Your staff health and wellbeing guide for all your physical health, mental wellbeing, financial and spiritual needs
Wellbeing Healthand
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Dear colleagues,
Welcome to our summer edition of your staff Health and Wellbeing magazine.
We’ve had a busy start and the year already feels like it is racing ahead of us as I welcome you to our first issue of the year. We’ve had some exciting openings and unveilings already this year from the official launch of the Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre, as well as the unveiling in the first of our COVID-19 memorial artwork at our North Tees and Hartlepool sites, with plans to bring similar memorials to our South Tees colleagues in the coming months.
Both important examples in terms of delivering wellbeing to our patients through access to care and of how we can improve wellbeing in our hospital estates for staff and patients - while also marking the fifth year since the first lockdown in a memorable way.
This issue, we’re highlighting and celebrating our occupational health teams who have had their latest ratings for their ‘Celebrating better health at work awards’ announced (see piece on page 7).
You will also see in this issue paediatric staff nurse Glen Gardiner’s fundraising efforts by taking on a mixed martial arts competition (see page 4) as well as a piece celebrating our organisations’ wonder women (see page 16) along with some other wellbeing based stories.
There is much to celebrate and showcase this issue, and we hope you will enjoy reading it as always.
We also have our upcoming annual ‘Health and Wellbeing’ festival coming to the group this summer. This was previously known as the ‘Festival of Finance’, but is being refreshed and rebranded for the coming year.
It will still offer the same pastoral support you have come to expect and will continue to link you in with important local companies who can help offer you support and advice in areas such as financial pressures, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
Keep an eye out for your save the date for these events – I know they are always well attended and appreciated.
Best wishes,
Stacey Hunter Group Chief Executive
Gentle giant takes on combat challenge
Paediatric staff nurse Glen Gardiner recently competed in a MMA (mixed martial arts) competition to raise money for the children he cares for – and won.
MMA is a full-contact fighting sport based on striking and grappling. It’s perhaps best known from UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and incorporates techniques from various combat sports from around the world.
We caught up with Glen to find out a little more about his history in MMA and his win by tapout in the Ultra MMA charity event he took part in for the University Hospital of North Tees.
How did you first get into MMA, Glen?
About 20 years ago, I started watching UFC when it first started airing in this country. I just got really into it and decided to take up Thai boxing.
In the process of doing that, my daughter Courtney, who’s 21 now, took an interest as well. She started doing Thai boxing when she was about three.
She did it for a bit and then stopped. And then when she was getting bullied in secondary school, we both went back to help build up her confidence. She got really into it again and decided she wanted to try MMA so I said, ‘if you’re going to MMA, you need to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu’, which is a style of ground fighting.
So then we both started doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Courtney got dead good at it. I’ve essentially just followed her round doing jiu-jitsu. She’s a pro now, I couldn’t fight her.
MMA’s seen as quite extreme, but what’s your takeaway from it? What keeps you doing it?
It’s obviously good for your fitness but I’ve found it to be really good for mental health as well.
And it’s great for getting out there and meeting people. I’ve made a lot of new friends through it.
You won by tapout at the Ultra MMA event this April. How was that?
The fight went really well. I did get battered in the first round and then got my head into the game.
I was exhausted so at the time didn’t even really think too much about having won. But it does feel great getting that win while everyone was there supporting me.
And what are you fundraising for?
I really want to get some equipment for the children’s surgical day unit to turn an old linen closet into a playroom or sensory room.
Needing surgery is often a daunting experience for children and we’ve got a lot of complex needs kids in particular who come through the day unit. That’s why I’m raising money to turn an old linen cupboard into a sensory playroom for our young patients who attend for surgery.
They can often be sat in their rooms, understandably getting a bit agitated or worried. Having this playroom with some sensory equipment would make their experience a little more pleasurable and give them a space to chill out and go play.
I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated so far. And if you haven’t yet, but would like to, my JustGiving page is still open. Please dig deep into your pockets – let’s put some smiles on those little kiddies’ faces.
If you would like to donate to Glen’s cause, please scan the QR code to visit his JustGiving page. 5.
