1. News -

    TEWV have recently updated the contact number of its 24 hour freephone mental health crisis helpline.
  2. News -

    The urgent care team in Hartlepool is reminding its community about the health issues it can help you with.
  3. News -

    Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including: mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancer, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, and depression.
  4. News -

    NHS community infection control team helps care home residents improve oral health and hydration
  5. News -

    NHS Tees Valley CCG carried out a twelve-week period of patient/public engagement (17 May – 6 August 2021) to understand the views of those who have supported a loved one with a long-term condition or cancer during the end stages of their life.
  6. News -

    A group of cancer survivors and people affected by cancer who are part of a creative support group have reunited following the pandemic. Come and join our group and get creative.
  7. News -

    The Covid-19 vaccination rollout was the fastest in England’s history – it has saved countless lives and allowed us to live with this virus without restrictions on our freedoms.
  8. News -

    Children and young people who are eligible for a Covid -19 vaccine should take up the offer to gain the best possible protection.
  9. News -

    The Healthwatch Hartlepool Newsletter for September is now available to download. Please click on the link below
  10. News -

    Healthwatch Hartlepool is working with the NHS to improve the wellbeing of people in our town and across the region.

  11. News -

    Staff past and present, Board members, volunteers and partner organisations came together to share in the success that Healthwatch has achieved to date.
    Click on the link below to find out more!
  12. News -

    This edition features:
    • NEW – Adult K Executive Summary & Learning Briefing covering a number of key themes
    • A ‘Spotlight On’ Trauma Informed Practice including useful resources
    • An update on Board Activity
    • Our training courses for Summer 2023 which are available to BOOK NOW

    Click on the link below!
  13. News -

    Are you aged 16-25?

  14. News -

    The Healthwatch Hartlepool Newsletter for July is now available to download!
  15. News -

    Healthwatch Hartlepool Newsletter for September is now available to download
    Click on the link!
  16. News -

    The Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, to safeguard and promote the well-being and independence of adults at risk of abuse or neglect. (Safeguarding means “protect from harm”). We want to hear from you to help us plan our work for the next year. Please take a few minutes to fill in the survey below from your point of view – the form can be completed on someone’s behalf if the person is asked for their views. The survey is completed anonymously, so if you have any specific issues or queries about the survey that you would like to raise with us, please contact us directly by emailing tsab.businessunit@stockton.gov.uk. Questions marked with an asterix are required fields
  17. News -

    We need your views and feedback to help shape future services, including planning the next phase of the NHS’s dental recovery plan in the region.
    So if you are living in the North East and North Cumbria, have recent experiences with using or trying to access dental services, then share your experiences with us here.
    Across the North East and North Cumbria, local Healthwatch are working together to tackle this important issue. You can find more information about our Healthwatch Network here.
    The survey closes on 31 March 2024 and as a thank you for your time we are offering £100 of Love-to-Shop vouchers to a lucky prize draw winner.
    If you require a paper copy or have any questions about this survey, please contact 0800 254 5552 or email yoursay@healthwatchhartlepool.co.uk

    Click on the link below to complete the online survey!
  18. News -

    The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched an NHS campaign to encourage members of the public who could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure to get their blood pressure checked at a participating pharmacy. 

    The campaign, backed by British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association, Heart Research UK, Blood Pressure UK, May Measurement Month, British Society for Heart Failure, and more, warns that there are often ‘no clues’ about who might have high blood pressure. 
    Who can get a free blood pressure check
    You can get a free blood pressure check if you:
    are aged 40 or over and live in England

    You cannot get a free blood pressure check if you:
    already have high blood pressure and have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past 6 months

    What happens when you get your blood pressure checked
    A pharmacist, or member of the pharmacy team, will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm to measure your blood pressure. They will then share the result with you.
    Depending on the result, they might:
    give you advice to support healthy living
    give you a blood pressure monitor to take home with you and return later advise you to see a GP

    If you’re registered with a GP surgery, your GP health record will be updated.
    To find a pharmacy near you that offers free blood pressure checks, click on the link below!
    Or pop into your local pharmacy and ask about a `Free blood pressure check.`
  19. News -

    Healthwatch Hartlepool Newsletter for March is now available to download
    Click on the link!
  20. Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.
  21. Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
  22. Advice and Information -

    Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide.
  23. Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  24. Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  25. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  26. Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.
  27. Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.
  28. Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.
  29. Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.
  30. Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.
  31. Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.
  32. Advice and Information -

    The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our tips to looking after your wellbeing when self-isolating.
  33. Advice and Information -

    Dispelling the most common rumours relating to NHS dentistry
    Healthwatch teams across the North East have seen a significant increase in concerns around getting to see their local dentist.
    This is also a big problem across the rest of the country.
    These concerns have been made worse by some common myths and
    mis-understandings around how dentist practices work.

    Click on the link below to read the Dentistry Myth Busting report!
  34. Advice and Information -

    To book an appointment for the 7 Day GP Access Service, please contact your own GP surgery first!
  35. Advice and Information -

    Contracting COVID-19 can be a distressing experience that affects people differently, meaning you may have different care and wellbeing needs to others. Although most people who have a mild case of COVID-19 recover quickly, around one in ten patients will report prolonged symptoms that can last for several weeks or even months. These symptoms can include chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, a cough and loss of sense of taste and smell, among others. Where symptoms persist past twelve weeks, this is known as post-Covid syndrome. If your symptoms last for more than twelve weeks, you may require support to ensure that you recover well. NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) have compiled a variety of self-help resources, as well as information on the services available locally that can assist you with post-Covid syndrome. This information covers things like diet, exercise and smoking (if applicable), getting back to work and when to seek further support.
  36. Advice and Information -

    New measures to improve access to dental care
    A new package of measures to improve patient access to dental care has been introduced by the government.