We are incredibly proud of our hospitals, our services and the colleagues who deliver them.
Our hospitals are a reflection of the communities we care for – they are made up of your neighbours, your friends, your families and, often, you yourselves. As a Trust, we are here to serve you, and we want you to feel confident and supported if you ever need to raise a concern, ask a question or tell us something doesn’t feel right.
We know that even with the best intentions, things can sometimes fall short of what you expect. If you or a loved one has a concern, please let us know directly so we can understand what has happened and respond with care.
You can speak to a member of the team, or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs), who are here to listen and help:
- Telephone: (01302) 642764
- Freephone: 0800 028 8059
- Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net
Sharing concerns with us through these routes ensures we can look into them fully and provide the support, explanation or action that may be needed. We want to hear from you in the ways that allow us to understand your experience clearly and work with you to resolve any issues.
When issues are raised, they are reviewed through the proper processes and in line with national guidance. Where necessary, we involve independent specialists with no connection to the hospital to ensure fairness, transparency and objectivity.
Our focus is on learning, improving and maintaining the trust you place in us.
We move forward by listening to the experiences of our patients, families and local people – through open conversations that help us understand how we can do better.
Your voice genuinely matters. The more we hear from you, the stronger and safer our services become. Thank you for your continued trust, and for working with us to care for the communities we all belong to.
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Since September, the Trust, which operates Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital, has already cared for 166 patients with flu, with numbers expected to continue rising over the coming weeks.
Nationally, hospitalisations linked to flu arrived earlier than usual this year and are significantly higher than this point last winter.
Locally, Trust leaders are urging those eligible for the free vaccine – including pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, young children, and those with long-term health conditions – to take up the offer as soon as possible.
The Trust has been preparing for winter pressures, with more than 2,000 colleagues already receiving their flu jab to help reduce the spread within hospitals and keep essential services running.
Dr Nick Mallaband, Acting Executive Medical Director at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Flu is not just a heavy cold – it can be extremely serious, especially for those who are more vulnerable. Getting the flu jab now gives the best protection as we head into the peak winter months. We’re asking everyone who is eligible to make their vaccine part of their seasonal checklist. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference.”
Eligible individuals can book a free flu vaccine through their GP practice, participating local pharmacies, or by checking national booking options online.
Dr Ken Agwuh, Director of Infection Prevention and Control, added: “We are already seeing the impact of flu in our hospitals and we know this will increase as temperatures drop. By getting your vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself, but also helping reduce pressure on NHS services at what is always a very busy time of year. If you’re eligible, please get your jab booked as soon as possible.”
Those who are unsure if they qualify can speak to a pharmacist, visit NHS.uk or contact their GP practice for advice.
Dr Mallaband concludes: “The flu jab is one of the simplest ways to help keep yourself well this Christmas. Give yourself and your family the gift of good health.”
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The Badminton Hall at Doncaster Royal Infirmary was once again transformed into a festive Winter Wonderland, complete with a bustling Christmas market filled with local makers, treats, and family activities.
Ashleigh Elam, Sister on the Children’s Ward at DBTH and main organiser of the event, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Winter Wonderland such a wonderful success. We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations and the support shown by our stallholders, staff, families and the wider community.
“The event had a fantastic atmosphere once again, and the funds raised will go a long way in helping us enhance the experience of the children we care for. It truly means a lot to our team.”
This year’s event welcomed a wide variety of local stallholders, offering everything from sweet treats and crafts to handmade gifts. Businesses supporting the market included Rosiepuds, L’taurusweets, Charlottes Sweet Creations, Emma Gold Tropic, Blanc Created, Melts and More, The Potato Man, Serenity Craft UK, Hook and Nook, Bonbon Apetit, and Story in Disguise.
Adding festive excitement to the day, the Thorne Rural Lions’ Santa and sleigh made a special visit up to the ward, bringing Christmas cheer to young patients unable to attend the market.
The National Literacy Trust also visited the ward, delivering books for children and hosting a story time session, as well as Freddie the Magician, who provided magical bedside performances for every child.
Events like the Winter Wonderland help the Children’s Ward raise funds for vital projects, such as a brand-new sensory room.
