County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is transforming staff education through innovative learning methods, including virtual reality (VR), gamification and immersive simulation experiences. Designed to make learning more engaging and memorable, these approaches help staff build confidence, develop skills and apply learning in realistic scenarios. By moving beyond traditional training methods, CDDFT is creating interactive experiences that support workforce development and ultimately improve patient care. The initiative demonstrates how technology and creativity can enhance learning, increase participation and help healthcare professionals retain knowledge more effectively. It also highlights the potential for innovative education techniques to support a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce. This inspiring example will be of […]
Women with poor access to financial, educational, and social and health resources engage less with health and care services throughout their pregnancy. This is due to a range of reasons such as social stressors, low health literacy, digital exclusion, lack of support, language barriers, transport difficulties, and stigma and judgement from healthcare professionals. Research led by the NIHR School for Public Health Research and supported by the NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria examined these barriers, and the work has led to the development of new toolkits to support improvement of care. The toolkits aim to help policy makers and practitioners implement actionable changes to service delivery, to help […]
A sustainability initiative from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has received regional recognition at the NHS Excellence Awards. The reusable theatre hats project was introduced to reduce the use of disposable surgical caps in operating theatres, helping to cut waste, lower costs and support the NHS commitment to a greener future. The initiative demonstrates how simple, practical changes can make a significant difference to environmental sustainability while engaging staff in positive action. The project has been praised for its innovative approach and highlights how frontline teams can lead improvements that benefit both healthcare services and the environment. For organisations looking to reduce their environmental impact, this award-winning […]
Health and care professionals from across North East and North Cumbria recently came together for the relaunch of Deciding Right and the introduction of new digital palliative and end of life care planning templates. The event highlighted the continued commitment to ensuring people’s wishes, values and priorities remain at the centre of care. The refreshed Deciding Right suite includes updated advance care planning documentation, the introduction of a Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP), and new unified digital templates for palliative and end of life care planning within EMIS and SystmOne. Attendees heard about the history of Deciding Right, changes to DNACPR processes, developments in community care and new educational resources to […]
Leaving Intensive Care (ICU) is a significant milestone, but for many patients, recovery is far from straightforward. The transition from ICU to the ward, and then back home, is often described as the most challenging part of the journey. Many people experience a range of physical and emotional challenges during this time, including feeling “dropped” after leaving ICU, struggling to understand what happened during their stay, and a loss of confidence and independence. Emotional distress and ongoing fatigue are also common. Research from ICUsteps highlights that survivors can feel abandoned after discharge and often struggle to access coordinated support in the community. This free online forum, hosted by VONNE (Voluntary […]
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 […]
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 […]
Brought to you by Boost in collaboration with North Cumbria Knowledge and Library Service, this LUNCH & LEARN session on 18 March 2026 saw Kaye Walsh (Lead Nurse, Congenital Heart Disease Network) deliver a presentation on ‘Heart to heart: Co-production of a peer support resource for young people living with CHD’. Living with a long term health condition is challenging, and for young people navigating transition into adulthood this can be particularly difficult. Young people look for others with lived experience to help them navigate the turbulence of their condition and the impact it has on their everyday life. In this session, we heard about a group of young people, […]
Delivering high‑quality care while reducing environmental impact is a growing priority across health and care systems. The Sustainability Opportunity Model brings together real examples of how sustainability‑led change can improve patient care, deliver cashable savings and reduce carbon emissions at the same time. This resource shares a set of slides developed Peter Lillie (NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB Sustainability Lead), presenting practical case studies from across the region. The slides are designed to support system leaders, executive teams and improvement leads to explore how sustainability initiatives can be delivered at pace, with clear benefits for services and populations. What the Sustainability Opportunity Model shows The slides highlight how […]
An innovative NHS‑led Student Academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool is strengthening physiotherapy education through practical, supported learning in real clinical settings. Led by the integrated musculoskeletal (iMSK) physiotherapy team, the programme creates a safe environment for students to apply theory to practice, build confidence and develop clinical judgement early in their careers. Since launching in August 2024, 76 physiotherapy students have taken part across 13 cohorts. Students run supervised clinics for non‑complex cases, gaining valuable one‑to‑one patient experience while being supported by experienced chartered physiotherapists. Feedback highlights the benefits of increased autonomy, reflective learning and feeling embedded as part of a multidisciplinary team. The programme has continued to […]
