Organised by Katie Simpson, Paediatric Planned Care Matron at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH), the visit saw four Key Stage 2 pupils tour the Children’s Observation Unit and Children’s Ward. The group were encouraged to evaluate how welcoming, safe, and inclusive the environment felt from a child’s perspective – particularly for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Katie was inspired by Walsall Manor Hospitals “Little Voices” project, which she first encountered at the Patient Experience Network National Awards. After learning about the programme, she reached out to Walsall’s team, who generously shared their resources and methodology.
Katie shared: “Whilst reaching out to schools, I started to think about improving our SEND provisions. It made me ask how would deaf or hard-of-hearing children experience our wards and what do we need to improve?”
She then contacted Doncaster Deaf School, who responded enthusiastically and collaborated in organising the visit. The school also offered resources to help DBTH better support communication with deaf children and families.
During their visit, the children gave feedback on key aspects of patient care including how friendly the environment was, whether they felt safe, and if they believed the ward would listen to and involve them in decisions.
Katie continues: “This type of feedback is invaluable. It helps us understand what really matters to our young patients, especially those with specific communication needs. Their voices will directly shape how we evolve our services.”
Plans are now in place to invite older students from the school’s Year 11 cohort to review areas serving young adults, helping to ensure smoother transitions to adult care services.
Dr Kelly Mackenzie, Consultant in Public Health at DBTH, said: “This is a fantastic initiative ensuring our children’s and young people’s voices are being heard. It is particularly important for groups who we know face more challenges accessing our services, so we can understand how to better support them.
“This in turn helps us to deliver our ambition of tackling health inequalities and ensure no one is left behind when it comes to accessing care.”
This initiative forms part of DBTH’s wider commitment to providing inclusive care, ensuring that every child – no matter their needs – feels seen, heard, and safe in the Trust’s hospitals.
Read the Trust’s enabling plan for tackling Health Inequalities for the next five years.
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The Chief Nurse Research Internship, which opened at DBTH in 2023, is designed for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) at the Trust who are interested in developing their research knowledge and skills.
The programme provides tailored training, mentorship, and protected time to support the development of individual research projects aligned with each intern’s clinical speciality and interest.
Over six months, the five interns from this cohort, representing a range of fields including paediatrics, physiotherapy, and theatres, dedicated one day per week to research training and developing their own clinically relevant projects. These projects aimed to significantly improve patient care and practices within their dedicated specialities.
To mark the conclusion of the programme, a celebratory event was held where interns presented their research findings to colleagues, mentors, and senior leaders.
The internship continues to serve as a vital stepping stone for NMAHPs interested in research-centred careers, with many participants considering further development through pre-doctoral, doctoral, or post-doctoral fellowships.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, shared her pride in the second cohort: “Once again, we’ve seen an inspiring group of professionals rise to the challenge and embrace the world of research. Their commitment to improving patient care through evidence-based practice is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing where their research journeys take them next!”
Building on the success of both cohorts, the Trust aims to expand the programme and continue supporting a new generation of clinical researchers across all healthcare professions.
For more information on research and innovation at DBTH, please visit the dedicated page here: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/
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Participants include 1,619 mothers and 1,881 babies.
Born and Bred in Doncaster (Babi-D), a local birth cohort study at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust (DBTH), aims to help improve the health and wellbeing of children and families by understanding what families want and need from local healthcare services.
The study has a strong focus on health inequalities and inclusion.
Hannah Beardmore, Interim Research Midwife for Babi-D, said: “We are so pleased with the progress our Babi-D study has made so far.
“Hitting this significant milestone shows us what a willing community of families we have in our area. It also tells us that we’re getting it right in terms of our recruitment of mothers and babies.
“As we continue to grow, we want to thank everyone who has already agreed to participate and invite others to help us learn more about the health of mothers and babies in Doncaster.”
Since its launch in June 2022, the Babi-D study has hosted two ‘teddy bear picnics’ at local family hubs for children and their families.
The picnics served as an opportunity to engage with local families, bring together the community, and find out what they feel should be research priorities within the study.
Babi-D is part of a growing BaBi network currently comprising of twelve sites nationally. The BaBi network combined has over 45,000 participants and is coordinated by BIB4all, the internationally recognised, pioneering centre in Bradford.
The data from across the network is being developed into a meta cohort and it is envisaged that this data will help answer research questions of national relevance.
Lois Mellor, Principal Investigator for Babi-D and Director of Midwifery at the Trust, said: “Each mother and baby who takes part in Babi-D is helping us build a clearer picture of what families in Doncaster need, enabling us to shape services that make a real difference.
“The data we gather could also be used by researchers to answer important health questions and improve care not just locally, but nationally.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed so far and look forward to welcoming even more families into the study.”
