Every story you’ll read here reminds me why I’m so proud to be part of Clinical and Scientific Services. Whether it’s honouring a patient’s final wish, tracking down a relative to deliver an urgent update, or coming in on a day off to keep services running safely—these moments define who we are.
Great care isn’t just about clinical excellence. It’s about seeing the person in front of you and asking, what matters to them right now? Our teams do this every single day, often under immense pressure, and the impact ripples out across Greater Manchester—to patients, to families, and to the communities we serve.
Thank you for the care, dedication and difference you make every single day.
Clinical and Scientific Services is at the heart of this Trust.
Supporting patients and families when it matters most
In Critical Care, an incredible team – Elizabeth Thomas, Steven Peacock, Sarah Raja, Rhydian Williams and Mark Cadogan – came together to honour a patient’s final wish. They quickly arranged time outside with his family, giving him fresh air, sunshine and a moment of normality. Although he sadly passed away before going home, his family were deeply grateful for the dignity and compassion shown.
Also in Critical Care, Zain Karim (ICU, MRI) went above and beyond for a deteriorating patient—tracking down a relative at another hospital to provide an urgent update and support family communication. A powerful example of commitment and truly patient-centred care under pressure.
Helping patients regain confidence and independence
In our Allied Health teams, staff are making a real difference every day.
At NMGH Physiotherapy, Hannah Conley helped a patient regain mobility and confidence using a zimmer frame and crutches—described as “amazing” and life-changing by the patient.
And in the Surgical Therapy team, Virginia Lefeaux was praised by a patient’s family for her warmth, kindness and dedication, with her care leaving a lasting impact on both patient and loved ones.
Going the extra mile to keep patients safe
In Pharmacy, teamwork made a real difference.
At NMGH, Michael Bonsall, Liz Craig and Mark Bury worked across services to source urgent medication for a patient at end of life over a bank holiday—ensuring they could be cared for comfortably at home.
Meanwhile, at ORC Pharmacy, Madeleine Bowler showed outstanding leadership during a challenging weekend—coordinating through staff shortages, system issues and high demand to keep patients safe and services running.
Acting fast to avoid delays and distress
In Imaging at Wythenshawe, Julia Hingley and colleagues stepped in to support a confused and distressed patient when the ward was short staffed. By helping transfer the patient and completing their x-ray the same day, they avoided delays and reduced distress.
Responding to major incidents with teamwork and care
In Laboratory Medicine, teams showed incredible resilience and teamwork.
During a major flood at the ORC Biochemistry lab, Alex Hashmi came in on a day off to support staff, implement safety measures and help manage the response—ensuring patient care continued safely.
In Histopathology, Elizabeth Beckett and Catherine Higgins processed and escalated an urgent biopsy at speed, enabling fast diagnosis and treatment decisions for a seriously ill patient. A clear example of how lab teams directly impact patient outcomes.
Thank you
These examples are just a snapshot of the care, teamwork and professionalism happening every day across CSS.
Thank you to everyone involved—you make a real difference to our patients, their families and each other.
Dr Katherine Ajdukiewicz
Medical Director – Clinical and Scientific Services
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