, helping us better understand where things are working well and where more attention, and action, is needed.

“It is encouraging to see our Trust comparing favourably with similar organisations across many of the national measures of colleague experience. At the same time, results like this never mean the work is finished. We will continue to build on the many positive things colleagues have highlighted, while also focusing on areas where particular teams or groups feel their experience could be better.”

The findings will inform wider cultural work beginning across the organisation in the coming weeks to better understand colleagues’ experiences and respond to the survey findings in a coordinated and meaningful way.

Mark added: “Alongside colleagues across the Trust, the Board of Directors will look carefully at these findings alongside how our services are performing, because the experience of our colleagues is closely linked to the care we provide for patients and the communities we serve.

“We will continue to listen to colleagues and act on what they tell us as we work to make our Trust the best possible place to work and receive care.”

The NHS Staff Survey takes place every year, and colleagues will have another opportunity to share their experiences when the next survey opens in September.

Members of the public can read more about the findings here: https://www.nhsstaffsurveys.com/

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals operates Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital, providing care to around half a million people across South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire each year.

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It’s a busy role that keeps Jarnel constantly on the move. During a typical shift, he walks between 25,000 and 30,000 steps each day – around 12 miles as he helps colleagues and patients across our sites.

So when it comes to walking, Jarnel is already well practised. This March, he’s turning those miles into a fundraising effort by taking on the Walk 31 Miles in March challenge in support of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

While the distance itself may be modest compared to the steps he covers at work, the aim is to use his daily miles to raise awareness and vital funds for a cause that makes a real difference.

Jarnel is undertaking the challenge in honour of everyone affected by lung cancer – those currently facing it, those we have sadly lost, and the families who continue to carry their memory. While he already walks miles each day through his role, he is dedicating an extra mile every day in his own time to raise awareness and vital funds.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the UK’s leading lung cancer charity. It funds research to improve treatments and survival rates, campaigns for earlier diagnosis, and provides practical and emotional support to patients and families facing lung cancer. Its work helps ensure people affected by the disease receive the information, care, and hope they need.

Jarnel is no stranger to supporting good causes. Over the years he has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity, including organising sponsored walks between Sheffield and Doncaster with Sikh Youth Doncaster. In recognition of his charitable work, he was even invited to attend the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018.

So far, Jarnel has raised just under £200 of his £500 goal, and with a little help from colleagues we can help him get there.

If you are able to support him, every donation makes a difference.

Support him here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jarnel1771501111981

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Residents of Doncaster and Mexborough might recognise South Africa-born Ellie from her clinical role – however, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her life.

Despite already taking on the Ironman World Championships and the Ice Swimming World Championships in late 2024 and early 2025, Ellie pushed herself even further last year with two extraordinary challenges: a relay swim across the English Channel and the iconic New York City Marathon.

Last September, Ellie completed her 21-mile relay swim in 17 hours and 34 minutes alongside five other women, none of whom knew each other prior but have since formed a watertight bond.

Reflecting on the gruelling conditions, Ellie said: “We had everything against us – the riptides and jellyfish were unforgiving. We almost didn’t make it to the end, even our observer wasn’t sure we would.

“This seemed to spur us on more – we started chanting and singing to each other to motivate us and it worked!”

Just over a month later, Ellie jetted off to the US to race in the New York Marathon. Despite the rapid turnaround, she achieved a Time Qualifier, meaning she automatically secured a place in a future race based on her finishing time for her age category.

She explained: “After the relay, I was so exhausted mentally and physically, but I knew I had to get stuck into training for the marathon.

“I’ve ran the London Marathon in the past and now New York; I think I want to complete the Boston Marathon next.”

Just a week after running New York, Ellie swapped trainers for wedding heels and took to the waters once again to marry her fiancé, John, on a cruise in the Bahamas.

Since then, Ellie has represented Team GB at the European/African Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy, bringing home a silver medal.

After an intense couple of years, Ellie plans to take a break from competing for the rest of 2026, focusing instead on refining her technique and race strategy.

Ellie added: “Ice swimming is getting more popular, which is fantastic. I am thinking about going for the world championships but changing direction and competing in the breaststroke category instead.

“Me and the girls who I completed the relay with are meeting up in June to take on Chillswim Coniston – we can’t sit still for too long!”

