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Talking Point - October 2016

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TALKING POINT October 2016

Time to fight flu!

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“Thanks for saving my sight!” says voracious reader Irene, 100 SHE might be 100 years old, but chirpy Irene Stoddart still loves nothing more than losing herself in a best-selling thriller, going to see the latest blockbuster movie - or the satisfaction of completing a challenging crossword.

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown with Clive Peedell, Consu Huntley, Superintendent Radiographer in the g

Chubby get

And thanks to doctors at South Tees Hospitals who discovered and treated a sight-threatening eye condition, the former teacher is still able to indulge in these simple pursuits she believes help her stay as sharp as a pin!

TEESSIDE comedy favourite Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown paid a visit to James Cook to donate £5,000 raised from the proceeds of merchandise sales.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it and reading is so important to me!” says the witty centenarian. “It is one of the main things in my life. To be able to continue to read means so much. “I’m just so grateful to the doctors who’ve enabled me to keep my sight. Bearing in mind my age, the fact the NHS is still willing to do this for me is amazing.”

my eyes have improved according to Mr Manvikar. “I’m just so grateful. I know the demands on the NHS and, living longer, I’m demanding even more.”

In celebration of her centenary year, Irene is keen to raise awareness of the importance of retinal screening, which helped to identify her age-related macular degeneration 10 years ago, following a routine check-up for cataracts.

Thanks to the treatment, Irene, who taught at the former Henry Smith Grammar School in Hartlepool, is still able to buy The Telegraph on a Saturday, complete the big crossword and read her “favourite” book review and gardening sections.

She has also made a generous donation to the retinal development fund and personally thanked consultant Dr Sridhar Manvikar at The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

She also remains active with the odd spot of gardening, has an active social life – and is quite the film critic.

Irene, who has devoured the entire ‘Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ series of thrillers and the Robert Harris Cicero trilogy, said: “I have Lucentis injections into my eyes every month. “They are supposed to just slow the condition down, but in my case, 2

“The last film I saw was the new Dad’s Army, but it wasn’t as good as the TV show,” she said. Dr Manvikar said: “We would like to congratulate Irene and thank her for her noble gesture of making a donation to the retinal development fund to mark this milestone. We wish her many more years of good health.”

It was a welcome return for Chubby, who has made previous generous gifts to the hospital’s ‘Star fund’ which helps pay for advancements in radiotherapy and oncology for cancer patients and their families. Speaking at the hospital’s “I couldn’t specialist cancer treatment speak for six centre The Endeavour Unit, months, which Roy, 72, said: “I always is hard for think when people come a stand-up through this door, they’re comedian!” in a very dark place. The doctors, nurses and everyone else here try their very best to help, and while they’re here, patients feel better. “The love and care amazes me. Nothing is too much trouble for them.”

Talking Point is your ma only as good as you mak It is produced quarterly in January, April, July and October each year. Ideas and stories or suggestions to make Talking Point even better are always welcome. Contact the communication and engagement team on 01642 854343, extension 54343, James Cook or email public.relations@stees.nhs.uk.

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Howzat! Sir Ian Botham bowled over by simulation suite

ultant Clinical Oncologist and Claire grounds of The Endeavour Unit

ts serious Speaking of his own 2002 battle with throat cancer, which was treated at James Cook, Roy admitted: “I came here expecting to die. I really did. I remember once chatting with a lovely young woman while we were being treated. I found out a few weeks later that she passed away. It was heartbreaking, just heartbreaking. “I couldn’t speak for six months, which is hard for a stand-up comedian! Sometimes people would recognise me in the street or supermarket and they’d think I was being snooty when I couldn’t reply to them asking how I was doing! “The people who work here do the impossible. You come here feeling you have no hope but you can leave full of hope. We’re very lucky to have them on our doorstep.”

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CRICKETING legend Sir Ian Botham joined the Friends of the Friarage Hospital and staff at the new facility which boasts a state-ofthe-art ‘manikin’ - paid for by the Friends - which can breathe, blink, react to medicine and even speak, simulating life-threatening medical conditions such as a heart attack. The new suite at the Northallerton hospital will give students including trainee doctors, nurses and GPs, the chance to treat a ‘living’ manikin, and hone their skills carrying out a diverse range of procedures and treatments before using them to treat actual patients. Sir Ian commented: “We’ve had a long relationship with the hospital, which seeing this stuff has now become one of the most modern hospitals in the area, so we had no hesitation whatsoever to come down. “The simulation is quite amazing. It’s a bit weird when this thing laying there, this manikin suddenly starts moving, breathing and talking to you! “I think a lot of people will benefit from this. We’re very much local and very proud of what has been achieved here.”

“I think a lot of people will benefit from this.”

Upendra Somasundram, Chairman of the Friends of the Friarage and Sir Ian Botham open the simulation suite Humber and North East and Cumbria while the Friends of the Friarage generously donated almost £59,000 of their reserves to pay for a range of equipment including the Sim Man – a realistic, full-body adult wireless patient simulator. Friends of the Friarage Chairman Upendra Somasundram said: “Every penny we raise at the moment through fundraising is going towards the MRI Scanner Appeal – the donation for this equipment has come from our reserves. “It’s great that we have this facility at the Friarage Hospital which provides a safe learning environment for medical students, doctors and health professionals who will be working with patients and also that new developments, such as this, are happening in the hospital.”

Funding for the new unit has been made available through Health Education England Yorkshire and

“It’s a bit weird when this thing laying there, this manikin suddenly starts moving, breathing and talking to you!” 3


MND patients making new friends thanks to complementary therapy service PATIENTS with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) have praised an award-winning service providing complementary therapies - and a place to make new friends with others who have the condition. The Butterwick MND First Contact Group, at Butterwick Hospice, Stockton, offers therapies like aromatherapy massage, which assist with symptoms and side effects of medication such as leg cramp. The brainchild of Anthony Hanratty, MND nurse specialist at James Cook Hospital, the service was developed alongside Colin Pearson, Regional Care & Development Advisor at MND Association, and Kath Murphy, a colleague at Butterwick Hospice, who agreed to give her time and staff over to the service on a Friday afternoon. After the service picked up a highly commended award in the Innovation in Primary Care category at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards, run by NHS Innovations North and the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and Cumbria, proud Anthony said the service had been “more successful than we could ever have expected”.

