Free event – The ME Association

Free event – The ME Association

/in , , /by

Join us on Friday 14 November at 1pm to hear from Dr Katrina Pears, Research Coordinator for The ME Association, about the latest research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid. Her overview will draw on the evidence-based NICE Guideline, expert medical opinion, and findings from research into the underlying disease mechanisms.

The ME Association provides effective support and expert information, lobbies local and national governments and is working to improve healthcare for all. It prioritises prudent investment in medical research in the hope that one day there will be effective treatments and even a cure.

Since the pandemic, the charity has been welcoming people with Long Covid due to the many similarities with ME/CFS.

This event is suitable for the general public and professionals. There will also be a chance to ask questions.

This event has now passed.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about future events or catch up with previous events on our online events page.

Your feedback September 2025

Your feedback September 2025

/in , , /by

Your NHS and social care feedback September 2025

Top issues

This month we heard about issues with GP services including difficulties getting an appointment and digital exclusion. We also heard about the distance patients had to travel to get to hospital outpatients appointments and difficulties getting an appointment with an NHS dentist.

This month’s focus

The main focus was on delivering our Annual Event in Hexham. 80 people joined us to hear about local services and our review of the year.

We’ve been out and about with our Hear to Hear events in Bedlington, at Hexham General Hospital, Morpeth Library, Seahouses Hub and Newbiggin. We attended Thriving Together’s information events in Amble and Haltwhistle, a Northumberland County of Sanctuary session at Ashington, the Meet and Eat session in Allendale and we also heard from adults with learning disabilities at Journey Enterprises in Acomb.

We launched our Pharmacy First work, and started analysing results of the ‘Taking a Break’ carers project.

For the Persistent Physical Symptoms project, we held the second Patient Participation Governance group meeting and gave a promotional talk to Blyth Rotary club.

Our online talk this month was from Age UK Northumberland. The subject was Scams Awareness and the event was well attended.

Positive feedback example

A patient left positive feedback about their endoscopy appointment at Hexham General Hospital.

“A very positive experience from entering the department to leaving. The reception was very welcoming, the waiting area was comfortable and clean. The initial assessment was slightly rushed in a small room but still allowed time for questions etc. I cannot thank Dr Lee and the endoscopy staff in the room enough. I was very stressed about the procedure but I was talked through it and it was over before I knew it. Recovery was swift and I was given a print out of findings. The staff contacted my husband to collect me. Excellent, professional and patient centred care. All credit to the team.”

Tynedale resident

Negative feedback example

“Whilst I feel digital is great for those that can use it, I am concerned that older people are feeling pushed into using digital services. Many who are much older have never used smartphones, or even computers, so patients still need to have choice of how to access GPs. Surgeries should consider the demographics of an area when deciding on patient access.”

North Northumberland resident

Impact

We received positive feedback on our Annual Event. “Pharmacy First presentation was very informative. Useful to hear about service I was unaware of such as the 111 emergency prescription service. More local publicity definitely needed for Pharmacy First. Direct Payment session also very clear and helpful.”

Information and Signposting Service

We were able to help people find the information they need on a range of issues and services, including NHS complaints, mental health support, finding an NHS dentist and hearing aid repair.

Read more in our feedback summary for September 2025.

Have your say on Pharmacy First

Have your say on Pharmacy First

/in , , /by

We’d like to hear your views on the Pharmacy First service. By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us to understand people’s awareness of the scheme, and any concerns or suggestions you may have.

Pharmacy First, which was launched in January 2024, enables community pharmacies to provide treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. These are earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64. Pharmacists can also provide an urgent repeat medicine supply.

Please leave your feedback by Sunday 9 November.

Have your say online or call us on 03332 408468 to leave feedback over the phone or to ask for a paper copy in the post.

This survey has now closed.

 

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

/in , , /by

To celebrate World Mental Health Day, we were joined by Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, Northumberland Talking Therapies and Northumberland Recovery College to talk about mental health in the workplace.

First of all, Emmalene Charlton from Tyneside and Northumberland Mind gave us an overview of what stress is and some ways we can help manage it.

Then we heard from Sarah Coles from Northumberland Talking Therapies for some tips and techniques to help manage stress.

Finally, we enjoyed a guided imagery meditation from Northumberland Recovery College.

Catch up on the recordings from the event on our online events page.

Find support

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind – call 0330 174 3174 or email admin@tynesidemind.org.uk

Northumberland Talking Therapies – call 0300 3030 700

Northumberland Recovery College – call 07866 053717 or email: nrc@everyturn.org

Free event – World Mental Health Day

Free event – World Mental Health Day

/in , , /by

Join us for a free online event on World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October, 1pm-2.30pm) to talk about mental health with a focus on wellbeing in the workplace.

