NHS England

After Laura visited her GP after discovering a lump in her breast, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 weeks pregnant. ‘When they told me that I had cancer, it completely floored me. I just burst into tears, I was preparing to become a mum for the first time, so had never really considered that it could be something so serious.’ Baby Aurora was born by emergency C-section less than a week after Laura’s diagnosis, and Laura had just 3 weeks to recover before she started treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. After chemotherapy, a mastectomy and reconstruction, and sessions of radiotherapy, Laura is now cancer free. And, just in time to celebrate Aurora’s first birthday 💙 'At every point of my journey — from diagnosis and Aurora’s birth to my cancer treatment — I felt very safe and cared for by the NHS. All my nurses were brilliant. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.’ Breast cancer can cause a number of signs and symptoms. Get used to checking regularly and be aware of anything that’s new or different for you. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eBewRwiW

Two years ago, Mo, a Urology Consultant Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust returned to work to perform his first surgery since becoming paralysed. Mo became the first paralysed medic in the UK to perform an operation, made possible through a hydraulic wheelchair. ‘It’s only been possible because of the amazing support and accommodations of my disability by University Hospitals Birmingham, the NHS and my colleagues.' Mo’s electric wheelchair supports him to stand and lean forward during surgeries, meaning he is able to continue doing the job he loves. ⁣⁣ ‘Coming back with a disability has given me a better understanding of patient experience. Their awareness of my challenges has opened up deeper conversations and responses by both patients and staff. Working in the NHS, it's easy to forget the difference we make to our patients, but being on the receiving end has renewed my love for what we do. Diversity, in both background and experience makes the NHS a richer and enriching place.’ ⁣⁣ Mo, we’re so happy to have you back — you’re an inspiration. 💙

What is breast screening? Breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel. Kemi, a Radiographer and Joanna, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, explain what you should expect when you attend your mammogram appointment at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Find out more. https://lnkd.in/ei29kpEY 🎥 Wandsworth Borough Council

'HIV isn't a death sentence. Lifelong medication can reduce the virus to undetectable levels.' This #WorldAIDSDay, meet Lead Nurse for HIV testing at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, Lucy. 👋 Lucy works in the national blood borne virus testing programme, which has detected thousands of cases of HIV and Hepatitis B and C nationwide. Opt-out testing in Emergency Departments helps identify those who may not know they are living with blood borne diseases, including HIV. ‘A common misconception is that being HIV positive means impending death. I’m able to dispel this and many other myths and share how people living with HIV can go on to live long and healthy lives.’ NHS England is committed to achieving zero HIV transmissions by 2030 and also eradicating Hepatitis C by the same year. This is only possible thanks to the efforts from staff like Lucy, with opt-out testing meaning that patients can be referred for lifesaving treatment at the earliest possible stage. Testing for HIV is quicker and easier than ever and is provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. https://lnkd.in/gVkMbEM

‘It was a really emotional time, but the surgeon was really reassuring.’ Two-year-old Parker has become the 300th patient to undergo an innovative surgery at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, performed by Consultant Paediatric Urologist Mark, who introduced it to the department. Parker was diagnosed with an obstruction in his kidney which meant surgery was the only option to avoid kidney failure. The procedure, a laparoscopic kidney surgery, involved making small incisions to remove a section of the blocked tube in his kidney. Since 2005, the team have reduced the time of the procedure from four hours to just over two. Excellent work Mark and team!

We’re urging women and people with a cervix to attend their cervical screening appointments. New figures show many are not taking up this potentially lifesaving offer. A total of 5.12 million invitations to screening appointments were sent to those who were eligible in 2023-24. A total of 3.25 took up the offer. Cervical screening checks for high-risk HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. It is offered every three to five years depending on age, saving thousands of lives annually by detecting issues early. The NHS has committed to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. Read more about the latest cervical screening data: https://lnkd.in/e9_rfqRy

The NHS staff survey is now open across the NHS. It's an opportunity for staff to share – anonymously and in confidence – what it is like for them working in the NHS. Take 15 minutes to fill in your staff survey and make your voice heard. The survey closes 29 November. Check your email inbox for your survey link. 📧

Luna, Theia, and Nephele made history as the first set of triplets born at the brand-new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which is part of Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust. Delivered by C-section just a day after the hospital’s maternity unit moved from City Hospital in Birmingham, the three identical sisters arrived safely thanks to an incredible team effort. Triplets are more likely to need special care after birth than single babies. To ensure a safe delivery, a larger-than-usual team was on hand, including midwives, obstetricians, neonatal nurses, and doctors. Each baby— born at 9:50 am, 9:51 am, and 9:53 am — was assigned their own dedicated healthcare professional. Congratulations to parents Tessa and Patrick on their new arrivals, and incredible work from the team in the maternity unit! If you’re feeling inspired to become part of our maternity team, search ‘NHS midwifery roles’ to find out how you can make a difference.

This winter, we're encouraging the public to use NHS 111 to help keep emergency services available for life threatening emergencies and serious injuries. Here’s a breakdown of the facts: 🏥 It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere. 📞 Nearly one in six 999 calls last month were completed with clinical advice over the phone. NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way for people to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of their own home, avoiding an A&E trip. Let’s work together to keep emergency services available for those in need this winter. Use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you. Call, go online or use the NHS App. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/egHRPF7V

Wendy and her husband, Dave, recently visited Reading Ambulance Station to thank the team that saved her life after her cardiac arrest last March. Wendy owes her life to Dave’s quick call to 999 and the swift response from South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Paramedics Caitlyn and Sam were first on scene, but when Wendy’s condition worsened, they were swiftly backed up by Southern Medical Rescue ambulance crew. The team delivered two shocks to restart her heart before transporting her to Royal Berkshire Hospital. After 10 days in intensive care, Wendy is now back at work as an advanced nurse practitioner. ‘Meeting those who saved my life was overwhelming. Without them, we wouldn’t have this second chance. I’m forever grateful.’ Find your role in the ambulance service today — visit https://lnkd.in/eu6D_r_h #Paramedic #NHS #CardiacArrest