North Cumbria Integrated Care

01/08/2026

In the coming weeks, the Lung Cancer Screening Team will be moving on to Silloth Group Medical Practice, contacting eligible patients and inviting them to take part in the programme.

If you receive an invitation, we would strongly encourage you to take up the offer.

The programme is designed to help detect lung cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear, when treatment can be more effective. Eligible patients will receive a text message first, followed by a call from a member of the Lung Cancer Screening Team to arrange a Lung Health Check and answer any questions.

Taking part is quick, straightforward and could make a real difference to your health.

⚠️ Please remember, lung cancer screening is for people who do not have symptoms. If you have a persistent cough, unexplained breathlessness, repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness, or chest or shoulder pain, please contact your GP as soon as possible.

When your invitation arrives, please don't ignore it. Take up the offer and help take care of your lung health. 🫁💙

You can find out more here: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Team

31/07/2026

There is less than a week left to nominate a governor, so don't hang about!

Becoming a governor is a unique opportunity to influence the future of healthcare in Cumbria. We're looking for 22 new staff and public governors to join our Governors’ Council.

NCIC manages both acute and community services, including maternity, stroke and A&E services at the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital. We also run community hospitals and community services, some of which are provided on a Countywide footprint. This means there are lots of opportunities to get involved and help shape the future direction of the Trust.

Dr Stephen Singleton, chairman at NCIC, said: “Being a governor is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the future of local healthcare. Governors play an important role in ensuring the views of our members, patients, staff and communities help shape the services we provide across North Cumbria and beyond.

“Whether you are a member of the public with a passion for improving healthcare, or a member of staff who wants to help influence the direction of the Trust, becoming a governor gives you the chance to have your voice heard and contribute to important decisions.

“We are looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to delivering high-quality care for our communities. If you want to help shape the future of NHS services in our region, I would encourage you to consider standing for election.”

Find out more and apply: ncic.nhs.uk/news/have-your-say-future-local-healthcare-become-ncic-governor

31/07/2026

Did you watch maternity ward video tours during your pregnancy? We want to hear from you.

If you haven't seen it, you can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeX7iSE92jI

Your feedback will help improve personalised maternity care for women and families.

The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Take part here: https://bit.ly/4f0jBvw

Did you watch maternity ward video tours during your pregnancy? We want to hear from you.

Your feedback will help improve personalised maternity care for women and families.

The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Take part here: https://bit.ly/4f0jBvw

30/07/2026

After an incredible career spanning nearly 40 years, Mark Irving will retire at the end of August.

For the past 20 years, Mark has been a highly respected Upper GI Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, providing expert care, support, and reassurance to patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. His calm approach, knowledge, and kindness have made an immeasurable difference to so many people over the years.

Mark began his student nurse training in October 1987 and has since dedicated almost four decades of outstanding service to the organisation, supporting colleagues and caring for countless patients with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.

Mark’s experience, leadership, humour, and generosity have left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him. His contribution to the organisation and to patient care has been truly exceptional.

Kevin Harrow Matron would like to thank Mark sincerely for his years of dedication, hard work, and friendship, and wish him a long, happy, and very well deserved retirement.

30/07/2026

Heading to Kendal Calling this weekend? We hope you have an amazing time, make some unforgettable memories and enjoy everything the festival!

While you're soaking up the atmosphere, please remember to look after yourself and your friends:

💧 Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day
☀️ Apply sunscreen regularly, even if it's cloudy
🧢 Wear a hat and lightweight clothing to keep cool
🍔 Eat regularly to keep your energy levels up
📱 Keep your phone charged in case you need help
🚑 If you feel unwell, don't ignore it. Seek medical assistance straight away

Have a fantastic Kendal Calling and stay safe! 💙

29/07/2026

In June, there were 211 babies born across north Cumbria 👶

The most common birth dates were 11th and 29th 📆

Congratulations to all the families who have welcomed little ones.

You can see more of the June's maternity data on our website: ncic.nhs.uk/ncic-maternity-data-june-2026

28/07/2026

‘Keep NCIC Smoke Free’ is a campaign that features healthcare staff from across NCIC and aims to remind patients, visitors, and staff that smoking is banned across all our hospital sites. This helps protect everyone from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

From newborn babies taking their first breaths to patients receiving life-saving treatment, everyone in our care deserves clean air.

