1. 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.

  2. Don't box me in - young people-friendly services

    Report -

    We ran a questionnaire during spring 2020 to find out how young people felt about the way health professionals treated them. We used ‘You’re Welcome’ criteria and feedback as guidance (quality criteria set out by the Department of Health and Social Care).

  3. How 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 of your GP appointment.

  4. Useful Resources

    Advice and Information -

    We’ve compiled a number of useful links and downloadable resources to help you stay informed.

  5. Share your views on the North East Ambulance Service

    News -

    While people think about the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) as ambulances responding to 999 calls, nearly two-thirds of their work is answering calls to NHS111. From life-threatening emergencies to general health advice, NEAS plays a key role in the North East healthcare system.

  6. Take part in our Hospital Discharge survey!

    News -

    We are looking to gather experiences of those who have been discharged from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the last 12 months on Pathway 0.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.