News

The NHS has today (Monday) started to roll out booster vaccines to children aged 12 to 15 years old who are most at risk from coronavirus. Clinically at-risk 12 to 15 year-olds or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed are entitled to their booster three months after their two primary doses, with those who are severely immunosuppressed able to get their booster … [Read more...] about NHS To Rollout Boosters To Most At Risk 12- to 15-Year-Olds

Durham County Council and specialist learning disabilities and autism charity, Seeability have produced a video to explain how the NHS County Durham CCG Community Optometry Service for People with Learning Disabilities Service can support local people aged 14 years and over, who have a moderate to severe learning disability. This vital service aims to improve access for … [Read more...] about Optometry Service for People with Learning Disabilities

HEALTH chiefs are urging patients to 'play their part' to protect themselves and their families as local GP services face unprecedented pressures due to Covid absence rates. Doctors in County Durham have raised concerns over increased staff shortages facing general practice with many forced to isolate due to Covid-19 Omicron infections. 11 practices have reported raised … [Read more...] about Health bosses ask the public to ‘play their part’ as pressures mount in primary care

The innovative County Durham Care Partnership brings together NHS organisations, Durham County Council and other health and care providers to work together in true collaboration to deliver improved, joined up health and social care services closer to people’s homes. Click here to read the Christmas 2021 edition of the Partnership Newsletter. … [Read more...] about County Durham Care Partnership Newsletter Christmas Edition

Please see local pharmacy opening times below for the 2021/22 Christmas and New Year period. 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 … [Read more...] about County Durham Christmas and New Year Pharmacy Opening Times

Yesterday, the NHS COVID pass was rolled out to 12 to 15 year olds for international travel, allowing even more people to be able to prove their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated 12 to 15 year olds are now able to access a NHS COVID Pass letter for international travelFollows government decision to extend the vaccination programme to include offer of both doses of vaccine … [Read more...] about NHS COVID Pass for 12 to 15 year olds for international travel

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year in a race to protect the nation against the Omicron variant. As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today. The national booking service … [Read more...] about NHS To Offer Booster Booking To Every Adult by End of December

Antimicrobial resistance (or antibiotic resistance) is considered by the World Health Organisation to be one of today's biggest threats to global health. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, antimicrobial resistance is a health emergency. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria can resist the effect of antibiotics, and therefore the antibiotics don’t work.  A growing number … [Read more...] about Durham patients urged to join the fight to keep antibiotics working

More than one million booster jabs have been booked in the last three days as the NHS vaccination programme continues its drive to protect the most vulnerable from coronavirus this winter. Around 356,000 boosters were booked this morning alone (midnight to midday) - around nine times more than last Monday morning when 38,600 appointments were made. And over 670,000 … [Read more...] about Booster Bookings Boom As One Million Book Life-Saving Jab in Three Days

The head of the NHS today urged anyone who has not had a COVID-19 jab to join the thousands flocking to take up the ‘evergreen’ offer every day as winter approaches. More than a half a million adults have come forward for a first dose since the beginning of September, an average of around 9,000 a day over the past four and a half months. Almost 3,000 people aged 80 … [Read more...] about NHS chief urges people to take up ‘evergreen’ vaccine offer as people of all ages come forward for first jab

The innovative County Durham Care Partnership brings together NHS organisations, Durham County Council and other health and care providers to work together in true collaboration to deliver improved, joined up health and social care services closer to people's homes. Click here to read the latest edition of the Partnership Newsletter … [Read more...] about County Durham Care Partnership Newsletter Autumn 2021

Children under 16 will have new, broader opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Until now, 12 to 15-year-olds have received vaccines as part of the ongoing school vaccination programme. Young people or their parents can use the NHS booking service to book a COVID-19 vaccination at a convenient location in the same way as people aged 16 and over can. The move is … [Read more...] about Out of school vaccination clinics to be opened up to 12 to 15-year-olds

A meeting of the Primary Care Commissioning Committee for County Durham CCG has been convened and members of the public can observe their work via a livestream link on the CCG’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nhscountydurhamccg/ The meeting is being held on: Tuesday 26 October 2021 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. Questions for the Primary Care Commissioning Committee … [Read more...] about Primary Care Commissioning Committee meeting for County Durham CCG

HEALTH officials are gearing up to deliver covid vaccinations, and booster shots as the MELISSA vaccination bus takes to the road again. All eligible residents across County Durham are being offered both Covid & booster vaccines this year in a bid to get people fully protected before winter. Anyone who is yet to have their first or second dose of the … [Read more...] about Vaccination bus gears up to offer Covid vaccinations and booster jabs.

