Healthwatch North Tyneside

15/06/2026

Resident doctors in England have called off strikes which were scheduled to begin this morning and run all week.

The British Medical Association said the government had "made a new offer" at the last minute which would be put to its members for a vote.

The two sides had been in talks for days - including on Saturday, just hours before the strike was called off. It came too late to avoid some patient disruption over the coming week.

While NHS England said 95% of operations and appointments were due to go ahead, thousands have been postponed. Reinstating them on the original timetable will be a tough task for hospitals.

Find out more 👇

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

11/06/2026

Do you use the NHS patient transport service?

The North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board is working with the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and partners to review the service, which help patients get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own.

Feedback indicates patient transport does not always work well, with people saying waits can be long, the rules are not always clear and services can be different depending on where you live.

Find out how you can share your views and experiences of the service here 👇

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/do-you-use-nhs-patient-transport-services/

10/06/2026

A couple were able to share a special wedding blessing with their grandmother thanks to the dedication of a hospital chaplain who helped bring the family together in the palliative care unit at North Tyneside General Hospital.

When Sophie and Jordan, from North Tyneside, realised that Sophie’s grandmother Pat, who is receiving end-of-life care, would be unable to attend their wedding, they were determined to find a way to include her in their celebrations.

With the support of hospital chaplain Lloyd Brown, a heartfelt blessing was arranged at Pat’s bedside, creating a treasured memory for the whole family.

Full story 👇

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/hospital-chaplain-helps-bring-wedding-blessing-to-grandmothers-bedside/

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

26/05/2026

The NHS trust which serves North Tyneside has been recognised as one of the best in England.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been given Advanced Foundation Trust status. This will provide some financial freedoms for the way the trust can invest more in local health services, while focusing on population health needs.

The trust is one of eight to go through a rigorous assessment process by NHS England against priority areas including leadership, performance and quality of care, and financial sustainability.

Dr Birju Bartoli, chief executive officer of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “Being an advanced foundation trust...should give patients, our staff and the local communities we serve confidence in our services and confirmation that we continually strive to improve for them all.”

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/nhs-trust-serving-north-tyneside-recognised-as-one-of-the-best-in-england/

22/05/2026

🌞 Hot weather is expected over this bank holiday weekend, and higher temperatures can be especially difficult for vulnerable people.

🥤 Stay hydrated
🧴 Wear sunscreen
🌤️ Keep cool and look out for friends and family

For more tips visit👇

☀️ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

22/05/2026

A model which has slashed waiting lists for gastroenterology patients in North Tyneside is being shared across the NHS.

The gastroenterology team at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has successfully developed a way of working collaboratively with GPs to help patients get the care they need as quickly as possible.

It has resulted in the trust’s service – for patients with liver, stomach and bowel conditions – having among the shortest waits in the country.

Find out more 👇

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/gastroenterology-care-model-in-north-tyneside-being-rolled-out-nationally/

22/05/2026

Car parking charges at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust sites are going up from June 1. At most locations this will be 20p per hour extra.

The trust said it was the first increase since 2020 and was needed due to rising maintenance and operational costs. The free parking period is being extended from 20 to 30 minutes.

Find out more here 👇

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/car-parking-charges-at-northumbria-healthcare-nhs-foundation-trust-to-increase/

13/05/2026

12/05/2026

A supermarket chain has joined forces with the NHS to promote cancer advice on its bath and shower products.

The range of nine new shower and bath products will carry messages including “Be body aware” and “Know the signs of cancer”, encouraging people to get to know what is normal for their body and contact their GP practice if something doesn’t feel right.

The products will start appearing in around 450 Morrisons stores and online in May. 🚿🛁

https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/nhs-and-morrisons-put-cancer-warning-signs-in-the-shower/