Two projects supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria (ARC NENC) have been featured in the NIHR Annual Report 2025/26. SmartSocks: supporting earlier dementia detection The SmartSocks pilot is testing whether sensor-enabled socks can monitor sleep and walking patterns at home, helping to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome. Exploring drone: delivered defibrillators A second project examined public responses to defibrillators delivered by drone during simulated cardiac arrests. Participants supported the idea, while highlighting the need for clear guidance, confidence using the equipment and continued CPR support from ambulance call handlers. Research making a difference Both projects show how regional […]

The North East and North Cumbria Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub has published its August 2026 briefing, highlighting the free, confidential support available to anyone working in health or social care across the region. Demand for the service continues to grow. Between May and July, 755 staff contacted the Hub, including a record 288 referrals in July. The Hub still has capacity to support more people, with 99% of those providing feedback saying they felt listened to and supported, and 92% reporting that the service helped them remain in or return to work. Support when you need it The Hub offers timely appointments with experienced NHS clinicians, followed by […]

An innovative approach to cardiac monitoring is helping to support safer antipsychotic prescribing while improving the experience for patients and clinicians. Featured in the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) Innovation Library, this case study explores how AliveCor handheld ECG technology has been used to provide quick, accessible heart rhythm monitoring for people receiving antipsychotic medication.  By bringing ECG testing closer to patients, the initiative has helped to streamline care, reduce delays, and support clinical decision-making. The project demonstrates how digital innovation can improve patient safety while making assessments more convenient and efficient. It also highlights the value of integrating technology into routine clinical practice to enhance […]

Social prescribing for North East and North Cumbria offers personalised wellbeing support for NHS staff, helping colleagues access practical support to stay well, feel more connected, and manage challenges that may affect their health, wellbeing or work. The service is designed for colleagues who may be experiencing difficulties such as stress, isolation, financial worries, housing concerns, confidence issues, or challenges linked to work or ill health. Support is tailored to individual needs and can help colleagues connect with local services, community resources and wider wellbeing support. Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing can make a positive difference for both individuals and organisations. Social prescribing recognises that health and work can […]

Funded places for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism are available for health and social care staff across the North East and North Cumbria until the end of October 2026.   What is this training? Named after Oliver McGowan, whose preventable death highlighted the need for better training, it equips staff with practical skills to meet people’s needs and reduce health inequalities. It is mandated by NHS England and helps meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training. It has been co-produced by people with lived experience and helps staff provide safe, kind and inclusive care.   Why does it matter? Autistic people and […]

The Northern Cancer Alliance is asking cancer patients to share their experiences of how a cancer diagnosis has affected their work life, and what information or support was available to them. The feedback will help build a better understanding of the support patients may need at diagnosis, during treatment, when returning to work, and while managing the ongoing impact of cancer in the workplace. Individuals are encouraged to complete the anonymous survey and share their views. Complete the survey here: Work and Cancer Survey – Patient The survey is anonymous and will remain open until Friday 28 August.  

Cleveland Sexual Harms Network is offering a free, survivor-designed trauma-informed training session for GPs and primary care staff. Delivered by Survivor Sophie Olson and GP Dr Jonathon Tomlinson, the session will help colleagues feel more confident in identifying, responding to and supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse with compassion and professional judgement. Training details: Date: Thursday 17 September 2026 Time: 9.30am to 3.00pm Venue: ICB Boardroom, North Ormesby Health Village, TS3 6AL Cost: Free Suitable for: All primary care staff, with particular relevance for Practice and PCN Safeguarding Leads, GPs and anyone involved in patient care. Places are free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place today using […]

We’re asking for your help to share the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism with NHS colleagues, teams and networks across the North East and North Cumbria. Funded places are available until the end of October 2026. Please encourage staff to book and complete the training before then.   What is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training? The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the government’s preferred training for health and social care staff. It helps meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training and is mandated by NHS England. The training was developed following the preventable death of Oliver McGowan. Oliver’s […]

Dietitians at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) are helping to create a greener NHS through an innovative initiative that is reducing single-use plastics for families who rely on home enteral feeding. Marking Greener Allied Health Professionals Week earlier this year, we heard about how the project has brought together adult and paediatric dietitians, patients, carers and medical nutrition company Nutricia to reduce waste while maintaining safe and effective nutritional support. A key part of the initiative has been replacing single-use feeding containers with reusable Sterifeed bottles that can be used for up to a month. With support from dietitians, families have successfully made the switch, leading to […]

Colleagues across North East and North Cumbria are being invited to get involved in a new medicines safety programme focused on reducing harm for people with a learning disability. Delivered by the Patient Safety Collaborative (PSC) at Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, this programme aims to support people who may be at risk of behaviours that challenge, and who are prescribed psychotropic medicines in the absence of a serious mental illness. Following a system-wide scoping exercise in summer 2025, partners have now developed a draft action plan and are seeking organisations and teams to help bring this work to life through local projects.   About the programme The […]