Sensory rooms provide young patients with a calming, therapeutic environment to play, relax, and regulate their emotions during their hospital stay, making them an invaluable addition to the ward.
The team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all stallholders, performers, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the Winter Wonderland event possible.
To make a donation to the Children’s Ward, visit Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity’s website: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/
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At Bassetlaw Hospital, the CT scanning service has been enhanced with the opening of a new suite, including a second scanner. This upgrade will provide greater continuity of service for patients in the Bassetlaw area, with two scanners on site, patients will no longer need to travel to DRI during routine maintenance periods.
The new suite has been designed with patient comfort in mind, featuring modern equipment and calming wall murals to create a welcoming environment.
Sara Elliott, Head of Medical Imaging at DBTH, said: “The Medical Imaging service has seen significant investment this year, enhancing both capacity and capability across our diagnostic services. These developments mean we can offer more appointments within modern and comfortable surroundings.”
At DRI, the installation of a new SPECT-CT machine marks a major step forward for nuclear medicine services. Unlike a standard CT scanner, which captures detailed images of the body’s structure, a SPECT-CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography – Computed Tomography) combines structural and functional imaging, allowing clinicians to observe how organs and tissues are working. This provides a more complete picture of a patient’s health and supports early detection and diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.
The upgraded SPECT-CT suite also includes new clinical preparation spaces, enabling patients to get ready for their scans in a comfortable and private area.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Infrastructure at DBTH, said: “This investment in medical imaging has modernised our facilities, ensuring we provide the best possible care environments and improved outcomes for our patients and communities as outlined within our ‘Healthier Together’ strategy.”
Earlier this year, Montagu Hospital saw the completion of a new Imaging Suite as part of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre, providing capacity for 60,000 appointments across ultrasound, CT, and MRI services. The site has also benefitted from the refurbishment of X-ray and DEXA rooms, enhancing the patient experience through bright, accessible spaces.
Find out more about our recent capital developments on the Trust’s website: www.dbth.nhs.uk/about-us/improving-our-hospitals/
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The accolade is personally selected each year by Chair of the Board, Suzy Brain England OBE, recognising an individual or team that has made an exceptional contribution to patient care and the Trust over the past 12 months.
This year, the Stroke Team stood out for an extraordinary portfolio of achievements, with their innovation, leadership and unwavering dedication transforming local stroke care and influencing national best practice.
Suzy Brain England OBE said: “The Stroke Team has shown remarkable innovation, resilience and commitment to improvement. Their work has enhanced outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients and positioned DBTH as a leader in stroke care both regionally and nationally. It was my pleasure to recognise their achievements with the Chair’s Award.”
Over the past year, the team have implemented a number of changes to improve patient care and set a new, best-practice example for stroke care delivery.
The DBTH team were amongst the first in our region to use a newer, faster medicine to break down blood clots in some types of stroke. This switch cut the treatment time from around an hour to just a few seconds.
Further collaboration with local partners has meant that the Trust’s thrombectomy service – used to physically remove clots in certain types of stroke – is now available seven days a week, helping to ensure more patients can access urgent, specialist treatment when they need it most.
A pioneering video triage system has also been launched alongside paramedics to identify stroke patients earlier and ensure that they receive the treatment they need immediately on arrival at the hospital – giving them the best possible chance at recovery.
In addition, changes have been made to the ward structure at Doncaster Royal Infirmary which ensures seamless and consistent specialist neurotherapy care throughout a stroke patient’s journey.
DBTH’s CT scanner is now capable of performing CT perfusion scans, a form of advanced brain imaging that helps identify potentially salvageable brain tissue. This new functionality extends the treatment time window for clot-buster or mechanical thrombectomy beyond the usual 4.5 hours in selected cases.
The regional stroke centre in Sheffield provides mechanical thrombectomy service for patients whose stroke is caused by blockage of large blood vessels. DBTH’s CT scanner can perform fast angiography, it’s interpretation facilitated by artificial intelligence software RAPID, leading to one of the fastest door in, door out times in the country.