We are delighted that the Northern Cancer Alliance is supporting recruitment to the NHS-Galleri trial, which aims to evaluate a new test which uses a single blood sample to test for many different cancers.  The test is designed to be used alongside other cancer screening tests. The trial is led by the Cancer Research UK & King’s College … [Read more...] about NHS-Galleri Trial

PRACTICE staff have joined together to issue a plea to people in County Durham to 'please be patient' when calling their GP surgery. Doctors, practice managers, nurses, receptionists and administration staff from across the county, have recorded a joint video message asking patients to please be understanding when trying to book an appointment. The move follows a sharp … [Read more...] about Practice staff come together to ask people to ‘please be patient’ when contacting their GP surgery

The NHS has started delivering COVID booster jabs to people in eligible groups from today, as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history moves to the next stage. In line with new advice set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on Tuesday 14 September, the NHS vaccination programme will now invite eligible … [Read more...] about NHS begins COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign

Please see local pharmacy opening times below for the upcoming Bank Holiday Monday on 30th August 2021. 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 … [Read more...] about Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Times

Teenagers within three months of turning 18 can now book their vaccine appointment online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119. Text messages will be sent to more than 100,000 eligible teens inviting them to arrange their jab at one of hundreds of convenient vaccine sites in England. NHS chiefs are urging young people to get protected against … [Read more...] about Thousands of young people nearing their 18th birthday can now book in online for their life-saving COVID jab

NHS County Durham CCG and County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) have jointly commissioned local drama group Mixit to produce an awareness video, in an effort to promote behavioural change around people with a learning disability. The video focuses on Andrew's Story, and is based on a serious incident that occurred at the University Hospital of North … [Read more...] about See Me – Andrew’s Story calls for a change in attitude towards learning disabilities.

A NEW walk–in vaccination clinic, at the Arnison Centre Large Vaccination Centre, will be open every day throughout July and August for people who haven't yet taken up the offer of a vaccination or who need double jabbing. Anyone who lives or works in County Durham will be eligible to receive a jab. First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available for people … [Read more...] about New walk-in vaccination clinic to open EVERYDAY in Durham

MATERNITY services across the region are facing significant pressures due to high numbers of activity and staff having to self-isolate. This includes South Tees Hospital Foundation Trust (James Cook), North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trusts   Midwives are … [Read more...] about Maternity Services Under Pressure

The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone in the UK. This includes all migrants. Millions of people have had their COVID-19 vaccination in the UK. It is safe and does not contain any animal or harmful ingredients. It is the best way to prevent death or serious illness from COVID-19.You do not need to have a GP or an NHS number to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you don’t have … [Read more...] about The COVID-19 vaccination is available and it is your right to be protected from infectious diseases

Please find below an NHS England update on national comms regarding the wearing of masks and IPC from Monday. Update re national comms re masks and IPC from Monday.   NHS England » NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare … [Read more...] about National comms re masks and IPC from Monday

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 and … [Read more...] about Annual reports 2020/21

County Durham CCG Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) Local Area Annual Report 2020/21 is now available. … [Read more...] about Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) Local Area Annual Report 2020/21

The NHS is urging anyone with a cough for three or more weeks to contact their GP practice, as this could be a sign of lung cancer. This plea comes following a decline in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers across the spectrum, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. … [Read more...] about #DoItForYourself campaign tackles drop in cancer diagnosis and treatment

HEALTH officials are taking urgent action to urge the public to keep A&E free for serious emergencies only. With pressure mounting on local NHS services, doctors in County Durham are asking the public not to just to turn up to A&E but to think pharmacy, GP and 111 first. The urgent plea is aimed at reducing the number of inappropriate visits to local A&E … [Read more...] about Public urged to only visit A&E if ‘absolutely necessary’ as NHS pressures continue

The Home Oxygen Assessment Service is currently commissioned by NHS Tees Valley CCG (all areas except Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees), NHS Sunderland CCG, NHS County Durham CCG, NHS South Tyneside CCG and the Gateshead locality of Newcastle and Gateshead CCG. If you have use oxygen from the Home Oxygen Assessment Service and live in; Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, … [Read more...] about Do you use Home Oxygen? If so, we are keen to hear your views?

