Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Posts from NNUH The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) was formally opened by the Queen in 2004 and opened to its first patients in late 2001.
(1732)

The university hospital replaced the old Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, founded in 1771, and the West Norwich Hospital (now the Norwich Community Hospital). The page is managed and monitored by the Trust. Any defamatory, abusive posts or statements contravening the Trust's social media policy will be removed from the page at the discretion of The Trust.

As part of Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), our executive team will be joining colleagues across the Trust to celebrate our ...
01/06/2026

As part of Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), our executive team will be joining colleagues across the Trust to celebrate our volunteers.

Throughout the week, leaders will be stepping into volunteer roles, supporting activities and spending time with teams who give so much of their time to our hospitals.

Today, Chief Nurse Lucy Weavers is volunteering in the Emergency Department from 10am. At 11am, Linda Martin, Director of Estates and Facilities, will be spending time with our volunteer drivers.

On Tuesday, Group Chief Executive Lesley Dwyer will visit volunteers who help patients and staff in the Weybourne Day Unit. Group Chair David Roberts will join the Butterfly volunteers who assist end-of-life patients and their families. Later, Medical Director Tarnya Marshall will spend time with our Therapeutic Massage volunteers on the wards, and Finance Director Clare Hinton will be supporting the Discharge volunteers team.

On Wednesday, some of our volunteers will have a chance to relax and spend time together at a special Cream Tea and Quiz at the Oaklands, organised by our Voluntary Services team. The week of celebrations will end with a social “walk and talk” around the UEA lake.

Sally Dyson, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “Our volunteers are an essential part of our hospital community. They give their time, compassion and energy to support patients, families and staff every single day. Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation, but our gratitude extends far beyond these few days. We are deeply thankful for everything our volunteers do and the difference they make across our hospitals.”

Throughout the week you’re invited to write a message of thanks at one of our appreciation stations located across the Trust, where staff, patients and visitors can leave heartfelt messages on postcards, which will be shared with our volunteers.

The stations are located at:
• West Atrium
• West Outpatient Desk
• East Outpatient Desk
• East Atrium Piano
• Outside the Charity Hub

Look out for bunting around the hospital, made up of messages of thanks, later in the week.

Our spinal surgery team is tackling a 180-mile multi-day challenge to transform scoliosis care for children and young pe...
01/06/2026

Our spinal surgery team is tackling a 180-mile multi-day challenge to transform scoliosis care for children and young people.

Now in its second year, Spineathlon 2026 begins on 26 June, during Scoliosis Awareness Month, and will see the team travel by kayak, on foot and by bicycle across Norfolk in support of the N&N Hospital Charity’s Spinal Appeal.

Over six days, they will kayak down the River Yare from Norwich towards Gorleston, walk from Great Yarmouth to Sea Palling and onwards to Cromer Holkham, then Hunstanton before completing the final leg by cycling from the QEH back to NNUH.

The challenge is raising funds towards an £841,000 EOS imaging system - advanced technology designed to improve imaging and significantly reduce radiation exposure for children and young people who require frequent spinal scans.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve and often develops during childhood. As children grow, many require regular X rays to monitor changes in their spine, meaning repeated exposure to radiation over many years.

Consultant Spinal Surgeon Tom Marjoram said: “The EOS system can capture images with around an 80% reduction in radiation exposure, which is hugely significant. Children are more vulnerable to radiation, particularly around sensitive areas such as the abdomen and pelvis, so reducing exposure wherever possible is incredibly important.

“For patients who need repeated imaging, often from a very young age, this technology will significantly reduce their lifetime exposure to radiation. At the same time, it provides clearer, more accurate images, helping clinicians plan treatment more effectively and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.”

The EOS scanner would be the first of its kind in the East of England, benefiting children from across Norfolk and the wider region, including those with early onset scoliosis and rapid growth spurts.

The appeal has been welcomed by trainee dental nurses Scarlett Turrell, 19, from Lowestoft, who has received treatment for scoliosis.

“When talking about scoliosis not many people know or understand what it is. Clothing was my biggest issue as I felt very insecure and my confidence decreased massively once I knowing I had scoliosis,” she said. “When I was first diagnosed there were quite a few scans as it was all new. To monitor the curve, I then went once or twice a year. When I put my name down for my operation, I think it progressed to going twice a year and then it was a bit more before my surgery.”

The Charity is calling on schools, community groups, businesses and individuals to support the appeal through creative fundraising activities. Every donation brings the hospital closer to providing safer, more advanced spine imaging for children – now and for future generations.

• Support the team at: https://orlo.uk/9AtUf

The Costessey Park and Ride service will change location for the two days of the Norfolk show (24 and 25 June) and will ...
01/06/2026

The Costessey Park and Ride service will change location for the two days of the Norfolk show (24 and 25 June) and will operate from the Thickthorn Park and Ride site for the two days.

The Costessey Park and Ride service (510) will operate the normal timetabled service from the Thickthorn Park and Ride site for the 24 and 25 June due to the traffic congestion in the area of the Costessey site over the two days of the show.

The Costessey service will operate out of the "bottom" bus stop highlighted in yellow on the picture (and not the main stop used by other services) so it is advisable for users to park in the area highlighted in red on the map.

The service will revert back to the Costessey site on the 26 June.

29/05/2026

Nominations close for this year’s Staff Awards on Friday 5 June.

Nominate the healthcare professional or hospital team who has gone the extra mile at: https://orlo.uk/SOD26

Researchers at our hospitals and regional partners will help transform the region’s health thanks to a multi million pou...
29/05/2026

Researchers at our hospitals and regional partners will help transform the region’s health thanks to a multi million pound investment from the Medical Research Council (MRC).

In a major new drive, nearly £10m is being invested in clinical research careers across the UK - with a significant share of £1.4m flowing directly into the Eastern region.

The initiative will bring together top universities, NHS trusts and cutting edge science institutes in a push to bring faster, better treatments to patients.

It will see a powerful new regional partnership uniting the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group (NWUHG) and University of East Anglia (UEA) with the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, the Quadram Institute and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Crucially, the scheme is designed to reflect the unique needs of each region - and the East of England will benefit from a tailored approach. From rural healthcare challenges to areas of deprivation, local research leads will be able to channel funding where it is needed most - ensuring no community is left behind.

Project co-lead Prof Vassilios Vassiliou, from the UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “This investment will enable researchers across the region to dedicate protected time to developing innovative, high-impact research and securing future competitive funding. This would include medical practitioners, but also nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. By prioritising work focused on health inequalities in underserved communities, including areas of rural and urban deprivation such as North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth, the programme aims to deliver research that improves health outcomes and access to care for people across the region.”

The Eastern programme is part of a wider UK scheme supporting almost 200 frontline clinicians - including doctors, nurses and therapists - to carry out vital research alongside their day jobs. The four year pilot will test new ways of supporting clinicians - with the goal of building a stronger, more resilient research workforce. It will support clinicians at critical stages in their research careers to stay involved in research alongside clinical practice.

The funding will help protect research time and nurture the next generation of experts with mentoring and training. It will also support clinicians returning to research after time away. By keeping skilled professionals in research, it is hoped that the region can continue to develop the treatments of tomorrow - while improving care today.

Dr Rob Sherwin, Group Chief Medical Officer for NWUHG, said: “We are delighted to be working with institutes and universities across the East, alongside NHS partners to prioritise researchers working in areas that have historically received less research investment across the region. By strengthening research capacity in underserved communities, we will improve access to high-quality clinical research, recognising that research-active organisations consistently achieve better patient outcomes.”

Prof Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: “Clinicians play a vital role in turning discovery research into better treatments for patients, but too many face barriers to sustaining research alongside demanding clinical roles. These challenges vary across the UK, which is why a regional approach is so important to building strong partnerships between universities and NHS trusts. Through Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers, we are investing in locally led solutions that support clinicians at critical points in their careers, strengthen research environments, and help improve patient outcomes while accelerating life sciences innovation to support economic growth and a stronger NHS.”

Dr Antonietta Hayhoe, Head of the Human Studies Team at the Quadram Institute, added: “‘We’re delighted to be joining other centres of excellence in clinical research across the east of England through this partnership. At the Quadram Institute, we have seen how supporting clinicians to build their research skills and careers is essential for turning scientific breakthroughs into real world innovations that will help us achieve our mutual goal to promote people’s health.”

A special ceremony was held in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Neonatology to celebrate the launch of a textboo...
28/05/2026

A special ceremony was held in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Neonatology to celebrate the launch of a textbook edited by Khizer Mansoor.

