Celebrating 10 years partnered with NHS

10 Years of Partnership

On 1st April 2015, Durham University entered into a partnership with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to provide a physiotherapy service to student athletes. A decade on, the partnership is stronger than ever. During this time, the physio team has provided over 10,000 hours of support to the university’s performance sport programme, including one-to-one clinics, team rehab groups, and pitch-side medical provision. The outstanding team of physios has become an integral part of Durham’s sporting success.

Durham University’s Performance Sport Manager, Richard Warburton, commented:

"Having been involved from the very start of the partnership, I can’t speak highly enough of our collaboration with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. Ryan Pearson and the excellent team of physios have become a key strand of our support services provision, and I am incredibly grateful to be working in partnership with such an outstanding organisation."

Chris Tarn, Head of Business Support (Healthy Lives) at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, added:

"This ten-year partnership has provided our physiotherapists with an incredible experience in both treating and preventing sports injuries. Working with the elite athletes at Durham University not only gives our colleagues a unique experience but also expands their understanding of teamwork and practice within a very different clinical setting compared to a hospital.

The stakes are high for this group of world-class sportspeople, whether they play rugby, hockey, basketball, or football or compete in the water as rowers, and our physiotherapists are proud to support them. Most physios love sport—it comes with the job—so gaining this first-hand experience with our partners is a great opportunity. Our colleagues are part of the Durham team, doing their bit to bring about success on the field of competition while also expanding their own skills. It’s been a big win for us all."