I was born in Goole, and I trained as a nurse here in 1967 before the current hospital was even built. Back then, I split my time between St John’s Hospital (where Tesco now stands) and the General Hospital on Bartholomew Avenue. It was a small hospital, but it offered a lot of services to local people: A&E, operating theatres, a maternity unit. Everyone knew each other. It was a friendly place to work, and that friendliness is something that’s never left Goole.

Before I started my nursing career, I worked as a nanny in Sweden for a year but decided I’d like a change in career, so I came back home and began my nurse training. My career took me to York, Norfolk, Lancashire, and back again to Goole. I’ve worked in intensive care, A&E, district nursing, school nursing, and family planning. I’ve been a sister in hospitals and clinics across the country. But I’ve come full circle and ended up back in Goole with my husband, an architect who has designed places in Goole like the old swimming baths.

What Makes Goole Special

Goole Hospital is great. It’s local, easy to get to, and takes away the stress of long-distance travel. You can walk there from the town centre in 15 minutes, and there’s a bus service too. The parking is good, the café is open, and once you’re inside, it’s easy to find your way around. It’s a relatively modern building, built in the mid-80s, and it’s right on our doorstep.

We have two GP practices in town; one of them is on the hospital site with a pharmacy attached. There’s also a blood clinic and some outpatient services, which are so valuable to people here.

Goole is growing. New factories are opening, and the town is expanding. There’s a £50,000 grant being used to improve the leisure centre, market hall, and to build new shops. These are positive steps, but we need to make sure our health services grow with us.

The Challenges We Face

One of the biggest challenges for people in Goole is having to travel out of town for hospital appointments. Sometimes we’re sent as far as Grimsby for outpatient clinics. That’s a long trek, especially if you don’t drive. Scunthorpe and Hull are easier, but even then, it’s not always simple. For people without transport, I don’t know how they manage.

We used to have an A&E in Goole when I was training. Now, it closes in the evening. I’d love to see that come back with more maternity care options here too.

There’s no reason we can’t have more outpatient clinics here. It would make such a difference to people’s lives- especially those who are older, have mobility issues, or don’t have access to a car.

Looking Ahead

Goole is a friendly place. People know each other, look out for each other, and care about their town. But we’ve seen a lot taken away over the decades. We used to have three cinemas, squash courts, a big YMCA, and even dances at the old swimming baths every weekend. Now, there’s not much for young people to do, and we are worried that more things will be taken away from us.

What I’d love to see in the future is:

1. Better emergency care provision in Goole- so people don’t have to travel far in an emergency.
2. More outpatient clinics– so residents can get the care they need without long journeys.
3. Better maternity care options– so women can choose to give birth locally if they want to.

Goole deserves investment. We’re a growing town with a strong sense of community. We don’t want to lose what we have- we want to build on it. I hope others will share their views too, because together, we can make sure Goole gets the health and care services it needs and deserves.

*This is the opinion of a community member from Goole.

Get involved

Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership want to hear what you think about health and care services in Goole and the surrounding areas.

Read more about what’s happening at Goole and District hospital

Share your thoughts and views on the future of Goole and District Hospital

You can join our next listening event on Friday 20^th June at the Old Goole Working Men’s Club. Drop-in anytime between 3.30pm- 6.30pm.

Alternatively, you can email us. We’d love to hear from you. Our email address is: hnyicb.engagement@nhs.net 

I am Jennifer Brownbridge and I am the Children & Young People’s Respiratory and Urgent and Emergency Care Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire ICB. As summer approaches, I wanted to share some tips to help people who are struggling to manage their hay fever and asthma.

Some people with asthma feel fine during pollen season, but others get more wheezing, coughing, or breathlessness. If this sounds like you, don’t worry—we’ve got some easy tips to help you stay well and enjoy the warmer weather.

How Asthma and Hay Fever Are Linked

Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) is when your nose, eyes, or throat react to the pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds. If you have asthma too, hay fever can be a trigger that makes your asthma worse.  That’s because asthma is caused by swelling in the breathing tubes (airways) that carry air in and out of the lungs, hay fever can make this swelling worse.

