Healthwatch South Tyneside

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.

09/10/2025

South Tyneside Sexual Health Services have launched a brand new drop-in clinic dedicated for young people under 19 years of age.

The Young Persons drop-in clinic will run every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at Palmer Community Hospital in Jarrow.

Find out more:

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/new-drop-in-sexual-health-clinic-for-under-19s-launched/

The new drop-in clinic is designed for young people only, aged under 19 years of age (this also includes under 16s). The Young Persons drop-in clinic will run every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at South Tyneside Sexual Health at Palmer Community Hospital in Jarrow. Young people do not need an appoi...

08/10/2025

Did you know that breast screening is the best way to detect breast cancers early, when they are more easily treatable and before any signs or symptoms appear?

So even if you feel fit and healthy, it’s really important that you still attend when invited. Having a mammogram is nothing to worry about. It’s quick and easy and only takes 10 minutes and the friendly staff are on hand if you do have any concerns.

So if you’re a woman aged between 50-71, look out for your invitation letter coming through the post (every 3 years) and please, don’t ignore it, it could save your life.

For more information visit https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening/

And if you’ve missed your appointment or need to change it for whatever reason, don’t worry, just contact your local screening centre to book another appointment at a date and time to suit you. Tel: 0191 445 2554.

07/10/2025

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RCOG is leading a ground-breaking initiative to identify the top priorities for research into the health of women and people in the UK.

The Women’s Health Research Priorities project is designed to identify the most critical gaps in women’s health knowledge

Researchers want to hear directly from women accessing obstetrics and gynaecology care, healthcare professionals and VCSE groups.

Complete the short survey here: https://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health-research/

07/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that breast screening is the best way to detect breast cancers early? Having a mammogram is nothing to worry about. It’s quick and easy and only takes 10 minutes. For more information visit: https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening/