Clinical Information

Liver function tests (LFTs) are frequently requested blood tests in primary care. These tests are commonly slightly abnormal and may indicate underlying health problems, but may also occur as a natural response to minor illness. The hospital laboratory and specialist team have developed an “Intelligent Liver Function Test (iLFT)” system for managing adults with abnormal […]

An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. It’s also sometimes known as a termination of pregnancy. The pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure. More information about abortions can be found on the NHS website. How to get an abortion Abortions can only be carried out under the […]

What is Spiking Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. For example, in their drink or with a needle. You can find help about how to protect yourself on a night out here. What to do if you think you have been spiked Tell someone Spiking someone is against the […]

Sunderland Eye Infirmary The nearest 24/7 eye hospital to Durham is Sunderland Eye Infirmary. This is not like a normal accident and emergency department in that you need to phone them first on 0191 569 9952. The hospital address is: Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP (Google Maps) Alternative Eye Emergency Hospitals

The GP practice is often not the best place to visit in the first instance for an eye problem. There are two other NHS services locally that can provide more expert help for eye problems. For eye emergencies, Sunderland Eye Infirmary provides round the clock access. For non-emergency problems, several local opticians are able to […]

Transferring from Another UK General Practice Surgery Initial Checks Shared Care Agreement Intervening Prescriptions Transferring from Overseas Medication Supply Initial Registration Establishing a Shared Care Agreement Engagement with UK Psychiatrist Getting in Touch It’s imperative to get in touch with us and initiate the registration process early to ensure a smooth transition of your care. […]

We’re excited to give you a snapshot of our Year of Care Process. This is a comprehensive system we’ve set up to ensure you receive the best care possible. It’s a simple 2-step process that ensures a thorough health check, followed by an informed consultation. Step 1: Workup To kick things off, a junior nurse […]

Some medications that are started by a specialist require something called a shared care agreement in order for the practice to prescribe it on an ongoing basis. The purpose of the shared care agreement is to clearly describe what the responsibilities are for the specialist and the GP in terms of monitoring the medication. This […]

We regularly review patient records at the practice to maintain and improve quality and the care you receive. During a recent review, we noted that over the last 2 years we have recorded a high blood pressure reading for you (above 140/90) during visits to the practice. Why might my blood pressure have been high? […]

If you are older than 45, it is a good idea to have your blood pressure checked every 5 years. We have reviewed the practice records and found we don’t have a recorded blood pressure reading for you from the last 5 years. If we find your blood pressure is high, that might mean you […]

Many patients have a combination of back pain, leg pain, leg numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing for you but don’t necessarily require emergency medical attention. However, a rare but serious back condition, Cauda Equina Syndrome, can lead to permanent damage or disability if not treated quickly. If you have the condition you […]

Introduction If you have ADHD or suspect you might, this summary outlines how Claypath Medical Practice will work with you and other healthcare specialists to provide the best care possible. We are committed to offering the best possible care for our patients with ADHD. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to […]

Thank you for showing an interest in changing to a low-carbon inhaler.  If you agree to proceed, we will change your inhaler to the Easyhaler brand. These inhalers look and work slightly differently to what you will be used to.  To use the inhaler, you first press the button to “activate it” and then take […]

The following advice is extracted from the 20 May 2021 NHS England publication: The recommendation is that the same vaccine is given in the second dose as the first. If a different second vaccine is considered, a detailed informed consent process is to be followed. It may be appropriate to give a different second vaccine […]

Why do I need a steroid card? You have been advised to carry the NHS Steroid Emergency Card as you are taking long-term steroid treatment. It is important that any healthcare professional who treats you knows you are on long-term steroids. You should not stop suddenly taking your steroid treatment, as you may feel very […]

The JCVI have advised that household contacts of people who are immunosuppressed are eligible for the COVID Vaccination. To clarify the situation, these are the definitions that guide who qualifies: Who is a household contact? The JCVI defines a contact as: “individuals who expect to share living accommodation on most days ……. and therefore for […]