Women’s Street Watch
By Siân Briggs,
Clinical support officer, University Hospital of Hartlepool
Women’s Street Watch Middlesbrough is a volunteering group aiming to make women feel safer on their nights out.
As of November 2024 there were over 35 volunteers within the service which is fantastic. We take it in turns to volunteer our Saturdays to patrol Middlesbrough town centre between the hours of 10pm and 2am, handing out flip flops to women who need them, walking women to meet with friends if they’re alone, ensuring people get in taxis safely, providing basic first aid, and just generally supporting vulnerable people in the nightlife community.
The volunteer groups tend to be between four and six of us at any one time to ensure that there is plenty to support if needed – but not so many of us where women may feel over-crowded in a situation where they need help. It’s so important that the volunteers never go off on their own, so ensuring there’s at least four people means that if there are multiple situations, the ladies can at least stay in pairs to support and then everyone is safe.
We start the evening at 9:30pm, where we meet at the base and make sure our backpacks have all the essentials for the shift – sanitary products, flip flops, drinks toppers, bobbles, foil blankets, bottles of water, first aid kits, power banks/phone chargers, cereal bars, baby wipes, tissues, and information cards for other support services.
It’s so rewarding seeing the impact the group makes on women’s lives first-hand. We get so much positive feedback and support while patrolling, from both men and women, and it’s so encouraging.
An investigation by UN Women UK found that 97% of women aged between 18 and 24 have been sexually harassed. I am happy to give any amount of my time if it will work towards reducing that percentage.
No woman should feel unsafe or alone on a night out. All of the volunteers share the same passion for women’s safety, and it’s such a welcoming and empowering group to be a part of. It’s so fulfilling knowing that my actions have a direct positive impact on the community around me.
Women’s Street Watch Middlesbrough has an Instagram and a Facebook page that can be followed to keep everyone in the loop. There is information on our social media pages regarding how you can support the service, volunteer with us, or just for general information.
Celebrating better health at work
Individuals and teams across University Hospitals Tees have developed and delivered a wide range of staff health and wellbeing campaigns across our hospital group and recently, both trusts achieved Better Health at Work Awards for their commitment to making mental and physical health a priority for everyone. South Tees achieved an award for ‘Continuing Excellence’ whilst North Tees and Hartlepool were awarded for ‘Maintaining Excellence.’
Over the next few pages we’ll be sharing just some of the health and wellbeing campaigns our teams have been delivering to colleagues.
This includes our Health and Wellbeing Festival (formerly known as the ‘Festival of Finance’) which takes place annually across all four of our hospital sites. The festival offers:
• Money saving advice from local businesses, including carer support, pensions and will writing
• Opportunity to access special offers, including free winter car checks with KwikFit
• Guidance and support from internal teams
South Tees Hospitals
From meditation drop in events to personalised stress reduction programmes and the development of a new staff dining rest area, here’s what colleagues at South Tees have been doing to help create a healthier workplace.
Nutrition and Hydration Week
• Provided free recipe cards with cost per portion from different supermarkets
• Created a week of themed food in the staff restaurant
• Organised a staff prize draw to win health gadgets
Menopause
• Hosting dedicated menopause clinics with trained nurses and support groups ran by menopause champions
• Gathering regular donations to the Pink Box initiative to support staff with sanitary products and toiletries when they are caught short
• Running monthly staff training sessions, specific training for managers and bespoke sessions on request
Suicide Prevention Day
• Invited an inspirational guest speaker from Andy’s Man Club to talk about male suicide
• Hosted myth busting sessions covering common assumptions
• Held psychology training workshops
Stress awareness week
• Gave staff access to personalised stress reduction programmes
• Created a mystery box with tips and ideas to improve health and wellbeing
• Supplied free colouring sheets, crafting kits and achievement plans
Did you know?
