South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

15/02/2026

Dawn McDougal is a qualified radiographer at University Hospitals Tees, after working for more than 20 years as an assistant practitioner in the fluoroscopy department.

At the age of 51, Dawn decided to apply for the radiographer apprentice post as she wanted to further grow her career and make her dreams come true of being a radiographer.

She said: "If anyone wants to consider applying for an apprenticeship, I would strongly recommend doing so. At any age or confidence level, it is worth a try. The teaching support and help is second to none and once the course is completed, the sense of pride and personal achievement is life-changing."

14/02/2026

Congratulations to our podiatry apprentices Daniel Mitchell and Vicki Hind, for being shortlisted at Sunderland University’s Apprenticeship Awards.

Daniel scooped the Wellbeing Champion Award whilst Vicki was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award.

Well done!

14/02/2026

As we continue to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re showcasing Mariia Drel’s story.

Mariia, who is based at the University Hospital of North Tees, undertook a business administration apprenticeship where she gained knowledge and the confidence to make tangible improvements within her own department.

Speaking about how the apprenticeship gave her confidence, Mariia said: “One of the tasks during my apprenticeship was to implement projects that would help change the way we work in my own department. I was surprised that even in a less-senior position, there were things I could to do to make changes and improvements.

“During my day-t-day work, I have now successfully introduced and implemented new processes. I can proudly say that they have had a positive impact on the efficiency of the team.”

Sharing her thoughts on why others should go the apprenticeship route, Mariia said: “Definitely don't miss the opportunity if you are interested in learning through the apprenticeship route.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to obtain knowledge in a new field and not only gain skills and insights, but to also earn an official qualification and have that career progression at the same time.”

Mariia is planning to continue to advance her career prospects through further training and apprenticeship opportunities.

14/02/2026

Amanda Robins is an occupational therapist apprentice at University Hospitals Tees.

As part of her role, she supports qualified occupational therapists with assessments and interventions, works directly with patients to help them develop or maintain everyday living skills whilst attending Teesside University one day a week - to name a few of her responsibilities.

She said: "The support from my mentors, student peers and university lecturers has been incredible. The occupational therapy apprenticeship is challenging but incredibly rewarding. My journey shows that it's never too late to change direction. Being a mature student has become my strength and the support has been outstanding."

13/02/2026

A lovely message for our cardiology admissions day unit at James Cook from a grateful patient 💙

Remember, our patient experience team is here to listen to any stories or comments you have. If you have a story you would like to share with our patient experience team, please get in touch via stees.patient.experience@nhs.net or 01642 854807.

13/02/2026

Tereza Marusincova is a diagnostic assistant practitioner at University Hospitals Tees.

She started off as a community interpreter in the healthcare sector, where she realised that helping and caring for people is something she loves to do. This inspired her to apply to James Cook Hospital as a radiographic assistant. Soon after, she was encouraged to apply for the diagnostic radiographer apprenticeship by her colleagues and fast forward to today, she has commenced a new role as an assistant practitioner in the X-Ray department.

Tereza is now urging others to go for an apprenticeship if they are ready to leap forward.

She said: "Be prepared for hard work, even on those days that you would normally be able to dedicate to your free-time activities only. Make sure to find that free time to do nice things and relax to keep your work-life balance healthy. It will all pay off in the end."

13/02/2026

Today we are sharing the experience of OD practitioner Sharon Castle-Rees on her apprenticeship experience.

Sharon said: “I began the Ixion level 5 in coaching to learn the skills necessary to become an effective coach. The apprenticeship route has been a great experience.

“I have been part of a cohort of colleagues from our organisation who have shown great motivation, support and respect for one another and it has been great for developing relations with colleagues in departments that I would not otherwise have met.”

Sharon felt the course was welcoming and rewarding, with a supportive tutor who helped develop and improve her skills and helped further her career ambitions.

Speaking of why the apprenticeship route was right for her, Sharon said: “I believe that the apprenticeship route has given me the opportunity to practice my coaching skills and bolstered my confidence. It has empowered me to push forward and support individuals and teams in my organisation to be able to realise their own potential.”

12/02/2026

Colleagues across University Hospitals Tees recently attended a career transition programme (CTP) recruitment fair to support our armed forces community.

The event was held to support those who are leaving or have already left the military and their families who are looking for employment.

If you were unable to make the event, but would like more information on the support available for our armed forces community, you are invited to attend our next coffee morning on Wednesday 11 March 2026, 9am to 11.30am, back of the Tees restaurant, University Hospital of North Tees.

Alternatively, you can visit the armed forces section of our website for more information: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/armed-forces-community/

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

12/02/2026

For Joe Hepplestone, the goal has always been to work as a nurse in intensive care.

The former Stockton Riverside College student has now completed his T Level placement at the University Hospital of North Tees and is currently taking on shifts with NHS Professionals as a healthcare assistant.

As part of his placement, he got to work within main theatres, learning (amongst other things) all about sterile techniques.

Joe said: “The experience really opened my eyes to how many people are involved in completing a surgical procedure. From observing this, it allowed me to get a head start in scrubbing up and assisting in a surgical environment. It gave me valuable insight into what a career in healthcare looks like.”

Speaking about why he decided to go through the T-Level route, Joe added: “I think the T-Level placement programme offered me an advancement in my knowledge and definitely helped me in my first year at university.

“The placement guided me and gave me transferable skills that I can use in the career that I’d like to move into.”

You can read Joe’s full experience of his time on placement: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/careers/recruitment/t-levels/joe-hepplestone/

12/02/2026

View your GP record in record time, when it suits you.

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11/02/2026

Congratulations to research project manager, Natalie Clark from the Academic Centre for Surgery who has been awarded the Andrew Paris Memorial Fellowship.

During her fellowship, Natalie plans to collaborate with the University of Granada and the National Transplant Organization in Madrid to understand public attitudes, consent processes, and sociocultural perceptions of organ donation, as well as how organ donation is operationalised within the healthcare settings.

Her visit will play a pivotal role in the development of educational resources, further aiming to support and promote positive conversations of organ donation amongst NHS staff.

Read more:

Congratulations to research project manager, Natalie Clark from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who has been awarded the Andrew Paris Memorial Fellowship.

11/02/2026

“Winning this apprenticeship award felt like winning an Oscar—it reassured me that my peers believe in me, my work, and my impact. It reminded me that I am good enough.”

With 10-years as a qualified physiotherapist under her belt, Natasha McManus saw the apprenticeship route as a way to increase her knowledge in what is still one the most under-researched areas of healthcare: women’s and pelvic health.

The senior pelvic health physiotherapist is now in her final year of a pelvic health advanced clinical practice master’s apprenticeship and has just been awarded the ‘Advanced Clinical Practice - Apprentice of the Year Award’ from Brunel University.

Following her award win, Natasha has shared her experience of going the apprenticeship route and her thoughts on her award win: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/news/teesside-based-physiotherapist-wins-apprentice-of-the-year-award/

A specialist physiotherapist dedicated to advancing women’s pelvic health, has received an Apprentice of the Year award from Brunel University, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to patient care and clinical developments.