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New Felton surgery FAQs

New Felton surgery FAQs

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Following a public meeting at Felton Village Hall on Tuesday 31 January regarding the development of the new Felton GP surgery, further responses have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions on the project website. These new FAQs address some of the questions raised in the survey responses with answers from the developer, Assura.

Questions include car parking, emergency access for ambulances, when the building will be complete and the space available in the new surgery.

Read the FAQs

If you would like to leave feedback or ask a question about the development you can do so via the project website or by emailing: hello@assura.co.uk

Hearing loss services

Hearing loss services

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Audiology services for residents of Northumberland

When accessing audiology appointments there are five general appointments open to patients:

  • First hearing assessment
  • Hearing aid fitting
  • Re-assessment of hearing and fitting
  • Repairs (booked appointments only)
  • Troubleshoot appointments

Appointments may be offered at The Freeman Hospital or other local clinics across Northumberland. To request batteries or replacement tubing call: 0191 223 1043, email: tnu-tr.audiology@nhs.net or visit the Newcastle Hospitals website.

We are currently doing a piece of work on how people in Northumberland are accessing audiology services. If you, or someone close to you, uses these services, or have used them in the last two years, we’d like to hear from you. This could be at The Freeman Hospital where the service is based, or at one of the outreach clinics.
Your feedback will help the NHS know what is working well and how the service could be improved.

Please share your experiences of accessing audiology services

Online event – Limbless Association

Online event – Limbless Association

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Join us to hear from Tania Spurling from the Limbless Association on Friday 10 March, 1pm-2pm via Zoom. Tania will talk to us about having a limb amputated, tips to help manage and how we can help others living with their loss of a limb. We will also hear what support is available from the charity and there will be a chance to ask questions.

The Limbless Association is the largest civilian limb loss charity in the UK. As a national charity, working with amputees and sector professionals for over 39 years, the Limbless Association offers both practical and emotional support for amputees throughout their pre and post-amputation journey.

This session will provide an overview of the Limbless Association’s services and support available for amputees, their families, friends, and professionals. Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: 

This event has now passed

Have your say on support for children and young people

Have your say on support for children and young people

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North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board and Northumberland County Council are looking at how to strengthen support for children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.

Northumberland’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy for Children and Young People 2022-25 sets out how this will be achieved.

The aim of the strategy is to give children, young people and their families the confidence that they are receiving the best support possible.

Have your say on the strategy by completing this short survey. Closes 4 February.

Online event – Epilepsy Action

Online event – Epilepsy Action

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Join us for our next free online lunchtime event on Friday 10 February, 1pm-2pm, to hear from Simon Privett, Volunteer Coordinator for Epilepsy Action. Simon will talk to us about what epilepsy is, how it can present, tips to help manage it and how we can help others living with epilepsy.

We will also hear what support is available from the charity and there will be a chance to ask questions.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: 

For more information about epilepsy or to find out more about Epilepsy Action visit the Epilepsy Action website.

This event has now passed

Stay switched on

Stay switched on

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You may be eligible for free support from your energy supplier by signing up to its Priority Services Register.

It’s a free service that makes sure extra help is available to people who need it like pensioners, people who need power for essential medical equipment or those who need help in a power cut. Alternatively, you might be struggling to access your payment meter or read small print on your bills.

The register helps energy suppliers know which customers need extra support. This can be because of your age, disability, a problem with your mobility, if you have an illness, suffer from mental health problems, have communication needs, or there have been changes in your life (such as pregnancy or if you have children under five). There may also be other circumstances, so it’s worth asking.

All you need to do is contact your energy supplier and tell them about your situation. If you’re eligible they can help with things like advance notice of power cuts, priority support in an emergency, or sending bills to a family member or carer.

To get help from your supplier or network operator, simply contact your energy supplier(s) via phone, website or app and ask to be put on their Priority Services Register. If you have different suppliers for gas and electricity, you need to contact them both. If you switch supplier in the future, you’ll need to register again.

