To mark National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day on Wednesday 18 June, Trust Chairman Professor Richard Scothon paid tribute to the vital contributions made by estates and facilities colleagues, both within the Trust and across our wider healthcare partnerships.

As Group Chair of SCL, Professor Scothon celebrated the commitment of SCL colleagues alongside Darly, recognising the tireless efforts of our estates and facilities teams in maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming environments across all of our sites.

These often unsung heroes play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of high-quality care for patients and visitors alike.

In addition to these celebrations, Professor Scothon visited The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) to meet with their Chair, Professor Stuart Corbridge. The visit provided an opportunity to see first-hand the collaborative work taking place between NEAS and CDDFT, aimed at delivering a safe and joined-up experience for patients across the region.

Professor Scothon expressed his admiration for the dedication of NEAS staff and the organisation’s ongoing investment in technology, which is helping to ensure safe and efficient patient transfers to our Emergency Departments and hospital sites.

These visits highlight the importance of partnership working and the essential role played by estates, facilities, and frontline services in supporting outstanding patient care across the North East.