A Stockton-born doctor who helped build breast screening services closer to home for women across Teesside has retired after almost four decades at North Tees.
Dr William Thompson joined the University Hospital of North Tees in 1988, when the hospital did not have its own breast radiology service and patients could need to travel to Middlesbrough or Leeds for specialist imaging.
became the hospital’s first consultant radiologist for breast imaging as its first mammography service arrived. Two years later, North Tees became home to the Tees Valley centre for the new national NHS Breast Screening Programme.
What began with one radiologist grew into a specialist team serving thousands of women. Dr Thompson led breast imaging for almost 30 years before stepping back from the lead role in 2017, while continuing his work.
Colleagues marked his retirement with a special meal and tributes to his contribution to breast services across Teesside. He now plans to spend more time on interests including landscape photography.
: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. Read the full retirement story.