University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

“I describe it as like learning to drive. Once you have passed your test, and you’re in a car on your own, you might panic and wish your instructor was still there. We are those people that students can come to.” Alex Lomas is a Clinical Educator Radiographer, based between Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals, part of University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). Born and raised in Sutton Coldfield, Alex says Good Hope Hospital has always been close to his heart. In 2013, a work experience day in the imaging department changed everything for Alex, sparking a passion for radiography. Alex is now a clinical educator, helping new colleagues and apprentices thrive in their radiography careers at Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals. Alex’s role blends clinical work with mentoring, focusing on improving confidence and supporting trainees as they transition into qualified staff. From interactive learning sessions with apprentices, to championing staff wellbeing initiatives, Alex is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the team and the patients we serve. Read more about Alex in this week’s ‘We are UHB’ blog.

“I describe it as like learning to drive. Once you have passed your test, and you’re in a car on your own, you might panic and wish your instructor was still there. We are those people that students can come to.” Alex Lomas is a Clinical Educator Radiographer, based between Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals, part of University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). Born and raised in Sutton Coldfield, Alex says Good Hope Hospital has always been close to his heart. In 2013, a work experience day in the imaging department changed everything for Alex, sparking a passion for radiography. Alex is now a clinical educator, helping new colleagues and apprentices thrive in their radiography careers at Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals. Alex’s role blends clinical work with mentoring, focusing on improving confidence and supporting trainees as they transition into qualified staff. From interactive learning sessions with apprentices, to championing staff wellbeing initiatives, Alex is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the team and the patients we serve. Read more about Alex in this week’s ‘We are UHB’ blog.

Congratulations to Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden, who last week received her MBE by The King for services to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease. Amy has been a chemotherapy patient at Good Hope Hospital since receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer. Last year, our hospital and it's amazing staff, featured in her documentary, 'Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me', which is still available to watch on the BBC iPlayer. Everyone at Good Hope is immensely proud of you, Amy! ?? (Photo credit: The Royal Family)

?? Weekly vacancy bulletin Our nursing and midwifery teams are an essential part of providing excellent care to our patients and each other. As part of #teamUHB, you will support our consultants and other clinical colleagues to deliver high-quality care to our patients. You will also have excellent opportunities to grow your career and help your colleagues do the same. We are recruiting to entry, senior, and specialist roles, including: ?? Community Midwife ?? Paediatric Nutritional Care Clinical Nurse Specialist ?? Senior Specialist Educator - Theatres ?? Staff Nurse - Oncology Day Unit Infusion Suite You can see these roles and more by visiting our jobs website in the comments below ??

We're so happy to have you back Mo. ??

?? It's Kind, Connected and Bold award winners announcement time! ?? Check out the full list of our January winners, along with their nominations on our website via the link in the comments section ?? Do you recognise any of our winners? Tag them below ??

Last week NHS England senior leaders visited Washwood Heath in Birmingham to see how NHS partners, as well as social care and public health staff, are transforming services by providing our citizens with the treatment they need in the community. ?? Visit our website to learn more: https://bit.ly/3D6pbgS

Congratulations to Pearl Fredric Cruz, Haematology Research Nurse, winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award at the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA) Awards! ?? This prestigious award recognises Pearl’s dedication and significant contributions to advancing nursing practice and advocacy on both a local and global scale. Since joining UHB in 2023, Pearl has embraced new challenges, seized every learning opportunity, and pursued her long-term goal of ‘making nursing visible’. On International Nurses Day last year, she launched The Pearl Cruz Show, a video podcast where she interviews nurses who are transforming perceptions and sharing best practices to inspire and empower others. Pearl said: "I am truly honoured to receive this award. As the famous saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ While I know I still have miles to go to reach my ultimate goal in this country, I am grateful that the first step I took just over a year ago has led to incredible experiences and a deep sense of fulfilment."

In the last episode of the series, the stakes couldn’t be higher as our surgeons take on some of the most complex and life-changing procedures. After three months in hospital, 30-year-old mother of three Katie finally has a donor heart. With fewer than 200 heart transplants performed in the NHS each year, this is her only chance. Cardiac surgeon Aaron Ranasinghe must move quickly, once surgery begins, there’s no turning back. Once the new heart is in, Aaron faces a tense wait to see if the heart will be strong enough to keep Katie alive. In theatre 10, 75 year-old Grandfather Edward, needs lifesaving surgery to remove an aggressive tumour that has created its own network of fragile blood vessels. Surgeons Rupesh Bhatt and David Bartlett must work with extreme caution, one wrong move could trigger catastrophic bleeding. In the neurosurgery theatres, surgeon Alex Paluzzi aims to end Carole’s five-year struggle with extraordinary unbearable pain in her face, caused by a blood vessel pressing on her trigeminal nerve. Neurosurgeon Alex Paluzzi must work with microscopic precision near Carole’s brainstem, placing tiny Teflon sponges to separate the nerve from the vessel. But even the slightest miscalculation could cause her heart rate to plummet. Tune in tonight at 9pm on Channel 5 to watch ????????????????: ?? ???????????? ???? ???????? ???? ??????????.

?? Weekly vacancy bulletin We have a number of therapy vacancies available in #teamUHB. We have senior positions and exciting specialist roles available, including: ?? Post Covid and Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist ?? Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist ?? Therapeutic Radiographer Team Leader ?? Breast Imaging Lead and Breast Screening Programme Manager You can get more information on these and all our current opportunities our Jobs website below ??