Welcome to our May newsletter!
With the latter part of May being a bit of a scorcher, please remember to take care in the hot weather and follow NHS advice here: How to cope in hot weather.
Our Annual Report for 2025 - 26 is well underway, so please do look out for it in your inbox at the end of next month, to see our impact over the last 12 months.
We also recently published two reports:
- Staying With People: What Lived Experience Tells Us About Mental Health Support - in partnershop with Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust and Healthwatch across the Tees Valley
- The Healthwatch North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Overview Report 2025–26 - which gives an overview of the diverse work that the Healthwatch NENC network has been involved in throughout the year.
If you missed them or haven’t had a chance to read, check out the links below.
We also have some opportuninies to have your say in local and regional surveys, so read on to find out more…
Best wishes
Natasha, Janet, Lynn and Kathryn
The impact of regional Healthwatch collaboration
We’re proud to share the Healthwatch North East and North Cumbria Overview Report 2025–26.
This brings together what people across the region have told us about their experiences of health and care services – and how those voices are helping shape change.
From access to GPs and dental care, to mental health and women’s health, this report shows the difference listening well can make.
Read the report here: Healthwatch North East and North Cumbria Overview Report 2025–26.
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People’s lived experiences of mental health support
Healthwatch across the Tees Valley, together with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust have listened to people across County Durham and Tees Valley.
The message is clear. People don’t want lots of services, they want one that works, and someone who stays.
Our new report brings together real experiences of mental health support, what helps, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.
Read the report here: Staying With People: What Lived Experience Tell Us About Mental Health Support
NHS Patient Transport Survey: Have your say!
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Healthwatch and other partners to improve NHS patient transport services in the North East.
Have you used NHS patient transport services?
We are looking at making the rules for patient transport clearer and more consistent in the North East. This includes reviewing who qualifies for free transport support.
You can take the survey here: NHS Patient Transport Survey.
Find out more on our website: Information on patient transport survey.
Healthwatch and the NHS Modernisation Bill
HRecently, the Government announced major health reforms as part of the new parliamentary session.
The proposed NHS Modernisation Bill could significantly change how patient and public voices are represented in health and social care, including the transfer of local Healthwatch functions to ICBs and local authorities.
The Bill will now face Parliamentary scrutiny before becoming law.
More information here: Healthwatch and the NHS Modernisation Bill.
What You Told Us
Let us know what you thought about your recent health and care experiences.
Tell us what has been good or what could be better and help improve local healthcare services.
Have your say here: Share Your Views
Our engagement team out and about in Stockton
Lynn and Janet were out and about last month at drop-ins and events across Stockton to hear views from the local communities on health and care services.
Events included:
- Drop-in at Asda Portrack for Deaf Awareness Week
- Drop-in at Yarm Library for Deaf Awareness Week
- Drop-in at Stockton Wellbeing Hub for Mental Health Awareness Week
- All Together For You event at Stockton Family Hub
Follow us on social media to find out where Janet and Lynn will be each month and where you can speak to them in confidence.
Or contact us with your health or care query:
Email:[email protected]
Telephone: 0300 180 0660
Central Stockton and Portrack Pride in Place: Have your say
Pride in Place is a new scheme to support the Central Stockton and Portrack Communities to access funding over 10 years to spend on projects that will make a real difference in the local area.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council want to hear from you, to find out what is important to you and what change and ideas you have for your local area.
Take part in the online survey here: Pride in Place survey.
Find out more here: Pride in Place information.
Update on blue inhalers from NHSUsing a blue inhaler? There’s a better way to manage your Asthma. Your blue inhaler helps quickly but doesn't last long. There are now inhalers that can help keep your Asthma under better control. Book an Asthma review with your GP practice to find out more. Read more here: Upgrade in asthma care. Have your say on local hospitalsUniversity Hospitals Tees has already gathered more than 1,000 responses from its survey – Caring Better Together – about the care and experience patients have received. They would still like to hear from you. If you have experienced care with any of their services, you can have your say here: Local NHS experience survey. |