1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding have been introduced by the Government to help you and your loved ones stay safe from COVID-19. Find out what they mean in practice and what applies to you.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and why it's important.

  17. Information on Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Mental Health & Debt Guide

    Advice and Information -

    Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert has written a great mental health and debt guide with the help of Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and CAP.

  21. Six things you should expect from social care support

    Advice and Information -

    People have told Healthwatch England they want to feel listened to and involved in decisions about their social care. Here are six things you should expect from care services, according to new guidelines.

  22. COVID-19: What you need to know when visiting a care home

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at what the guidance around visiting your loved ones in care homes means in practice.

  23. Which COVID-19 test is right for you?

    Advice and Information -

    Not all COVID tests are the same so it’s important to get the right one. Find out where to go to get tested, which test is most suitable for you, and what to do if you get a positive COVID-19 test result.

  24. Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about shielding, who it applies to, and what to do if you're a shielder.

  25. Making Every Contact Count - Signposting service for public sector and VCSE organisations

    Advice and Information -

    Making Every Contact Count (MECC) helps public sector, voluntary and charity staff share healthy lifestyle messages and services with the public in the North East and North Cumbria.

  26. Covid-19: NHS advice on self isolation

    Advice and Information -

    If you think you may have coronavirus, the NHS has provided some important information to keep you safe while isolating at home.

  27. Be healthier and reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

    Advice and Information -

    In the UK, around 22,000 people with diabetes die early every year and five million people in England are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

  28. Government to offer free vitamin D supplements for at-risk groups

    Advice and Information -

    More than 2.5 million vulnerable people across England will be offered free vitamin D supplements for the winter, the government has announced.

  29. Stockton-on-Tees to enter Tier 3 on 2 December - what does this mean for you?

    Advice and Information -

    On the 2 December the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees will be subject to ‘Tier 3: Very High Alert’ restrictions.

  30. Diabetes - keeping well while isolating

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes UK has provided some information on managing your diabetes while staying at home, as well as knowing the risks of type-2 diabetes.

  31. Updated guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Updated Government guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

  32. NHS Covid19 app now available

    Advice and Information -

    The new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.

  33. Covid-19: What has changed in September 2020

    Advice and Information -

    The government has announced further national measures to address rising cases of coronavirus in England.

  34. Covid-19: Government introduces new restrictions to North East

    Advice and Information -

    The Government has introduced new restrictions in parts of the north-east of England to curb rising infection rates.

  35. Update on being discharged from hospital

    Advice and Information -

    What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

  36. NHS Complaints Process Due to Resume from 1st July 2020

    Advice and Information -

    On 26 March 2020, NHS England advised NHS organisations that due to the need to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, they could choose to pause the complaints process.

  37. On-The-Go Wellbeing Support For Dads

    Advice and Information -

    New and expectant fathers are benefiting from the support of a new app providing on-the-go advice to help them enjoy their babies, feel more confident and support their mental and emotional wellbeing.

  38. Patient Transport Update from the North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust

    Advice and Information -

    The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) are providing transport, safely and swiftly during the COVID-19 pandemic, for those who need to attend appointments because of a life-threatening condition.

  39. Launch of NHS Test and Trace Service

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS has launched its Test and Trace service to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

  40. Diabetes UK launches north east regional Facebook group

    Advice and Information -

    The North of England team at Diabetes UK have recently opened a public Facebook group in order to reach and support more people living with diabetes in the region.

  41. New guidance from Government on Coronavirus - Frequently Asked Questions

    Advice and Information -

    The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS.

  42. Your pharmacy VE Day, May Bank Holiday opening times

    Advice and Information -

    If you become unwell over the May bank holiday on Friday, 8 May, your pharmacy is a great place to visit for professional advice.

  43. GP practices will remain open over the VE Day Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Local GP surgeries are to remain open on VE Day to help the NHS cope with the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.

  44. Catalyst launches Keeping People Connected Service

    Advice and Information -

    Catalyst has launched a support service for those who have or may have learning disability and/or autism. Many people with learning disability and /or autism will become increasingly vulnerable during the current Covid-19 crisis.

  45. 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.

  46. COVID 19 Communications support pack for community leaders, groups and charities

    Advice and Information -

    We have moved to the final step of the Government’s roadmap for managing COVID 19 and there are new changes we all need to be aware of.

  47. Guidance for patients using ambulance patient transport services on wearing a mask

    Advice and Information -

    Anyone using ambulance patient transport services to attend their clinic or appointment must continue to wear a face covering in line with NHS guidelines for hospitals and other health services.

  48. 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.

  49. Government Covid-19 plan for autumn and winter

    Advice and Information -

    The Government recently published its COVID-19 autumn and winter plan, which you can read more about below.

  50. Social care: What is in the new plan?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what's in the Government's new social care plan and how it compares with what people have told Healthwatch England nationally.