Bend it like Werritt

by Brad Werritt, FY1 Doctor

Once a week, our colleagues switch out their scrubs for a footy kit to play the beautiful game itself. Team NTH get together every Thursday to play five, six or seven-a-side with colleagues not just from the Trust, but across Teesside.

BRAD: Our little club was started in 2013 by consultant gastroenterologist Chris Wells and palliative care nurse Mel McEvoy. Since then, it’s grown to include staff at James Cook, Darlington Memorial Hospital and GP practices.

We’ve got doctors in training, physiotherapists, pharmacists, nurses, trainee GPs and non-clinical staff – they’re all part of the group.

There’s a mix of male and female players, between 16 and 60, of all abilities – everyone gets involved. And we’ve got members from all around the world, including Romania, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Greece, India and Pakistan.

I was introduced to the team during my first week of working as an F1 doctor at North Tees and have been a frequent attender ever since.

It’s a great way to get in some exercise in a fun, competitive, and sociable setting each week.

I’ve been able to make some great friends in the Trust and meet new colleagues working across the local area.

Thursday nights are always something to look forward to now – particularly after a tough day at work. It’s a great way to let off steam.

We’ve also got a North Tees and Hartlepool fantasy football league.

What do the rest of the team think?

“It’s a great way to team-build, get to know each other, and get a bit of exercise.” - Chris Wells, consultant gastroenterologist

“It’s always good crack and keeps the little fitness that I have left going.” - Luke Ventress, specialty trainee year six in acute internal medicine and ITU

Fancy taking part?

NTH five-a-side takes place every Thursday, 6:30 to 7:30pm, at Goals Teesside (TS5 4AF).

Everyone is welcome to take part – simply get in touch with Brad on bradley.werritt1@nhs.net or 07425 165793.