Mick with the Butterwick MND First Contact Group Team, including Anthony Hanratty, back at Butterwick Hospice He said: “It’s opened a lot of patients’ minds about accessing other support services, which is brilliant, especially when they previously said: “that’s not for me” and wouldn’t even consider it.” Mick Johnson, 60, a musician and retired police officer with

MND is one of many patients who benefits from both aromatherapy and the support he gets from the group. Initially sceptical when he went for his first treatment Mick, from Billingham, admits he was soon a “total convert!” successful

“More than we could ever have expected.”

“It’s not just the feel good factor you get from the treatment, it genuinely helps medically with the side effects,” he said.

“I suffer with swollen feet and the aromatherapy helps keep it at bay a little bit for the following week.” Perhaps even more importantly, the support he got from other people with MND accessing the service also helped him overcome a “psychological barrier” that had seen him refuse to use a walking stick. Others in the group convinced him to try one - and he now boasts a growing collection, treating it as his statement fashion accessory! He said: “I can’t speak highly enough of the Butterwick and this service. It breaks down barriers. Anthony collecting the Bright Ideas award alongside Kath Murphy, Amanda Kirton and Luke Rutter 4

“It’s a friendly group - and that includes the staff as well.”


James Cook Consultant Jim Hall gains national recognition for his contribution to cardiology

The team collecting their Bright Ideas in Health Award. Sister Claire Beevis (Haematology Outreach CNS), Sister Helen Walker (Lead Haematology Outreach CNS), Sister Jennifer Lawn (Haematology CNS), Dr Dianne Plews (Consultant Haematologist), Sister Wendy Anderson (Macmillan Nurse Consultant for Chemotherapy) (left to right)

Real reward for elderly leukaemia patients’ service is prolonging lives A SERVICE providing treatment for elderly leukaemia patients at home has won third prize in the Service Improvement category at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards, run by NHS Innovations North. The service, which sees specialist nurses teach patients or their loved ones to administer chemotherapy at home, has prolonged the lives of many elderly people with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), some of whom had previously refused the treatment based on the need to visit hospital twice a day for 10 consecutive days. Those from rural areas have found it particularly beneficial, as Sister Jennifer Lawn, Haematology Nurse Specialist, explains. “We’ve received some really moving statements from patients about the scheme,” she said. “We’ve had patients from Osmotherley who would have had to go to James Cook twice a day for their treatments if it wasn’t for this service and we have had relatives who have said things like: “This saved my mother’s life for a long time”. “It has prevented so many hospital admissions for patients who are very ill and would rather be at home. Seeing the positive impact it has on patients is really rewarding.”

Typically, the treatment for AML using the chemotherapy drug Cytarabine is given twice daily for 10 consecutive days, every four to six weeks. Over the four courses or more each patient receives, this had meant 80+ hospital appointments. Helen Walker, Haematology Outreach Nurse Specialist, Wendy Anderson, Macmillan Nurse chemo consultant and Dr Dianne Plews, Consultant Haematologist, developed the service teaching patients and their relatives how to administer the chemo in their own homes. And patients with the condition, who, sadly, have a shortened life expectancy, are now able to spend as much precious time at home with their loved ones as possible. Other innovators employed by the Trust are being encouraged to send their ideas for improving healthcare to ‘Innovation Scouts’ based at the South Tees Institute for Learning, Research and Innovation (LRI) on the James Cook site.

CONSULTANT Cardiologist Jim Hall has received national recognition for his outstanding contribution to British cardiology. Dr Hall was awarded the prestigious Mackenzie Medal by the President of the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Dr Sarah Clarke. His citation read: “A born leader, Dr Hall has been key in establishing and expanding high quality cardiology services at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.” Dr Clarke said: “Jim is held in the highest regard as a clinician, teacher, leader and friend. He has gained a national and international profile and the British Cardiovascular Society was delighted to recognise his outstanding contribution, particularly to training, by presenting him with the Mackenzie Medal for 2016.” Dr Hall added: “I feel honoured to receive this accolade from the BCS, the UK’s professional society for cardiology. “To have such recognition from them is very special. It was great for my wife Jane and I to attend the president’s dinner for the award presentation. “Throughout my career I have been lucky to have supportive colleagues at James Cook that have enabled me to achieve this success.” He added the award showed the importance South Tees places on helping doctors take on national roles outside the hospital for the benefit of the NHS as a whole.

A simple email to ideas@stees. nhs.uk could mark the first step in turning a dream healthcare service into a reality, whether it’s a new gadget or an unmet need a specialist has identified within a service. 5


South Tees launches bioincubator with first tenant A NEW hub which acts as a launch-pad for research, innovation and collaboration between health, technology and science is now open at the Trust. The South Tees Bio-incubator has been set up to allow early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies to become established and realise potential commercial success, by providing access to specialist facilities, expert advice and shared laboratory space. A strategic partnership between the Trust, NHSA (Northern Health Science Alliance) and the CPI (Centre for Process Innovation), we have already welcomed our first tenant – GlycoSeLect UK – into their new home at the Institute for Learning, Research and Innovation. Director of Innovation and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Professor Andrew Owens said: “Our aim is to create a leading-edge hub at the heart of our clinical research campus to accelerate collaboration, technology and knowledge exchange and open innovation. “It’s now widely acknowledged that research, innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial driving factors for the North East’s longterm efficiency, competitiveness and economic growth and initiatives such as this mean the Trust can develop deep

Staff from GlycoSeLect busy at work in their new laboratory and high value partnerships.” GlycoSeLect (UK) Ltd, which specialises in the development of glycoprotein separation technology for analysis and manufacturing uses in pharmaceutical companies, is the first company to set up a laboratory facility at James Cook. Its Chief Executive Robert Dunne

added: “The North East has a tremendous reputation for welcoming companies from around the world and nurturing their growth and success which we will leverage. “Our team are delighted to continue their connections with the Biologics Unit of CPI and the South Tees Bio-Incubator provides our team with an excellent working environment and facilities needed to grow our business in a renowned medical research campus.” The NHSA is an alliance of the top eight North research universities, their associated NHS teaching Trusts and four North Academic Health Science Networks. Dr Hakim Yadi, CEO of the Northern Health Science Alliance, explained: “The North’s life sciences economy is recognised internationally and already contributes £10.8bn to the UK economy.

