South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Urology Department has gratefully received the funds through the STS Charity following the event last October. The charity is run by the Trust to support extras for staff and give patients a better experience during their hospital stay or visit.

Members of the Fans Museum and supporters of the walk with representatives of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Urology Department with the cheque to the STS Charity.

Members of the team joined football fans for the six-mile walk, which took supporters from the Fans Museum in North Bridge Street in Sunderland to Minchella Ice Cream Parlour in Whitburn.

Among them was Sunderland AFC legends Gary Bennett and Mick Harford, who have been treated following their own prostate cancer diagnosis.

Michael Ganley, who founded the Fans Museum, led the event as part of its ongoing work to raise awareness of the disease. The museum runs a host of projects to support people’s wellbeing, health and education.

Stuart McCracken, the Trust’s Clinical Director for Urology said: “This is an outstanding effort and we are delighted to receive such a generous donation to our STS Charity.

“This does fantastic work to support our colleagues, but also helps patients have a better experience when they come to us for care. This cash will be used by our team for just that.

“As a department, we are very proud to say we are one of the best in the country.

“We’re always looking at how to use new treatments and improve the lives and wellbeing of those we care for.

“In addition to raising welcome funds, this walk and all the conversations around it help people think about getting checked out if they have symptoms and that is vital in making sure diseases such as prostate cancer are found as early as possible.”

The walk was inspired by Ron’s Marches, which have been set up by Luton Town fan Ron Hedley. Ron, who lives in Buckinghamshire, also has the disease and has already raised more than £50,000 for the cause.

Michael said: “In addition to the money raised and the work it will support, it’s so important we increase awareness and get men to talk and to have those conversations.

“We have people asking us for prostate cancer badges all the time, which is amazing, and they want to wear it, maybe not because they’ve had their own diagnosis, but because they want to show their support and get people thinking about it.”

Gary said: “The funds are very important to the Trust to help support the work which they do.

“The event means a lot to me and the people to raise awareness and makes them aware of the support from the Trust.”

Maureen Summerill is the sister of Mick Harford gathered for the presentation of the funds alongside her husband Geoff.

She said: “The money is important, but for my brother, it’s about raising awareness.

“He’s said to me that he’ll never forget that when he was at Luton Town’s ground and in front of 10,000 people, he decided to tell them about his diagnosis.

“Putting it in the public domain helped people think about going to see someone if they thought they had prostate cancer and that’s so important.

“On more than one occasion people have gone up to him and said, ‘You saved my life’ and that’s just so humbling.”

In addition to the funds raised for the STS Charity, another £1,000 has been donated to the Bob Willis Fund, a charity set up in the name of a Sunderland-born cricketer who died of the disease in 2019.

To find out more about the STS Charity, visit its page of the Trust’s website here.

For information about prostate cancer, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and living with the disease, visit the NHS website here.

Details about the work and events run by the Fans Museum can be found through its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FansMuseum

Source: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/football-fans-walk-raise-funds-and-awareness-prostate-cancer-leads-1000-gift-nhs-charity

NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENCICB) wants you to share your thoughts on valproate and topiramate if you are currently taking or have previously taken these medicines.

These are medicines which can help with epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines (topiramate only).

NHS North East and North Cumbria would like to understand:

• If you felt like you understood the risks when you started taking valproate or topiramate
• How they can improve the way to prescribe them.

This survey is for people who live in North East England or North Cumbria. NENCICB would like to hear your views if you are:

• Aged 13 or over
• You are taking valproate
• You are taking topiramate and are female, trans-male or non-binary or assigned female at birth
• You have taken one of these medicines or are still taking them now
• You have thought about taking one of these medicines
• You care for someone who takes one of these medicines
• You are from an organisation which supports people who may take these medicines.

Share your experience of talking about these medicines if:

• You could get pregnant or could get someone pregnant and take valproate
• You could get pregnant and take topiramate.

Participants can complete as much or as little of the survey as they wish. If you choose to answer all questions, it will take approximately 15 minutes. The survey is anonymous, and no names are requested. It will remain open until February 28.

If you’re taking valproate, there is a risk of pregnancy, either by becoming pregnant yourself or by fathering a child.

Similarly, if you’re taking topiramate, pregnancy is a potential risk. These medications can be harmful if taken during pregnancy.

These medicines can harm a developing baby, leading to physical or learning disabilities, or both. It is crucial to use highly effective contraception while taking these medications, such as using two forms of birth control, to reduce the risk.

There are several people you can consult for advice about your medication, including your pharmacist, GP, doctor or nurse.

If you have any questions or need further help to complete the survey, please contact Jo Whaley, Involvement Lead, NHS North East and North Cumbria, at necsu.icb.involvement@nhs.net or or 0191 2172806.

Please complete the survey here or scan the QR code below.