If you’re a student, hay fever and asthma can also make it harder to focus during exams. Keeping your symptoms under control can help you feel better and help you do better at school.

Tips to Reduce Pollen Exposure

You can check the pollen count every day using weather apps or the Met Office website. If the count is high, try these tips:

1. Keep Windows Closed– During high pollen times, pollen count is usually highest in the afternoon and evening. Keep windows shut during these times at home or in the car.
2. Shower and Wash Your Hair– After being outside, wash off any pollen that might be on your skin or hair. This stops it from getting onto your pillows and bedding. You can also use skin wipes if you’re out and about.
3. Avoid drying Clothes Outside– Pollen sticks to clothes. Dry them indoors on high pollen days.
4. Wear Sunglasses and Hats– Wraparound sunglasses and a cap with a peak can reduce pollen from getting into your eyes and face.
5. Use a Barrier Balm– Rub a bit of balm (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen before it goes up your nose.
6.  Use a saltwater nasal spray or solution– this will help to rinse the inside of your nose and remove pollen out of your nose.

Optimising your Asthma and Hay Fever Treatments

• Try Antihistamines– These can help with a runny or itchy nose. Choose non-drowsy antihistamines like Cetirizine, Loratadine or Fexofenadine- especially if you need to stay alert for exams. Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure what’s best.
• Nasal spray– your GP might prescribe some steroid nasal spray to help reduce inflammation in your nose and help with symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion.
• Use Your Preventer Inhaler (Inhaled corticosteroids) Every Day– This helps reduce swelling in your airways and lowers your risk of an asthma attack.
• Follow Your Personalised Asthma Action Plan– You should have a personal asthma plan from your asthma check-up. Make sure you know what to do if your symptoms get worse.
• Speak to Your GP if You’re Still Struggling– If your usual medicines aren’t helping, speak to your doctor who may be able to offer stronger treatments or suggest other options.

More Help and Information

For more tips and support, visit:

• NHS Website
• Allergy UK have free, helpful leaflets you can download.

By avoiding pollen and using the right medicines, you can stay well and enjoy the season. If your symptoms keep bothering you, don’t wait- talk to your doctor or asthma nurse for help.

We believe that there is a bright future for Goole, and we know how passionate the people of Goole are about the hospital and the care they receive in their town.

That’s why, we will be speaking to as many people as we can over the next few months; members of the community and staff about what they think the future of health and care services in Goole should look like.

Goole hospital is here to stay.

We want to make sure that we make the best use of the hospital space, staff skills and get the most out of the funding we have, to deliver the best care possible. We will also be planning for investment into the site and facilities so that care is available in the right place, delivered by the right person and at the right time.

We want to work together and write the next chapter together.

As in any area, there are challenges that are unique to each place and that’s why we need to speak to as many people as we can to understand what those challenges are and come up with plans to help people get the care they need.

We understand that things like travel can be an issue in Goole and the surrounding areas, so we want to work together to understand how we can plan our services in a way that helps people to stay healthy, independent and cared for closer to home.

It’s not just about the hospital, we want to offer more care in the community, including at home. We know that hospital isn’t always the best place to be looked after. Getting the right care to live independently either at home or closer to home often means that people get better quicker or can live their life more comfortably, surrounded by their families and support networks.

Please join the conversation.

We will be hosting a series of public events in Goole. Please come along and join us. This is your opportunity to shape our future plans and help us to write the next chapter. We want to hear about what health care services you value, your thoughts about anything that is missing and your ideas for us to build a healthcare service fit for the challenges of today and the future.

Our first event will be held on Wednesday 28^th May, drop-in between 11am and 3pm at the Courtyard in Goole. We are committed to talking to you and working together and hope you can join us. If you can’t make this one, we will be hosting other events. You can find details of upcoming events on our website.