Dr Hakim Yadi cuts the ribbon to officially open the Bio-incubator with colleagues 6

“Projects such as The South Tees bioincubator build on that recognition helping to drive further jobs, investment and innovations into the North. I am looking forward to working with the South Tees incubator and the CPI on a new model of innovation between our respective organisations.”


Stroke survivor Matt’s on the ball for Team GB When Matt Crossen endured a stroke at the age of 23, he thought his football playing days were behind him.

AN INSPIRING scientist has been appointed to a prestigious national Fellowship scheme to inspire the next generation of female scientists.

But never one to give up, Matt worked so hard during his rehabilitation that he was part of the Great British Paralympic Football Team in Rio this September! Matt described the sensations which led to him realising he was having a stroke: “I’ll never forget it. It was as if my whole left side just suddenly slumped, I couldn’t feel my leg or arm. I was trying to speak to my friend and started slavering and my face felt like it had dropped. What scared me most was I couldn’t feel my left side, it had just shut down, my eyesight started to go, I would see something for a few seconds then it would all go blurry and I couldn’t stand up.” Matt was rushed to James Cook where a thrombectomy was carried out. It was only the second time the team had ever carried out the procedure, which involves a probe being inserted in a main artery in the groin Matt, 26, and directed with partner up into the Steph Kelly brain to and baby remove Millie the clot. During his recovery period, where he had to learn to walk and talk again, Matt set himself an even tougher challenge: He would play football again. No matter what. After joining pre-season training with Marske United, working with a conditioning coach at Teesside University and loan spells with Stokesley and Thornaby football clubs, Team GB took notice and selected Matt to represent Great Britain.

NHS England appoints South Tees doctor to 2016 fellowship to inspire women in science

Doctor Charlotte Kemp, Head of Clinical Measurement, Consultant Clinical Scientist at South Tees Hospitals was named as one of four successful appointees to the first Chief Scientific Officer’s (CSO) Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Fellowship scheme, NHS England has announced.

Matt Crossen Matt said: “I owe everything to the fantastic medical team at James Cook. When I went there I was paralysed, now I have a wonderful daughter and the chance to play for my country. My message to everyone is to never give up hope.” The team didn’t medal in Rio due to two tough games against Brazil and Ukraine. But an impressive 5-1 win against Ireland bodes well for the future. Roll on Tokyo 2020 - we hope to see Matt lace up his boots again!

Signs and symptoms of a stroke The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST: Face: the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have dropped. Arms: the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there.

Doctor Kemp said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this Fellowship. As I feel passionately about implementing the latest scientific and engineering techniques in to the healthcare setting, I’m looking forward to the mentoring from leaders in industry, healthcare and academia, and using the communication and leadership skills training that I will receive to make a difference. I’m excited about the opportunity to raise the profile of my profession and to reach out to young women as a role model and ambassador, with a particular aim to show how exciting, diverse and worthwhile a career in medical physics and engineering can be.” The Fellowship includes a career development programme, providing mentoring support, communication and leadership skills training. In addition to allocated training, activity and network days, the fellows will attend both the WISE and Chief Scientific Officer conferences later in the year. Doctor Charlotte Kemp, Head of Clinical Measurement, Consultant Clinical Scientist at South Tees Hospitals

Speech: their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all. Time: it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms. 7


Is a career in radiotherapy for you? JAMES Cook is holding an open day on Saturday 15 October, 10am to 12.30pm, to encourage people to consider a career in radiotherapy. Radiotherapist Keith Harland is organising the open day. He said: “Radiotherapy is an exciting, ever-changing profession. We’re hoping our open day will attract both young, college-age people considering their career options and mature students with science backgrounds looking to retrain.” Keith explained that he himself retrained: “After nearly 30 years in the chemical industry I chose to retrain and I find this career so much more rewarding. The dayto-day interaction with patients, knowing you’re playing a role in their cancer treatment is a big responsibility but we always make time to get to know each other. I believe that helps in their long-term treatment.” Former patient Nic Mitchell, 63, from Acklam, said: “Thanks to the radiographers my bowel cancer treatment got off to a successful start. I saw the radiographers every day for five weeks last year and the team were genuinely interested in my health and wellbeing.” Keith Harland is happy to discuss career and training options in radiotherapy with people who cannot attend the open day. He can be contacted at: keith.harland@stees.nhs.uk.

Suzanne Daley, Karen Chapman and Nicola Liddell (left to right) of the James Cook staff cervical screening clinic

Lifesaving test available to staff around work WOMEN who work for South Tees are being reminded they can access a cervical screening service around work commitments at both James Cook and Friarage Hospitals.

In total, 48 women took part in the pilot project and in a survey of their experiences, 100% said they were seen at their given appointment time, felt the room they were seen in was clean and tidy and that their privacy and dignity was maintained throughout.

South Tees has been offering the Fast Track Cervical Screening Clinic (FTCSC) to ladies who work at the Trust since November 2015.

All of the women also said they would recommend the service to their colleagues.

The service initially started at James Cook as a three-month pilot project, in a bid to increase the number of women in Middlesbrough who take up their regular screening appointment. In February, it was announced the service would continue at James Cook and since March 1 staff have also been able to access a cervical screening clinic at The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. Nicola Liddell, specialist nurse colposcopist at James Cook, said: “The cervical screening programme has been shown to reduce mortality, however, screening uptake per GP practice was as low as 50% in some areas of Middlesbrough.

Former radiotherapy patient Nic Mitchell with the radiotherapy laser sighting target on his hand 8

“This pilot was introduced as an initiative to try to increase the numbers of women in the Middlesbrough area accessing cervical screening services.”

Of the 48 women screened during the pilot project, three received abnormal results – just over 6%. This highlights the importance of cervical screening to identify where women have abnormal results, so that they can be appropriately referred at an early stage to prevent cervical cancer developing. Nicola said: “Evidence suggests that if 80% of women went to have their cervical screening test, death rates from cervical cancer could be reduced by 95% in the long term. “It is free and painless, despite the possibility of some mild discomfort and, most importantly, it currently prevents 4,500 women every year from developing cervical cancer.” James Cook staff can book an appointment by calling Nicola, Karen or Suzanne on extension 52790 and Friarage staff can call Alison on 64692.


