News and reports

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.

In 2024 / 2025, we prioritised visiting GP Practices across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland to:-

• Develop relationships with GP Practices.
• Share our resources and raise awareness of HWST.
• Inform patients about additional roles within GP practices.

Katherine is the Regional Manager for the North-East Macular Society which supports anyone with Macular Disease.

A lasting power of attorney gives you a voice and protects your decisions. They are helpful for everyone over the age of 18.

The Patients Association has a range of information and guidance about health and social care.

The Stop Smoking Service is now offering a range of walk-in clinics across the South Tees locality. These clinics provide an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to quit smoking to access support and advice at various convenient locations.

Nicola works in the Patient Experience team based at James Cook University Hospital. The aim is to work with and learn from patients, carers and their family members experiences. This helps improve outcomes and make effective changes to services.

Both Katie's work for Triage who are an employability and training provider working with people to improve their mental health.

The Reasonable Adjustment Campaign has been developed by the North East & Cumbria Learning Disability Network. It’s aims are to:
Raise awareness of people’s rights to reasonable adjustments
Raise awareness of the legal obligation of health & care services to provide reasonable adjustments
Support health & care services to provide reasonable adjustments
Support health & care services to document and share reasonable adjustments

The video features Paul James, Learning Disability and Autism Advisor Lived by Experience, at a consultation with GP Dr Hannah Brown, GP and subject matter expert for the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag.

Paul James, Learning Disability and Autism Advisor Lived by Experience at NHS England, talks about the benefits of the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag for people with a learning disability.

Redcar and Cleveland Council have commissioned Healthwatch to evaluate their Adult Social Care Services. This short report is to provide context into the work carried out to review and expand the current mapping information about groups and services throughout Redcar and Cleveland.