The textbook, “Neonatal & Paediatric Surgery: A Manual of International Protocols. Principles, Standards & Clinical Decision Making”, was authored by Farhan Ansari and developed over more than three years with editorial collaboration from Khizer, Paediatric & Neonatal Surgeon in our Trust.
During the event, Khizer presented a copy to Priya Muthukumar, Consultant Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director.

He said: “The book was created to provide a simple, practical, and globally relevant guide for everyone involved in the care of neonatal and paediatric surgical patients, from advanced tertiary centres to low resource healthcare systems.

“While many paediatric surgery textbooks already exist, there remained a need for a resource that is easy to read, clinically practical, and useful across all healthcare settings.”

The textbook has been praised in its foreword by internationally-renowned paediatric surgeons Richard Azizkhan and Martin Corbally, and has been recognised for its practical approach, clarity and global relevance.

Khizer added: “Written in a highly accessible style, it combines real clinical case scenarios with structured management guidance, operative insights where applicable, quick recall memory aids, historical tributes, and carefully selected references, all designed to support rapid decision-making and day-to-day clinical practice.

“The book also includes chapters on ethics, teamwork, radiology, audit, simulation, surgical training and service development, concluding with a unique chapter titled The Fifty Rules of Paediatric Surgery, offering concise lessons and enduring principles from the specialty.

“Written as both a bedside reference and a long-term learning companion, the book is designed to become an essential resource for neonatologists, paediatricians, surgeons, nurses, trainees, medical students and all healthcare professionals involved in caring for children.”

Elizabeth “Liz” Lorie, Anticoagulation Nurse Specialist, is retiring today (28 May) after a long and dedicated nursing c...
28/05/2026

Elizabeth “Liz” Lorie, Anticoagulation Nurse Specialist, is retiring today (28 May) after a long and dedicated nursing career spanning more than 30 years at NNUH.

Liz started her nurse training in 1988 in London and qualified in early 1992. She worked in cardiology in London for five years before moving to Norfolk and joining NNUH in 1996.

Liz began working in the VTE clinic in 2003 and went on to become Thromboprophylaxis Nurse Specialist in 2009, a role she has held ever since.

Liz has always been a great font of knowledge and has an incredible memory for facts and figures. This, alongside her dedication, foresight and tenacity, made her very successful in her role as thromboprophylaxis lead nurse, particularly in her vigilance in overseeing protocols and guidance for the Trust.

She has been pivotal in developing and shaping the thromboprophylaxis service at NNUH and played a key role in the Trust achieving Exemplar status for VTE thromboprophylaxis.

Her big contribution to the running and management of the VTE service will not be forgotten, and all her colleagues wish to thank her for everything she has done for the service and the hospital as a whole.

Liz will be greatly missed by the whole team. Wishing you all the very best in your retirement, Liz!

- VTE Clinic team

Today's is for Intwood Ward!Say thanks or share your experiences in our Trust by filling out our Friends and Family Te...
28/05/2026

Today's is for Intwood Ward!

Say thanks or share your experiences in our Trust by filling out our Friends and Family Test: https://orlo.uk/eFmOR

Helen Copsey, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care and Research Network Co-ordinator, supports people living with Motor Neur...
26/05/2026

Helen Copsey, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care and Research Network Co-ordinator, supports people living with Motor Neurone Disease across Norfolk and Waveney.

After qualifying as a nurse from the University of Hertfordshire in 1999, she began her career in high dependency and neuro intensive care before moving into practice development and, later, higher education. Alongside teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, she continued clinical work in intensive care and completed a master’s degree in education.

In 2011, Helen joined the Cambridge MND Care and Research Network as a Co-ordinator, supporting patients with MND while contributing to education, research and service improvement. Following a move to Norfolk in 2016, she worked as a lecturer at the University of East Anglia before taking up her current role in 2017.

Helen said: “My current role is MND Care and Research Co-ordinator for Norfolk and Waveney, a position fully funded by the MND Association and hosted by NNUH. I started after a successful application by NNUH to establish a MND Network for Norfolk. Within this role I support a caseload of patients living with MND from the time of diagnosis. My clinical work involves clinic reviews, telephone support and home visits.

“A significant part of my role is the development of the service to improve the care that we can offer patients facing this devastating disease. I have established monthly MDTs to ensure regular discussions and a proactive approach to managing clinical changes and symptoms. I work with the most excellent group of colleagues, both at NNUH and across the whole region. I work closely with the MND Association and am responsible for the four-yearly grant application for ongoing funding and the setting/delivery of objectives.”