The following health and wellbeing incentives are now available for staff to enjoy:
• Create your own healthy pizza, pick up some fresh soup or fill up your bottle from the newly installed tap in the staff restaurant at James Cook
• Drop into a Sahaja meditation yoga event in the STRIVE at James Cook
• Enjoy your break in the new staff dining/rest area at James Cook
• Join the staff walking and running group held every week on a Tuesday and Thursday
For more information on health and wellbeing at South Tees, please contact the occupational health team on:
stees.evs.occupationalhealth@nhs.net
North Tees and Hartlepool
From after-work Pilates sessions to inspirational guest speakers and the opportunity to sign up to a free, personalised weight management programme, here’s what colleagues at North Tees and Hartlepool have been doing to ensure health and wellbeing is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
NTH Motivate programme
• Co-ordinated a 12-week weight management programme for staff
• Provided access to advice and guidance from a senior nutritionist
• Organised exercise-based sessions with a personal trainer
In-person staff network event
• Invited key guest speakers from different network groups
• Provided signposting to internal and external support services
• Created welcome packs with helpful tips and resources
Leading a healthy lifestyle
• Introduced healthy breakfast options and a self-service salad bar
• Provided free fruit platters and shared delicious fruit recipes on Fruity Friday
• Organised key healthy eating awareness events including Fibre February
Menopause
• Hosted menopause awareness sessions and menopause support groups
• Provided information support books and resources
• Collaborated with Alice House Hospice to provide a six-week holistic menopause support programme
Did you know?
The following health and wellbeing incentives are now available for staff at North Tees and Hartlepool to enjoy:
• Enjoy an after-work Pilates session at University Hospital of North Tees
• Grab a delicious salad from the self-service salad bar in the Tees restaurant
• Enrol on the NTH Motivate 12-week weight management programme
• Grab some lovely prizes for your team by organising your own walking challenges
For more information on health and wellbeing at North Tees and Hartlepool, please contact the occupational health team on:
nth-tr.occhealth-hwsupport@nhs.net
The Silence of the Girls
Pat Barker
Review by Melissa Solway, apprentice library assistant, South Tees Hospitals
The Silence of the Girls is a beautiful but brutal retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of a Trojan woman, Briseis who is awarded to Achilles as a prize.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions but is still well-balanced. I loved that it blurred the lines between who was ‘good’ and ‘bad’. Casualties and losses were discussed from both sides, putting the reader in the unique situation of being able to sympathise with, and hate, both sides.
First, we follow Briseis, delving into the horror of her situation as she is forced to adapt to living amongst those who killed her family. We see the sacrifices made by the women to stay alive with no power over their own lives.
Then we move to Achilles, and we are shown an insight into the soldier’s life and attitudes. The loss of a woman’s point of view ironically suits the title as Briseis’ voice is missed in this last half.
If there had been more of a focus on the rest of the women in the camp and Briseis’ relationship with them in her day-today life this would have elevated the book to five stars.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the older works and is looking for modern retellings. However, if you are a fan of Greek mythos and have read Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, the characterisation of Achilles by Pat Barker is very different. The Silence of the Girls is not his story or Patroclus’, and he is not portrayed as a hero. This book is much darker and does not shy away from the horrors and tragedies faced by these women.
Colleagues can pick up a copy of The Silence of the Girls in the Rodney-Cove Smith library, situated in the STRIVE at James Cook.
A quiet space to check in with your wellbeing and then check out your next read
Colleagues visiting the University Hospital of North Tees are being encouraged to visit and make use of the organisations library service, located in the south wing, where they can access a healthy range of fiction and health and wellbeing books, alongside the expected medical journals and textbooks.
The library has books, leaflets and bookmarks on mindfulness and an awareness board showcasing important awareness days and wellness support classes available for that month.
Librarian, Jan Atkinson said: “We also work closely with our learning and development colleagues at South Tees and run sessions on topics such as dyslexia awareness.
“We would encourage any of our staff members to come and utilise our reading for pleasure section, to find important wellbeing information or to use it as a quiet space to reflect and take a moment to relax on their break during a stressful work day.”
Working carers need care too
Around a third of NHS staff are known to be unpaid carers – voluntarily giving up their time to support a loved one with personal care, socialisation, mental wellbeing, cooking, cleaning and more.
Caring for someone can rewarding, but it can also present mental and physical challenges. That’s why we’ve launched a new group across University Hospitals Tees to support our colleagues who are doubling up as carers outside of work.
The working carers group offers a place for carers to connect, reflect, share experiences and offer mutual support.
