You told us: April to June 2026

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees heard from 415 people and engaged with more than 2,100 residents between April and June 2026. The most common topics raised were GP services, dentistry, mental health, hospital care, pharmacy services, and accessibility and communication. Across all themes, people continued to report difficulties accessing services, delays in care and challenges navigating increasingly digital systems.

Access to GP appointments remained one of the biggest concerns. People described long telephone queues, difficulties securing face-to-face appointments and frustration with online booking systems. Hospital feedback highlighted cancelled appointments, delayed follow-up care and poor communication between departments, although many people also praised individual staff for providing compassionate and reassuring care. 

Mental health services generated concerns about long waiting times, particularly for young people, and the impact delays were having on individuals and families. Dentistry remained a significant problem, especially for refugees, asylum seekers and people who had lost access to NHS dental provision. Pharmacy feedback was generally positive but included concerns about medication availability, repeat prescription delays and confusion over responsibility when problems occurred. 

Accessibility and communication remained recurring themes. Deaf residents, people with visual impairments, older people and those without digital skills reported difficulties using digital check-in systems, accessing information and navigating services. Healthwatch also highlighted the important role of community groups in helping people manage isolation, access information and navigate complex health and care systems.