Jason Cram, Deputy Chief Nurse at NCIC, said:

“Our patients, visitors, neighbours and staff should be able to access an environment that enables that promotes clean air or the waste produced from ci******es. Keeping our hospital sites and neighbouring community smoke free is one of the simplest ways we can all help protect them.

“We know that stopping smoking, or going without even for a short time, can be difficult. That is why we offer support to help people manage cravings and, if they choose, stop smoking for good.

“I would like to thank the many patients, visitors and colleagues who already respect our smoke free sites and help us create a healthier environment for everyone.

“We all share the air. Please help us keep it clean. Let's keep NCIC smoke free.”

Rachel Fulton, Matron for Maternity Services, said: “Many women come to hospital regularly during pregnancy for appointments and scans.

“No one should have to walk through cigarette smoke to access their care.

“Our smoke free sites help protect pregnant women, babies and families.”

Read more about the campaign and support available: ncic.nhs.uk/news/campaign-launches-help-keep-hospital-sites-smoke-free

27/07/2026

Happy 1st Birthday to our Community Diagnostic Centre in Workington!

Over the past year, our state-of-the-art centre has delivered more than 30,000 diagnostic appointments, helping people across north Cumbria access vital tests sooner and closer to home.

Located at Central Way, Workington the centre offers a range of diagnostic services including MRI, CT, ultrasound, echocardiograms and lung function testing, with more planned for the future!

A huge thank you to our dedicated teams whose hard work is helping improve patient experience and support earlier diagnosis.

📍 Find us: Community Diagnostic Centre, Central Way, Workington, CA14 3GS.

26/07/2026

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Lorna Gamberini will retire from NCIC on July 24 after more than 35 years of dedicated service.

Lorna's colleagues describe her as an "excellent teacher and mentor".

One colleague said: "I wouldn't be in the job I am now without her support. She will be greatly missed."

Lorna began her career as a speech and language therapist in Sunderland in September 1990 before moving to west Cumbria in April 1991, where she worked across both community and acute services.

From 2002 to 2005, she worked in south Cumbria, developing voice and head and neck services while completing a Master of Science (MSc) degree researching dysphonia.

In 2005, Lorna returned to north Cumbria, where she led a highly successful head and neck speech and language therapy team and further developed the voice service, including establishing the joint ear, nose and throat (ENT) and speech and language therapy clinic.

In 2020, Lorna began working alongside respiratory physiotherapists to support patients recovering after hospital admission with COVID-19. At the beginning of 2023, she stepped back from leading the head and neck service to focus on the Long COVID and voice services.

Nichola Todd, Head of Speech and Language Therapy, said: "On behalf of colleagues past and present, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for her outstanding contribution to speech and language therapy and wish her a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement. While her absence will undoubtedly be felt, her influence, achievements and the difference she has made to so many lives will never be forgotten.

"Congratulations, Lorna, on an exceptional career and a well-earned retirement. We wish you all the very best for the future."

Lorna said: "I am very proud of the work I've done and very grateful to have worked with such fantastic and talented teams in speech and language therapy, head and neck services, ear, nose and throat, and Long COVID.

"I will miss the patients and my colleagues, but I won't miss the paperwork and mandatory training!

"I'm looking forward to spending more time on the fells and in the Lake District."

25/07/2026

Dillan Martin, who is a pupil at James Rennie School, spent his work experience with the Theatre and X-ray portering teams and he loved every second!

Carol Hull, teacher at James Rennie School, said: "The process of finding work placement for Dillan was hard at first as he was only interested in undertaking work experience within the NHS.

"This year we tried a different process giving the students the opportunity to contact the employers themselves. Dillan wrote to the work experience team.

"Dillan received a positive response from the letter he had sent and the process was amazing and very quick, an interview was organised here at the school to discuss his needs and requirements and a date to start work experience was set."

After the placement, Dillan said: "It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it."

And Carol added: "Dillan absolutely loved it. All the staff were fantastic with him and chatted to him. Curly (Michael Irving, Theatres Porter) was exceptional, he took the time to show him role as porter and very quickly understood his needs. Since work experience Dillan’s confident has grown, not just in school, but also outside in the community."

Well done Dillan, we wish you all the best for the future!