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Latest news from Healthwatch Sunderland
Sunderland placed in COVID Tier 3 from 2nd December
From 2nd December Sunderland will be in COVID Teir 3 - Very High Alert, so what does this mean? Click here to find out!
South Tyneside Midwifery-Led Birthing Centre welcomes its 300th baby
The Midwifery-Led Birthing Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital is celebrating a milestone with the birth of its 300 th baby since opening in...
Sunderland People First Nature Natter Group
Are you interested in nature? Would you like to learn more about nature? Would you like to chat with other people who also like nature? Why not join...
FREE flu jabs at evening and weekends for ‘at risk’ under 65’s
Contact Your own GP or Ring this Number for an Extended Access Flu Appointment 07935 005340 People in Sunderland who are under 65 and are eligible for a Flu vaccine due to being at increased risk from the effects of flu can now get their free vaccination on an evening or weekend. Many people who...
Healthwatch Sunderland commended in national awards
At a recent prestigious national Healthwatch England awards event we were delighted to receive a commendation for our Care Home Life – What it’s really like! Work. Shortlisted under the ‘The impact our team makes’ category the annual event, which this year took place virtually due to the pandemic,...
Interpreting and Translation Patient Listening Events
NHS England and NHS Improvement would like to invite you to share your views on spoken and non-spoken word interpreting services in Primary Care. Background Their current interpreting arrangements in Primary Care come to an end on 31 March 2021 and they would like to hear your views on what has...
How are care homes in Sunderland working with Public Health during the pandemic around visitors to homes?
A member of the general public asked us how care homes in Sunderland are working with Public Health during the pandemic around visitors into the homes. We received the following response from Public Health on 2nd October 2020 "The guidance was published on 22nd July, and updated on 21st September...
Your right to receive information in a format you can understand
During a meeting with members of the general public a couple of months ago we spoke to one lady with a learning disability who was so pleased that she had received her invitation of breast screening in an easy read format. She told us this made her feel more confident about going along for her...
Supporting anybody affected by self-harm
Battle Scars aim to support anybody affected by self-harm: those who self-harm and those supporting them, making sure they no longer feel alone and to break down the stigma. Read their latest newsletter which includes details of virtual support groups: Download Battle Scars latest newsletter
Healthwatch Sunderland shortlisted for prestigious national award
We have been nominated for a prestigious national award for our Care Home Life – What it's really like! work which helps people to find the right care home in Sunderland for themselves or a loved one. We have been shortlisted under the 'The impact our team makes' category in the Healthwatch Awards...
Keeping people connected
Sunderland People First have received funding from Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to extend their Keeping People connected community zoom calls. During Coronavirus the Sunderland People First team have been working to help people in Sunderland with a learning disability, autistic...
Hospital care during COVID-19 - reassurance from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust want to reassure the public that the NHS is still here for you and you should continue to attend any appointments and planned care as advised. Whilst we have seen rising cases of COVID-19 in our communities and our hospitals, they continue to...
Patient advice and information for coming into hospital
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust recognise that patients may feel anxious about coming into hospital and they have been working with their Consultants to produce a range of short video messages and patient information leaflets to reassure patients. Videos • General Surgery •...
Sunderland Podiatry service update
Patients on the waiting list for Sunderland Podiatry services should shortly be receiving a letter. The Sunderland Podiatry service unfortunately had to suspend all routine podiatry appointments due to the impact of COVID-19 and the Trust is now in a position to gradually restart our routine...
Keeping People Connected
The Keeping People Connected project aimed to help people with a learning disability or autism during the Coronvirus pandemic to: • Understand information from the Government • Connect with others to avoid isolation • Get the support needed for other things in their lives The project was co-...
Learn more about diabetes and exercise at free online event
Diabetes UK will present an online session packed with useful information about the basics of getting more active later this month. The ‘Diabetes and Moving More’ webinar, organised by the charity’s North of England team, will take place on Tuesday, September 29 (8pm-9.15pm). It is free to register...
Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service
Sometimes feeling stressed, worried or struggling to cope can be a normal reaction to difficult life events but when these feelings last, as they can do for up to 1 in 4 people, you may need to seek help. Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service (SPWS) is a commissioned group of mental health...
Give South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust your views on virtual hospital appointments
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is seeking patient views on virtual hospital appointments following new ways of working introduced during COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the Trust has had to adapt very quickly to offer safe alternative ways for patients to continue to receive...
Pharmacies open over the Bank Holiday
You can find details of pharmacies open over the forthcoming Bank Holiday, Monday, 31st August 2020 here
Chance for nurses of the future to gain paid work experience in South Tyneside and Sunderland hospitals
Aspiring nurses are being offered the chance of paid care experience with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust before embarking on their nursing degree course. The Trust has been running the successful ‘Get Into Nursing’ programme in conjunction with the University of Sunderland for...
Patients reminded to use new 24/7 emergency phone line for Sunderland Eye Infirmary
A new 24/7 emergency phone line for people with urgent eye problems has proved a huge success with patients, allowing them to access specialist eye advice over the phone and reducing the need for unnecessary hospital visits. The emergency number for Sunderland Eye Infirmary - 0191 5699952 - was...
What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?
The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital. Read more...
Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why
Seasonal influenza (flu) is an unpredictable but recurring pressure that the NHS faces every winter. Vaccination offers the best protection. This year, the list of those recommended to have the flu vaccine has been updated to include: the main carer of an older or disabled person a household...
When to wear a face covering
In England, you must wear a face covering by law in the following settings: public transport indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals) shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and...
Breast screening team welcomes back patients
The Gateshead Breast Screening Unit will resume its vital services from Monday 10th August. There will be some changes as their mobile units in Durham and Jarrow are currently closed due to refurbishment to comply with COVID restrictions. You will be offered an alternative venue, however, if this...
Updated advice on Shielding
From 1 August, shielding advice was relaxed further, allowing those shielding to do even more, such as visit shops and places of worship, provided they take particular care to maintain social distancing and minimise contact with others outside their household. People who are shielding will also be...
Supporting your recovery after COVID-19
Information for family, friends and carers Supporting your family member, relative or friend following their COVID illness can be challenging. You may be providing emotional and physical help in addition to all your other responsibilities. This can be a very stressful time for you both and the...
Have you left hospital during COVID-19? Tell us your experience
To respond to coronavirus, hospitals in South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust had to quickly change. Tell us how this has affected the care you or your loved one has received. If you’ve been receiving care in hospital there can be lots to think about when you’re getting ready to leave...
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