Profiles

Shooing sheep off a farm track at night or getting stuck in the snow in the countryside are all in a day’s work for Ashlea Barnes who works as an out of hours district nurse at Northumbria Healthcare.

26th November 2020

Our team covers a huge geographical patch right up to the border of Scotland, helping patients during the evening and...

Ross Punton our Autism Spectrum Disorder Staff Network chair gives an insight into living with Autism this Disability History Month.

25th November 2020

It’s Disability History Month which runs from the 18th November to the 18th December and aims to promote awareness and understanding of...

Cardiographer Phoebe Brennan tells us what she loves about her role

23rd November 2020

Phoebe Brennan has been working as a cardiographer at Northumbria Healthcare for just over six months. “I studied sport and...

Andrew Mather talks about his role as a nursing assistant for Nursing Support Workers Day

23rd November 2020

My name is Andrew Mather and I have been a nursing assistant working in the NHS for 9 years.  ...

Find out why technology is so important to the future of Northumbria Healthcare from Dr Karen Connelly

23rd November 2020

As well as working as a consultant in critical care medicine at Northumbria Healthcare I’m also one of the Chief...

Tamsin Oswald, clinical microbiologist, infection control doctor and trust clinical lead for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) explains her role for Antibiotic Awareness Week

20th November 2020

My job is to support and oversee the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses caused by viruses, fungi and parasites,...

Paula Shandran talks about her role protecting children and adults as the safeguarding lead at Northumbria Healthcare

19th November 2020

I’ve worked in safeguarding for the last 17 years and I’ve been the head of safeguarding for children and adults...

Linda Sample, Advanced Alcohol Specialist Nurse discusses her role at Northumbria and the negative effects of alcohol this Alcohol Awareness Week

19th November 2020

Alcohol consumption is widely socially accepted and associated with relaxation and pleasure. Many people drink alcohol without experiencing harmful effects,...

Nurse Practitioner, Jen Whitaker, talks about her role caring for older people at home at risk hospital admission and how being shortlisted for a national award has boosted team spirits.

18th November 2020

I am a nurse practitioner within CARE Point, a large team of health and social care staff from the trust...

Consultant Dr Irene McEleavy talks about her role caring for intensive care patients during the pandemic

9th November 2020

The thing I love most about my role is being able to help the sickest patients and be that fixer...

Northumbria’s Energy & Sustainability officer Mike Blades explains how his role is helping the NHS in the fight against climate change and other environmental issues.

4th November 2020

Being an energy & sustainability officer is a great way to help our hospitals operate more efficiently and reduce their...

Jenna Wall, Head of Midwifery at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust talks about her career as a midwife, and how COVID-19 has impacted the service she works in.

2nd November 2020

I have been a practicing midwife for 18 years, beginning my career at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 1999...

Emma McDougall is a Macmillan Integrated Senior Clinical Pharmacist in Palliative Care. Here she explains more about the role

2nd November 2020

My role is all about making sure patients within the palliative care service get the most from their medication, either...

Practice development nurse Sharon Harrison tells us why continuous improvement is so important and talks about life in critical care during the first wave of Covid19

28th October 2020

Practice development is a relatively new team and our overall aim is to make sure our nurses are working to...

When Barbara Kemp, clinical occupational therapist manager, first became an OT she never thought she’d help set up an OT school in Ghana. Here she shares why she’s so proud to be an OT on World OT Day.

26th October 2020

My name is Barbara Kemp and I’m an occupational therapy manager for specialist services but I was OT lead when...

Testing and NHS laboratories have never had a higher profile than they do now. In our latest blog Trainee Biomedical Scientist Dionne Jacques tells us a bit more about her role.

21st October 2020

When people think of labs or pathology they often go straight to TV shows like Silent Witness or CSI, but...

Omar Ahmad tells us about his role as the new staff governor for North Tyneside Community Services at Northumbria Healthcare

20th October 2020

I’m still new to this role but I’m really looking forward to get to know more staff in my teams...

Julie Taylor, senior sexual health adviser, tells us why sexual health should still be a priority even in a global pandemic…

20th October 2020

No matter what’s going on in the world, sex is a normal part of life and, while we encourage everyone...

Carolyn and Kathryn, Northumbrian dietitians, tell us what they love about their job on National AHPs Day

14th October 2020

My name is Carolyn Jackson and my colleague Kathryn Rodenby and I work as part of the community nutrition support...

Marie Constable, a Northumbrian physiotherapist tells us what she loves about her job on National AHPs Day

14th October 2020

My name’s Marie Constable, I am an orthopaedic physiotherapist within Northumbria Healthcare. Our team cover; elective orthopaedics, working with patients...

