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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 8h

This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week, and we want you to know that you're not alone.🩵🩷 If you or someone you know has been affected by the death of a baby or infant, support is available. For more information, visit the Baby Loss Awareness website ➡️ bit.ly/baby-loss-su...

Graphic for Baby Loss Awareness Week showing blue and pink baby footprints with a purple awareness ribbon between them, and a lower banner displaying the text "Baby Loss Awareness Week" and "healthwatch County Durham."

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

In case you missed it; we've launched our very own podcast! Each month, we up round all the latest feedback and reports from our team plus the latest news and view within Health and Social Care. Check out our first edition now; find us wherever you get your podcasts from.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

📢 Are you blind or partially sighted? RNIB wants to hear about your experiences of accessing healthcare information, from appointment letters and test results to the NHS App. 📝 Survey takes 10–15 minutes. Share your views ➡️ www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDXKMXF

Research opportunity posted by Healthwatch County Durham. The RNIB inviting participation in a survey on accessible healthcare information and communications, with both logos and a QR code to scan.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Here's a look at some of our highlights this week. Each week, we'll share a snapshot of what our team has been up to, from community engagement and meetings to projects and events. Whatever we're working on, our goal remains the same: championing better health and care for people in #CountyDurham

Healthwatch County Durham highlights this week: welcomed a new volunteer; attended the North East Ambulance Service AGM in Durham; met target engaging residents about hospital discharge experiences, shown with a table of brochures, pens and a Healthwatch banner.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Saturday is World Mental Health Day, and the theme this year is Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.💚💬 We recognise the importance of lived experience in all the work that we do. We would love to hear your story. Email info@healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk or call 0300 180 0025.

Audience seated at World Mental Health Day 2026; banner reads "Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change."

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Quitting smoking helps more than just your health 🚫 This Stoptober, we are here to guide you to the best support. If you're thinking about quitting smoking, the NHS has lots of advice and information to help you. Speak to your GP or call the free Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

📢Final Chance to Have Your Say 📢 How has delayed hospital discharge affected you? We want to learn more, so we can help people get the support they need to continue their recovery at home. Take the survey ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-08...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Durham County Council are looking for people who use adult social care, family, friends and carers to share their views and experience to help improve services. The next forum meetings take place on tonight and tomorrow. Find our more ➡️ www.letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/adultsocialcareforum

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A busy week for our team again as we recorded our first podcast episode ⭐ Plus so much more from engaging with communities and attending local events. A reminder that you can also stay up to date plus tell us your health and social care experiences now online ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk

Weekly highlights: launched a new podcast; attended the Adult Wellbeing & Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee; co‑hosted a d/Deaf Wellbeing meeting in Bishop Auckland — photo shows Lynsey with Emmanuel standing by a wooden honor board.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

🎙️Introducing our first ever podcast! 🎙️ We're excited to launch the first Healthwatch County Durham Podcast. Each month, we'll be bringing you the latest updates on our work, along with news and information about health + social care. Listen on wherever you get your podcasts!

Promotional graphic for the new Healthwatch County Durham monthly podcast about local health and social care, showing bold "PODCAST" with audio waveforms and logos for Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Have your say on how health and care data is used. The NHS is inviting people to share their views on Secure Data Environments, which help keep patient information safe while supporting research and improving services. Complete the survey ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5QWHKI/

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Have your say on the future of autism support in #CountyDurham Durham County Council is refreshing its All-Age #Autism Strategy and wants to hear from autistic people, family carers and others with lived experience. Join an online discussion session and help shape future priorities.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This week we’re co-hosting a meeting for D/deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing communities across County Durham. 📍 Bishop Auckland Football Club 📆 Wednesday 30th September ⏰ 1:30pm-3:30pm

Healthwatch County Durham poster promoting a Deaf Wellbeing hybrid meeting on Wed 30 Sept, 2–3:30pm, co-hosted by Emmanuel Chan; attend in person at Bishop Auckland Football Club (Heritage Park) or join online — contact Lynsey Kim for details; free teas, coffees and biscuits.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Another busy week for our team championing better health and care services for #CountyDurham. Here's a snapshot of what we've been up to and remember you can tell us your #Health and #SocialCare experiences here ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/share-your-v...

