All GP appointments are now face to face here at the surgery by default (we can change your appointment to a telephone call if there is an appropriate reason for doing this). We have a number of ‘on the day’ appointments with each GP which open up at 8am and 12noon (available to book online or by telephone).
We limit how far ahead appointments can be booked so that appointments with GP Partners are available within 2 weeks and with other GPs and GP Registrars within 1 week.
We operate a Duty Dr system for patients with urgent clinical need once our ‘on the day’ appointments are all booked.
If you have a musculoskeletal problem such a joint pain, back pain, muscle strains etc the doctors prefer you to book in with one of our First Contact Physiotherapists rather than wait for a GP appointment. The Physios can assess your problem, arrange tests such a x ray or ultrasound, refer for a course of physio through the JMAPS service and they can also liaise with the on-call doctor to arrange pain medications if required.
If you need to see a doctor urgently it is always better to ring and speak to a receptionist. If we have no urgent appointments available, you will be placed on our Triage List and our Duty Dr will call you back. After assessing your symptoms over the telephone, arrangements will be made to see you at an appropriate time, either the same day or the following day. Some urgent problems can be dealt with over the phone so please give our receptionists some information about why you need to see the GP so they can help you to get the right appointment for your symptoms.
An availability grid is shown on our Practice Services menu which gives an indication of which doctors, nurses and HCAs consult on which days.
Whilst every effort is made to keep to appointment times, this is not always possible and we will try to keep you informed of any delays on arrival at the surgery. Appointments with GPs are all 15 minutes in duration but we ask that, should you need longer or if you have more than one medical problem to discuss, please ask for a double appointment.
Always report to the receptionist on your arrival at the surgery so that the doctor or nurse can be notified that you are here.
Appointments may be booked on-line through the NHS App and further information about how to register for the app can be found by clicking on this link: NHS App The service can also be accessed via the button on the right of this page.
If, for any reason, you are unable to keep your appointment, please telephone to cancel in good time so the appointment can be offered to another patient. Appointments can also be cancelled online or via the text message reminder service. Patients with mobile numbers will receive a text message the day before a face to face appointment with the option to cancel via text.
- Home Visits
If you are not well enough to come to the surgery or to discuss your problem over the telephone a home visit can be arranged. Please telephone before 10am if possible. The receptionist will ask for brief details of your illness and the degree of urgency. The Duty Doctor will call you back to assess the situation and arrange an appropriate visit which might be from one of our paramedic team.
- Telephone consultations
Our GPs prefer to see patients in person but if you prefer a telephone call our receptionists can arrange this for you. If you are likely to need a physical examination you will be advised to come and see the doctor face to face.
- Evenings/weekends/bank holidays
The Hadrian Extra Care Hub provides evening and Saturday appointments which can now be booked online. If you would like an appointment please follow this link: NHS Bookings If there are no appointments at Corbridge (weekday evenings) just click ‘back’ on the link at the top of the page to select one of our other locations which are open on Saturdays: Hexham, Prudhoe, Bellingham or Haltwhistle. Appointments are available with GPs, Nurses and Healthcare Assistants – please select the slot type you require and use your NHS login to proceed with the booking. Alternatively, you can book appointments by ringing our own reception team on 01434 632011.
- Emergencies
If you have a life threatening condition eg suspected heart attack or stroke please dial 999 for an ambulance without delay.
If you need urgent treatment when the surgery is closed, help can be obtained by telephoning the NHS 111 service who will assess your symptoms and signpost you to the most appropriate service.
If you need to see a GP when the surgery is closed the NHS 111 advisor will refer your call to the The Northern Doctors Urgent Care service. They provide a confidential service staffed by nurses and health professionals who will advise you on the best course of action for the symptoms you present.