Practice Notices

Significant changes have been made to the childhood schedule of immunisations starting 1 January 2026. These include a new appointment at 18 months and the addition of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine to the routine offer.

Further information about these changes are available in the Changes to the routine childhood schedule letter.

Routine immunisation programmes

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It's offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:

• help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
• help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
• help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
• protect against different types of COVID-19 virus

Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults

Please call the surgery to make your appointment. 

The ARI HUB offers patients who have an acute respiratory infection / chronic condition (such as Asthma or COPD) an appointment with a GP or Advanced Care Practitioner to assess their condition and treat as required.

How can I book an appointment?

Acute appointments are available to all patients who are registered at a Sunniside, Chainbridge, Glenpark & Teams and Whickham Practices. Clinics are available on specific days only, please call the practice if you require an appointment.

Men's Groups for over 65s in Gateshead. 

Every Monday and Thursday from mid-morning to mid-afternoon at Bolam Street, Teams. 

Each mens group includes a freshly cooked, two-course meal and refreshments, activities, games and quizzes. 

Travel in comfort from home and back again in wheelchair accessible minibus, available in Teams, Lobley Hill, Bensham, Saltwell and Central Gateshead. If you are not from the areas listed, you're always welcome at the mens groups but would need to arrange your own transport. 

Tel: 0191 460 0297 

Weekly, free support is available for people aged 65+ who are struggling with domestic tasks temporarily whilst experiencing financial hardship. They can help with cleaning, running errands, shopping and collecting prescriptions. 

Eligibility criteria:

Facing short-term challenges, for example: breavment, recovery, unpaid carer(s) taking respite, experiencing financial hardship for any reason. 

To refer a client, or request a referral form:

Email: Liz@teamwork-dt.co.uk

Tel: 0191 4785919

• Flower Arranging
• Death Cafe 
• Yoga
• The Ladies Shed

Click here for more information!

GP surgeries frequently now have teams of exceptionally skilled, qualified healthcare professionals who have the experience and competency to treat many of the patients who traditionally believe they need to see the GP.

• Repeat medication queries are managed most effectively by pharmacists.
• Sprains, sports injuries and muscle pains are treated by a Musculoskeletal specialist or physiotherapist.
• Pregnancy tests or the morning-after-pill can be accessed via a Pharmacist
• Earache and sinuses can be managed by your Nurse Practitioner or Paramedic.
• Your child is running an ongoing high fever that is not responding to medication, or you have a lump in your breast – your GP wants to see you.

Utilising the experience of the full primary care team, ensures your GP is able to see the patients who need their expertise more quickly, reducing the demand on their time.

Building a strong bond with your baby makes them feel loved and secure, laying the foundations for their future mental health and happiness. Visit Start for Life for more tips and advice.

Click here for more information

Struggling with feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions? NHS Talking Therapies can help.

The service is effective, confidential and free.

Your GP can refer you or refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk

Check test results, order repeat prescriptions and much more. Manage your health the easy way with the NHS App.

Find out how you can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions

➡️ nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription

What you do together can make a huge difference. Every smile, every cuddle and every chat help to build your baby’s brain. Get more tips at Start for life.

#LittleMomentsTogether

Click here fore more information

People are being encouraged to 'think pharmacy first' this winter for fast advice and treatment for a range of common conditions.

Health teams across the North East and North Cumbria are urging people, with minor health concerns, to get faster 'walk-in' care at their local community pharmacy – instead of making an appointment with their GP practice.

Click here for more information

A mental health community hub run entirely by its members.

Click here for more information

Psychiatry UK are experiencing current severe disruptions in the supply of ADHD medications nationally. NHS England have recently issued a National Patient Safety Alert which highlights supply disruptions for the following medications: 

Methylphenidate: 

• Equasym XL® 10, 20 and 30 mg capsules 

• Concerta XL® 54 mg prolonged-release tablets 

• Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36 mg prolonged-release tablets  • Xenidate XL® 27 mg prolonged-release tablets 

Lisdexamfetamine: 

• Elvanse® 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mg capsules 

• Elvanse® Adult 30, 50, and 70 mg capsules 

Guanfacine: 

• Intuniv® 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg prolonged-release tablets 

Click here for more information and advice

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Most cases of sepsis start before a patient goes to the hospital. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

For more information, click here

Daisy Chain support and empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services, whilst promoting training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance regionally and nationwide.

Click here for more information

BMI of 27.5 or over? Join a community of like minded men just like you, looking to lose weight and ready to enjoy their football!

 Click here for more information

When you stop smoking, good things start to happen — you can begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.

It's much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.

Check out free tools, tips and support to help you stay on track. Let's do this!

Click here for more information

Click the links for more information

Employers toolkit

Support for you

Why not come and join us, make new friends and share a cuppa.

Every other Monday 1-3pm, Sunniside Methodist Church, NE16 5LZ.

For more information call 0191 477 3559 or email advice@ageukgateshead.org.uk

When it comes to eating well and being active, taking one small step after another can soon add up to make a big difference. 

