James Cook NHS Hospital

02/11/2026

Side effects - don't ignore them, report them.

Today marks the start of the eleventh annual .

There are many different types of side effects and if you think you're experiencing a side effect, do not suffer in silence - report it.

We all have the power to make healthcare products safer. Help others by reporting a problem using the Yellow Card scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ by discussing it with a healthcare professional such as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

01/11/2026

👁️ Need urgent eye care? Call us first from Tuesday👁️

From Tuesday 3 November, patients with urgent, non-sight-threatening eye conditions are asked to call our new triage telephone service before attending the emergency eye care department at James Cook.

Please call 01642 854096 if you have:

✅a suspected eye infection
✅new onset of flashes, floaters or a dark curtain over vision
✅red or painful eye/s
✅flashing lights and floaters (without blurring of vision).

The phone service is open:

✨Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
✨Bank holidays and weekends: 8am to 12noon

A triage nurse assess your condition and choose the most appropriate care for your needs.

🚨Walk-ins remain available during these hours for emergency ,sight-threatening conditions only, including: chemical burns, sudden loss of vision with/without pain, new onset double vision and trauma to the eye 🚨

If you experience an emergency outside of these hours, please go straight to your nearest emergency department or urgent treatment centre.

https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/ophthalmology/eye-casualty-department/

01/11/2026

NHS behind the scenes: Meet our University Hospitals Tees innovations team. 💡

When people hear the word "innovation", they often think of groundbreaking technologies or major projects. In reality, some of the most successful ideas come from frontline colleagues spotting everyday challenges and finding practical ways to make working life easier.

The innovations team works with colleagues, technology experts and partner organisations to turn ideas – or even just inconveniences – into a practical solution to improve staff experience and patient care. They also help protect intellectual property, ensuring innovations developed by NHS staff are safeguarded so that their value and benefits can be retained for patients, staff, and the NHS.

Our innovations include:

Community Kit Bags, created by our district nurses, saving 72 hours in back-to-base trips and 32 hours on back-to-boot trips

Our 3D printing service, making anatomically accurate 3D prints to inform surgical procedures

Chest drain manikin – developed by the neonatal and medical physics teams, it has transformed the way clinicians learn a high-risk but essential procedure (and also winner of our Innovation and Research Award at the 2026 Caring Better Together Awards)

Dave Ferguson, consultant surgeon and director of innovation for University Hospitals Tees, said: "Innovation's not just about massive million-pound projects, it can be as simple as finding a solution for a local problem.

"We support everyone who has ideas – it's the people doing the work every day who know where the problems are and what needs to change. Our job is to act as a catalyst for change across University Hospitals Tees, helping turn those ideas into reality and making sure we're fit for purpose for the patient population we serve."

As the service continues to grow, the team is working with staff across hospital and community services to better understand where innovation can have the greatest impact and how it can continue supporting the development of great ideas for patients and colleagues.

For more information about innovation across University Hospitals Tees, visit: www.southtees.nhs.uk/about/strive/innovation-team

29/10/2026

🚨" When people say don't play with fireworks, listen.🚨

That's the powerful message from 17-year-old Aleks Stasiukiewicz from Hartlepool who lost his left eye in a tragic firework accident 🎆

When a firework failed to go off, Aleks went back to relight it. It exploded instantly, causing him life-changing injuries. He lost his left eye and part of his eyelid, suffered burns, and broke his front tooth.

He was rushed to James Cook where our team of specialist Oculoplastic surgeons, inserted a ball shape prosthesis to replicate the movement of a real eye.

Now, Aleks, his mum Julie and the team of specialists who helped his recovery, are sharing his story to raise awareness of firework safety ahead of Bonfire Night.

He said: ""I know it can be tempting to break the rules and have a bit of fun but fireworks are incredibly dangerous. "They can cause serious, life-changing injuries."

➡ 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐬'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/firework-safety/

Help us to spread these important messages.

✅ Attend organised displays
✅ Never return to or handle a lit firework
✅ Keep a safe distance at all times

29/10/2026

What does Justin Timberlake have to do with stroke care? 🎶🧠

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees for World Stroke Day, Dr George Thomas uses a memorable music analogy to explain how quickly stroke teams need to think and act when treating patients.