Last week (w/e 29 Dec) there were an average of 4,469 patients with flu in hospital each day – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week last year – including 211 a day in critical care.

There were 4,102 patients in hospital with flu on Christmas Day, rising sharply by almost a quarter to 5,074 by Sunday 29 December. The new figures mean flu cases in hospital have quadrupled in a month (1,190 on 29 Nov).

There are warnings of continued pressure going into 2025, with amber cold health alerts for England issued by UKHSA as temperatures in the coming days are set to drop below freezing.

Hospitals are still experiencing pressure from a range of viruses, with an average of 723 patients with norovirus in hospital in the week ending 22 Dec, and 528 patients each day last week – although this has come down, it remains 40% higher than 378 the same week last year.

There was also an average of 74 children with RSV in hospital every day last week, up almost half on 50 for the same period in 2023, as well as an average of 1,184 beds occupied by patients with Covid.

The latest figures follow a warning by the NHS three weeks ago about low flu vaccine take-up rates that are still not at the levels we need to prevent further rises in admissions. Vaccine uptake currently stands at 37% for those in a clinical risk group.

While the national vaccination booking system has now closed, those eligible can still get protected by visiting a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or finding a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine.

Ahead of winter the NHS put in place measures to manage extra demand including upgraded 24 hour co-ordination centres, support for frequent users of A&E services, strengthening same day emergency care and providing more care in the community.

To prepare for an expected rise in winter pressure, the NHS had 1,301 more beds open last week than the same period last year (101,309 vs 100,008). There was an average of 648 more beds occupied each day compared to last year (90,200 vs 89,552).

Ahead of Christmas, NHS staff went above and beyond to discharge as many patients as possible who no longer needed to be there with 15,094 patients discharged on Christmas Eve, up more than 40% on the 10,495 discharges on average for the week before.

Further figures show the pressure on urgent and emergency services with a total of 98,118 ambulance handovers to hospitals last week, and 465,442 calls received by NHS 111.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.

“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.

“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.

“Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”

Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting said: “The tidal wave of flu this winter has seen more than three times as many patients in hospital compared with last year, putting huge pressures on the NHS.

“This government has ended the strikes so staff are on the frontline this winter rather than the picket line, introduced the new RSV vaccine, and put immediate extra investment into the NHS.

“But we have been honest from day one that the status quo isn’t good enough. We are investing in and reforming our NHS, and grasping the nettle of social care reform, to finally break out of the cycle of annual winter crises, because there is no solution to the crisis in the NHS that doesn’t involve a solution to the social care crisis.”

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/hospital-patients-with-flu-quadrupled-to-over-5000-ahead-of-new-year/

The major patient safety initiative aims to provide a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one’s condition deteriorates and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

Early data from participating hospital sites across England shows that there were at least 573 calls made to escalate concerns about a patient’s condition deteriorating in September and October, including from patients, their family, carers and NHS staff.

Around half (286/573) of these calls required a clinical review for acute deterioration, with around 1 in 5 (57/286) of the reviews leading to a change in the patient’s care – such as receiving potentially life-saving antibiotics, oxygen or other treatment – while remaining on their current wards.

In addition, in the first 2 months alone, 14 calls made via the new Martha’s Rule initiative resulted in a patient needing urgent transfer to an intensive care unit.

Anecdotally the NHS is aware of other patients having been moved to high dependency units, coronary care units and other environments, such as returning to operating theatres or radiology, for interventions.

Of the 573 calls in total, 86 (15%) were from patients, 436 (76%) were from family, carers or designated advocates, and 51 (9%) were from NHS staff.

The NHS announced in May 2024 that 143 hospital sites would test and roll out Martha’s Rule in its first year as part of the major patient safety initiative.

The scheme is named after Martha Mills, who died from sepsis aged 13 in 2021, having been treated at King’s College Hospital, London, due to a failure to escalate her to intensive care and after her family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to.

Merope Mills and Paul Laity, Martha’s parents, said: “We’re really pleased to see the immediate positive impact Martha’s Rule has made in the hospitals that have introduced it so far. It is our view that listening to the voices of patients and their families makes for the best and safest medicine.

“The early data suggests that Martha’s Rule isn’t being triggered inappropriately or overused. Were it to be implemented nationally, it would greatly improve care, help change the culture and save lives”.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: “The introduction of Martha’s Rule represents one of the most important changes to patient care in recent years, and we are really encouraged to see the impact it is already having for patients in this first phase.
“This early data highlights just how essential the Martha’s Rule escalation process will be for patients, families and staff, to help ensure those experiencing acute deterioration can be identified and treated at the earliest possible opportunity.

“With 1 in 5 clinical reviews triggered by Martha’s Rule so far leading to potentially life-saving changes in care, this early insight suggests the initiative is starting to have a transformative effect in improving patient safety further – we are so grateful to Martha’s parents, Merope and Paul, for their campaigning and continued collaboration to help the NHS save more lives”.