Claire Riley talks about communications and engagement in the NHS and how it’s been even more important during this global pandemic.

14th October 2020

Working in NHS communications can be a fascinating and rewarding job where no two days are the same.   This...

Marie Wright, a Northumbrian occupational therapist tells us what she loves about her job on National AHPs Day

14th October 2020

My name is Marie Wright and I am a senior occupational therapist (OT) at North Tyneside General Hospital.   AHP...

Vasanthi Elder, librarian at our Northumbria Hospital, says the Stepping Up programme was a real ‘game changer’ in her career.

14th October 2020

Vasanthi Elder, librarian at our Northumbria Hospital, says the Stepping Up programme was a real ‘game changer’ in her career....

Supporting your COVID-19 recovery

12th October 2020

We appreciate that recovering from COVID-19 can be a difficult and worrying time for people and their families and carers....

To celebrate Physician Associate week, Breige Doone discusses her role at Northumbria

8th October 2020

For the past year, Breige Doone has worked as a Physician Associate (PA) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Northumbria Healthcare....

Lois Wilkinson one of our LGBT+ Staff Network members says why it’s important to celebrate Bi- awareness week

29th September 2020

What is Bi – Visibility Day and Bi- Awareness week?   Bi – visibility day falls on the 23rd September...

Dr Jo Hughes tells us first hand why it’s so important not to ‘just turn up’ at A&E, especially during Covid19

22nd September 2020

I’ve been a doctor for 21 years and now I work in the emergency department at Cramlington. Working on the...

Finding new ways to administer medications to care homes during COVID-19

17th September 2020

Our pharmacy technicians regularly conduct face-to-face reviews of medications for residents in care homes and also complete medications requests for...

Chief Executive Sir James Mackey talks about some of the developments from the past six months

15th September 2020

Since the start of the pandemic there’s never been as much focus or attention on health and care services across...

Kielder Marathon goes virtual to support our Bright Northumbria

9th September 2020

We’re thrilled to announce that a series of virtual Kielder Marathon races will take place including solo runs at distances...

Providing spiritual care in the NHS

25th August 2020

Chris Clinch is a full time NHS Chaplain working at Northumbria Healthcare and in this new blog he explains a...

Emma Emmerson explains how the often misunderstood issue of nutrition and dietetics is so important to the NHS

19th August 2020

As the public tuned into news bulletins and special reports during the pandemic, it became much more obvious to people...

The importance of kindness and respect

10th August 2020

Patrick talks about the importance of kindness and respect in supporting our staff to deliver the best possible care for...

Nurse Sian talks about her passion for elderly care and opens up about caring for Covid patients

10th August 2020

Sian User always wanted to be a nurse and at 18 years old fulfilled that ambition.   She’s now the...

Blyth Community Hospital receives donation

3rd August 2020

Blyth Community Hospital has received a generous donation from the town’s local Rotary Club....

Nurse Hayley’s thanks for care following cancer diagnosis

30th July 2020

Hayley Cadman, a community learning disability nurse within our Alnwick team, shares her experiences of being diagnosed ...

Support staff through Covid19

27th July 2020

While Covid19 has presented a huge challenge to the NHS and its workforce, Northumbria has been stepping up its determin...

North Tyneside Hospital’s café named after volunteer, Harry

21st July 2020

Harry was a hugely valued and admired member of our Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Volunteering Service. ...

Our NHS People thank those who have supported our trust

16th July 2020

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Photographers in the spotlight as images adorn new hospital hoardings

8th July 2020

Photographers from Berwick and the surrounding area now have their work displayed around where the town’s new multi-million-pound hospital is...

Joel completes mammoth 12-hour stationary bike challenge to support the NHS

1st May 2020

A huge well done and thank you to Joel Dooley who completed a gruelling 12-hour stationary bike ride and raised...

Thank you for supporting your local NHS

29th April 2020

Over recent weeks, since the Covid 19 crisis began, we have been quite overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of...

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched a JustGiving page to enable people to donate money to benefit its staff and patients across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

9th April 2020

Through the trust’s Bright charity, donations via the appeal ‘Standing By Northumbria’ will go towards supporting staff and volunteers’ health...

Run the Great North Run for Bright Northumbria

12th February 2020

Sunday 13 September 2020 There are two ways to run for Bright in the Great North Run: Charity place We...

£10,000 raised to support patients at Wansbeck General Hospital

7th February 2020

More than £10,000 has been raised to improve the experiences of patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer at Wansbeck General...

