11 June 2025

Last week, staff from CNWL played an eight-a-side football match against colleagues from West London NHS Trust at Paddington Recreation Ground. This match marked the latest chapter in a growing cross-Trust collaboration that began within our Clinical Pharmacy Team at St Charles Hospital.

Initially, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and assistants would gather after work for casual five-a-side matches. Over time, interest grew, and the games expanded to include professionals from various departments, such as consultant psychiatrists, junior doctors, mental health nurses, administrators and psychologists.

Casra Momtahen, Pharmacist at St Charles Hospital, and organiser of the football matches, reached out to West London to explore a collaboration, and they were eager to participate.

"The idea of playing football with pharmacy staff was floated around a few times, so we set a date and things took off," he explained. "More staff wanted to join, and soon, professionals from across the hospital and community mental health teams got involved. The matches strengthened working relationships and helped staff unwind."

The first CNWL vs West London match took place on 30 May, with CNWL assembling a strong squad for the event. The game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with CNWL scoring a last-minute equaliser.

"Since the collaboration with West London, we've seen working relationships improve beyond our own Trust," Casra said.

Plans are underway for future matches, with an 11-a-side game scheduled for the summer. Weekly football sessions within CNWL continue, and new players are always welcome.

"A Trust in Scotland recently expressed interest in joining our cross-Trust matches," Casra added. "It’s exciting to see the word spreading - we’ll see how far the initiative goes!"

Staff interested in joining can email casra.momtahen@nhs.net for more information.