Following our conversations with you, we will keep you informed throughout the process and welcome your thoughts and feedback at any point by emailing us: hnyicb.engagement@nhs.net

If you are interested and want to stay up to date with what is happening please visit: https://letsgetbetter.co.uk/our-next-chapter-goole-and-district-hospital/

I think I ‘always knew’ I wanted to be a midwife. When I was 11, I spent my summer holidays raising money for the local birth centre to buy some more equipment. Midwifery, pregnancy and birth was something that really interested me, and throughout my teenage years I felt I had a sense of direction that I would pursue it as a career path.

Becoming a student midwife was the biggest challenge of my life, developing as a person and as a professional at the age of 20, but I had a fantastic experience building up my knowledge base working with incredibly passionate, dedicated and supportive mentors. I completed my training in 2014, and post-qualification I worked rotationally on each of the inpatient wards, before starting a secondment within the Children’s Safeguarding Team in 2019. Here I developed my knowledge and confidence of multidisciplinary working with social care, and supporting colleagues with their safeguarding queries and concerns.

Following maternity leave with my first child, I joined a Continuity of Care team. This was incredibly rewarding being able to hold a small caseload and get to know the families under your care well, but it became difficult to balance alongside family life. After 12 months within a fantastic team, I decided to return to the community, where I continue to work now alongside my most recent position within the Local Maternity and Neonatal System in the ICB.

As part of the Ask A Midwife project we provide a form of digital support for pregnant women and their families, answering non-urgent queries and signposting to relevant support and services. We also disseminate public health information through social media posts and attend face to face promotional events such as the monthly HEYBABY Carousel event at Women and Children’s Hospital in Hull. In October 2024, we were awarded a RCM Award for Outstanding Contribution to Maternity Services: Digital, and we are hoping to support in the expansion of the project in other areas. 

I enjoy being involved in the development of personalised maternity care. Being a mother of young children myself, I recognise the importance of feeling listened to when it comes to advocating for ourselves during what can be a vulnerable time in our lives. My hope is that within my job roles I can empower women to make informed choices and feel supported during their episode of maternity care. 

To celebrate this years Social Work Week, Rachael Sharp, Designated Professional for Safeguarding Adults at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) reflects on her career in social work over the years.

‘I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a social worker, I wanted to work with people and make a difference, some of this came from a place of wanting equality for people and justice, making sure people had their rights and choices heard. I had some personal experience within my family and witnessing firsthand the role that social workers had empowered me to identify this would be my career path. I am now in year 27 of my health and social care career and would not change a single day!

Leaving school, I went to sixth form completing a GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) in Health and Health and Social Care, this heightened my want to become a social worker. At 19 I decided I wanted some work experience and started working within social care settings. Eventually becoming a social work assistant in a child protection team in Hull.

A few years later I was lucky enough for my employer to financially support me to undertake my social work degree which I completed in 2011. I have worked across various sectors in my social care career including Children Social Care, Domestic Abuse Services, Adults Social Care, Mental Health and Safeguarding.

I became an Approved Mental Health Practitioner in 2015, this was my most challenging role to date, both work demand and supporting those in mental health crisis. Having gained insight in working alongside health colleagues during this role, initiated my curiosity of working in a health provider alongside other professions supporting individuals holistically, applying the social care model in a world of medically driven interventions, I found this rewarding and challenging.

The best part of being a social worker is having the privilege of working with people often at a time of crisis but being able to listen, support and empower them through the most difficult times. I love hearing people’s stories, memories and experiences, I could sit for hours listening and supporting and providing choice to people to make their lives more empowered, enabling them to maintain independence. I have met some amazingly resilient individuals who have inspired me in my own life and made me the social worker I am today.

I am now working in safeguarding within an Integrated Care Board, although I do not get to work front line, I use my experience to inform my input and involvement in strategic decision making. It remains a privilege working for the NHS alongside so many dedicated, experienced and passionate colleagues with the aim of wanting to make things better.

My social worker career so far has not disappointed, its challenging, rewarding, empowering and enriching, I would advocate anyone who is thinking about a social care career to do it!’

