Here at University Hospitals Tees, we pride ourselves on the family feel. We’re more than colleagues and co-workers – we really are an NHS family.
And for some, that is more literal than others.
Pathology IT systems support officer Chris Lithgo has worked at the University Hospital of North Tees for five years. His job sees him trouble shoot IT issues for our pathology service, playing a key role in ensuring samples are tested on time and the results fed back to clinicians.
Mum and mother-in-law
And while he’s at work, Chris often bumps into his mum Alison Lithgo who has been serving food in the Tees Restaurant since 2022. Before that, she spent three years as a ward hostess ensuring patients were well fed and had plenty to drink.
But not only does Chris see his mum on a regular basis, his mother-in law Julie Park works at the trust as a clerical officer in our medical records team where she works in the legal team.
Chris, from Stockton, said: “I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but yeah I work with my mum and mother-in-law! I can’t get away with anything can I? I’m always on my best behaviour when I see them around.
“But really, it’s lovely when I bump into them. It’s always nice to stop and have a chat.”
Alison, from Stillington, commented: “I always introduce Chris to everyone as ‘my little boy’ even though he towers over me! It’s always nice when I see him or Julie around the hospital.”
Julie, from Stockton, said: “Chris married my daughter Phoebe three years ago and I have to say he’s a great son-in-law. It’s really nice having family at work and me and Alison always have a catch up when we see each other.”
Phoebe used to work at the trust and is now employed in the digital projects team at NHS NECS (North of England Care System).
Colleagues
When asked what the best thing about working at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, the trio were united: colleagues.
Alison said: “I work with some lovely people in the restaurant and have fun while we’re at it. The work-life balance suits me as well. I’m thinking about taking it a little easier in the future but at the moment, this suits me very well.”
Julie said: “Many of my colleagues have become friends. And in some cases family! I find the job really interesting and a challenge but it’s the people and patients who I keep coming back for.”
Chris said: “Definitely my colleagues, those I work with every day and those I support. Being behind the scenes can mean you are a little hidden but my work contributes to patient care every day.
“Our pathology service relies on the IT and tech to get samples tested and to create accurate reports. It’s up to me to make that happen as well as making sure the clinicians have the right kit and our suppliers work to our standards.
“And now were are developing our group pathology service more with our colleagues at South Tees Hospitals, I’m meeting more people and making even more friends.”
Join our family
Anyone interested in finding out more about joining the University Hospitals Tees family can check the vacancies section of both the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.