Kendra Taylor is a people projects and quality advisor at North Tees. Kendra first joined the North Tees and Hartlepool ability network group in May 2023 upon receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Since August 2023, she has also been caring for her mum. Keen to support others and understanding the power of staff networks, Kendra is leading the new working carers support group for University Hospitals Tees –with the support of health and wellbeing colleagues and external regional care providers.
Kendra said: “When you become a carer, it’s easy not to see you’ve adopted the role and it’s very easy to not look after your own wellbeing. You become the best advocate you can be for your loved one, functioning on autopilot whilst trying to give an equal best to your standard work commitments.
“While it can be a positive experience, it can also take
an invisible toll. It can be isolating, and frightening – you worry that you’ll miss something important from a work or care perspective). You can feel like you’re losing yourself.
“I finally feel relieved to be building a network of individuals to raise awareness of this ever-growing situation with those who are learning to navigate the journey themselves. As people working in the care sector, we should be championing this work to support our colleagues. As carers, we need people to see us.”
Get involved
The working carers support group is open to all colleagues across University Hospitals Tees who have carers’ responsibilities or would like to learn to better support others who do. It will offer a flexible approach, to meet the needs of whatever situation individuals find themselves in at the time, including:
• Emotional support
• Guidance to access support at work such as flexible working arrangements
• Signposting to counselling
• A listening ear
Network meetings will be held monthly and support will also be available outside of meetings virtually.
For more information about the support group, please contact: kendra.taylor2@nhs.net
Teamwork makes the dream work
(but a little fun makes the team work)
A healthy team leads to a great experience for all your team members, and ultimately better care for our patients. Across University Hospitals Tees, interdepartmental colleagues are coming together to create a wellbeing culture that is right for their team, in their setting and at their own pace.
Monthly morale lunches unite ICT team
Once a month, the ICT Support team at North Tees and Hartlepool comes together to share a meal and good conversation at their monthly morale lunches.
ICT support technician Shooey Dar introduced the initiative after successfully implementing it at a previous organisation. The team typically organises a buffet, with members contributing food and drinks, creating a chance to unwind, connect and boost morale. But it’s not always a buffet—sometimes, they mix things up with pizza or even fish and chips!
As the team continues to collaborate more closely with ICT colleagues at University Hospitals Tees, they hope to see members from the South Tees team joining in on the tradition.
Shooey explains: “Throughout my career, I’ve noticed there’s often a gap between management and their teams. At North Tees and Hartlepool, we mainly have managers and technicians, so this was a way to bring us closer together – and it’s really worked.
Team building activities can be big or small but each nurtures a culture of collaboration, innovation, wellbeing and productivity.
Here’s what some of our teams across the group are doing to come closer together…
“We wanted something easy and inclusive, so a buffet made sense. There’s always extra food, so even if someone isn’t able to contribute, they can still join in and feel part of the team. In the office, we’re always busy – everyone has their own tasks and it can feel a bit isolating. This one day a month gives us a chance to come together, relax, and remember that we’re all part of a team.”
Shooey and the North Tees and Hartlepool ICT team.
An adventure for North Tees team
A 40-strong team from North Tees anaesthetics, operating theatres and critical care recently participated in a team-building event, after successful funding as part of North Tees and Hartlepool Together’s staff lottery wellbeing bids.
The day was packed with activities, including wall climbing, archery, orienteering and trekking – fostering teamwork and resilience. The 9am to 4pm day brought a fresh energy to the team, strengthened bonds and opened up new dimensions of collaborations. It was followed by a team dinner, bringing camaraderie to the team.
The North Tees anaesthetics, theatres and critical care team.
Welfare Wednesday wellbeing events bring joy
Staff welfare is so important to the cardiac investigation unit and cardiac cath labs at South Tees that they host wellbeing events every Wednesday to do something nice for their colleagues.
For Welfare Wednesday, they’ve hosted Hawaiian parties with mocktails and music, hosted charity cake stalls and coffee mornings, created bee themed quizzes and Christmas treasure hunts and even held a back-to-school photo guess who competition.
