NHS England

Meet Chef Laurence, who has served up 50 years of dedicated NHS service and countless meals for patients and staff. From a 16-year-old trainee cook to specialist diet chef serving patients with conditions like diabetes, Lawrence has gone above and beyond to plate up for patients and staff at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust over the last 50 years. Caring for others also runs in Laurence’s family, with his uncle being one of the first male nurses in the country at Lincoln County Hospital, and his aunt was a nurse in Lincolnshire too. Continuing this legacy, Laurence now works part time in the kitchens alongside his nephew and cousin. Laurence said: ‘Food is an important part of a patient’s recovery. We give them the food they need to get better. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. I am not ready to retire yet. I still love coming to work, being part of a great team and looking after others.’ To celebrate the impressive milestone, Laurence was presented with gifts, a card and a special meal prepared by his colleagues. There are over 350 rewarding careers in the NHS. Visit https://lnkd.in/di3P3Tnu to learn more. #WeAreTheNHS

‘I became an Admiral Nurse because I want to make a real difference to families with dementia and help my colleagues become more confident in caring for people living with dementia.’ Georgina joined Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Dementia Specialist team as their first Admiral Nurse. Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia. They offer health advice and compassionate, emotional and psychological support, helping to improve quality of life. Georgina also works to support and educate colleagues to improve dementia care, putting the person and their loved ones at the forefront. If you’re interested in a rewarding nursing career, visit https://lnkd.in/dRmBjC8

Diagnosed with leukaemia, seven-year-old Aarush had been receiving cancer treatment for nearly half of his life. But now, after three and a half years of chemotherapy at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, Aarush has rung the end of treatment bell and is happily at home with his family. Aarush’s dad, Sivaranjan, shared when they realised something was first wrong; ‘We noticed he was weak, tired, and eating less, so we contacted his GP, who sent him for a blood test. We were shocked to learn he had leukaemia. But we were supported from day one and they made sure we understood everything. We are extremely proud of Aarush for everything he has overcome, and we can't express enough gratitude to this incredible team for providing the best care to our son.’ As a thank you for caring for their son, Aarush’s family fed the entire paediatric department with homemade curries and snacks. Thank you to our incredible colleagues around the country, just like this team at Lewisham and Greenwich Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who deliver care for patients like Aarush every day. 💙

A new device is enhancing the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms and preventing sudden cardiac arrests at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. ICD’s are small devices implanted under the skin to continuously monitor heart rhythms. If a patient develops a dangerous arrhythmia, the ICD can deliver a life-saving shock. Unlike standard ICDs, this new ‘Aurora extra-vascular ICD’ system places the wire behind the breastbone, offering the benefits of traditional ICDs without the need for hardware inside the heart or veins. This design makes it safer and easier to extract if needed. The generator is small and has a comfortable shape, with the intention of making it easier for patients to live with. Ellen, one of the first patients to receive the new ICD, has a family history of sudden cardiac death. She was diagnosed with an inherited form of a heart muscle disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. After her procedure, Ellen's recovery has gone well. Now, she’s looking forward to training for a half marathon later this year, feeling confident with her new device in place. #NHS #HeartConditions #ICD

We are working with GLL to reflect an important message in leisure centres and libraries: Check yourself regularly so you know what’s normal for you. This summer, stickers reminding people to be body aware and look out for potential early symptoms of cancer are appearing in changing room and bathroom mirrors of Better leisure centres and libraries across the country. Know what is normal for you. Get to know your body so that you can spot any new or concerning changes. It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives. If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice. Find more information. https://lnkd.in/eED5Dem

‘I never thought in a million years I would be going to the Paris Paralympics.’ Callie-Ann, a Diagnostic Radiographer at Princess Royal University Hospital, will live her dream this week as she represents Team GB in the Paralympic Games in the S10 Butterfly, SB10 Breaststroke, and SM10 Individual Medley. Callie-Ann has an impairment that affects the left side of her body. It causes uncontrollable spasms and contractions of the muscles, which has resulted in her losing mobility of her left leg. Since first getting in the water at just 16 weeks old, Callie-Ann is now the world number three in the World Para Swimming rankings for Butterfly and is also the current European champion in the S10 100m Butterfly. ‘I will do my best in Paris and give everything I have but I am hoping it won’t be my last Paralympics.’ Good luck Callie-Ann! 🏊♀️ #WeAreTheNHS #Paris2024 #ParalympicsGB

Today we’re celebrating Gregg, and his journey from the Army, to the NHS, to the Paralympics! After sustaining injuries in the Army in Afghanistan and losing both his legs, Gregg struggled with depression and PTSD. ‘I started going back to the gym and being active, and I was more motivated. I didn’t think it would be possible to get back to doing what I used to do, but I started to feel like the old me again.’ Wanting to share his new-found motivation with others, Gregg joined Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Mobility Rehabilitation Centre, where he helped other military amputees and wheelchair users. ‘I have developed massively as a person both personally and professionally thanks to the support I have received from the NHS. I enjoy seeing people do well and overcoming barriers.’ Now, Gregg has set his sights on his next challenge — the Paralympics! After becoming European and World Champion, he is currently representing Team GB at the Paris Paralympic Games. With his crewmate Lauren, he set the world’s best time in an undefeated season in the PR2 category in the qualifying! Wishing the best of luck to Gregg and all our Team GB Paralympians! 💙 #WeAreTheNHS #Paris2024 #ParalympicsGB

Meet father and son paramedics, Russ and Jack, who both work for West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Russ has recently received his thirty year service medal and now his son Jack has become the 3rd generation of the family to join the service, recently gaining his paramedic registration. ‘I insisted I wasn’t going to be a paramedic as that’s all my dad and grandad went on about! I thought I’d do my own thing, but now here I am 5 years later, and I like it more and more every day. ‘I’m learning new things every day. It’s a nice place to work, I enjoy it a lot, and I’ve got my dad next to me.’ Becoming a paramedic is just one of the 350 rewarding roles available in the NHS. Find your role in the ambulance service at https://lnkd.in/eC-35GrG #WeAreTheNHS #Paramedics

For the first time, anyone in mental health crisis can now call 111 and receive support from trained mental health professionals. The 24/7 service is available for people of all ages, including children, and will provide vital help through a single phone line where staff can guide callers with next steps such as organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services. https://lnkd.in/eHNwqYks

‘Martha’s visits gave me a little bit of light in moments of extreme darkness, and I hope we can offer the same to other people.’ Two years ago, Nigel unexpectedly found himself in hospital for 100 days after developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a very rare and serious condition that affects the nerves. He was put into a coma to help his body recover. After coming out of his coma, staff at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Nigel’s family arranged for his beloved dog Martha to visit him outside. After such positive effects of Martha’s first visit, she ended up visiting Nigel four more times, which gave him the motivation to get better. Two years on, the pair have completed therapy dog training. They now visit the same ward where he was treated, providing physical and emotional support to staff and patients. Good girl Martha 🐶 #InternationalDogDay #NHS #DogsWithJobs