Martha’s Rule is to be made up of 3 components to ensure concerns about deterioration can be swiftly responded to:

1. An escalation process will be available 24/7 at all the 143 sites, advertised throughout the hospitals on posters and leaflets, enabling patients and families to contact a critical care outreach team that can swiftly assess a case and escalate care if necessary.
2. NHS staff will also have access to this same process if they have concerns about a patient’s condition.
3. Clinicians at participating hospitals will formally record daily insights and information about a patient’s health directly from their families, ensuring any concerning changes in behaviour or condition noticed by the people who know the patient best are considered by staff.

The initial target was to enrol at least 100 sites, but due to significant interest from frontline clinicians the programme was expanded, with the first phase of the programme being put in place at 143 locations across the country by March 2025.

Of the 143 hospital sites implementing Martha’s Rule in the first year, early data was returned by 136 sites, including 87 sites which have implemented an escalation process for patients and families so far, and 92 sites that have partially or fully implemented an escalation process for staff.
Evaluation of how the system works in these sites over the course of this year will inform proposals for Martha’s Rule to be expanded further across all acute hospitals, subject to future government funding.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “I thank Merope Mills and Paul Laity for their tireless campaign for Martha’s Rule: it is just a shame that it took such a heart breaking tragedy, and the bravery of Martha’s parents to speak out, for this change to be made.

“The roll-out of Martha’s Rule is already playing a role in building a safer NHS by putting patients and their families at the heart of discussions about their healthcare, and early indications are that it could have a transformative impact. This government is committed to making sure every patient is heard”.

Dr Aidan Fowler, NHS National Patient Safety Director and Senior Responsible Officer for the programme, said: “Thanks to the engagement and hard work of the 143 pilot sites, we are already seeing life-saving interventions from calls made under Martha’s Rule.

“In addition to providing a valuable failsafe to identify deterioration, this is increasing the sensitivity of our own monitoring as families and staff are very sensitive to changes in patients they know well”.

The introduction of Martha’s Rule comes alongside other measures to improve the identification of deterioration, including the rollout last November of a new early warning system for staff treating children.

The paediatric early warning system is built on similar processes already in place for adult, new born, and maternity services. Here clinicians are able to track potential deterioration by formally recording changes in vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and levels of consciousness, with different scores representing the level of concern.

This is all part of wider work to improve how the NHS uses data, better supports staff to manage deterioration, and see greater involvement from patients, families, and carers.

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/12/marthas-rule-already-saving-lives-in-nhs-hospitals/

Latest data shows over half a million vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 have now been booked in the last five weeks alone, with the NHS making a “last chance saloon” to pre-book a vaccine appointment.

This comes as NHS bosses warned of an earlier-than-usual wave of flu and seasonal viruses which has led to a 70% increase in flu cases in hospital across just 7 days, as the health service heads into winter busier than ever, with the latest data showing record A&E attendances and elective appointments.

When the online booking services close, it will be more challenging for many to protect themselves against this infection surge.

From 20 December, you will no longer be able to book winter vaccinations online or via NHS 119, however, you can still visit a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine, but you may have further to travel further.

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines help to protect those at greater risk against severe illness and hospitalisations.

Latest data shows NHS staff have delivered a staggering 28 million vaccinations so far.

Still, with the latest data for flu showing a 38% increase in hospital admissions and an 80% increase in ICU admissions, there is still concern of a “quad-demic” impacting services this winter.

You can still call 119 free of charge if you need help finding sites still offering winter vaccinations.

Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations and Screening at NHS England, said: “The NHS is heading into winter busier than ever before, and with a worrying, earlier-than-usual surge in seasonal viruses being seen, we’re now urging people to get vaccinated before it becomes less convenient on the 20 December.

“Vaccination is our best protection against the viruses that derail the things that we want to do, including starting our all-important New Year’s resolutions and seeing friends and family in the new year. It can also have a significant impact on our loved ones working in jobs that don’t provide sick pay.

“With just three days to go, we are now in the last chance saloon to book extra protection against ‘festive flu’ via the online service. It’s important to remember that after Thursday, you may have to travel quite a bit further to get jabbed, with appointments no longer in as convenient places like supermarkets or car parks.

“So, as our autumn vaccination programme closes, it’s important to come forward and get jabbed for yourselves and your loved ones.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Flu cases are putting a lot of pressure on the NHS, so it’s vital those eligible for the vaccine come forward to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“We’ve already seen around 28 million jabs delivered for flu, Covid and RSV, but we know there’s more to do.

“The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones is to get vaccinated – book your flu jab today and protect yourself over the festive season.”

Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “With rates of flu increasing and winter vaccine uptake not yet reaching the high levels we aim for in some groups, it is vital that those eligible take up the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines before Christmas.  Taking up the vaccine will prevent putting your seasonal plans in jeopardy – and more importantly, prevent the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.”