Remembering the history of the NHS

10th January 2020

Monday 27th January, 3-5.30pm The Exchange, Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE Northumbria Healthcare is inviting members of the public...

Sculpture celebrates those who give the gift of life

27th December 2019

A sculpture which celebrates people who have saved and transformed lives through organ donation has been unveiled at The Northumbria...

Friends run to raise funds for breast cancer patients at Wansbeck hospital

16th December 2019

A group of friends have raised nearly £2,000 by running this year’s Great North Run. Led by Gail Ballance, friends...

Berwick’s photographers in the frame for town’s new hospital

15th November 2019

Photographers from Berwick and the surrounding area are being given the opportunity to have their work displayed while the town’s...

North East Whisky Appreciation Society supports oncology unit

7th October 2019

Almost £400 has been raised to support patients at the oncology unit at Wansbeck General Hospital. The funds were raised...

Calendar Lads walk Hadrian’s Wall in latest charity challenge

17th September 2019

A group of hospital staff have completed their latest fund-raising challenge to help youngsters with additional learning...

Live choir performance at Hexham hospital to mark NHS’ birthday

25th June 2019

As part of this year’s NHS birthday celebrations, the Hexham Male Voice Choir will be performing at Hexham General Hospital...

The NHS Big Tea: Let’s raise a cuppa!

11th June 2019

We all love a slice of cake on our birthdays and beginning on 5th July and throughout the month, people...

Eglingham WI celebrates centenary year and raise £2,000 to support hospitals

22nd May 2019

To mark its centenary year, Eglingham WI spent 2018 raising funds for two hospital units in memory of former member...

Family raises funds for cancer care

28th March 2019

More than £2,000 has been raised to improve patients’ experiences at the oncology day unit at Wansbeck General Hospital. A...

Holly’s wildlife art exhibition unveiled at The Northumbria hospital

5th February 2019

A new exhibition featuring wildlife drawings has been unveiled in the x-ray department at The Northumbria hospital. Radiographer Holly Metcalf,...

Embroideries unveiled to celebrate 70 years of the NHS

10th January 2019

Two new embroideries have gone on display at Wansbeck General Hospital to celebrate 70 years of the NHS. More than...

Farne Islands inspire new hospital art exhibition

27th November 2018

Farne Islands inspire new hospital art exhibition...

Former musician Stanley’s hospital art exhibition aims to inspire others

27th November 2018

Paintings by a former musician who has recovered from a stroke have gone on display at Wansbeck General Hospital to...

Nicola puts best foot forward to thank Northumbria hospital staff

27th November 2018

Nicola puts best foot forward to thank Northumbria hospital staff ...

Donation to ward 10 at The Northumbria hospital

18th September 2018

Donation to ward 10 at The Northumbria hospital ...

Live music by Revival

21st August 2018

The Miners, Wallsend Saturday 1st September, doors open 7pm Tickets: £5 Local band Revival are holding a fundraising evening to...

Help to create a special embroidery to celebrate 70 years of the NHS

12th August 2018

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is inviting people to get involved in a new arts project. The trust is holding a...

Berwick League of Friends celebrate 40th anniversary

9th August 2018

Brenda Longstaff, Head of the Bright charity called in for a cuppa with Barbara Herdman at the Berwick League of...

Hospital exhibition for Blyth’s budding artists

25th July 2018

A new photographic exhibition featuring the work of budding artists of the future has been unveiled at Blyth Community Hospital....

Tanzanian medical student meets community knitters

16th July 2018

A medical student from Tanzania has met people in Northumberland who are involved in knitting garments for families in her...

Walking the wall for Bright

3rd May 2018

Thank you and good luck to Nicola Dobson who will soon be embarking on a challenge to walk the length...

Local artists’ work showcased at hospital exhibition

3rd May 2018

A new exhibition has been unveiled at Hexham General Hospital showcasing the work of local artists. Entitled ‘TOUCH’, Northumbria Healthcare...

Day 11 - The long journey home

8th March 2018

As with the nature of international work, all available time is utilised and the team spent their final morning applying...

Day 10 - Penultimate day

7th March 2018

Our penultimate day at KCMC provided all team members with a true sense of accomplishment, and the realisation that sadly...

Day 9 - Lights, camera, operate

6th March 2018

Having spent Monday evening reviewing 47 potential patients, Mr Horgan and Dr Kondo were able to determine 12 who were...

Day 8 - Launch day

5th March 2018

The 10th national laparoscopic course got underway today with over 50 medical professionals and students in attendance for all 3...

Day 6 & 7 - The weekend

4th March 2018

After a week of intense work, our team enjoyed a period of down time. This offered a chance to reflect...