Let’s set the record straight. . . . each year the third Monday of January rolls around, the term “Blue Monday” resurfaces, claiming this day to be the most depressing of the year. But let’s set the record straight: mental health challenges aren’t confined to a single date on the calendar. The notion of Blue Monday was born in 2004 as a marketing gimmick for holiday bookings. It has since been debunked by its creator, Cliff Arnall, who created it. Depression and other mental health conditions are complex, serious, and can affect individuals at any time of year – not just on a day wrapped in myth. Let’s use this opportunity to remind ourselves that mental health awareness is important every day, and support is available year-round.

Key factors of the Blue Monday

• Poor weather conditions and lack of sunlight
• Debt accumulated during Christmas and winter deals
• The time since Christmas and distance remaining until payday
• The low motivation and productivity levels we tend to experience as New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside
• The growing feeling of a need to act

Despite its growing prominence as a calendar date, Blue Monday isn’t backed by scientific research data.

A few ideas to check in with yourself

If you’re feeling isolated or lonely, techniques that boost oxytocin levels can help:

• Practicing self-kindness and self-compassion
• Mindfulness meditation
• Resting and sleeping
• Sending a message expressing gratitude to people you know

Dial up your Dopamine. When we’re down and demotivated, dopamine-boosting techniques can help us overcome low motivational levels.

• Physical exercise, movement, or dancing
• Eating healthy foods that are high in protein and good fats
• Trying something new
• Practicing gratitude
• Celebrating small victories

Wellbeing is not Just for one day – it’s important to remember:

• Our bank accounts may feel drained after the festive season
• Credit cards may be maxed out
• New Year’s resolutions may have already failed
• It’s cold and dark
• The next holiday might seem far away
• Many of us spend more time focusing on the needs of others than on our own

I got a take on “Blue Monday” from Sarah, a Mental Health Practitioner who says . . .

“. . . “Blue Monday” really makes me stop and think. I understand that for many, January can be a challenging time. The previous month may have been busy and expensive, with the next payday seeming so far off, and socialising less often may add to a feeling of isolation. However, labelling this specific day as “Blue Monday” can also contribute to our mood by reinforcing the idea that we should feel sad on this day.

If you tell yourself you’re going to feel low, you’re more likely to experience that and to notice things that reinforce those feelings.

That’s why I encourage you to take a different view. Use this day as an opportunity to focus on your wellbeing. Plan something to look forward to:

• Arrange to meet someone for a chat.
• Go out for some fresh air and exercise.
• Try cooking something new.
• Invest in yourself and your wellbeing.

The key here is planning. When you make a plan, you increase the likelihood that you’ll follow through, giving yourself the chance to boost your mood and create positive experiences.

At the same time, I think it’s important to acknowledge that “Blue Monday” can also be an opportunity to talk about mental health more openly. If you’re struggling, this is a great moment to remind yourself that it’s okay to seek support. Whether through your GP, a mental health charity, or other resources, help is available.

Above all, be kind to yourself – Sarah.”

Introducing ‘Brew Monday’

Samaritans have flipped Blue Monday on its head with Brew Monday. The idea? Make time for a cuppa and a catch-up with someone you care about.
• Date: Monday, 20th January 2025
• Activity: Grab a warm drink – (tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate) and have a chat.

Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or virtual – it’s all about connection.

One last thing . . .

Blue Monday might well be a myth, but feeling down sometimes is real. The trick? Don’t let one day define your mood. Check in with yourself, reach out to others, and remember – spring is just around the corner.

More Info:

Samaritans – Samaritans – Brew Monday
Mental Health Resources for Young People – Mental health
Mental Health and Wellbeing – Mental health and wellbeing – Let’s Get Better

My name is Sarah, and I am a Mental Health Practitioner in North Yorkshire.  I am writing this blog to acknowledge that the Festive period can be projected as a happy time of year however, for many, it can have a significant impact upon their mental health.