Time to fight flu! OCTOBER’S here again, signalling the start of autumn and conjuring up images of walking through crunchy orange leaves, stodgy and comforting hot meals, bonfires and the excitement of Halloween.

When the vaccines arrive at James Cook’s pharmacy stores in early September, staff must ensure the thousands of vaccines are immediately refrigerated before being checked and verified. Procurement Stores and Logistics Manager Tracy Jobling has the duty of overseeing this process - on top of the busy day-to-day work schedule the pharmacy stores and distribution area experiences all year round.

Most people are not even thinking of the impending winter as they eke out what might - with a bit of luck – remain of summer before the “October is a busy time with the clocks go back. additional increase in requests After all, who wants to think from the different flu of the snow and ice, high champions when they come heating bills and inevitably to collect the vaccines for busy hospital wards – not to their wards and other clinical mention the risk of flu or other areas – on top of all the other nasty bugs that winter brings? important work,” said Tracy. However, winter – and in particular “Once the flu season is over, there’s attempting to prevent as many cases also the additional work of dealing of flu amongst staff and patients as with the returns and credits back possible - is something our Trust is from areas that haven’t quite used planning all year around. their allocation. Our pharmacy team is extremely busy “The manufacturers will only credit working with Occupational Health Service Manager Elaine Mockler Trusts for a certain percentage of and the army of flu champions to what was ordered which means that if distribute approximately 7,000 flu there’s a low uptake of the flu vaccine vaccines to staff. amongst staff, it could prove costly.” But Procurement Manager Joanne However, the financial cost is nothing Wilson and colleague Andy Leach’s compared to the potential human cost work on this year’s flu campaign of a seriously ill member of staff or began back when most staff a patient developing flu – were busy dreaming about their which can be deadly. summer holiday! “The flu campaign “Around April, we place our makes for a very Joanne Wilson orders with two manufacturers,” busy time here and Andy Joanne explained. and involves a lot Leach in “This is so our suppliers have procurement of staff,” enough time to look at the demand nationally; so come October, South Tees has the correct quantity allocated. “It’s a small but important part of what we do in pharmacy, as we’re all aware of the impact it can have on services if we’re not vaccinated against this year’s strain of the virus.”

Alison Denos working in the dispensary

Ashlee Stewart gearing up to do all the running for flu champions on reception says Delia Bradley, Antibiotic Technician in the main pharmacy. “But at the end of the day this helps staff protect, not only their patients, but themselves and their families too. “It’s so important to have the flu vaccine, as patients have sadly died from flu in the past and it can be a very dangerous illness for somebody who is already very ill; which many of the people in our care are. “If staff members are off ill with the flu, it also creates a strain on their teams, so by getting the flu vaccine, you are also showing you are committed to supporting your colleagues through the difficult winter months.” Get your flu jab now! To find out more, visit the staff intranet or Trust website southtees.nhs.uk 9


News from North Yorkshire….

Friendly group shares coffee, cake – and breastfeeding advice NEW and expectant mums got together to share cake, coffee, advice and experiences, as part of a national Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Midwives at The Friarage opened the doors of the unit for a special tea party aimed at breast feeding mums and pregnant ladies. They also attended alongside healthcare assistants to offer support – as well as cream cakes - to mums and mums to be. The afternoon tea also helped to showcase the excellent services on offer at The Friarage, which became a midwifery-led unit in October 2014. Deborah Hebblethwaite, Midwife and Maternity Centre Manager said the afternoon was a “great success,” benefiting new mums like Sarah Hampson, 32, who attended with sixweek-old Ethan her second son. Just like Sarah’s first son, Bradley three, Ethan was born with a “tongue tie” - a tight piece of skin between the underside of the tongue and the floor of their mouth – which can make breastfeeding extremely difficult. Sarah expressed milk for Bradley for six months, but with the support of staff, Ethan has “learned how to

Katie Coulson and baby Ed Jackson

New mum Sarah Hampson and baby Ethan

feed and how to latch on”, despite his condition.

to access the support that’s available to them.

“I have had amazing support from the midwives here and also the health visitors and children’s centre as well,” said Sarah.

“Even if you haven’t given birth here, you can come and we will help and support you, increasing your confidence.”

“My advice to other women would be to keep going, keep persevering and use the support that’s available.

New mum Katie Coulson, 36, also took six-week-old baby Ed Jackson.

“I also attended a local children’s centre two days a week for stay and play sessions as well as a breastfeeding support group who have been really great.” As for some of the benefits of breastfeeding, she added: “It’s definitely a lot cheaper and I’ve lost some of my baby weight quicker than I did the first time around.” Jessica Wyke, 36 also attended with Solomon, two.

Midwife and mum Jessica and Solomon Wyke 10

She said: “I’m a midwife here and Sol was born here too. “I would encourage all new mums

Katie, a Friarage patient, from Saltburn, said: “There is a support group in Redcar that I went to at the Sure Start Centre on Rainbow Lane called Breast Friends.

Baby Ed Jackson

“That was the first time I fed him in public.

“If you’re feeling nervous about feeding in public for the first time it’s a great idea to go to a support group – or a friend’s house. Just getting out as much as I could really helped.” For more breastfeeding advice, visit our Infant Feeding Advice page at http:// southtees.nhs.uk/services/maternity-andobstetrics/advice/infant-feeding/


Celebrating ten years of team work! For many patients being discharged from hospital is just the first step on their road to recovery. MANY require a continued programme of support involving a number of different organisations which can often be confusing. However this is not the case for occupational therapy services in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland thanks to a special partnership between therapists in the acute, community and social care teams which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The integrated occupational therapy service (IOTS) brings together therapists from South Tees Hospitals with therapists from Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Council’s social care departments, enabling teams to share information, training, resources and staff skills and knowledge across the

whole pathway to ensure every patient gets the right care in the right place at the right time. Patients requiring help to get back to independent daily living tasks after being discharged from hospital now have one point of contact, faster access to equipment, a smoother transition from acute to community care and a team of health and social care professionals who all work closely together. Occupational Therapist Katie Burns said: “We get what we need for our patients much faster than we used to. And if I have a complex patient it’s much easier to pick up the phone and speak to the right person.” Patients are on one continuous pathway which minimises duplication and staff

can always tell them who they will be speaking to next. Over the past decade the service, which was one of the first of its kind, has doubled its workforce from 113 to 237 and has seen the introduction of therapists in A&E, seven day therapy services in community hospitals, rapid response therapists and early supported discharge, which all help patients to get home from hospital faster. Close partnership working with social care colleagues also helps patients remain at home after their hospital treatment. Jayne Bateman, IOTS Performance & Systems Development Manager, said: “It’s quite unusual to have a partnership like this. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication but we have always found ways to overcome any challenges.” The service has helped increase capacity for urgent referrals and has also reduced waiting lists. Carol Martin, Lead Occupational Therapist, Middlesbrough social care, said: “Barriers have been broken down between health and social care to enable joint working with those with specialist knowledge to ensure the best timely outcomes for the individual.”

