County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Know your units, know your limits. There isn’t a completely safe amount of alcohol you can drink, but you are at lower risk of harm if you drink 14 units or less a week. Tracking your units helps you stay in control.

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions - without you seeing a GP. Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team. #ThinkPharmacyFirst

Have your say on local health and care 🗣️ The People’s Hub is a monthly newsletter from the North East and North Cumbria ICB, sharing opportunities, consultations and ways to get involved. Sign up here 👉 northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/get-involved/t…

If you're pregnant, it's important to take up the #Pertussis vaccine when offered. It helps to protect your baby in their first few weeks of life, as #WhoopingCough can be life-threatening & require hospital treatment. More info: nhs.uk/pregnancy/keep…

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and its main cause is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and sunbeds. It can also spread to other areas of the body. Use the ABCDE checklist to look for signs of melanoma on your skin – and learn when to contact your GP practice.

“Fantastic friendly service, thank you all.” 💙 Well done to colleagues from the Urgent Treatment Centre and x-ray at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital who recently received a message of thanks. #ThankfulThursday

Do you have a child starting year 8 this September? Make sure you return their HPV vaccination consent form. Since it was introduced, there's been a huge drop in young people getting conditions like cervical cancer and genital warts.

⏰ Don’t let your medication run out over the upcoming Easter bank holiday long weekend. If you take regular medicines, ordering your repeat prescription early helps avoid delays — especially at weekends and holidays. Ask your local community pharmacy team or your GP for help.

👏 Huge congratulations to Kelly-Marie Pattinson for excellence in practice and professional growth! 💙 Kudos to Sheila Davies for exceptional coaching, fostering confidence, and embodying CDDFT’s values of kindness and compassion. Well done, Kelly & Sheila! 🌟

Measles spreads easily & can make kids very poorly. Look for: fever, cough/runny nose, sore eyes, rash on face/behind ears. If you think they have it, keep them home & call your GP or NHS 111. MMRV is the best protection – check they’re up to date.

It's time to talk about the elephant in the room! Yeah, we're talking safer sex! PROTECT YOURSELF against STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If you've had sex without a condom – GET TESTED For free testing, condoms and confidential safe sex advice visit elephant-in-the-room.co.uk

🚗 Parking Update – Shotley Bridge Hospital ANPR is being introduced on roads with double yellow lines only. ✅ Car parks remain free. 📅 Live from Monday 16 March Help us keep access routes clear for patients, visitors & emergency vehicles.

You’re up to 3x more likely to quit smoking with the right support. Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app today. #SmokeFree

Hepatitis C often shows no signs until serious damage is done. It can be treated, so testing is key to help you help reduce your risk.

Pupils from schools and colleges across County Durham and Darlington explored healthcare careers at our first Allied Health Professionals meet and greet during #NationalCareersWeek. They heard from teams, tried equipment and asked questions about AHP career pathways.

If you need urgent medical help but you're not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.​ Call, go online or use the NHS App. Also available by NHS 111 BSL interpreter service at 111.nhs.uk or text relay on 18001 111

🌟 We’re hiring – Maternity Connector PCP and County Durham and Darlington NHS FT are looking for friendly, enthusiastic Maternity Connectors to support families accessing Community Midwifery Teams in Darlington and Newton Aycliffe. 📅 Closing date: 29 March 2026

Sore throat? Think Pharmacy First. Your pharmacist can assess symptoms for adults and children and may provide certain prescription‑only meds. Fast, convenient help close to home. #ThinkPharmacyFirst

🚗 Parking changes coming soon at Shotley Bridge Hospital. NHS Property Services are introducing an ANPR system on site roads to help improve parking & ensure better access for patients, visitors & emergency vehicles. ✔️ Parking will remain free of charge. More info soon.

Kate is mum to Kit, and Birdie. During both pregnancies, Kate made sure she was fully vaccinated against flu, whooping cough and RSV to protect her baby. #HereToHelpYourBabyAndYou