There are many reasons as to why Christmas can affect mental health including going through grief from a bereavement, financial worries due to pressure to buy presents for others, and increased socialising with family and friends to name a few.

It can be a very overwhelming time of year and with social media easily accessible, it’s important to look after and prioritise our mental wellbeing. It can be easy to spend time comparing yourself and how you celebrate to others, and participating in doom scrolling. But often, things you will see on social media do not reflect reality.

Here are some tips to help, and that I hope you will consider using, to stay well this Christmas:

• Giving yourself the opportunity to reflect and prioritise the plans you want this Christmas rather than what other people are encouraging you to do. I acknowledge this is not always the easiest thing to do and makes us feel guilty initially if you are to say no. However, you will feel better longer term if you are able to prioritise yourself.
• Be careful with your money. I would encourage you to set a budget and buy within your means. People can feel they should buy others presents and spend money they do not have. Have conversations with those around you and try to be realistic, and honest about money concerns this Christmas; for many you will be helping them as they could also have the same concern.
• Be Prepared. This may include things such as ensuring you won’t run out of medication over Christmas time, due to pharmacies closing on the bank holiday. It may involve trying to keep a routine and plan for the days during the Christmas holidays, including days for rest, as it can be very overwhelming.
• Family. There can be people we will see over the Christmas period that we may not wish to see and cannot avoid that affect our mental health more. It is important that you think about a balance that could work, for example volunteer to do an activity so it can keep you busy or approach those who make you feel safe and have a conversation.
• Honest conversations. These conversations can be with yourself or others. Acknowledging how you feel can be really empowering, it allows you to take control of your mental wellbeing. I know myself that speaking to those who understand me and who listen to how I am feeling gives me the opportunity to feel supported.

The most important message I wish to get across to people this time of year is to be kind and true to yourself. You and I are only human and there is only so much we can do or places we can go. Therefore, think about how to spend your time and what is going to be the best for you and your mental health.

Take care of yourself,

Sarah Godbold
Advanced First Contact Mental Health Practitioner

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting bug,” it’s a highly contagious virus that causes stomach and intestinal inflammation, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Although unpleasant, most people recover within a few days with proper care.  

How Norovirus spreads?
Norovirus spreads quickly by direct contact with an infected person and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth. The virus is airborne and lives in the atmosphere. It’s especially common in crowded environments like schools and care homes and hospitals particularly in winter months.  

So, what are the symptoms?  
Symptoms appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last roughly 1 – 3 days.
Common signs include:  

• Nausea and vomiting  
• Diarrhoea  
• Stomach cramps  
• Low-grade fever, headache, and fatigue  

How to treat?
There’s no specific medication for norovirus although over the counter medicines can help alleviate symptoms. The following can help manage the virus:

Stay hydrated
Drink water, broths, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. 
Eat bland foods until well enough to gradually introduce foods like crackers, rice, and bananas.

Rest
Allow your body to recover and use over the counter medications to suppress symptoms.

We caught up with Dr Billingsley for his top three tips to protect yourself from the virus.

Bathroom hygiene
It’s a good habit to always close the toilet lid when flushing. Without closing the lid can release tiny droplets, into the air. These can carry germs and viruses, which then settle on surfaces such as sinks, taps, light switches, and door handles. Closing the lid before flushing significantly reduces the spread of these airborne particles.

Sanitise surfaces
As you can imagine bathrooms can become hotspots for germs if not regularly cleaned. Make it a habit to sanitise frequently touched surfaces like taps, sinks, switches and toilet bowls. Doing this after use can prevent the buildup and spread of bacteria and viruses, creating a safer environment for everyone.

Hand hygiene
Keeping on top of hand hygiene is your first line of defence against illness. After using the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

When to Seek Help?
Consult a doctor if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, blood in stool, or high fever.   All in all, Norovirus is unpleasant but manageable. Stay hydrated, rest, and take precautions to prevent its spread by practicing good hygiene to recover and help protect others from this unpleasant virus. Adopting simple steps but effective practices, you can create a healthier and more hygienic space while minimising the risk of spreading infections.

