Middlesbrough's reputation for healthcare continues to go from strength to strength. Middlesbrough is one of only 9 towns in the UK to be awarded a Healthy Towns award to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Key Facts
- The Healthcare Commission rates the services provided by Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust as 'excellent', placing them among the best provided by England's 391 PCTs.
- The Captain James Cook University Hospital has received many accolades; its cardiac team is rated as being one of the top three in the world.
- Middlesbrough PCT has been selected from hundreds of organisations working with young people across the UK as an example of best practice for its work with local schools to improve the health of 2- 11 year olds by promoting and encouraging healthy eating.
- In 2007, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust was judged both 'Large Trust of the Year' and England's top acute healthcare organisation
- The choice of hospitals available to patients in Middlesbrough is above the national average.
- There is a better chance of seeing an NHS dentist in Middlesbrough and the rest of the North East than anywhere else in the UK.
- Teesside University has opened a new dental practice as of 2011 for students, staff and local residents that is also an excellent teaching facility.
- Middlesbrough has the second best maternity delivery rate in the country.
- Middlesbrough has been awarded over £4m in additional funding as part of the 'Healthy Towns' award to deliver a programme of initiatives to take on issues surrounding obesity and lack of physical exercise. The aim of the Programme is to develop a sustainable, collaborative and multi-faceted town-wide approach to increase physical activity and healthy eating, focusing on the needs and demands of local people and communities. It is closely linked to the Government’s change4life campaign launched early in 2009 with the message, ‘eat well, move more, live longer.
- Middlesbrough runs an award-winning urban farming programme showing how great healthy food can be produced locally and sustainably. A Town Meal is celebrated in September with participants' contributions.
- Promoting cycling, the Middlesbrough Cycle Centre is conveniently located in the Bus Station. It is the only secure cycle parking facility in the Tees Valley and features free, secure, indoor cycle parking along with showers, changing facilities, lockers and an information centre.
- Middlesbrough Council's Sport and Leisure service has invested nearly £300,000 in state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment throughout their X4 fitness clubs - so you can beat the credit crunch with an ab crunch in 2009.
- Youth Dance Middlesbrough is a new town-wide initiative aimed at getting young people involved in dance. Aimed at 8 - 24 year olds, high quality dance classes in a variety of styles will be held at five venues across Middlesbrough. For information on this program contact artsdevelopment@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Food4Health Programme in Middlesbrough
Food4Health is a healthy eating and healthy cooking scheme. The aims of the scheme are; to make it easier for consumers to make informed food choices; to make food generally healthier by reducing its fat, salt and sugar content; and to help develop cooking skills.
For more information contact our Healthy Living Team on (01642) 728263 or (free phone) 0800 013 6001.
Food4Health Cooking in the Community
Train the Trainer Courses are helping people who work or volunteer with local community groups to learn new cooking skills that they can pass on to their groups.
Food4Health Healthy Cooking Skills Trainers Guide
Slideshow: Food4Health Cooking in the Community
Food4Health Healthy Eating Awards
Food4Health Healthy Eating Awards recognise and reward food businesses that offer healthy food options and promote healthy eating.
There are three awards; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each award considers the types of foods and ingredients used, how food is prepared and cooked and how the business promotes healthy eating. Awards are FREE and businesses working towards achieving an award will receive advice and support on nutrition and healthy catering practices.
Awards are based on the following healthy eating principles
- Food is made generally healthier by reducing the amount of fat, salt and sugar and increasing the use of fruit and vegetables.
- Catering practices are designed to produce healthier food.
- Consumers are able to make an informed choice.
- Healthy and nutritious food is provided for children.
- Portion sizes are appropriate for a healthy diet.
- Healthy eating is actively promoted
Food4Health Healthy Eating Awards Leaflet for Consumers
Food4Health Healthy Eating Awards Guide for Businesses
Videos: Food4Health Cooking
Download: Food4Health Guide to Healthy Eating
Food4Health Guide to Healthy Eating
This handy guide includes information on the Benefits of Healthy Eating, The Balance of Good Health, Starchy Foods, Fruit and Vegetables, Meat, fish and alternatives, Milk and Dairy, Fats and Oils and Other considerations like Composite Foods, Fluids, Alcohol & Breakfast which relate to a healthy diet.
Download: Food4Health Healthy Eating Cookbook
Food4Health Healthy Eating Cookbook
Find practical cooking advice and healthy recipes in the free Healthy Eating Cookbook. Recipes include:
Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Soup, Tomato and Herb Chicken Casserole, Pizza, Chicken Jalfrezi, Mixed Berry Mousse and more!
Cooking your own food is healthy for you and your wallet!
The average price per portion is included with each recipe.
Food4Health links
Additional recipes on Middlesbrough Council website
British Heart Foundation: Healthy Eating
Food Safety and Hygiene in Middlesbrough
Men's Health Week 2011
Men's Health Week is the 13-19 June. Download some great resources in this PDF!
Men's Health Week 2011 Resources
including loads of practical information from local fitness groups to recommended apps for your smartphone!
Download: Healthy Stepping Walks Schedule July-September 2011
Healthy Stepping Newsletter July - September 2011
Becoming a member of James Cook University Hospital
The James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital are looking for people join as members and be a part of their future.
Members are essential to the future development of the hospitals and they want people – patients, staff and local people – who want to improve their local healthcare services to join. They currently have just over 4000 members from Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Hambleton & Richmondshire. Being a member is free, there is no commitment involved and you will receive the hospital’s quarterly newsletter keeping you in touch with news and areas of service development.
Please visit their website at www.southtees.nhs.uk and complete the online application form or email governors@stees.nhs.uk to request a paper application form. You can also contact Donna Wright at the membership office on 01642 854343.
Fitness links
Fitness clubs
The Escape Zone at Sporting Lodge Inn Middlesbrough
Otium Health and Leisure Club at thistle Middlesbrough
Cycling
Skating
Walks and runs
Useful links
Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust
Find a GP - General Practitioner (Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust website)
Find a Pharmacy (Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust website)
Find an Optician (Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust website)
Student health (Teesside University website)