Health and care organisations across Gateshead, including Gateshead Council, NHS trusts, GP practices, CBC Health and the voluntary and community sector, are working together to improve women’s health through a mobile service. The Newcastle Community Health Bus, affectionately named “Monty,” is provided by Newcastle GP Services to bring health services directly to local communities. This service is being developed as part of the Gateshead Women’s Health Hub, which supports the Government’s National Women’s Health Strategy by working collaboratively to improve healthcare access and outcomes for women and girls.
Nicola Bruce, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Gateshead Health said:
Improving women’s health is a collective ambition across Gateshead, and I’m proud of the collaboration between our partners to make this a reality. The Newcastle Community Health Bus, ‘Monty,’ provided by Newcastle GP Services (NGPS), is a great example of bringing services such as menopause support, cervical screening, gynaecological care, and contraception directly to local communities – all in one convenient place.
Together, we are working toward Gateshead’s ambition of becoming a Northern Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, building a sustainable model for the future. I want to thank all our partners for their help and support towards improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls across Gateshead
Monty will visit the following locations from 9.00am to 5.00pm:
- Monday 9 December 2024: St Chads Community Project, 21 Liddell Terrace, Bensham, Gateshead, NE8 1YN
- Monday 16 December 2024: Highfield House, 66-68 Whinfield Terrace, Pipebridge Estate, Highfield, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2JY
- Wednesday 18 December 2024: Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
Onboard Monty, women and girls can access a wide range of health services, including:
- Menopause support
- Cervical screening
- Contraception and sexual health services
- Gynaecological care
Services are designed to be flexible, with no appointments required, making it easier for women to drop in and access the care they need at a time that suits them.
This initiative is built on extensive feedback from over 1,000 local women, addressing key health priorities. Nicola Bruce added: “While women typically live longer than men, many of those extra years are not spent in good health. That’s why we’re bringing services to places where women already are, allowing them to ask questions and seek support without a set appointment or needing to travel far.”
This service supports Gateshead Health’s ambition to become a Northern Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health.