News

GPs in County Durham have stressed that patients invited to book a vaccination appointment at The Centre for Life, Newcastle, which is the North-East's designated mass vaccination site, can choose to wait until they are contacted by their local GP. Chief officer at NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dr Stewart Findlay, said: “Letters from NHS England have … [Read more...] about Health officials are reassuring patients that they will be able to get their Covid-19 vaccination locally if they prefer not to travel to a mass vaccination site.

Who will get the vaccine first? The Government has confirmed that the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccinations administered by hospital hubs and local vaccination services in the initial phase will be prioritised for those 80 years of age and over, frontline health and social care workers. Please be assured that everyone who … [Read more...] about Covid-19 Vaccinations -Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Neil O’Brien, a GP in Chester-le-Street and accountable officer for NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Our primary care teams have vaccinated hundreds of people aged over 80 this week and I am very grateful for the efforts of our local GP practices in pulling out all the stops to get this done in challenging circumstances. “We want to make the best … [Read more...] about Covid-19 Vaccination

Following extensive trials, the first safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in the UK and is now available to priority groups. Vaccinations are being delivered according to the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The vaccinations may not take place at your GP practice, but rather a local vaccination … [Read more...] about Covid-19 Vaccination Priority Groups

As we approach winter, the NHS sees more ailments and illnesses that can be easily treated at home with the aid of some advice (see www.nhs.uk) and a range of medicines you can buy. What medicines should I keep at home? Here are some of the medicines that you should keep in your medicine cabinet. You should also keep a well-prepared first aid kit as this can help to treat … [Read more...] about Is Your Medicine Cabinet Winter Ready?

The NHS across the North East and North Cumbria is asking the public to stay safe this Christmas as it releases a film to thank staff, partners and communities for their unwavering support this year. Music legend and north easterner Mark Knopfler has given permission to our region’s NHS to use the music and lyrics from Brothers In Arms. The film brings together a series of … [Read more...] about Thank you and keep going – asks the region’s NHS as Christmas approaches

PEOPLE across County Durham might be busy putting up their trees and checking their shopping lists but health officials are urging them to make sure they have one thing ordered well in advance of the Christmas holidays – their prescriptions. NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding people to enjoy the festive season in good health by ordering their … [Read more...] about Is your repeat prescription on your Christmas list?

Since the beginning of the pandemic Durham County Council and County Durham CCG have supported communities to stay up to date with the latest coronavirus information and guidance. This has included the Covid Community Champion programme which was launched by Cllr Lucy Hovvels at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Tuesday 24 November 2020.  The programme aims to … [Read more...] about Covid Community Champions Needed

The biggest vaccine campaign in NHS history kicked off this morning, as 90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 jab following its clinical approval. At 6.31AM early riser Margaret, known to friends and family as Maggie, was given the life-saving jab by nurse May Parsons at her local hospital in … [Read more...] about Landmark Moment As First NHS Patient Receives Covid-19 Vaccination

NURSERY children have donned their superhero capes and masks to share an important message for parents and carers across the region - that there’s still time to have your child vaccinated against the flu. The miniature superheroes have appeared in a new film to remind parents and carers to #DoYourBit and that it’s never been more important for children to get a flu … [Read more...] about There’s still time for your child to be a superhero and do their bit to fight flu

If you have used the Community Equipment Service in the last 18 months, we are interested in listening to your views as we are carrying out a review to improve it. Across County Durham and Darlington, health and care organisations are working together to help understand the experiences of individuals who have used the Community Equipment Service. This service provides a … [Read more...] about Have you used the Community Equipment Service?

PEOPLE with breathing conditions are being urged to take up their free flu vaccine offer to protect themselves and help reduce pressure on the NHS this winter. Almost 16,000 people with a breathing condition in County Durham have not yet taken up the offer of a flu vaccine, meaning they and their loved ones are still at risk from this potentially life-threatening … [Read more...] about 16,000 people with a breathing condition in County Durham have not yet taken up the offer of a flu vaccine!

