Publish date: 28 February 2025
Meet the Team in Berwick - Sean Woodcock
How long have you worked at/done a clinic at Berwick Infirmary?
I’ve been working at Berwick Infirmary for around 15
Brief career history?
I studied for my undergraduate at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and qualified in 1991. I then went on to teach anatomy at Cambridge University. Most of my continued training took place in and around Manchester and this led me to taking part in research at Harvard and becoming a senior registrar in South Australia.
In 2005 I was appointed as a consultant upper GI and general surgeon for the trust and subsequently set up the bariatric surgical service. Alongside my time at Northumbria, I also hold the position of Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Army Medical Corp 214 MMR Regiment.
Why do you love working in Berwick?
I love working in Berwick because it’s always about the people with me, both the patients and the staff. It’s a pleasure supporting the community and working with my colleagues. I also love the sense of history and belonging in Berwick. There are still strong reminders of the history in the town, but people are hopeful for how it will change in the future. There are plaques on the wall naming benefactors of days long gone but to a hospital still there and thriving.
How do you feel seeing the new hospital being built?
There’s definitely a sense of excitement amongst the local community as they will have access to a state-of-the-art hospital, right on their doorstep.
How will the new hospital improve your role?
Going to work in a modern hospital with up-to-date facilities will make it a more positive environment and this will set a positive tone for the day for all staff. It’s psychologically important to have a working environment that staff will benefit from as well as patients.
How do you think the new hospital will improve patient care/experience?
I think patients will have a similar feeling about the new build as the staff. They will benefit from receiving healthcare in a refreshed environment and state-of-the-art facilities.
Where were you born, where do you live and what do you do to relax?
I was born in the East End of London and I’m now living in Morpeth. It’s important to me that I spend quality time with my family and time in the great outdoors.