James Cook NHS Hospital

08/06/2026

Anyone who has visited our Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge at James Cook Hospital will likely recognise James (Jim) Ernest Iles.

For Jim, from Ormesby Village, volunteering wasn’t something he did, it was who he was.

He spent most of his life helping people through charities, care centres, community organisations and at The Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge.

In recognition of his extraordinary service and his lifelong dedication to helping others, Jim was honoured with a Diamond Volunteer Award from the then Prince Charles in 2012.

Following Jim’s passing, Georgina Oakley, Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge manager, said: "Jim was truly a selfless man; he always saw the good in people and loved life.

"He had that rare gift of making everyone feel that they were important, no matter what walk of life they came from.

“Jim is missed and will always be an incredibly special member of the team.”

You can read more about Jim and his lifetime dedication to helping others on our website: 💙
https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/honouring-jims-lifetime-of-selfless-dedication/

08/06/2026

"Being one of only five national cardiac surgery departments to be selected recognises the quality of our existing service and our commitment to innovation demonstrably benefiting our patients..."

We are proud to announce our accreditation as a national leader in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. 💓

James Cook Hospital is only one of five sites to receive the elite accretion from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery and The Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists and Critical Care.

The achievement cements the hospital’s status as the regional heart specialist site and identifies it as a UK-leading centre for surgical innovation.

Read more on our website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/leaders-in-minimally-invasive-heart-surgery-and-enhanced-recovery/

05/06/2026

This week's goes to our ophthalmology teams at James Cook.

Remember, our patient experience team is here to listen to any stories or comments you have. If you have a story you would like to share with our patient experience team, please get in touch via [email protected] or 01642 854807.

05/06/2026

"It’s a privilege to be able to support patients and families at such an important time in their lives..."

Lee Tunley, one of our mortuary administrative assistants based at James Cook Hospital has become the first within University Hospitals Tees to complete a new specialist qualification.

Lee, who joined the mortuary team in 2023, has successfully achieved the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 2 Certificate in Mortuary Support for Mortuary Assistants, after completing a nine-month course that will support his future career development within mortuary services.

Although his role is primarily administrative and sees him supporting compliance, coroner and pathology processes and key mortuary systems, Lee believes the new qualification has expanded his overall ability to support colleagues and families.

Congratulations Lee 🩵

Read more on our website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/mortuary-team-member-first-to-complete-new-specialist-qualification/

04/06/2026

As part of Volunteers Week, we celebrated our hardworking volunteers by hosting a special afternoon tea celebration at STRIVE in James Cook.

Volunteers play a vital role across our hospitals – including warmly welcoming visitors and patients and helping them find their way, supporting appointment check-ins, offering companionship and emotional reassurance on wards, and helping patients return home safely after their stay.

Thank you to each one of our volunteers for their work and dedication towards our patients, their families and our staff members.

Check the snapshots from our event below.

We would also like to thanks the Volunteers Coffee Lounge team for providing us with delicious sweet treats and hot drinks.

If you would like to consider volunteering at our trust, please visit:https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/volunteer/

30/05/2026

Have an upcoming appointment in the eye outpatients department at James Cook University Hospital?

Watch our video guide to hear from our colleagues as they take you through what to expect from your visit.

📝 Video details: This video includes a full voiceover and subtitles (closed captions).

🔗 Watch the video guide on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZc_2mqyvF0

🌐 For more details, visit the ophthalmology (eyes department) section of our website. See less

For more information, please visit:https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/s...

30/05/2026

We are hosting a special breast screening drops in afternoon on Tuesday 16 June:

9.30am to 12pm at the One Life Medical Centre, Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough
1pm to 4pm, at the breast care unit at University Hospital of Hartlepool

It’s an open invite for women to come along and get a behind-the-scenes look at its state-of-the-art breast imaging facilities.

For more information:https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/know-what-to-expect-at-your-breast-screening/

Senior radiographer Helen Clyde, said: “Unfortunately we do get a number of missed appointments. That’s why we offer these open days – so women are relaxed and familiar with the process.

“Please do not ignore the breast screening invite when it arrives. If the appointment is not suitable, please get in touch and we will change it for you to help make sure you get your regular mammogram.”

29/05/2026

What matters to you most when it comes to the hospital and healthcare services in your local area? 💙

If you, or someone you care for, has used University Hospitals Tees hospital or community services in recent months, please complete our short survey: https://app.sli.do/event/q4Ziwkp1TPW9AZaNTmJsXZ/live/polls

You may have been cared for in:

• The James Cook University Hospital
• Friarage Hospital
• University Hospital of Hartlepool
• University Hospital of North Tees

Your feedback will be used to help shape the future of local healthcare services.

29/05/2026

Develop your therapeutic radiographer career with our amazing, ambitious and friendly team at James Cook Hospital - a forward-thinking department equipped with four Elekta Agility and two Elekta EVO Linear accelerators. Click the link in the comments for more details...

29/05/2026

Have you used NHS patient transport services?

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Healthwatch and other partners to improve NHS patient transport services in the North East.

Patient transport helps people get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own because of their health or mobility needs.

We would like to hear from people who use patient transport services, and their carers and families.

Please fill in our survey by 3 July 2026.

Visit the link here: https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/BD9WjeSmCx