Your feedback April 2026

Your NHS and social care feedback April 2026

Top issues

There were many different issues we heard about this month but no real common themes other than quality of care and communication issues with hospital outpatients services.

This month’s focus

We held Here to Hear sessions around the county including at Hexham General Hospital, Morpeth Library, Blyth Hub, Newbiggin Sports and Community Hub and in Alnwick.

We also attended sessions hosted by other groups including Karbon Homes Silver Friends event in Haltwhistle, Amble’s Cancer Support Group, Supporting Our Farming Community session at Hexham Auction Mart and Ponteland Aging Well Group.

Positive feedback example

We heard feedback from a member of the public who feels access at their GP surgery is improving slowly. The online system is much better since it changed from Anima to SystmConnect – forms are not as long or as complicated. However, they told us they still know of many patients who cannot use online systems.

North Northumberland resident

Negative feedback example

A visitor to one of our Here to Hear drop-ins told us they have several long-term conditions and get frustrated with poor communication from NHS services particularly in text messages.

For example, they will receive texts about appointments which fail to give information as to what condition it is for. They gave example of Cora health – physiotherapy service. They have had care for their shoulder and knee separately from this service. Texts were about appointments and also to give feedback but did not specify for which condition, so they had to contact the service to ask for clarification.

North Northumberland resident

Impact

“I am so impressed by the level of support I received from Healthwatch Northumberland. They really went the extra mile to find out what options were available to me with regards to receiving an alternative Covid vaccination because of the impact the Moderna vaccine has on my rheumatoid arthritis condition. It was a complex situation and they got to the bottom of it with the result that I now have an appointment in the next couple of days. Many thanks!”

Resident who used our Information and Signposting Service.

Information and Signposting Service

We were able to help people find the information they need on a range of issues and services, including scams awareness, mental health support, urgent dental care, prostate cancer testing and vision loss support.