The James Cook University Hospital has become the first in the UK to host a residential course for future doctors from low-income backgrounds. The week-long programme taking place until Friday July 21 features live theatre lectures, practical workshops and the chance to speak to consultants from a range of specialties in a unique “speed dating” event.
A surgeon-led clinic for people with a neck lump and immediate access to CT scans are amongst the new developments at Teesside’s biggest hospital, which could help speed up the diagnosis of head and neck cancers. A wide variety of specialists including radiologists, pathologists, ear nose and throat specialists and the Oral MaxilloFacial specialists worked together on the potential solutions to provide access to quicker diagnosis and treatment during an innovative workshop at South Tees Institute of Learning, Research and Innovation (LRI), on The James Cook University Hospital site.
When he was diagnosed with the incurable, progressive neurological condition Parkinson’s Disease at the age of just 41, Simon Laverick, 47 “allowed himself a fortnight to cry”.
But now he believes the diagnosis was just part of a new chapter in his life. At the start of Parkinson’s Awareness Week, he shares his inspirational story in a bid to give hope to other sufferers – and say thank you to the Parkinson’s Advanced Symptom Unit (PASU) that has been a “lifeline”.
Patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) have praised a unique service providing complementary therapies – plus the opportunity to make new friends with others who have the condition. The Butterwick MND First Contact Group, brainchild of Anthony Hanratty, MND nurse specialist at The James Cook University Hospital, was highly commended in the Innovation in Primary Care category at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards, run by NHS Innovations North and the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and Cumbria.
A passionate team who care for some of the most vulnerable patients across South Tees have been rewarded for successfully turning a pilot project into a vital service – in just 10 months. Dedicated professionals from the Parkinson’s Advanced Symptoms Unit (PASU) – the first of its kind in the UK – picked up the ‘Managing Long Term Conditions’ gong at the Patient Safety Awards 2016.