The team regularly encourages colleagues to share words of kindness about each other and on one occasion, displayed these in the shape of a heart in the main staff room for everyone to see. They have been inspiring colleagues across the trust with their kindness, support and sweet treats since 2024 and openly encourage other teams to share their own wellbeing initiatives with each other.
A
session of meditation and mindfulness
North Tees children’s ward manager Alyson Thompson recently arranged for Essential Elements Wellbeing to deliver a soothing sound journey for members of staff on the North Tees children’s ward to relieve stress and help them relax.
Play specialist Jennie Hobbs is one of the team who took part in the session. She said: “This was such a thoughtful and positive experience for all the staff involved and they really enjoyed the journey. All the staff involved found it very beneficial and Alyson is looking to hold more sessions soon with other staff on the children’s ward.”
Sweet treat treasure hunts boost morale
The paediatric speech and language therapy team at South Tees have been getting their ducks in a row when it comes to health and wellbeing since 2023. Paula Mills, Emma McPartland, Helen Webb, Lauren Laidler and Abbie Hull make up the wellbeing team who have busy coming up with lots of fantastic wellbeing initiatives to support the physical, emotional and mental health of their colleagues. These include wellbeing walks and seated yoga meditation courses to hidden duck treasure hunts and a wellbeing board filled with bags of ‘Positivi-tea.
Katie Shearsby said: “Everyone needs to feel like they matter, that the job they do is important and valued, and that they are appreciated. That is what Welfare Wednesday is all about. We want to show staff that we care.”
They wellbeing team said: “Many of us are friends as well as colleagues and recognise that there will be times when we all need a little support. We feel very privileged to be able to offer 1:1 pastoral support within our department as well being able to signpost to a wide range of different support services that are available within the trust.”
They also been busy sending monthly email updates to advertise upcoming wellbeing initiatives happening across the trust, promoting their wellbeing gems and encouraging everyone in the department to have a lunch and screen break and some fresh air throughout the day. However, there is one initiative that has proved very popular! Members of the team take it in turns to hide two little ducks around their main office and anyone who finds one is rewarded with a treat.
The South Tees cardiac teams have fun with their themes.
The North Tees children’s ward take part in a meditation session.
The paediatric SALT team has launched a scavenger hunt in their department.
Demystifying type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
with Fiona Cutting
Fiona Cutting, a nutritionist at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, sat down with us one busy afternoon to share some of her top tips and mythbusting for pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes:
What do you do as part of your role as a nutritionist?
I work with patients around weight management for Type 2 diabetes. So I see patients one to one in clinics and outpatient appointments. A big part of my role also involves delivering the DESMOND course – which is a one off course designed to help those referred by their GP who have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
A big part is about offering patients advice around healthy eating, portion sizes, exercise and lifestyle changes that can help them to manage and sometimes put that initial diagnosis into remission.
What is pre-diabetes and what is Type 2 diabetes?
So pre-diabetes can be defined by your average blood sugar score. When your hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is between 42 and 47, this means your score is higher than normal and it could be a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 is diagnosed once this number hits 48. It’s all about the numbers.
What can cause Type 2 diabetes?
The main cause we’re seeing now is due to weight gain. But there are also other factors that can cause it, such as ethnicity – you can be more likely if you are Asian or afro-Caribbean -
for example. Age can also play a part as your pancreas can become less efficient as you get older.
Things such as steroid use or lack of exercise can also be reasons, as well as genetics and your family history.
Can pre-diabetes be managed or reversed?
Yes it can – as can Type 2 in some circumstances. You can go into remission.
Pre-diabetes technically isn’t a formal diagnosis as it would be with Type 2. But if you are warned that your blood sugar looks a bit high, it might be suggested that you make a few lifestyle changes to help bring that back down and to stop your chance of it developing into Type 2.
It’s not a one size fits all. Each person is different. If you get someone who is 96 and slim, it might be less likely that we can get them into remission and it may be genetics or other reasons that have caused it.
My own nanna developed Type 2 in her 50s and is now in her 90s and is doing really well – so it can definitely be carefully managed and you can still have a good quality of life regardless.
In the case of Type 2, you need to get your HbA1C down to 48 without medication, and then to control that for at least three months, to be classed as in remissions.
What kind of common misinformation do you see that you would like to mythbust?
