County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

🎓 Congratulations to the Choices College Class of 2025 🌟 On Wednesday 16 July, we were delighted to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Choices College students. Choices College is a specialist further education provider supporting young adults aged 16–24 with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism. Over the last academic year: 🔹 10 students joined the programme 🔹 8 expressed a strong interest in future NHS careers 🔹 Placements included MRI Reception, CPU, Hollies, Linen Services, Domestic Services, Ward Hostess roles, Portering and Outpatients Reception 🔹 New placement areas this year included MRI and Outpatients Reception We’re thrilled that two students have already gained bank contracts with the Trust – one with Hollies and another with the Domestic Services team. Since 2017, CDDFT has proudly partnered with Choices College to offer supported internships and create meaningful pathways into employment. 👏 A huge well done to all of our graduates for their hard work, growth and resilience. Your achievements are inspiring, and we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. 🙏 Thank you to all the CDDFT teams who welcomed, supported and encouraged our students throughout their placements. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Choices College and welcoming the next cohort of students soon. 💙 #NHSCareers #SupportedInternships #NHS10YearPlan

🎉 Happy Retirement, Andrea King! 🎉 The teams in Oral Surgery, Ear Nose and Throat, and Outpatients at Darlington Memorial Hospital would like to wish Andrea King a truly wonderful and well-deserved retirement. Andrea has dedicated an incredible 46 years to County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, starting her journey as a student nurse in 1979. Over the years, she has become a much-loved and respected colleague - especially within the Oral Surgery team, where she worked as a Sister. Known for her kindness, knowledge, and commitment to patient care, Andrea has been a mentor and role model to many. While we’ll miss her greatly, we’re so excited to hear about her retirement adventures in the campervan with her husband, dog, and grandchildren - including a new arrival on the way. Thank you, Andrea, for everything you've given over the years. Wishing you all the very best in this next chapter. 💐💙

Nothing short of outstanding 💙 Well done to colleagues from the Medical Physics Department at University Hospital of North Durham who received a lovely message of thanks from a grateful patient’s family. #ThankfulThursday

🎉 Learner and Educator of the Month 🎉 Each month, our Practice Education Team recognises individuals across the Trust who go above and beyond in their commitment to learning and education. This month, we're proud to celebrate: 🌟 Erica Salasova – Learner of the Month Erica has demonstrated excellence in practice, showing a steadfast commitment to her professional growth. Her dedication to developing both knowledge and confidence reflects the highest standards of learning and truly embodies CDDFT’s core values. 🌟 Victoria Mason – Educator of the Month Victoria’s exceptional coaching and commitment to best practices have made a lasting impact. She has nurtured growth and confidence in her learner, all while showing outstanding kindness and compassion. 👏 Congratulations Erica and Victoria – and thank you for inspiring excellence in care and education across our Trust! #LearnerAndEducatorOfTheMonth #NHSCareers

🏥 Chairman Visits Newly Refurbished Endoscopy Department Professor Richard Scothon, Chairman of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, recently visited the newly refurbished Endoscopy Department at University Hospital of Durham. The department has been transformed to improve patient care and comfort, with: ✅ Separate recovery areas for men and women (in line with JAG guidelines) ✅ Dedicated consenting rooms ✅ A spacious storage area These upgrades mean patients can now enjoy a seamless journey from admission to discharge in one purpose‑designed space. Professor Scothon praised the new vision for the unit and said he was excited about the positive changes ahead. 💙

🎉 Look out for our bright new charity lift wraps🎉 You might have spotted our colourful new designs bringing a splash of joy to our hospital lifts. These vibrant wraps help share the story of our CDDFTCharity and the difference your support makes every day. Funds raised go directly towards enhancing patient care and experience, including vital projects, state-of-the-art equipment, and wellbeing initiatives that support both patients and staff. Together, we care. Thank you for your continued support. 💙

🌱 Beyond Preceptorship: "I Grow, I Stay, I Thrive" 🌱 Congratulations to the nurses and Allied Health Professionals who took part in the Beyond Preceptorship programme. Developed in collaboration with the workforce experience team, this two-day programme supports career development, leadership, team dynamics, and navigating challenging behaviours. A huge thank you to all the fantastic speakers whose commitment and passion helped make the event such a success. 👏 #ProfessionalDevelopment #NursingLeadership

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity Highlights: Thank You to Barnard Castle Craft Groups 🧶 A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful craft groups in Barnard Castle for their generous donation of beautifully knitted cardigans, hats, and blankets to our Darlington Community Midwives. 💙 These handmade items will bring warmth, comfort, and a personal touch to newborn babies and their families — a true reflection of the care and kindness within our community. Your support means so much to our staff and the families we care for. Thank you! 👶🧵 Together, we care.

🎓 A huge congratulations to the Choices College Class of 2025 🎉 On Wednesday 16 July, students celebrated their graduation at Darlington Memorial Hospital after a fantastic year of supported internships across our hospitals. We’ve been proud to partner with Choices College since 2017 to support young adults aged 16–24 with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism as they gain confidence, skills and experience in the workplace. Placements included MRI Reception, CPU, Hollies, Linen Services, Ward Hostess roles, and Domestic Services at Darlington Memorial Hospital, as well as Portering at University Hospital of North Durham and Outpatients Reception at Bishop Auckland Hospital. We were also excited to offer new opportunities in MRI and Outpatients Reception this year. A huge well done to all the students on their achievements this year – and congratulations to the two graduates who’ve already secured bank contracts with the Trust! 💙👏 #NHSCareers #SupportedInternships #NHS10YearPlan

Staff were amazing💙 Well done to colleagues from Wards 3 and 4 and the emergency department at University Hospital of North Durham who recently received a thank you message from a grateful patient. #ThankfulThursday