After an incredibly challenging period of national lockdown, our region now finds itself in the ‘very high’ tier 3. These restrictions are designed to protect the most vulnerable among us, drive down infection rates, and allow us to move into a less strict set of measures. That is not to say these last four weeks have counted for nothing. Before lockdown, compliance with the … [Read more...] about Let’s work together to move out of Tier 3 as quickly and as safely as possible

The North East's health and political leaders have issued the following statement - 13 days to the end of lockdown on 2 December: "We know how difficult it has been to follow a second national lockdown on top of the local restrictions we have been living with for so long. Our doctors, nurses, social care and other key workers would like to join the region’s political … [Read more...] about LA7 statement

Health officials have signed up to join the fight against one of the biggest threats to public health. NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has pledged to become an Antibiotic Guardian, to help protect against the growing danger of global antimicrobial resistance. The campaign, led by Public Health England (PHE), urges members of the public and … [Read more...] about Health Bosses put Antimicrobials under the Microscope

In County Durham, the Clinical Commissioning Group wants to share the draft of the future strategy regarding Primary Care (GP Practices). The CCG is also interested to understand what your thoughts are on the vision and ambition it sets out. You can share your thoughts on the content of the draft strategy through a short online set of questions. Please provide your comments … [Read more...] about Primary Care Strategy

Mo was referred to the free local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme which is run by Weight Watchers (WW). “I’ve experienced an overwhelming shift in both body and mind” There are many benefits I’ve felt on my (WW) journey so far. I was unaware of these benefits when I first embarked on this wonderful and transforming endeavour of self-discovery and … [Read more...] about With high cholesterol and a risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Mo decided it was time for a change

Leaders in the NHS and council partners have welcomed the Government’s commitment to invest in the future of community services at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital. NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), along with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Property Services, Durham County Council and other key partners have been working for some … [Read more...] about Partners welcome Government announcement on Shotley Bridge Community Hospital services

Learning Disabilities Mortality Reviews (LeDeR) – The CCG Annual LeDer Report 2019/2020 is now available via the following link. An Easy Read version of this report is also available via this link. … [Read more...] about Annual LeDer Report 2019/2020

Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be a very serious health condition that can cause long term health problems. It can lead to sight loss, kidney failure, loss of a limb, and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can have a huge impact on you and your … [Read more...] about Type 2 diabetes: It’s time to get serious

Health chiefs across the region have welcomed new measures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 which come into effect across County Durham, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland from 00.01 hrs on Friday 18 September. It is hoped the new arrangements will reduce the spread of Coronavirus and ultimately protect the NHS by … [Read more...] about Health chiefs welcome local restrictions and urge public to #DoYourBit to help region’s NHS as COVID-19 cases rise

Integration between the NHS and social care in County Durham has been strengthened with the appointment of two senior portfolio leads. Neil Jarvis and Rachel Rooney will join the integrated commissioning team that was established in April 2020 when Durham County Council and County Durham CCG’s teams came together.  The team is led by Sarah Burns, Joint Head of Integrated … [Read more...] about New roles strengthen integration in County Durham

Last week, on Friday 4 September the Health Service Journal (HSJ) held their annual Value Awards. Initially planned for July, the ceremony was postponed and ultimately ended up being held on Twitter!  The #TeamCDDFT Dermatology team and Partners had been nominated for an award for the work done in rapidly implementing a service change that has seen a huge benefit to … [Read more...] about Awards & accolades

Health chiefs across the North East and North Cumbria are warning local communities to remain vigilant and #doyourbit to prevent lockdowns and protect each other from coronavirus. While rates of the virus have remained generally stable across the region, health and care leaders are reminding communities that this could change at any point and they must not become … [Read more...] about Health chiefs make plea to help avoid local lockdown

Please see local pharmacy opening times below for the Bank Holiday on Monday 31st August. Avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Be patient, all pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need and please order medicines as normal. Make sure you know the opening … [Read more...] about Your pharmacy August bank holiday opening times

On Monday 27th July, Public Health England launched a major new adult health campaign to seize the opportunity for a national reset moment of health.Nearly two thirds (63%) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity. Gaining weight is often a gradual process that takes place over a number of years and modern life doesn’t always make it easy. But this extra weight … [Read more...] about Better Health

PATIENTS in County Durham are being reminded to ‘talk before you walk’ to ensure they receive the most appropriate healthcare treatment. GP practices are ‘open for business’ but doctors are urging patients to contact their local practice by phone, or online, for help and advice on access to services if they feel unwell. Dr Stewart Findlay, chief officer, NHS County Durham … [Read more...] about GP’s warn the Covid-19 pandemic is not over and remind patients to ‘talk before you walk’

At the end of every financial year we publish a report that describes our work during the previous year. It tells people how we spent our budget; what our priorities were; and what some of our biggest successes and challenges were. It also includes who we have been working with such as local councils and details of what we have talked to local people about their health … [Read more...] about Annual reports 2019/20

NHS encourages personal responsibility as pubs reopen at the weekend Every preventable call out or visit to hospital due to alcohol slows down our response to another incident such as a stroke or a cardiac arrest. The NHS across the North East and North Cumbria is encouraging people to enjoy themselves responsibly as bars and pubs reopen on Saturday 4 July for the first … [Read more...] about NHS encourages personal responsibility this weekend