Day 5 - Donations arrive

2nd March 2018

Mr Liam Horgan and Dr Kondo were invited by Moshi FM to discuss the Laparoscopic project and upcoming course; however,...

Day 4 - Making inroads

1st March 2018

The first day of the month signalled the beginning of the rainy season in Tanzania. The changing weather however did...

Day 3 - Problem solving

28th February 2018

The team awoke to the news consultant surgeon Liam Horgan had unfortunately missed his connecting flight in Dubai, as the...

Day 2 - First impressions

27th February 2018

After a night of well-deserved rest, the team arrived at the hospital bright and early to report for duty with...

Day 1 - Arrival in Tanzania

26th February 2018

After 16 hours of travel via Dubai  the team arrived in Tanzania, fresh faced and prepared for a fortnight of...

Pre visit - Expectations

22nd February 2018

Consultant surgeon Liam Horgan (pictured far right) discusses the upcoming visit to Tanzania.              ...

Pre visit - Preparations

16th February 2018

Preparations for an international visit begins almost a year before the team depart. From coordinating the visit with KCMC to...

Fundraising evening raises £500 for Oncology Unit at North Tyneside hospital

28th December 2017

A big thank you to Deborah Prior & Linda Seamark for their generous donation of £500 to our oncology unit...

Guides raise money for hospital garden

13th December 2017

A big thank you to the 5th Cullercoats Guides who have raised a fantastic £250 for the Oncology Day Unit...

Peter Smith, Critical Care Outreach Practitioner

27th October 2017

”Volunteering in Tanzania has taught me so much about the importance of team work and I am very proud to...

Mr Liam Horgan, Consultant Laparoscopic Surgeon

27th October 2017

"For the past 12 years one of my key achievements as a surgeon has been to reach out to colleagues...

Sue Thompson, Upper GI Specialist Nurse

27th October 2017

“Volunteering in KCMC gives me an incredible sense of achievement. I have worked in so many different teams there, including...

Arrived to the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro

26th October 2017

Arrived to the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro shrouded in cloud as the rainy season is finishing. The hospital is as...

On Monday the team travelled up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro

26th October 2017

On Monday the team travelled up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to visit two schools to teach first aid for...

Back on the surgical ward the team found that 10 more patients had arrived overnight

26th October 2017

Back on the surgical ward the team found that 10 more patients had arrived overnight, with more continuing to arrive...

Heavy rain came down throughout the night leaving the roads slippery with mud

26th October 2017

Heavy rain came down throughout the night leaving the roads slippery with mud. The team piled into a jeep for...

Football match raises over £4,000 for Wansbeck hospital’s Palliative Care Unit

21st July 2017

Wansbeck hospital’s Palliative Care Unit has been presented with a donation of over £4,000 after a family held a fundraising...

Celebrity darts match raises funds for special care baby unit

21st July 2017

  A warm thank you to everyone at the Isabella pub in Blyth who raised £675.75 from a charity darts...

New carers’ art exhibition unveiled at The Northumbria hospital

14th June 2017

A new exhibition has been unveiled at The Northumbria hospital showcasing the work of carers in Northumberland. Entitled ‘On Hold’,...

Lucy Robson

22nd April 2017

Sister, Ward 12 (respiratory), The Northumbria hospital https://vimeo.com/166208348 When The Northumbria hospital opened I wanted the opportunity to work in...

Sharon Harrison

22nd April 2017

Sister, coronary care and Ward 10 at The Northumbria hospital https://vimeo.com/166208346 My team is what I love most about working...

New art exhibition unveiled at Hexham General Hospital

5th April 2017

A new art exhibition featuring the work of artist Linda Marriott has been unveiled at Hexham hospital.  The paintings depict...

Good luck to our staff climbing Helvellyn, the third highest peak in England

22nd February 2017

We would like to wish Michael Porter and Beverly Cork a huge good luck for their fundraising challenge to climb...

York St John University students make art for The Northumbria hospital

20th February 2017

Photography students from York St John University have produced an installation for the mortuary area at The Northumbria hospital at...

Cullercoats Brownies help oncology unit

28th December 2016

A huge thank you to 4th Cullercoats Brownies for raising more than £600 for the oncology day unit at North...

Thank you for all of our Christmas performances

22nd December 2016

Thank you to all of the schools, choirs and volunteers who took part in our Christmas festivities this year, including: ...

Official opening for Northumbria hospital garden

16th December 2016

A new garden which has been built at The Northumbria hospital in Cramlington has been officially opened. The garden –...