Ahead of International Women’s Day, we are today recognising the inspiring women we’re proud to call colleagues at University Hospitals Tees.
We asked staff to put forward their ‘wonder woman’ – a remarkable colleague who has made a significant impact in our organisation and who represents dedication and heart. We were over the moon to receive more than 70 nominations from colleagues across our trusts.
All our wonder women were invited to a special ceremony held by our women’s staff network this afternoon to show our appreciation and gratitude.
Congratulations to each and every one of our wonder women across North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals. Listed in alphabetical order, here’s a little of what makes our wonder women so inspiring…
Our 2025 Wonder Women
- Alison Blackmore, trauma ward nutritionist at South Tees Hospitals – her “relationship with patients is next to none, and all patients adore her for what she provides – she is truly a wonder woman”
- Amanda Dobson and Kerry Camara, transition diabetes specialist nurses at North Tees and Hartlepool – “they are always available at the end of the phone for our patients and their families and provide invaluable encouragement from diabetes diagnosis until young people are ready to become independent”
- Amanda Roberts from the neurology day unit at South Tees Hospitals – a “bright patch of sunshine, her kindness, fun attitude and cuddles remind people that they are not alone”
- Amanda Smithson, pre-assessment lead sister for interventional radiology at South Tees Hospitals – has “streamlined the pre-assessment service, thus resulting in the day-case unit working at full capacity”
- Amy Oxley, deputy chief nurse at South Tees Hospitals – “always does her job with kindness and compassion and she is infectious with her enthusiasm to make the hospital a better place for our patients”
- Barbara Bull, iMSK physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – “deeply respected in the department, Barbara shows extraordinary strength, dedication, and passion in everything she does”
- Bev Day, Debbie McHugh and Jane Sirs, paediatric diabetes specialist nurses at North Tees and Hartlepool –have “worked tirelessly to keep the children and young people’s diabetes multidisciplinary team going since it was established in 2014”
- Chelsey Filby, iMSK physio admin team lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – “Chelsey consistently works to the highest standards, delivering exceptional results with remarkable efficiency, continually refining her skills and leadership abilities”
- Christina Hartley, head of occupational therapy at South Tees Hospitals – “incredible passionate about her role and the people that she spearheads”
- Clare Welford, children’s hub manager at South Tees Hospitals – with a “can do attitude, she is everything that nursing stands for and she upholds the NMC Code at all times”
- Denise Mace, senior clinical matron at North Tees and Hartlepool – she “is genuinely the most amazing boss and the whole team love working with her”
- Denise Mulligan, iMSK physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – “the embodiment of what we all strive to be in our professional and personal lives, Denise is always there for her colleagues, offering kindness, support, and guidance with a compassionate heart”
- Diane Matthews, iMSK lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – a “truly incredible leader, manager, clinician and human”
- Dorothy Ellis, volunteer at North Tees and Hartlepool – “one of those quiet ones who goes unseen or unrecognised but is absolutely amazing, Dorothy is in her 80s and has been a volunteer at the trust for numerous years”
- Faye Cutler, team lead for iMSK advanced assessment at North Tees and Hartlepool – “Faye’s ability to manage such a demanding workload while maintaining her high standards of patient care, leadership, and education is nothing short of remarkable”
- Fiona Mccluskey, ward manager at South Tees Hospitals – a “dedicated ward manager who goes above her duties for her ward and staff”
- Gill Everett, sister at North Tees and Hartlepool – she is “she is very hard working, supportive to her fellow nursing team gives good advice and encouragement”
- Hayley Carrick, senior clinical matron at North Tees and Hartlepool – “an amazing manager and a really thoughtful, compassionate person, Hayley is very innovative in her ideas and is keen to progress ideas quickly all in the benefit of patient safety”
- Helen Waller, health and wellbeing advisor at North Tees and Hartlepool – “extremely approachable, kind, thoughtful and really ensures that staff feel valued and supported – she is a star”
- Jen Wallbank from the employee relations team at North Tees and Hartlepool – for “her hard work and dedication, Jen is always smiling”
- Dr Jenny Ruiz, MSK consultant radiologist at South Tees Hospitals – “a woman who is always in high demand, Jenny is very approachable, greets you with a smile and is always happy to help you no matter how small or silly a question may seem”
- Jo Wilson, iMSK hand therapy physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – “not only does she excel in her professional role, but she also manages to juggle a part-time position, being an amazing mother, and contributing to two different teams with grace and dedication”
- Julia Frost, health and wellbeing senior advisor at South Tees Hospitals – “so passionate about her work and she truly is the driving force behind a lot of very positive change”
- Julie Collier and Francesca Haase, receptionists in Friarage urgent care at South Tees Hospitals – they “go above and beyond for the department for both patients and staff”
- Karen Howes, advanced fluoroscopy practitioner/radiographer at North Tees and Hartlepool – “despite being in constant and massive demand, she continues to be so lovely and patient with everyone”
- Karen Williams, ward clerk at South Tees Hospitals – the “brightest star in the room wherever she goes, she is kind, caring and compassionate as well as a good grafter”
- Kate Armitage, acute physician at North Tees and Hartlepool – a “constant inspiration, Kate is unfailingly fair minded, hardworking and positive even in the most adverse of challenges”
- Kath Tarn, head of outpatients at North Tees and Hartlepool – a “true ray of sunshine, Kath brings a unique blend of a laid-back yet enthusiastic personality to her work, creating an environment where people feel comfortable and motivated”
- • Kathy Pike, embryologist at South Tees Hospitals – an “extraordinary individual who puts her ‘work’ above all else, she has helped hundreds of patients fulfil their dreams by becoming parents”
