Healthwatch South Tyneside

13/11/2025

NHS leaders have issued a plea to think about where to seek help before heading to the Emergency Department or calling 999 ahead of five days of industrial action by doctors.

Find out more 👇

Resident Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will strike from 7am tomorrow (Friday November 14), until 7am on Wednesday November 19. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has put plans in place to make sure safe care continues to be offered while industrial....

13/11/2025

Health leaders have issued an urgent warning following the early arrival of a potentially deadly flu virus with cases rising quickly in schools, care homes and hospitals.

Doctors are increasingly concerned about rising flu cases, much earlier than expected, due to a new, strong strain of the virus, causing severe illness among older people.

More than 950 vaccination sites are available in GP practices, community pharmacies and local hospitals. Vaccinations for adults can be booked online at www.nhs.uk, on the NHS App or by calling 119 free of charge.

Find out more 👇

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/get-your-flu-jab-now-doctors-urgent-warning-as-virus-spreads-quickly/

06/11/2025

Winter can be tough on your lungs, especially if you have .

Breathe easier this winter with three simple steps:

1. Stop smoking – smoking damages your lungs, speeds up
breathing problems, and makes your medication less effective.

2. Get your winter vaccinations – cold air can weaken your
immune system, protect yourself from flu, RSV, and COVID-19
(if eligible).

3. Use your inhalers the right way, every day – helping keep airways open, control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Find out more:

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/nhs-urges-people-to-take-three-simple-steps-to-breathe-easier-this-winter/

More than 130,000 people across the region live with COPD – a serious lung disease which makes it harder to breathe. It includes illness such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which can cause permanent damage to the lungs and airways. People with COPD often have a long-lasting cough, feel short ...

06/11/2025

More than 180 cases of lung cancer have been detected in South Tyneside and Sunderland thanks to a life-saving screening programme run by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Since the programme launched in October 2022, more than 35,000 people have come forward for their check. Around 70 per cent of the cancers found were caught early at stages one and two, making them more treatable.

As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Trust is celebrating the success of its Lung Health Check programme and urging eligible residents to take part. Since the programme launched in October 2022, more than 35,000 people have come forward for their check. Around 70 per cent of the cancers found...

04/11/2025

Women will be able to access the morning-after pill free of charge on the NHS in high-street pharmacies across England from this month.

In the “biggest change to sexual health services since the 1960s”, the oral emergency contraception pill will be available for free to women from almost 10,000 pharmacies across the country without needing to see their GP or get an appointment at a sexual health clinic.

Find out more:

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/free-morning-after-pill-for-women-at-high-street-pharmacies-thanks-to-nhs-expansion/

02/11/2025

The regulator responsible for inspecting health and care providers is putting itself under the spotlight after launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the inspection process.

Find out how you can have your say on the plans 👇

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/health-and-care-regulator-consults-on-changes-to-assessment-process/

The proposed changes fall into two main areas: developing frameworks and guidance for assessing providers; and improving how the CQC assesses and rates providers. Developing frameworks and guidance for assessing providers Re-introducing rating characteristics These are clear descriptions of what eac...

23/10/2025

22/10/2025

A painter has used his talents to create artworks as a thank you to the specialists who helped him recover from a heart attack and major surgery.

As his treatment and his road to recovery from a quadruple heart bypass continues, Jason Bryant, 55, from South Shields, visited Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Cardiology Centre to present the painting to Dr Chris Benson, Consultant Cardiologist, who helped diagnose and care for him.

It shows a heart and a pair of hands wearing medical gloves with the words ‘My heart in your hands’.

Jason Bryant, from South Shields, has made two copies of the same image now he is well enough to paint again. One has been presented to the cardiology team at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) and the other to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NUTH). Th...

22/10/2025

Do you have experience of a health issue impacting on your ability to work? Your insight could help the NHS in the region develop a service called WorkWell to support people to stay well and keep working.

Tell North East and North Cumbria NHS what you think to help shape the service. Find out more and fill in their WorkWell survey here:

Your insight could help the NHS in the North East and North Cumbria develop a service called WorkWell to support people to stay well and keep working. It aims to tackle those times when health problems – like stress, back pain or long-term conditions – get in the way of someone staying in or ret...

22/10/2025

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has launched its annual campaign to help those staying at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The Trust is collecting nighties and pairs of pyjamas so they can be handed out on December 24 to patients staying on wards over the holiday period. The appeal has been launched earlier than in past years in the hope even more packages can be collected in 2025.

Wards will also welcome items including slippers with backs on them, toiletries, novels, puzzles and colouring in books. Many of those who receive the gifts will be without family or friends close at hand.

Find out how you can donate to the appeal:

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has launched its annual campaign to help those staying at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. The Trust is collecting nighties and pairs of pyjamas so they can be handed out on December 24 to pat...

13/10/2025

Download the latest newsletter from Mayfield Medical Group, with information on their e-consultation service, new blood test appointments, repeat prescriptions, annual reviews and useful contact numbers.

Download here:https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/October-newsletter-2025.pdf

10/10/2025

is a great opportunity for us to come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that is matter.

Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation isn’t always easy. Whether you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, or check-in with someone you care about, here are some tips that can help.