Countess of Chester Hospital

💗 More than just cupboards – a transformation in patient care We’re incredibly grateful to our construction partners at IHP, who are working with us on the new Women and Children’s Building, for going above and beyond as part of their giving back commitment. Over a weekend of long hours, they generously donated their time and materials to install a full wall of fitted cupboards for our Breast Care Team, based in the main Countess of Chester Hospital. Previously, essential items – like specialist cancer bras and educational breast models – were on open display in the office. For patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, this created a stark and confronting environment, offering an unfiltered glimpse into a future they were only just beginning to process. Now, thanks to IHP, those items are thoughtfully stored away. The space is calmer, more private, and more supportive – a place where difficult conversations can happen with dignity and compassion. It’s a small change with a profound impact, and one that truly reflects the kind of care we strive to provide. 🖌️ IHP also refreshed the paint in our main waiting areas. Our Breast team worked closely with the decorators to choose the colour, bringing a much fresher, more welcoming feel to the department. 📅 July is Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month – a timely reminder of the importance of inclusive access to care. Breast screening guides are now available in 30 languages, helping more people from diverse communities understand the services available and what to expect. 📍 Breast screening takes place at Countess of Chester for women registered with a Chester GP. The NHS invites all women for their first breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, then every 3 years until age 71. Find out more: https://ow.ly/rKc750Wxhps

Coming Summer 2025: a bold new beginning for labour care in the new Women and Children’s Building! ✨ We’re so excited to announce that our brand-new modern labour ward is opening this summer – designed with you and your growing family in mind. 💛 Each year, our incredible labour team supports nearly 2,000 families in welcoming their new additions, offering expert midwifery and medical care 24/7 – whether that’s in the hospital or, when possible, from the comfort of your home. 🌿 For those giving birth in-hospital, we’re bringing the “home-from-home” experience to life – combining a calm, personal atmosphere with the latest medical technology to make every birthing journey safe, supported, and special. Here’s what’s waiting for you this summer: 🏥 A new labour ward • 8 modern birthing rooms with en-suite facilities • 2 dedicated obstetric theatres 🛁 3 brand new upgraded birthing pool rooms • 2 midwifery-led pool rooms and 1 consultant led with en-suite facilities • user-friendly, supportive, and with safety in mind • Designed for comfort with easier movement, better grip, and improved temperature control • New cots • Adjustable features to enhance comfort and make it easier to access your baby post-birth. 💬 You spoke, we listened: • 🎉 Additional facilities for birth partners to stay with you • Individualised visiting agreements for your wider support network • No more visiting time restrictions! • 🎉 Partners can now stay overnight, to support bonding and provide extra support. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space. A labour experience should feel like it’s made for you – and it will be. 💛 (photos: new birthing pool rooms; new cots; new birthing rooms)

⏳ Today’s the day! There’s still time to put your name forward to become a Governor at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — but nominations close at 5pm today. Whether you're passionate about patient care, curious about how the NHS works, or just want to make a difference in your community — this is your chance. 🗳️ Apply now: https://ow.ly/IMZy50Wl0GU 📧 Questions? Email: coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net

🩺 Happening today! Help shape the future of healthcare in Chester We’re planning the next ten years of care at Countess of Chester Hospital — and we want to hear from you. Join us this morning and afternoon for one of our free community workshops with Jonathan Develing, Director of Strategy and Partnerships. Share your views and help shape the future of local healthcare. 📅 Friday 25 July 2025 🕤 9.30am–10.30am or 1.30pm–2.30pm 📍 Storyhouse, Chester 🎟️ Free tickets still available – reserve your spot now: https://ow.ly/fJbe50WpKa8 What you’ll hear about: • Plans to improve care using new technology • Expanding personal care at home • Better support for people in their communities What we need from you: • Your honest feedback on what matters most in healthcare • Your priorities for services in Chester over the next decade Let’s plan a healthier future — together.