You can get extra support if you:
• Are disabled or have a long-term health condition
• Have a hearing or sight condition
• Have a mental health condition
• Are recovering from an injury
• Are pregnant or have children under five living with you
• Have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well)
• Need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply
• Have reached your state pension age
• Have poor or no sense of smell
• Would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency

You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation is not listed – for example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.

Find out more about the Priority Services Register on the Ofgem website

Are you struggling to access health services this winter?

Are you struggling to access health services this winter?

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With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones.

The NHS is facing added pressures this winter. This means that it can be more challenging for people to receive the care they need.

Feedback from the public can play a vital role in helping health and social care services understand what is working and spot issues affecting the care of local people.

This is why we have launched a campaign to get more people to share their experiences of care this winter.

If you or a loved one have used GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, care homes or other support services this winter, we want to hear about your experience.

Every experience matters

Have you faced challenges or delays accessing health and care services this winter? If you have, we want to know how this has affected your health and wellbeing.

Have you found accessing NHS services easy? Are there any aspects of the care you got that you really valued?

Your positive or negative feedback can help services hear what is working and spot issues affecting care for you and your loved ones.

Have your say

Please share your experience and help us make NHS decision-makers aware of what needs to change to improve access to care.

We’re completely independent and impartial, and anything you say is confidential.

Share your story

You can also provide feedback on care by giving us a call on: 03332 408 468

Online event – ME Association

Online event – ME Association

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Join us for our next free online event on Friday 13 January, 1pm-2pm, to hear from Russell Fleming, Communications Manager at ME Association. This is the rescheduled date for the cancelled event in December.

Russell has had ME/CFS for 22 years but in recent years has been able to return to work for the national charity.

The ME Association provides support and information to those affected, training and advice to health and social care professionals and funds medical research in the hope that one day there will be effective treatments and even a cure. It also provides advice and support around Long Covid due to its many similarities with ME.

We will hear an overview of ME and Long Covid, management techniques and support available nationally and locally. There will also be a chance to ask questions.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: bit.ly/ME-Association-event-Jan-23

This event has now passed

AGM 2022: Questions and draft minutes

AGM 2022: Questions and draft minutes

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A big thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM ‘All Change!’ and Review of the Year 2022 at Northumberland College in Ashington on 19 October. Special thanks also go to the students and staff at the college and our speakers Rachel Mitcheson of the NENC Integrated Care Board and Neil Bradley of adult social care at Northumberland County Council.

Around 100 people came to the event where we heard about upcoming changes in NHS and social care from those leading the changes. We also gave a review of our work over the last 12 months and enjoyed lunch and a chance to chat to guests.

Have a look at the photos from the event on our Facebook page.

The presentations, draft minutes, plus answers to the questions raised before and during the event can be found below.

AGM 2022 presentations

AGM 2022 draft minutes

How to stay well this winter

How to stay well this winter

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Winter conditions present an increased risk to our health, especially if you are older or have a long-term health condition such as heart or kidney disease, asthma or diabetes.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. Here are some tips to help you stay well this winter.

Top tips to stay well from the NHS

  • Make sure you get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination if you are eligible.
  • Keep warm by wrapping up, wearing lots of layers of thin clothes.
  • Stay active by moving around indoors, avoid sitting for more than one hour. Keeping active can also support your mental health.
  • Keep the heat in by drawing your curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block draughts. Try and heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C and keep your windows closed at night. Make sure you’re getting the help you’re entitled to with heating costs.
  • Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don’t use both at the same time.
  • Have at least one hot meal a day. Eating regular meals and drinking hot beverages can help you keep warm.
  • Look after your mental health by speaking to someone – a friend, family member or healthcare professional, like your doctor – if you are feeling down. Check out the NHS website for support on where to get urgent mental health support.
  • Make sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water:
    • When you get home or into work;
    • After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough; and
    • Before you eat.
  • If you get ill, rest and keep warm, drink lots of liquids, have at least one hot meal each day and take the tablets you have been recommended by a healthcare professional.

