1. DOT Network - Next meeting - Thursday 12th March 2020

    News -

    The next DOT Network meeting will be held on the above date from 10am-12pm in the Pease Suite in the Dolphin Centre.

  2. Patient Listening Events - Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March 2020

    News -

    NHS England and NHS Improvement would like people of all ages to share their views on non AND non-spoken word interpreting (e.g British Sign Languages) services in Primary Care.

  3. Important Healthwatch Darlington Update: Coronavirus

    News -

    We at HWD have made the decision, as a precautionary measure, to postpone all outreach visits within the community as well as our volunteering activities.

  4. Urgent COVID-19 guidance for the hard of hearing

    News -

    The deaf health charity 'Sign Health' have translated COVID-19 information from Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

  5. NIHR Recruitment: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives WANTED (Applications close Monday 23rd March 2020)

    News -

    The NIHR are looking for patients, carers and members of the public to join one of their national and regional committees.

  6. Food for Thought at the Hole in the Wall pub - Monday 23rd March 2020 Postponed until further notice

    News -

    Please see the statement below regarding the postponement of their event planned for Monday 23rd March 2020:

  7. Regional Interpreting & Translation Procurement - Patient Listening Events, Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th March 2020 - CANCELLED

    News -

    Please be advised that the NHS England and NHS Improvement events, asking people of all ages to share their views on non AND non-spoken word interpreting (e.g British Sign Languages) services in Primary Care have now been CANCELLED.

  8. The King's Fund - All conferences postponed until the summer

    News -

    In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak please be advised that The King's Fund will NOT be holding any conferences until the summer.

  9. CQC Special Update: responding to the outbreak of Coronavirus

    News -

    Please see attached link providing updates for organisations that represent people who use services, regarding their response to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

  10. Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Services Directory

    News -

    Please see the attached local dementia services directory.

  11. Care Quality Commission publishes twelve reports on Outstanding rated Adult Social Care (ASC) services in the North region

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by twelve Adult Social Care (ASC) services in the North region to be Outstanding.

  12. Care and Share - Courses available throughout March 2020

    News -

    The next course on Monday 16th March 2020 is entitled 'Developing Confidence and Self-Esteem

  13. Urgent COVID-19 guidance for health professionals and the general public - Information correct as of 25th February 2020

    News -

    The government is currently coordinating the national response the outbreak of COVID-19, and Public Health England (PHE) has published a range of COVID-19 guidance for health professionals.

  14. Urgent COVID-19 guidance for the hard of hearing

    News -

    The deaf health charity 'Sign Health' have translated COVID-19 information from Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

  15. Let’s Talk Cardiology Events 2020 (Next Event Monday 16th March 2020)

    News -

    It is a little over a year since the Let’s Talk Cardiology Event at the Durham Centre and there has been a lot of work behind the scenes as a result.

  16. Patient & Public Involvement Opportunities at the NIHR (Application deadline Monday 16th March 2020)

    News -

    The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds high quality research that is focused on the needs of patients and the public.

  17. Darlington Maternity Voices - Next meeting on Tuesday 17th March 2020

    News -

    The MVP group wants to make sure the voices of local mums and their families are heard in maternity services.  Do come and join them! 

  18. Food for Thought at the Hole in the Wall pub - Monday 23rd March 2020

    News -

    Food For Thought Darlington is taking over the kitchen at the Hole in the Wall pub, on Monday 23rd March, where they will be serving three courses of gourmet food to raise funds for their re-distribution and cookery activities.

  19. Invitation to join CQC's Online Participation Platform

    News -

    Please see below information inviting staff, volunteers and local community to sign up to CQC’s online participation platform.

  20. General Pharmaceutical Council - An Online Pharmacy Guide

    News -

    The General Pharmaceutical Council have produced a new online guide for patients and the public which explains what they can expect when visiting a pharmacy.

  21. CQC inspectors publish reports on 98 Adult Social Care, Primary Medical Care and Hospitals services in the North of England

    News -

    In the past week, the Care Quality Commission has published 98 reports (including Darlington) on services which have been inspected by specialist teams of inspectors. These are now available for you to read!

  22. The NHS Leadership Academy need YOU!

    News -

    Do you want to share your experiences of the NHS with healthcare staff in their current learning programme? The NHS Leadership Academy want to hear from you!

  23. Primary Care Networks: briefing paper for VCSE sector organisations

    News -

    National Voices has produced a briefing paper (link available below) for Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and for the broader voluntary and community, social enterprise sector (VCSE).

  24. Darlington Mind - Dementia Day Care Centre

    News -

    Darlington Mind now have Dementia Day Care at St Hilda's House providing mental health services for older people living with Dementia/Alzheimer's.

  25. Our Health Connector volunteering program is currently OPEN for new volunteer applicants!

    News -

    We have some exciting news! Our Health Connector volunteering program (for age 25+) is currently open for new volunteer applicants. Our new year starts on 1st April 2020 which means we will be looking at the year ahead and some exciting new projects.

