1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    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.

  2. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

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

  3. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    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.

  4. Supporting effective GP patient participation groups

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

    News -

    Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre now open for walk-in appointments

  6. NHS waiting times – what are your experiences?

    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.

  7. GP mystery shopping report - September

    Report -

    Telephone Mystery Shopping Project 30 September 2016
    GP Practices Across Gateshead

  8. GP access and Out of Hours Provision Survey 2015

    Report -

    Healthwatch Gateshead (HWG) was receiving anecdotal comments on access to GPs and Out of Hours Provision. We acknowledged that there appears to be a common theme both regionally and nationally and we wanted to try and establish a clearer picture of how things are working for the residents of Gateshead

  9. PPG forum report — February 2020

    Report -

    The report from the first forum, held in February 2020. This forum supports and develops patient participation groups (PPGs) in Newcastle and Gateshead.

  10. Impact of COVID-19 on Gateshead patients

    Report -

    In May 2020 CBC Health GP Federation asked us to develop a survey for GP patients in Gateshead on the impact of COVID-19.

  11. The Diabetes Epidemic in the UK: Unveiling the 5 Million Milestone

    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.

  12. Top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    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 out of your GP appointment.

  13. What support can I get as a carer?

    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.

  14. What is adult social care?

    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.

  15. Caring for carers

    Report -

    During summer 2017 we gathered the views and experiences of carers on carer’s assessments in Gateshead in order to provide evidence for providers and commissioners to improve access and service provision.

  16. Eight ways to make a difference

    Report -

    In 2019—2020 we focused on children and young people’s mental health services. Via a survey, focus group and one to one interviews, we heard from 239 people (103 children and young people and 136 parents and carers).

    Our main findings were that children, young people and their parents and carers do not have a full understanding of what a self-referral is and how to make one.

  17. Kooth response to Eight ways to make a difference

    Report -

    Following on from the report Xenzone, the company who manages and operates the service Kooth gave some information and a response to the report, highlighting their learning and approach moving forwards to promote Kooth across both Newcastle and Gateshead

  18. Children and young people’s access to health services in Gateshead and Newcastle

    Report -

    This report builds on our ‘Don’t box me in’ report. Young people and their parents/carers were asked how easy or difficult it was for young people to access health services in Newcastle and Gateshead.

  19. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Services Experiences of children, young people, and their families in Gateshead

    Report -

    Healthwatch Gateshead, working in partnership with the Northeast and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), engaged with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families (CYP&F) to understand their experiences across education, health, and social services. The feedback from the CYP&F will feed into the joint commissioning strategy in Gateshead to help ensure the strategy reflects local needs.