Notices

We have added an extra option to our phone line. This is an automated option, it allows you to cancel and check appointments and also order repeat prescriptions.

• To order repeat prescriptions you first need to obtain a pin number from Reception. Please call us or pop in to speak to our team.

The line is available 24/7 and can also be dialled direct using the number 0191 5004640. It can be used by all patients and works in a similar way to requesting a prescription online or via the NHS App.

This is an extra option on our phone message before you get to the main menu. If you are aged 70 and over or housebound and usually call to order your prescriptions this service is still available, please listen to the full message on our phone system.

Thank you
Team HGP

May Bank Holiday opening for local pharmacies:

Asda Pharmacy – Surtees Road, Peterlee, SR8 5HA, 0191 587 8510

• Bank Holiday Monday 4 May: 10:00-16:00
• Bank Holiday Monday 25 May: 10:00-16:00

Asda Pharmacy – Marina Way, Hartlepool, TS24 0XR, 01429 239010

• Bank Holiday Monday 4 May: 10:00-16:00
• Bank Holiday Monday 25 May: 10:00-16:00

We will be closed on the early and late Bank Holiday Mondays. Please order your medication in time

What the RSV vaccine is for

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.

It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses, such as:

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who should have the RSV vaccine

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:

• you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they’re born (You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment)
• From 1 April 2026, those aged 75 years and older as well as adults of any age living in a care home for older adults will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For more information please follow this link: Your guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults – GOV.UK or RSV vaccine – NHS –

COVID-19 is still with us, and for those at higher risk, a “booster” dose helps top up your protection.

This years spring booster campaign starts on 13 April 2026.

Eligiblity criteria:

• adults aged 75 and over
• residents in care homes for older people
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

The NHS will contact you if you are eligible and you may receive the vaccine at your GP Surgery, local pharmacy or your own home or care home if you are housebound.

For more details on the vaccine and its benefits, please visit the NHS.uk COVID-19 vaccine page.

You may have read recent media coverage concerning a very serious outbreak of
meningitis in Kent and we understand your concern. There is no evidence that this
outbreak has spread further in the UK.

But it is still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis. They
can appear suddenly and be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a
hangover, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help
immediately.

The UK routine immunisation schedule now protects against some types of
meningitis and your children will be invited for these at the correct age. The NHS is
not able to give vaccinations outside of this schedule.

You can read more about common signs and vaccines here – Meningitis –
Vaccination – NHS

Useful information:
• Signs_and_Symptoms_Card_2023_GSK.pdf 
• easy-read-signs-of-sepsis-and-what-to-do.pdf

Attendees: Dr Brown, Louise Armstrong, Kayleigh Davison, Michael N, Jackie S

Apologies – Patient G, Patient A and Patient M

Introductions: Dr Brown introduced himself as one of the GP Partners of Horden Group Practice.  Introductions made from all present.

Updates since last meeting:

Dr Brown told members that we currently have 3  registrars, Dr Somal, Dr O.C and Dr Ojo.  Dr Somal will be leaving us next month to progress to her next placement and Dr OC and Dr Ojo will be with us until August. He explained that receptionist Caitlyn left us and that although another receptionist Donna had initially planned to leave us she has now decided to stay.

Vaccinations (Reviewed from previous meeting in February)

Dr Brown explained that we ran a successful Saturday morning covid and flu clinic where we vaccinated 400 of the most vulnerable patients. He explained that vaccination rates are low regionally.

Secondary care waiting lists

Dr Brown discussed there are still major problems with waiting times for patients being seen in secondary care.  He pointed out difficulties with patients who are waiting a long time to be seen by specialists in hospitals meaning they are frequently attending the surgery with little that can be done.  He explained that patient demand is increasing and due to room availability we are unable to increase staffing.

CQC

We are currently still rated as a “GOOD” practice, CQC have been in the area so we are expecting that they may visit the practice soon.

