1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Advice and Information -

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

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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!
  15. Advice and Information -

    To book an appointment for the 7 Day GP Access Service, please contact your own GP surgery first!
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Advice and Information -

    Do you look after someone - then who looks after you?
    Hartlepool Carers provide support to Carers from 5 years old in Hartlepool, offering information, advice and guidance!

  19. Advice and Information -

    What are the aims of the project?
    The research will give autistic people the chance to share their experiences of their autism diagnostic assessment to help us understand the support they received before, during and after the assessment and identify other types of support that might have been helpful. The survey is open to people who: are over 18 and have gone through or are waiting for an autism diagnosis, do not also have a learning disability and live in the North East or North Cumbria region. If this applies to you, please share your experiences with us by completing our online survey using the link below.
  20. Advice and Information -

    Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, The NHS bowel cancer screening kit detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong. Detecting it at the earliest stage makes it up to 9 times more likely to be successfully treated. So if you're aged 60 to 74 (lowering to 50 by 2025), live in England and registered with a GP practice, you’ll be sent a kit in the post automatically, every two years. The kit is quick and simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom using the step-by-step instructions on the box. You only need to collect one tiny sample of poo using the plastic stick provided, pop it in the sample bottle and post it for free, to be tested.
    The test works by checking for tiny traces of blood, which may not be visible to the naked eye. Blood in your poo is one of the signs of bowel cancer but does not always mean cancer. Instead, it could be a sign of piles or polyps (growths in the bowel). Polyps are not cancer but could develop into cancer over time.

  21. Advice and Information -

    The impact of prescription charges on people living with long term conditions - The Prescription Charges Coalition (PCC) ran a survey between February and March this year.
    Click on the link to read their report!
  22. Advice and Information -

    Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy supports people to raise their concerns and complaints about NHS care and treatment.
    Call our helpline on 03003 038037 for information, guidance and support. 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.


  23. Advice and Information -

    GP Practice services have changed to meet increasing demand and respond to local health care needs.
    Healthwatch Hartlepool have produced a booklet called "Top Tips for Accessing your GP Practise", that gives advice and information on the many services available at your local GP practice.
    Click here to download our booklet!
  24. Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.
  25. Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.
  26. Advice and Information -

    Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home.
  27. Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.