Over recent months, all 14 Healthwatch across the North East and North Cumbria have been out in communities listening to people’s real experiences of accessing their GP, using the NHS App, and trying Pharmacy First.
We have produced an Easy Read version of our report: Deaf Community Experiences in Health & Care “Why Aren’t We Being Heard?” and a British Sign Language video which also explains the report details in a clear and easy to read format.
Meaningful engagement works best when everyone in the system understands the part they play. Providers see people every day and gather important feedback as part of their work. Healthwatch’s role is a little different: we listen independently, reflect what we hear without organisational interest, and connect that insight to the places where decisions are made.
Healthwatch Stockton‑on‑Tees recently spoke with men experiencing homelessness to understand their views on death, dying and what good end‑of‑life care looks like. This work is part of a wider effort across the North East and North Cumbria to ensure people whose voices are rarely heard can shape the care they receive at the end of their lives.
The Health & Care Ambassador Programme brings together dedicated health and care professionals who are committed to taking essential information, support and services directly into the heart of our communities.
As part of publishing ‘Why Aren’t We Being Heard? Deaf Community Experiences in Health & Care’, we wanted to make sure the report was accessible for as many Deaf people as possible. During this process, we experienced many of the same challenges that Deaf people themselves face every day.
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees has published a major new report, “Why Aren’t We Being Heard? Deaf Community Experiences in Health and Care,” which reveals widespread and persistent barriers faced by Deaf people when trying to access local health and care services.
Healthwatch in Tees Valley would like to hear from people who have needed ongoing mental health support, especially where things haven’t worked as well as they should.