HEALTH chiefs are seeking views to help design the future of GP practice consultations following new ways of working during Covid-19. NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across County Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland are working together to review patient’s experiences of online and digital healthcare, since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Following the … [Read more...] about Your views on designing the future of GP practice consultations

Health chiefs across the area have joined together to launch a new cancer campaign “Why wait? Cancer doesn’t”, aimed at tackling the fall in the number of people going to their GP with concerns regarding cancer symptoms. Seven clinical commissioning groups (Tees Valley CCG, North Tyneside CCG, Sunderland CCG, South Tyneside CCG, County Durham CCG, Newcastle Gateshead CCG and … [Read more...] about Cancer campaign tackles drop in urgent referrals

The NHS in the north east and north Cumbria is reminding the public to have face coverings available to wear when they attend health care settings. Face coverings should cover the mouth and nose while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit. Alongside wearing a face covering, people … [Read more...] about Wear a face covering when attending healthcare settings

The NHS in County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside are working together to understand your thoughts of the different ways people can consult with a healthcare professional at their GP practice. Covid-19 also known as coronavirus, has meant that NHS healthcare staff have needed to use different ways of providing a clinical consultation to ensure that patients still get … [Read more...] about Help us understand your thoughts

FORMER armed forces personnel will soon be able to access a new NHS service to support them during a mental health crisis. Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) has been appointed as lead provider for this new service to improve the health and lives of former military personnel across the North of England. The Veterans Mental Health High Intensity … [Read more...] about New Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service in the North of England

Please see local pharmacy opening times below for the Bank Holiday on Monday 25th May. Avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19: If you have a dry, persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell or loss of taste. Be patient, all pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need and please … [Read more...] about Your pharmacy bank holiday opening times

AS social isolation continues during the Coronavirus lockdown health officials want to encourage people across County Durham and Darlington to seek help if they are feeling lonely or distressed.  A range of support is available, both nationally and locally, but people often don’t know where or how to find it. Talking Changes is a self-help, counselling … [Read more...] about Tackling loneliness and distress during lockdown

Health officials across County Durham are urging people to contact their GP if they have a symptom they are worried about as urgent GP hospital referrals for suspected cancer fall by 44% during the Coronavirus pandemic The plea is being made amid fears that people with cancer symptoms are not coming forward as they worry about seeking help during the lockdown. Dr Stewart … [Read more...] about NHS urges people to seek help for cancer symptoms

Dr Mark Dornan has recorded a helpful video as a North East GP, outlining how to get healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak. In the video, Mark explains: How health and care services have had to adapt and we all need to use them differentlyWhy we need you to prioritise looking after your own health at this timeIf you do need help, please don’t wait The video is … [Read more...] about North East GP outlines how to get healthcare during the Coronavirus outbreak

Please see local pharmacy opening times below for the Bank Holiday on Friday 8th May. Avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19: If you have a dry, persistent cough, fever or shortness of breath. Be patient, all pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need and please order medicines as normal. There is no … [Read more...] about Your pharmacy VE Day, 8 May Bank Holiday opening times

HEALTH officials have raised concerns over a drop in numbers of people seeking help for domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown. GPs in County Durham are urging anyone suffering from domestic abuse, or anyone concerned that someone they know could be a victim, to ask for help. Dr Chandra Anand, GP for Safeguarding Children and Adults, NHS County Durham Clinical … [Read more...] about Concerns over drop in numbers of people seeking help from their GP for domestic abuse

PRIMARY Care services across County Durham will be available to patients over the VE Day, May bank holiday. Anyone requiring medical care will be able to access GP services by calling NHS111 on Friday 8 May. Dr Stewart Findlay, chief officer, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The VE Day bank holiday will be a working day for the NHS. “GP … [Read more...] about May bank holiday (VE Day) opening times for GP services in County Durham

County Durham’s ‘Social Care Army’ of care workers are praised for their dedication and compassion during Covid-19 OFFICIALS across County Durham have praised their ‘social care army’ for the dedication and compassion shown by care workers during the Covid-19 crisis. County Durham Care Partnership, which brings together NHS organisations, Durham County Council and other … [Read more...] about ‘Social Care Army’ of care workers are praised for their dedication and compassion

The country is to be asked to observe a minute’s silence at 11 am today (Tuesday 28 April) to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus. UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives – who between them represent more than a million NHS and public service workers, including porters, refuse collectors … [Read more...] about Call for minute’s silence to honour all workers who have died from coronavirus

