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It's been a busy year for our Trust. Despite numerous challenges, you have remained focussed on providing excellent care and finding innovative ways to improve our patients' experience. 

While doing so, you have also been recognised for your achievements with awards celebrated throughout the year. As the year draws to a close, we look back at some of the achievements and accolades you have won.

90-year-old domestic staff retires after 33 years of service 

Margaret Price, 90, a dedicated Domestic Assistant at Southend Hospital, retired in June after 33 years of service. An integral team member since 1991, she inspired colleagues with her commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for visitors, patients, and staff.

Excellent care by maternity bereavement team highlighted by triple award wins 

Broomfield Hospital's maternity bereavement team, the Blossom Team, won Bereavement Team of the Year at the Mariposa Awards in April. Individual team members also won in the Compassionate and Community Award categories.

Staff celebrated at Shine Awards 

More than 600 nominations were made across eight categories for our fourth Shine awards. At the Awards in September, eight winners were announced from 24 finalists shortlisted for their excellence in healthcare.

Next generation of midwives are stars of new TV show 

A group of newly qualified and student midwives featured in an eight-part hybrid documentary series called The Young Midwives of Essex. The show follows the midwives at Basildon Hospital as they balance their training, exams, and personal lives. The show started broadcasting in November, with the whole series on UKTV’s streaming service, U.

Breakthrough procedure keeps hearts in sync   

In March, doctors at Southend Hospital performed a groundbreaking procedure, left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), for the first time. It treats a condition where a heart blockage causes the two sides of the heart to fail to pump in sync. Safer than other alternatives, LBBP significantly shortens hospital stays, allowing patients to return home the same day.

New £1million imaging room speeds up specialist scans in Southend

In May, a new fluoroscopy machine at Southend Hospital, funded by a £1million investment, started providing more accurate scans and clearer images. The investment also included refurbishing the waiting area to create a more relaxing environment for patients.

Patient scanning speeds up after £4million investment

Basildon Hospital’s £4million investment in state-of-the-art CT scanners and two MRI machines started benefiting more than 60 patients a day, from July. The new machines provide quicker, more accurate scans.

Faster recovery times for hysterectomy patients

A new procedure started in September is helping hysterectomy patients go home sooner. Southend Hospital’s Day Surgery team have successfully piloted laparoscopic – or keyhole – hysterectomies on three patients, which not only sped up a patient’s recovery but also reduce the risk of post-surgery complications.

New ophthalmology hubs delivering improved eye care

New Ophthalmology Diagnostic Hubs at Orsett Hospital and Tyler’s Ride in South Woodham Ferrers are helping locals get diagnoses for eye conditions, including glaucoma. Since opening in March and August this year, the hubs have significantly reduced waiting times for potentially blinding conditions.

Community Diagnostic Centres on path to deliver essential healthcare 

Construction of the Thurrock Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) began in March. The Braintree CDC entered its building phase in August, and Pitsea CDC is progressing after the Trust took ownership of The Place and the neighbouring library in October. The Pitsea CDC is set to open in late 2026. Plans for Southend CDC were agreed in November and it will be opened by an independent provider in time for summer 2025.

Hospital Olympics went for gold for patients 

Patients at Broomfield Hospital took part in hospital games during the Paris Olympics. Over nine days in July, 100 patients from 11 wards took part in events that highlighted the benefits of physical activity and social interaction. The games featured an opening ceremony, complete with a mock Olympic torch!

Nurse helps cement future of Southend’s new Emergency Department building

Jane Ralph, a nurse at Southend Hospital's Emergency Department, placed one of the final bricks in the new £8.5 million extension in November. The expansion, which includes a children's ED, adult treatment areas, and waiting rooms, will open by summer 2025.

Husband with a fear of heights takes on Tackle the Tower abseil challenge  

May saw Roger Alexander conquer his fear of heights to abseil down the 154-foot tower at Southend Hospital. He took on the Tackle the Tower challenge to raise money for the cancer unit, in gratitude for the excellent care his wife received at the hospital.

£100,000 fundraising boost from charity shops for cancer Spotlight Appeal 

Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity and Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation charity shops in Southend, Leigh, Westcliff and Hadleigh raised £100,000 for the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal in June. By the end of the year the total raised was £545,000.