The alcohol care team (ACT) is a group of specialists based next to the emergency department at James Cook, who support patients with alcohol recovery and substance abuse.
The team was established in August 2022 and consists of five qualified nurses and three recovery navigators – providing holistic and social support to patients seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.
Millions of people are admitted to hospitals every year with several illnesses, many of which can be caused by long-term alcohol use.
The ACT aims to reduce admissions to hospitals for patients by providing specialist expertise and offering them tailored support and advice.
South Tees employees can also self-refer to the alcohol care team by calling extension 52678, where they can confidentially access personal support.
Patients on our hospital wards can also ask any staff members to refer them to the ACT and they can refer patients to the team through the WebICE portal.
Joanne Harland, nurse lead said:
“People are drawn to recovery, we have just got to show them where it is.”
Jessica Beck, alcohol care team co-ordinator added: “We are here to make a difference to a cohort of vulnerable patients who are struggling in life with various addictions.”