Education and professional development are central to the network’s work. Helen has built a programme of training and collaboration that reaches across health and social care.

“I have established an education programme which includes regular online teaching sessions along with face-to-face events. These have included an advance care planning evening at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice. I regularly contribute to teaching for professional groups, as well as health students at UEA. I have also established a ‘MND Champions’ group with colleagues from the MND Association, bringing together health and social care professionals as part of a special interest group. We meet approximately twice a year to share expertise as well as address local challenges in the delivery of care for people with MND.

“I also work closely with local hospices and palliative care teams. In 2024 we established a new hospice-based MND clinic to provide more dedicated time to offer psychological support, guidance with symptom management and an opportunity for further advance care planning discussions. In May this year I am looking forward to launching a new MND support group at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice with our palliative care colleagues.

“We are fortunate to now have dedicated research colleagues within our team and I help to co-ordinate research opportunities for our patients. We know that patients often welcome the opportunity to participate in research and the recent increase in our research offer has been extremely positive.”

MND is a condition that demands swift, co-ordinated responses - and Helen is clear about both the clinical realities and the personal weight of the work.

“MND is a progressive neurological disease for which there is no cure,” said Helen. “It usually progresses to affect a person’s speech, swallow, respiratory function, movement and sometimes cognition/behaviour. It is therefore a condition which leads to extensive, and often relentless losses, for the person and their family.

“A third of people will die within a year of diagnosis, and more than half will die within two years. One of the challenges therefore is to respond in a timely way to changing needs. In the current climate it can be difficult for services to provide the speed of response that it is required. This is why a robust and joined-up approach to multidisciplinary working is vital.

“There is no doubt that there is a significant emotional element to the role. We are privileged to get to know our families very well but there is, of course, a great sadness in witnessing the effects of MND. I am fortunate to work with very supportive colleagues in coping with this aspect of the role.

“I am motivated by a desire to support families as well as possible at such a difficult time in their lives. Whilst we cannot offer a cure for MND, we can provide guidance and support to help them live as well as possible. We can also plan for the end of life and do our utmost to ensure that we follow a person’s wishes. I am always encouraged by the lovely feedback that we receive which shows that being alongside families and showing dedication and kindness can make a huge difference at a most difficult time.”

Our Pre-operative Assessment team has won the Royal Collage of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Patients’ Voices Silver Award.The aw...
26/05/2026

Our Pre-operative Assessment team has won the Royal Collage of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Patients’ Voices Silver Award.

The award recognises innovative projects and initiatives which have made a tangible improvement to patients’ experience of anaesthesia and perioperative care.

It’s designed and managed by members of the RCoA Patients’ Voices group, who provide patients’ perspectives on its activities to the collage.

Ruth De Las Casas, Anaesthetics Consultant, accepted the award on behalf of the team from Jenny Westaway, Chair of Patients’ Voices, and Dr Claire Shannon, President of the RCoA, at the College's Annual Dinner, held in Brighton on 13 May.

This project transformed pre operative assessment within our service by introducing a digitally enabled pre screening system that gives earlier oversight of the waiting list.

Ruth said: “Our preoperative service aims to get patients as prepared as possible for their surgery, to improve both their outcomes and overall experience. Pre-screening our patients aims to help us identify anything that we might be able to do to improve their health and prepare them for their operation, so getting people in the best shape for when they arrive for surgery.

“It means we can identify and manage medical problems earlier in the surgical pathway, and ultimately reduce the chance of on the day cancellations or last-minute postponements.

“We co-produced the questionnaire with a wonderful group of patients and carers, and this service-user engagement was crucial in making the questionnaire as easy to complete as possible
“As a result, on average about 75% of people respond digitally to the questionnaire, which compared to many other kinds of national projects is a really high completion rate.

“It's been led by the preoperative service, but it's involved lots of different teams, we're all really appreciative of the support we’ve had from our anaesthetics team, preoperative nurses and HCAs, pharmacy team, administrative teams, surgeons and waiting list co-ordinators - who have all been fundamental to successful delivery.

“A special huge thanks to our Digital team, who have created the accessible form for our patients to fill out, and continue to help us improve the system.

“Pre-op is always a service that's under a lot of pressure, so it's nice to have this level of recognition, but there's still always lots more that we are planning to do to continually improve the service, and getting patients involved wherever we can is crucial for this.”

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