Jayne Bateman with the integrated occupational therapy service team

Barbara Stoker, Clinical Director of Integrated Therapies and Professions, added: “In the future with the Government’s requirement for further partnership working and integrated health and social care services, the integrated occupational therapy service acts as a good example of a tried and tested model for new developments across South Tees and one which the partnership board is building on. So watch this space for new initiatives!”

Eid superheros visit children’s ward Buzz and Batman (also known as Fryad and Imran) join nursery nurse Dawn McCabe at James Cook’s children’s ward with gifts for the poorly kids to celebrate the Islamic holy festival of Eid. 11


Passionate PASU turn ‘pilot’ into award-winning service – in ten months! A PILOT project caring for some of the most vulnerable patients across South Tees has been recognised as a vital service in just 10 months. The Parkinson’s Advanced Symptom Unit (PASU) team, based at Redcar Primary Care Hospital, picked up the ‘Managing Long Term Conditions’ gong at the Patient Safety Awards 2016. Judges at the awards recognised the unit’s dedicated professionals’ “clear passion” in supporting “a very vulnerable group” of patients, who are “often overlooked”. And the award is not the only reason PASU has to celebrate. The service - the first of its kind in the UK when it launched in September 2015 - has also been commissioned by South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to continue to provide multidisciplinary care for Parkinson’s sufferers, giving it a more permanent basis within South Tees’ community services. Lucy Tulloch, Neurosciences Service Manager, said: “It’s a great accolade for the staff to receive this award. “This is well-deserved recognition for a service which gives its caring staff the opportunity to go ‘above and

Lucy Tulloch, second from left and Neil Archibald, second from right collecting the award from Jenni Middleton Nursing Times Editor, far right beyond’ the call of duty to meet the needs of patients.” Lucy added PASU, which provides patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease - and their carers - with reassuring and quick access to assessments by a range of specialists, has also caught the attention of other NHS trusts across the region. The service also offers home visits for patients with complications arising from the condition, whether physical, such as impaired movement, or mental, such as dementia and psychosis. She said: “Regionally, other trusts are looking to replicate PASU or learn from our model, which involves partnerships with

the Health Foundation, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).” Dr Neil Archibald, project lead for PASU, said: “Since opening in September last year, we have seen improvements in quality of life for our patients, as well as a reduction in emergency admissions to the hospital and reduced length of stay for patients.” The Patient Safety Awards, in collaboration with Health Service Journal (HSJ) and The Nursing Times, recognise constant innovation and Trusts who overcome challenges to put patients’ needs first.

Volunteers recognised for ten years of cancer care FOUR volunteers have been recognised for their incredible ten years of providing advice and guidance to people with cancer.

Mabel Mcgurk, Ann Relph, Julie Taylor (Macmillan Cancer Information Manager), Claire Moore (Macmillan Cancer Information Support Worker), Jean Woods and Elizabeth Everson (left – right) celebrate their ten years of volunteering 12

Mabel McGurk, Ann Relph, Jean Woods and Elizabeth Everson were the VIP guests at a special event held at James Cook to mark ten years of the Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre. The centres at James Cook and the Friarage aim to make sure no one faces cancer alone. They offer a range of information and support including a confidential drop in centre for patients, their carers and family members to provide advice on all aspects of living with cancer. Ten other volunteers were also recognised for their five years of service: Marian Bryce, Maureen Emmerson, Janette Rowe, Elizabeth Challenor, Elaine Hackett, Sue Goodman, Eileen Sharp, Jenny Dobson, Joan Graves and Elizabeth Foster. You can find out more about the Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centres at: http://southtees.nhs.uk/services/cancer/ macmillan-information-centre/


Awareness is key to “ovacoming” cancer as support group celebrates 15 years JAMES Cook nurse specialists are hoping to help women “ovacome” cancer by raising awareness of the fifth most common cancer in women, with 7,100 diagnoses each year. Since Jane McNeil and Lynne Wright, Gynaecological Cancer Nurse Specialists, set up their Ova The Rainbow support group 15 years ago, five-year survival rates for ovarian cancer have improved from 38.3% in 2000 to 2001 to 46.2% in 2010 to 2011.*

persistent Bloating, Eating less and feeling fuller and Abdominal pain – with T meaning: “Tell your GP!”

Mr Cruickshank adds that developing irritable bowel-type symptoms like recurring diarrhoea and constipation for the first time if you are over the age of 50 should prompt your GP to order a blood test to detect “The key to raised levels of cancer that is encouraging antigen CA 125.

But Jane, Lynne Wright, Consultant Derek Cruickshank and the whole gynaecological oncology team at South Tees, are keen to improve these even further.

women to be more vigilant about their own health.”

“The key to that is encouraging women to be more vigilant about their own health,” said Jane. “Ovarian cancer is often dubbed a “silent killer” – but in actual fact there are a number of symptoms that should be a cause for concern for you and your GP, if they remain persistent. “The Ovacome charity uses the acronym BEAT to raise awareness of the symptoms of

Needing to pee more often or more urgently, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss and any bleeding after the menopause should also be investigated, adds Mr Cruickshank.

