Published on: 4 September 2024
A team of NHS colleagues will be on hand to help runners as they join a field hospital for the day of one of the biggest half marathons in the world.
The AJ Bell Great North Run will be held this Sunday, September 8.
Among those who will lend their expertise to help participants injured or unwell after they cross over the finishing line will be a team of colleagues from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
Gary Lear, who is an ICCU anaesthetist, supports the organisers as race doctor.Gary Lear, who is an ICCU anaesthetist, supports the organisers as race doctor.
He will be joined by Emergency Department consultant and deputy race doctor Kate Allen, Lead Nurse Lesley Young, Senior Nurse Kyna Richardson, Emergency Department Advanced Practitioner Amanda Hay and Tom Harris, Senior Clinical Pharmacist.
Amanda Hay, Kate Allen, Gary Lear, Kris Lawson, a former STSFT colleague, and A&E consultant, and Lesley Young.
They will join forces with other volunteers to help on the day at the tent.
Lesley said:
"Our team of volunteers give their time each year to help keep runners safe.
"I myself have helped for around 15 years or so and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on Great North Run day.
"I certainly couldn’t run it so that is why I give my time each year for free.
"Although I’ve been an Emergency Department sister for many years, the sense of satisfaction I get from the day is hard to describe.
"I should mention that our colleagues at South Tyneside District Hospital also do such a fantastic job and we all work together to help people recover from their injuries and illnesses.
"It’s such a big day for the region, we’re proud to be part of it."
Meanwhile South Tyneside District Hospital will be geared up ready for any additional patients who arrive at its doors after taking part in the run.
People are being advised that while extra staff will be brought in and a plan in place to specifically help runners, the A&E is expected to be busy.
Information on which service can help and a wealth of advice is available via NHS 111 Online.
Road closures will be in place across South Tyneside on the day, with further details available here.
Visiting at the hospital will be suspended for the afternoon due to the restricted access to the site, with the John Reid Road gate to be closed off because of the run, while the Harton Lane entrance and exit will remain open.
