Connect | e-Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our Connect newsletter.

To those of you I haven’t yet met, my name is Biraj Parmar, (known to many as Beej) and I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Non-Executive Director at the Trust for the past two years. However, it is under sad circumstances that I begin this Trust newsletter.

The sudden passing of Mark Yates, our Chair, after a short illness in September has left a deep sense of shock and sadness across our organisation and far beyond. Mark was a thoughtful, principled leader who cared deeply about our staff, patients, and communities. His contribution to our Trust and to the wider health and care system was significant, and he will be greatly missed.

In the wake of this loss, I’ve stepped into the role of Acting Chair, and I do so with a real sense of commitment to continuing the work Mark cared so much about. A formal process for future arrangements will take place in the new year, and we will keep you updated as that progresses.

This edition of our newsletter shares some important developments from across the Trust over the past few months. You’ll read about how we’re using Care Opinion to embed patient choice more meaningfully in our decision-making, how we’re driving continuous improvement in our services, and the steps we’re taking to look after our staff—who remain at the heart of everything we do.

I am very excited to note that our new organisational strategy was formally signed off at our public Board meeting last week and we are looking forward to sharing this with you all soon.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Warm regards,

Beej

Biraj Parmar
Acting Chair, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Investment in our services

New Minor Injury Unit Opens in Bromsgrove

We have officially opened a brand-new  Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove. The £1.6 million investment has delivered a modern, purpose-built facility designed to enhance patient experience and streamline care for those with minor injuries. 

The new unit replaces the previous MIU at the hospital and is now welcoming patients. It offers a more comfortable and efficient service, with improved facilities and a dedicated team ready to provide expert care.

Patients requiring treatment or advice for a minor injury during this time are encouraged to contact NHS 111, or visit one of Worcestershire’s minor injury units, located in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Malvern, Kidderminster and Tenbury.

New electric vehicle chargers funding awarded

The Department for Transport and the  Department for Health and Social Care has announced the NHS Chargepoint Accelerator scheme. The scheme is an investment from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles for the installation of on-site electric vehicle chargepoints to support electrification of the NHS fleet. 

Martin Jones, Associate Director of Estates and Facilities at the Trust said: “We’re pleased that the Trust has been awarded funding for a further 51 electrical vehicle chargepoints at many of our sites. This represents notable progression in our commitments to achieving net zero. By expanding the network, we're providing more sustainable transport options and creating a cleaner, greener future for our local communities."

Care Opinion formally launched

In September, we formally launched Care Opinion, a digital platform that enables patients, carers, and families to share feedback and stories about their care. Staff across our mental health, learning disability, and community services can now respond directly to submissions, helping improve transparency and ensuring timely responses. Over 400 staff have been trained to use the platform, and during its phased rollout, 95% of shared stories reflected positive experiences. 

We are committed to making feedback accessible for all, recognising that not everyone can engage online. In addition to the Care Opinion website, feedback can be given via phone, post, or through existing channels such as PALS and the Friends and Family Test. Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Sue Harris, emphasised the importance of listening to patient voices to shape services and tackle health inequalities. To share feedback, visit www.careopinion.org.uk or explore all options on our website.

Supporting people’s health and wellbeing

UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation aims to strengthen breastfeeding support for local families

We are proud to be working towards  UNICEF and WHO’s Baby Friendly accreditation — a nationally recognised standard that champions breastfeeding and compassionate, family-centred care. This initiative reflects our commitment to giving every child the healthiest possible start in life by embedding evidence-based practices that empower parents and strengthen support for infant feeding. 

Led by Baby Friendly Guardian Sue Harris, Director of Strategy, People and Culture, the Trust’s journey highlights the dedication of our Infant Feeding Team, who provide non-judgemental, specialist support to families across the region. As part of World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, the team the vital role of staff and volunteers in helping parents feel informed, confident, and supported - whatever their feeding choices.

Families can access resources and advice via our website, or through the Telephone Advisory Service (by calling 01905 520 032), open weekdays from 9am–1pm.

