Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

31/07/2026

Earlier this week, we shared the first part of Suzana's story. In this second video, Suzana speaks about the impact that violence, aggression and abuse can have long after an incident has happened, affecting not only staff at work, but also their wellbeing and home life.

After experiencing both physical assault and threats during her NHS career, Suzana describes how difficult it can be to switch off and feel safe again.

Suzana understands that people can arrive at hospital feeling frightened, frustrated or upset. But the message she wants people to take away from this campaign is simple: healthcare workers are human beings too, and violence and aggression will never improve a situation. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work.

Abuse of our staff is not acceptable. Ever.

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

After more than 30 years in research, respiratory consultant Professor Andrew Bentley has swapped sides to take part in research himself.

Andrew, who has Parkinson’s disease, is taking part in the ASPro-PD study at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust . It's investigating whether the drug Ambroxol can slow progression of motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and balance issues in Parkinson’s.

As well as being hopeful that the treatment will improve care for people with Parkinson’s, Andrew says it has been fascinating to see research from a fresh perspective as a patient. “It feels very fulfilling – for years, I’ve been asking patients to take part in studies and this has given me a better understanding of what it entails from their perspective.”

Read more on our website.

MFT Research and Innovation

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

Congratulations 🤚to Betty Egan, winner of the Volunteer of the Year accolade at the NCA Colleague Awards.

A familiar face at Fairfield General Hospital, Betty brings joy and comfort to patients, visitors and staff through her singing, dancing and unwavering kindness. Over the past two years, she has dedicated more than 960 hours of volunteering, making a real difference to countless lives.

Betty said: "I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It is so rewarding and without a doubt one of the best things I have ever done. Being able to spend time with patients, support them and make them smile means so much to me. I get just as much from volunteering as I give."

Thank you, Betty, for everything you do💙

Read more ⬇️

https://ow.ly/WiQt50Zu7lp

28/07/2026

"I was 38 weeks pregnant when I was punched at work."

Suzana, a sister in the Emergency Department at Salford Royal, knows first-hand the devastating impact violence and aggression can have on NHS staff.

While carrying out her duties, she was randomly assaulted by a patient. During her career, she has also faced threats and abuse from patients and visitors.

The impact of violence doesn't end when a shift finishes. It affects confidence, wellbeing, mental health and family life.

We understand that coming to hospital can be stressful, frightening and emotional. But violence and aggression towards our colleagues will never improve the situation.

Our staff are here to care for you. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Please watch and share Suzana's story and help us spread the message that violence and aggression against NHS staff is never acceptable.

24/07/2026

"Hand surgery is one of the most technically demanding areas of surgery because the hand contains a remarkable combination of bones, joints, tendons, nerves and blood vessels packed into a very small space."
Consultant hand and wrist surgeon Zafar Naqui has become the first surgeon from the UK to be elected President of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH). Read more here: https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/nca-news/salford-hand-surgeon-makes-history-top-european-role?back=1

24/07/2026

🎉 We continue to shine a spotlight on our winners.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Heatley, nurse manager, who scooped the Community Spirit Award for her outstanding work leading the successful Reaching Out events across .

By bringing together healthcare services, charities and local businesses, Jacqueline has helped provide vital support to homeless individuals, vulnerable residents, families and children across the community.

She said: "I am incredibly humbled to receive this award. The Reaching Out events are all about bringing people together to support those who need it most. I am grateful to our partners, volunteers and local businesses whose generosity and commitment have made such a positive impact on our community."

👏 Congratulations, Jacqueline, and thank you for everything that you do 👊

Read more ⬇️

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/nca-news/nca-colleague-awards-celebrate-outstanding-colleagues-and-teams?back=1

22/07/2026

Step into the world of caring through the eyes of carers.

Come and explore the Caregiving Exhibition, now on display in the Hope Building at .

Co-produced with carers, the exhibition showcases creative work that offers a powerful insight into their experiences, challenges and the invaluable role they play every day.

An opportunity to learn more about the realities of caring and the importance of supporting carers in our communities.

📍 Hope Building, Salford Royal
📅 On display until 18 August

A special thank you to Gaddum for their support in helping bring this exhibition to life.

22/07/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our NCA Chief Executive Award winners, Gareth Price and Luke Thompson!

Gareth and Luke were recognised for their outstanding work to improve staff safety and patient care on Salford Royal's Major Trauma Wards T4 and T5.

Their work has helped staff feel safer, more supported and more confident at work.

Luke said: "By listening to our teams and acting on what they told us, we were able to put practical support in place which helped staff feel safer and more confident. It was about making sure nobody felt alone when dealing with difficult situations."

A fantastic example of teamwork, leadership and putting colleagues and patients first.

Well deserved recognition for two colleagues making a real difference every day. 👏💙

Read more about our winners ⬇️

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/nca-news/nca-colleague-awards-celebrate-outstanding-colleagues-and-teams?back=1