• Layer up with warm clothing: One of the simplest ways to stay warm is to layer up. Thermal layers are best, but if you don’t have any, multiple thin layers will work just as well. Lots of thin layers are much better than one thick layer!
• Invest in a quality winter blanket: A cosy blanket is brilliant for while you’re at home. Look for materials like fleece, wool, or down. For maximum warmth you could invest in a heated underblanket or throw.  There are lots on the market to choose from.
• Use a space heater: If you don’t want to heat your entire home a space heater could be the solution for you. Heat up the rooms you spend most of your time, like your living room or bedroom, and turn it off when you don’t need it.
• Heat your main living space to at least 18°C (65°F): Sitting or sleeping in a cold room isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health. Aim to heat your home, especially your main living space, to at least 18°C (65°F).
• Seal gaps and draughts: Cold air sneaks in through windows, doors, and gaps in your home’s insulation. Keep warm this winter by sealing draughts or using draught excluders to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
• Energy efficient comfort: Hot water bottles are an effective and affordable way to keep warm this winter. If you’ve had yours for a while, consider updating it. They do have an expiration date!
• Stay active: Exercise is a natural way to warm up your body. Moving increases circulation and keeps you feeling warm even on the coldest days. Staying active can help maintain health through the winter months, not to mention your mental health and wellbeing too.
• Don’t slip on your slippers: A good pair of cosy slippers are essential for keeping warm. Make sure they’re well fitting and have some grip.
• Sip on hot beverages: There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea or coffee (or even hot chocolate) to warm you from the inside out. A hot drink will help boost your body temperature and keep you cosy.
• Combat condensation: As we turn the heating up, we can find our homes are plagued by excess moisture. A dehumidifier helps to balance the moisture levels in your home. They reduce condensation and the likelihood of any mould issues too. There are options available to suit any budget.
• Where a hat, scarf and gloves: a coat just isn’t enough when it comes to cold weather. When you’re outside wear a hat, scarf and gloves to keep off the chill. Our busy lives mean we can forget the most simple things at times, so keep them with your coat or bag ready for when you leave the house.
• Ask for help if you need it: If you need help with warm home funding, visit the local council pages linked on our winter wellness page. 

I’m Dr. Anam Abrar, a GP at Ancora medical practice in Scunthorpe and I lead on cardiovascular disease prevention in North Lincolnshire. 

Today I want to talk to you about Know Your Numbers. 

It takes place from 2 to 8 September and is the UK’s biggest blood pressure campaign. 

It aims to reach people who have high blood pressure – and don’t yet know it – so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control. 

High blood pressure has no symptoms. 

Yet it can damage our vital organs like our heart, our brain, our eyes and our kidneys. 

It’s only once the damage has been done that symptoms can appear 

Which is why high blood pressure is often called a silent killer. 

Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack caused by high blood pressure. 

We can prevent this. 

We believe every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight. 

Here’s the technical bit … 

The range of top normal BP reading, also called systolic should be between 90-140mmHg and the range of lower readings also called diastolic should be between 60-90mmHg. Any readings above or below need to be reviewed by a GP or your nearest pharmacy.  

You can successfully manage your blood pressure, with lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines – but you must know your numbers first. 

You can have your blood pressure checked in various ways:- 

• Go to your nearest pharmacy for a BP check – it’s completely free if you’re over 40 and don’t already know your numbers. 

• Everyone who’s 40 and over is entitled to a free NHS health check where BP is taken  

• You can ask GP surgery to check your Blood pressure 

• During Know Your Numbers Week there will be lots of community blood pressure stations and health kiosks available – there’s more information on Let’s Get Better 

• Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control 

If detected early, simple changes to lifestyle like healthy eating, reducing salt intake, cutting down on caffeine, 30 minutes exercise five days a week, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking and reducing weight can all help achieve a healthy blood pressure reading.  

Please participate in the campaign, look out for BP stations in your local area, know your numbers and take control of your health so you can live a long, healthy life.