It is not only the initial care provided to stroke patients that has improved at DBTH. Recently, the first NHS robotic rehabilitation suite has opened at Mexborough Montagu Hospital which provides state-of-the-art rehabilitation treatments to help stroke survivors regain independence and improve recovery.
Dr. Dinesh Chadha, Stroke Consultant at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Chair’s Award. Every member of the team has gone above and beyond to improve stroke care for our patients. This recognition reflects the passion, creativity and hard work of colleagues across our service.”
The stroke team presented their innovations at a regional stroke conference for over 100 professionals in the field and their work continues to shape national stroke strategy, demonstrating what is possible even within tight financial constraints.
The team is also working on new ideas and research. They are one of only four teams in England testing almost 500 people to see who might not respond well to a commonly used blood-thinning medicine called Clopidogrel, due to a specific gene.
The DBTH Star Awards was delivered in association with ESC Global, a Doncaster-based water treatment company.
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Due to poor weather, the performance will now take place inside the main Dining Room from 1pm to 2pm. Please enter via Gate 4 (Costa entrance) and head left by the lifts.
Those on site are welcome to pop by, enjoy the music and take a moment to soak up some seasonal cheer, while being mindful that patient care remains our priority and access routes should remain clear.
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This much-loved seasonal tradition offers a welcome burst of festive cheer for those who may be spending the run-up to Christmas away from home.
Founded in 1993, Doncaster Concert Band brings together talented local musicians to perform a wide range of pieces – from classical favourites to contemporary Christmas tunes. They perform throughout the year at community and charity events, helping share the joy of music across Doncaster.
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board, added: “Our sincere thanks to Doncaster Concert Band for once again sharing their talents with us. Performances like this help make the season feel that little bit brighter for everyone on site.”
Local people are welcome to come along and listen. However, as the hospital will be busy caring for patients, those attending are politely asked to be mindful that it is a working site and to keep all access routes clear at all times.
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Festivities began at Montagu Hospital on 26 November, where staff, patients and visitors gathered to see the Christmas tree light up and mark the start of the season.
On Thursday 27 November, Bassetlaw Hospital hosted its switch-on, supported by a performance from the Norbridge Academy Choir.
The event also included the illumination of the Our Shining Stars display, which forms part of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity’s annual festive campaign, displaying sparkling stars on hospital sites and, for the first time, Bawtry.
On 28 November, colleagues, visitors and patients enjoyed music from Branton St Wilfrid’s School Choir in front of DRI’s Christmas tree before gathering for the evening’s Our Shining Stars switch-on.
This year’s celebrations concluded in Bawtry on 29 November, where the final switch-on saw the stars sparkling at Ziniz Restaurant & Wine Bar. This brand-new location marks an exciting expansion beyond hospital grounds and contributes to the charity’s largest display yet of 58 stars.
Adrian Petts, Head of Charity at DBTH, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Our Shining Stars shine across not only our hospital sites but also the town of Bawtry for the first time. This expansion allows us to bring festive joy to even more people while raising vital funds that help us enhance patient care, support families and take care of our fantastic colleagues.”
Our Shining Stars, now a cherished festive tradition, raises money for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity. All funds support projects that enhance patient care, provide comfort to families, and uplift staff through initiatives above and beyond standard NHS provisions.
DBTH Charity would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all individuals, families, community groups and businesses who have sponsored stars this year. A special thank you is also shared with those who have chosen to sponsor stars in memory of Mason, Donna and Karen, ensuring their loved ones’ legacies continue to shine.
For more information about Our Shining Stars, visit the charity website: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/our-shining-stars-2025/
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 new Critical Care building, scheduled for completion in Winter 2026, will provide a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable patients, both for now and for future generations.
The department will feature advanced technologies, including modern ventilators and continuous monitoring systems, and will be staffed by highly skilled critical care specialists. It will provide expert treatment for patients who have experienced major trauma, severe illnesses such as sepsis or pneumonia, or who require close observation following complex surgery.
Over recent months, extensive groundwork has prepared the site, including upgrading existing infrastructure, installing new underground supports, and clearing the surrounding area following essential demolition works. With the steel frame now erected after being delivered by crane earlier this month, contractors will shortly begin installing external walls and roofing.
