What you told us: July and August 2026

Healthwatch Northumberland undertook research on local people’s experiences of health and care services during July and August 2026. They received 236 contacts, of which 99 people provided detailed feedback. Feedback was predominantly negative, with 49% of comments expressing concerns, 18% being positive and 12% mixed. The issues raised most frequently related to access to services and communication, with GP services and hospital outpatient care generating the highest levels of feedback. 

The quality of care and treatment was the most common reason people contacted Healthwatch about GP services, with feedback split roughly equally between positive and negative experiences. Common concerns included difficulties accessing services, communication problems and issues arising from system failures, such as delays in obtaining medication. Outpatient hospital services were also a significant source of feedback, with the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals, Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Hexham General Hospital and Wansbeck General Hospital among the services most frequently mentioned. 

Alongside gathering feedback, Healthwatch continued its Here to Hear engagement sessions across Northumberland, held additional community drop-ins and contributed to national research on GP access through a focus group with disabled people. The organisation also provided information and signposting on a wide range of topics, including adult social care, patient transport, advocacy, emergency dental treatment and housing support.

The report highlighted a successful outcome relating to urgent dental care. Following repeated requests from Healthwatch, the Integrated Care Board produced information explaining how people can access urgent dental treatment after an earlier delay caused by a service review. Positive feedback praised the ease of accessing a preferred GP and continuity of care, while negative feedback focused on the impact of IT failures and concerns about potential changes to appointment booking systems.