Personal tools

Finding a GP

To be treated by a GP you need to be registered with a local GP practice.

You should be seen by a GP within two working days or another primary care professional - for example a practice nurse - within one working day if you wish to do so. You may prefer to book an appointment at a more convenient time or wait longer to see your preferred GP or health professional.

If you do not have a GP and wish to register with one contact a GP practice near to where you live. The practice will ask you to attend an appointment where a GP can assess your health and discuss your health needs.

To find a GP in North Tyneside call 0191 275 4230 or visit www.nefhsa.nhs.uk.
For general advice on how to register with a GP contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or log onto www.nhs.uk.

Moving house / change of address

If you are moving house, please check with your GP that your new home is still within your GP's practice area. If this is not the case, you will need to make arrangements to find a new GP. Each practice produces a leaflet, which includes a map showing their "practice area". Please inform your GP and the North East Family Health Services Agency (0191 275 4230) of your change of address.

Changing your GP

Anyone can change their GP without giving a reason. To change your GP you should go to another practice and tell them that you wish to register under their care.

You do not have to give a reason for wanting to change your GP, but the new practice does have the right to refuse your request:

• if you live outside their practice area, or
• if they are not accepting new patients at that time.

For more information on changing your GP please visit the NHS Direct website.

Extended opening hours

Many GP practices are now offering patients early and eveing appointments. For details of the practices offering extended opening hours please download the leaflet 'GP services in your area are improving.'

• GP access - extended opening hours
  

Finding a dentist

For general advice on how to see a dentist please call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. They will let you know which dentists in your area are currently accepting NHS patients.

If you are experiencing severe dental pain outside of normal working hours please contact the out of hours dentistry service on 0845 608 0324. This service is available Monday to Friday from 6.30pm to 11pm, at all times during the weekend and on bank holidays from 9am to 10pm. 

Finding an optician

There are many opticians who have shops in the high street. You can simply choose one you prefer and make an appointment directly with them. To find a list of local opticians you can visit www.nhs.uk. You can also contact Tyne and Wear Optician Information on 0191 275 4230 or visit www.nefhsa.nhs.uk.

Finding a community pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts in the use of medicines and can give you advice about common symptoms, medicines and healthy living. Some community pharmacists can offer specialist advice on what you should keep handy at home to treat common conditions. They can help you stop smoking and give emergency hormonal contraception – sometimes known as the morning after pill.

Community pharmacies are open longer than your GP, they are often open at weekends and can be open late at night or on a bank holiday.

To find a list of local pharmacies visit www.nhs.uk or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. You can also check your local newspaper which usually carries listings or look in the main section of Yellow Pages under Pharmacies.

Self care

You can keep yourself and your family well by having a range of over the counter treatments at home. A well stocked medicine cabinet will help you treat some of the many common illnesses and minor ailments. For example, coughs and colds in the winter months, hay fever and sun protection in the summer. Other conditions such as constipation, indigestion and headaches can happen all year round.

If you have children remember to include the right medicines for them - and don’t forget to keep medicines out of their reach.

If you regularly take medicines remember to make sure that you have enough to last – particularly around public holidays like Christmas and Easter. Many calls to the out of hours GP service during holidays are because people have run out of their medicines. This is a problem which can be avoided simply by planning ahead. If you would like advice on what you should keep in your family medicine cabinet speak to your local community pharmacist.