A Brief Practice History
The Claypath and University Medical Group (CUMG) was established in 1998 when two local general medical practices, namely the Claypath Medical Practice and Durham University Medical Centre, merged. The merger occurred during a transformative period for general practice with a move away from the traditional family-based service model to a more modern evidence-based approach which led to the development of larger medical groups with additional support staff and management structures.
Claypath Medical Practice
At the time of the merger in 1998, the Claypath Medical Practice had a long-established history dating back to 1891 when Dr Henry Smith put up his plate at 39 Claypath. Seven years later in 1898 the practice relocated to 65 Claypath, known as "Claypath House".
In July, 1927, prior to Dr Smith departing for Australia, the Claypath Medical Practice was taken over by Dr Samuel Knibb Young who some three months later in October, 1927, joined with Dr A M Vann, who practiced at Ravensworth Terrace. These two independent doctors began to work together from Ravensworth Terrace and "Claypath House" which was adapted to include consulting rooms on the ground floor. In January, 1928,
Dr Cuthbert Adamson joined the Partnership, two years prior to the retirement of Dr Vann in December, 1930.
In the early years, most of the practice’s patients lived in nearby, less affluent, housing making it possible for doctors to complete their rounds on foot. Following World War II and the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS), as well as the construction of new housing estates on the outskirts of the city, the practice experienced growth in both the number of doctors and patients. As a result, the original Claypath House became too small, prompting a move in 1995 to its current, purpose-built premises at the Claypath Medical Centre, 26 Gilesgate.
Notable milestones in the practice's history include its role at the forefront of general practice development. It was the first general practice in the area to appoint a female partner, one of the first to employ a practice nurse and more recently a nurse practitioner, and to introduce computer systems for patient records. Furthermore, teaching has always been an interest of one or more of the Partners from the original Trainee Assistant Scheme in the 1950's to the Durham Scheme in the 1960's and the Northumbria Training Scheme. The practice continues this tradition today being involved in both the Durham and Tees Valley and Northumbria Vocational Training Schemes. In addition, the practice now participates in Undergraduate Medical Education teaching students from the University of Newcastle.
Durham University Medical Centre
The Durham University Medical Centre, located at 42 Old Elvet, was first established in 1962 and initially provided psychiatric and emotional support for the 5,000 students enrolled at the university at the time. Other medical services were provided by general practices across the city.
In 1982, the University Medical Centre expanded its role to provide full NHS GP services for all students, a responsibility it maintained until its merger with the Claypath Medical Practice in 1998. At the time of the merger, the Centre employed two full-time and three part-time doctors to serve the growing student population, namely Dr John William Charters, Dr Geoffrey Hugh Welsh, Dr Robert Catty, Dr Alice Walling and Dr Patricia Flanagan.
Current Claypath and University Medical Group sites
In June 2006, the University Medical Centre relocated to its current larger, modern facility, on Green Lane, Old Elvet, and was renamed the University Health Centre. At the same time the Claypath Medical Centre, at 26 Gilesgate, underwent modifications and extensions to accommodate the practice's expanding team of doctors, allied health professionals, and patients. Today, both sites are fully integrated, offering a unified service with consolidated medical records.
The combined practice now has a registered population of over 32,800 patients, over half of whom are students enrolled at Durham University. The quality of care is consistently high across both locations.
[The practice wishes to extend its gratitude to Dr Rob Catty being the main author of this brief history.]
/GPB/16 April, 2025