Welcome to Bensham Family Practice

***FLU CLINICS NOW BOOKING***

We are booking appointments for all eligible patients in our FLU clinics purely based on delivery dates for vaccines:

Over 65 years – September clinics now full, October 12th and 16th

Under 65 – September 21st and October 17th & 19th.

Please book now to avoid disappointment

Dr Roberts Retirement

Dr Roberts will be retiring from NHS General Practice and leaving Bensham at the end of September. He is delighted to confirm the practice will continue under the care of 2 new Partners, Dr Tulay Yigit and Mr Darren Pritchard. All the nursing and administration team are staying at the practice and Dr and Mrs Roberts wish patients and colleagues their very best wishes.

*** SHINGLES VACCINATION ***

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SHINGLES VACCINATION? Please see below and if you qualify please ring and book a nurse appointment via reception 0191 477 6955. If you are unsure still ring and we will check for you.

• Aged 50 years and over with compromised immune system (ie disease affecting immune system, chemotherapy, some blood disorders, medication affecting immune system)
• Aged 65 (DOB 1.9.58 to 31.8.59)
• Aged 70 – 79 years
• Turning 70 years between 1.9.23 and 31.8.24 (DOB must be between 1.9.53 and 31.8.54)

**At this time patients aged 66 – 69 years are NOT eligible**

Over the Counter Medications

The NHS position of prescribing of over the counter medications (OTC) is changing. We will no longer be able to provide a prescription for medications that are easily purchased for minor conditions. A patient leaflet detailing the conditions and reasons for this decision by the NHS is available OTC patient leaflet

Adult Autistic and ADHD Service (over 18 years)

Tyneside & Northumberland Mind have developed a new Autistic and ADHD Adult service beginning in July 2023. The first group meeting is on 7th July. For more details and contact information is available by the following link Autistic and ADHD Adult Service Leaflet

Cervical Screening (Smear Test)

It is vital that all women engage in the cervical screening programme available for women aged 25 – 64 years.  Please get in touch with reception 0191 477 6955 and book your appointment as soon as possible.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening  (AAA)

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.

AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.

You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it.  It could save your life!

If you need to rearrange your appointment give us a call on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit: QE Gateshead website here 

Watch our AAA Video here

Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS)

CPCS is a service that patients can utilise for minor ailments, rather than contacting the practice for an appointment that would maybe best offered to another patient. All our receptionists can signpost patients appropriately to the most sensible clinician – which will not always be a GP; it may be a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse or Pharmacist. Our reception team can make a referral to the pharmacy of your choosing who will then contact you directly.

The list of conditions that can be seen via the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service can be found here

We politely ask all patients to consider the reason for an appointment especially during this current extraordinarily busy period and make use of this pharmacist service for minor conditions.

General Practice Data for Planning & Research Service (GPDPR)

For more information on the changes happening in how your data is shared with NHS organisations and their partners please visit the Your Data Matters page on our practice website. You will find a helpful patient guide and also an opt-out form should you choose to opt-out. If you are unsure what this all means for you and your health records / data please do not hesitate to get in touch with the practice manager.