GP2Pharmacy

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Fixed time appointments with pharmacy colleagues

What is GP2Pharmacy?

GP2Pharmacy is a new initiative to make additional appointments with healthcare professionals available to patients in South Tyneside.

There is increasing pressure on GPs which sometimes means that patients may not get an appointment quickly. Our GP and Pharmacy Colleagues are working together to ensure that patients with symptoms and conditions that can be treat by professionally qualified Pharmacists, are seen quickly. This could often be the same day or next day, depending on when you contact us.

What this means for patients

Fixed

Fixed time appointments now available with our Pharmacy Colleagues.

8000+

Over 8000 EXTRA appointments available up to September 2019.

30

Choice of 30 local pharmacies near your home or workplace.

7 Days

Appointments available weekends at some pharmacies.

Quicker

Quicker access to appointments - often the same day.

GP2Pharmacy appointments suitable for certain symptoms and conditions. 

Which GP practices are involved?

Presently there are 10 GP practices involved in the GP2Pharmacy pilot throughout South Tyneside.

We hope that after September 2019, we will be able to extend this service to all pharmacies in the area. Practices currently offering GP2Pharmacy appointments:

Colliery Court Medical Group

Central Surgery

Central Surgery

Dr Dowsett and Overs

East Wing Surgery

Imeary Street

Marsden Road Health Centre

Ravensworth Surgery

Ravensworth Surgery (Jarrow)

Talbot Medical Centre

Trinity Medical Centre

Wawn Street Surgery

Frequently asked questions

1. Why might I be offered an appointment with a pharmacist?

Answer
We are working with our pharmacy colleagues to offer more appointments to our patients for appropriate symptoms and conditions, so that patients can be seen quicker.

2. Can I still see my GP if I wish?

Answer
Yes, you can still make an appointment with your GP. GP2Pharmacy means you have more choice and appointments are often available sooner than with a GP.

3. How do I get my appointment?

Answer
When you contact your GP surgery, the reception team will contact your chosen Pharmacy and they will get straight in touch with you by telephone to confirm your appointment time.

4. When will I be seen?

Answer
Your appointment will be as soon as possible – usually the same day depending on the time of your request.

5. Can I go to any pharmacy for my appointment?

Answer
You can choose which pharmacy you prefer when you contact your GP reception. You may choose a pharmacy near your home, place of work or elsewhere convenient for you.

6. Why can’t I just walk in to the pharmacy without an appointment?

Answer
All pharmacies offer a walk-in service, but this is without appointment. GP2Pharmacy is a new service giving fixed time appointments with a pharmacist for some of the symptoms you might usually see the GP for. Our pharmacy colleagues are qualified and trained to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

7. Will I be seen in private at the Pharmacy?

Answer
Yes. All of our Pharmacies have a separate consulting room for the privacy of patients.

8. How does my GP know what treatment I have received?

Answer
The pharmacist will update your GP by email and advise of any ongoing treatments required.

9. What about prescriptions?

Answer
Our pharmacists are able to give you prescriptions for certain conditions. If you don’t usually pay for your prescriptions, your medicines will still be free of charge.

Further Information

If you have any further questions about GP2Pharmacy, please contact your local practice who should be able to answer your questions.

Patient Feedback

We will be inviting patient comments and feedback to help us further shape GP2Pharmacy and to ensure that we get things right. Feedback forms will be available from your local practice as part of this pilot to help patients get appointments as soon as possible.