Taking part in BaBi-D is voluntary and participants are free to withdraw at any time. This research, like every research project undertaken, is checked to make sure it meets the highest scientific and ethical standards. You can find out more about the study, or provide the team with your research ideas, on the dedicated Born and Bred in Doncaster website: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/babi-d/
The BaBi network is part of the Born in Bradford family and is supported by the National Institute for Health Research Yorkshire and Humber ARC (NIHR YHARC). To find out more please visit: www.babinetwork.co.uk.
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In just two weeks’ time, a team of six women including Ellie, who have named themselves the Riptide Racers, will be completing a relay swim across the English Channel. Together, they are raising money for SwimTayka, a charity that teaches children in low-income countries how to swim, helping to prevent drowning deaths.
However, one cause wasn’t enough for Ellie. She is also swimming for the Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ (DBTH) Charity, raising funds to benefit the Orthopaedics department across the Trust.
Ellie said: “I have worked in Orthopaedics for 25 years and am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had. It feels right to give back by raising much-needed funds for the specialty.
“I’d like to support improvements to the hospital environment, including medical equipment across Orthopaedics.
“One key item I’d love to fund is a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine. It’s a motorised device that helps improve joint mobility after surgery or injury.”
This swim caps off an incredible sporting year for Ellie, who completed the Ironman Championships last September and the Ice Swimming Championships this January. Speaking about her preparations, she said: “We recently completed our qualifying swim in Dover. We had to swim for a total of 2-and-a-half hours in 14-degree water – it was tough!
“Before this event, myself and the other ladies in my team were strangers to each other. Our love of swimming has brought us together and we are so excited for the journey ahead!”
The Riptide Racers will be on standby to swim between 11 and 18 July, with the actual day depending on swimming conditions. They will be taking it in turns to swim the 21-mile distance between England and France for at least one hour at a time in open water.
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board at DBTH, said: “Ellie’s determination and commitment, both in her clinical role and through this extraordinary fundraising challenge, are truly inspiring.
“Her passion for improving patient care and supporting colleagues across Orthopaedics and MEOC embodies the very best of the NHS.
“On behalf of the Board, we are incredibly proud of Ellie and wish her and the Riptide Racers every success as they take on the English Channel.”
To support Ellie and raise funds for Orthopaedics across DBTH, visit: https://fundraise.dbthcharity.co.uk/fundraisers/eleanorbull/lets-get-moving
To read about Ellie’s previous accomplishments, visit: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/news/from-the-ward-to-the-world-stage-nhs-hero-takes-on-ironman-and-ice-swimming-championships/
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 hard 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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Launched in 2019, the invite-only event brings together a wide range of departments and partner organisations to showcase the diverse career opportunities available within the NHS and the wider health and care sector.
Students from local schools who have accepted the invitation will attend one of two events, depending on their location. The first will take place at The Dome in Doncaster on Friday 4 July, followed by a second event at Worksop College on Friday 11 July.
With over 38 interactive stands confirmed, attendees will have the chance to speak directly with professionals working in both clinical and non-clinical roles, from nursing and medicine to estates and facilities, and more.
In addition to DBTH staff, the events will feature representatives from key NHS partners such as Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), as well as higher education providers including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
Dr Sam Debbage, Director of Education and Research at DBTH, said: “The ‘We Care into the Future’ events are extremely important for our young people to attend. They are our future workforce, and health and social care is a major sector in Doncaster and Bassetlaw.
“We have multiple interactive stalls, featuring staff from a range of roles – from doctors and therapists to communications assistants, tradespeople and recruitment officers.
“We understand that young people at this age might not yet know what they want their future to look like, but events like these help open their eyes to the many possibilities available to them.”
These events form part of DBTH’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the future workforce and raising awareness of the wide range of careers within the NHS. By engaging with students at an early stage, the Trust hopes to inspire and support the next generation of healthcare professionals and support staff across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.
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The facility, known as ‘The Phoenix Therapy Suite’, is located within the Fred and Ann Green Rehabilitation Centre, and will further complement the existing support at Montagu Hospital.
Its addition to the Stroke Rehabilitation service sets it apart as a centre of excellence within the region, offering patients a wider range of therapeutic options to enhance physical and cognitive recovery.
The name for the therapy suite was inspired by a metaphor of a brain recovering from a stroke – a phoenix ‘rising from the ashes’.
The ability of the brain to adapt by forging new connections is known as neuroplasticity. Following a stroke, or other acquired brain injury, brains can ‘rewire’ themselves by forming new neural pathways to support restoration and recovery.
Equipped with the latest in stroke therapy technology, the gymnasium hosts seven different ‘robotic’ devices, which will serve as ‘therapy multipliers,’ enabling patients to engage in highly focused, intensive therapy sessions under the guidance of expert clinicians.
