North Cumbria Integrated Care

30/08/2026

We hope you all have a great, but safe bank holiday this weekend.

We’re here for you if you need us but please do consider whether another service would be more appropriate for your condition.

If it’s not life-threatening, you could consider speak to your pharmacist, going to an Urgent Treatment Centre, or booking an appointment with your GP when they reopen.

If you do come to A&E and your condition isn’t life-threatening, you may wait a while.

Please remember our staff are caring for people who are very unwell and treat them with kindness and respect.

29/08/2026

Great chance to join a new prehabilitation and rehabilitation group. The next session is on Tuesday. Find out more 👇

27/08/2026

Bank holiday weekends are busy for NHS services, so if you take regular medication, now is the time to check you have enough.

Order any repeat prescriptions early and collect them before your GP practice closes for the long weekend.

Some pharmacies will remain open on the bank holiday too, and you can find them by using the NHS Find a Pharmacy tool.

Have a safe bank holiday!

27/08/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr Shareef Hashem, Consultant Radiologist died last month following a short illness.

Dr Hashem has been a valued doctor within our radiology service for the last eight years and his loss is felt deeply by colleagues across NCIC.

His colleague Mr Paul Counter ENT surgeon said, “We were deeply saddened by the unexpected death of our radiology colleague following a short illness. To lose a colleague at such a young age is always difficult.

“He was a quiet and thoughtful person who went about his work without seeking attention or recognition. However, those who worked with him knew he was always willing to help. He was generous with his time, approachable when advice was needed and committed to providing the best possible service for his patients.

“Within Head and Neck radiology, he showed a real desire to continue learning and developing his practice. He welcomed discussion, was interested in challenging cases and was always prepared to build upon his knowledge and experience. His willingness to learn, combined with his modesty and professionalism, made him a valued colleague.

“The NHS relies enormously on people like him: people who quietly bring skill, kindness and commitment to their work every day, often without realising just how much their work means to their patients and colleagues.”

Dr Adrian Clements, Executive Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive said, “Dr Hashem was highly valued colleague, unassuming and a real unsung hero and many patients and colleagues benefitted from his expertise. His loss is being felt across the organisation, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”

Thank you for your service Dr Hashem 💙

26/08/2026

9 out of 10 inpatients in north Cumbria have confidence in the doctors and nurses treating them 💙

Today the results of the National Inpatient Survey 2025 were published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Adults who were inpatients at one of NCIC two acute hospitals (The Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven), and were discharged in November 2025, were surveyed about their experiences. 518 people completed the survey, a response rate of 44%.

Our results were in line with trusts across the country, with no areas below average. In addition, NCIC scored ‘better than expected’ compared to other trusts in two areas:
• Cultural needs – hospital staff took into account their individual cultural needs (94%)
• Religious needs – hospital staff took into account their individual religious needs (93%)

Other areas we are pleased to note are:
• 9 out of 10 patients (91.9%) said they had confidence in the Trust and the nurses treating them, an increase on last year
• Almost 9 out of 10 patients (89.3%) said they had confidence in the Trust and the doctors treating them, an increase on last year
• 9 out 10 patients (91.5%) said they were treated with kindness and compassion and 91.7% said they were treated with dignity and respect.

Dr Gill Findley, Chief Nurse at NCIC, said:

"It is extremely encouraging to see that the majority of our patients have confidence in our health professionals, and were treated with kindness, dignity, respect, and compassion as we would expect. I am also pleased that we scored highly around respecting people’s cultural and religious needs as it is so important to treat all patients as individuals and take note of the what matters most to them while they are in hospital.

“We know that these results perhaps don’t reflect everyone’s experiences in our care and if anyone has concerns I encourage them to contact us via our Patient Advice & Liaison service.”

We know there are some key areas we need to make improvement too and we have acknowledged these in the full article on our website: ncic.nhs.uk/news/9-out-10-inpatients-north-cumbria-have-confidence-doctors-and-nurses-treating-them

25/08/2026

Well done to our very first Radiography apprentice, Amy Beckwith, who recently qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer.

Amy began her career within as a Apprentice Radiography Assistant Practitioner. While working alongside experienced colleagues, Amy discovered a passion for patient care, which inspired her to pursue a professional qualification through the apprenticeship route.

The Radiography Degree Apprenticeship enabled Amy to carry on working whilst she learned, combining academic study with practical, hands-on experience in clinical settings.

