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 -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  3. 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.
  4. Advice and Information -

    To book an appointment for the 7 Day GP Access Service, please contact your own GP surgery first!
  5. 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.

  6. 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.


  7. 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!
  8. 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.