Healthwatch Newcastle services will be closed for the winter bank holidays from Wednesday 24th of December at 4pm until Friday 2nd of January at 10am: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-12...

There's still time to let the NHS know what you think! www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Healthwatc... Have you used the NHS App, Pharmacy First, or the GP Extended Access Service recently? If so, the NHS want your feedback. What worked well? What could be better? Did you notice any changes?

Are you ready for the bank holidays? highlightspr.co.uk/healthwatch-...

"I have a health problem, which service should I talk to?" Self Care at home: - Minor cuts and grazes - Minor bruises - Minor sprains - Coughs and colds Call NHS 111 for non-emergency help: - Feeling unwell - Unsure who to call - Anxious about health - Need help?

Here’s some advice from the NHS about the new GP Extended Access Service. Have feedback on this service? Visit our website, call us on 0808 178 9282 or email [email protected].

The Christmas and New Year's Day bank holidays reduce the number of working days for GP practices and pharmacies. Here's how to be ready: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/advice-and-i...

Benedict Knox, our Head of Communications, explains that our latest research shows that 98% patient satisfaction with a GP referral is possible when four steps are followed. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-12-04/one-seven-patients-stuck-gp-referrals-black-hole

After a public listening period, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board has announced their decision on gluten-free prescriptions: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/advice-and-i...

Did you know? If you have a child aged 6 months to 18 years who is at a clinical risk from flu, they can get a free nasal spray vaccine. You can find out more through the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/se... #BeWiseImmunise

Have you used the NHS App, Pharmacy First, or the GP Extended Access Service recently? The NHS wants to hear about your experience; what worked well, what could be better and whether you’ve noticed any changes. Fill out the online survey to have your say: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Healthwatc...

Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our advice to find out tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients or if you're struggling with NHS dentistry costs. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-08-22/how-can-you-find-nhs-dentist

Some advice from the NHS about your local pharmacy. Have feedback on this service? Visit our website, call us on 0808 178 9282 or email [email protected].

We held a joint sweet treats sale with Healthwatch Gateshead today in aid of White Ribbon Day 2025! You can find out more about this charity's important work here: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wespeakup

In the words of White Ribbon UK: "Letting sexism slide puts women and girls at risk. Sexist jokes, catcalling, staring, and comments might seem harmless, but they are serious because they can lead to violence and abuse." Learn more: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wespeakup

Have you used NHS or social care services? Good or bad, we want to know how it went. If you want to see better local services, share your feedback today. We also have an easy read form available. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Anyone can catch the flu, but for some people it can be more dangerous. This includes people with learning disabilities! The good news is, you are entitled to a free flu vaccine to help you stay safe. You can find out more by asking your doctor or going to www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our drop-in event at the Metro Centre Community Hub today!

Some winter tips from the NHS for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): • Stop smoking to avoid damage to your lungs - it also makes medication less effective. • Get your winter vaccinations. • Use your inhalers the right way, every day. Learn more: www.nhs.uk/conditions/c...

Learn how you can find and access NHS dental care in the North East and North Cumbria with the latest information from local ICB (Integrated Care Board): www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/advice-and-i...

Have you heard of Pharmacy First? If so, we want to hear from you! Get in touch, or visit one of our regular drop-in sessions next week: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/contact-us www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/local-drop-s...

This week is Safeguarding Adults Week. Find out more by reading the information below or following this link to our website: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-11...

This year, Castle Dene Respite Centre was selected to receive an Enter and View visit as part of our focus on Adult Social Care. Click to find out more and read our report: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-11...

Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people, those with long-term conditions or a compromised immune system. Check out recommendations from the NHS to look after yourself - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-07/how-stay-well-winter

Have you used the NHS App, Pharmacy First, or the GP Extended Access Service recently? If so, the NHS wants to know what you think! www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-10...

