An amazing array of good news stories were showcased before the AGM last week. These included:

* The continuing reduction in length of stay after orthopaedic surgery thanks to  orthopaedic enhanced recovery assistant Janet Myhowycz.  Janet visits patients on the day of their surgery (as early as two hours after if they are fit) to talk through next steps and the physio. As a result our patients have given us very positive feedback and our lengths of stay are down from 4.7 days to 2.8. Some exercises can even be done in bed.

* Jaqui Yuen in procurement had guests guessing the cost of equipment  in a Price is Right style stall asking them to guess higher or lower to demonstrate how value-buying is essential.

* Louise Taylor and Carolyn Smith showed how the individualised zimmer frames were helping our dementia patients

*  Linda Denham talked about the Red Cup Challenge. Big beakers (bought from Poundland) are helping patients after surgery. Ensuring patients are hydrated from the very start of their recovery  - 500mls in an hour - is essential to avoid kidney injury so we now have brightly coloured  red beakers to ensure it is easily  identifiable and accessible for our patients and they can start to drink as soon as they are awake.

* Heidi Hirst and Tracy Rawcliffe handed out mini-pots of the latest  healthy and delicious food options which are winning awards. These include homemade breads including foccacia, pittas and granary as well as pesto with sunflower seeds, roasted vegetables and quinoa and organic sausages.

* Gareth Heathcote, Louise Watson, Rachel Clegg and Liz Morley from Community showcased the range of services delivered by our community teams  particularly in helping to prevent admissions and re admissions.

There were also stands representing procurement,  Occupational Health and EPR  (see attached photos) and many others.

Chairman Andrew Haigh - in his 7th and final year with us - said how proud he was of all colleagues  for going the extra miles for our patients and their families in a "momentous" year for the NHS.

Our CEO Owen Williams thanked Andrew for being both  "a supportive and challenging boss" and thanked him for his "exemplary" leadership.

Director of Finance Gary Boothby presented the  end-of-year accounts and  our Director of Nursing Brendan Brown and Medical Director David Birkenhead showcased progress on our key care priorities throughout the past year.