Healthwatch Hartlepool

01/06/2026

The Healthwatch Hartlepool digital update for May
is now available! Click on the link below to read!

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS and partners to review NHS patient transport services in the North East.

28/05/2026

Do you use NHS patient transport services?
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS and partners to review NHS patient transport services in the North East.
Patient transport helps people get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own because of their health or mobility needs.
Feedback indicates the service does not always work well, with people saying:
• waits can be long
• the rules are not always clear
• services can be different depending on where you live
The ICB are looking at ways to improve the service and proposing some changes to the rules of who can use the service in line with NHS England guidelines. This could include:
• Clear and consistent rules across the North East
• Looking at each person's needs, not just how far they travel
• Asking a few simple questions to understand needs
• A standard mileage rate of 25p per mile for people who quality for the NHS Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS) to claim back their travel expenses. It is now between 14p to 25p depending on where you live.
They are also looking at
• Better support for people who travel often (for example, dialysis patients)
• Reducing journeys that are booked but not used
For more information visit:
North East and North Cumbria NHS patient transport services
Healthwatch is helping to make sure users of the service can have their say. If you do use the Patient Transport Service now or have done in the last three years, you can:
• Complete the ICB’s survey online here https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/BD9WjeSmCx
• If you are sent the survey through the post you should complete and return it
• Contact us if you want to discuss your use of the service and how changes might work for you.
Please complete the survey by 3 July 2026.

18/05/2026

Do you live in Hartlepool and are you aged 40 – 74?

Why not come along to Place in the Park for our Hartlepool and Stockton Health drop-in session, where they will be offering free NHS Health Checks for those who are eligible.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, please check NHS Health Check - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-health-check/

• Place in the Park, Ward Jackson Park, Elwick Road, TS26 0BQ
• Wednesday 27th May
• 9.30am - 4.20pm

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74.

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

⚔️ Join bestselling historical fiction author Ben Kane for an exciting evening as he discusses A Land Aflame, the latest book in his gripping Hannibal series.

With war raging between Rome and Carthage, shipwrecks, slavery and battles for power await in this epic historical adventure.

📍 Community Hub Central, Hartlepool
📅 Thursday 11 June | 6.30pm
🎟️ Tickets from £4

Book your spot now: https://www.ticketsource.com/crossingthetees/an-evening-with-ben-kane/e-kqzlvr

11/05/2026

05/05/2026

Still using a blue inhaler?
It's time for an upgrade!
Blue inhalers help to open your airways so
you can breathe more easily, but Asthma is
also caused by swelling inside your lungs.
Combination inhalers can:
✔ Help you breathe easier
✔ Reduce swelling in your lungs
This means:
• Less risk of Asthma attacks
• Better daily control
• Healthier lungs
What should you do?
If you use a blue inhaler, it’s important to
have an Asthma review.
An Asthma review will:
• Check your symptoms
• Make sure you’re using your inhaler
correctly
• See if a combination inhaler is right for you
Call your GP practice today to your
review.

01/05/2026

🎬🍿🎥 May Community Cinema 🎬🍿🎥
Get ready for a cinematic experience right on your doorstep in Owton Manor! Community Hub South will host a Community Cinema featuring a fantastic line-up of movies for all ages.
🎥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛: Screenings for the whole family to enjoy. From older releases to new blockbusters. Suitable for all ages.
📅 Upcoming showing: Saturday 2 May. Film starting at 10.15am (building open from 10am).
🎥 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Monthly screenings showing a variety of genres, from classic films to newer releases. Perfect for those 60+.
📅 Upcoming showing: Friday 1 May. Film starting at 1pm.
📍 Community Hub South, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ
✨ Free entry to both, with snacks available to buy!
Note: Due to our screening licence we are not able to advertise the movie titles on our social media page, follow our private group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2377733472613616/ for further details.

28/04/2026

Do you live in Hartlepool and are you aged 40 – 74?
Why not come and get your NHS Health Check on Wednesday 29th April 2026 in Hartlepool!
Come along to Waldon St Car Park for our Hartlepool and Stockton Health drop-in session where they will be offering free NHS Health Checks for those who are eligible. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, please check NHS Health Check – NHS

· Ralph Bus, Waldon St Car Park
· Wednesday 29th April 2026
· 9:30am - 4:20pm

Please note: checks take around 30-40 minutes, so there may be a wait if several people arrive at the same time.