Health boss 'exceptionally proud' of how Sherwood Forest Hospitals has tackled Covid-19 crisis

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has had a year like no other.

The coronavirus pandemic has placed hospitals and NHS services under unprecedented strain, however chief executive Richard Mitchell says the trust has had a year to be ‘exceptionally proud of’.

From almost being at breaking point during the second wave to winning the top accolade at the health service’s version of the BAFTAs earlier this month, Mr Mitchell says he is ‘incredibly grateful’ to staff and partners for their resilience during the pandemic.

“This past year has been a huge challenge, but I am exceptionally proud of how our hospitals and health partners have worked together,” he said.

"We have seen staff transfer from Mansfield Community and Newark hospitals to help out in critical care at King’s Mill during the height of the battle with coronavirus, and we are proud of the level of care we have given to our patients during the past year.”

The hard work has not gone unnoticed either, with the trust crowned Acute or Specialist Trust of the Year at the Health Service Journal awards – the equivalent of the BAFTAs in the medical field, beating stiff competition from 140 establishments.

“To win HSJ Trust of the Year during the pandemic feels particularly special,” said Mr Mitchell.

“This win is a huge accolade for Sherwood and this belongs to the colleagues and volunteers who work here, the patients we care for, our communities and our friends and family.”

The trust was also recognised when King’s Mill was given a rating of ‘outstanding’ following May’s Care Quality Commission inspection – a far cry from 2016 when it was deemed a damning ‘inadequate’.

“We were delighted,” said the chief executive.

“It is very hard to get an ‘outstanding’ rating and, if you look at where King’s Mill was four years ago, it really is a huge achievement.”

As part of the trust’s action plan during the pandemic, staff wellbeing has been at the forefront of decision-making – and this will continue in future, according to hospital bosses.

The trust implemented a number of measures to allow colleagues to feel supported mentally and physically, which included safe spaces and counselling services.

This support has resulted in it being awarded the ‘best place to work’ in the Midlands in a recent national staff survey of NHS workers.

And with the vaccination roll-out now in full swing, the trust has also confirmed the pandemic has shaped the future of how its hospitals will run – with many services set to go ahead remotely.

"We have realised over the past year that it is no longer necessary for the same volume of people to be on site as there have previously been.” Mr Mitchell said.

"Technology has meant a number of our colleagues can work from home and many outpatients no longer need to visit the hospital for a 20-minute appointment.

"This should ensure a more streamlined service going forward. Our focus will now be on safe, timely care for all of our patients.”

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