Mark Bailey, Interim Chair of the Board at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: “Ellie’s commitment to everything she does for our country, from her work at our orthopaedic centre to representing us at European and international sporting events, is truly motivating.

We are full of admiration and respect for her, and we know that no matter what she puts her mind to, she can succeed. A huge congratulations, Ellie – Team DBTH are truly fortunate to have you!”

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Becky Pettigrew, a Colorectal Cancer Assistant Practitioner at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, began making the bags two years ago during a difficult period in her life.

She said: “Making the drain bags was like therapy to me.”

Self-funding the project, Becky has spent countless hours creating the material bags, which help patients carry post-surgery drains more comfortably and securely.

She said: “I stopped counting at 400.”

Designed to make life easier while patients recover – often following cancer treatment – the bags improve independence, ease of movement and dignity.

One patient, Beverley, who was treated for kidney cancer and later developed a rare thyroid tumour, said the bags have made daily tasks much simpler.

Beverley said: “The bag is especially handy when going to the toilet because it has a strap, otherwise you’d have to hold the drain or put it on the sink which is less hygienic.

“It’s also useful when you’re washing because you can put it on your shoulder without having to worry about stretching the tube too far.”

The bags also add a touch of comfort in a clinical environment.

Beverley said: “My bag has whales on it and I’m a Pisces. I love the nature and calming designs.”

Not content with making the bags alone, Becky — who has worked at the Trust for 14 years beginning in the laundry department — partnered with Doncaster Hack and Makerspace to help meet growing demand from wards and departments.

Becky said: “Over the last year more wards and departments that use the bags have contacted me for a supply.

On 28 January, a group of 13 volunteers created 116 drain bags and around 100 more part-completed bags.

Becky said: “I’m very pleased with the outcome. The numbers we made would have taken me a couple of months.”

A post on the Facebook page for Doncaster Hack and Makerspace said: “This is community making at its best: people sharing skills, giving their time and creating something that will genuinely help others.”

The simple design is now being used in introductory sewing workshops at the Makerspace and is made using upcycled materials, including unwanted bedding and disused hospital curtains.

Despite moving past the challenging period that first inspired the idea, Becky continues to sew because of the impact it has on patients.

She said: “I get the little warm fuzzy feeling when I see a patient wearing one of my, and now our, bags.”

When patients finish treatment, many reuse the bags at home as peg bags or pass them on to children.

Becky hopes to secure funding to continue growing the initiative through the community partnership.

She said: “I’d like to be able to offer a bag to each patient who has a drain or similar medical appliance.

“In the past I’ve seen drains held up using bandages or safety pins which are adequate solutions but not as dignified as a bag.”

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Launched at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) in December 2025, the Palliative and End of Life Care Garden Project brings together health and construction students to create a tranquil, inclusive and sensory-rich outdoor space for patients and their families.

The initiative is a partnership between teams at DBTH, Doncaster College and Integrated Health Projects (IHP), combining clinical insight with technical expertise to deliver a space that reflects compassion, dignity and comfort at one of life’s most important moments.

Dr Kirsty Edmondson-Jones, Director of Infrastructure at DBTH, said: “This End of Life garden project is a powerful example of how local organisations can come together to create significant and lasting change.

“By working in partnership with IHP and Doncaster College, we are creating a calm, compassionate environment that reflects the needs of patients and their families at such an important time.

“We’re extremely proud to be working on this project, knowing that end of life and palliative care affects so many of us through our loved ones.”

During the launch event, students heard from the Trust’s Estates and End of Life Care teams about the challenges faced by patients and families, and why creating a peaceful and private environment is so important.

They also toured the hospital’s existing Rainbow Garden before visiting the proposed new site to understand its specific opportunities and constraints.

Fiona Caddy, Lead Nurse for Specialist Palliative and End of Life Care Services at the Trust, said: “This garden will support many patient groups experiencing life-limiting illness while they are receiving acute treatment or to support them while they receive end of life care.”

Students began developing their designs from early December and will be presenting their final concepts to a judging panel next week.

Along the way, members of the Trust, IHP and Doncaster College have offered guidance to the students in the form of online discussion sessions, site visits and presentation skills workshops.

The winning design will be incorporated into the garden build as part of IHP’s social value programme on site.

Abbie Sturla-Manning, Work Placement Coordinator at Doncaster College, said: “This project perfectly demonstrates the value of employer-led learning and is giving our learners a unique opportunity to work on a real-world brief that has genuine meaning and impact.

