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.