These symptoms can all be ruled out by other more benign conditions, but further tests should be done. Ova The Rainbow meets on the first Thursday of every month at The Trinity Centre North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, from 11am to 1pm and in The Allerton Court Hotel in Northallerton on the first Tuesday of every month, from 2pm to 3.30pm. Visit ovacome.org.uk for more information on ovarian cancer *statistics from Cancer Research UK

Motivated to study medicine! Jane Bates, Undergraduate Medical Education Manager, was pleased to welcome students from colleges around the area to the Trust’s “I want to be a doctor day”. “It is fantastic that we can inspire these young people to a career in medicine,” she said. Students loved the interactive sessions and live theatre link and described the event as well organised and informative. Comments on the feedback forms at the end of the day included: • “It has increased my motivation to study medicine.” • “I would recommend this day as I found it really helpful.” • “So much information and guidance which really has motivated me to study medicine.”

Derek Cruickshank (front) and the gynaecological oncology team in the Endeavour Unit. Includes Jane McNeil, third from left and Lynne Wright, second from right

Thank you to all staff who worked hard to make the day a huge success. 13


#MyReasonIs: It sa A HUGE thanks to everyone who has supported our #MyReasonIs campaign to raise the final £500,000 needed to bring a new lifesaving MRI scanner to The Friarage. Much-loved grandad Bill Waters, 85 kicked off the campaign back in July speaking of how the memory of his late wife Pamela spurs him on to raise funds. Bill raised £6,200 for the Northallerton hospital’s MRI Scanner appeal in less than a year, initially selling car raffle tickets, before going on to hold a regular tombola stall of his own. Inspired by the “warm and caring” nature of his late wife, who died five years ago at the age of 76 – “It’s kept me going really. just three weeks after being diagnosed with leukaemia “The Friarage Hospital is – fundraising has given so valuable to people all Bill a new found sense over North Yorkshire of purpose and it’s and it gives me great “I think Pamela clear he continues satisfaction to be able would be over the to encourage the to support it.” scores of others who moon with what Other supporters who have got behind have made a donation I’ve done!” the campaign. before tweeting their “I think Pamela would picture and reason for be over the moon with giving to @STeesCharity, using the hashtag what I’ve done!” said Bill.

14

#MyReasonIs include Cath Crouch, from Northallerton. She shared her selfie on @STeesCharity Twitter stating: “#MyReasonIs MRI saved my life when they found out I had thrombosis.” Catherine Baker, 28, also explained how a scan prevented her from going blind, with a #MyReasonIs postcard which simply read: “An MRI scan saved my sight.” Businesses across North Yorkshire have also Tweeted their support, including


aved my life! Northallerton shops like Sugar Rush sweet shop, Natural Nature Wool Shop, Joanna Marco Interiors and Lewis and Cooper Fine Foods. Paul Watkins, Head of Fundraising at the Trust, said: “The North Yorkshire public’s response to the #MyReasonIs campaign has been phenomenal and we’re so grateful to those who have raised funds or donated to the campaign, before tweeting us their pictures using the #MyReasonIs hashtag.”

Bob Baker, Northallerton Rugby Club Chairman, Judith Masterman South Tees Hospitals Community fundraiser, Martin Connor, Northallerton Rugby Club Secretary (left to right)

Rugby team’s generous fund raising for MRI Scanner Appeal A LOCAL rugby team has scrummed down to raise more than £1,000 for The Friarage MRI scanner appeal.

We’d love even more of you to take part! If you haven’t already made a donation, you can donate between £2 and £10 by texting SCAN46 plus the amount to 70070. Other ways of donating any amount can be found at friaragescannerappeal.org.uk/mri and you can also send a cheque to: Appeal Office, Executive Offices, Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, DL6 1JG Tel: 01609 764936 After donating, tweet #MyReasonIs plus your reason and a picture of yourself. You can download one of our posters to write on your reason - just like some of the supporters pictured here – at friaragescannerappeal.org.uk/mri If you’re not on Twitter, you can also email your pictures and reasons to myreasonis@stees.nhs.uk We are already using your pictures to create an online work of art, reflecting the massive community support for the MRI Scanner Appeal.

The generous players from Northallerton Rugby Club and their guests raised a terrific £1,145 at their end-of-season ball towards the Friarage Hospital’s scanner appeal. Attendees at the ball kindly bought raffle tickets in aid of the appeal to win prizes donated from sports therapist Edd Pratt, Liberty Fitness, Raging Bull and others associated with the club. Last year 7,000 patients from North Yorkshire had to travel to James Cook in Middlesbrough to receive an MRI scan. Once purchased, the Friarage MRI scanner will cut waiting times, relieve pressure at James Cook and allow clinicians to diagnose a range of conditions, including cancer and brain injuries, for thousands of patients. The appeal team is always happy to hear from people interested in raising funds. For more information visit: friaragescannerappeal.org.uk 15


Increasing coin confidence for dementia patients A SIMPLE method of helping people with dementia handle money with confidence has been introduced. Posters with images of coins and their respective values have been positioned around James Cook and The Friarage to act as memory aids. Beth Swanson, Lead Nurse for Dementia, said: “We know dealing with money can be a problem for people with dementia so we created this simple poster as a reminder of the value “We created of each coin. They’re displayed near this simple till points in our poster as a hospitals and will act as a handy reference reminder of for people with memory problems the value of when handling cash.”

each coin.”

Friarage stalwart retires A FAMILIAR face of the Friarage has retired after 37 years in nursing – 28 of which have been in the Northallerton hospital. Lead Nurse Practitioner Elaine Vance was instrumental in setting up the ambulatory care service – which allows emergency patients, who would usually have to stay in hospital to be treated as outpatients or even in their own homes. She counts it as a highlight of her career but says its success is down to teamwork. “It’s a great community spirit here and I’ll miss all the people who make a small hospital work,” she said. “To have set up an ambulatory care service before I left is amazing as it was my goal so it’s great to see it in place but what I’ll miss the most is the people both colleagues and patients.

Beth Swanson, Lead Nurse/Dementia Project Manager, John Carr, James Cook’s Hotel Services Manager, and Helen Robinson, Clinical Educator Dementia (left to right), with the poster which aims to help people with dementia handle money with confidence 16

by that no matter what job I’ve had here.” Elaine, who wanted to be a nurse from the age of five, now plans to ‘do nothing’ for the next six months and then see what the future holds. “I got a nurse’s uniform for Christmas when I was five and never deviated from that path – I’ve just always wanted to be a nurse.” she added. “Whether I go back into nursing in some capacity I don’t know but I owe such a lot to the Friarage – it’s made me the person I am today. I was quite timid when I came here from Darlington Memorial Hospital but it’s given me the room to grow.”

