North Tees & Hartlepool and South Tees Foundation Trusts Group Model: Community Research

North Tees & Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts have come together under a ‘Group Model’ to improve healthcare across Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, and County Durham. The joint trusts will hereby be referred to as University Hospitals Tees. 

This report summarises the findings of a community engagement project led by the Healthwatch Tees Valley Network, which gathered feedback from patients, carers, and the wider community to help the hospitals focus on areas for improvement. 

Key Themes: 

• Quality of Care: Positive experiences were noted, but long waiting times and poor communication caused frustration for many.
• Hospital Facilities: People felt the buildings and equipment were outdated, with uncomfortable waiting areas and some cleanliness issues.
• Access to Services: Common challenges included long waits, parking difficulties, and lack of public transport. Digital tools were appreciated by some but not suitable for all.
• Hospitals Working Together: Reducing waiting times, improving communication, and making services more accessible—especially for those living further away—were top priorities.