South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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/

07/06/2026

Cutting down the sugar in your diet is an easy way to protect your teeth and gums
from decay and disease.

During Smile Month, try these simple swaps:

🍹No added sugar squash with sparkling water instead of fizzy drinks
☕ Sweetener in hot drinks instead of sugar
🍏Fruits instead of biscuits
🍊Plain, natural yoghurt with fruits or berries for sweetness instead of low-fat yoghurt

For more tips: www.dentalhealth.org/better-oral-health

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

As Dietitians Week comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to all our dietitians working across University Hospitals Tees.

Dietitians are expert health professionals working across the NHS who translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and advise people on their food and nutrition choices.

Our team of dietitians listen, support and guide patients with empathy, while delivering practical, evidence-based care across diverse clinical areas.

The theme for Dietitians Week 2026, “More Than Just a Job”, reflects a career that is a true vocation – grounded in empathy, science, and service.

Thank you to all our dietetic staff for everything you do to support our patients.

Here are a few snapshots from the events they held this week.

03/06/2026

Thank you to our patients and communities for your continued support during the recent storms that affected our site at University Hospital of North Tees.

Please continue to attend appointments as scheduled if you are not contacted and advised otherwise.

We are working to ensure that all of our impacted patients are supported with alternative arrangements as soon as possible.

03/06/2026

"I would recommend anyone thinking about going for vitreo surgery at the Friarage to just do it – the team will really look after you."

More than 80 patients have now received life-changing eye surgery thanks to a new service at the Friarage Surgical Centre.

Launched in October 2025, the vitreo-retinal service covers a broad range of conditions affecting vision like retinal detachment, macular holes and complications from diabetic eye disease.

This was made possible after Friends of the Friarage raised more than £200,000 in donations for the installation of new surgical equipment.

Software engineer Andrew McDonald was the first patient to undergo the life-changing surgery and now eight months on, his vision is improving steadily and his quality of life is transformed.

Read the full story on our website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/news/new-hospital-eye-service-brings-care-closer-to-home-for-north-yorkshire-patients/

01/06/2026

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.

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

01/06/2026

It’s National Volunteers’ Week and we are proudly celebrating the extraordinary contribution of more than 600 volunteers who support patients and staff across North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, compassion and dedication our volunteers give so generously.

Their efforts make a lasting difference to the experience of our patients and their families every single day.

One volunteer said, “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to give something back and support patients during what can be a difficult time. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s day.”

Volunteers play a vital role across our hospitals – including warmly 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.

Their kindness and commitment are truly valued and deeply appreciated by everyone they support.

Thank you to all our brilliant volunteers.

www.southtees.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/volunteer

31/05/2026

Today is ***coDay

To***co and ni****ne companies deliberately design their products to hook you.

Sugars, flavours, and cooling agents all mask the harshness of ni****ne so you inhale more, and get addicted faster.

But the grip of addiction can be broken. And the benefits are felt almost immediately:

⏱️ In 20 minutes, your heart rate drops

🫁 2–12 weeks, your lung function improves
❤️ In 1 year, heart disease risk is cut in half

Take the next step, break the addiction. Help is available at: https://www.publichealthsouthtees.co.uk/stop-smoking or https://nyhorizons.org.uk/get-help/living-well-smokefree/

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.