1. E-bulletin: May 2021

    News -

    Our May 2021 newsletter lets you know what we have been up to over the last month and highlights both local and national health and care updates.

  2. Celebrating Volunteers Week

    News -

    See what we got up to this Volunteer's Week to celebrate their hard work.

  3. Help us shape the future of Health & Care Services

    News -

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

  4. Healthwatch Annual Event

    News -

    Healthwatch County Durham held an Annual Event on Wednesday 19th April, with health and social care representatives and communities invited along.

  5. Enter and View is Back

    News -

    Our Enter and View programme is back

  6. e-Bulletin Newsletter August 2023

    News -

    News Update on health and social care for August 2023.

  7. e-Bulletin Newsletter September 2023

    News -

    News Update on health and social care and what is going on in County Durham in September 2023.

  8. e-Bulletin Newsletter October 2023

    News -

    News Update on health and social care and what is going on in County Durham in October 2023.

  9. Inclusion Update

    News -

    Our Inclusion Lead has been busy engaging with harder to reach groups, find out their progress and what we plan for in the next few months.

  10. e-Bulletin Newsletter November 2023

    News -

    Read our latest news update on health and social care and find out what we are working on.

  11. e-Bulletin Newsletter - December 2023

    News -

    News Update on health and social care in County Durham, and what we have been working on in December 2023.

  12. e-Bulletin Newsletter - February 2024

    News -

    News Update on health and social care in County Durham, and what we have been working on in February 2024.

  13. Dental care survey launches across the North East and North Cumbria

    News -

    People have been telling us about their experiences of dentistry across the North East and North Cumbria so have teamed together to find out what is going on.

  14. e-Bulletin Newsletter - March 2024

    News -

    News Update on health and social care in County Durham, and updates on Healthwatch County Durham News for March 2024.

  15. Share your feedback to improve care in your community

    News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch, aims to help address health inequalities across England.

  16. e-Bulletin Newsletter - April 2024

    News -

    News Update on health and social care in County Durham, and updates on Healthwatch County Durham News for April 2024.

  17. e-Bulletin Newsletter - May 2024

    News -

    May 2024 news update on health and social care in County Durham, and updates on Healthwatch County Durham News.

  18. Maternity Services Feedback

    News -

    We would like to understand your experience of miscarriage and what support was there for you at that time.

  19. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    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.

  20. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    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.

  21. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  22. What should you expect when it comes to care for your teeth?

    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. Thinking about end of life care for you and your family

    Advice and Information -

    End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. The guidance on the NHS website helps you know what to expect, how to plan ahead and how to manage your day to day decisions.

  24. Accessibility checklist for GP surgeries

    Advice and Information -

    Help make sure that your practice meets people’s accessibility requirements using this checklist from Healthwatch Slough.

  25. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    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.

  26. Seven pieces of information that you should expect to receive after being diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) quick guide to discussing and planning support following a dementia diagnosis.

  27. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

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

  28. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

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

  29. Should I see a pharmacist instead of a doctor?

    Advice and Information -

    ​​​​​​​Avoid the wait at the GP and know when to visit your pharmacist instead. Look at how your pharmacist can help you.

  30. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    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.

  31. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    National Voices, Traverse, PPL and Healthwatch England 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.

  32. How to communicate better with people with hearing loss

    Advice and Information -

    COVID-19 poses a unique challenge for health and social care professionals when talking to someone with hearing loss. Here are some important tips to help you communicate effectively.

  33. Information on Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms, where to go for support and how you can help stop the spread.

  34. Think you need to go to A&E? Call NHS 111 first

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS is providing a new and more convenient way for you to access urgent care from the 1 December. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones.

  35. Looking after someone? Know your rights

    Advice and Information -

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been estimated that across the UK there are 13.5 million unpaid carers. Many people are unaware of their rights as a carer and, as a result, are not accessing the help and support they are entitled to.

  36. How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with many people struggling to access NHS services. Here’s some information on how to access an NHS dentist now COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

  37. Managing your mental health as lockdown eases

    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.

  38. Cancer and coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    If you have cancer, it’s understandable you might feel anxious about COVID-19. The Government and the NHS have both confirmed that cancer treatment should continue to be prioritised as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

  39. Maternity support during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Read about how coronavirus could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care.

  40. What to expect when waiting for care

    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.

  41. Informative CPR Video for Deaf People

    Advice and Information -

    St John's Ambulance have released a BSL accessible video to demonstrate how to carry out emergency CPR.

  42. First Aid Kit Essentials

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what items you need to have in your home first aid kit and keep it stocked for any accidents that may occur. It is important to keep essential medical supplies in your home so you are always prepared for any accidents.

  43. What is Menopause and what are the Signs?

    Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, knowing what to look out for and what support is available can help you.