Kayleigh/Research project

Dr Brown welcomed Kayleigh and explained her role as Clinical Pharmacist. Kayleigh explained as part of her role she also works with research projects and explained a project she is working on and asked members if they would like to be involved.  This included a series of questions, and they would be paid £17.50 for their time.  Patients were asked to contact Louise at the surgery should they wish to take part or if they know anyone who would like to take part.

New 6pm-6.30 cover

Dr Brown explained to members that as part of the new contract we are required to provide access to patients between the hours of 6-6.30pm.  We are trialling a ring doorbell system so that patients can present at the practice and speak to a member of staff between those hours.

Next meeting

The next meeting is provisionally booked for 28 April 2026.  Please let us know if there is anyone who expresses interest in attending future groups.

Attendees: Dr Brown, Louise Armstrong, Michael N, Jackie S, Elsie H, Alan S and Margaret S

Apologies – Patient R and Patient G

Introductions: Dr Brown introduced himself as one of the GP Partners of Horden Group Practice.  Introductions made from all present.

Updates since last meeting:

Dr Brown told members that there have been some changes in staffing since the last meeting.  We now have 3 new registrars, Dr Somal, Dr OC and Dr Ojo.  Dr Jide has now qualified and is working as a locum GP, Dr Alex has now moved onto a placement in Psychiatry and Dr Felix stayed on with us after he qualified but is now also moving on. We also have a new female GP Dr Altaf who has replaced Dr Koganti.

Vaccinations (Reviewed from previous meeting in February)

Dr Brown explained that we will be running a covid and flu clinic on Saturday 4^th October to hopefully vaccinate the bulk of our eligible patients. Uptake of vaccines remains low.

Dr Brown explained there is soon to be a new vaccine for chicken pox as part of childhood immunisations.

Secondary care waiting lists

Dr Brown discussed there are still major problems with waiting times for patients being seen in secondary care.  He pointed out difficulties with patients who are waiting a long time to be seen by specialists in hospitals meaning they are frequently attending the surgery with little that can be done.

GP Contract

Dr Brown explained recent changes to the GP contract and some not clear information regarding opening times.  Core hours are 8-6.30 but we only in practice 8-6.  We are awaiting clarification but do not think the practice needs to open 6-6.30 and only needs to provide an eConsult service.

Emergency appointments

Dr Brown asked for opinions from the PPG members regarding emergency on the day appointments.  Whenever possible we try to offer appointments at a patients preferred site but on the day emergency appointments prove difficult if the on-call GP is at the other site.  PPG members agreed that a patient should be offered an appointment at which ever site is available and if they can not make that site will need to call 111. We do however try to accommodate patient choice where possible.

CQC

We are currently still rated as a “GOOD” practice, no word from CQC regarding further inspection but it is expected any time.

Private Prescriptions

Dr Brown explained to members that patients who are using private companies for treatment are at times asking the practice to then prescribe the medication on NHS prescription. We explained that other practices have added a notice to their website to say they are not obliged to do this., Where possible and where safe this will be done on an individual basis but it not obligatory. PPG members agreed this is something we should add to our website.

He also discussed hospital medications that are being requested by patients to be administered in general practice such as treatments for osteoporosis, this is a 3 monthly injection and although would be more convenient to the patient the practice receives no funding for such appointment.  There is a push back from the larger team to say no to this, but we feel it will be assessed on an individual basis as to whether we can safely manage this.

Ten Year Plan

The ten-year plan has a lot of grey areas; there is a push on moving services out of hospitals and into the community however not much information is available yet on how this will look in the future.  We will update as and when this is available.

Next meeting

The next meeting is provisionally booked for 27 January 2026.  Please let us know if there is anyone who expresses interest in attending future groups.

From 01 October 2025, we will not be accepting any patients for Denosumab shared care unless housebound or struggling with mobility.

Well done to our wonderful staff and patients who raised a massive £236
at our Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 17 October 🥰