NHS England

A UK-first! After over 25 years of research, a woman has given birth to a baby girl following a womb transplant. New mother Grace and baby Amy are both doing very well, following the birth at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in February. Grace was born without a functioning womb, which meant she was unable to carry and give birth to her own baby. Everything changed after she became the first woman to receive a womb transplant in the UK in August 2023. The transplant took place after her sister Amy donated her own womb as part of the Womb Transplant UK living donor programme. The transplant was carried out at the Oxford Transplant Centre and co-led by Miss Isabel Quiroga, Consultant Transplant and Endocrine Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor Richard Smith, Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Baby Amy Isabel was named in honour of both her aunt and Miss Isabel Quiroga. New mum, Grace, said: 'We have been given the greatest gift we could ever have asked for. But we are very aware that for many couples who have gone before us, carrying a baby could only be a dream. We sincerely hope that going forward this could become a wonderful reality, and provide an additional option, for women who would otherwise be unable to carry their own child.' Grace’s sister, Amy, said: 'What a privilege it is to be able to gift something that in many ways I took for granted. Watching Grace and Angus become parents has been an absolute joy and worth every moment. I feel eternally grateful to be part of their journey.' Huge thanks to all the brilliant teams who made this happen!

The #NHSConfedExpo agenda is now LIVE! Packed with the latest case studies and inspiring examples of best practice, this year's programme will equip you with actionable insights to help drive improvements in care for your patients and communities. Take a look at what you can expect: https://bit.ly/3XE38Fu

‘Professor Nicolaides is proof that miracles can be performed by people who are devotees to their profession.’ When Katerina was six months pregnant with twins, a routine scan identified a problem with their development. The babies were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This is a condition where one twin receives more blood and nourishment than the other due to vessels in the placenta not being evenly shared. Katerina was referred to Professor Nicolaides at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a pioneer of foetal medicine, who operated on the babies – while they were still in the womb! The short procedure involved inserting a thin telescope with a laser into the uterus to burn the abnormal vessels that connected the twins. Katerina was able to return home that day, and later gave birth to two healthy baby boys. Katerina said: ‘We named one of the twins Kai Kypros and the other Asher Nicolas in honour of Professor Kypros Nicolaides. He is an amazing man – he gives life. Being a mum is the most beautiful experience.’ Incredible work Professor Nicolaides and team! With more than 350 roles available in the NHS, no two careers are the same. Find yours today at www.healthcareers.nhs.uk

‘Playing football with my grandkids again, without pain – I never thought I’d be able to do that. I’m just so grateful.’ Alan lived with chronic knee pain for over a decade – pain so severe it forced him into early retirement. He’d already had one knee replaced the traditional way, but when the pain in his other knee worsened, he turned once again to the orthopaedic team at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group. This time, Alan became the first NHS patient to receive a knee replacement using a new system that helps surgeons operate with greater precision. It means improved accuracy, less pain, quicker recovery times, and better long-term outcomes for patients. Alan’s now looking forward to holidays with his wife, getting back into swimming, and kicking a ball about with his grandchildren – all pain free. If you’re inspired by Alan’s story and want to help more people get back to doing what they love, explore a rewarding career in the NHS. With over 350 roles, there’s a place for you. Visit healthcareers.nhs.uk

🗨️ Watch Dr Scarlet Nazarian and Dr Amos Ogunkoya break down the three key shifts at the heart of our 10 Year Health Plan: ➡️ analogue to digital ➡️ hospital to community ➡️ sickness to prevention There’s still time to take part in the biggest ever conversation on the future of the NHS. Get involved now: change.nhs.uk

Check your testicles regularly. It could save your life. Jamie was diagnosed with testicular cancer in February 2024. In the week following his diagnosis, he had a successful surgery and was able to carry on with life, including getting married. But things took a turn less than a week after returning from his honeymoon. A follow up CT scan and blood tests showed the cancer had spread to Jamie’s lungs. As a result, Jamie needed three cycles of chemotherapy. Today, Jamie is cancer-free and recently rang the end-of-treatment bell at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. ‘I am forever grateful to the NHS staff who were involved with my care, particularly those at the Young Adult Ward’ he reflects. Congratulations Jamie and well done team. 💙 It’s important to check your testicles regularly so you know what’s normal for you. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eRpruJxJ #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth

Steve’s poo saved his life.    Bowel cancer screening kits are quick, easy, and sent out to you automatically after you turn 50. Just a tiny sample detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong.     Your next poo could save your life. If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit, put it by the loo. Don't put it off. https://lnkd.in/eAjsUVuG #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth 

Meet Libby, an Apprentice Emergency Medical Technician at North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust! After growing up being inspired by her parents working in the NHS as a nurse and paramedic, Libby joined the ambulance service herself in 2023. ‘The caring and compassionate nature my parents show led me to aspire to a similar career. When an opportunity came to join North West Ambulance Service I applied and started my training.’ Now, Libby is working towards qualifying as an emergency medical technician, and then on to becoming a paramedic! ‘I have found it a very rewarding role, providing care and effective treatment, especially when I’ve had the opportunity to save lives as part of a crew and team from NWAS. ‘I would encourage anyone interested in healthcare to join the NHS, and especially the ambulance service as it’s a great place to work.’ Becoming a paramedic is just one of the 350 roles available in the NHS – find yours at https://lnkd.in/eV2jE_a9

‘Working alongside my mother is a truly special experience and it has strengthened our bond.’ Frances followed in her mother Tsitsi’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Together they have worked at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust for over 18 years combined! Reflecting on her career that was inspired by her mother, Frances said ‘We offer each other advice and emotional support as we have a shared understanding of the nursing profession. We both think that nursing is so rewarding – the constant learning and growth keeps things exciting. It is a job that pushes and inspires you as you strive to improve patient care.’ Find your healthcare family and join the NHS. Visit: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk #MothersDay #WeAreTheNHS

Eid Mubarak to all our NHS colleagues celebrating Eid al-Fitr! ☪️ #EidMubarak