Amy said: "Working as a Radiography Assistant gave me a real insight into the profession and helped me realise that this was the career I wanted to pursue. The apprenticeship offered the perfect opportunity because I could continue working while studying for my degree. I split my week between college and the hospital which also fit around family life, something which was really important to me."

"One of the biggest benefits was being able to put what I was learning into practice straight away. Every day presented new opportunities to learn and build confidence. I was able to gain invaluable hands-on experience while being supported by colleagues around me."

Amy credits the support of her team and mentors for helping her complete the programme successfully:

"The support from my colleagues was incredible. Whenever I needed advice or guidance, there was always someone willing to help. Being part of such an experienced team made a huge difference and helped me develop both professionally and personally."

The apprenticeship route is playing an increasingly important role in developing the future NHS workforce by creating new pathways into healthcare careers and helping to address workforce challenges.

Amy added: "I'm proud to be the first person to graduate through the programme and hope it encourages others to consider this route. It's been challenging at times, but it's been incredibly rewarding and has given me a career that I love."

Well done Amy!

22/08/2026

Our To***co Dependency Team shortlisted for a national award

Did you know that if you’re an inpatient who smokes, we can offer you support.

To***co Dependency Treatment can help improve your recovery whilst in hospital and after you leave.

When you arrive in hospital you will be asked a few questions about whether or not you smoke, what you smoke and how often, so we can understand how best to manage your to***co dependency.

A To***co Dependency Treatment Advisor will then work with you to develop your own treatment plan, offering you advice and support as part of your care. Ni****ne replacement products such as patches, lozenges and inhalators are highly effective and will help with any cravings during your hospital stay.

On the day you leave hospital, you will be provided with two weeks’ supply of ni****ne replacement products to support your recovery.

Well done to the team 👏🏼

21/08/2026

You're invited to our Annual General Meeting: Transforming healthcare in North Cumbria 📆

We're inviting you to discuss how closer integration, new ways of working and digital innovation can help us deliver care closer to home for our patients.

It will take place on Monday 12th October from 5:30pm at the Cumberland Infirmary 🏥

With keynote presentations from leading figures from across the sector and interactive workshops, our event will be an important opportunity to consider how healthcare is evolving in North Cumbria.

Whether you are a patient, practitioner or member of the Trust we hope you can join us and share your views in this important conversation about the future of healthcare in our region.

Limited places available, book your free ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transforming-healthcare-in-north-cumbria-tickets-1991756625684?

Come to our AGM and explore how we are transforming healthcare across North Cumbria!

19/08/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr Michael Rusman, GP in the Community Hospitals at Workington and Cockermouth, has died suddenly while walking in the Lake District.

Michael was a valued member of the ward teams in Cockermouth and Workington, having worked for the trust since 2019. Before joining the trust, he had been a GP in Workington for many years and was a partner at James Street Practice.

Outside of work, Michael was a keen walker and played the trumpet in a local orchestra. He was devoted to his family, a much- loved husband, Dad, brother and proud grandad, who brought warmth and kindness to those around him.

Andrea Hendren, Quality Matron, said:
“The sudden passing of Dr Rusman has left a huge void in many of our lives. Michael's wife, Helen, works as Ward Manager on Copeland Unit. Together they were a familiar sight at social events, where Michael was often the designated driver, ensuring colleagues got home safely after an evening together.

“He was also a talented and enthusiastic baker, with many colleagues in the community hospitals enjoying his homemade cakes over the years. Whether it was for a birthday, a colleague leaving, or simply because he was trying out a new recipe, Michael was always happy to share his baking with others.

“Our thoughts are with Helen, Evie, Katie and the wider family at this difficult time."

Dr Craig Melrose, Clinical Director for Community Hospitals, said:
"Michael was a valued member of the Community Hospital Medical Team and was always willing to help whenever we needed him to support patients on our wards. I know he will be missed as a colleague and as a friend by those of us who were lucky enough to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Michael will be remembered not only for his dedication to patients and colleagues, but also for his kindness, generosity and friendship. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.

Michael’s family would like to invite anyone who wishes to join them at the funeral service at Disington Hall Crematorium, on Thursday the 20th at 11.30am.

18/08/2026

Request repeat prescriptions, manage appointments, find trusted health information and more in the NHS App.

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to see your test results, appointment notes and messages about your care.

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/