“Working with NHS partners and industry professionals has helped them understand the responsibility that comes with designing a space for people at one of the most vulnerable stages of their life. We’re very excited to see how our Construction and Health & Social Care students collaborate to bring this garden to life.”

Students were given a brief of important considerations for the project, including accessibility, designs in line with Green Flag Award standards and comfort for patients.

Following the student’s involvement, IHP will begin construction on the garden, with plans to complete the project in summer 2026.

Phil Worsnip, IHP Project Manager, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to give students real-world experience whilst making a meaningful difference for patients and families.

“At IHP, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of talent, which is why construction students have received additional site visits and one-to-one guidance from our team.

“It’s about giving them insight into the practicalities of construction while working collaboratively with health students to create a space that truly meets patient needs.”

If you would like to make a donation towards this project, visit the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity website: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/donate-today/. Alternatively, you can contact the charity team by email dbth.charity@nhs.net or call 01302 648282.

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Taking place on Saturday 25 April 2026, the adrenaline-fuelled challenge will see participants descend the side of the Women and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary – giving thrill seekers the chance to take on a unique challenge while raising money for their local NHS.

Following the success of last year’s event, which raised just shy of £12,000, the charity is bringing the abseil back for a second year. Demand has already been high, and organisers say spaces are now quickly nearing the limit, encouraging anyone thinking about taking part not to miss out.

Adrian Petts, Head of DBTH Charity, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting our abseil for the second year running. It’s an exciting challenge that pushes people outside their comfort zones, while raising crucial funds to support patients and colleagues across our hospitals.

“Every person who signs up and steps over the edge is helping to make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.”

Participants will abseil down the side of the hospital building, with fancy dress encouraged (but not required) – giving many the perfect excuse to finally live out their own superhero moment.

With a £35 registration fee and a minimum sponsorship target of £200, every participant will help fund projects that make a real difference for patients, families and colleagues across Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital in Mexborough.

The money raised helps pay for equipment, improvements to hospital environments, and those extra touches that make stays in hospital more comfortable when people need care the most.

Last year, Andrea Butcher successfully completed the abseil, raising over £1,000 for the Chatsfield Suite at Doncaster Royal Infirmary following her own cancer journey at the Trust.

Andrea said: “When we saw the event advertised, I knew I had to get involved. It felt incredibly meaningful to take on this challenge from the hospital that played such a huge role in my recovery.

“The charity abseil was more than just a fundraiser – it’s a tribute to survival and a powerful reminder of the impact of the NHS and the strength of those it serves.”

Registration includes the full abseil experience, delivered with thanks to Big Bang Promotions, as well as a charity t-shirt.

All funds raised will support vital projects across DBTH. Previous charitable funding has helped provide VIP bags for adult patients with learning disabilities during hospital visits and contributed towards ‘Robi’, the surgical robot helping to transform cancer surgery locally.

With places going quickly, thrill seekers and supporters alike are encouraged to secure one of the remaining spots before registrations close.

Don’t miss out, secure your place by visiting: https://fundraise.dbthcharity.co.uk/event/big-dri-abseil

About DBTH Charity:

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.

These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.

Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/

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The booklet gives families, friends and carers a simple way to share important details about their loved one, particularly when they are too unwell or distressed to explain their needs themselves.

This includes information about how someone prefers to communicate, what helps them feel calm, and the routines and personal preferences that make them feel more at ease.

Based on the original ‘This Is Me’ document developed by the Alzheimer’s Society, the booklet supports patients who may find communication difficult, including people living with dementia or delirium, those with learning disabilities, anxiety or speech difficulties, and those recovering from serious illness or stroke.

By capturing everyday details such as hobbies, experiences and personal preferences, the booklet helps hospital colleagues see the person behind the patient.

This can lead to kinder conversations, fewer misunderstandings, and care that feels more familiar and reassuring for patients and their families.

The updated booklet is easy to complete and includes clear sections on communication, mobility, routines and personal background, making it quick for families to fill in and practical for teams to use on wards.

It has been refreshed alongside the development of the Enhanced Therapeutic Observations and Care (ETOC) project.

Instrumental in updating the booklet is Julie Wragg, Corporate Nurse at DBTH. As part of her role, Julie supports patients living with dementia and/or delirium alongside their relatives, empowering families to advocate for their loved one’s needs and wishes.

