South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

04/08/2025

This World Breastfeeding Week, we’d like to introduce you to some of our infant feeding team across University Hospitals Tees.

Pictured here left to right are infant feeding specialist midwife Laura Paterson, infant feeding midwife Susannah Williams, infant support worker Bev Luke, and specialist midwife for infant feeding Charlotte Chapman.

𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Based out of our James Cook site, Laura has been leading on infant feeding at the hospital for more than five years now.

She said: "A huge part of my role has been working to make infant feeding support accessible to everyone. My passion for the role came as a result of the challenges I'd faced with feeding my own children and truly appreciating the value of the support I received.

“Breastfeeding is hugely beneficial to long-term heath. I feel strongly that everyone should be able to make informed decisions about how they feed their babies and access the support that they need. We are working to create a culture that supports more families to breastfeed and for longer – improving long-term health.

“We are so proud of our recently developed tongue-tie service and expanded infant feeding team. It’s making such a positive difference for so many families across South Tees. "

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Charlotte is fairly new in her role at the University Hospital of North Tees, having previously worked at James Cook.

She said: "My passion for infant feeding started as a student midwife, when I enjoyed public health placements within the infant feeding team, and intensified after breastfeeding my own children.

“In my role as a specialist midwife for infant feeding, I support with complex feeding issues in hospital and community. I also deliver training to update staff with up-to-date information around supporting infant feeding.

“Getting breastfeeding off to a good start can be challenging sometimes, and I like to see families overcoming these challenges with support in order to meet their feeding goals. I am new to this role and excited for the work that we can do for families under our care.”

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

For more information about our infant feeding services, please visit:

South Tees Hospitals: www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/maternity/infant-feeding

North Tees and Hartlepool: www.nth.nhs.uk/services/infant-feeding-support

01/08/2025

Congratulations to Professor Derek Bell OBE, chair of University Hospitals Tees, on being recognised with an Honorary Doctor of Science by for his regional and national contributions to healthcare.

During his acceptance speech, Professor Bell added his voice to calls for a new medical school to complement the university’s already impressive campus.

Professor Bell said: “It’s a great privilege to be honoured in this way. The University’s buildings and facilities for students are just exceptional, and I can see how that attracts students from all over the world.

“Teesside University’s reputation continues to go up and up. The opportunities are fantastic, along with the opportunity to take the different skills that people have learned at the University out into the wider world.”

Derek is a fierce advocate for the university’s ambition to build a dedicated medical school to train generations of future doctors. Recognising the benefits of such a development go beyond health to create a benefit for local financial and social systems, Derek commented: “Hopefully Teesside University will get a new medical school, which I think will be a great boost to the local economy.”

Derek, who was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to Unscheduled Care and Quality Improvement, says one of the achievements he is most proud of was his involvement in the National Early Warning System.

He said: “We created the standardised measure of key parameters to assess patients on admission to hospital, which is now used across the UK and in other parts of the world.

“The NHS is always changing, always learning, always improving. I hope that as I look back on my career it’s an ethos I have reflected and have encouraged others to take to heart.”

Thanks to Teesside University for the photo.

01/08/2025

Did you know the NHS app has been improved to allow patients to see information about their clinical condition, including some test results such as blood tests and scans.

Ken Anderson, University Hospitals Tees group chief information technology officer, commented: “The NHS app is very secure and no one else can view your personal information. It’s one of the most cyber-secure apps available.

“When you log on to view your results, you’ll see a warning message saying your health record may contain sensitive information. This gives you a chance to make sure no one nearby can see your screen.

“With many tests being carried out by hospitals on behalf of our GP colleagues, including at the new Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre, we fully support this move to add even more value to the NHS app.”

A GP will always review results from a test before uploading to the patient’s health record. If results are sensitive or contain potentially upsetting news, the GP will try to speak to the patient before uploading onto their health record.

Lucy Falcus, medical director for Hartlepool and Stockton Health, said: "Patients being able to see their test results as soon as they are available is a great step towards helping patients understand and be more proactive in managing their health. The NHS app allows them to do this really easily."

As well as test results, patients can view information about their allergies, medicines, vaccinations and NHS consultations and other events.

To download the free app: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.

31/07/2025

Cancer, Cricket & Community: A Conversation with Dr Jonny Ferguson

Jonny, who is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at University Hospitals Tees, explores the human side of healthcare and how we can break the silence around cancer in the 'Cancer Connect' episode.

From lung and cervical cancer screening to hospital smoking campaigns, Minecraft games for children, and the life-saving impact of early diagnosis— this is a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation rooted in real-life experiences across the Tees Valley.

Jonny also shares how his passion for cricket and involvement with the Ruth Strauss Foundation brings a unique approach to tackling taboos and supporting families affected by cancer.

Whether you're a health professional, community leader, carer, or just curious to know more - this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and practical advice for taking action.

🩺 This is more than a podcast. This is a conversation that could save lives.

Tune into the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3bstochCoc

31/07/2025

In the latest episode of Tees Voices, we catch up with some our North Tees NHS ambassadors inspiring children into NHS careers.

Alyson Thompson, children's ward manager, and Dom Boult, physiotherapist, talk about volunteering as NHS ambassadors and the moving impact their role is having on children and young adults in local schools.

Listen to episode 20 now on YouTube and make sure to follow Tees Voices on Spotify to be the first to hear new episodes:

In the latest episode of Tees Voices, we catch up with some our North Tees NHS ambassadors inspiring children into NHS careers.Alyson Thompson, children's wa...

30/07/2025

Since the Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre opened in Stockton earlier this year, our staff have carried more than 10,000 health tests, checks and scans – find out about the centre’s success and exciting plans to expand the service.

Read more:

A diagnostic centre has carried more than 10,000 health tests and scans since it opened and is planning for further expansion – after local leaders officially marked its opening.

30/07/2025

Early diagnosis can make all the difference for those with chronic kidney disease.

Learn about your risk here: www.kidneycareuk.org/KidneyHealthChecker

29/07/2025

Huge congratulations to our colleagues across University Hospitals Tees who have recently completed their Higher Development Award (HDA) with Redcar & Cleveland College at intermediate and advanced levels. 👏

Over the six to eight weeks, participants have worked incredibly hard - culminating in celebration events where they presented their service improvement projects to managers and colleagues. It was fantastic to see such passion, collaboration, and innovation from both groups.

The Higher Development Award is a personal development programme open to health care assistants, allied health support workers and clinical admin support workers.

A massive well done to you all.

29/07/2025

Feeling unwell?

Choosing the right NHS service can help get you the best advice - and often more quickly too.

✅Think pharmacy first
✅NHS111 online for medical help and advice

Keep A&E and 999 free for life-threatening emergencies only.

Help keep A&E and 999 for those who need it the most.

28/07/2025

Think pharmacy first!

Pharmacists can help you give advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

28/07/2025

During this period of industrial action think GP, pharmacy and NHS 111 before A&E.

Remember, we are here in case of an emergency.

28/07/2025

During this period of industrial action, you will be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed. Please continue to come forward for the care you need.

Thank you for using our NHS services wisely.

For more information: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/industrial-action-