NHS England

More than 5,000 people in England have been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier thanks to the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme, which uses mobile scanning trucks to visit local communities. Using a mix of hospital services and scanning trucks that visit community sites, such as supermarket carparks and town centres, in-depth lung health checks can be carried out on current and past smokers. This has helped people like David who received an earlier cancer diagnosis after receiving an invitation for a lung health check. ‘My first scan was in a supermarket car park, and the appointment was very well organised. It was followed by a call and another scan because they found a suspicious nodule. I was shocked to learn I had cancer in the first place and thought dealing with it was quite an inconvenience given how fit I was.’ As a former mechanic, I like to think of health checks like preventative servicing for your car. Just as your car needs regular servicing, your body needs it too. So go and get checked!’ https://lnkd.in/eRpteAgM

This #WorldRadiographyDay, follow Student Radiographer Megan through a day in her life. In her second year of placements, Megan shows us what she gets up to during a shift.  As a radiographer, you’ll use cutting-edge technology to look inside patients’ bodies and help understand and diagnose any conditions they may have.  Discover your own rewarding career as a radiographer. https://lnkd.in/e_2r4chU 

A lover of drumming and mixing, Mervyn’s hands and arms had become very weak following his heart transplant operation. But everything changed when Occupational Therapist Amil brought a finger-operated drum to his bedside. With Amil leading on the vocals and guitar, Mervyn joined in with some drumbeats and backing vocals! This is a great example of the difference that occupational therapists can make to the physical, mental and emotional recovery of a patient, enabling them to remain positive and motivated. Amazing work from Amil at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and best of luck to Mervyn during his recovery! #OTWeek #OccupationalTherapy

Meet Joshua, Divisional Lead Occupational Therapist, whose journey from Nigeria to his role in the NHS reflects resilience and a passion for service improvement in the NHS. ‘When I was growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand how a lack of finances could mean the difference between life and death. This has given me a profound appreciation for the NHS. My journey from healthcare assistant to a leadership role, along with my expertise in lived experience, research and quality improvement, has equipped me with a unique perspective.’ Working across several services at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, including children’s public health and mental health services, Joshua’s role oversees the quality and delivery of occupational therapy. From adapting to life after surgery to navigating work with mental illness, occupational therapy helps people overcome all kinds of challenges, so they can live as fully and independently as possible. If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider a career in occupational therapy. https://lnkd.in/dfddXqp #OccupationalTherapy #OTWeek24

Is there something that makes your NHS job harder than it needs to be?     We want to hear what is working for NHS staff and what isn’t.     Have your say and help us shape the future of the NHS. change.nhs.uk  

‘My Nan very much inspired me to be a nurse and I'm proud to be following in her footsteps.’ Meet Jo, the second woman in her family to become a nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust after her grandmother, Mary. Inspired by her grandmother, Jo began her career as a paediatrics nurse and has since worked in numerous nursing roles. Today, Jo acts as the Associate Director for Nursing at Heartlands Hospital. ‘I have a real passion for improving patient experience and care. I very much enjoy working alongside my teams to make a real difference for our patients.’ With more than 50 different nursing roles available in the NHS, no two nursing careers are the same. Visit https://lnkd.in/dRmBjC8

Thousands of patients could receive the all-clear for suspected throat cancer faster, thanks to a new iPhone device and app being piloted by the NHS. The device is a 32mm lens, used alongside an accompanying app, captures live video examinations of the throat in high definition. The footage can be instantly shared with head and neck consultants, allowing them to review the footage and rapidly detect any traces of cancer. A trial has been taking place at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust but the ‘pioneering’ gadget could be used in any NHS setting, helping to free up time and resources in hospitals for cancer patients and reduce waiting times for treatment. https://lnkd.in/euexwDQw

We’re proud to be collaborating with 1,400 libraries across England to help more people access the NHS App and other online health services. By partnering with public libraries, we’re making it easier for everyone – especially those who do not own a device or have access to the internet – to take control of their health in a safe, supportive environment close to home. With librarians’ help, more people can view GP records, manage prescriptions, check test results, and even view hospital appointments through the NHS App. More than 40% of public library services have already signed up to the new scheme – with many more expected to join in the coming months. Find out more about this initiative and explore how libraries are helping to transform digital health literacy. https://lnkd.in/enD4RSwJ

Wishing a happy Diwali to our colleagues celebrating across the NHS! 🪔 💙 #HappyDiwali

Every year, 10,000 young people leave care in England. James was once one of those people. Now, he works for Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, following support from the NHS Universal Family Leavers Programme which launched in 2023. The programme aims to widen access to NHS employment for young people who have been in care. ‘One thing I wanted to do was become an ambassador as a care leaver because I was one of the first through the system to be employed by the NHS. I want to help raise awareness of this programme so others in similar situations can take up these opportunities too. Every young person should feel empowered to live out their full potential and lead a successful career, regardless of their circumstances.’ Search ‘NHS Universal Family Leavers Programme’ to find out more information.