North Cumbria Integrated Care

20/06/2026

NCIC will say goodbye to Tony Hind on Tuesday, June 23 after almost 46 years of dedicated service in the NHS.

Tony began his NHS career on 1st September, 1980 at the age of 16, working for Cumbria FPC (Family Practitioner Committee). Back then, all male employees were expected to wear a tie — something Tony still does to this day!

Over the years, Tony has held a variety of administrative roles through many organisational changes.

His colleagues said: “Tony has countless stories from his years in the NHS. We will miss him for many reasons but mostly his one liners and brutal honesty.

“We would all like to thank Tony for his dedication and service to the NHS, and wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement. Tony plans to spend his retirement wandering the streets of Carlisle, researching, and uncovering the local history that he is so passionate about.”

19/06/2026

During major sporting events like the World Cup, emotions can run high. But stress, disappointment or celebration are never excuses for violence or controlling behaviour at home.

Domestic abuse affects physical and mental health, causes long‑term trauma, and puts lives at risk. If you’re worried about your safety, or about someone you know, you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you ever feel in immediate danger, call 999.
For non‑emergency concerns, contact 101.
You can also report online at: https://orlo.uk/9TV0r
Victim Support are also available 24/7 on 0808 1689 111.

And if you need confidential support, specialist services are available.

No one should suffer in silence. Your health, wellbeing and safety matter.

19/06/2026

It's due to heat up again over the weekend ☀️

RNLI are sharing lifesaving advice for you and your loved ones. Share this with those you know to help them if they get into trouble in the water.

18/06/2026

In May, our maternity teams welcomed 231 babies across Cumbria 👶

There were 123 born at the Cumberland Infirmary, 105 born at West Cumberland Hospital, and 3 babies were born in their own home 🏠

The most popular birth date was the 15th May 📆

Congratulations to everyone who welcomed a new family member in May.

You can see more maternity data on our website: ncic.nhs.uk/ncic-maternity-data-may-2026

17/06/2026

Don't tackle domestic abuse on your own.

Call 999 in an emergency and 101 if it is a non-emergency.

You can also report online at: https://orlo.uk/9kDjg

Victim Support are also available 24/7 on 0808 1689 111.

Don't tackle domestic abuse on your own.
Call 999 in an emergency and 101 if it is a non-emergency.
You can also report online at: https://orlo.uk/9kDjg
Victim Support are also available 24/7 on 0808 1689 111.

17/06/2026

While many of us look forward to the England game, major sporting events can bring increased fear and risk for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

If it's happening to you, or you're worried about someone else, help is available. And you don’t have to wait for an emergency to get help.

Find out how to get support, and spot the signs of domestic violence.

Visit https://nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

17/06/2026

Today, on National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day, we're celebrating the incredible teams who keep NCIC running safely and smoothly every day.

From domestic staff and porters to catering teams, sterile services, engineers and estates colleagues, their work touches every part of patient care - often behind the scenes, but always making a difference. Whether ensuring equipment is sterilised and ready for use, providing nutritious meals, supporting patients through hospital journeys, or maintaining vital infrastructure, these teams are essential to delivering high-quality care.

• More than 250 domestic staff help maintain clean and safe environments
• 2.6 million linen items provided each year
• Around 1 million patient meals served annually
• 1,300 tonnes of waste managed and disposed of safely
• 20,000 steps walked by our porters everyday
• Two acute hospitals, five community hospitals and 22 additional sites supported across north Cumbria

Thank you to every member of our Estates and Facilities teams for your dedication, professionalism and commitment. Your work may not always be seen, but it is deeply valued and appreciated.

If you see a member of our estates and facilities teams today, take a moment to say thank you!

16/06/2026

Opportunity for students in years 11 to 13!

Do you know a young person who is considering a career in medicine? They can come down to our Career in Medicine event.

Our medical experts will be on hand to answer any of your questions and you will be able to try your hand at simulated training including delivering babies, inserting cannulas, fixing fractures, performing CPR and checking for suspected cancer.

This unique event only happens once a year and is taking place at the Cumberland Infirmary on the 3rd and 4th July 2026.

Dr Louise Buchanan, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director Professional Standards is leading the event and said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for those considering medicine to ask anything they would like to know and get hands on experience from our experts.

“Medical experts from a range of services including Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Maternity, Surgery and GPs will be available to answer questions and give the students the opportunity to try their hand at simulation training including delivering babies, inserting cannulas, fixing fractures, perform CPR and check for suspected cancer.”

Students from across all secondary schools are invited to book a place for the day. Students will require a letter of support from their head of sixth form will be required to demonstrate the grades they have received so far.

For more information, please contact Hayley Nugent via email [email protected]

16/06/2026

As life changes, our relationship with alcohol can change too.

This Men's Health Week, Andys Man Club and Drinkaware are looking at "tipping points" and how these life moments can affect drinking habits. Whether it’s career stress, kids moving out, or the shift into retirement, these transitions often see our drinking creep up while our body’s resilience goes down.

Looking for a place to talk? Andys Man Club offers free peer support groups every Monday night across the UK. No pressure, just a brew and a chat. There are local groups in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith, and Brampton.

Find your local club at andysmanclub.co.uk.

15/06/2026

It’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week!

We’re shining a light on one of the most powerful yet often overlooked interventions for people living with lung conditions.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation, known locally as our Better Breathing classes, can make more difference to quality of life and independence than any other single healthcare intervention.
Our East and West Community Respiratory Teams run a seven‑week programme of individually prescribed exercise and education to help people:

💪🏽build strength
🫁manage breathlessness
🩵improve emotional wellbeing
😃regain confidence in daily life

While PR is a cornerstone of COPD care, it also benefits people with asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and many other respiratory conditions.

Jane Craig, Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist and joint team lead at NCIC, said:
“Patients tell us they feel fitter, breathe easier and cope better emotionally. Many ask to return because they enjoy the sessions so much. Yet far too few of those who would benefit actually get referred – and this is where we need your help.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with a lung or respiratory condition, you can self‑refer to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team. It’s quick, simple and could transform your day‑to‑day life.

Find more information here:
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week: Helping Our Patients Breathe Better, Live Better :: North Cumbria Integrated Care