Do you have any items from the Community Equipment Service provided by Medequip that you no longer use or are broken and you would like to return - items such as commodes, mobility aids (frames, crutches etc), hospital beds and bathing aids? If you do, please contact Medequip on 01325524531 to arrange a replacement or a collection. Even if you are unsure where the equipment … [Read more...] about Community Equipment Service – do you need to return items that are broken or no longer used?

Pete Horrocks, Superintendent Pharmacist, Knights Pharmacy and Sarah Westgarth, Practice Manager, Station View Medical Centre were invited to a special reception held at No 10 Downing Street to thank NHS workers. Knights Pharmacy, who currently run four vaccination centres across the country, opened their Bishop Auckland clinic next door to Station View Medical Centre in … [Read more...] about County Durham pharmacist and practice manger are recognised by the Prime Minister for their efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic response

A meeting of the Primary Care Commissioning Committee for County Durham CCG has been convened and members of the public can observe their work via a livestream link on the CCG’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/nhscountydurhamccg/ The meeting is being held on: Tuesday 15 June 2021 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Questions for the Primary Care Commissioning Committee … [Read more...] about Primary Care Commissioning Committee meeting for County Durham CCG

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock praises the COVID vaccine rollout at Jubilee Medical Group at Cobblers Hall in Newton Aycliffe. The medical group has delivered a massive 35,000 dosages of the vaccine to the local community and will continue to work endlessly to deliver phase two of the 18-40 year old vaccination roll-out. After helping the country get back on track, the … [Read more...] about Jubilee Medical Group praised for vaccine success

From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from:  the NHS App which you can download from app stores the NHS website (from 17 May … [Read more...] about COVID Vaccination Status

Anne Greenley, Interim Director of Nursing and Quality for NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is delighted the CCG has been awarded the Fostering Friendly Employer Award by the Fostering Network.  The CCG recognises and values the contribution that foster carers make to the lives of children in care and would like to encourage and support any employer who … [Read more...] about Fostering Fortnight

A fifth Large Vaccination Centre for the region will open at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Monday 22nd March 2021 adding even more capacity to help the NHS vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible. Take-up of the vaccine has been strong; nine out of 10 people aged 65 and over have already taken up their first dose. Already the NHS in the region … [Read more...] about Fifth Vaccination Centre to open in the North East and North Cumbria

Well there certainly was at The Fells, Chester-le-Street, today! Thanks to Dr Philip Le Dune, of Annfield Plain Surgery, & Rachel Berry, County Durham CCG pharmacist, over 25 residents were given their first COVID-19 vaccination. After having their vaccination one resident remarked: “I was apprehensive at first, but given the support from the Fells staff I felt at … [Read more...] about Is there a doctor in the house?

The Northern CCG Joint Committee meeting highlights the minutes and matters arising discussed for March 2021 You can watch the meeting in the video below: … [Read more...] about Northern CCG Joint Committee Meeting March 2021

Summary In just two months, the health service has vaccinated more than 10 million people, visited 10,000 care homes and issued over six million invitations from the National Booking Service. The last invites to those aged 70 and over on the Shielded Patients List who are yet to be vaccinated have now either been delivered or are due to arrive this week (w/c 8th Feb), … [Read more...] about Ensuring all eligible people over 70 have the opportunity to be vaccinated

The latest edition of the Durham County Carers Support Caring Matters Newsletter is now available. The newsletter can be accessed and downloaded from the link below. … [Read more...] about Caring Matters

Across County Durham, the organisations responsible for the range of health and care services available to our residents are increasingly working together to ensure people receive the right care and support. As we have seen over recent months, lots of the ways that we live and interact have been affected.  Local NHS services will still want to connect with and listen … [Read more...] about Local NHS listening to patient voices in 2021

We are preparing for our public conversations in relation to the services at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital and we want to talk with you about the potential services that could be delivered there in the future. We understand how challenging engaging with the local community is this at this time, however we need to progress the project and therefore will be planning to hold a … [Read more...] about Shotley Bridge Community Hospital – Online Engagement Event

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

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

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

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

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

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