In the North-West region we are committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation. Our staff networks enable us to review and address the problems under-represented groups may face within the organisation.
The weather in the UK is very varied, always be prepared for a change in weather, such as carrying an umbrella. The clocks go forward one hour on the last Sunday in March, and back one hour on the last Sunday in October. Be prepared for long bright days in the Summer and shorter evenings in the winter.
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Spring (March, April, May) is a time for sudden rain showers, blossoming trees and flowering plants. |
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Summer (June, July, August) is the UK's warmest season, with long sunny days, occasional thunderstorms and, in some years, heatwaves. |
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Autumn (September, October and November) can be mild and dry or wet and windy. It's the season when the leaves change colour before falling from the trees and when the temperature dips. |
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Winter (December, January and February) is the UK's coldest season, with freezing temperatures, icy conditions and sometimes snow. |
February
- St Valentine's Day (14)
March
- Pancake Day
- Mother's Day
June
- Father's Day
Bank holidays
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Early May
- Spring Bank holiday (May)
- Bank holiday (August)
Christmas and New Year
- Christmas Day (25, December)
- Boxing Day (26, December)
- New Year's Day (1, January)
When living and working in the North-West of England you will come across people from all over the region and you will encounter lots of different accents and local phases.
NHS England North-West have put together this helpful table of common words and expressions to help you understand some of the common phases used in the region.
| Word or expression | Meaning | Where it is used |
| (You) alright? (You) ok? | A (usually) rhetorical question commonly used as a greeting | Across the North-West |
| Ta!/Nice one! | Thank you! (Must be said to the bus driver after stepping off the bus at your station) | North-West |
| See you later!/Bye now! | Saying goodbye to someone | North-West |
| Boss! Sound! | Good or great | Scouse (Liverpool region), North-West |
| Dinner | Lunch-time meal | North-West |
| Tea | Evening-time meal (commonly known as tea-time around 5 or 6pm) | North-West |
| I'm a bit off me food | I do not have much appetite | North-West |
| I was sick after me tea | I vomited after I had my evening meal | North-West |
| Me nan is off her legs today | My grandmother is unable to stand up today | Scouse |
| That rash/scab looks angry | That rash looks infected/oozing! | North-West |
| I'm made up for you! | I'm happy for you! | Scouse |
| This is doing me head in! | This is annoying me! | Scouse |
| That's dead hard that! | That is very had! | Scouse/Mancunian (Manchester region) |
| That's well mint, that! | That is good! | Mancunian (Manchester region) |
| What it is, right (...) | When you start explaining something or telling a story | Mancunian |
| I swear down! | I am telling the truth! | Mancunian |
Airports
The two main international airports nearest to Blackpool are:
Manchester Airport – Official website for Manchester Airport
Liverpool John Lennon Airport - Welcome to Liverpool John Lennon Airport | Liverpool Airport
Driving
UK rules are that drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road, which is different to many other countries. Britain overall is safe for driving.
You can usually drive on an overseas driving licence for 12 months, after which you will need a UK driving licence. However, you can check this on Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence - GOV.UK (www.
Public transport
Britain has a good network of trains, trams and buses. Most cities and towns are accessible by public transport. Public transport is rarer in rural areas.
Trainline : Search, Compare & Buy Cheap Train Tickets (thetrainline.com) is useful for booking tickets.
For local buses & trams please visit Blackpool Transport website where you can plan your journey: Blackpool Transport - Enjoyable Travel Along the Fylde Coast
There are lots of attractions in Blackpool, including Blackpool Tower, The Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Illuminations.
The closest park to the hospital is Stanley Park, it includes a playground, tennis courts, skatepark, BMX Track and a café – for more information follow this link to the website Parks and playgrounds (blackpool.gov.uk)
Fairhaven Lake is situated between St. Annes and Lytham and has lots of activities to do including crazy golf, tennis, playground for more information please see the website - Fairhaven Lake and Gardens Facilities – Fylde Council
The nearest cinema to Blackpool is the new Backlot Cinema & Diner situated in Blackpool Town Centre – www.
The Island cinema is situated in St. Annes - The Island Cinema | Home
For more information on attractions in Blackpool, please follow this link to the Visit Blackpool website - Blackpool Attractions | VisitBlackpool | Visit Blackpool