If you get ill

  • If you think you need medical help right now, call 111 by phone or use NHS 111 online.
  • If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999.
  • If it’s less urgent contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Look out for others

  • Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather.
  • Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they can’t go out.
  • If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from the cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
  • Make sure they get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast.
  • If you’re concerned about someone’s health or safety, call NHS 111 for health advice, or 999 in an emergency.

Download the NHS stay well this winter leaflet

Download the NHS stay well this winter easy read leaflet

Need more advice?

Read more tips on keeping well this winter at the NHS website.

 

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Events

SeaFit health drop-in event in Amble

SeaFit health drop-in event in Amble

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We’re joining the Fishermen’s Mission‘s health drop-in event in Amble on Wednesday 29 March, 1pm-3pm. SeaFit events bring together organisations providing health information and health screening for fishermen and the wider community.

Call by and pick up some information, leave feedback about using health and social care services and grab yourself some of our giveaway items.

Also there on the day will be a GP, health and wellbeing coaches, First Contact physiotherapy, a mental health practitioner, pharmacy technician, and information about prostate cancer.

Here to Hear drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

Here to Hear drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

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Here to Hear:
Our free and confidential drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service to find out more about local services and support. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at the Spetchells Centre, Prudhoe, NE42 5AA on the third Thursday of the month, 11.00am – 1.00pm.

Here to Hear sessions

Here to Hear Drop-in – Blyth Community Hub

Here to Hear Drop-in – Blyth Community Hub

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions, in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-ins are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at Blyth Community Hub, Unit 6, Keel Row Shopping Centre, Blyth on the third Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

Here to Hear Drop-in – Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre

Here to Hear Drop-in – Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions, in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre, TD15 2AS on the second Wednesday of the month, 11.00am – 1.00pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

Online event – Epilepsy Action

Online event – Epilepsy Action

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Join us to hear from Simon Privett, Volunteer Coordinator for Epilepsy Action who will talk to us about what epilepsy is, how it can present, tips to help manage it and how we can help others living with epilepsy.

We will also hear what support is available from the charity and there will be a chance to ask questions.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event:

Monthly drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

Monthly drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at the Spetchells Centre, Prudhoe, NE42 5AA on the third Thursday of the month, 11.00am – 1.00pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

Monthly Drop-in – Blyth Community Hub

Monthly Drop-in – Blyth Community Hub

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions, in all five local council areas of the county. These new drop-ins are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at Blyth Community Hub, Unit 6, Keel Row Shopping Centre, Blyth on the third Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

Monthly Drop-in – East Bedlington Community Centre

Monthly Drop-in – East Bedlington Community Centre

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at East Bedlington Community Centre, 16-17 Station Road, Bedlington NE22 7JN on the first Friday of the month, 10.00am – 12.00pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

Monthly Drop-in – East Bedlington Community Centre

Monthly Drop-in – East Bedlington Community Centre

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Due to staff illness we have cancelled today’s Here to Hear drop-in event. Sorry for any inconvenience. The next drop-in at East Bedlington Community Centre is Friday 3 March or you can get in touch at any time.

Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at East Bedlington Community Centre, 16-17 Station Road, Bedlington NE22 7JN on the first Friday of the month, 10.00am – 12.00pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

You can also tell us your thoughts and experiences of NHS and care services over the last 12 months in our short survey – get a free pen or stress ball in return for leaving feedback. Or 

Monthly drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

Monthly drop-in – Prudhoe Spetchells Centre

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Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.

Come and see us at the Spetchells Centre, Prudhoe, NE42 5AA on the third Thursday of the month, 11.00am – 1.00pm.

See details of other drop-in sessions

You can also tell us your thoughts and experiences of NHS and care services over the last 12 months in our short survey – get a free pen or stress ball in return for leaving feedback. Or 

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