1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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)?

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

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

  10. What to expect when waiting for care

    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.

  11. What is Long Covid and what help is available?

    Advice and Information -

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

  12. Resilient communities in Gateshead

    Report -

    Resilient communities in Gateshead: reflections on the impact of COVID-19

  13. 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.

  14. COVID-19: your experiences of health and social care - May

    Report -

    We launched a survey in May 2020 titled ‘COVID-19: your experiences of health and social care’. This is the report on the responses we received up to the end of May 2020.

  15. COVID-19: your experiences of health and social care - June

    Report -

    This is the COVID report on the responses we received up to the end of June 2020.

  16. 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.

  17. COVID-19: your experiences of health and social care - July

    Report -

    This is the final COVID report on the responses we received up to the end of July 2020.