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. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    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.

  14. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    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.

  15. What is Monkeypox and who can get a vaccine?

    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.

  16. Healthwatch Gateshead and Newcastle October online forum

    Blog -

    Our monthly forums are a chance for anyone and everyone to learn more about health and social care services in our area. We aim to keep you updated with any changes to services in particular, and health and social care in general. This is for sharing, so while we have a lot to say, we also want to hear your views and feedback, and answer your questions.

  17. NHS dentistry myth busting

    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

  18. Patient safety incident reporting

    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)?

  19. Lost in translation

    Report -

    In early 2020 we worked with The Gateshead Housing Company. We gathered experiences of their service users on accessing Arabic interpreting and translation services for health appointments in Gateshead.

  20. Healthwatch Participation in Practice Award 2019-2022 interim report

    Report -

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

    We wanted to create a best practice award for PPGs aims to increase and improve the involvement of patients in their GP practice. Several GP practices in Newcastle and Gateshead participated in our pilot from autumn 2019 to February 2021. This interim report outlines what we did.