🚨 Big News! 🚨 We’ve officially got the keys to our brand-new Women and Children’s Building! 🏥✨ After years of planning, hard work, and community input, we're thrilled to announce that we’ll be opening our doors in September 2025! 🎉 This new building represents a new chapter for patient care, designed with you in mind – brighter, bigger, and better than ever. More space, comfort, privacy, and support for families and staff. 💛 We can’t wait to welcome you all! A huge thank you to our construction partners IHP for their incredible work, and to CCL Solutions for their project management support. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to our grand opening! 🗝️✨ Read more: https://ow.ly/IseQ50WuzV4

⏳ One day to go! Nominations to become a Governor at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust close at 5pm tomorrow (25 July) — but there’s still time to step forward. 👤 Meet Alex – One of our Governors (Well… not really. But they could be you!) Alex is 52, lives in Chester, and works part-time in education. With a bit more time on their hands and a strong belief in public services, Alex wanted to give something back to the community. They didn’t have NHS experience — but they did have curiosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference. As a Governor, Alex: ✔️ Attends a few meetings a year ✔️ Helps represent the views of patients and families ✔️ Asks questions that help shape hospital priorities ✔️ Feels proud to be part of something bigger Alex says: “I never thought I’d be involved in hospital strategy — but I’ve learned so much, and I know my voice matters.” 🗳️ Nominations close 5pm, 25 July 🔗 Apply now: https://ow.ly/Mn6s50Wl0CF 📧 Email: coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net Does this sound like you? Then maybe it’s time to step forward.

🩺 What do people in Chester care most about when it comes to their NHS? Here are just a few of the issues we hear time and again: • Shorter waiting times and smoother hospital discharges • Better support for older people and those with long-term conditions • More joined-up care between hospital and community services • Accessible, inclusive care for all • Modern, welcoming hospital facilities • Clearer communication and better patient experience If these sound like things you care about — why not help shape the future of your local hospital? ✅ As a Governor at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, you can influence many of these areas directly — and all of them indirectly through your role in building relationships across the wider health and care system. 🗳️ Nominations close 5pm 25 July 🔗 Apply now: https://ow.ly/Csqa50Wl0yC 📧 Email: coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net Your voice. Your hospital. Your chance to make a difference.

🐾 Meet Barney, our four-legged friend on a mission to heal with happiness! 🐶 This week, Barney and his wonderful owner Tessa brought smiles, comfort, and calm to patients across our wards. As one of our much-loved therapy dogs, Barney plays a special role in supporting emotional wellbeing and lifting spirits. Therapy dogs like Barney help reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, and create moments of joy for patients, families, and staff alike. Their presence is a gentle reminder that healing isn’t just about medicine - it’s about connection, compassion, and care. 💙 Thank you Barney and Tessa for sharing your time and tails with us this week! ➡️ Find out more about Therapy Dogs Nationwide: https://tdn.org.uk/

⏳ Four days to go! There’s still time to stand for election as a Governor at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — and make a real impact on local healthcare. 🩺 Top 5 ways NHS Governors have made a real difference 1. Championing patient voices: Governors have helped introduce patient feedback forums and listening events — ensuring real experiences shape real decisions. 2. Driving service improvements: From maternity care to mental health, Governors have influenced how services are delivered, helping Trusts to respond to what matters most to their communities. 3. Supporting major builds Governors have played a key role in shaping and supporting new hospital buildings and facilities — like our own new Women and Children’s Building opening this summer. 4. Promoting equality and inclusion: Many Governors have led or supported initiatives to improve access, representation, and cultural awareness across NHS services. 5. Holding the Board to account: Governors ask the tough questions, challenge decisions, and ensure transparency — helping build public trust in the NHS. 🗳️ Nominations close 5pm, 25 July 🔗 Apply now: https://ow.ly/vmjy50Wl0xi 📧 Email: coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net

🩺 Help Shape the Future of Healthcare in Chester Your NHS. Your community. Your voice. We’re planning the next ten years of care at Countess of Chester Hospital and we want your input. We're holding two community workshops to hear directly from you. Join Jonathan Develing, our Director of Strategy and Partnerships, to share your views and help shape our future plans. 📅 Friday 25 July 2025, 9.30am to 10.30am or 1.30pm – 2.30pm 🕒 Two sessions available – choose the time that works for you 📍 Storyhouse, Chester 👉 Book now to reserve your place – spaces are limited: https://ow.ly/ejsE50WpKa9 What you’ll hear about: • Our plans for improving care using new technology • Expanding personal care at home • Better support for people in their communities What we need from you: • Your honest feedback on what matters most in healthcare • Your priorities for services in Chester over the next decade Let’s plan a healthier future - together.