Newsletter WINTER 2015/2016

Year of Care (Self Care Advice)
The practice will be changing the way it works with patients with long term conditions early in the New Year. We will be moving to work in line with the Year of Care approach.
This new approach will mean that as a patient you will initially come into the practice to see one of our Health Care Assistants who will do your usual tests (urine/blood etc) and talk to you about your lifestyle.
Once your results have come back, you will be sent a care plan (a plan detailing the care that you are currently receiving) in the post, as well as more information about your condition (where appropriate). This will help you to decide whether there are any changes that you can make to help with your condition. You will then return to the Practice to see the most appropriate clinician (either a Nurse/GP) for your review.
For more information see
Additional Appointments by Gateshead GPs
Did you know that you can now book appointments to see a Nurse/GP at either Blaydon or Trinity Square? Appointments are available 7 days a week at both sites.
You may be offered one of these appointments when the Practice has no same day appointments left and we would encourage you to consider using them.
Please contact the Reception Team for more information on how to book on 0191 4692173
On-line Prescriptions & Appointment Booking
You can order your repeat prescriptions on-line. After placing your order please allow 48hours before collection.
A selection of appointments are also available to book online.
Registering to use the on-line prescription service (16years or over). In order to do this you must contact the surgery and inform the receptionist you wish to register for this service. The receptionist will print a registration letter (PIN document) for you to collect from the surgery. The PIN document provides unique details that patients will need to register to use this facility. The letter will also provide you with instructions on how to complete the registration process. You must collect this letter in person as this contains your personal information and should not be shared with any other person. A form of ID may be required on collection to confirm your identity for example a driving license/passport.
If you misplace your registration letter or forget your password, please contact the surgery and we will provide you with new login details.
Staffing News
Following the retirement of Dr Brumby and Dr Reekie last spring, we are very pleased to have appointed 2 replacement GPs.
Dr Hemant Rana joined the practice in May 2015 and is now a partner. Dr Rana is from South Africa and did his medical degree in Nepal. He has worked in the East Midlands and Washington before joining us. He is also a GP trainer and a GP appraiser.
Dr Nicola Shortt joined Longrigg as a Salaried Doctor in August 2015. Dr Shortt undertook her medical degree and GP training in Newcastle and the North East.
We also had a change in our nursing team, as our lead nurse Lynn Hodson retired in July. We have been pleased to appoint Julie Baird-Paul as her replacement, to work alongside our practice nurses Jamie Fraser, Alison Chambers and health care assistants, Anne Sheriff and Lynn Franklin.
Last year we also were pleased to welcome to our team 2 new receptionists, Rachel Wardrobe and Lesley Moncur and a new administrator Lindsey Barnaby.
We continue to have GP trainees (fully qualified GPs who are on a 3year training programme to become independent GPs). Dr Tonti Ndubuisi left us in November 2015 having successfully completed her GP training. Dr Ike Uzoechina and Dr Rachel Lawson will be with us until February 2016, and we wish them well in their continued training.
We would like to welcome Dr Catherine Arthur and Dr Chisanim Maxwell who will be joining us in January and February 2016 and will be with us until August 2016.
Stay Well This Winter
Research shows that the biggest winter pressure on NHS services are due to an increase in patients who need to be admitted to hospital as an emergency, most commonly with respiratory problems. We can all help by following the advice given:
Getting a flu vaccination, this is available to patients aged 65 or over, pregnant ladies and those patients with a serious medical condition such as chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease or diabetes.
Heat your home to at least 18 degrees C (65F)
Seeking immediate advice and help from a pharmacist as soon as you feel unwell, before it gets to serious
Keeping an eye on elderly or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
Getting prescriptions before Christmas Eve
Take your prescribed medicines as directed.
Although it is important to ensure you have enough medication over the festive period the reception team are unable to process your prescription too early.
For further advice and information for self-care see or alternatively you can use the NHS website