News and reports

Healthwatch teams across the North East region saw a significant increase in concerns about accessing NHS dental care during 2021. Eight local Healthwatch worked together to gather people’s experiences in the region. This report outlines survey findings for people living in and accessing dental care in Gateshead from March 2020 to December 2021.

Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre now open for walk-in appointments

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.

19 October 2021

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In late 2021 we asked a cross cutting stakeholder and partner group of 42 organisations to complete our stakeholder feedback survey. This was used to steer us on our recent changes and if they were working.

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.

In early 2021 Healthwatch England designed a survey to help local services and national policymakers understand how they can improve the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

We used the survey to support local services to adapt and improve the delivery of the vaccination programme locally.