Great news we have started with our flu clinics. This year it has been expanded again to include all patients over 50yrs by the 31.03.2022.

If you fit into this group please contact the surgery to make an appointment.

Bewicke Medical Centre has around 10.000 patients on their list and covers the Howdon, Willington Quay and Part of Wallsend area. The surgery has 6 partners and 2 salaried GP's. The surgery is also a training practice and has 2nd year foundation doctors and 3rd , 5th year medicals students each year.

We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.

Although National restrictions on face masks and social distancing are being relaxed on the 19th July. As Covid infections are again increasing, we are still requesting all patients to wear a face mask and socially distance when they attend the practice. 

This will remain in place until further notice. Due to the nature of our work we often haver vulnerable patients on site and have a duty of care to protect not only patients as well as our staff.  

We may also have patients in the practice with possible Covid symptoms, and although we have procedures in place to try and remove contact from other patients: the wearing of face masks and social distancing will continue in order to protect both patients and staff that need to come into the building.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The practice now offers a video GP service- Livi- to all our patients. To access the service, simply download Livi from the App Store(iphone) or Google Play (Android), and sign up. You can get medical advice, prescriptions and referrals by video, with appointments available on the same day, even at weekends. Monday- Friday 7am-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am- 4pm.

Get the app  https://bit.ly/2CFrjNg

To request a repeat prescription online click on the Prescription Icon at the top of the page above and select order online option. For fitnotes you need to self certify for the first 7 days and if you are still unwell you can then order a fitnote via eConsult below. Repeat Medication requests can not be ordered via e Consult. You cannot order medication via e Consult this is only for Fitnotes

• We are still open and here for you. We are prioritising delivering of care and service based on clinical needs.
• All appointments will be made by telephone initially. When you phone or go online, you will be asked to provide some information about your healthcare need. This will help the practice healthcare team assess the most appropriate way to provide your care, which may include a face-to-face consultation and ensure it is provided by the most appropriate person. Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients where there is a clinical need.
• We are also offering online consultations and video consultations, as well as telephone consultations. If you have a preference about how to access the care you can discuss with the practice.
• The practice would appreciate if patients can be understanding towards staff we operate a zero tolerance policy so please be kind to all staff. 

Please use eConsult above if it is non-urgent and can wait for a response the Doctors and staff at the surgery would appreciate it during this challenging time.

Please think sensibly before ringing the surgery and please be kind to staff as we are extremely busy. For all advise on Covid-19 please do not ring the surgery visit NHS 111 online.

People in Tyneside are set to benefit from a new exercise programme  the new HowFit (Home Wellbeing and Fitness) Plan instructional leaflet delivered to their homes free of charge this week. The Plan is designed to help people improve their fitness and health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

HowFit encourages users of any ability, from chair based to fairly fit, to undertake a plan of simple exercises that can be carried out at home without the need for any special equipment. "HowFit has been designed to include exercises of varying difficulties, meaning that it is suitable for adults of any age, whether you currently exercise or not and without the need for any special equipment. The accompanying website has videos to show you how to do the exercises too." HowFit has been created in partnership with NHS North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG.

The HowFit Plan provides the user with a range of exercises divided into four categories; 1.mobility, 2. strength, 3. cardiovascular health and 4.stability, balance and co-ordination – with videos and animations on the website to demonstrate how the exercise is carried out. Dr David Jones, a GP in Newcastle and Clinical Chair of NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG said: "Though it might be tempting to skip on exercise in these challenging times, it is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. "By carrying out the HowFit exercise programme a few days a week it can improve your mental health and wellbeing so it is important that we all make exercise as part of our daily routine."

The HowFit information leaflet www.howfittoday.co.uk.

DO YOU NEED HELP? if you need help due to the Covid-19 crisis call the North Tyneside Council COVID-19 Response Team on 0345 2000 101

CAN YOU HELP OTHERS? if you are able to help others, please contact VODA's Good Neighbour; Josie.Robinson@voda.org.uk 0191 6432632

Age Uk- can help if you are self isolating and have no support in place from family,friends or neighbours click on link for further information North Tyneside Age Uk