Once complete, the new DCC will provide 22 beds in patient bays, alongside a welcoming reception area, family room, waiting space, on-site pharmacy, and a suite of clinical and medical support rooms. The upper floor will house office space, meeting rooms and work areas for consultant and wider clinical teams. Access for the department will be close to the South Block entrance, offering a more convenient route for visitors.
While construction is underway, local pupils have helped to transform the area by creating bright and cheerful artwork to decorate the long stretch of hoarding surrounding the site. Students from Plover School and Town Field Primary School were invited to take part in an artwork competition aimed at bringing colour and positivity to the space.
Following a vote by hospital colleagues, two winning designs were selected: Lena (aged 10) from Plover School and Natalia (aged 7) from Town Field Primary School. Their artwork is now displayed outside the South Block entrance, with all submissions to the competition featured alongside the two finalist pieces.
To celebrate their efforts, pupils from both schools visited the site for a special unveiling of their artwork. During the visit, they received certificates and met members of the Trust’s Capital Planning Team and partners at VINCI Building who thanked the children for their creative pictures. The visit offered the children a unique opportunity to see their work in place and see the building taking shape, to deliver the future of critical care in Doncaster.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Infrastructure at DBTH, said: “We’re delighted to see the progress of the new Department of Critical Care, each milestone brings us closer to a modern, purpose-built environment. This development will ensure our patients receive care in a space designed for the future, supporting the best possible outcomes.”
David Grasham, Senior Construction Manager and Social Value Lead at VINCI Building, said: “These drawings are a fantastic way of helping to make the site more cheerful and feature positive images and messages that everyone can all take inspiration from.”
Next month, the crane will depart the site, and construction will continue into the new year with internal partitioning and further structural works. The project remains on track for completion in Winter 2026.
The project is being delivered by Integrated Health Projects, the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine.
For more information on the Department of Critical Care project and other developments across DBTH, please visit the Trust’s website: www.dbth.nhs.uk/improving-our-hospitals
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Happiness’ journey began in her home country of Zimbabwe, where she originally trained to become a Midwife.
“I really wanted to learn about the populations that I was serving and how to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, which is why I completed an additional degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, as well as a Monitoring and Evaluation Special Honours Postgraduate,” she explained.
In January 2023, she moved to Doncaster to put her skills into practice and gain a deeper understanding of how maternal and neonatal healthcare operates within a developed health system.
“I’ve been supported by the Trust every step of the way – from finding accommodation and completing bootcamp to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, to helping me reunite with my family five months later. Their support has been incredible, and having my family here has made all the difference.”
Less than a year after becoming a Rotational Midwife, Happiness was successfully appointed Deputy Ward Manager on the Antenatal and Postnatal Ward at DRI.
However, her learning didn’t stop there: “I embarked on the leadership course offered by the Florence Nightingale Foundation and also completed the Elevate programme, which is for ethnic minorities.”
To top off her impressive list of achievements, Happiness now serves as a Cultural Safety Support Champion at DBTH and contributes to both the Decision Making Council for internationally educated healthcare professionals and the PROMPT faculty, helping to support colleague and student education across maternity services.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Happiness said: “When I came here, I didn’t see myself being where I am today, but there are so many opportunities in the NHS. My Trust made us aware of them, and I just grabbed every one that came my way. I had to be uncomfortable to become comfortable.”
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at DBTH, added: “We are incredibly proud to support colleagues like Happiness as they build rewarding and meaningful careers here at DBTH. Her journey reflects the talent, dedication and potential within our workforce, and the difference that the right support and opportunities can make.”
Happiness’ journey is nothing short of inspiring – proving that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible.
Interested in joining the team?
DBTH is committed to supporting colleagues at every stage of their career, whether they trained locally, elsewhere in the UK, or internationally. As the Trust continues to grow, it welcomes individuals who share its values, its passion for safe and compassionate care, and its ambition to continually improve.
Those looking for a rewarding next step within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation are encouraged to visit the DBTH careers page to explore current opportunities. The Trust welcomes applications from both newly qualified and experienced professionals, offering a comprehensive package of induction, education and ongoing development to help every colleague thrive.
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