• Too much sugar causes Type 2 – Type 2 is caused by weight and sugar can be a contributing factor.
• You can’t eat sugar or carbs if you have Type 2 –Everything should be in moderation.
• That taking medication alone will fix it – This needs to be combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. Medication alone will only get you so far.
• That type 2 is classed as a ‘mild’ form of diabetes – Regardless of whether you have Type 1 or 2, the complications remain the same and are serious for both.
What are your top tips and healthy habits to help staff manage their pre and type 2 diabetes?
My primary tip would be around making sure that anytime you eat anything, you are serving your plate in the rule of thirds. I call it the ‘Mercedes-Benz plate’ when I discuss it with patients.
Always ensure you have carbohydrates, protein and vegetables on your plate, but consider reducing your carb intake and keep it as the smallest third, as this will help you to manage any spikes in your blood sugar. Protein and vegetables generally won’t cause your blood sugar to go up in the same way. It’s not about completely denying yourself, but reducing and managing what you are taking into your body.
Most patients I see are having just carbs and protein and are denying themselves that veg portion.
You should try to limit your intake of sweet food and drinks and this is usually the first thing people do to help to control their diabetes – these are a big cause of those blood sugar spikes.
Chicken and mushroom Supreme
Serves 4
Prep and cook 40 Minutes
Ingredients
• 4 chicken breasts (1 per person)
• 1 can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom condensed soup
• 4 tsp of curry powder
• Small handful of grated cheese (optional)
Cooking instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200C/gas mark 6 or can use a slow cooker. If using a slow cooker, put chicken in add soup, curry powder and a small amount of water. Cook for 2.5hrs.
2. If using oven place chicken breasts in ovenproof dish. Pour in the mushroom soup and add a little water.
3. Add 2-3tbsp of curry powder, mix and place in oven on gas mark 6 for 40 minutes. Check chicken is thoroughly cooked before removing from oven.
4. Once chicken is served sprinkle cheese on top.
Top tip – This meal is nice served with roasted vegetables, turnip, broccoli and peas and you could use microwave rice or a jacket potato for a carbohydrate. You could also use any sauce left to make a pasta dish the next day.
Walking after eating, and walking in general - so getting in your ‘10,000 steps a day’ - aids digestion and helps manage glucose levels. You could also incorporate activities such as cutting grass or washing your car as easy ways to help manage those levels.
For staff, certainly desk based staff, moving around during your work day can be tricky, but making small changes can absolutely help. Use stand up desks where possible, walking to a different printer that is further away, walk and chat to someone rather than sending an email or go for a lunchtime walk.
Planning in your daily eating can also be important, especially when working long shifts, so plan ahead and remember your rule of thirds. Organising and bringing healthier snacks helps stop you from self-sabotage rather than running to a vending machine.
Useful resources:
www.desmond.nhs.uk
www.diabetes.uk British Heart Foundation - Portion Control
Raspberries and Yoghurt
Serves 2 10 Minutes
Ingredients
• 2 handfuls of raspberries (14 raspberries)
• 1 heaped teaspoon of honey
• Half a pot of natural yoghurt or around 8 tbsp
Cooking Instructions
1. Put a small pan on to hob of cooker. Turn heat to medium and place two handful of raspberries into pan. These can be fresh or frozen.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and keep stirring until raspberries have reduced to sauce,
3. Place 4tbsp of natural yoghurt into bowl and add half of raspberry mixture into each bowl.
Recognising our wonder w men
As part of International Women’s Day in March, we recognised and paid tribute to the absolutely inspiring women we’re proud to call colleagues at University Hospitals Tees.
We asked staff to put forward their ‘wonder woman’ – a remarkable colleague who has made a significant impact in our organisation and who represents dedication and heart. We were over the moon to receive more than 70 nominations from staff across our trusts.
Our wonder women were invited to a special ceremony on the Teesside Princess to show our appreciation and gratitude. The event was organised by North Tees and Hartlepool women’s staff network lead Natasha McManus.
Congratulations to each and every one of our wonder women.
Here’s a snippet of what makes just some of our wonder women so inspiring…
Denise Mulligan, iMSK physio
“The embodiment of what we all strive to be in our professional and personal lives, Denise is always there for her colleagues, offering kindness, support, and guidance with a compassionate heart.”