Among the equipment is a state-of-the-art robotic gait trainer, as well as devices focused on improving upper and lower limb mobility and balance. Many of these systems incorporate gaming elements, helping to motivate and engage patients throughout their journey of recovery.
This facility represents a significant step forward in the care available to local stroke patients – whether they are recovering from a recent stroke or receiving longer-term support. For the first time within the NHS, this level of specialist, technology-supported rehabilitation will be made available to patients previously only found in private healthcare settings.
Dr Peter Anderton, Consultant for the Stroke Rehabilitation Service, said: “This facility has the potential to change lives. It will allow our patients, whether newly recovering or managing longer-term stroke impacts, access to cutting-edge rehabilitation that is usually only available privately. It’s a major step forward for our community, ensuring care is accessible and equitable, and it puts Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals at the forefront of NHS Stroke rehabilitation.”
This new addition to the Stroke Rehabilitation service is just one of the many ways DBTH is addressing health inequalities, by creating specialist, localised services that meet the needs of communities who may otherwise face barriers to accessing care and support.
Dr Kelly MacKenzie, Consultant in Public Health at DBTH, said: “This investment is a clear example of how using the latest in therapy technology will improve outcomes for patients that would not otherwise have access to this type of treatment. This helps us to deliver our ambition to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing care.”
The purchase of new gym equipment was made possible thanks to generous funding from the Fred and Ann Green Legacy, along with support from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity.
Looking ahead, there are exciting plans to further enhance the rehabilitation experience with the creation of a dedicated garden space.
Donations are currently being sought to help bring these plans to life. The project will see the transformation of an existing courtyard into a tranquil garden area, directly connected to the gym. This new space will include a peaceful garden room and harmonious planting, providing a calm and restorative environment where patients can relax and reflect after their therapy sessions, and engage in therapeutic gardening activities.
Dr Peter Anderton said: “There is a now considerable body of scientific evidence supporting the positive impacts on health and wellbeing of spending time in green spaces, and we intend to harness these benefits for our patients. This garden space will make the challenges of a prolonged hospital stay away from family and friends a little easier to navigate.”
Anyone wishing to support the project is encouraged to contact the DBTH Charity by calling 01302 648282 or emailing dbth.charity@nhs.net
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The creative project was developed as a simple but meaningful way for students to show appreciation for the NHS and contribute positively to the hospital environment.
Students produced a collection of thoughtful and uplifting nature-themed artwork, which has since been displayed in one of the office blocks at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), helping to create a more vibrant and welcoming space for hospital colleagues.
Hall Cross Academy is a ‘Foundation School in Health’ for DBTH, a part of a formal partnership designed to widen access to healthcare careers and inspire local young people to consider working in the NHS.
As part of this initiative, students are given opportunities to explore careers in medicine, nursing, allied health professions, and support roles through a variety of experiences, including workplace visits, talks from healthcare professionals, volunteering, and projects like this one.
The initiative has been warmly received, with colleagues praising the students’ efforts and the positive impact the artwork has had on their everyday working environment.
Kelly Turkhud, Head of Education (Widening Participation) at the Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the students from Hall Cross for their generous and thoughtful contribution. The artwork has made a real difference; it brightens up the space and brings a smile to those who see it. Small gestures like this remind us how connected the community is to the work we do here.”
To learn more about how DBTH works in partnership with education providers across the community, visit our dedicated page: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/education/
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Coinciding with International Yoga Day, a special community yoga session will take place on Sunday 22 June at Armthorpe Community Centre, led by Dr Ravi Karwa, Consultant in Gastroenterology at DRI. The two-and-a-half-hour session will guide participants through gentle yoga, meditation, and relaxation, followed by a taste of Indian snacks to nourish the body and soul.
Dr Karwa said: “The event is open to all who want to experience authentic simple yoga without any dilution of the original principles and practice of Yoga.
“You don’t need to be experienced in yoga to come along; all levels will be warmly welcomed, from complete newbies to seasoned yogis and everyone in-between!”
The session is being held to raise funds for the Jasmine Centre, which provides compassionate care and treatment to patients with both benign and malignant breast conditions. It is a cause close to Dr Karwa’s heart, especially since his wife, Shanta, was diagnosed with breast cancer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shanta shared: “It was one of the most frightening and isolating times of my life. Everything felt uncertain, except the love and strength I received from the Jasmine Centre; my friends and family; and of course, my husband.
“The centre was more than a medical facility for me; it was a haven. It was a place where I felt safe to be vulnerable, where I was treated with not just expertise, but kindness, dignity, and compassion that touched my soul.
“Mr. Olubuwale and his extraordinary surgical team, and Dr Padma Gopal, my anaesthetist, held me up in ways I can never forget.”
Throughout her treatment, Shanta connected deeply with practicing Yoga.
“Yoga became a quiet refuge for me – a space where I could breathe again, reconnect with my body, and slowly begin to heal, inside and out.
