Updated 7 September 2018
49 Marine Avenue Surgery is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide primary care services. The practice is located in the town of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside.
The practice provides services to around 6,100 patients from one location: 49 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 1NA. We visited this address as part of the inspection.
The practice changed provider in September 2016 to become part of Northumbria Primary Care (NPC). Staff at the practice comprises an executive lead GP (female) and four salaried GPs (one male and three females), two nurse practitioner (both female), one practice nurse (female), one healthcare assistant (female), a practice manager, a reception manager, and a team of administrative and reception staff. There were additional staff who worked for NPC who oversaw some of the administrative functions of the practice. They also offered clinical support, and the practice could call on clinicians from other practices within the NPC group instead of using locums
The practice is part of North Tyneside clinical commissioning group (CCG). The practice population is made up of a higher than average proportion of patients over the age 65 (26.6% compared to the national average of 18.9%). The number of patients over the age of 75 is also well above the national average (13.8% compared to 8.8% nationally). Information taken from Public Health England placed the area in which the practice is located in the ninth less deprived decile. In general, people living in more deprived areas tend to have greater need for health services. Life expectancy for both male and females is above local and national averages (female – 84 compared to the CCG average of 82, and male – 80 compared to the CCG average of 78).
The practice is located in a converted three storey building. Patient facilities are on the ground and first floors. There is no dedicated car parking at the site however; there is parking in the streets surrounding the surgery. There is a disabled WC and step-free access.
Opening hours are between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Patients can book appointments in person, on-line or by telephone. Appointments in the evenings and weekends are available at a nearby “hub”. A duty doctor is available each afternoon until 6.30pm.
The practice provides services to patients of all ages based on a General Medical Services (GMS) contract agreement for general practice.
The service for patients requiring urgent medical attention out of hours is provided by the NHS 111 service and Vocare, known locally as Northern Doctors Urgent Care Limited (NDUC).