All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines and encouraged to protect themselves and those they care for.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from reception to year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from year 7 to year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants.

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/12/final-chance-to-book-jabs-to-avoid-festive-flu/

Emergency contact numbers

• Police, fire and rescue service and coast guard: 999
• NHS Choices: 111 (call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency)
• Covid Test Helpline: 119
• Electrical problems: 0800 011 3332 or 105
• Gas leaks: 0800 111 999
• Floods: 0345 988 1188
• Mental Health Initial Response Team: 0303 123 1145
• Police: 101
• South Tyneside Hospital: 0191 404 1000
• South Tyneside Council emergencies: Minor emergencies (for example repairs): Out of hours: 0191 455 6111; Social Care and Health 0191 456 2093
• Samaritans: 116 123
• South Tyneside Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service: 0191 283 2937
• South Tyneside Homes: 0300 123 6633 (If you need to report an emergency repair that is an immediate risk to people or a property it can be reported using this 24 hour contact number)
• Water leaks: 0800 393 084
• Age Concern South Tyneside: 0191 456 6903 (Open 27^th, 30^th & 31st December and 2^nd & 3^rd January 10am-3pm)
• Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support South Tyneside: 0191 427 5443
• Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Line: 0808 2787824
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Northumbria Victim & Witness Service: 0800 011 3116
• Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service: 0300 373 3332
• South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service: 0191 917 1160
• South Tyneside Sexual Health Service: 0191 402 8191
• The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90 (helpline for older people)
• Wellbeing Info: wellbeinginfo.org
• Action Fraud: 0300 1232040

Pharmacy opening times

You are advised to telephone the pharmacy prior to attending. If you require advice out of hours, please contact: 111. 

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25^th December)

•  10:00am – 1:00pm – Cohens Chemist, The Medical Centre Pharmacy, Gibson Court, Boldon Colliery, NE35 9AN, Tel: 0191 536 4789
•  10:00am – 1:00pm – D L Carter and Son Limited, Flagg Court Pharmacy, Flagg Court Health Centre, South Shields. NE33 2LX, Tel: 0191 456 5412
•  2:00pm – 5:00pm – Horsley Hill Pharmacy, 60 Horsley Hill Square, South Shields, NE34 6RF, Tel: 0191 455 2870

Boxing Day (Thursday 26^th December)

• 10:00am – 1:00pm – J Dinning (Jarrow) Limited, Mayfield Medical Centre, Park Road, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 5SE, Tel: 0191 489 7257 
• 10:00am – 1:00pm – Hogg Chemists Limited, 216-220 Westoe Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 3PW, Tel: 0191 456 0812 
• 2:00pm – 5:00pm – Well, 10 Prince Edward Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE34 8PS, Tel: 0191 456 4158

New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1^st January)

• 10:00am – 1:00pm – Boustead Pharmacy, 187 Albert Road, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, NE32 5AF, Tel: 0191 489 7477 
• 10:00am – 1:00pm – J M & W Darling Limited, 88 Dean Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 4AR, Tel: 0191 454 3841 
• 2:00pm – 5:00pm – Boldon Lane Pharmacy, 59 Boldon Lane, South Shields, Tyne & Wear NE34 0AR, Tel: 0191 455 3222

Food banks

• Hospitality and Hope on 0191 420 3336
• Hebburn Helps on 0191 489 9707
• Key to Life Foodbank on 07833 613393 (Closes on Tuesday 24^th December at 1pm, closed 25^th and 26^th December, open Friday 27^th& Monday 30^th Dec 11am-2pm, Tuesday 31st December 11am-1pm, reopen normal days and times Thursday 2^nd January 2025).
• Bede’s Helping Hands Food Bank: 0191 816 3021 (Closes on Tuesday 23^rd December at 12pm, reopens 6^th January 10am)
• Boldon Village Hall Food Bank:  0191 536 6977 (Closes on Friday 20^th December, reopens 6th January)

Restart Domestic abuse service

The Restart Integrated Domestic Abuse Service is South Tyneside’s specialist service offering support for everyone impacted by Domestic Abuse in South Tyneside. They can be contacted on 0800 254 5087 and their opening times over the festive period are:

• Tuesday 24th December: 9am – 1pm
• Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26^th December: Closed
• Friday 27^th and Monday 30^th December: 9am – 6pm
• Tuesday 31st December: 9am – 1pm
• Wednesday 1st January: Closed

Outside of these times please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24Hour) or in an emergency call 999.

A guide to help people get through the festive season has been published by the NHS North East and Cumbria and South Tyneside Council. Called ‘A Better U – The 12 Ways to Christmas’, the online brochure has tips and hints for those who may be alone or potentially vulnerable over the next couple of weeks. Download a copy here.