We will hear from Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, NHS Northumberland Talking Therapies and Northumberland Recovery College about common sources of stress in the workplace and tips and techniques to promote better mental health.

We will also have the chance to take part in a guided imagery exercise to help manage stress and anxiety. There will be time to ask questions.

The theme of this year’s mental health day is access to services. We will also share some details of mental health services, information and resources where people can get support.

Please note this session is not intended to give individual clinical advice. To improve comfort and confidentiality all attendees will have their cameras off and microphones muted, and active participation is not required.

This event has now passed.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about future events or catch up with previous events on our online events page.

Your feedback August 2025

Your feedback August 2025

/in , , /by

Your NHS and social care feedback August 2025

Top issues

This month we heard about issues with GP services including a lack of up-to-date menopause treatment knowledge. We also heard about poor communication for hospital outpatients and how some people found it difficult to read letters from hospitals.

This month’s focus

This month we have been attending our regular Here to Hear sessions at Cramlington Hub, Alnwick Weaver’s Court, Hirst Welfare Centre, Hexham General Hospital and Morpeth Library. We also attended Hexham livestock mart as part of the joint working to support farmers’ mental health.

Our online talk this month was by Colostomy UK on living with a stoma.

Details of our Annual Event in Hexham – Delivering in Tynedale! – were promoted widely to people in the area and across Northumberland.

Positive feedback example

A woman came to see us very happy with the care she had experienced when she had hurt her ankle. She said all aspects of the care she received were excellent, timely and delivered by caring staff. Whether that was NSECH where she first went, the orthopaedic surgeon, the GPs or JMAPS, everything was well coordinated and picked up seamlessly from one another.

The Cora Health (previously Connect Health) physiotherapy ankle class was really good and she felt that ‘everyone should have access to it.’ The only improvement she could suggest is that the physiotherapy input should have started before she left hospital, rather than a short while after she had been discharged.

Castle Morpeth resident

Negative feedback example

A person told us that they have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and find NHS letters difficult to read because they are often printed on both sides of paper. This means the print from the other side can be seen through the paper, as well as sometimes being printed upside down on the reverse side.

The person told us that issues like this can seem unimportant to others, but are very distracting for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and can make focussing on the content more difficult.

Tynedale resident

Impact

We learnt that Northumberland County Council has been running Mental Health First Aid training for its staff, at which they issue our ‘Mental Health Support in Northumberland’ booklet to attendees.

Information and Signposting Service

We were able to help people find the information they need on a range of issues and services, including mental health support, antenatal classes, adult social care and public transport.

Read more in our feedback summary for August 2025.

Statement on the future of Healthwatch

Statement on the future of Healthwatch

/1 Comment/in , , /by

The Government has decided to transfer the duties of local Healthwatch to Integrated Care Boards and Local Authorities and close Healthwatch England.

We are disappointed by the decision. We will not know the full implications of the Government’s proposals until we see the details in the NHS 10-Year Plan, the Penny Dash Review into Patient Safety, and new legislation is passed by Parliament. We expect this will take time.

We will continue to champion the involvement of service users and carers in health and care decision making in Northumberland. We believe the best way to improve services for everyone is by having a strong, independent voice for residents—where people can share their views and experiences of all the health and care services they use.

We have a strong work plan for 2025/26 and are committed to delivering our Healthwatch to a high standard and supporting as many residents as we can. We look forward to working in partnership with local organisations, service providers, and our Healthwatch colleagues across the North East and North Cumbria, to make sure local people’s voices are heard.

We will share further information about our future as the government’s plans become clearer.

A national petition has been created in response to the government’s decision to abolish Healthwatch England and Local Healthwatch. Please feel free to sign and share it.

Petition: Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch

 

Proposed Lintonville relocation

Proposed Lintonville relocation

/in , /by

Northumbria Primary Care is proposing to move Lintonville GP surgery to a new site at the Ashington Workspace on Lintonville Parkway (near Lidl). The North East and North Cumbria ICB will need to approve the plans before they go ahead.

The current GP surgery building is over 100 years old and is not big enough to provide the best care for patients. More private space is needed in the reception area and there are not enough toilets or parking.

The new site is less than 500 metres from the current surgery and near the main bus station. The new building would have more space, better facilities and more parking.

Next steps

If the plans are approved, work on the new building is expected to start in early 2026. It will take up to a year to complete. The current surgery will stay open during this time, and there will be updates as the proposed surgery move gets closer.