- Laura Hallett, waste and sustainability manager at South Tees Hospitals – she is “is always working hard to improve sustainability, is very dedicated to her role, and is always going above and beyond”
- • Laura Stephenson, digital midwife at North Tees and Hartlepool – she “is constantly trying to improve the midwifery service and is an immense support to staff”
- Leah Brette, STRIVE training advisor at South Tees Hospitals – as the lead for the ‘childless not by choice’ network, Leah “supports colleagues when times are difficult for them, she helps them to see the light when there is just dark and she gives them hope and inspiration”
- Lesley Wallace from the Hartlepool outpatients team at North Tees and Hartlepool – “a valued member of the outpatient team UHH, she helps train new starters to the department very well professionally and thoroughly to meet their competencies”
- Lisa Hodgson, specialist nurse at South Tees Hospitals – “patients love her, her colleagues are better people for knowing her and the rapid diagnostic centre would not be what it is without her”
- Lucie Littlewood, quality improvement administrator at North Tees and Hartlepool – “driven, positive, inspiring and supportive”
- Lynn Morgan, community nursing lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – with “a head full of ideas, she works hard to make sure every staff member who comes in contact with her is listened to and goes out of her way to support every one”
- Mandy Connor, cleaner with Serco at South Tees Hospitals – her “work is amazing she goes over and beyond what a cleaner should do”
- Mandy Leach, pharmacy assistant at South Tees Hospitals – “hard working, conscientious, empathetic and driven, she is always bringing new ideas to the team to help improve patient care”
- Marie Presgrave, acting manager in the diabetes service at South Tees Hospitals – “provides ongoing education to ward staff to promote patient safety around diabetes care and also comes to work with a smile on her face every day, motivating the team”
- Maureen Tiernan, senior clinical educator at South Tees Hospitals – an “absolute wonder with the knowledge she holds and what she is able to share, her remarkable contributions, resilience, and dedication make her a truly deserving nominee”
- Michelle Allison, administration and service lead for collaborative care at North Tees and Hartlepool – “strives to help everyone to excel to give the best to each of their differing roles, spending time to teach new skills and expand their knowledge”
- Michelle Watson, associate chief operating officer at South Tees Hospitals – the “ultimate leader, she inspires her team to innovate and push boundaries at every opportunity”
- Natalie Whitwham, specialist nurse in palliative care at South Tees Hospitals – she “does a tremendous job, successfully creating the early palliative intervention care team in the Hambleton and Richmondshire area”
- Natasha McManus, pelvic health physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – a “true advocate for women’s health, deeply passionate about providing the highest level of care for her patients”
- Nic Hern, iMSK hand therapy physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – her “dedication to both her career and personal goals showcases her determination, resilience, and ability to inspire those around her”
- Nicola Grieves, head of nursing at North Tees and Hartlepool – “a very exceptional woman, she has developed one of the best urgent treatment models in the UK”
- Nicola Withers, secretary and team leader in oral surgery at South Tees Hospitals – “always has time to listen and puts smiles on faces”
- Penny Heggarty, specialist services team lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – her “bright light and infectious enthusiasm brighten up everyone’s day and no matter what role she takes on, Penny excels in everything she does”
- • Rachel Roberts from virology at South Tees Hospitals – “helps out on all benches and goes above and beyond to help clear the work load to take pressure off others”
- Rebecca Phillips, nurse practitioner in elderly care at North Tees and Hartlepool – an “absolute asset to the team and her attitude and ‘can-do’ mentality and laser like focus on patient care have made her quite literally invaluable and irreplaceable”
- Ruby Atkinson, ward clerk on ward 24 at South Tees Hospitals – a “kind, happy, honest and caring member of the ward team who amazes us everyday with her confidence”
- Sam Raistrick – iMSK team lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – “a fantastic leader, she inspires and supports her team to achieve great things”
- Sarah Carr, iMSK hand therapy physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – “approaches everything with calmness, grace, and a can-do attitude”
- Sarah Husband from the single point of access team at North Tees and Hartlepool – the “cement that keeps the department together, everyone who has been lucky to work with her would agree how much of an outstanding job she does every single day”
- Sarah Larkin, iMSK physio at North Tees and Hartlepool – “not only a dedicated and hard-working professional but also cares deeply for the team and takes proactive steps to ensure everyone’s wellbeing is a priority”
- Sharon Bell, iMSK clinical lead at North Tees and Hartlepool – a “fantastic leader and role model to all, Sharon consistently demonstrates the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient care”
- Sharon Ollivier, EDI lead at South Tees Hospitals – “candid and kind, Sharon is passionate about inclusivity and strives to ensure staff feel seen and heard”
- South Tees staff network leads Alison Kerr, Dana Walker-Weerasinge, Gita Bhanvra, Helen Keen, Leah Brette, Lisa Opala. Summya Hussain and Uzma Anwar – “fierce and proud, not only do these remarkable women work incredibly hard in their day-to-day roles, they also create safe spaces for all colleagues, embodying compassion, strong values, and exceptional leadership”
- Stephanie Davis, clinical matron for cardiology at South Tees Hospitals – her “understanding, empathy, dedication, and drive to support people with mental health needs has been inspirational”
- Dr Vandana Jeebun, consultant at North Tees and Hartlepool – “incredibly driven, passionate and proactive and is an advocate for improving cancer care and patient outcomes”
- Vic Cardona, head of patient flow at North Tees and Hartlepool – “extremely dynamic, forward thinking and responsive to challenge, her approach to work, embracing of change and the ‘hard to do’ stuff is inspiring”
- Zoe Booth, lead nurse for specialist palliative care at North Tees and Hartlepool – her “passion and enthusiasm is boundless, she has transformed our service and she really is a wonder woman with an invisible cape”