“Throughout this ordeal, my husband was my anchor. He stood beside me through every moment, every tear, and every small triumph. His love never wavered. And now, as a Yoga teacher, he will be leading the yoga session on this very special day.
“This event is about raising funds for the Jasmine Centre, but it’s also an invitation – to care for your well-being, support others, and celebrate life. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your practice, join us. Let’s move, breathe, and heal together.”
Event details:
- Date: Sunday 22 June
- Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
- Location: Armthorpe Community Centre
- Cost: £25 for one / £40 for two
- Includes light Indian refreshments
- All proceeds go to the Jasmine Centre
What to bring/wear:
- A yoga mat
- Cushion
- Water bottle
- Shawl or blanket (optional)
- Comfortable, loose clothing (white top recommended)
To book your place, or make a donation: https://fundraise.dbthcharity.co.uk/fundraisers/ravikarwa/international-yoga-day-celebration
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 hard 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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Held at Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s Education Centre in late spring, the course brought together passionate individuals from across the Trust who wanted to explore new ways of working and learn how to make positive change happen.
The course offered participants the chance to learn more about health and care research and innovation, while also developing the skills needed to navigate the often complex process of developing, adopting, and spreading new ideas across the NHS.
Throughout the programme, participants were supported by industry experts and given practical tools to help them identify problems, come up with creative solutions, and build a strong case for change.
The final day ended with a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style event, where two teams pitched their ideas to a panel of senior leaders and innovation experts. Their proposals demonstrated bold thinking, teamwork, and a real focus on improving outcomes for both patients and colleagues.
One participant, Nicola Wilkinson, said: “Being part of the Health and Care Innovation Course has been an amazing experience. It’s opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and working. I feel more confident now to push for positive changes that can make a real difference for our patients and teams.”
Professor Sam Debbage, Director of Education and Research at DBTH, said: “Innovation and education go hand in hand, and this course has shown how empowering colleagues with the right tools and space to think creatively can lead to real, practical solutions in healthcare.
“We’re incredibly proud to work with the University of Lincoln on this initiative, and it’s exciting to see such enthusiasm and commitment from our colleagues to improve services for patients and teams alike.”
The course also supports one of the Trust’s four new Strategic Ambitions, set out in its soon-to-be-refreshed organisational strategy: To become a leading centre for research and education, helping to shape the future of healthcare both locally and nationally.
Graduates of the course will now receive ongoing support to further develop their ideas, including access to regional innovation networks and mentorship opportunities.
Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Trust is already making plans to run the course again, as part of its wider commitment to supporting improvement and innovation across local health services.
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Run by the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, the clinic focused on people who are less likely to attend their routine screening appointments. These sessions are a vital part of diabetes care, as they can detect early signs of eye damage before symptoms develop, helping to prevent sight loss.
Diabetic eye screening is quick and painless. It involves putting drops in the eyes to widen the pupils, then taking photographs of the back of the eyes (the retina) using a special camera. These images are checked by trained professionals for signs of diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the small blood vessels in the eye.
The Bentley clinic was carefully planned following an audit of repeat non-attenders in the area. The team identified a high number of missed appointments among patients registered at four GP practices in the Bentley and Scawthorpe areas, all located within a short distance of Bentley Pavilion. These individuals – many of whom had not attended in several years, with some having missed more than 30 appointments – were personally invited to the clinic.
To support the effort, the team also worked with the local GP surgeries, sharing patient lists so that practices could use behavioural science techniques and trusted messaging from GPs to encourage attendance.
Jemima Beaumont, Failsafe and Engagement Lead for the programme, said: “We were really delighted by the response. Some patients hadn’t been screened in over 10 years, and many told us they were grateful we’d brought the service to them. Several had mobility issues, so having it right on their doorstep made all the difference.”
“We know that access, confidence and awareness all play a role in whether someone attends screening – and we’re trying to tackle those challenges head-on. Every person we saw at Bentley took a positive step for their long-term health, and we’re so grateful to them for attending and to everyone who helped make the event possible.”
The clinic was hosted in partnership with Boston and Co, who provided the space at Bentley Pavilion. It builds on targeted outreach earlier this year to improve screening uptake in underrepresented communities and forms part of wider work at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) to improve access to care and reduce health inequalities – a key priority in the Trust’s upcoming organisational strategy.
Zara Jones, Deputy Chief Executive at DBTH, said: “This is exactly the kind of work we want to see more of. Services that come to people, meet them in the right way, and make a lasting difference. As we finalise our Healthier Together strategy, reducing health inequalities and improving access will be central strand of everything we do.”
Anyone with diabetes who is eligible for screening and has received a yellow invitation letter but couldn’t attend the Bentley event can still book an appointment by calling 01302 642596.
For more information on diabetic eye screening, visit: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/diabetic-eye-screening/
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