Trust joins the Baton of Hope tour to support suicide prevention

Staff from the Trust recently took part in the Baton of Hope tour as it arrived in Hereford on 2nd October 2025. As the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, the tour aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action to save lives. The baton - symbolising hope and collective responsibility - travelled across the country, bringing together communities, charities, and public services in a united stand against suicide.

Trust representatives, including Sue Harris, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, and Graham Childs, Chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network and Registered Nursing Associate, carried the baton to show support and solidarity. Alongside local partners, we provided resources and information to help individuals and families access mental health support. The event highlighted the importance of open conversations, inclusive support, and community action in preventing suicide.

Learning CPR for Restart a Heart Day

Our resuscitation team recently hosted a free CPR training event at the Guildhall in Worcester on Restart a Heart Day. Led by Resuscitation Council UK, the campaign aimed to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and equip more people with lifesaving CPR skills. Throughout the day, Trust resuscitation officers delivered quick, 15-minute drop-in sessions to members of the public. The event also featured a powerful story shared during a BBC Hereford & Worcester interview, where emergency nurse Kenny Johnston and Peter, a cardiac arrest survivor, spoke about the importance of CPR. Peter collapsed unexpectedly during a hockey game, and thanks to the quick actions of seven people, including Kenny, his life was saved. 

Kenny, who is also the Trust’s Head of Clinical Workforce, Training and Education, said: “The skill is really simple; you can learn it within 15 minutes, and it’s so important.”

Most cardiac arrests happen at home and early CPR can more than double survival chances. With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, we are proud to support this national initiative and encourage everyone to continue learning CPR. More information is available on the Resuscitation Council website.

New mural painted live at Warndon Clinic

One of our Worcester city buildings, Warndon Clinic, became a canvas for Worcester Paint Festival nature-inspired artists Lucas Antics. A vibrant new mural was painted live during the event, where street and graffiti artists brought bold designs to life across the city. The mural is now a permanent feature on the building, aiming to brighten the day of staff, patients, and the wider community. 

Art brings people together and research shows it has a positive effect on our overall mental health and wellbeing, so we were delighted to be involved in the project. Visitors can view the mural on the building passing by. For more details, visit the Worcester Paint Festival website.

Recognising our workforce

Trust awarded prestigious National Preceptorship Quality Mark

 We have been awarded the National Preceptorship Quality Mark, due to the support provided to newly registered clinicians. Covering a wide range of clinical roles, the programme offers a structured transition period supported by experienced practitioners, helping new clinicians build confidence and refine their skills.

Tom Challacombe, Preceptorship Lead, said: “This reflects the outstanding work of the team across the Trust and strengthens our offer when attracting and recruiting talented candidates.” A nursing student currently undergoing preceptorship added: “It builds confidence, nurtures compassion, and creates a safe space for newly qualified staff.”

If you're a recent nursing graduate looking for your first role, view our current vacancies on the Trust website.

Award wins and fundraising adventures

Our staff have certainly been busy over this period, being nominated and winning awards, as well as embarking on exciting fundraising adventures. See below for a selection of feel-good stories:

• Worcestershire nurses raise money for MS awareness.
• Lead practitioner wins second national award for continued excellence.
• NHS staff take on Tough Mudder to raise over £1k for charity.
• Worcestershire-based local NHS services nominated for four prestigious awards.

Helping people access the right services

Trust urges residents not to wait until Monday for minor injury care

We are encouraging residents not to wait until Monday for minor injury care, reminding people that Minor Injury Units (MIUs) across Worcestershire are open seven days a week, including weekends. MIUs provide treatment for a range of non-life-threatening injuries such as cuts, sprains, minor burns, and eye injuries.

Recent data shows a spike in Monday attendances, suggesting many people are delaying care unnecessarily. Dan Marshall, Modern Matron and MIU Lead, said: “We often see people waiting until Monday to seek help for minor injuries, but there’s no need to delay care.”

By accessing MIUs over the weekend, patients can receive timely treatment and help ease pressure on emergency departments. People can walk into their nearest MIU or contact NHS 111, which can assess symptoms and book an appointment if needed. For details on MIU locations, opening times, and services, visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/MIU.