“It’s a great community spirit here and I’ll miss all the people who make a small hospital work.”

“I’ve met some fantastic patients over the years but my colleagues have always supported me and it’s something I’ll never forget. My ethos is that it’s a team approach and I’ve always stuck

Elaine was joined by dozens of colleagues and friends at her retirement celebration.

One of them, Dr David Spence, said: “Elaine is one of the few people that’s been here longer than I have! The hospital was nothing like it is now and she was Ward Sister on my ward – ward 2 - which is where the Romanby ward is now. “I think to see how many people turned up for her retirement is a huge mark of respect and shows just how much she is loved.”


Toy bonanza to bring smiles to our younger patients PATIENTS and visitors could be forgiven for thinking the Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit (SSPAU) resembled more of a toy shop than a treatment area in a hospital. Staff from Darlington Building Society visited the Friarage Hospital to hand over a bundle of toys for children of all ages. The special delivery was part of the Society’s 160th birthday celebrations and their commitment to help 160 organisations locally with the toys

donated by the building society and its members. Jo Kelsey, Unit Manager, SSPAU said: “On behalf of all the children that use the children’s unit I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff for thinking about us and organising it and to the members of the Darlington Building Society for their very kind donations. “Coming into hospital for any reason can be a very stressful time for both the children and their families; with these donations we can aim to relieve that stress as much as possible through distraction and play.”

Janet Jones with Dr Charlotte Kemp presenting her retirement gift

Janet retires after 22 years The sleep team’s Janet Jones is celebrating her retirement after 22 years at James Cook. Janet first started out in neurosciences as a clinic assistant and by the end of her career she was based in the Medical Physics Department running the home oximetry sleep service. Patient Henry Whithead, 9, from Thirsk, with Darlington Building Society’s Roberta Chan and Henri Kennedy (left to right) and some of the toys donated to the ward

Health and wellbeing fair AN EXCITING new health and wellbeing fair is being launched this year for all Trust staff. The first event will take place at James Cook atrium on 2 November from 9am to 2pm with special offers and freebies from a range of local businesses to help boost your health and fitness!

The MFC Health Bus will be on site, Middlesbrough Environmental City will be doing a microwave and slow cooker healthy meals demonstration and Middlesbrough Sports Village will have some fantastic membership offers. The second event will take place in the board room at the Friarage on 8 December. Follow the action on Twitter – just search for #SteesWellbeing

Dr Charlotte Kemp said: “She’ll be missed by the whole department here including north reception, the sleep team and neurosciences as she knows a lot of people across the Trust.” Janet said: “The people here are amazing, I’ve made really good friends working at this hospital.” After her last day at James Cook she headed off to visit her daughter in France and is also looking forward to dedicating more time to her hobbies. Since 2013 Janet has been transferring her skills over to Darren Ruddy who is now running the sleep service. 17


Why nu NURSES are an integral part of our work here at South Tees. A highly regarded profession enjoying enormous public affection, nurses are the beating heart of any hospital. We’re always keen to recruit new and experienced nurses to join our team. Here at South Tees we can offer registered nurses the opportunity to grow and develop a fulfilling career. We have some great opportunities across our specialities. Phil Barker, Mark Deleon and Paul Taft take part in the Walk 4Louis fundraiser

Charity walkers visit James Cook before clocking up 1,000th mile! CHARITY walkers stopped off at James Cook to donate memory boxes for parents who have suffered still births.

Our recent Love Nursing open days at James Cook and Friarage hospitals proved such a success in July they are returning again this month (James Cook Hospital atrium

“I wo recomm Tees it’s and e friendly colleagu so h

up their 1,000th mile for the charity. 4Louis provides memory boxes to bereaved parents who have had a stillbirth. The special boxes include a glass angel, a poem, clay to make a hand and foot-print, a candle, a locket for the baby’s hair and two bears - one for the child and another for the parents to keep.

Kirsty McGurrell lost her son Louis through a still birth in 2009 and set up the 4Louis charity to do something that would help other bereaved parents. One of the first fundraisers was 4Louis provides a sponsored walk back in April 2010 memory boxes to and this has now bereaved parents become an annual event.

This year’s walk was from Huddersfield Forget Me Not Hospice to Sunderland Royal Hospital on 2 July. who have had So far this year Walk Phil Barker, Mark a stillbirth. 4Louis have collected Deleon and Paul Taft £2,000 and over the are the Walk 4Louis years they’ve managed fundraisers who complete to raise £30,000! If you the long distance walks each would like to donate visit year. This year they completed www.justgiving.com/walk4louism 175 miles with Paul and Phil clocking 18

Jodie Foster, who is going from Dental Nurse to HCA tried her hand at keyhole surgery and took a tour of our wards (James Cook)


ursing? – Friday 14 October 10am to 3pm and Friarage Hospital hub – Monday 17 October 10am to 2pm). Why not come along and talk to our friendly teams about the opportunities available.

What do our nurses say about their profession? Working with older people

ould really mmend South a big hospital everyone is y here and my ues have been helpful.”

Rachel Cook said:

“Quite spontaneously I decided to attend the jobs fair at South Tees. I experienced a very good welcome and was shown around the elderly medicine wards. I was introduced to some staff members who were all friendly. I was then asked if I would like to attend an interview there and then which I did and I was successful! “I have always enjoyed caring for older people and find my previous experience enables me to ensure that when nursing this clientele, I look at all their needs to ensure that the best care is delivered to them.”

Return to practice Frances Harper said:

Elaine Doyle, (right) speaking to a nurse at the James Cook event same in effect, and a lot of my previous experience has come back to me. “I would really recommend this placement. It’s not easy and you need to be really committed. It can be quite demanding but if you think that you’ve still got something to offer, then definitely consider this scheme. I would really recommend South Tees too, it’s a big hospital and everyone is friendly here and my colleagues have been so helpful.”

Celebrating 30 years at the Trust Senior staff nurse Tracey Ryder recently celebrated 30 years in our Intensive care ward. She said: “I have worked in the NHS for 36 years and in ICU for the past 30 years.