Slide titled "Highlights This Week" listing meetings with County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, engagement with Mens CREE at Eastlea Community Centre in Seaham, and attending the Access Able conference in Newcastle; inset photo shows attendees at a conference hall with round tables.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Tomorrow is World Pharmacists Day. Pharmacies now play a vital role in providing treatment, advice and medicines for a range of common illnesses and ailments. Insect bites, earache and sore throats are among the conditions that can be treated at your local pharmacy.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

📢 Last Chance to Have Your Say📢 Our survey on Adult Social Care closes at the end of September - we want to hear from as many people as possible across #CountyDurham as Chloe explains below. Visit our website to take part now ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-08...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Was the right support in place when you left hospital? If you've stayed in hospital overnight in the last 12 months, we want to know what it was like when you were discharged - was there a delay or did you find the process difficult? Tell us more ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Countydurh...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Managing conditionals such as diabetes alone can be tough. This new Type 1 & Type 2 peer support group in #NewtonAycliffe is providing a welcoming, family-friendly space to share, listen and connect with others. See the full details below - first group is tomorrow.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Each week, our team is working hard across County Durham. From listening to people's experiences and signposting residents, to championing service improvements, we're helping make local voices heard. Here's what we've been up to this week.

Healthwatch County Durham weekly highlights: attended Durham Sixth Form’s Fresher Fayre, hosted a monthly drop-in at Shildon Alive, and engaged Seaham residents about hospital discharge experiences, shown with a staff member standing behind a Healthwatch information table.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🤰 Are you pregnant or recently been pregnant? County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust want to hear your views on what helps you to stay active during pregnancy and what makes it harder Complete the short survey ➡️ bit.ly/4AjazDI

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We're still wanting to hear your views on Adult Social Care in #CountyDurham. This includes care homes, supported living, home care and specialist additional needs care. Let us know what you think ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HWCDAdultS...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We sat down with our Engagement Officer, Lynsey, to learn more about the upcoming d/Deaf Wellbeing Hybrid Meeting. The meeting is open to people from across the deaf, deafened, and hearing loss communities, giving everyone the opportunity to take part. Lynsey explains more.

“At Healthwatch County Durham, we already have strong links with the D/deaf community, so we stepped in to fund room hire. We understand that many people prefer to meet up in person, while others do prefer the online option, so maintaining both was important.”

“Alongside us, the meeting is co-hosted by Emmanuel Chan, a Clinical Nurse Specialist who works with D/deaf and hearing loss communities. We’ll have other organisations and support services attending too and people can also enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits. ”

“The venue has been carefully selected to provide a suitable space. It is fully accessible and has excellent transport links. It’ll also provide an opportunity for people to participate in any research projects or surveys we're running.”

“We hope the meeting continues to be a valuable opportunity for people to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and access information, advice and support.
Anyone who wants to find out more can email me directly on
lynsey@healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk“

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

📢Read all about it 📢 Our latest ebulletin is out now! Catch up on our hospital discharge and adult social care surveys – plus more information about the upcoming D/deaf Hybrid Wellbeing Meeting we’re co-hosting later this month. Take a look ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-09...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

You can save time with the NHS App 📱 Order repeat prescriptions, view your health record, manage appointments and receive messages from your GP practice or hospital – all from your phone or tablet. Download the NHS App and manage your health when it suits you. #TapTheApp

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, let's recognise the importance of connection, compassion, and open conversations. Together, we can help ensure that no one faces their struggles alone 💛

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We want to hear about your experiences of health and social care. We'll be in Brandon next Tuesday morning as part of our regular drop-in, so come along and have a chat with us. We're also keen to hear from anyone who has experienced a difficult or delayed discharge from hospital.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Earlier this year, we visited Dr Ashdown’s Stockton Lodge, a residential care home in Seaham, as part of our Enter and View programme. We spoke with staff, residents and families to gather their feedback. You can read the report now ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/report/2026-...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Ahead of this week's Health Bill debate, we're proud of the difference Healthwatch County Durham makes for local people. We've helped ensure local voices influence health and care services and improve patient experiences. Here’s how we championed patient voice in the last year.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The 2026/27 school flu vaccination programme gets underway next week, with visits taking place across County Durham. 🦠 The vaccine is given as a nasal spray in most cases. Parents and carers can look out for their child’s e-consent link for further information.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The highlighted cases and other mistakes by AI scribes are a ‘warning’ to show that the technology is a potential threat to patient safety, without adequate human supervision. The findings are explained in a report from The Guardian newspaper. Read more ➡️ www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Help spread the word and support healthier communities by becoming a County Durham Together Community Champion. Receive free training and resources to share health and wellbeing messages. They're also looking for Suicide Prevention Champions to raise awareness and encourage open conversations.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

In May 2026 across County Durham 1,825 people experienced hospital discharge delays of one or more days. If you were discharged from hospital in the past year, we want to learn about your experience. Share your story ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Countydurh...