To establish a diagnosis of ADHD in an adult, a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist needs to be made. In order to ensure that we refer patients who need assessment, we would like you to complete a screening questionnaire. Please complete the questionnaires below and return them to the doctor as requested. Our ADHD prescribing […]

In Durham, treatment for drug and alcohol problems is provided by the Durham drug and alcohol recovery service. Patients can self refer to the service by visiting their website or contacting the phone number below. The service is free of charge. 03000 266 666

Stopping smoking is really hard, but makes a huge difference to your health and finances. County Durham has an excellent Smoking Cessation service that can help you quit. They are able to arrange medication and other support to help you stop for good.

Durham Private Therapy Centre A collaboration of local private mental health therapists. Please note this is not a NHS or public service, therefore fees apply.

Rape and Sexual Assault – ‘The Meadows’ Advice, support and counselling for victims of sexual assault. Services include sexual health screening and forensic examinations if required. This service is available even if you do not feel able to report the crime to the police. The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre aims to provide a sensitive, […]

The following websites can provide helpful advice on improving mental health conditions: Self Help Leaflets from Northumberland NHS Trust Recovery College Online – Online educational courses and resources to people with experience of mental illness

Talking therapies are an important part in the treatment of mental health problems. You can self-refer to these services without seeing a doctor if you choose. However, if you are looking for advice on a diagnosis, or would like to discuss medication, you will need to speak to a doctor at the surgery. If you […]

If you are feeling in crisis with your mental health, please contact any of the following options: If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support. NHS 111 is available 24/7. If you are deaf or have […]

What is an antibody test?  An antibody test can tell someone whether they have had the virus that causes Covid-19 in the past, by analysing a blood sample.   What do antibody test results mean?   A positive antibody test demonstrates that someone has developed antibodies to the virus. The presence of antibodies signals that the body […]

NIHR: BioResource. An exciting opportunity to get involved in the largest ever study of anxiety and depression! What is the GLAD Study? The GLAD Study is a project set up to explore risk factors in individuals who have experienced depression and/or anxiety, including those with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, OCD, or related disorders, at […]

What does it mean to be urgently referred? An urgent two-week referral usually means that you will be offered an appointment with a hospital specialist within 2 weeks of your General Practitioner (GP) making the referral. If you do not get a call within 2 weeks please contact the Trust by telephone 01207 523641 or […]

What happens next? Once the consultant has reviewed the images of your skin you will either be: Contacted by the hospital to tell you that the skin lesion is benign (not cancerous) and no further action is needed. This letter may take several days to receive. Contacted by the hospital to arrange a further appointment […]

The International prostate symptom score (IPSS) is a validated scoring tool that helps put a number on how bad your symptoms are related to your prostate disease. It is often helpful to complete this score before and a few weeks after changes to your treatment plan to assess how much of a difference it is […]

Find out how to monitor your blood pressure at home.

The practice are now inviting all patients who either have a long term condition or who take medications that require monitoring to attend for an annual review. The review is to give you an opportunity to discuss your condition. It is also a chance to check that you are on the best treatment and to […]

You have been given a pulse oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen levels during your suspected COVID-19 infection. Please follow the instructions below. Instructions for using the probe Attach the pulse oximeter to your finger and wait until the screen indicates two numbers: your SpO2 and pulse rate. SpO2 is a reading showing the amount […]

Requests for X-rays are made electronically so you don’t need to take anything with you. The X-ray department (Radiology) is based at: University Hospital of North Durham North Rd, Durham DH1 5TW The opening times are 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. There is no need to make an appointment, but there may be a short wait if it […]

There are many different services and people who are there to help you with your mental health. Please select from the following options to get the right help for you. *Including domestic violence, rape and sexual assault and financial support.

What is Ear Wax Earwax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, foreign material such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal. The quantity of earwax produced varies greatly from person to person. A doctor or nurse can look into the ear canal and […]