HEALTH experts are seeing a significant rise in people receiving medical help in their own homes thanks to virtual consultations. GPs across County Durham have noted a steady increase in the number of people accessing online eConsult services during the Coronavirus lockdown. eConsult, which is available on GP practice websites, allows patients to submit their symptoms by … [Read more...] about Home-based healthcare on the rise as online GP consultations increase during Covid-19 lockdown

Diabetes UK is urging parents not to let coronavirus fears stop them from seeking medical help if they’re worried their child is showing the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is the most common form in children and young people. But new research from Diabetes UK has found that almost a quarter (23%) of all newly diagnosed children and young people with … [Read more...] about Diabetes UK urges parents to be 4Ts aware during lockdown

HEALTH officials in County Durham are reminding people the NHS is still ‘open for business’ after concerns that patients may be putting off using health services for illnesses not related to Coronavirus. Despite mounting pressures across the UK, health chiefs are urging patients to continue to contact their local health services if they need medical help. Dr Neil O’Brien, … [Read more...] about NHS services still ‘Open for Business’

HEALTH chiefs are warning that delaying childhood immunisations, during the Covid-19 pandemic, could lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Public health experts, and GPs, across County Durham are urging parents and carers to continue to vaccinate their children to prevent against deadly and highly contagious childhood diseases including measles and whooping … [Read more...] about Delaying childhood vaccinations could lead to deadly outbreaks!

HEALTH officials are urging patients NOT to contact their GP practice if they haven’t yet received a government Coronavirus social ‘shielding’ letter. Just under one million extremely vulnerable people across the UK, at highest risk of needing hospital treatment if they catch Coronavirus, have already been contacted by NHS England asking them to stay at home for at … [Read more...] about Health officials urge patients NOT to contact their GP Practice directly about social shielding

Changes to County Durham GP Practice working during Covid-19 Pandemic GP surgeries across County Durham have put new safety measures in place to help protect patients and staff in response to the threat of Covid-19. All County Durham GP surgeries remain open but have closed their doors to ‘walk-in’ patients as the coronavirus continues to spread. Doctors’ instead are … [Read more...] about GP Practices introduce new safety measures during Covid-19 Pandemic

LOCAL GP surgeries are to remain open over the Easter Bank Holiday to help the NHS cope with the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. Patients across County Durham will be able to access their GP practice, as usual, on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. The change to traditional Easter opening hours comes as GPs across the country move to help alleviate the growing pressures on … [Read more...] about GP practices across County Durham open over Easter

Kooth is a web based confidential support service available to young people aged 11-18 years across County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire. Kooth provides a safe and secure means of accessing mental health and wellbeing support designed specifically for young people.   Kooth offers young people the opportunity to have a text-based conversation with a qualified … [Read more...] about Kooth.com – An Online Service to Support the Wellbeing and Resilience of Young People

If you become unwell over the Easter weekend, your pharmacy is a great place to visit for professional advice on ailments such as coughs and colds. Pharmacies are also able to provide qualified health advice on everyday illnesses and answer any questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Make sure you know the opening times! … [Read more...] about Your pharmacy Easter opening times

Message from Dr Neil O’Brien, Accountable Officer Today (Wednesday 1 April 2020) marks the creation of a new NHS organisation responsible for planning and buying health services for the people of County Durham – NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The CCG has been formed following the merger of NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG and NHS North … [Read more...] about Update on COVID-19 and NHS commissioning group merger

‘Transfer of information: Information that has been held previously by NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG and NHS North Durham CCG is transferring to the new NHS County Durham CCG on 1 April 2020.  The new CCG will become the new data controller.  Any questions about the use of data (including patient data) by the new CCG should be directed to … [Read more...] about Transfer of information to newly formed CCG

Visiting is suspended with immediate effect and until further notice. The only exceptional circumstances where one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – will be permitted to visit are listed below. The patient you wish to visit is receiving end-of-life care. You are the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour. You are a parent or appropriate adult … [Read more...] about Hospital Visitor guidance

Health chiefs in the North East have announced that they are now suspending non-urgent patient transport services to hospitals and clinics and starting to postpone non-urgent planned operations and outpatient appointments to ensure the NHS is as prepared as possible for Coronavirus. The news comes as the region’s NHS steps up plans to cope with increases in patients requiring … [Read more...] about Region’s NHS steps up plans to tackle Coronavirus

As the UK responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in County Durham are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s medicines and healthcare needs are met over the coming days and weeks. Pharmacy teams are a critical part of the NHS and in the past weeks they have seen demand for Over- The-Counter (OTC) medicines, other products, advice and reassurance … [Read more...] about COVID-19: A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIES

The NHS in Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal. The risk to the general public is moderate. If you have arrived back to … [Read more...] about Information for the public regarding Coronavirus