Karen Williams, ward clerk
“The brightest star in the room wherever she goes, she is kind, caring and compassionate as well as a good grafter.”
Kate Armitage, acute physician
“A constant inspiration, Kate is unfailingly fair minded, hardworking and positive even in the most adverse of challenges.”
Nicola Grieves, head of nursing
“A very exceptional woman, she has developed one of the best urgent treatment models in the UK.”
Dr Jenny Ruiz, MSK consultant radiologist
“A woman who is always in high demand, Jenny is very approachable, greets you with a smile and is always happy to help you no matter how small or silly a question may seem.”
Alison Blackmore, trauma ward nutritionist
“Her relationship with patients is next to none, and all patients adore her for what she provides – she is truly a wonder woman.”
Kathy Pike, embryologist
“An extraordinary individual who puts her ‘work’ above all else, she has helped hundreds of patients fulfil their dreams by becoming parents.”
Kath Tarn, head of outpatients
“A true ray of sunshine, Kath brings a unique blend of a laidback yet enthusiastic personality to her work, creating an environment where people feel comfortable and motivated.”
SNAPSHOT
Fruity Friday
This team is bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S)
Members of our NTH Solutions catering team marked Nutrition and Hydration Week with ‘Fruity Friday’.
The team dressed up to give out fruit baskets to colleagues working on our wards at North Tees. Feel good at the Friarage
Happy 1st birthday to the neurodiversity network!
Our neurodiversity network celebrated their first birthday with a celebration and awareness event in the atrium at James Cook.
Colleagues were invited to learn more about neurodiversity and how to support themselves and others, whilst picking up sweet treats, word searches and a token of gratitude.
Leading with love
In honour of Stress Awareness Month 2025, Geri and Ursula from the UTC at the Friarage created their own fun but informative wellbeing board. It included inspirational quotes, compliments and shout outs from patients, helpful wellbeing resources and signposting to internal and external support networks.
Neurodiversity support
New North Tees people hub
Our new North Tees people hub is now open. The hub is a one-stop shop for support and information from our people-led services, from health and wellbeing to career development.
The hub can be found in the back of Tees Restaurant. Drop-in sessions run every Tuesday, 10am to 2pm.
HOW AM I?
The toolkit
Improve and maintain your psychological health with our ‘How Am I’ toolkit. The toolkit contains a range of help within four zones (Red, Yellow, Green and Blue) which relate to the way you are feeling right now – your ‘emotional temperature’.
Just scan the QR code or visit: www.southtees.nhs.uk/staff/how-am-I
EXTERNAL SUPPORT CONTACTS
Recovery college online
A range of online courses to support with aspects of wellbeing and mental health.
Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk
Able futures
Available from 8am - 10.30pm weekdays or refer online.
Contact: 0800 321 3137
Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals
INTERNAL SUPPORT CONTACTS
Occupational health
South Tees 01642 282482
North Tees 01642 383211
Legacy mentors
Chaplaincy
South Tees
James Cook: 01642 854802 Friarage: 01609 763275
North Tees 01642 383138 jim.wright@nhs.net
South Tees stees.legacy@nhs.net
North Tees 07759 132816 nth-tr.legacymentors@nhs.net
ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub
Confidential advice and support helpline. 7am - 9pm (7-days a week)
Contact: 0191 223 2030
IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy
Talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies. Available 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and online referrals can be made anytime.
Contact: 01642 573924
Access online: www.impactonteesside.com
Staff psychology support hub
South Tees stees.psychology.training@nhs.net
North Tees 01429 522049
Domestic violence advocate
South Tees 07826 943275 stees.idva@nhs.net
North Tees 07973 764297 nicola.murphy47@nhs.net
Open to all staff, this event is your one stop place for financial and health and wellbeing support, advice and exclusive offers.
Friarage
Café hub
Tuesday, 10 June
James Cook
Atrium
Thursday, 12 June
North Tees
Rainbow garden Wednesday, 11 June
Hartlepool
Main concourse Thursday, 12 June
NTH STALLS
STH STALLS