Heartlands Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic NHS

Did you know around 1 in 10 people in Birmingham are living with diabetes?

Discover how cutting-edge technology is changing the way we prevent, detect and treat diabetes at this free, interactive health talk with Dr Srikanth Bellary, Honorary Consultant in Diabetes at Heartlands Hospital.

📅 Thursday 11 June 2026, 12:00
📍 Heartlands Hospital Education Centre

Join us to:

• Hear about the latest breakthroughs in diabetes care
• Find out how you can get involved in research
• Get practical advice on managing diabetes
• Ask your questions directly to an expert

✉️ Book your place: [email protected]

Come along, get informed, and take a step towards better health.

Congratulations to our Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team on winning the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) Award for Excellence in Respiratory Care 2026. 👏🏆

This national recognition celebrates the team’s outstanding specialist care for patients across Birmingham and Solihull, supporting some of our most vulnerable communities with compassion, expertise and innovation.

From helping patients manage long-term respiratory conditions such as COPD and bronchiectasis, to delivering same-day emergency respiratory care and supporting a respiratory virtual ward, the team is making a real difference to patient lives every day. Between August 2025 and January 2026 alone, the Respiratory Same Day Emergency Care (RSDEC) service helped avoid an incredible 2,805 bed days — ensuring patients receive timely specialist care while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

On winning the award Kirsty Russell, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Respiratory, said: “What sets our team apart is how we work together — combining specialist expertise, strong relationships and clinical autonomy to deliver joined-up, patient-centred care at every stage of the journey.”

Dr Rifat Rashid, Hospital Executive Director at Heartlands Hospital, added: “Winning the ARNS award reflects the dedication and expertise of our Respiratory CNS team. Their innovation, resilience and commitment to person-centred care are improving outcomes and building a service that patients trust and staff are proud of.”

A huge thank you to the team for everything they do for patients and families across our communities. 💙

In celebration of International Clinical Trials Day 2026 last week, our brilliant research and innovation colleagues at Heartlands Hospital hosted their annual research showcase 🎉

There was a real buzz in the air as colleagues, patients and visitors came together to explore the incredible research and innovation taking place across the hospital.

This year’s event was made even more special as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) – a theme reflected throughout the event.

Delivery, data and governance teams were among those showcasing the important work they do every day through interactive stands and activities, helping bring the world of research to life ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the event such a success!

It's going to be 𝑯𝑶𝑻 over the next few days, and while we all love a bit of sunshine, the heat can catch people out quicker than you think. 🥵

Remember to:
💧 Drink plenty of water (and go easy on the alcohol).
🧴 SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses and shade — especially between 11:00–15:00.
🏃 Save workouts and outdoor jobs for cooler times of day.
🏡 Keep blinds closed in sunny rooms and open windows when it cools down.
❤️ Check in on older neighbours, friends and family.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲.

If you need medical help over the long weekend, using the right service can save you time and ensure you get the best care. Here’s how to stay well and get support if you need it:

✅ Visit your local pharmacy – Many are open all weekend and can help with minor illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, UTIs, sinus infections, and skin conditions. Check which pharmacies are open near you via the link in the comments.
✅ Use NHS 111 – Available 24/7 online or by phone for urgent advice, and to be directed to the right service, including urgent treatment centres and out-of-hours GPs.
✅ Only use A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

✨ Three days to go! ✨

To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, we will be hosting our annual research showcase at Heartlands Hospital on Thursday this week!

Come along to meet our researchers, explore accessible presentations, take part in interactive games, and discover the exciting world of research.

🕙 10:00 - 14:00
📍 Main Entrance (outside Pharmacy)

We hope to see you there!

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms can also include a high temperature, headache, tummy pain and body aches and pains.

If you have it, wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and preparing food, drink lots of fluids and stay at home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear.

Help protect others by not going to work, school, visiting care homes or hospitals.

For more information: https://orlo.uk/5lzYw

This week, we held a series of informative and engaging roadshows at the Glaxo, Runcorn Road and Castle Vales dialysis units, giving patients, families, carers and the wider public the opportunity to learn more about home dialysis 💙

Attendees heard first-hand experiences from patients already managing dialysis at home, spoke with our specialist teams about treatment options and support available, and took part in education sessions and live demonstrations.

Home dialysis can offer many benefits, including greater independence, improved quality of life and enhanced clinical stability.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the events such a success.

This week we’ve been celebrating both International Nurses Day and National Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) Day, recognising the dedication and compassion of our nursing and ODP colleagues. 💙

A huge thank you to all our nursing and ODP colleagues for everything you do and the difference you make to patients and colleagues every day.👏