Did you feel ready to be discharged from the hospital?

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Our goal is simple: we want to make sure your voice shapes the care you receive. We want to ensure that communities whose voices are not always heard are still able to share their experiences and feedback. In another highlight from our Annual Report, we look at our work with different communities.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The Healthwatch North East and North Cumbria Network's Annual Overview Report was recently presented to the regional NHS Integrated Care Board. The report showcased how the 14 local Healthwatch in our region - including County Durham - are bringing the voices of local people into decision-making.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

📢 We want to hear from you about Adult Social Care 📢 How easy is it to find information about Social Care and support in #CountyDurham? Share your experiences, tell us what matters most and help make future improvements. Feedback is anonymous ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HWCDAdultS...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A third of women are said to be not up to date with their cervical screening. Now, those who missed appointments are being offered discreet ‘home testing kits’ to check for high-risk HPV, under a new scheme. Find out more ➡️ www.england.nhs.uk/2026/08/nhs-...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The NHS has opened bookings for this year’s flu vaccination programme, with appointments available from October 1st. Eligible groups include older people, pregnant women, carers, care home residents, and people with certain long-term conditions or weakened immune systems.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Our bi-monthly carers group returns on Wednesday 2nd September. This month we’ll have a guest speaker from Groundwork North & Cumbria‘s Green Doctors who can help with energy advice and energy efficiency. Everyone welcome, just pop along at Hamsteels Community Centre in #EshWinning from 10:30am.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

#Stanley let us know your health and care services experiences! Next week our Lynsey will be at The Venue as part of regular drop in series. Good or bad, or need some help or guidance, come chat to us. Next Thursday - 27th August - from 1:30pm.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Our role is to gather people’s views and experiences, especially those that are seldom heard. In July, we carried out an Enter & View visit at Hampton Manor residential care home in #Consett. The report has just been published and is available now➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/report/2026-...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Help shape future public transport in #NorthEastEngland 🚌 Residents of #CountyDurham are being invited to take part in focus groups about the proposed 'Angel Network'. Sessions run 25–27 August, with a £25 Amazon voucher for those selected More Info➡️ letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projec...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Today we’re shining a light on partnership working and our approach to listening to real patient experiences, in another of our annual report highlights. Discover our work with the other Healthwatch teams regionally and find out how we approach engaging, listening and reporting to our communities.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Have you or someone you care for left hospital in the last 12 months? Was the right support in place, or did discharge take longer than expected? Share your experience in our survey ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-08...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Our August News Update is out now! Still haven’t read it? Catch up now on our website – it includes details of our report into hospital appointment booking systems plus looking ahead to an event next month for d/Deaf communities. Check it out ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-08...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Nobody plans to become a carer. A workshop in Newcastle next month looks at ‘NO CHOICE CARING™’ drawing on real experiences. It’s open to staff, carers and volunteers across the health and care system. For more information and to book ➡️ academy.boost.org.uk/module/6a4cb...

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Healthwatch County Durham is your independent champion for health and social care. Feedback your experiences and we can signpost you to support services. Join our engagement officer Julia at #Willington Methodist Church next Wednesday from 10am.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Families of children and young people with Neurodevelopmental Needs are invited to take part in drop-in sessions across #CountyDurham. These events are designed as a ‘one stop shop’ with the aim to help families to discover local services and support as well as charities and community groups.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Our engagement officer Julia will be in #Shildon next week and we want to hear from you! Recently accessed care or health services? Need some help with where to access the best support? Julia will be happy to help – Shildon Alive, Tuesday 18th August from 12:30pm.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The Lived Experience Team and are looking for adults who are currently accessing or struggling to access mental health and wellbeing services, who would be happy to share their experiences. Your views can help shape the direction of mental health services. Details to contact on the poster below.

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Healthwatch County Durham @healthwatchcd.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Did you know we have a bi-monthly carers support group in #EshWinning? Healthwatch County Durham launched the group with help from Durham County Carers Support. We sat down with our engagement officer Julia - who coordinates the group - to tell us more.

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