North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

20/10/2026

Congratulations to consulant in palliative medicine, Dr Donna Wakefield, who has been recognised nationally for her work to improve care for patients with serious illnesses.

Donna recently received a prestigious NIHR20 Rising Research Leaders prize from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations.

Through her research, Donna is helping to reduce inequalities in palliative care, ensuring patients with advanced lung disease receive the best possible care and support regardless of their background.

She said: "“Across the country, some people still find it harder to get the support they need at the end of their lives, especially if they live in poorer areas.

“I would love to hear from people who can share their experiences and ideas so we can make care fairer for everyone.”

For more information, visit

A TEESSIDE doctor who cares for people with serious illnesses has been recognised nationally for shaping the future of health and care research.

20/10/2026

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Everyone has breast tissue and we’re asking you to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you. It could save your life.

Make sure to regularly check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

• A lump
• Puckering or dimpling to skin
• Colour changes red/dark patches/inflammation
• New ni**le inversion
• Rash of crusting of the ni**le area
• Unusual ni**le discharge
• Change in size or shape of the breast

If you notice any of these changes, contact your GP if you’re concerned. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.

Find out more about the signs and symptoms for women: www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women

There are also similar signs and symptoms for men to look out for: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/

20/10/2026

Today is , part of , a T Level can be the first step towards an exciting healthcare career.

From placement to profession, Joe's journey: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/careers/recruitment/t-levels/joe-hepplestone/

Former student Joe Hepplestone completed his industry placement with us and is now studying adult nursing at Teesside University while gaining further experience through NHS Professionals.

Joe credits his T Level placement with helping him develop the confidence, skills and knowledge that prepared him for university and brought him one step closer to his dream career in intensive care nursing.

His journey shows how classroom learning combined with real workplace experience can create powerful opportunities for young people.

Today's T Level students are tomorrow's nurses, therapists, managers and healthcare leaders. By investing in young people today, we are helping build the workforce of tomorrow.

Discover how our T Level programme helps students gain real-world experience. www.nth.nhs.uk/careers/recruitment/t-levels

19/10/2026

We were thrilled earlier this month to win a University Hospitals Tees' 'Stronger together' award in recognition of the specialist stop smoking service we deliver in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

Councillor Christine Wiley, Chair of the adults services and public health committee at Hartlepool Borough Council said; “Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, and Stoptober provides a great opportunity to take that first step. We know that quitting can be challenging, but no one has to do it alone. Through our partnership with University Hospitals Tees, residents can access free, expert support that is tailored to their individual needs.

“Every smoke-free journey starts with a decision to try, and the benefits can be life-changing, from improved health and wellbeing to having more money in your pocket. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about quitting to make the most of the support available this Stoptober and take the first step towards a healthier future.”

During Stoptober, why not get in touch so we can help you quit for good?

The University Hospitals Tees smoking cessation service can be contacted on 01642 383819, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

19/10/2026

💗 It’s breast awareness month! 💗

To help spread awareness, our breast service colleagues Adele Carter and Helen Clyde attended a Learning Disabilities Health Café at Low Grange Health Village this month, where they met with around 16 women from the Clover Group Education and Social Hub.

Helen led a discussion on breast awareness and breast screening; giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The event also helped build valuable relationships with NHS support workers and Clover Group staff with a shared goal of improving screening uptake among people with learning disabilities.

As part of this work, the team has also been looking at ways to improve access to screening information on the organisations public website for patients with Learning Difficulties. If you have not already viewed it, a 'Do the Test! Go for it!' video developed by Avon Breast Screening and a learning difficulties group helps to demystify the process and is well worth a watch. It can be viewed on the breast screening service webpage.

Watch the video here: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening-services/screening-appointment/

19/10/2026

This week is and today it's ! All week we're celebrating the students who are shaping the future of health and care.

From acute hospitals to community services, our T Level placements give students the opportunity to experience the real world of healthcare while developing the skills, confidence and knowledge needed for future careers.

We continue to work in partnership with four local colleges: Stockton Riverside College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Stockton Sixth Form College.

This year, we have continued to innovate by introducing small team project placements, allowing students to collaborate on real NHS challenges alongside our expert clinical faculty.

We recently welcomed T Level students to induction at our . Through interactive sessions and mandatory training support with our clinical faculty, students gained valuable insight of how the Trust supports their students.

By investing in young people today, we are helping build the workforce of tomorrow. Discover how T Levels are opening doors to rewarding careers in health and care. www.nth.nhs.uk/careers/recruitment/t-levels

16/10/2026

"Compassion, gentle care and dignity" - this , we're celebrating the work of our Stockton district nurses. 💙

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

An appeal has been made for anyone to come forward who knew Judith Strother who was born on 18 March 1940 and most recently lived in the Hartlepool area.

Please contact the bereavement office at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Monday-Friday between 8am to 4pm on 01642 383286. Alternatively, you can contact the mortuary on 01642 624347.