“I knew that I still had a lot to offer, I had my children but I still knew I had another 20 years to give and the time away has given me experiences that I want to bring to the nursing environment. “A lot of things and the ways of doing them were different but I remembered most of the key terminology and within a few weeks I had become really used to all the changes. Lots has changed but all the basic nursing process is the

Return to Practice Co-ordinator Cheryl Betts and Frances Harper

“After qualifying in 1983 I worked in a trauma / orthopaedic ward for three years and then a staff nurse post in ICU at the old South Cleveland Hospital. “I started in ICU with the intention of gaining six to 12 months experience and then heading into a post on an acute medical ward. However 30 years later I am still in ICU and a Senior Sister! “I have learned a great deal over this 30 year period, had the privilege of caring for the sickest patients in the hospital and supporting families through a devastating time in their lives. “I have valued my time with the patients and families and professionally ‘grown up’ with some great nursing and medical colleagues.” To find out more about nursing opportunities at South Tees Hospitals visit: southtees. nhs.uk/jobs/lovenursing/currentopportunities-nurses To find out more about our Love Nursing campaign, visit: southtees.nhs.uk/jobs/ love-nursing To find out more about the return to practice course, email Jula Axford at: Jula.Axford@stees.nhs.uk 19


Mum says thanks with £4,200 A MUM-OF-TWO who discovered she had breast cancer thanks to a routine mammogram provided by her employer Marks & Spencer raised £4,200 for a charity close to her heart – with a little help from colleagues and customers. Karen Laskey, 54, of Ingleby Barwick, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and took the rest of the year off work from her job as a Sales Assistant to fight the disease.

With the support of her husband Geoff and their two sons Alex, 27, and Ben, 24, Karen bravely faced gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment with hope and optimism and returned to work in January 2015. Three months later, when it came to her M&S store at Teesside Park, Stockton, choosing its charity of the year, the support Karen received from Trinity Holistic Centre on the James Cook site was very uppermost in her mind.

“I’m grateful for all their support.”

“Going through radiotherapy and chemotherapy, you feel so rough, and going to Trinity Holistic Centre was just so relaxing and made me feel a little bit better about myself,” she explained.

“Although it’s in the hospital grounds, you don’t feel like you’ve come to hospital when you are in here. It has a different atmosphere and it’s just lovely.” At Trinity Holistic Centre, Karen benefitted from massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture – all “nice things” that complemented her clinical treatment for cancer. The “lovely” massages helped to relieve some of the many aches and

pains and severe flu-like symptoms that come as a side effect to cancer treatment, while auricular acupuncture helped with hot flushes that can result from cancer treatment in both men and women. “All the therapies complement the medical side of your treatment,” she said. “Before I had cancer, I might have gone for a facial or treated myself to something like that. “This provided me with a little bit of normality in life at a difficult time, but the treatments were that bit more gentle. “It is really invaluable to have this available for free, which is why I wanted to raise money for it.” Efforts from bake sales to bag packing at the M&S Teesside Park store raised £4,200. Karen, who still has regular follow-up checks at hospital thanked customers and colleagues at M&S in Teesside Park saying: “I’m very grateful for all their support.”

Trevor’s cancer charity challenge WHEN Trevor Rand strode over the finishing line of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in September it marked the end of an 18-month fight against cancer. Trevor, 37, from Nawton in York tackled the 24-mile walk to raise money for James Cook’s ward 14 which treated his testicular cancer. Following a period of recovery, the now newly married Trevor plus some friends, with his bride Sarah driving the support vehicle with supplies, 20

took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The 24-mile walking challenge must be completed in 12 hours and includes the three highest peaks in Yorkshire: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Trevor said: “We’re raising funds for the ward I was on for 13 weeks as the money goes directly to the ward and the things it provides makes the time there a little more bearable, like massages, beauty treatments, haircuts and a TV. “I have survived my battle with the Big C which, unfortunately, many don’t.

I’m now in remission and I just got married, enjoyed a honeymoon in Jamaica and hope to start a family soon. The future is mine.”

Sarah and Trevor Rand

Donations towards Trevor’s challenge can be made at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/trevor-rand


THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT RED HOUSE SCHOOL.

LOOK FOR OUR BLUE PETER HOUSE LOGO THE PLACE FOR QUALITY CARE & EDUCATION

Pre-School Nursery & Holiday Club Providing quality early years care and education for children from 0 to 12 years. Limited spaces available. Please feel free to pop in, have a look around & obtain a prospectus. • Government Grants • French • Yoga • Many other age appropriate activities “Setting sound foundations for our children to build upon. Encouraging healthy eating, self-care, early literacy & maths”

Please ask about our School drop off & pick up service. Please contact us or visit one of our settings below: Montessori Pre-School Nursery, Blue Peter House, 127 - 129 Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7AD Tel: 01642 814252 Montessori Pre-School Nursery, 462 Thornaby Road, Thornaby, Stockton, TS17 8QH Tel: 01642 750113 Montessori Pre-School Central, 46 Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3EU Tel: 01642 252723

www.montessoripreschoolnursery.co.uk

www.thornabychildrensnursery.co.uk

Red House is an exceptional School offering a truly unique and bespoke education. We have academic excellence in abundance, and we are very proud of that, however a truly excellent education is about more than just academic achievements. Red House provides a nurturing environment where each and every pupil is given the confidence to excel. This helps develop qualities such as self-confidence, resilience, integrity, independence, responsibility and respect. We create an environment where our pupils leave filled with a passion for learning and with the skills to succeed in life. We pride ourselves on the fact that our School is small enough for everyone to feel welcome and at home. Our small class sizes enable our teaching staff to understand pupils unique personalities, interests and strengths, offering an education tailored to each child. Each pupil is different and we embrace that, the nature of our teaching from Nursery right up to GCSE ensures that individuality is encouraged, enabling the child to flourish. The appointment of Mr Ken James as Headmaster of Red House School forms an integral part in the future direction of the School. Mr James is a great believer in the benefits of an holistic education and fully intends to support and enhance the co-curricular provision, whilst ensuring academic standards remain high. The best way to appreciate the friendly ethos of Red House is to experience it first-hand. We welcome the opportunity to meet with children and parents wishing to join Red House at any time. Admissions to the School are considered at any stage of your child’s education. For further information or to arrange an individual school visit, please contact Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions: Tel: 01642 558119 E-mail: Claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd endorse any of the products or services. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2016. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528


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