News and reports

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.

Hospital discharge was identified as a key quality priority for the Trust in 2025/2026. In response, we were invited to lead a collaborative engagement initiative focused on improving discharge processes and patient outcomes.

This report shares the findings from our recent engagement with care home residents, staff, and families, focused on understanding what makes a care home a good place to live. Through a series of visits, we gathered valuable insights into the everyday experiences of residents and identified examples of good practice that promote not just quality care, but also quality of life.

We are pleased to present Healthwatch Middlesbrough's Annual Report for 2024/25.

Launched last year by North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Big Conversation heard from almost 5,000 women as part of a programme aiming to make the region a driving force for better women's health.

The new report - published by the region's independent Healthwatch network - used a regionwide survey and a series of focus groups to better understand what matters to women about their health.

#BIGconvo

This report summarises the findings of a community engagement project led by the Healthwatch Tees Valley Network, which gathered feedback from patients, carers, and the wider community to help the hospitals focus on areas for improvement.

This report represents the voices of patients, carers, and communities across Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, and County Durham. Through focus groups and online engagement, people have shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for healthcare services under the University Hospitals Tees partnership.

This report is not just a reflection of current services, but a tool for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Healthwatch remains committed to ensuring that community voices continue to influence the development of healthcare services.