We aim to offer services which are young people friendly. We welcome young people and aim to put them at ease when they come to the practice.
We have compiled some useful information which young people have told us is important to them when it comes to their health.
We have also provided information on your rights as a young person. Please click here
40 Plus Health Checks
Everyone aged 40-74 who does not have a pre-existing heart condition is eligible for a health check once every five years. It is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:
During the check-up you’ll discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions.
If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, please get in touch with us to request an appointment.
You can view more information here NHS Health Check – NHS
Annual health check Learning Disability and Autism
All patients aged 14 years and over with a learning disability and/or autism are eligible for an annual health check. An annual health check can help you stay well by talking to a doctor or nurse about your health and finding any problems early, so they can be sorted out.
You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they are feeling well.
If you have a learning disability or care for somebody who does, make sure we are aware of this because not everyone may be on the practice’s Learning Disability register. You can do this by telling our reception team, doctor or nurse.
Once on the register you will receive an invite each year to attend an appointment.
You can view more information here Learning disabilities – Annual health checks – NHS
Carers health checks
The carers health check is the same as the NHS Health Check but is about looking after you as a Carer. It will focus on your own health and wellbeing and whether there are any areas you need support with. It is a chance to talk about your concerns and hopes for the future. The check covers the questions which Carers have told us are important.
Please get in touch to book your appointment.
We provide advice on all health aspects of holiday travel including which vaccinations are needed and if necessary the need for malaria tablets, which are available from pharmacies or on a private prescription. It pays to plan well ahead! Please book an appointment with one of our practice nurses well before you are due to travel, at least 8 weeks if possible. You will be advised by the Practice Nurse of any costs which will have to be paid before you are given your vaccination(s). If no appointments are available with our nurses before you plan to travel, you will be advised to attend the private Travel Clinic in Newcastle which can usually fit patients in at short notice, or some local pharmacies in the area e.g Lloyds, Superdrug, also provide this service. Our GPs do not give travel vaccinations.
All patients between 40 and 75 years old are entitled to a free NHS health check to work out their risk of developing cardiovascular problems like angina, heart attacks and strokes over the next 10 years. Your smoking status, weight, glucose, cholesterol, liver and kidney function will be checked and you will be given advice on how to improve your health and decrease you chances of developing cardiovascular problems. You must not eat or drink anything after 10pm on the night before the test apart from water or black tea or coffee with no sugar.
You might be given dietary and exercise advice and help to stop smoking or cut down on alcohol. There is a chance you may be identified as having high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney problems which increase your risk of heart problems too. It is important to identify these early as they can be treated and monitored to reduce the risk of them harming you. You may be offered medication for these. If you have a 20% or 1 in 5 chance of developing cardiovascular disease you will be offered a cholesterol lowering drug called a statin.
If you already have a vascular disease you will get these checks as part of your annual review. People with high blood pressure should also be having these checks annually but now need to FAST from the night before their blood tests to increase the tests accuracy.
The Practice is able to undertake a wide range of minor surgery procedures and also refers others to Bunny Hill, minor surgery centre. Please see Dr Dixit who will assess the need for surgery. Please note there is no longer NHS funding for the removal of minor lesions such as skin tags for cosmetic reasons only.
The Practice takes an active role in screening for and treating hypertension. High blood pressure is usually diagnosed only after several blood pressure checks followed by a 24 hour blood pressure reading. Most patients should aim to keep their blood pressure less than 140/90 or lower if they are diabetic or have kidney disease. We encourage all patients with high blood pressure to take the medications regularly and get their blood pressure checked every 6 months. They should also have their cholesterol, glucose and kidney function checked yearly. As well as taking medication, losing weight, taking regular exercise such as brisk walking and reducing your salt and alcohol intake can help control high blood pressure. Please look after your blood pressure. This will reduce the chances of you having heart disease and strokes in the future. High blood pressure does not usually make you feel unwell and it is rare for it to make you dizzy or have headaches.
For more information about high blood pressure take a look at the leaflet on the Patient UK website.
Clinics are currently held every Monday morning. Your baby will be given their first immunisations by our nurse after they have had their 8 week check by the GP. Our nurses also give the other childhood vaccinations.
If you need to contact the health visiting team phone 0191 5678911 or 5027400.
If your child is under 5 and you need advice on feeding, their development, behaviour, sleep or toilet training please contact the health visiting team.
For more information on childhood immunisations take a look at the NHS website.
Most diabetics are cared for by our practice based team. We ask diabetic patients to attend a check-up at least once a year. Please ensure you have your bloods checked before your appointment and bring a urine sample with you. It is important that you attend your yearly eye and foot appointment at Grindon Lane. If you need any help accessing this service or want to be referred to a dietitian please discuss this at your diabetic appointment. If you think you are developing an ulcer on your foot please see a doctor or nurse at the surgery the same day.
Cervical smears are one of the few successful screening tests. They are known to prevent cancer developing or to identify it early when treatment is easy and more successful. Although many ladies find them a little uncomfortable this is a safe procedure. If you have any questions please talk to any of our nurses or Dr Parry who will be happy to explain the test and discuss any worries.
Results are usually sent to you by post within 2 weeks. If you do not receive these please contact surgery.