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

Organisations in Gateshead including Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, GPs, Gateshead Council, voluntary sector and community organisations are focussing on improving access to the women’s health services offered to people living in Gateshead.

To help ensure that local people are getting access to high quality women’s healthcare services, we want to know your views on three main areas of women’s health (menopause, contraception, and gynaecology) and any other priorities for women’s health you may have.

This work is being carried out on behalf of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust by Involve North East – an independent local charity.

Here’s what you need to know:

·       The survey is for anyone who has used, or currently uses women’s health services in Gateshead.

·       Share your feedback through a quick survey (takes about 10 minutes).

·       Your views will be put into a report which will let Gateshead know what your priorities are, and where they should use their funding.

·       All feedback is anonymised.

You can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/womenshealthGateshead

The survey closes on Monday 25 March 2024 (12:01am)

We are very grateful for your participation in this survey, which will help the NHS to better understand your experiences of accessing women's health services in Gateshead including menopause, contraception and gynaecology services. It will also help us to ensure we deliver the best quality services to you.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health.  The chemicals in cigarettes and other smoking products kill thousands of people in the UK every year.  The toxins in cigarettes affect your body while you’re smoking and after the cigarette is finished.  The chemicals in cigarettes damage the structure of your blood vessels, including the arteries that carry oxygen rich blood to your heart and brain.

By giving up smoking, you protect your body from the harm of dangerous chemicals such as:

Carbon monoxide

This is a poisonous gas that you breathe in when you smoke. It means your blood cells can’t carry oxygen around your body as well as they should. Having high levels of carbon monoxide in your blood greatly increases your risk of heart and circulatory diseases.

Tar

This is also in cigarette smoke and can cause cancer. When you breathe it in, 70% of the tar stays in your lungs and damages them. Cigarettes labelled ‘light’, ‘mild’ or ‘low tar’ are misleading. All cigarettes are bad for your health.

Nicotine

This is the addictive chemical found in cigarettes. It increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure permanently damages your arteries and your heart

When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you will be able to breathe easier.  There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately.

The NHS offer free stop smoking services including free counselling and support to anyone who wants to quit smoking.  You can go to group support sessions or, in some areas of the UK, you can have one-to-one support.  You can receive daily emails for support, join the Quit Smoking support group on Facebook and download the NHS Quit Smoking app to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier today!

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

Is your child or someone you work with (aged 4-18years) struggling with low mood? Why not drop in and meet children’s therapists to discuss what you can do to support. Learn more about low mood and how it presents in children. Free resources to take home.

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

So this October, join the thousands of smokers committing to quitting. Stop smoking for 28 days and you're 5 times more likely to give up for good.

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

Click here for more information

Click the link below for more information:

Click here

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

Gateshead Learning and Skills Interchange Centre 

7th-18th August

Click here for more information

Flu vaccine clinics will be starting in September for patients that are eligible .

Please visit on-line services to book an appointment today or alternatively telephone the reception team.

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

Please contact the surgery and we will put you in contact with our social prescribing team if you are a young carer and need support!

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

This May, we’re calling on you to help us raise awareness about #melanomaskincancer. There are so many ways that you can get involved and support us this May! We have a lot of exciting things happening throughout the month and we cannot wait to share everything with you.

More people die of melanoma per year in the UK than in Australia. Yet 86% of cases of melanoma are preventable and increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. There are now more than 16,700 new cases each year in the UK.  

We want to encourage everyone to be sun-safe, and for anyone who has noticed changes in their moles or lesions to contact their GP.  Many of these moles or lesions do NOT end up being anything serious, however, it is always important to be diagnosed early as early stage melanomas are generally curable.

Click here for more information

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

Sunniside Surgery will close at 18:00 pm on Friday the 26th of May and re-open on Tuesday the 30th of May.

Should you require medical advise please contact 111 or in an emergency dial 999

Thanks

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

This TV advertisement shows that stroke is a medical emergency. When a stroke strikes you need to Act FAST. The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and reducing long-term disability.

Please click the link below for further support with fuel or food.

Struggling with fuel or food.docx

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

The campaign primarily aims to reach 16-34 year olds by encouraging them to ‘Lift Someone Out of Loneliness’, knowing that this will likely help their own feelings of loneliness. This is based on recent research that shows that people in this demographic are at higher risk of feeling lonely compared to other age groups, but less likely to seek advice and support.

Click here for further information

We join Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in saying we can make cervical cancer a thing of the past. 

To mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd - 29th January) we are supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in its call to get towards a future where cervical cancer is a thing of the past. 

The charity is launching a campaign to End Cervical Cancer in the UK. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Every day, in the UK there are 9 new diagnoses, and 2 women will lose their lives.  

In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer. For the first time ever, the world has committed to eliminating a cancer. 

HPV vaccination and cervical screening can help prevent, and one day end cervical cancer. However, uptake has been falling in many parts of the country. 

We offer cervical screening and encourage all our patients who are due or overdue to contact us today and book an appointment. 

Don't become a statistic, together we can end cervical cancer. 

Our Brighten the Day team are delighted to once again to offer a busy holiday programme, allowing the most vulnerable children to be able to access free activities and enjoy even more healthy and nutritious meals during the school holidays.

There's lots going on right across Gateshead for children and young people of all ages. See the individual listings for more details and how to book a place. Please check before travelling for any drop in activities. All activities include a free meal for the children.

Click Here to find out more. 

Click here to visit their website.

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.