  26. Urgent COVID-19 guidance for health professionals and the general public

    News -

    The government is currently coordinating the national response the outbreak of COVID-19, and Public Health England (PHE) has published a range of COVID-19 guidance for health professionals.

  27. Urgent COVID-19 guidance for the hard of hearing

    News -

    The deaf health charity 'Sign Health' have translated COVID-19 information from Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

  28. Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards - Thursday 5th March 2020

    News -

    Are you a Relevant person representative, sometimes known as an RPR for someone who is living in a Care Home or Hospital?

  29. Fire and Rescue Service Consultation - ending Friday 6th March 2020

    News -

    From now until 6th March County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service are running their annual consultation on their plans for the year ahead and they want to hear what you think!

  30. Care and Share - Courses available throughout March 2020 - Next Course Monday 9th March

    News -

    Please see the poster below detailing the Care and Share courses available through March. Please Note: the next course is on Monday 9th March 2020.

  31. NIHR Recruitment: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives wanted! (Applications close Monday 9th March 2020)

    News -

    The NIHR Academy are currently recruiting for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives to join their advisory groups.

  32. Let’s Talk Cardiology Events 2020 (Next Event Monday 16th March 2020)

    News -

    It is a little over a year since the Let’s Talk Cardiology Event at the Durham Centre and there has been a lot of work behind the scenes as a result.

  33. Patient & Public Involvement Opportunities at the NIHR (Application deadline Monday 16th March 2020)

    News -

    The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds high quality research that is focused on the needs of patients and the public.

  34. Darlington Maternity Voices - Next meeting on Tuesday 17th March 2020

    News -

    Just a reminder that the next MVP Maternity Voices in Partnership Babi group meeting is on Tuesday 17th March 10.am – 12noon, Hollies Restaurant, meeting room 1, Darlington Memorial Hospital (lower ground floor).

  35. Prostate Cancer UK - Male Urology Study Day - Friday 27th March 2020

    News -

    Please see attached link below with information for Prostate Cancer UK's Male Urology Study Day on Friday 27th March 2020 in Newcastle.

  36. Youthwatch Darlington GP Report 2019

    Report -

    Find our how our young volunteers from Youthwatch Darlington explored three GP surgeries in Darlington throughout 2019, so they could understand the information available for young patients within primary care services.

  37. Healthwatch Darlington's Health Connector Volunteer Special Covid-19 Blog

    Blog -

    Our fantastic volunteer health connectors share their self help tips, information and ideas for getting involved as a volunteer with your organisation as a volunteer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

  38. First Stop Darlington - 21st Birthday Celebration Event, Saturday 28th March 2020

    News -

    First Stop Darlington are turning 21! Why don't you go along to a fun night and help First Stop celebrate their 21st at the Mercure Hotel (King's Head) and raise money for a much needed service in Darlington.

  39. NCVO Annual Conference – Monday 20th April 2020

    News -

    The NCVO Annual Conference is coming up on Monday 20th April 2020.

  40. Darlington Lions Club - FREE PSA Blood Test Event, Saturday 16th May 2020

    News -

    On 16th May 2020 we will be offering free awareness testing for men in Darlington to establish their PSA levels and so give a possible indication of prostate cancer.

  41. Dogs for Good - Family Dog Workshops - Newcastle, September 2020

    News -

    Dogs for Good run workshops throughout the UK to support families with an autistic child.
    A workshop will be taking place in the North, in Newcastle, September 2020.

  42. Dementia Cafe at Head of Steam - Dates for 2020

    News -

    Please see attached link detailing the Dementia Cafe's dates throughout 2020.

  43. King's Fund - Integrated Care Systems, upcoming events in 2020

    News -

    Please see attached information on all upcoming events in 2020 around Integrated Care Systems.

  44. Invitation to join CQC's Online Participation Platform

    News -

    Please see attached information inviting staff, volunteers and local community to sign up to CQC’s online participation platform.

  45. The Sparklers - Fortnightly Group on Friday mornings

    News -

    There is a good deal of evidence to support the fact that singing is good for everyone and it has been shown to be particularly beneficial especially for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s.

  46. Free Guided walks with the Darlington South Park Foundation in association with Groundwork

    News -

    Please see below information on a FREE range of short guided walks now available beginning at South Park, Darlington across March and April.

  47. General Pharmaceutical Council - An Online Pharmacy Guide

    News -

    The General Pharmaceutical Council have produced a new online guide for patients and the public which explains what they can expect when visiting a pharmacy.

  48. Patient Experience Library – Newsletter

    News -

    Please see the attached the latest edition of the Patient Experience Library Newsletter

  49. Charity Digital Newsletter - Latest Edition including Ransomware Guidance for Charities

    News -

    Please see attached the latest edition of the Charity Digital Newsletter, including important Ransomware guidance for charities.