Pharmacies can now provide the #MorningAfterPill free of charge. This is part of a new national service, which ends the postcode lottery for receiving free contraception. Find out more about how pharmacies can help you. https://bit.ly/3JaANCR

Don't forget! If you're pregnant, you can speak to your midwife or GP surgery about getting vaccinated to protect both you and your baby from certain illnesses. #BeWiseImmunise

Whether it’s small improvement to your local service or a national policy change, your feedback makes a difference. Read how you’re making services better www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

NHS North East and North Cumbria are looking to understand where people with a learning disability get help or support after a cancer diagnosis. If you want to be involved, contact [email protected]. You can find more information at: necldnetwork.co.uk/work-program...

If you catch flu and you have a certain long term health condition, you are at a much higher risk of being seriously ill or hospitalised. Give yourself the best protection with the flu vaccine. Check your eligibility and book now: https://www.nhs.uk/book-flu

Would you like to receive updates about our latest news, engagement activities and research? We'd love to stay in touch! Our mailing list is a great way to hear from us about our activities, events, news and opportunities to shape local services with your feedback: www.tinyurl.com/2s3j7wmp

Did you know? If you're a frontline health care worker, you're entitled to a free flu vaccine. Find out more by going to www.nhs.uk/vaccinations #BeWiseImmunise

If you’ve got 7 mins spare, we'd louvre you to book an eye test.

There's still time to have your say and shape our future priorities: www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-10... We want you to share with us what you think is important around our four priority areas for the coming year! This survey closes on Thursday 23rd October (this week).

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening health problem, you can contact NHS 111 to find out if you need to go to A&E. Read our advice to find out more. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-11/when-should-i-use-nhs-111

As your local health and social care champion for Newcastle, your views shape our research! We want you to share with us what you think is important around our priority areas for the coming year. You can find the full survey here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DHM8FM/

Be wise, immunise! The NHS wants to let parents know that 2-3 year olds are eligible for a free flu vaccine via nasal spray. You can check your eligibility for free flu & COVID-19 vaccines by going to www.nhs.uk/vaccinations #BeWiseImmunise

October marks Black History Month and it gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. The theme serves as a tribute to the strength and commitment of everyone today and throughout history from the Black community.

We've just published our latest newsletter, you can read it here! www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/news/2025-02... You can also subscribe to our newsletter by clicking this link, to stay up-to-date with our latest news: eepurl.com/gbEkGb

The NHS has launched new guidelines on what to expect from your GP, and how to use their services. And they want your feedback! You can read the new guidelines here: www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/yo... And you can give your feedback on them here: www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/yo...

Thanks to your feedback, we advocated for NHS England to publish better data to highlight and address inequalities in people's experience of waiting for NHS treatment - https://bit.ly/4nhPO4h

Be wise, immunise! Find out if you're eligible for a free flu vaccination this year and how you can book an appointment here www.nhs.uk/conditions/f... #BeWiseImmunise

Local authorities are required to invite all adults aged 40-74 without a long-term condition for an NHS health check every 5 years. Our research, published today, shows that many men are missed - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

And that’s a wrap on our 2025 AJM! Thank you to everyone who attended, your perspectives fuelled some great discussion about the future of the public voice in health and social care. And thank you to all our volunteers, committee members and staff who make this work possible!

With living costs so high many people are living under financial strain, and NHS prescriptions cost more than some people can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-08-20/what-help-can-you-get-pay-your-nhs-prescription

Think there’s no power in your feedback? Don’t believe it can make a difference to health and social care services? We want to show you that isn’t the case. Check out some recent examples of how you made a difference. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

Are you eligible for a free flu vaccination? Find out here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/f... #BeWiseImmunise

Don't miss your chance to join our Annual Joint Meeting, signups close on the 11th! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1576879050... This public meeting is a chance to hear about our activities, participate in committee elections and discuss the future of the public voice in Gateshead and Newcastle.

Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

Thank you to all 441 people who talked to us about health and social care at Mela this weekend!

Until the government makes more information available, we will continue to support local people to have their voices heard. However, a national petition calls on the government to keep an independent voice for the public: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...