Julie explained: “When caring for a patient, it’s important to see them as a person, not just their medical condition. While they are in hospital, we want to make them feel as comfortable as possible and ensure their care is tailored to their individual needs.

“Completing this booklet gives colleagues valuable insight into what matters most to your loved one, helping to personalise care and reduce the risk of misunderstanding.”

Relatives can access the booklet by asking ward colleagues for a copy, or by printing it directly from the Trust’s website.

Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, added: “Good communication is fundamental to safe, compassionate care. The refreshed document helps our teams better understand each patient as an individual, particularly those who may struggle to express their needs.

“By working closely with families and carers, we can ensure care is more inclusive, responsive and centred around what matters most to the patient.”

For further information about This is Me, or to print the booklet, visit: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/this-is-me/

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Taking place on Saturday 25 April 2026, the adrenaline-fuelled challenge will see participants descend the side of the Women & Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Following the success of last year’s event which raised just shy of £12,000, the charity is delighted to bring the abseil back in-house for a second time.

Adrian Petts, Head of DBTH Charity, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting our abseil for the second year running. It’s an exciting challenge that pushes people outside their comfort zones, while raising crucial funds to support patients and colleagues across our hospitals.

“Every person who signs up and steps over the edge is helping to make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.”

Participants will abseil tens of feet down the hospital building and are encouraged (but not obliged) to wear fancy dress for the occasion.

With a £35 registration fee and a minimum sponsorship target of £200, participants will help enhance patient care and wellbeing by funding innovative equipment, creating compassionate environments, and providing vital support for our dedicated staff — bridging the gap where NHS funding ends so our hospitals can deliver truly exceptional healthcare across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.

Last year, Andrea Butcher successfully completed the abseil, raising over £1,000 for the Chatsfield Suite at Doncaster Royal Infirmary following her own cancer journey at the Trust.

Andrea said: “When we saw the event advertised, we knew we had to get involved. It felt incredibly meaningful to take on this challenge from the hospital that played such a huge role in my recovery.

“The charity abseil was more than just a fundraiser – it’s a tribute to survival and a powerful reminder of the impact of the NHS and the strength of those it serves.”

Registration includes the abseil experience with thanks to Big Bang Promotions plus a charity t-shirt.

All funds raised will go towards vital projects across the Trust. Previous charitable funding has supported initiatives such as VIP bags for adult patients with learning disabilities during hospital visits, as well as helping to fund ‘Robi’, the surgical robot revolutionising cancer surgery.

Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly, with sign-ups closing in late April.

To secure a place, visit: https://fundraise.dbthcharity.co.uk/event/big-dri-abseil

About DBTH Charity:

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.

These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.

Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/

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Facilities services play a vital role in keeping hospitals safe, clean, well-run and compliant, covering areas such as cleaning, compliance, training and operational support.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, this is a chance to discover how a career in NHS Facilities offers long-term stability, clear progression opportunities, and the opportunity to make a real difference to patient care every day.

The event will take place at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Gate 1, D Block, Badminton Hall on Tuesday 17 February 2026, with morning and afternoon sessions available.

The team is recruiting for a range of Facilities roles, including Facilities Service Coordinator, Facilities Team Leader, and Training and Compliance Auditor, with four positions available in this role. Salaries range from £24,937 to £30,162, depending on role and experience.

As part of the NHS, colleagues also benefit from one of the best pension schemes in the UK, generous annual leave, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, occupational sick pay, and access to a wide range of wellbeing and discount schemes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Facilities leadership team, explore career pathways and development opportunities, and learn how the service support everything from infection control and safety standards to the smooth running of hospital services. There will also be opportunities for on-the-day discussions and fast-track applications.

Working in the NHS provides access to training, apprenticeships, and professional development, while offering work that genuinely makes a difference to patients and colleagues, explained James Lowe, Facilities Lead at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

He said: “Working within Facilities at DBTH is both rewarding and genuinely impactful.

“Our teams are central to creating safe, clean and efficient environments that directly support patient care. I have seen first-hand the development opportunities available, from structured training to clear progression routes into leadership and specialist roles.

“This event is a great opportunity to meet the team, understand the roles in more detail and explore how a career at DBTH could be the right next step.”

To confirm your attendance, fill in this form: https://tinyurl.com/dbthopportunity

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