Appointments
You are not registered with a specific doctor in the practice as a result of which you are free to consult any of the doctors or nurses in the surgery. However, it is a good idea to try to see the same nurse or doctor for the same problem, so that your progress can be assessed and continuity of treatment maintained.
If you wish to see a doctor, please telephone as soon as possible from 8.30 am on the day you wish to come. The receptionist will try to give you a convenient appointment with the doctor of your choice. If she is unable to give you exactly what you would like, she will suggest an alternative time or another doctor or that you see the Nurse Practitioner instead, or if you prefer you may try again another day. If the matter is urgent, you will definitely be seen that day, but not necessarily by the doctor of your choice.
Appointments to see a doctor or a nurse may be made four weeks in advance.
Home Visits
Home visits are rarely necessary except for housebound patients and the terminally ill. It is easier for us to conduct a proper physical examination and do any necessary tests in the surgery than at your home, it is in your own interest to be seen in the surgery if at all possible. It also helps us, as we can see several patients in the time it takes to do a home visit. All home visit requests in our practice are triaged by our nurses. Please try to make the request before 10.00 am.
Out of Surgery Hours
The surgery is closed on weekdays 6.00pm to 8.00am and all weekend from Friday 6.00pm to Monday 8.00am.
Although the surgery is closed, medical help is always available for emergencies and urgent problems.
Since 1st July 2004 your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) took over the responsibility for providing health services outside of surgery opening times.
When is the out of hours service available?
The service will operate
Monday to Thursday 6.00pm to 8.00am
From Friday 6.00pm until Monday morning at 8.00am.
The service will also be available on Bank Holidays.
Out of Hours service is available on 0300 1231851
What will happen when I call this number?
The call will be answered by a Healthcare provider. They will ask for your personal details and basic information about your problem. Please ensure that you have full details of any medication you are taking when you call. A healthcare professional - doctor or nurse will phone you back, assess your symptoms and advise the best way to treat you.
Attending an Urgent Care Centre
If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend an Urgent Care Centre situated at One Life Centre York Road in Hartlepol.
Home visits
If you are assessed as needing a home visit a healthcare professional will visit you at home. Staff will call you to let you know when to expect the visit. Visits will occur in order of clinical priority.
Out of Hours checklist
Is the problem life threatening or a medical emergency?
This includes loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, heavy blood loss, severe head injury and severe difficulty in breathing.
If so call 999 for an ambulance.
Is the problem urgent?
If the problem is urgent and you feel you may need to see a healthcare professional call the Out of hours Service on 0300 1231851
You will speak to a healthcare professional who will assess whether you need to:
Treat yourself at home
Go to the Urgent Care Centre
Have a home visit from a healthcare professional
Do you need help and advice?
If you need health advice only or if you are not sure how urgent the problem is you can contact NHS Direct 0845 4647.
Problems or complaints for Out of Hours service
The Surgery is no longer responsible for Out of Hours service.
If there are any problems or concerns you have regarding the Out of Hours service please contact the practice so that we would be able to able to take up the matter on your behalf directly with the Out of Hours provider.
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