NHS helping patients find a new GP as practice closure confirmed

Wed 22nd November 2017

North Tyneside’s NHS is moving to help patients find a new GP after confirming that Earsdon Park Medical Practice will close next year. 

NHS North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which plans and buys most healthcare services in the area, has been looking at options for the service and reluctantly decided that the service will close in March 2018.

The practice, which is currently operated by Freeman Clinics, works from two sites – at Shiremoor Resource Centre and the Oxford Centre in Longbenton.

Dr John Matthews, a local GP and Chair of North Tyneside CCG, said: “This is disappointing news for us all, but we can assure patients that GP services will continue to be available to everyone in the area. There are five practices accepting new patients within one and a half miles of Shiremoor Resource Centre, and more than six close to the Oxford Centre.

“The contract for the current service provider ends on 31 March, and we have considered our options for the future with great care. Sadly, with a relatively small number of patients split across two sites more than five miles apart, it is very unlikely that we would be able to find a new provider able to operate the service.

“We have written to all patients with an update and some practical information about choosing another practice. We will ensure that help is at hand for anyone who finds this difficult, and we are working closely with neighbouring practices to ensure they are well placed to welcome new patients to their lists.”

Any patient who would like to help to register with a new GP practice can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 032 0202 or northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk. Registered patients have also been invited to meet with staff from the CCG, the practice and the independent health champion Healthwatch if they wish to find out more.

Patients will need to register with a new practice before Earsdon Park closes on 31 March 2018. The practice currently cares for around 3,129 patients at Shiremoor Resource Centre, and 1,341 at the Oxford Centre.

Healthwatch North Tyneside, the independent champion for patients, is also available to discuss any concerns or questions. Healthwatch is available on 0191 263 5321 or info@healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk.