1. News -

    We launched Youthwatch Project on 7 February 2023. We are looking for organisations involved in working with young people to attend this event to find out more about Healthwatch and helping involve young people in our work.
  2. News -

    In March 2022 HWG and HWN launched a survey to gather young people’s views and general experiences of loneliness and social isolation.
  3. News -

    Join the Your Care Your Way campaign
  4. News -

    It has been a contractual requirement for each GP practice since April 2016 to have an active and involved Patient Participation Group (PPG).
  5. News -

    We know some people feel anxious or worried when they’re told they need a colonoscopy but it’s important to have this test if you’re referred. Bowel Cancer UK has launched the Colonoscopy Confidence campaign to explain what a colonoscopy is, why it matters and encourage people to attend their appointment.

  6. News -

    Did you know members of the public can now report patient safety incidents directly to the NHS’s National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS)?
  7. News -

    Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre now open for walk-in appointments
  8. News -

    Gateshead Council has launched a £200,000 Digital Transformation and Support Fund to support small and medium sized voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations to identify the training and digital innovation their organisations need to help them grow and thrive.
  9. News -

    Stoptober is back! The campaign is calling on smokers to join 2.3 million others who have made a quit attempt in the past decade. Over 6 million adults in England still smoke. It remains the leading cause of premature death, with almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year.
  10. News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.
  11. News -

    With living costs on the rise, Healthwatch England’s new findings show that health inequalities are widening as people in every part of the country struggle to pay for dental care.
  12. News -

    Are you prepared for the May bank holidays?
    Have you ordered your repeat prescriptions yet?
    We just wanted to remind you so that you don't run out of medication on your lovely vacations!
  13. News -

    This year our volunteer Raj will be presenting on stroke awareness on June 7. He will be talking about what a stroke is, risk factors, signs of a stroke and some ideas on how to support people following a stroke.
    Raj is a part of the Stroke Association and worked on NHS Stroke wards. He also supports children and young people with their special needs in schools.
    Following this presentation, our Volunteer and Engagement Officer Lesley Tweddell will ask for a vote of thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers for supporting the work of Healthwatch throughout the year.
    If you would like to know more about the role of a volunteer in Healthwatch come along and get more information from our stall on the day.
  14. News -

    If you would like to know more about Youthwatch,
    please email-
    Healthwatch Newcastle
    info@healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk or
    Text 07551052751 or Freephone 0808 801 0382
    Healthwatch Gateshead
    info@healthwatchgateshead.co.uk or
    Text 07498503497 or Freephone 0800 038 5116
  15. News -

    Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle would like to understand:

    The impact of the cost of living on your physical, mental, and social health.

    Changes to your health and social care due to the cost of living.

    The impact of the cost of living on your interaction with health and social care services.
  16. News -

    Engagement Officer Jay Conlon Uses Personal Experience to Champion LGBTQ+ Health and social care Issues.
  17. News -

    We are delighted to announce that the time has come for our much-anticipated Annual Joint Meeting, and we cordially invite you to join us for this significant event. This gathering serves as a valuable platform to strengthen our collaboration, share insights, and align our efforts for continued success.
  18. News -

    Read all our Monthly Newsletters for 2024 , stay up to date with information and activities from Healthwatch Gateshead.
  19. News -

    - By Healthwatch England

    New research conducted in 2023, reveals a concerning lack of public confidence when it comes to accessing critical NHS services in England. Approximately one-third of adults in England express doubts about their ability to receive timely healthcare, including services such as GP appointments, mental health support, and hospital care.
  20. News -

    Celebrating Success: A Heartfelt Thank You for Making Our Annual Joint Meeting a Triumph!
  21. News -

    Healthwatch Gateshead proudly announces the appointment of Afsana Begum as their dynamic new Research and Engagement Manager. Armed with an impressive degree in Public Health, Afsana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will further invigorate the organisations' commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals accessing health and social care services in Newcastle and Gateshead.
  22. News -

    Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle are here to help make local health and care services better for you. We do this by finding out how you are experiencing these services and ultimately feeding this back to the people delivering and commissioning the services, to influence positive change based on what we have been told.
  23. News -

    Following on from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports on Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Hospital Trust. Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle, alongside Healthwatch Northumberland and Healthwatch North Tyneside have released a joint statement.

    Please download the full statement below.
  24. News -

    People have been telling us about challenges they face getting NHS dentistry. As a result we are working with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) in the North East and North Cumbria to better understand people’s experiences of dentistry in 2023.
  25. Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.
  26. Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
  27. Advice and Information -

    Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide.
  28. Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  29. Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  30. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  31. Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.
  32. Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.
  33. Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.
  34. Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.
  35. Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.
  36. Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.
  37. Advice and Information -

    Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine.
  38. Advice and Information -

    If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.
  39. Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and how to get support.
  40. Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?
  41. Advice and Information -

    Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.
  42. Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Healthwatch England has put together a useful guide about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.
  43. Advice and Information -

    Howfit encourages people of all ages and abilities to follow a plan of simple exercises to do at home and no equipment is needed.
  44. Advice and Information -

    A free weight management programme is available to adults living in Gateshead. The programme includes friendly specialist support to help lose weight and build healthy habits.
  45. Advice and Information -

    Advice and support for isolated young people under 25 in Gateshead
  46. Advice and Information -

    Healthwatch in the North East have acted on feedback from local people. Together, we have produced a ‘myth busting’ booklet to dispel the most common rumours about NHS dentistry.

    The leaflet gives the facts about what it means to be registered with a practice, why you may be offered a private appointment and what is emergency care?

    Download the NHS dentistry myth busting booklet

  47. Advice and Information -

    Part of the local Healthwatch programme is to carry out Enter and View visits. Local Healthwatch representatives carry out these visits to health and social care services to find out how they are being run and make recommendations where there are areas for improvement. The Health and Social Care Act allows local Healthwatch authorised representatives to observe service delivery and talk to service users, their families and carers on premises such as hospitals, residential homes, GP practices, dental surgeries, optometrists and pharmacies. Enter and View visits can happen if people tell us there is a problem with a service but, equally, they can occur when services have a good reputation – so we can learn about and share examples of what they do well from the perspective of people who
    experience the service first hand.
  48. Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.
  49. Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.
  50. Advice and Information -

    In a groundbreaking revelation, the latest report from Diabetes UK has sent shockwaves through the nation's healthcare landscape. The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has surpassed the 5 million mark for the first time, marking a significant milestone that demands our attention. This unprecedented figure not only highlights the scale of the diabetes epidemic but also underscores the urgent need for awareness, education, and proactive measures to tackle this growing public health challenge.