1. Report -

    From October to December 2015 we asked service users, their carers and relatives, and also social workers, what they thought about home care services in Newcastle. We also interviewed the commissioners of home care services and met with several local voluntary and community sector organisations.
  2. Report -

    From September 2015 to January 2016 our young people’s group designed and delivered a mental health questionnaire aimed at young people in the 13—25 age range. The aim was to get a better understanding of the main issues young people face regarding mental health, and if schools and colleges are offering enough support to young people around these issues.
  3. Report -

    During late 2015 and early 2016 we carried out a large scale survey of service users, carers and relatives, and home care workers to gather their feedback on various aspects of home care services. Newcastle City Council took on board six of our ten recommendations when drawing up new care provider contracts.
  4. Report -

    From July to December 2015 we carried out research into what people want when booking a GP appointment in Newcastle. A discrete choice experiment survey was developed in partnership with Northumbria University.
  5. Report -

    This listening event in November 2015 enabled people to meet and talk with the organisations that plan and provide local social care and health services.
  6. Report -

    We presented some major research projects, including local home care services, people’s preference when making a GP appointment and young people’s attitude to dental care, inviting people to think about the next steps. Delegates also shortlisted Healthwatch Newcastle’s priorities for 2016—17.
  7. Report -

    Our annual report for 2015–16 describes the work we have done over the last year to understand and improve people's experiences of social care and health services in Newcastle upon Tyne.
  8. Report -

    This listening event in July 2016 enabled people to meet and talk with the organisations that plan and provide local social care and health services.
  9. Report -

    In spring 2016 we carried out a mystery shopper exercise on the NHS Choices dentist profile pages for the 42 dental practices in Newcastle upon Tyne.
  10. Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.
  11. Report -

    Agendas, notes, and minutes for our committee meetings and annual general meeting.
  12. Page -

  13. Page -

  14. Report -

    Our Safeguarding policies outline what our processes and steps are to ensure the safeguarding of children and adults we engage with.
  15. Report -

    Our Whistleblowing policy is intended to assist staff and volunteers who believe they have discovered malpractice or wrongdoing within Tell Us North, by enabling them to raise their concerns in a responsible and effective manner.
  16. Report -

    Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle recently engaged with local residents to understand experiences and opinions of the North East Ambulance Service. We wanted to understand public perceptions of the service, what trust means to the public, and overall levels of trust felt towards NEAS.
    Overall, feedback was positive, however, most of those we consulted felt that they could not fully trust NEAS. Specific elements of trust were identified and included:
    - Reliability, Availability, and Responsiveness
    - Delivering a High Standard of Care
    - Integrity and the Alignment of Words & Actions
    - Patients’ Safety

    Our full report is available to read here

  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. News -

    Healthwatch Volunteer Raj Takes Initiative to Raise Awareness of Strokes
  21. Page -

  22. Report -

    Healthwatch Newcastle (HWN) engaged with autistic people and people with a learning disability to understand their experiences accessing and using GP services in Newcastle. GP Practice Managers across Newcastle were invited to share information around their processes for requesting and implementing reasonable adjustments and their capacity to make requested adjustments. Read our full report here :-
  23. Report -

    Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into
    NHS Dentistry Submission
  24. Report -

    Healthwatch Newcastle engaged with local people to understand their experiences booking and
    receiving all of their Coronavirus vaccination(s). The project was prompted by feedback from a
    small number of local residents who shared their experiences of the Coronavirus vaccination
    process. Read the full report here :-
  25. Event -

  26. Event -

  27. Event -

  28. News -

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

    Read our annual report and all that we have done through the year as your local Healthwatch.
  30. 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.
  31. Report -

    This policy applies to all relevant decisions made by Tell Us North, Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead.
  32. 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.
  33. News -

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

    Healthwatch Newcastle stands united with Newcastle City Council in their unwavering commitment to the White Ribbon campaign!
  35. 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.


  36. Event -

  37. 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.
  38. News -

    Read all our Monthly Newsletters for 2023 , stay up to date with activities of your local Healthwatch.
  39. 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.
  40. 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.
  41. Report -

    Minutes of the committee meeting held on 24th May 2023
  42. Report -

    Minutes of committee meeting held on 16th August 2023
  43. 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.