Report: Personalised Cancer Care in Tees Valley

Report - 6 November 2025

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees has published a powerful new report capturing the lived experiences of 71 individuals navigating cancer care across Tees Valley. Their voices reveal both strengths and challenges in the system, from fast-track diagnostics to gaps in emotional support and unequal access to financial help.

Why it matters nationally

Our findings echo concerns raised across England, including staffing pressures, inconsistent access to personalised care, and long waits for mental health support. 

The national blog from Healthwatch England Cancer care: Why your voice matters | Healthwatch reinforces the urgency of listening to patients and acting on what they tell us.

“She feels she’s lost a lot of independence and confidence.”

Feedback given to Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees from patient with lung cancer and eye complications

Driving change locally

Thanks to our independent role and deep community reach, we’ve helped ensure that patient voices are shaping real improvements. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has responded positively, using our insights to inform strategic commissioning and workforce development. Initiatives like the Stockton Wellbeing Hub and targeted screening programmes are already underway.

Our commitment

We will continue to amplify the voices of those most disadvantaged, working alongside the Trust and system partners to build a fairer, more responsive cancer care system across Tees Valley.

“The insights we share in this report come directly from people with lived experience.”

Natasha Douglas,Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees Manager and Healthwatch Tees Valley NENC Representative

Downloads

You can download the full report below, with details of our research and findings, patient case studies, recommendations and responses.

A full response from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) can also be downloaded below.

Personalised Cancer Care in Tees Valley (FINAL)
Download (PDF 1.92 MB)
Personalised Cancer Care in Tees Valley - NENC ICB response to HWS
Download (PDF 216 KB)

Take five minutes to share your experiences

NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones in your community.

Have your say 

You might also be interested in

Graphic of reports

Insight: Listening to Kinship Carers and Young People – What WorkWell Could Mean for Them

WorkWell (WW) is a new NHS service to help people with health problems stay in work or get back to work. The North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) commissioned Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees to gather feedback from focus groups as part of a larger review of the WW service.

We worked with Stockton-based Bridges Family & Carer Service kinship group to hear their thoughts on the service and share ideas on what would make the WorkWell service more accessible and effective.
Find out more
Graphic of reports

Healthwatch North East & North Cumbria: Raising Voices Together

As part of the Healthwatch North East & North Cumbria Network, we work in partnership to represent the public voice across our whole region. Our latest published report details some of the work we have done together during 2024 - 2025, with external funding, to look at health topics across our region.
Find out more