1. Welcome to our new Young Volunteers!

    News -

    Healthwatch Newcastle welcomes our newest recruits and volunteers

  2. Annual health checks for adults with a learning disability - survey

    News -

    People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health. An annual health check can improve health by spotting problems earlier.

  3. A new Children’s Heart Centre

    News -

    Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has plans for a new Children’s Heart Centre in Newcastle.

  4. Join us for Volunteering week

    News -

    This year our volunteer Raj will be presenting on stroke awareness on June 7. He will be talking about what a stroke is, risk factors, signs of a stroke and some ideas on how to support people following a stroke.
    Raj is a part of the Stroke Association and worked on NHS Stroke wards. He also supports children and young people with their special needs in schools.
    Following this presentation, our Volunteer and Engagement Officer Lesley Tweddell will ask for a vote of thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers for supporting the work of Healthwatch throughout the year.
    If you would like to know more about the role of a volunteer in Healthwatch come along and get more information from our stall on the day.

  5. Youthwatch

    News -

    If you would like to know more about Youthwatch,
    please email-
    Healthwatch Newcastle
    info@healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk or
    Text 07551052751 or Freephone 0808 801 0382
    Healthwatch Gateshead
    info@healthwatchgateshead.co.uk or
    Text 07498503497 or Freephone 0800 038 5116

  6. The Impact of Winter Pressures and the Cost of Living in Newcastle & Gateshead

    News -

    Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle would like to understand:

    - The impact of the cost of living on your physical, mental, and social health.
    - Changes to your health and social care due to the cost of living.
    - The impact of the cost of living on your interaction with health and social care services.

  7. Ahead of Volunteering week

    News -

    Healthwatch Volunteer Raj Takes Initiative to Raise Awareness of Strokes

  8. Healthwatch Take Pride in Jay

    News -

    Engagement Officer Jay Conlon Uses Personal Experience to Champion LGBTQ+ Health and social care Issues

  9. Annual Joint Meeting

    News -

    We are delighted to announce that the time has come for our much-anticipated Annual Joint Meeting, and we cordially invite you to join us for this significant event. This gathering serves as a valuable platform to strengthen our collaboration, share insights, and align our efforts for continued success.

  10. Monthly Newsletters

    News -

    Read all our Monthly Newsletters for 2023 , stay up to date with activities of your local Healthwatch.

  11. One-third of adults in England express doubts about their ability to receive timely healthcare

    News -

    - By Healthwatch England

    New research conducted in 2023, reveals a concerning lack of public confidence when it comes to accessing critical NHS services in England. Approximately one-third of adults in England express doubts about their ability to receive timely healthcare, including services such as GP appointments, mental health support, and hospital care.

  12. Annual Joint Meeting Highlights

    News -

    Celebrating Success: A Heartfelt Thank You for Making Our Annual Joint Meeting a Triumph!

  13. October's online forum

    News -

    Don't miss our upcoming Online Forum featuring "Barnardo's Young Dads Service." This dedicated program offers vital support and guidance to young fathers navigating parenthood's challenges.


  14. Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle welcome New Research and Engagement Manager

    News -

    Healthwatch Newcastle proudly announces the appointment of Afsana Begum as their dynamic new Research and Engagement Manager. Armed with an impressive degree in Public Health, Afsana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will further invigorate the organisations' commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals accessing health and social care services in Newcastle and Gateshead.

  15. Have your say about health and social care services in Newcastle and Gateshead

    News -

    Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead are here to help make local health and care services better for you. We do this by finding out how you are experiencing these services and ultimately feeding this back to the people delivering and commissioning the services, to influence positive change based on what we have been told.

  16. Joint Healthwatch Response to Latest CQC Report on Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    News -

    Following on from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports on Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Hospital Trust. Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle, alongside Healthwatch Northumberland and Healthwatch North Tyneside have released a joint statement.

    Please download the full statement below.

  17. Monthly Newsletters

    News -

    Read all our Monthly Newsletters for 2024 , stay up to date with information and activities from Healthwatch Newcastle.

  18. Your experiences of Dentistry in 2023

    News -

    People have been telling us about challenges they face getting NHS dentistry. As a result we are working with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) in the North East and North Cumbria to better understand people’s experiences of dentistry in 2023.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. What should you expect when it comes to care for your teeth?

    Advice and Information -

    Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide.

  22. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. How to access mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

    Advice and Information -

    If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  33. 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.

  34. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  35. How can you find an NHS dentist?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.

  36. GP referrals – what is a referral?

    Advice and Information -

    When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect.

  37. If you have COVID-19 symptoms

    Advice and Information -

    If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can take a PCR test by booking online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119 between 7am and 11pm and self-isolate until you get your results

  38. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

    Advice and Information -

    We’re supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 17-23 January and encouraging women and people with a cervix not to ignore their invitation.  Did you know, one in three eligible people don't attend cervical screening? It’s a test that saves lives.

  39. Colonoscopy confidence – your common sense bowel check

    Advice and Information -

    We know some people feel anxious or worried when they’re told they need a colonoscopy but it’s important to have this test if you’re referred. Bowel Cancer UK has launched the Colonoscopy Confidence campaign to explain what a colonoscopy is, why it matters and encourage people to attend their appointment.

  40. Recovering from COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Your COVID Recovery is an NHS website that helps you to understand the illnesses and what you might expect as part of your recovery.

  41. Dental care myth busters

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that dental practices are set up within the NHS in a completely different way to GP practices? There is no formal patient registration to see a dentist.

  42. Home from Hospital

    Advice and Information -

    Home from Hospital is a free service. It provides practical and emotional support to older people returning home from hospital in Newcastle. Support is flexible and tailored to a person's individual needs.

  43. The Accessible Information Standard

    Advice and Information -

    The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide NHS or adult social care. It aims to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss get information that they can access and understand and the communication support they need from health and care services.

  44. Know the symptoms of a heart attack

    Advice and Information -

    This February, NHS England and NHS Improvement is raising awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign.

  45. Get help and support on No Smoking Day

    Advice and Information -

    Wednesday 9 March is No Smoking Day.

  46. Our Resources

    Advice and Information -

    We’ve put together some of our resources on this page to help you keep up to date.

  47. What is menopause and what are the signs?

    Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care.