Summer Newsletter 2025

Practice Building update

The Practice again obtained planning permission to extend the building, which will enable the practice to increase the number of clinical rooms thus increasing the number of clinicians.

As the number of patients registering is increasing with the number of new housing, more appointments are required and therefore more clinicians are needed. However, we are no further forward with NHS funding for this work.

No longer on prescription

Hay fever/seasonal rhinitis can be treated effectively and safely using over the counter medicines. Treatments for these conditions are no longer issued on prescription. 

Medication previously prescribed (such as fexofenadine) is now available to buy over the counter.

Medication to delay/postpone menstrual periods is no longer available via NHS. Some pharmacies will issue this over the counter with a private fee (please check with the pharmacy for current fees). 

RSV Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. RSV infections are very common. Almost all children get them at least once before they're 2 years old.

They're not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly:

• babies under 6 months old
• young children who were born prematurely
• adults over 75 years
• babies, children and adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions
• people who smoke tobacco and babies exposed to tobacco smoke

In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.

RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.

Fun fact

The largest Bone in the body is the femur. It can support 30 times the weight of a person's body. Ounce for ounce, that’s stronger than steel.

Patient Participation Group

Taking an interest in our health and in the wellbeing of our families is an important part of our modern, busy, lives. The surgery will often be the first resource we turn to when something goes wrong and we need help or advice. It’s something we all rely on, need and trust.

When you come in for an appointment, have a blood test, or perhaps enjoy the convenience of a telephone or online consultation, you and your clinician will share information about the matter in hand. But have you ever wanted to know more? Not more about your ongoing issue, but more about what goes on behind the scenes when you try to book an appointment, are waiting for test results or have had your case referred?

Perhaps you have noticed a change in the way things are done within the Practice? Have you wondered why it has changed or why the new method was chosen? Have you ever wondered what might be planned for the future and why? Have you ever wished that you had an opportunity to comment on changes and have your say on proposals for the future of healthcare at Neasham Road?

If you answer YES to any of the above then why not consider joining our Patient Participation Group? We are a group of ordinary patients, just like you, who meet once every few months to share an interest and get updates on what has happened, is happening and is planned to happen at our GP Surgery. Guest Speakers come to some meetings and provide our group with useful information on new developments. You do not have to come to every meeting, but being part of our group gives you an opportunity to discover more and have your say within the PPG forum.  For further information and details please refer to the PPG section on the Neasham Road website or telephone the practice (during the afternoons).  Our next PPG Meeting will be 6pm, Wednesday 29 October 2025.

Patient Feedback – May 2025

During May we asked patients to complete a patient feedback form whilst they were in the surgery.  Although, 120 forms were given to patients, we received 36 completed forms.

Who do I contact for

Musculoskeletal problems: Pain or aches in joints, such as elbows, hips, foot.  Make contact with MSK on 01325 728988

Mental Health: For urgent situations, please ring 111 option 2. For Talking Changes – 0191 333 3300

Midwife: New Pregnant patients to book your first appointment 01325 743255

Early Pregnancy Unit: Any problems with your pregnancy such as bleeding 01325 743363

Contraception: For advice and appointments to fit coils or implants 01325 952277

Alcohol or drug issues: 01325 809810 – We are With You

Podiatry: Issues with your feet, corns, etc please use this link.

Eye problems: Specsavers in High Row Darlington – 01325 461155 | Cooper & Leatherbarrow in Duke Street – 01325 463267

Childrens Mental Health: CAMHS  0300 1239296

Staff News

Care  Co-ordinator - Julia

"I joined the Practice in February, my hope is that the role will become a "go to" for our patients helping them to access the right teams/level of support whether that be accessing teams within the Surgery, accessing services within Social Care and any other teams that can support with improving health and wellbeing,  I will promote a person's right to choose and continued independence and support them to become more active in their own health and care needs."

Surgery Pharmacist - Rachel

"Hello, my name is Rachel and last summer I started working here at the surgery as a Practice based Pharmacist. My background is in Hospital Pharmacy, I am excited to have made the change to working in Primary Care and am pleased to be working as part of a small pharmacy team with Cherylynne, our Pharmacy Technician. My role here at the practice involves helping patients understand and get the best use from their medication. I have been doing this by undertaking medication reviews, answering queries and working with the team to ensure safe processes on medication use and ordering. 

I am passionate about patient centred care and helping our patients understand their medication, address concerns and expectations which will hopefully result in better, and safer use of their medication.
If you have questions or concerns regarding medication, I would be happy to help!

I am thankful for the staff at the surgery for being so welcoming to me since I have started and look forward to continuing to work alongside them in the future".

Published: Aug 7, 2025