if you are too ill to attend the surgery you can request a home visit by telephoning 0191 526 1643, if possible before 10:30. The receptionist will ask for details of your illness to help the doctor assess the urgency of the visit.  You will also be asked for a contact telephone number as the doctor may wish to speak to you.

Home visits are at the discretion of the doctor and are for patients who are medically unable to attend the surgery.  Remember, the doctor can see four patients at the surgery in the time it takes to do one home visit.  If your problem is urgent, you will always be seen the same day, so please try to come to the surgery if you can.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.