Brought to you by Boost in collaboration with North Cumbria Knowledge and Library Service, this LUNCH & LEARN session on 16 July 2026 saw Hamdi Hamzah (Research & Evaluation Officer) deliver a presentation on ‘What Mobilising WorkWell Taught Us: Practical Lessons for Strategic Commissioning’. This session explored how the Research & Evaluation team in North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) captured WorkWell programme learning by using qualitative research methodologies involving relevant Neighbourhood Health teams (previously known as Local Delivery Teams). As part of the NHS WorkWell service in our region, NENC ICB aims to support more than 2,000 people in our region to stay well and […]
July 17, 2026
This Connect & Learn session on 14 July 2026 saw colleagues from across the North East and North Cumbria come together to explore ‘Increasing Referrals to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)’. Our Connect & Learns are a series of online learning events, planned with the purpose of sharing and spreading improvement work across the North East and North Cumbria health and care system. This session provided an overview of the NDPP, and explored how primary care colleagues can maximise its impact across their populations. Participants gained insight into the referral and patient onboarding process, helping to build confidence in identifying and supporting eligible patients. The session also showcased a […]
July 15, 2026
This Connect & Learn session on 1 July 2026 saw colleagues from across the North East and North Cumbria come together to explore ‘Leading system-level change – what next for our community?’. Our Connect & Learns are a series of online learning events, planned with the purpose of sharing and spreading improvement work across the North East and North Cumbria health and care system. A new report from the Northern Triangle explores the real-world challenge of leading change across health and care systems – where solutions lie beyond the control of any single organisation. Rather than offering a simple framework, the research provides a powerful reflection of the lived experience […]
July 3, 2026
Reaching people where they are is a key part of delivering more accessible, proactive health and care. Across North East and North Cumbria, innovative approaches are helping to connect with communities who may not otherwise engage with traditional services. One powerful example of this in practice is Monty, Newcastle GP Services’ community health bus. Bringing care closer to people Monty is a purpose-built mobile clinic staffed by experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. It delivers a range of essential health and care services directly into communities, focusing on areas where need is greatest. Services include: Health checks Cervical screening Blood pressure monitoring Vaccinations Smoking cessation support Diabetes screening By bringing […]
June 19, 2026
Across North East and North Cumbria, there is growing recognition that food waste and food insecurity are closely linked challenges that require coordinated, system-wide approaches. Recent research and improvement work across the region highlights how combining insight with practical action can help address both. Understanding the role of social supermarkets Research supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria shows how social supermarkets are helping communities access affordable food while reducing surplus food waste. These models provide a more dignified, choice-based alternative to emergency food aid, enabling people to select their own food while reducing stigma. However, the research also highlights an important limitation: […]
A newly published impact report from Helpforce showcases the growing role of volunteering in supporting patients, staff and services across the NHS and local communities. Helpforce, a commissioned partner supporting the Health and Growth Accelerator agenda across North East and North Cumbria, has shared evidence demonstrating how volunteering can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing health and care systems. Delivering measurable impact The report highlights how strategically designed and well-integrated volunteering programmes are delivering tangible benefits in a range of settings. Examples include: Improved patient flow and productivity, with volunteers completing key tasks to support frontline teams Significant cost efficiencies, with community-based models reducing demand on […]
June 12, 2026
A new case study from Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) highlights how a simple digital solution is improving rota planning for resident doctors – saving time, reducing administrative burden, and supporting safer staffing. Developed at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the electronic changeover form replaces a paper-based process that was often time-consuming, incomplete and difficult to manage. The new web-based system enables anaesthetic trainees and rota teams to submit and process information more quickly and accurately, improving the overall efficiency of rota production. The solution supports better workforce planning by capturing clearer information about availability, working patterns and training needs. This helps ensure rotas are […]
May 22, 2026
Brought to you by Boost in collaboration with North Cumbria Knowledge and Library Service, this LUNCH & LEARN session on 29 April 2026 saw Lisa Jones (Assistant Director for Integrated Commissioning, Sunderland City Council) deliver a presentation on ‘Learning from failure, before it happens: the Sunderland approach’. This session explored how Sunderland City Council used a whole‑system pre‑mortem to stress‑test their neighbourhood health programme before implementation. Instead of asking what might go wrong, the team intentionally imagined the programme had already failed – and worked backwards to uncover the real risks, blind spots, and assumptions that could derail success. Lisa shared why this proactive approach was chosen, how it helped […]
May 1, 2026
University Hospitals Tees (UHT) has developed Anatostat, a clinically led innovation using bespoke 3D anatomical models to support complex orthopaedic surgical planning, training and patient communication. By converting 2D CT scans into precise, life‑size 3D models, Anatostat enables surgeons to rehearse procedures in advance, select the right implants with greater confidence and reduce uncertainty during surgery. The service aligns with NHS priorities around quality, safety, efficiency and sustainability and is now used as standard practice for complex cases at UHT, as well as by orthopaedic teams across England. Since launch, over 100 anatomic models have been produced. Independent evaluation has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes, significant time savings in theatre, and […]
April 24, 2026
A powerful new resource has been developed to support people with learning disabilities across North Cumbria to have more open, informed conversations about death, dying and bereavement. Created through strong partnership working, the Death, Dying and Bereavement Resource Pack brings together easy‑read materials and practical activities designed to support individuals, families and professionals when navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. The pack aims to enable compassionate, accessible and person‑centred conversations, ensuring that people with learning disabilities are better supported to understand and express their wishes, feelings and experiences. A collaborative, co‑produced approach The resource has been co‑produced with more than 25 partners and led by Eden Valley Hospice, […]