Have your say on the proposal

  • Have your say in this online survey or ask at the GP reception for a paper copy. Leave your feedback by Thursday 25 September. Please get in touch if you would like help to complete the survey.
  • Attend a drop-in session at the current Lintonville surgery on Wednesday 3 September between 10am and 1pm or on Wednesday 10 September between 4pm and 6.30pm.
  • Come along to our online drop-in session on Wednesday 17 September between 6pm and 7pm. To join, please email helenb@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call 03332 408 468.
  • Write to NPC Lintonville, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 9UT, drop in a letter at reception or email nencicb-nor.npc.lintonville@nhs.net
  • There are plans to run focus groups and a community café in the autumn, to talk with patients, residents and local organisations and groups about what health and support services the community needs.

Find more information about the proposal at the Northumbria Primary Care website.

Free event – Scams awareness

Free event – Scams awareness

/in , , /by

Would you like to better protect yourself and others against fraudsters? Join us for a free online talk about scams awareness and prevention on Friday 12 September, 1pm to 2pm.

Research shows that being scammed or defrauded can have medical and social consequences, as well as the obvious financial loss.

So, for our September online talk, we have invited Chris Balfour, Scams Awareness Officer at AgeUK Northumberland, to talk to us about AgeUK’s scam prevention work and the support they can offer to both the public and to professionals.

Chris will cover:

1.What are the main types of scams being used nowadays?

2.Tools and techniques for protecting yourself against scammers

3.Where and how you can access further support and how reporting scam attempts can help reduce the problem

There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the talk.

This event has now passed.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about future events or catch up with previous events on our online events page.

Choosing a care home

Choosing a care home

/in , , /by

Finding a suitable care home for you or a loved one can be difficult. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the decision easier. Healthwatch England has gathered some information and useful resources to help you make the right choice.

Three checklists to help you get started

  1. Age UK has a video that explains some of the key things to look out for when visiting a care home, as well as a checklist to help you choose the right home.
  2. Healthwatch Lancashire has developed the ‘Mum’s test checklist’ based on extensive visits to care homes and conversations with residents.
  3. Independent Age also has a checklist of questions to consider when choosing a home.

Step one – Make sure you have considered all your options

Moving into a care home not only involves changing where you live but could also cost you a lot of money.

The NHS guide to care homes advises you to consider the least disruptive and inexpensive options, such as support to live independently at home or in sheltered accommodation.

Step two – Understand the different types of care homes

Care homes can offer permanent residence or care until someone can live independently or move to a different service. There are two main types of care homes for people who cannot live independently in their own homes.

  • Residential care homes range in size from small homes to large-scale services and offer a place to live with personal care throughout the day and night. Staff can help with washing, dressing, mealtimes and using the toilet.
  • Nursing homes provide the same care as residential services. They also offer 24-hour medical care from a qualified nurse.

Some care homes focus on supporting people with specific needs, such as dementia or severe disabilities. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates care homes and can provide information on both kinds of homes.

Step three – Be clear about who will fund your care

Your local authority might help with the care costs if you need support. Exactly how much you get will depend on your needs and how much you can afford to pay.

Money Helper has produced a guide on paying for care. They advise contacting the social services department of your local authority to find out whether you’re eligible for funding.

Your local authority has a legal duty to assess what help you need. Money Helper has also produced a guide explaining how care needs assessments work and what you should expect.

You might qualify for free NHS continuing healthcare funding if you have a complex medical problem. As with local authority funding, finding out if you are eligible and getting an assessment is essential.

Step four – Find the right home for you

Healthwatch Lancashire has developed a checklist to help you choose the right home, with advice on doing research before visiting a home.

Things to think about include:

  • The home’s location
  • The cost of care
  • The home’s services

You can also:

  • Phone the care home or visit their website to request a brochure
  • Check if they have any places available
  • Read the latest inspection report about the care home by the CQC
  • See if your local Healthwatch has visited the service and produced a report

Step five – Making your choice

How can you tell if the home you are considering is right for you? With the support of Healthwatch Camden, Independent Age has developed eight indicators to judge the quality of a care home.

It is also good to make a checklist of things to look out for and questions to ask staff. For example:

  • What activities are on offer for residents?
  • What is the ratio of staff to residents?
  • Can you access the healthcare you need?
  • Would the home agree to a trial period?
  • What is the home’s visiting policy?

If you’re visiting on behalf of a loved one who can’t get to the care home, ask them to tell you which things on the checklist are most important to them before you visit.

It is also a good idea to record your reflections and ask any follow-up questions you might have.

Further reading

Check out these useful links if you need more support and information on choosing the right care home or what care and support best suits your needs:

If you would like to tell us about your experience of finding a care home please get in touch.