He also shares the signs everyone should know and why recognising them early can save lives.

Listen now and help raise awareness of stroke from 2: 14: 45 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00330zg?fbclid=IwY2xjawVQVCJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMU5CN015enE0WnN0bENtQ1dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEfxjOICcSRAAiQLljdFz0W-6wSFsObaKt9RDv7YZm0xM5lY1CSldTTvajPdfA_aem_bkh2zyFSzgeAXtdNhK6pUA

29/10/2026

Today is World Stroke Day and our stroke team is in the atrium raising awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of acting FAST.

Pop by the stand to meet the team, pick up information and learn how to recognise the symptoms of stroke. Every second counts when it comes to getting the right treatment.

28/10/2026

💙 "It's important to just be the person you are and to be proud of yourself."

Last week, our Tees Valley children and young people's speech and language therapy (SALT) service filmed a very special feature with Middlesbrough FC captain Luke Ayling and some of the young people we support.

Luke shared his personal experience of living with a stammer, offering encouragement and inspiration to youngsters who may be facing similar challenges.

🎥 You can now watch the full feature here: https://youtu.be/weV_rXGKbQs?is=XK_i6Eh1MRFAcs4G

If you'd like to hear from our fantastic SALT team, skip to 10:26, where they share a powerful message:

"Allow the stammer. Give them the time and space, and seek some help. One of the things we support children and young people with is building their confidence and resilience."

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28/10/2026

A massive well done to our PROACT (Parkinson’s Outreach Advanced Community Therapy) team for helping cut waiting times and transforming care across Teesside by bringing specialist support directly into patients’ homes.

The service provides expert physiotherapy and occupational therapy to patients with Parkinson’s in the comfort of their homes, helping people manage symptoms, maintain independence and access support much earlier.

In its first year, the service cut waiting times for specialist Parkinson's therapy assessments by 90%, with many patients being seen within seven to 14 days of referral.

One of the patients to benefit from the service is Gail Henegan, 78, from Middlesbrough. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2025, Gail believes the support she received has reduced her risk of falls and helped her manage anxiety linked to her condition.

She said: “The team quickly identified simple changes that made a real difference to my daily life. They arranged support around my home, provided exercises that relieved my pain and helped me better understand and manage my anxiety.

“I feel much more confident thanks to their support and continue to enjoy seeing friends and taking part in Tai Chi.”

To read more about the massive impact the PROACT team is having on our patients, please visit the website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/community-parkinsons-team-praised-for-90-reduction-in-waiting-times/

28/10/2026

What matters most in maternity and neonatal care?

We’re inviting people who have used our maternity and neonatal services to tell us about their experience by taking part in The Big Maternity and Neonates Conversation.

We want to hear:

👶 What matters most to you when receiving maternity or neonatal care

💙 What helps you feel safe, supported and listened to

🗣 What we could do to improve the experience for you and your family

Whether your experience was recent or some time ago, we’d love to hear from you.

Please take part in our anonymous survey here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/TheBigMaternityandNeonatesConversation

27/10/2026

👀👀 The emergency eye care department is changing 👀👀

From Tuesday 3 November, the emergency eye care department at James Cook will introduce a triage telephone service to support patients with urgent, non-sight-threatening eye conditions.

Patients are advised to call 01642 854096 before attending the hospital if they experience conditions, including:

✅suspected eye infections
✅new onset of flashes, floaters or a dark curtain over vision
✅red or painful eye/s and
✅flashing lights and floaters (without blurring of vision)

Following an initial telephone call, a triage nurse, will assess the patient’s condition and direct them to the most appropriate care pathway.

⏰The service is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and weekends and bank holidays, 8am to 12 noon⏰

☑️Walk-in appointments will remain available during these hours for patients experiencing genuine sight-threatening, eye emergencies.

☑️Outside of the department's opening hours, patients with emergency eye conditions should attend their nearest emergency department or urgent treatment centre.

☑️Patients with acute eye concerns such as mild irritation, dry or sticky eyes or gradual blurred vision, should contact their GP or local optician.

➡For opening times, location details and guidance on what to do for your eye condition, visit: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/specialist-eye-care/