Feed back on new Elsdon Avenue Surgery

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Have Your Say on Proposed New Building for Elsdon Avenue Surgery

Elsdon Avenue Surgery is proposing to build a new purpose-built practice half a mile from the current location. This is because the current building needs a lot of maintenance and no longer supports the needs of the service. The layout of the building has no scope to accommodate new services that the practice would like to provide. In addition, parking for patients is limited and there is no provision for those with a disability.

Patients and local residents are being given a chance to ask questions on the proposal for a new surgery. After 12 weeks, all feedback and options for the surgery going forward will be reviewed. The results of all this and what happens next will be shared in early February 2022.

How to leave feedback

  • You can have your say on the proposals for a new surgery building in the following ways.
  • Write to the Practice Manager at The Surgery, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0BW
  • Contact the Practice Manager by calling 0191 237 2299 or email elsdon.avenuesurgery@nhs.net
  • Ask at reception for a feedback form. This can be filled out anonymously if you wish – you do not need to give personal information if you choose not to.
  • Join us at Healthwatch Northumberland for an online event on Monday 29 November 2021, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Please register by emailing: helenb@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk. Alternatively you can get in touch with us in a way that suits you, to leave feedback about the proposals.
  • Attend an open afternoon (2pm – 4pm) or evening (5pm – 7pm) on Thursday 2 December 2021 at The Heather Mills Factory, Avenue Road, Seaton Delaval NE25 0QJ.

Elsdon Avenue Surgery proposed new build: FAQs

Why has the decision been taken to build a new surgery in Seaton Delaval?

We wish to remain located in Seaton Delaval.  Our current premises were converted by the former GP himself over 20 years ago and so were never purpose built.  We have no scope for expansion but the number of registered patients is growing quite quickly.  In addition to looking after our patients we also teach medical and nursing students.  We also have other clinical staff helping us – paramedic, pharmacists, the mental health team to name a few – and sometimes we have to turn clinical services at alternative premises because we have no room. Also, the premises are quite dilapidated – for example the windows are rotting; the electrics on the porch doors are unusable; the roof leaks. We also do not have enough car parking for our patients and staff.

When will work begin on the new surgery building? 

We hope it will be within the next 12 months.

Will I continue to go to the current surgery during this work?

Yes, we aim for a seamless handover between one site and the other and notice will be given of when the proposed new surgery is up and running.

Will I be able to consult with my usual doctor or nurse?

Yes, all our staff team will continue to work as normal both during the building works and in the transfer period.

I have a long term health problem – how will this affect my care?

Not at all. Our ongoing care of patients will continue to be our top priority.

 Will there be any change to the service we receive from community services such as district nurses, midwives or health visitors?

No; all these services will continue as before.

Will I be able to access new services at the other surgery?

We hope that the increased space will make it easier to offer additional clinics.  We are looking to increase the amount of psychotherapy time we can offer – as one example.

 Will my medical records be affected?

No; everything will be transferred from one site to the other.

 Will your opening hours change?

The opening hours will only change if central government require a change of all general practice.  Otherwise, we envisage no change.

 What is the likely timescale?

We hope to be ready to open in approximately 18 months.

How can I contact the surgery – will the surgery phone number still be the same?

 You should be able to contact the surgery in the same way that you currently do and the phone number is expected to remain the same.

How can I make appointments?

You will be able to make appointments in the same way at the new site as you choose to use at the old site.  That will not change.

This piece of work has now finished.