Click here for more information

Don't dismiss the early signs of a heart attack.

A squeezing across the chest. A feeling of unease. It's never too early t call 999 and describe your symptoms. 

More information

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. This page explains how vaccines work, what they contain and the most common side effects. It's important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.

Click here for more information

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.

Click here for more information

Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction.

You can often treat an insect bite or sting without seeing a GP.

If there's nothing in your skin, or you've removed it, wash your skin with soap and water to help lower the chance of infection.

The bite or sting should get better in a few days. There are some things you can do to ease your symptoms.

A pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help ease the symptoms of a bite or sting, such as:

• antihistamines
• steroid creams
• painkillers

Click here for more information

The surgery are offering appointments for fitting and removal of implants and coils with Dr Clare Patel. These appointments are on a Friday Morning.

Please contact the surgery to make a face to face GP appointment if you are interested in this service

Contraceptive Implant Information

Intrauterine system (IUS)

Dated 23/05/2023

We have GP appointments available to book online via the NHS or MyGP app. 

Click the links below to download the app. 

NHS app

MyGP app

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.

About 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage.

For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.

In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Find out more about breast cancer in men.

Click here for more information

You're eligible for the shingles vaccine if you are aged 70 to 79.

The shingles vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu vaccine, you'll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year.

Please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment. 

Click here for more information. 

The NHS Health Check is a check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It can help spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

You can have an NHS Health Check if you're aged 40 to 74 and you have not had a stroke, or do not already have a pre-existing health condition.

Please contact the surgery to make an appointment. 

Click here for more information. 

Click the link for the information leaflet:

Healthy Family Relationship Support.docx

We recommend patients download either the NHS app or MyGP app for convenience and speed to accessing healthcare needs. Through these apps you can book, appointments, request prescriptions and manage appointments. 

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

https://www.mygp.com/user/

Could we please remind all patients that we are only able to accept telephone presctiption requests after 2pm, Monday to Friday.

There are other ways to request prescriptions if you are unable to call after this time, for instance through the MyGP app, NHS app, through your pharmacy or by submitting an eConsult.

Thanks 

Click the link below for further information. 

NE NHS ICA article

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause flaky patches of skin which form scales. For some it's just a minor irritation, but for others it can have a big impact on their quality of life.

Click here for more information

For parents/carers of children who are on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of Austim.

Click the document below for further information. 

Autism Support Hub 2023.pdf

Click the links below for further information

3. Pace County Lines Webinar flyer north east (1).pdf

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/county-lines-in-the-north-east-free-parent-webinar-tickets-519160822997

Calling all men of the North East

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.

AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.

You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it.  It could save your life!

If you need to rearrange your appointment give us a call on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit: QE Gateshead website https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/services/aaa/

Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.

AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.

Last year over 107 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) were detected by the North East and North Cumbria AAA Screening Service.

If you receive your invitation DON’T ignore it. It could save your life!

If you would like to change your appointment, call the screening service on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit QE Gateshead Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/services/aaa/

Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They don’t usually have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.

AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.

Over 4400 Men in the North East and North Cumbria did not attend their invitation for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening in 2021/22.  Don’t be one of the men who miss out!!

When you receive your invitation, please DON’T ignore it; it could save your life!

If you would like to change your appointment, call the screening service on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit QE Gateshead Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/services/aaa/

Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/

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Are you a man living in Gateshead?  Have you heard of abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.  Thankfully we have a free NHS screening programme for men in the year they turn 65.

However, over 230 men in Gateshead did NOT attend their Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening appointment in 2021 -22. Don’t be one of the men who miss out.

You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it.  It could save your life!

If you would like to change your appointment, call the screening service on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit QE Gateshead Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/services/aaa

Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/

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Your next poo could save your life. So if you're sent a kit, join the millions completing theirs this year,

If you're sent a bowel cancer screening kit, put it by the loo. Don't put it off. 

More information here

This booklet is written by a long-term user of mental health services. She had a traumatic childhood, which shaped her personality and affected her mental health. When she became a mother, her mental health struggles worsened. This is an account of how she managed her severe and ongoing emotional distress while also fulfilling her role as a parent. It includes strategies that she put in place to protect her child’s well-being.

This booklet is for parents, and aims to inspire them to seek as much therapy as possible so that they can learn to heal themselves and protect their children’s future mental health.

Click here for more information

Mummy is a hero - poster.pdf

Most people feel stressed sometimes and some people can find low levels of stress helpful or even motivating. But, if stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Find out more: here

This May Help has been created to support parents and carers with concerns about their child’s mental health.

The subjects covered on this website have been chosen by families and young people who have gone through their own mental health challenges. What helped them may also help you.

The films offer advice across six main subject areas, with ten additional films offering supporting information. The films can be viewed in any order at any time.

Each film has a dedicated page where you’ll also find helpful advice and links to other resources. The text for each subject is available from the downloads page.

Click the link for further information.